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US-3874097-A | Reading aid for the blind | United States Patent [191 Mauch et al.
[ Apr. 1,1975
[ READING AID FOR THE BLIND [75] Inventors: l-lans A. Mauch; Glendon C. Smith,
both of Dayton, Ohio; Richard Bennett, San Jose, Calif.
[73] Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Veterans Administration of the United States Government, Washington, DC.
[22] Filed: Jan. 8, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 321,851
Primary Examiner-Wm. H. Grieb Attorney, Agent, or F z'rm-Jerome P. Bloom [57] ABSTRACT Appartuswhich is particularly useful in producing a reading aid for the blind, provides means for scanning printed material or images thereof and for translating the same into audible sound Each sound is distinctive as to each letter, number, symbol or other graphic information embodied in the pattern of the printed material scanned. It features a compact scanning probe having a wide range magnification system which is in focus at all settings. Also embodied in the probe is a unique light reflector device, the light from which is so directed as to provide a uniform illumination of the area scanned. Due to the nature of the illumination and the precision of focus, a true visual image of the scanned material is presented to included photosensing means forming part of an electronic read out system which converts the image into an audible stereophonic reproduction of its visual pattern. The nature of this reproduction is such as to distinctively present the respectively different portions of an image to the left and right ears of a user of the invention apparatus. This facilitates the training of a user and enables the user to achieve a relatively high reading speed in a relatively short period of time.
27 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEU APR 1 5 SHEET 1 or 2 READING AID FOR THE BLIND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates primarily, to a reading device for the blind. Elements thereof, however, are not so limited as to their application and such is obviously not intended.
There have, in the past, been a number of concepts applied to facilitate the reading of print and other symbols by the blind. It has been determined that if suitable optics are employed in scanning print and other graphic portrayals of intelligible characters that the same may be converted into sounds representative thereof. If an ear or ears of a blind person can become acclimated and conditioned to separate the sounds, from such a reading system some reading capability may be developed. Though this has been recognized for some time, the production of an efficient reading system of this nature has been difficult to achieve. This has been due, in part, to the problems encountered in efforts to achieve a good probe for optically scanning and sensing the print or other material that a blind person may desire to read. The optics heretofore employed have in some cases suffered from an inability to precisely focus on the printed material. In other cases the embodiments of the described concept have had a limited range of application. For example, the range of letter sizes which prior art probes have been able to accept has been restricted. Other limitations found in reference to prior art systems of the nature here contemplated have resulted from the fact that the sound transmission of a letter or other object scanned has been directed to only one ear of the user. In the cases where sound has been directed to both ears the system employed dictates that both ears will receive the same signal, adding nothing to comprehension. Added problems have derived from an inability to achieve a proper illumination of the letters and other print scanned. Some prior art systems are further objectionable in that they use excessive power for illumination necessitating the provision of an outside source of power. Where batteries have been employed to power a system, their operating life has been extremely limited.
In general, prior reading aids to the blind of the nature here described have been characterized by inefficient illumination of the scanned print and in particular a nonuniform illumination of the print. This has caused an inherent variation in the sensitivity of the optical probe employed, particularly where the print scanned may vary in size. The latter condition distorts the tone patterns which will be transmitted to represent the material scanned.
The sum total of the noted problems has made it quite difficult for a blind person to use a system of the character described and achieve a reasonable speed and accuracy in recognizing the material scanned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a highly satisfactory solution to the problems above noted. Embodiments are characterized by simple but effective and particularly efficient means for converting print such as letters, numbers, symbols, and, in fact, any printed material that can be read by a sighted person, into distinctive tonal patterns facilitating a relatively speedy and accurate identification thereof by the ears of a blind person. Embodiments feature a unique arrangement for the stereophonic transmission of sound factilitating the conditioning of a users ears to distinguish what might ordinarily be difficult to distinguish. Equally important is their adaptation enabling them to handle a wide range of letter sizes ranging, for example, from classified advertisements to large headlines. Embodiments are' further characterized by a minimum requirement for energy and a highly efficient illuminating means. This last insures accuracy in transmission and fidelity in conversion of observed material into the required tonal patterns. As will be obvious the criteria established for the optical probe employed makes the same ideally suited not only for the described application but other applications as well.
A primary object of the invention is to provide reading aids for the blind and components thereof which are economical to fabricate, more efficient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of applications and unlikely to malfunction.
A further object of the invention is to provide a particularly efficient means for converting print such as letters, numbers, symbols and. the like, and images thereof, into their own distinctive tonal patterns, facilitating their recognition by a blind person.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved reading machine for the blind wherein printed matter is easily scanned and the objects scanned converted into a representative tonal output with a resulting stereophonic effect which is clearly distinctive and provides spatial tonal patterns which correspond to the spatial arrangement of the optically contrasting patterns of the material being scanned.
A further object of the invention is to provide a stereophonic reading aid for the blind having the capacity to be applied to a large variety of print sizes.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved optical probe useful for scanning print and other graphic representations of objects or their images.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved illuminating device useful in optical probes and the like.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a device particularly useful as a reading machine for the blind, and components thereof, possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the means and mode of use herein described.
With the above and other incidental objects in view will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.
Referring to the drawings wherein a preferred but not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention is illustrated,
FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an optical probe in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 shows detail of a photocell array embodied in the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 showsa lay-out pattern of the control tubes forming a housing for the probe of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the reflector-lamp assembly employed in the probe;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view ofthe reflector-lamp assembly taken at right angles to the view shown in FIG. 4; and
FIG. 6 is a schematic showing of the invention system embodying the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-5.
Like parts are indicated by like numerals in the drawings.
As seen in the drawings, the scanning probe of the invention includes a cup-like base 1 inserted in and integrated with the lower end of a cam tube 4. The assembly of the base 1 and tube 4 is housed, immediately above the bottom portion of the base 1, in a control tube 10. The tube 10 is non-rotatively mounted on and for movement vertically of the tube 4, as and for purposes to be further described.
A cap C covers the upper end of the tube 4 and supports a rheostat 31 and a cable guide 32. Extending through the latter are electric cables 29.
Fixed in connection with the cap C and depending within and in a concentrically spaced relation to tube 4 is a cuplike structure 11. The bottom and lowermost surface of the structure 11 mounts a plate 13 which incorporates an array of photo-cells numbered from 16 through 25. The photo-cells are arranged in a straight line which is at right angles to the direction the probe will be moved in a scanning procedure. The length of this line will correspond to the maximum vertical dimension of the images of printed material that the photo-cell array will be called upon to scan.
Positioned below, spaced longitudinally from and in axial alignment with the photo-cells is a pair of axially spaced lens elements 6 centered in a lens holder 5. The holder 5 is formed with a passage for the cables 29, the lower ends of which are connected to a lamp unit 3. The latter is mounted in the upper end of the interior of a reflector 2 positioned in the leading portion of the base 1.
The base 1 will, in use of the probe a reading aid for the blind, seat flatly to a reading surface 7 and be moved thereon in a line of travel which is determined by the line of the printed material to be scanned. At what may be termed its trailing edge, the base 1 has a vertically offset portion 1'. Fixed to depend from the portion 1 is a bracket 28, the lowermost portion of which pivotally mounts a roller 27. In movement of the probe, the roller 27 which has a high friction coating will be moved over the reading surface on the line of scan. The bracket 28 is so mounted as to permit its rotative adjustment and thereby the rotative adjustment of the probe relative the roller. The purpose of this will soon be obvious.
Other than for its offset portion, the base 1 has a flat bottom which seats on and positions in sliding relation to the reading surface 7. At the limit of its flat bottom adjacent its offset, the base 1 has a limited opening S which extends transverse to the scanning path of the probe and is limited in its dimension in a fore and aft sense, as related to the scanning path. The opening S is in direct alignment with an opening 26 in the reflector 2. The shape of the reflector 2 resembles that of a clam shell and it is so oriented that the central plane thereof is inclined to the base 1 and is directed through the opening 26. It is noted that the portions of the lamp 3 which provides the source of illumination also lie in this plane at the edge portion thereof which is remote from the opening 26. Openings S and 26 are generally complementary so as to limit the direction for passage from the reflector of the light generated by the lamp 3. As may be seen from FIG. 5 ofthe drawings, from the portion mounting lamp 3, the side edges of the reflector diverge symmetrically from its longitudinal axis to give the reflector a fan-shaped outline, in plan view. The inner surface of the reflector has a similar outline and is particularly designed to achieve a maximum usage of the light directed from the lamp 3. The surface portion of the reflector, to the rear of the lamp 3 has a generally semi-elliptical configuration. As shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the ends of this elliptical curve are continued by short identical arc formed deflector wall portions 91 having a uniform radius as determined by the center of the lamp. The ends of arcs 91 are continued by symmetrical divergent wall portions 92, the extremities of which connect to the outer ends of additional arcuate reflecting wall portions 93 having a radius as determined by the center of the lamp. The projected extremities of wall portions 93 are connected to divergent outwardly projected wall portions 94. At their projected extremities wall portions 94 connect to additional arcuate reflective wall portions 95 formed on a uniform radius as determined by the lamp center. The wall portions 95 merge with the inner ends of short divergent wall portions defining the opening 26.
As may be readily observed the nature of the interior of the reflector 2 is such to direct the light from the lamp 3 with maximum intensity, in a path to exit from the reflector 2 within the area of the opening 26. To be more specific any light not immediately in line with the opening 26 or reflected from the elliptical surface 90 will be caught and reflected by the arcuate surfaces of wall portions 91, 93 and 95 in a sense to be bounced back against the elliptical surface 90 and angled back by its reflective surface to concentrate in the area of the opening 26. Referring to FIG. 5 of the drawings the described wall surfaces within the reflector 2 are identical to either side of its central axis. In other words, as provided by the reflector surface configuration the light from the single lamp 3 is directed and redirected from the elliptical surface behind the lamp to pass the total through the opening 26. The circular arc segments of the interior surface of the reflector cover most of the remaining 180 angle which would close the 180 elliptical surface, so as to most effectively redirect and transmit the light which does not in the first instance pass through opening 26. The angularity of the deflector interior walls are carefully chosen to insure uniform illumination over the length and width of the opening 26. For most efficient operation the inner surfaces of the reflector should be mirror smooth and plated with bright gold.
Returning to the detail of the tubes 4 and 10, the tube 4 is formed to include a helical slot 9 while the control tube 10 is formed with a helical slot 12. From FIG. 3 of the drawings it may be seen the slots 9 and 12 have the same shape but one is rotated l80 relative the other. The tube 4 has a further vertical slot 14 extending about half its length, from the top down. A pin 15 is thrust into and through an aperture in the tube 10 to project within the slot 14 in the tube 4. The pin 15 is used to prevent the relative rotation of the tubes 4 and 10, one relative the other, while permitting the axial or vertical adjustment of the tube 10 relative the tube 4.
The probe includes a magnification adjustement knob 8 which has an enlarged head, pin-like body portion and a threaded extremity. In assembly thereof, the
pin-like body portion of knob 8 is disposed within the slots 9 and 12, while the head portion is exterior to the tube 10 and the threaded extremity is engaged in an upper side portion of the lens holder 5. Due to the rotational displacement of slots 9 and 12, irrespective of either direction that the adjustment knob 8 is moved, from the central position shown in FIG. 3, after it is freed from a lock to tube 10 by a slight unscrewing thereof, the tube 10 is moved up and the lens holder 5 moved up or down relative the reading surface 7 and the photocell array 13. The relative proportional movements are, of course, determined by the relative curve of the slots 9 and 12. In moving the knob 8 after freeing the same and lens holder 5, the pin 15, slot 14 arrangement insures the relative vertical adjustment of tubes 4 and 10 as previously noted. Thus, with reference to FIG. 3 it may be seen that the overall height of the optical probe will vary with the magnification adjustment. It is a minimum at unity magnification (1x) and becomes longer for reducing or enlarging ratios.
A compact and practical design in accordance with V the invention particularly results from spreading and desired magnification range in such a manner that the maximum magnification is equal to the square root of the range and the minimum magnification (a reduction) is equal to the reciprocal of the square root of the range. For example, the slots shown in FIG. 3 were taken from a probe with a 10 to l magnification range, that is, with respect to letters ranging from 0.750 inch high to 0.075 inch high, and the maximum magnification is equal to the square root of II) which is about 3.16. The minimum magnification is 1/3.]6 or 0.316 times. The probe is the same height at each extreme of the range. A further practical advantage is produced by the arrangement described. In FIG. 3, as noted previously, it can be seen that the slots 9 and 12 in the two tubes 4 and 10 respectively have the same shape and have only been rotated by 180. This means that the slots can be cut in both tubes with the same fixtures and tools which need only allow for the different diameters and orientation.
In use of the above described probe in a reading aid for the blind, the same is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the reading surface 7. This positions the photocells 16-25 parallel to such surface. The roller 27 is caused to ride on surface 7 in the direction of scan, and for example, over a line of printed material. The photocells 16-25 are disposed thereby in line or column perpendicular to the line of scan, in which orientation they extend over the height of each letter of print or other printed material scanned. By suitable adjustment of the probe, in respect to the position of the lens elements 6, and the photo-cell array 13 relative the reading surface 7, the letters or other material scanned have their images enlarged or reduced, as required, to provide they always have the same size as they are presented to the photo-cells 16-25. In the embodiment illustrated the lamp-reflector assembly employed provides an illumination in the area scanned which is somewhat greater than 3.l6 times the overall dimensions of the line of photo-cells.
In practice therefore, as the probe is vertically oriented, the base 1 is in sliding contact with surface 7 and use of the single roller enables its direction and adjustable control. For example, the body of the probe may be turned relative the roller to facilitate accurate scanning and read out of slanted letters, such as italics. If a user desires free motion of the probe, in moving the same, he can manually apply more force to the roller side of the probe and vice versa. In any case the primary moving force applied to the probe will be directed through the single roller. Thus, the roller arrangement provides an adjustable control over the resistance to the probe movement. Even more than this, its arrangement in conjunction with the form of base 1 puts the reflector for lamp 3 close to the precise area it is desired to illuminate. This avoids waste of available light and minimizes the energy requirement to support the operation of the probe. As the lamp 3 is electrically in series with the rheostat 31 and the included power source (which may be a simple battery), the rheostat can be adjusted to vary the illumination provided for the degree of magnification, the reflectivity of the background, and the sensitivity of the photo-cells involved in the probe system.
From the top of the probe, flexible cable guide 32 directs wires 29 from the photo-cells 16-25 and the lamp 3 and rheostat 31 to a related control box (not shown) which contains the electronic circuits for stereophonic read out and the power source for the system which need be no more than a rechargeable battery in this instance. For convenience, this box contains storage space for the probe and might be suspended over the users chest from a neckstrap.
FIG. 6 of the drawings illustrates the electronic read out system embodied in conjunction with the described probe. This system is designed to receive a signal from the photo-cell array 13 as the base 1 is moved over each letter in a line of print, for example, during a scanning procedure. FIG. 6 shows the probe moving from left to right on the surface 7 and array 13 passing over the lower case letter p.
The photo-cells 16-25 are respectively shown as each being connected to one ofa series of related com parators 33-42 which are in turn connected to suitable means defining a reference voltage. Each of he comparators are also connected to a switching circuit, the latter corresponding in number to the comparators and, as shown, numbered respectively from 43 to 52. A ground lead connected to the switiching circuits incorporates a normally open switch 89 the purpose of which will be further described.
In movement of the probe over the letter 1, as shown, successive portions of the image of the letter, depending on its configuration, will cover certain photo-cells or parts thereof. The photo-cells will in the course of scanning apply signals corresponding to the observance or lack of observance of letter portions to the connected comparators. The latter, upon receipt of a sig-.
nal, will compare the same to the reference voltage. For each photo-cell sufficiently covered by a letter portion at any one time, the receipt by the corresponding comparator of the appropriate signal causes it to send a binary signal meaning black" to the connected switching circuit. In the case and with the letter J posi tioned as illustrated in FIG. 6. such signals will originate from the photo-cells l9 and 23. As a switching circuit related to the comparator signalling black receives such signal, it turns on a connected one of a series of tone generators 53 to 62. The so energized tone generator produces an audible tone which may be a musical note.
It is noted that by closing the switch 89 one can reverse the method of operation of the switching circuits where the probe is scanning light print on a dark background. In such case the tone patterns will similarly correspond to the observed print.
From FIG. 6, it will be seen that each of the tone geenerators 5362 supplies two resistors arranged in separate channels, one corresponding to a left sound channel directed to the left ear of the user of the probe and the other to a right sound channel directed to the right ear of the user. The resistors 63-72 in the left channels are selected to have a value to determine the relative amplitudes of tones directed in the left sound channels and consequently the sounds applied to the left ear. Resistors 7382 perform similarly in respect to the right ear of the user. As seen, volume controls 83 and 84 are used to adjust the applied sounds to the desired level and to balance the two outputs which are presented through amplifiers 85 and 86 respectively to left and right ear phones or loud speakers 87 and 88.
In the example illustrated, the arrangement preferred is one to provide that a letter portion projected on photocell 25, causes a tone of 440Hz, which is the musical note A above middle C, to be produced loudly in the left ear and about 26 decibels less loudly in the right ear. The tones representative of each following cell from 24 to 16 will increase in pitch by the factor of the third root of two up to 352OH2 which is the tone produced when photo-cell 16 is darkened. This tone sounds loudly in the right ear and about 26 decibels less loudly in the left ear. These differences in loudness make the low pitch tone 440Hz associated with photocell 25 appear to come wholly from the user's left and the high pitch tone 3520Hz associated with photo-cell 16 appears on the right. Tones between these extremes have apparent spatial origins which are spread uniformly from one side to the other. In reading, the user can imagine the letters being likewise spread and thus utilize his experience in stereophonic listening to assist in rapid recognition of the tonal patterns and the spatial patterns which produce them.
For purposes of illustration, the tone generators 53-62 are shown as individual units, such as sine wave oscillators. It is to be understood that other wave forms and other means of production, for example, digital division from a master oscillator followed by wave shaping controlled by a read-only memory, can be used. Likewise, the switching circuits could be analog tupes located between the amplitude adjusting resistors 63-72 and 73-82 and the generators, which could operate continuously. Also, satisfactory stereophonic effects may be produced by using frequency dependent networks associated with the amplifiers 85 and 86, instead of the amplitude adjusting resistors.
It is now obvious that the invention provides a highly effective relatively simple scanning probe having a wide range of receptivity and one which reduces or enlarges each image received to a uniform size which can be handled by a relatively small single column array of photo-cells. More than that, the stereophonic read out of the images received are such to give high fidelity results facilitating recognition of the visual patterns scanned to a degree not heretofore provided.
From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.
While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes ofputting the invention into effect and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.
Having this described our invention, We claim:
1. Apparatus for use in scanning and translating objects scanned into audible sound, comprising a scanner device embodying means for observing visually perceptive patterns, means connected with said observing means to produce a signal or signals composed of a tone or tones, and combinations thereof, arranged to correspond to the shape of the visually perceptive pattern observed and to change in correspondence with changes in its observed shape, means defining two separate channels for separately receiving and transmitting the said tone or tones, or combinations thereof making up said signal or signals, means in at least one of said channels for modifying the amplitude of individual tones of said signal or signals by different proportions, volume control means in at least one of said channels for modifying the amplitudes of all tones of said signal or signals in said channel by a common porportion, and output means connected to each of said channels to separately direct the output from one of said channels to one ear of a user of said apparatus and the output from the other of said channels to the other car of the user.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1 characterized by said scanner device including a lens unit directable to the visually perceptive pattern scanned, a photo-sensitive means for receiving the image of the visually perceptive pattern by way of said lens unit and means associated with said lens unit providing for the normalization of the various images as received by said photo-sensitive means so the size thereof presented to said photosensitive means will be uniform.
3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said lens unit and photosensitive means are housed in a pair of tubular elements and said means associated with said lens unit is operatively related to said tubular elements to provide for the images of the patterns scanned to be rendered uniform as to their size in presentation thereof to said photosensitive means.
4. Apparatus for use in scanning and translating objects scanned into audible sound, comprising a scanner device embodying means for observing visually perceptive patterns and means for transmitting a relatively precise image thereof, and means for converting said image into representative stereophonic tonal patterns specifically distinctive of each visual pattern scanned, said scanner device being characterized by lens means directable to the visually perceptive patterns scanned, and photo-sensitive means for receiving the image of the visually perceptive patterns by way of said lens means, said lens means and photo-sensitive means being housed in a pair of tubular elements and said tubular elements having complementary slots and means in connection with said lens means movable in said slots to relatively adjust the spacing between the photosensitive means and said lens means and the spacing between said lens means and the object scanned to provide the desired presentation of images of the scanned patterns to said photosensitive means.
5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein the said means in connection with said lens means is a control means and said slots are so formed and related that on movement of said control means said lens means will move therewith and one of said tubes will be moved relative the other in an axial sense.
6. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said slots in said tubes are identical but one thereof is displaced 180 from the other in assembly of said tubes.
7. Apparatus for use in scanning and translating objects scanned into audible sound, comprising a scanner device embodying means for observing visually perceptive patterns and means for transmitting a relatively precise image thereof, and means for converting said image into representative stereophonic tonal patterns specifically distinctive of each visual pattern scanned, said scanner device being in the nature of a probe having means for positioning it generally vertical to a surface scanned which contains visually perceptive patterns, the base of said probe including a portion seating flat to said surface to be scanned and a portion which mounts a single roller facilitating its movement over said surface, said base portion seating to said surface including an elongated aperture with its elongation transverse to the direction of scan and aligned with said observing means, means in said probe for directing light in angles to cause the same to be angularly directed to and through said aperture and concentrated on the particular area of said surface exposed to said aperture in movement of said probe, said light being arranged immediately adjacent said aperture, and a reflector shell for said light which has a clamp shape and an opening to said aperture at one edge portion thereof remote from said light, said opening being in line with the source of said light, and a reflective wall provided in said reflector, portions of which are disposed to either side of said line and arcuately formed to redirect light therefrom to angle the same back to the line of emission from said light source and to said opening from the reflector.
8. Apparatus for use in scanning and translating objects scanned into audible sound comprising a scanner devicie embodying means for observing visually perceptive patterns and transmitting signals representing a relatively precise image thereof, means for convverting said signals into sound in the form of representative tonal patterns specifically distinctive of each visual pattern scanned and means for directing the output of con stituent tones of said tonal patterns to the respective ears of the user of said apparatus at different amplitudes to producea stereophonic effect, said means for converting said image signals and for directing the output of resulting tonal patterns to the ears of a user including means arranged to increase the amplitudes of tones in one ear of a user and decrease them in the tion seating flat to a surface representing the area to be scanned, said base including an elongated aperture with its elongation transverse to the direction of scan, said housing embodying a lens unit in alignment with said aperture and in axially spaced relation thereto, means defining a column of photo-sensitive means and means included in said housing to provide for the relative adjustment of the spacing of said photo-sensitive means, said lens unit and said aperture in a manner to enable that the image of a visually perceptive pattern scanned will be presented to the photo-sensitive means in a uniform size.
10. Apparatus as in claim 9 wherein said lens unit and photo-sensitive means are housed in a pair of tubular elements having means interrelating them to provide for the images of the patterns scanned to be rendered uniform as to their size in presentation thereof to said photosensitive means.
11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 characterized by means including a single roller adjustably connected to said housing and adapted to seat on the surface representing the area being scanned in a manner to facilitate the movement of the probe over such surface in a direction to properly orient said. aperture with reference to the visually perceptive patterns whereby to determine that said photosensitive means will move at a correct angle to the direction of scan of said patterns.
12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 characterized by light emitting means contained in said housing and within said base immediately adjacent said aperture, said light emitting means being arranged to provide a concentration of emitted light to be directed through said aperture and to the visually perceptive pattern as presented at said surface.
13. Apparatus as in claim l2 characterized by said light emitting means including a light source contained in a reflector shell having a clam shape and a reflective surface embodied therein about said light source including an elliptical surface to the rear of said light source and beyond said elliptical surface and to either side of a line from the light source to said aperture a plurality of arcuate reflective wall surfaces at longitudinally spaced locations with respect to the line the center of which arcuately formedl wall surface portions is generally coincident with the center of the light source.
14. A sensing probe useful in scanning and transmitting signals indicative of the material scanned comprising a housing adapted to be positioned on the vertical to an area to be scanned which contains visually perceptive patterns, the base of said probe including a portion seating flat to a surface representing the area to be scanned, said base including an elongated aperture with its elongation transverse to the direction of scan, said housing embodying a lens unit in alignment with said aperture and in axially spaced relation thereto, means defining a column of photo-sensitive means in spaced relation to said lens unit, said lens unit and said photo-sensitive means being further housed in a pair of tubular elements, said tubular elements having complementary slots, and means in connection with said lens uni't movable in said slots to relatively adjust the spacing between the photo-sensitive means, said lens unit and said aperture to provide the desired presentation of the images of the scanned pattern to said photosensitive means.
15. Apparatus as in claim 14 wherein the said means in connection with said lens unit is a control means and said slots are so formed and related that on movement of said control means said lens unit will move therewith and one of said tubes will be moved relative the other in an axial sense.
16. Apparatus as in claim 14 wherein said slots in said tubes are identical but one thereof is displaced 180 from the other in assembly of said tubes.
17. A light emitting device for use in scanning probes and like application comprising a housing having a generally clamp shape configuration at one edge portion of which is a slit-like aperture which is laterally extended and at an opposite interior portion of which is mounted a light source, the interior wall of said housing being of a generally reflective character and identically formed to either side of a plane including said light source and said aperture, opposite wall portions of said reflector to either side of said plane including arcuately formed spaced segments the center of the radius of which is coincident with said light source.
18. A device as in claim 17 characterized by said housing having a fan-shape in plan view and the interior wall surface of which has sides which relatively diverge from adjacent and to the rear of the light source to the terminal points which define the lateral extent of said aperture.
19. Apparatus for use in scanning and translating objects scanned into audible sound comprising a scanner device embodying means for observing visually perceptive patterns and transmitting a signal or signals representing a relatively precise image thereof, means for converting said signal or signals into sound in the form of representative tonal patterns specifically distinctive of each visual pattern scanned, means for separately transmitting each constituent tone of said tonal patterns to each of two separate channels, means in said channels for modifying the amplitude of individual tones of said tonal patterns by different proportions to produce a sterephonic effect, volume control means in each of said channels for modifying the amplitudes of all the tones in a channel by a common proportion, and output means connected to each of said channels to separately direct the output from one of said channels to one ear of a user of said apparatus and the output from the other of said channels to the other car of the user.
20. Apparatus as in claim 19 characterized by said converting and directing means being arranged to provide that the frequency content as well the differing amplitudes of the tones in the tonal patterns received by the respective ears of the user are effective to create apparent spatial origins of the tones which are spread from one side of the user to the other.
21. Apparatus as-in claim 20 characterized by means providing that said apparent spatial origins of tones in said tonal pattern correspond to the spatial arrangement of the visually perceptive patterns being scanned.
22. Apparatus in claim 19 wherein said observing means include means defining a wide range magnification system at all settings.
23. Apparatus as in claim 19 characterized by said scanner device being in the nature of a probe which has means positioning it generally vertical to a surface scanned which contains visually perceptive patterns, the base of said probe including a portion seating flat to said surface to be scanned and a portion which mounts a single roller facilitating its movement over said surface, said base portion seating to said surface including an elongated aperture with its elongation transverse to the direction of scan and aligned with said observing means.
24. Apparatus as in claim 23 characterized by means in said probe for directing light in angles to cause the same to be angularly directed to and through said aperture and concentrated on the particular area of said surface exposed to said aperture in movement of said probe, the source of said light being arranged immediately adjacent said aperture.
25. Apparatus as in claim 19 wherein said observing means includes lens means and an array of photo cells arranged in a single column, said array being axially aligned with said lens means and means which interconnect said lens means and said photo cells for movement thereof, one relative the other, to determine that the size of the visually perceptive patterns observed will be uniform as presented to said array of photo cells.
26. Apparatus as in claim 25 characterized in that each of said photo cells has in connection therewith electrical comparator means, switching circuit means and tone generator means, said comparator means comparing the electrical signal from the connected photo cell with a reference electrical signal and whenever the results of this comparison are indicative of the associated photo cell being sufficiently covered by a letter portion said comparator means transmitting a control signal to said switching circuit means which thereupon activates said tone generator means which thereupon produces a tone which is transmitted into both of said channels.
27. Apparatus for scanning and translating objects scanned into audible sound, comprising a scanner device embodying means for observing visually perceptive patterns, means connected with said observing means to produce a signal or signals, composed of tones or combinations thereof, arranged to correspond to the shape of the visually perceptive pattern observed and to change in correspondence with changes in its observed shape, and means for directing the same said signal or signals into separate channels at least one of which is directed to the left ear of the user and at least one of which is directed to theright ear of the user, and at least one of said channels including means to change the amplitudes of said tone or tones individually in movement therethrough to provide that the respective ears of the user receive different acoustic signals corresponding to the same visually perceptive pattern, and volume control means included in the channels directed to at least one ear of the user to balance the loudnesses of said acoustic signals without changing the relative amplitudes of tones within each acoustic signal. l l
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION- PATENT NO. 3,874,097
DATED I April 1, 1975 INVENTOR(S) I Hans A, ;-tauch; Glendon C. Smith; Richard Bennett It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown beiow:
Col. 3, line 23, "corporate" is corrected to read corporates-- r Col. 5 line 48, a is inserted after "in Col. 6 line 39 "he" is corrected to read the Col. 7, line 46 "tupes' is corrected to read types Col. 9, line 35 clamp" is corrected to read clam Col. 11, line 10 "clamp" is corrected to read clam Signed an? sea 112i? this 1st flay of Jul 1775.
C. EZARSIEALL DA??? v RUTEI C. IZALSiJi-i Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer and Trademarks |
US-3874098-A | Heliocentric-geocentric orrery projector | [in 3,874,098 Apr. 1, 1975 1 1 l-lELIOCENTRlC-GEOCENTRIC ORRERY PROJECTOR [76] lnventor: Kenneth C. Mosley, 224 Murphy St.,
Grand Rapids, Mich. 48706 221 Filed: Oct. 15,1973
211 Appl.No.:406,555
3.753.300 8/1973 Mosley 35/42.5
Primary Examiner-Wm. H. Grieb Attorney, Agent, or F [rm-Price, l-leneveld, l-luizenga & Cooper [57] ABSTRACT Two image projectors are mounted on a subframe movably mounted on a support. The first image projector is stationary on the subframe while the second is movably driven such that the image projected by it describes orbital movement about the stationary image on a screen. The subframe is also selectively driven to cancel out the movement of said second image and to impart movement to the first image such that the first image movement describes orbital movement about the second image on the screen. Preferably, a plurality of other projectors are movably mounted on the subframe whereby an orrery is provided which is capable of either copernican (heliocentric) operation or Tychonic (geocentric) operation.
20 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures HELIOCENTRIC-GEOCENTRIC ORRERY PROJECTOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field Of Invention This invention relates to an apparatus for projecting images simulating orbital movement and, more particularly to an orrery projector of the type described in US. Pat. No. 3,753,300 issued to Applicant on Aug. 21, 1973, which reference is specifically incorporated herein for reference.
II. Description Of The Prior Art An orrery projector of the type described in the above identified patent incorporated herein by reference simulates orbital movement in accordance with the teachings of Nicholas Copernicus. Copernicus, around the early period of the 16th century suggested that the sun was at the center of the planetary system and wrote a great book setting forth the details of this system showing calculations of its size, etc., and predicting tests. After his death, this view spread although it was not universally accepted for a long time. Today, the Copernican system (heliocentric) is universally accepted.
Tycho Brahe late in the 16th century with knowledge of Copernicus suggestion, developed a theory wherein it was postulated that the sun rotated about the earth while the remaining planets rotated about the sun. This is known today as Tycho Brahe system (geocentric) and although believed to be invalid, is geometrically consistent with observed data well as the Copernicus system.
Part of the difficulty in the days of these two great astronomers were the observed movement of the planets in epicycloids. An observer watching the movements of the planets noticed, for example, that Jupiter apparently wags to and fro as it goes around marking an epicycloid among the stars. The various theories developed by Copernicus and Tycho Brahe and their explanation for the planetary epicycloids need not be developed in depth herein since it is well understood to those skilled in this art.
Heretofore, Applicant is unaware of an orrery projection mechanism which will accomplish the duplication of the movement of, for example, the six inner planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn around the sun in a relatively simple and inexpensive device capable of accurate projection in the smallest or largest planetariums known which device will also switch from the heliocentric (Copernican mode) to the geocentric (Tychobrahic mode). As set forth in US. Pat. No. 3,753,300 incorporated herein by reference, orrery projection is preferred in many respects over a conventional planetarium since it provides the viewer with an image of the earth's solar system and sun with the earths relative movement included as opposed to a view from the earth itself. This is quite stimulating to the observers since it gives the viewer a different perspective on how the earth fits into its solar system. The advantage is obvious, of course, if such a projector can be transformed by the flip of a switch into an orrery projector depicting geocentric movement wherein movement of the earth is stopped while the sun rotates thereabout with the remaining planets rotating about the sun.
In view of the foregoing, there is an overwhelming need in this art for an improved image projecting device capable of providing alternate orbital projecting functions which device remains relatively simple so that the cost of such a device is not prohibitive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, a subframe is movably suspended from a support frame and first and second image projecting means are mounted to the subframe. The first image projector means is stationary with respect to the subframe while the second image projector means is movably mounted on the subframe and includes a first drive means for moving the second image projector means whereby the image projected by the said second image projector means describes an orbital ellipse about the first stationary image on a screen. The second means is cooperative with the subframe whereby the subframe is held in a first mode wherein it is held stationary relative the support frame and a second mode wherein the subframe is moved relative the support frame such that the movement of the second image on the screen is stopped while the first image describes an orbital ellipse about the second image.
In the preferred embodiment, the second image projector means and associated. drive means simulates movement of the earth about the stationary sun image simulated by the first image projector means. The subframe is universally mounted to the support frame and a second drive means cooperative with the earth projector drive means to provide an identical cancelling output. This second drive means includes a cam follower selectively engageable with a conical cam such that when the cam is moved into abutment with the cam follower, the latter drives the subframe elliptically but in opposite phase to the driving of the earth projector so that the light projected therefrom is concentrated on a single locus on the screen. Simultaneously therwith, the conical movement of the subframe causes the light projected from the sun projector to move in orbital elliptical fashion about the stationary image of the earth. It will be appreciated that if other light image projector means are utilized to simulate, for example, the movement of the remaining inner planets, they will continue to perform their simulated movement about the sun all of which are being operated in simulated movement about the stationary earth image in geocentric fashion.
In yet narrower aspects of the invention, disengagement of the second drive means causes a second cam follower to stationarily seat in a second conical cam and properly reposition the subframe relative the support frame causing the two to be stationary relative each other such that the heliocentric movement is provided wherein the earth projector and all other projectors simulate the movement about the stationary sun projector. Yet narrower aspects of the invention comprise a unique actuator mechanism which causes the subframe to automatically switch from the geocentric mode to the heliocentric mode or vice versa.
In yet further aspects of the invention, the projector means are preferably driven in accordance with the drive described in US. Pat. No. 3,753,300 previously identified and incorporated herewith. The output gear driving the earth projector is preferably mechanically linked to a similar output for driving the subframe in opposite phase so that when the device is actuated for heliocentric movement, the earth projector and subframe are mechanically interlocked for oppositely phased orbital movement such that the earth projector light image is constantly and positively aimed at a stationary locus on the screen. I
The advantages of the type of projector summarized herein are significant. A very economically priced projector is provided which provides a unique stimulating source of study. The orbital movement of the planets about the sun can be viewed selectively between the heliocentric and geocentric mode merely at the flip of a switch. All of this is achieved in a device having the capabilities of my earlier invention referred to hereinabove.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the orrery projector of my invention illustrated for operation in the heliocentric mode;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are fragmentary side elevation views similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the orrery projector operable in the geocentric mode, FIGS. 2 and 3 representing opposite phases from each other; and
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary rear elevation view of the orrery projector illustrated in FIGS. 13.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT US. Pat. No. 3,753,300 identified previously and incorporated herein by reference illustrates an orrery projector which projects light image movement on a screen simulating movement of the six inner planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn elliptically about the sun. Such movement is in accordance with the accepted postulations of Nicholas Copernicus referred to hereinafter as the heliocentric mode. In the preferred embodiment of the patent referred to, the sun projector was held stationary on a subframe while the remaining projectors were movably suspended by gimbal rings and driven by a unique drive mechanism to cause orbital elliptical movement of the projected light images about the stationary sun image. The subframe was adjustable pivotally relative the support frame but fixed relative thereto during operation.
Referring now in detail to FIG. 1, an orrery projector similar to that illustrated in the aforementioned patent is shown having a support frame 12 attached to a subframe 14. Support frame 12 includes an intermediate frame 16 which is pivotally adjustable about an axis 18 to permit overall tilt adjustment when setting up the projector. Intermediate frame 16 and support frame 12 however are fixed stationary with respect to each other during operation. Reference to FIG. 4 illustrates the overall U-shape of intermediate frame 16 pivotally anchored by screws 17 to the overall U-shaped base of the support frame 12, the latter having legs 19.
Two image projectors 20 and 20a are mounted on subframe 14 and for purposes of this disclosure are intended to project light beams onto a screen (not shown) to simulate in the heliocentric mode, orbital elliptic movement of the earth about the sun. Projector 20 is the earth projector and is mounted pivotally to subframe 14 by a gimbal arrangement 22, projector 20 being driven in elliptical fashion by a drive 24 through a gear means 26. The operation of drive 24 is described in detail in US. Pat. No. 3,753,300 as well ,as the overall gear train 26. It will be understood that the motivation for movement of drive 24 through gear train 26 provides rotation of shaft 28 at a desired speed for driving the drive 24.
The projector 20a projects the sun image and is mounted stationarily to subframe 14. Subframe 14 includes a plurality of generally parallel spaced circular plates 30, 32 and 34 (FIGS. 1 and 4) anchored together by a plurality of longitudinally extending radially spaced rods 36 and 38. With the projector held in the position illustratedin FIG. 1 as will be described hereinafter, movement of earth projector 20 about gimbal arrangement 22 will project an image onto a screen which rotates orbitally about the stationary sun image projected by projector 20a whereby the movement of the earth image simulates orbital movement about the sun image in accordance with Kepplers Second Law. The remaining projectors illustrated and described in the incorporated reference are not shown in these drawings for better clarity.
Subframe l4 (and the projectors mounted on it) are pivotally supported by support frame 12 about a universal joint 40. A post 42 is welded or affixed by mechanical fasteners to one side 44 of universal joint 40 while the other side 46 is anchored to plate 32 of subframe 14. Post 42 is welded to a support arm 48 in turn welded near its center to the U-shaped intermediate frame 16 which as described previously is adjustably anchored at 18 to the base portion of support frame 12. The universal joint thus provides universal movement of subframe 14 about support frame 12 simultaneously about perpendicular axes 50 and 52. Universal joint 40 illustrated is very similar to a vehicular universal joint and analogous to gimbal arrangement 22 permits simultaneous joint rotation of the two related parts (subframe 14 and support frame 12).
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 in addition to FIG. 1, the drive means 24 for earth projector 20 as mentioned includes a gear drive 26 comprising a shaft 28 which in effect provides an input for drive 24. The gear mechanism for driving shaft 20a is not described in detail, it being appreciated that it is well within the skill of the art to provide such an input as outlined in the incorporated patent. A gear 58 is mounted on shaft 28 and rotatable therewith. A similar sized gear 60 is likewise mounted on a shaft 62 intermediate plates 32 and 34 and in mesh engagement with gear 58 through an intermediate gear 64. Since gears 58 and 60 are identical in size and mesh spacing, intermediate gear 64 assures rotation of gear 60 at the identical rate as gear 58 in the same direction 180 out of phase. Affixed to the exterior end of shaft 62 is a block 65 to which is adjustably affixed an adjustable plate-like member 66 anchored to block 65 by a screw or the like 68. Block 65 and plate 66 rotate jointly with shaft 62 and gear 60 as it is driven as described by gear 58. An axially extending drive pin 70 is anchored to plate 66 and will be described hereinafter as a follower pin cooperative with a cam block 72 which will be described hereinafter. Cam block 72 includes a conically shaped cam surface 74 which drives follower pin 70.
Cam block 74 is mounted in juxtaposition with follower pin 70 for selective axial movement relative thereto into a first position wherein the cam block is out of engagement with follower pin 70 in which case, as will become more apparent, the orrery 10 is operable in the heliocentric mode as illustrated in FIG. 1. Cam block 72 however is movable into cooperative cam engagement with follower pin 70 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 wherein follower pin 70 is seated at the apex 76 of conical cam face 74 such that as shaft 62, block 65, plate 66 and pin 70 are driven rotatably, subframe 14 is rotated about the axes 50 and 52 simultaneously. The causation of this is the displacement between the axis of shaft 62 and the axis of pin 70 which extend in the same direction. The exact spacing is, of course, adjustable as a result of plate 66 and screw 68. Plate 66 preferably includes a slot therein (not shown) such that when screw 68 is loosened, the plate can be aligned as desired and then anchored by tightening fastener 68. Cam block 72 however when indexed into the cam engaging position is moved to cause pin 70 to move down the cam face from a position essentially at the periphery as illustrated in FIG. 1 to the apex 76 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Once locked in this position, rotation of shaft 62 forces subframe 14 to move cyclically about universal joint 40. Referring to FIG. 1, assuming pin 70 is in the position shown and cam block 72 is moved into engagement therewith, pin 70 will be caused to slide down the slope of cam face 74 to its apex 76 during which time subframe 14 is moved or in dexed into the geocentric mode.
Cam block 72 is securely anchored to an actuator arm or armature 80 pivotally anchored to the end of arm 48 opposite its securement to post 42. Referring to FIG. 4, the lower end of armature 80 includes a pair of extending arms 82 and 84 pivotally anchoring armature 80 to arm 48 by a pin 86. In this fashion, armature 80 is pivotally movable toward and away from follower pin 70.
Referring now to FIGS. l-3, a bracket 88 is anchored to armature 80 by a spring means 90 preferably in the form of one or more leaf springs. A motor 92 is secured to bracket 88 and includes an output shaft 94 to which is mounted an arm 96 which rotates with shaft 92. A link 98 is pivotally secured to the end of arm 96 and pivotally anchored at its other end to a post 100 welded or otherwise secured to arm 48. Rotation of arm 96 into the position illustrated in FIG. 1 causes armature 80 to be moved essentially into position wherein cam block 72 is disengaged from follower pin 70. Tension is applied to spring 90 as illustrated which acts through its anchor block 102 to bias armature 80 and cam block 72 out of engagement with follower pin 70. Clockwise rotation of arm 96 from the position illustrated in FIG. I to that illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 however causes the spring to be urged in the opposite direction and pull armature 80 and hence cam block 72 into interferring or cam engaging association with follower pin 70 as described previously.
A pair of limit switches 104 and 106 limit the movement of arm 96 in that as it reaches the desired extension of its pivotal rotation, it will abut one of the limit switches to stop further rotation of shaft 94 by turning off motor 92. The actuation of motor 92 from either the heliocentric to the geocentric mode is selected by simply switching an appropriate switch on the panel controlling the orrery all of which is not shown and well within the skill of the art. Each limit switch 104 and 106 includes a sensor 108 and 111 respectively. Preferably, motor 92 rotates slowly such that as it passes through approximately 60 of travel as illustrated in the drawings, it takes approximately 5 seconds to change the orientation of the orrery projector from geocentric to heliocentric mode operation or vice versa. This lapse of time is preferred so that the operation of the entire orrery is not abruptly changed thereby minimizing any stress or vibration through abrupt movements on the entire orrery projector. The particular arrangement illustrated through the utilization of spring 90 also provides a damper on the entire actuation of the subframe into or out of geocentric operation thereby avoiding vibrations so that the transition as projected on the screen is smooth and clear.
Having described the basic mechanism, it will be appreciated in light of the foregoing, that through the actuation of motor 92, armature :80 causes engagement or disengagement of cam block 72 with follower pin 70 such that in the disengaged position, the operation of the orrery is heliocentric with the earth projector causing image movement about the stationary image of the sun. Movement of cam block 72 into engagement with pin however causes rotational movement of subframe 14 about universal joint 40 in exactly the same opposite phase movement that earth projector 20 is moved by drive 24 such that at all times, the projection of the light image from projector 20 is directed at a single locus on the screen (not shown) even though the projector is at all times operating in rotation as a result of drive means 24. The 180 out of phase operation of subframe 14 however through cam follower drive cancels the rotational effect of the earth image projected from projector 20 such that its apparent observation is stationary. It will be appreciated that the mechanical interconnection of the drive 24 and cam follower pin 70 assures identical cancellation or 180 out of phase operation.
Referring to FIG. 1, when subframe 14 is in the disengaged position as illustrated, subframe 14 would rotate randomly into a tilted position about either of axes 50 or 52 depending on the center of gravity of the entire projector. This would cause improper operation of the orrery in the heliocentric mode and therefore means are provided to assure proper indexing of subframe 14 to which are mounted the various Sun, Earth, and other related projectors. To accomplish this, an index block 110 is anchored to subframe 14 by bolts 113 and 115 (FIG. 4) which space the block as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In this fashion, it moves jointly with subframe 14. An indexing pin 112 is slidably secured to block 110 by a set screw or the like 114. The pin projects toward cam block 72 for selective engagement or disengagement with a conical cam face 114 identical to cam face 74 but inverted with respect thereto. During operation of the orrery in the heliocentric mode, the index pin 112 is seated at the apex 116 of cam face 114 thereby indexing subframe 14 into the position illustrated in FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that armature interconnects the subframe to support frame 12 through spring 90, arms 96, 98, and post which is anchored to arm 48. The interconnection is stationary when index pin 112 is seated in the apex 116 of cam face 114 formed in cam block 72. It will be further appreciated that when armature 80 is brought into this position illustrated in FIG. 1, it is disengaged from cam follower pin 70 so that the orrery projection is in the heliocentric mode with the subframe being locked into a stationary position so that the image projected from sun projector 20a is stationary on the screen (not. shown) while the image projected by earth projector 20 moves in an orbital ellipse thereabout.
Actuation of motor 92 from the position illustrated in FIG. 1 to that in FIGS. 2 and 3 causes armature 80 to begin its interengagement with cam follower pin 70 which upon reaching apex 76 of cam face 74 provides complete disengagement from apex pin 112 so that subframe 14 is driven as described previously in the geocentric mode. The inverted cone shaped cam surfaces 74 and 114 thus selectively operate to either cause cyclical movement of subframe 14 when armature 80 is moved into the geocentric drive mode illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 or alternatively index subframe 14 in the proper stationary orientation with index pin 112 is locked into seated engagement with cam face 114 as illustrated in FIG. 1. It will be further appreciated that the adjustment of plate 66 and index pin 112 provides a means for accurately aligning the operation of the orrery upon installation.
OPERATION In view of the foregoing, the operation of the orrery projector in either the heliocentric or geocentric mode should be obvious. When the orrery is operational,
motor 92 and its drive arm 96 will be either in the position illustrated in FIG. 1 or that in FIGS. 2 and 3. Movement into either of these locations is caused by an appropriate circuitry and switch means on the control panel which is not shown nor described it being wellknown in the art. Assuming the arm 96 of motor 92 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 1, armature 80 will be in the position illustrated wherein index pin 112 is seated within inverted cam face 114 at its apex 116. The tension applied to spring 90 imparts a moment force about armature 80 so that positive indexing of index pin 112 is assured. This locks subframe 14 to support frame 12 so that operation of the orrery projector simulates planatary movement about a stationary sun. While only the earth and sun projector are illustrated in the drawings, it will be appreciated that the remaining projectors utilized such as those illustrated in the patent incorporated herein by reference will simulate interplanatary movement about the sun. The drive block 65 and cam follower pin 70 are of course rotating through interconnected drive to the earth projector. However, cam follower pin 70 is free of cam block 72 so that this rotation imparts no affect on the operation of the orrery.
Actuation of armature 80 to the opposite mode is caused by appropriate switch manipulation causing motor 92 to rotate its drive arm 96 through approximately 60 of travel into the position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this position, the spring force is causing momentary movement and urgency against armature 80 so that cam block 72 is pivoted toward subframe 14 into engagement with cam follower pin 70. Assuming cam follower pin 70 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 1, the initial contact will be on the periphery of cam face 74 but continued movement of armature 80 will cause rotation of subframe 14 into a position which will allow seated engagement of cam follower pin 70 at apex 76 of cam face 74. This is permitted by reverse phase movement of index pin 112 out of apex 116 of cam face 114 which will travel toward the periphery of cam face 114 into either of the positions illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate two opposite positions of subframe 14 during its operation in the geocentric mode. It will be appreciated as described previously that the earth projector is rotated constantly about gimbal arrangement 22 through its drive 24 which is supplied by gear means 26 through shaft 28. With subframe 14 however movably controlled in the geocentric mode, the displacement of cam follower pin from the axis of rotation 60 illustrated by shaft 62 causes simultaneous rotation of subframe 14 about universal 40. Since gears 60 and 58 are interconnected for similar rotation at identical speeds, the effect of rotation of earth projector 20 through drive 24 is counteracted by the drive of subframe 14 through cam follower 70, wheel 65, shaft 62 etc. The rotation is exactly opposite to that of earth projector 20 such that although the apparent orientation of earth projector 20 will vary, its axis of projection is always centered on a fixed locus on the screen such that the image projected by it is stationary. FIGS. 2 and 3 thus illustrate two maximum positions of subframe 14 wherein the subframe is tilted upwardly as illustrated in FIG. 2 and downwardly as illustrated in FIG. 3. In these positions however the maximum up and down rotation of earth projector 20 is in the opposite phase so that when subframe 14 is tilted upwardly as illustrated in FIG. 2, earth projector 20 is tilted downwardly whereas when the subframe 14 is rotated downwardly to its maximum position as illustrated in FIG. 3, earth projector 20 is likewise rotated upwardly. The position of its drive means illustrates this in that drive 24 is at opposite phases in contravention of the opposite phases of the drive shaft 62, block 65, plate 66 and 70.
During operation in the geocentric mode, it will also be appreciated that the projection of the image from sun projector 20a will move orbitally about the stationary image of the earth projector and any remaining projectors such as those illustrated in the incorporated patent, will continue their operation orbitally about the sun thereby causing duplication of the geocentric theories of Tyco Brahe. Of significance also, the planetary epicycloids will also be accurately portrayed since orbital movement of the other planets will be consistent about the sun but will be affected by the subframe movement about the stationary earth image creating exact simulation of the Tyco Brahe system.
Although but one embodiment has been shown and described in detail, it will be obvious to those having ordinary skill in this art that the details of construction of this particular embodiment may be modified in a great many ways without departing from the unique concepts presented. It is therefore intended that the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims rather than by particular details of construction shown, except as specifically stated in the claims.
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. Apparatus for projecting a moving image onto a screen comprising, in combination: a support; a subframe movably anchored to said support; first image projector means anchored to said subframe and movable therewith; second image projector means movably secured to said subframe; means for selectively anchoring said subframe to said support and releasing it for movement relative thereto; first drive means for said second image projector means such that when said subframe is stationary relative said support, the image projected by said second image projector means describes orbital movement about the stationary image projected by said first image projector means; and second drive means for said subframe such that when said subframe is movable relative said support, the movement of said subframe counteracts the movement of said second image projector means such that the image projected onto the screen is stationary and the image projected by said first image projector means describes orbital movement about said stationary second image.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second drive means includes a cam follower extending from said subframe and a cam movable between a first position out of engagement with said follower whereby said subframe is anchored relative said support and a second position wherein said follower is in active engagement with said cam causing said subframe to move relativeisaid support.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said subframe is movably mounted to said support by a universal joint means, said cam including a cam block having a conical cam face and an apex, said follower comprising a pin means spaced from an axis and rotatably driven about said axis whereby as said cam face is moved into engagement with said pin means, said pin means follows said conical cam face into index position with said apex causing said subframe to rotate simultaneously about a pair of axes.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said first and second drive means are mechanically interconnected such that when said cam is in said second position, positive counter-rotation of said subframe relative to that of said second projector means is imparted.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein each of said first and second drive means includes a drive shaft, said drive means each including an identical sized gear on each drive shaft cooperatively associated with each other through an intermediate gear such that rotation of one drive shaft imparts identical counterrotation of the other.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for selectively anchoring said subframe to said support and releasing it for movement relative thereto includes a cam follower extending from said subframe and fixed relative thereto, said cam follower being selectively engageable with a cam movable between a first position out of engagement with said cam follower whereby said subframe thru movable relative said cam follower whereby said is movable relative said support and a second position wherein said cam follower is cammed into seated engagement with said cam causing said subframe to be anchored relative said support.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said cam includes a cam block having a conical cam face and an apex, said follower comprising a pin means anchored relative said subframe whereby as said cam face is moved into engagement with said second pin means, said second pin means follows said cam face into indexed position with said apex causing said subframe to be anchored relative said support.
8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second drive means includes a first cam follower extending therefrom and said means for selectively anchoring said subframe to said support and releasing it for movement relative thereto includes a second cam follower extending from said subframe and fixed relative thereto, said first and second cam followers being selectively engageable with first and second cam surfaces movable between a first position wherein said first cam follower is out of engagement with said first cam face and said second cam follower is in active engagement with said second cam face whereby said subframe is anchored relative said support and a second position wherein said first cam follower is in active engagement with said first cam face and said second cam follower is out of active engagement with said second cam face causing said subframe to move relative said support.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said subframe is movably mounted to said support by a universal joint means, said second drive means includes a cam block, said first and second cam faces being formed in said cam block, said cam faces comprising conical shapes inverted with respect to each other each cam face having an apex whereby said second cam follower is indexed in said second cam face apex in said first position and said first cam follower is indexed in said first cam face apex in said second position, said cam followers being in active engagement respectively with said first and second cam faces when said cam faces are moved intermediate said first and second positions.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said first and second followers are comprised of first and second pin means, said second pin means being spaced from and rotatable about an axis, said second pin means in said first position being seated in said second cam face apex for rotating said subframe about said universal joint means and in said second position, said first pin means is indexed in said first cam face apex anchoring said subframe relative said support.
11. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said apparatus further includes actuator means for moving said cam block between said first and second positions, said actuator means comprising an armature pivotally linked to said support frame, said cam block being anchored to said armature for pivotal movement therewith between said first and second positions.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said actuator means further includes a post anchored at one end to said support frame, a spring means, one end of said spring means being anchored to said armature, a motor means anchored to the other end of said spring means, said motor means including a drive shaft and a drive arm extending radially from said shaft, and a linking bar interconnecting said drive arm to said post, actuation of said motor means causing said armature to move pivotally about said support causing said cam block to move between said first and second positions.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein limit switches are mounted on said motor means and engageable with said drive arm for automatically terminating the operation of said motor and movement of said armature as it reaches either of said first and second positions.
14. A planetarium arrangement comprising, in combination: a support frame; a subframe movably anchored to said support frame by a universal joint means; index means movable between first and second positions, said index means in said first position indexing said subframe securely to said support frame whereby said subframe is stationary relative said support frame, said index means in said second position permitting movement of said subframe relative said support frame about said universal joint means; a first projector means anchored to said subframe and including a first light source for projecting a first light beam image onto a screen; a second image projector means pivotally suspended from said subframe for pivotal movement relative thereto about first and second axes, said second image projector means including a second light source for projecting a second light beam image onto a screen; first drive means cooperative with said subframe for driving movement of said subframe circumferentially about a third axis, said first drive means being disengaged from said subframe when said index means in said first position; second drive means cooperative with said second projector means for driving movement of said second projector means circumferentially about a fourth axis, said first and second drive means being cooperatively associated with each other such that when said index means is in said first position, said first image is stationary on the screen and said second image moves on the screen relative said first image and when said index means is in said second position, saidsecond image is stationary on the screen and said first image moves on the screen relative to said second image.
15. A planetarium arrangement according to claim 14 wherein said first and second axes are perpendicular to each other and said fourth axis is perpendicular to said first axis whereby the movement of said second image about said first image when said index means is in said first position describes an ellipse and the movement of said first image about said second image when said index means is in said second position describes an ellipse 16. The planetarium arrangement according to claim 15 wherein a plurality of image projector means similar to said second image projector means are suspended from said support frame, each of said projector means being pivotal about first and second axes perpendicular to each other and including a light source projecting a light beam image onto a screen and drive means associated with said plurality of projector means for driving movement circumferentially about a third axis perpendicular to said first axis whereby the moving images projected on the screen describe an ellipse, the planetarium arrangement depicting heliocentric movement when said index means is in said first position and depicting gcocentric movement when said index means is in said second position.
17. The planetarium arrangement according to claim l twherein said first drive means includes a first cam follower extending from said subframe and a first cam movable between a first position out of engagement with said first camfollower when said index means is in said first position, said first cam follower being in active engagement with said first cam when said index means is in said second position causing said subframe to move relative about said support frame to cancel the effective movement of said second image on a screen and said index means comprises a second cam follower extending from said subframe and fixed relative thereto, said second cam follower being selectively engageable with said second cam follower when said index is in said second position and a second position wherein said cam follower is in seated engagement with said second cam when said index means is in said first position.
18. The planetarium arrangement according to claim 17 whereby said index means comprises a cam block having a first conical cam face formed thereon engageable with said first cam follower and a second conical cam face formed thereon and inverted with relationship to said first cam face, said second cam face being engageable with said second cam follower.
19. The planetarium arrangement according to claim 18 wherein said planetarium further includes actuator means for moving said index means between said first and second positions, said actuator means including an armature pivotally secured to said support frame, said cam block secured to said armature, and means for automatically moving said armature and index means between said first and second positions.
20. The planetarium arrangement according to claim 19 wherein said first cam follower comprises a pin means rotatable about an axis spaced from and generally parallel to the axis of said pin means, said index means when positioned in said second position causing said pin means to be seated in the apex of said first conical cam face whereby said support frame is driven circumferentially about said third axis.
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE EE i THECAT I CNN PATENT NO. 3 374,098 DATED April i, 1975 INVENTORG) 1 Kenneth C., Mosley It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
Column 9, lines 44,, 45;
delete "thru movable relative said cam follower whereby said" fir'rted and Sealed this twenty-second Day 0 Italy 1975 [SEAL] A rresr:
RUTH C. MASQN C. MARSHALL DAWN A! 195N718 ff Commissioner of Parents and Trademarks |
US-3874099-A | Apparatus for demonstrating the mode of operation of safety ski bindings mounted on skis or wood specimens | United States Patent [191 Heckl et al.
[451 Apr. 1, 1975 APPARATUS FOR DEMONSTRATING THE MODE OF OPERATION OF SAFETY SKI BINDINGS MOUNTED ON SKIS OR WOOD SPECIMENS [76] Inventors: Egon Heckl, Riedwiesenstrasse 1O,
81 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Burgrain; Roland Jungkind, Torlenstrasse 43, 81 Garmisch-Partenkirchen; Bernd Payrhammer, Westermuhlstrasse l3, 8 Munich 2, all of Germany 22 Filed: June 19,1973
211 Appl. N0.;371,3s1
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data July 4, 1972 Germany 2232783 [52] US. Cl. 35/49 [51] Int. Cl. G09b 25/00 [58] Field of Search 35/49, 13
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,605,288 9/1971 Smolka 35/49 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,578,854- 2/1971 Germany 35/49 Primary ExaminerI-Iarland S Skogquist Attorney, Agent, or FirmFlei't & Jacobson [57] ABSTRACT A dummy which corresponds to at least the sole of a skiing boot in shape and size and is provided with means by which the dummy when held in the binding can be deflected upwardly at its rear end and laterally at its forward end. A lever for operating the deflecting means is mounted in known manner in the rear onethird of the dummy on a horizontal transverse axis and in a normal position extends upwardly in an at least approximately vertical direction and can be pivotally shifted forwardly and rearwardly against spring force. A lever arm is connected to and angled from the operating lever and adapted to deflect the dummy upwardly. A bar linkage is connected to the operating lever and adapted to deflect the dummy laterally as the operating lever is shifted in the opposite sense. An abutment for the bar linkage is adapted to be secured to the ski or to the wood specimen.
7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures |
US-3874100-A | Hygenic foot protector | O Unlted States Patent 11 1 1111 3,874,100 Schwitters 5] Apr. 1, 1975 [54] HYGENIC FOOT PROTECTOR 2,747,30l 5/1956 Crane 36/9 A 3,070,908 l/l963 Lipare 36/1 1.5 [76] lnvemorigg w a 'fi 3,228,124 l/1966 Schwarz 36/1 1.5
[22] Filed: Jan. 23, 1974 Primary E.\'amine/'Patrick D, Lawson [211 pp No 435 922 Arwrney, Agent, or Firm-Allison C. Collard 57 AB TR T [52] US. Cl. 36/115, 36/9 A S AC 511 Int. Cl. A43b 3/12, A43b 1/02 A hygemc foot Protector Such as a Sandal comprlsmg [58] Field Of Search 36/9 A, 11.5, 9 R a one or two Piece Sole and a fastening means Consisting of an annular ring connected to the sole. Snap fas- [56] References Cited teners can also be included on the fastening means UNITED STATES PATENTS and the foot protector can be constructed of celluloid, 7 H9 M9 Judkim 6/ A plastic, paper, coated paper or paper pulp. 2:669:636 2/1954 Israel 36/! 1.5
4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures HYGENIC FOOT PROTECTOR The present invention relates to a hygenic foot protector and in particular. a sandal.
In places where a lot of people congregate. such as hotels. club houses of sporting clubs. shower and wash rooms in barracks and hospitals. saunas and public bath houses. and the people are required to walk barefoot. many times it is unavoidable that dirt and germs are present. However. by wearing shoes. one could prevent foot infections. However. in many cases. it is not feasable to wear shoes. or is it even permitted to do so.
The present invention provides a foot protection which can be used to prevent foot infections. and can be manufactured in large numbers. In the invention. the sole and the supporting means consist of cellulose material based on celluloid material. The use of this type of material has the advantageous that the sandal can be made at a low cost and can be discarded after use. There is no problem of discarding the used sandals because the material will decompose in a natural way. Even when the sandals are burnt. no obnoxious or other damaging fumes are produced. A sandal can be made of a sole which has two strip-like ends that can be secured together by a fastening means. In this fashion. the manufacturing and distribution (such as packing. storing. shipping. and selling) are advantageous and cheap. To connect the two ends of the sole. suitable connecting elements can be used. such as fastening buttons. (snap fasteners). or self adhering strips at both of the ends of the sole.
A particularly simple and therefore cost saving foot protection can be obtained by providing a one layer sole with which the sole connecting element is joined. A simple one layer foot protector can be provided in that the sole can be attached to the fastening means.
The sandal may also consist of a walking sole and a foot sole which are made of plates or material sheets punched out of corresponding material. The fastening means may be in form of a strip having their ends bonded together. It is also possible to bond the fastening means in a closed annular strip having one end bonded to the one layer sole.
The sandal may also consist of a walking sole and a foot sole which are punched out of corresponding sheet material. The soles are bonded together and the fastening means is placed therehetween. The fastening means preferably may be in one closed ring. These types of sandals can be packed in pairs and made available in large numbers in front of public bath houses. shower rooms and saunas.
In a further emlmdimcnt of this invention. the sandal can he made of ware proof material. The material is such that one can wear these sandals 1 2 hours in water. Hence. it is quite obvious that no shower or bath takes any longer. so that the sandals will last. However. if the sandal dissolves. it can be disposed of and replaced with a new one.
The material for the sandals may be made of paper having a thin layer of artificial material. The paper used for this purpose does not dissolve fora certain time period. The artificial layer may be so thin at certain places that this layer is removed by friction. so that water and air have access to the paper and effect the dissolving of the paper at these places. These types of sandals may he used as so called disposable sandals.
A particular device is made of a combination of paper and fiber pulp. The material made of paper pulp is covered with a water resistant upper layer. The use of paper or fiber pulp makes it possible to produce the sandals in large quantities. Thus. a preformed fixed form can be submerged into the paper pulp. For faster hardening of the pulp. the form can be heated.
The durability of the sandals can be improved by adding strengthening fibers in the material. The strengthening fibers may be made of artificial fibers which run longitudinally and/or laterally. thus forming a network-like structure.
In another embodiment of the invention. manufacturing costs can be saved in that the contours of the sandal and its associated fastening means are stamped out of a roll of foil material.
The separating lines in the foil for the sandals may be perforated so that the individual parts may be removed from the roll of foil material. As already outlined. the contour may correspond to the sole from which the two fastening means extend. and can be bent upwardly and connected with each other at their ends. thus forming a fastening means for the foot. To connect these two ends. they may be fitted with connecting elements. These connecting elements may be self adhering layers which are covered with a known removable foil material. The connecting elements may also consist of snap fasteners. whereby each end of the fastening element is provided with one positive and one negative snap button. These snap fasteners may also he provided separately. whereby the fastening means are provided with openings for the snap buttons. However. any other conccivable fastening connection is possible and may be used. The stamped out foot protector on which is stamped out on a roll of foil may be made available in front of bath houses. showers. and hotel rooms. with the foil being rolled up in a corresponding support.
The sandal may consist of a running or walking sole. and a foot sole. whereby the contour of both soles. and the fastening means are stamped in a roll of foil as discussed before. A plurality ofdifferent foot sizes may be stamped out adjacent to each other. so as to accommodate the different foot sizes. These may be available on rolled up foil material. which on one side. are provided with a self adhering layer. As a fastening means. a perforated piece of foil material extending from the sole may be provided. In this fashion. a sandal may be formed so that the self adhering portions are pressed against each other. and the fastening means is mounted between the sole portion. The fastening means are preferably not provided with a self adhering layer. Therefore. the fastening means do not have to be formed in the same foil material together with the sole portions. For example. two different types of foil rolls may be provided wherein one has a one sided adhering layer for the soles and one has a fastening means which is not provided with an adhering layer. As already mentioned. material which is exceptionally well suited for sandals of this type is a material which is based on celluloid. Also paper or similar material may be used because it is not particularly water resistant. and particularly suitable for hotel rooms.
In cases where the sandal comes into contact with water. for example. in shower rooms and saunas. it is advisable to use plastic material for the sandals. The
paper material may also be made water resistant by a layer of plastic material.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which disclose the embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits and scope of the invention.
In the drawings wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:
FIG. 1 shows a sandal with two sole portions and a ring-like fastening portion;
FIG. 2 shows a partly rolled out web of foil with perforated contours of a sandal;
FIG. 3 shows a ready made sandal according to FIG.
FIG. 4 shows sandal coutours with sole portions and fastening means in a partly rolled out foil; and
FIG. 5 shows a partly made sandal according to FIG. 4.
Referring to FIG. I, there is shown a sandal consisting of a sole and the fastening means 1. The sole consists of foot sole 2 and walking sole 3. When the entire whole sandal is made, the walking sole and the foot may be bonded together by putting the fastening means in between.
In FIG. 2, an outline 5 of sandal contour 6 is stamped into a web of foil by perforation. Laterally extending stripelike flaps 7 carry fastening elements at their ends, such as snap buttons 8.
FIG. 3 shows a ready made sandal which is separated from the foil material 4 shown in FIG. 2 and formed by bending the strip-like flaps upwardly. A bonding layer 9 is provided for connecting the respective ends of the flaps.
FIG. 4 shows a partly rolled out web of foil material 10, wherein the contour of the sole is indicated by perforations. The fastening means 12 extends from the superimposed sole portions 11. On the lower portion of the sole, the foil material is provided with a bonding layer 13, on which a cover foil 14 is provided which can be peeled off.
As can be seen from FIG. 5, the sole portions which are removed from the web of foil 10, as shown in FIG. 4, are released from the cover foil 14 and are pressed together with their respective bonding layers 13 so that portion 12 can be bend annularly, and inserted between the sole portions before the same are bonded together.
While only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
What is claimed is:
l. A hygenic foot protector such as a sandal comprismg:
a foot sole for supporting the foot of the user;
a walking sole adhesively secured to the foot sole for contact with a supporting surface; and
an endless annular ring constructed of a continuous strip of material bonded between said foot sole and said walking sole to receive the foot of the user, said soles and said ring being constructed of a disposable paper product.
2. The hygenic foot protector as recited in claim I wherein the disposable paper product is water resistent.
3. The hygenic foot protector as recited in claim 1 wherein the disposable paper product is provided with a water resistent surface.
4. The hygenic foot protector as recited in claim 1 wherein strengthening threads are inserted into the disposable paper product. |
US-3874101-A | Dredger with adjustable endless digger and rotary mud slinger | United States atet 11 1 1111 3,874,101 Cummins Apr. 1, 1975 [54] DREDGER WITH ADJUSTABLE ENDLESS 688,912 12/1901 Watts 198/44 DIGGER AND ROTARY MUD SLINGER 2383957 4/1959 3,003,454 10/1961 Shatoska 37/73 X Inventor: Oliver rank Cummins, 1208 3,372,818 3/1968 Seymour et a1 198/128 x Kiplino Ave., lslington, Ontario, 3,596,384 8/1971 Neujahr 198/128 X Canada 3,618,236 11/1971 Pipkin 37/65 X [22] Flled: 1974 Primary Examiner-Clifford D. Crowder [21] Appl. No.1 438,367
[57] ABSTRACT 52 us. c1 37/69, 37/73, 198/44, Self-Contained mud excavating apparatus Compris- 198/64, 198/128 ing a floatable hull having an endless scoop type 51 1111.121. E021 3/14, E021" 9/04 dredging Conveyor adiustably mounted upon its [58] Field of Search, 37/69, 73, 62, 63, 64, A hopper is mounted on the deck of the hull for 37/65, 198/44 47, 64, 114/42 ceiving the dredged material. A mud slinger is located in the hopper and picks up the dredged material and 5 References Cited throws it sidewise away from the hull. Rails mounted UNITED STATES PATENTS on the sides of the hull carry roller-mounted frames equipped with spuds for use in anchoring and maneu- 104,980 7/1870 M1tchel1 37/69 vering the hull. 261,587 7/1882 Cram 37/73 498,143 5/1893 Urie 37/69 6 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures ATENTEB APR SHEET 2 OF 2 DREDGER WITH ADJUSTABLE ENDLESS DIGGER AND ROTARY MUD SLINGER This invention relates generally to apparatus adapted to dredge channels in marshy areas, or to clear and/or deepen existing channels or canals in marshy or watercovered areas where travel by wheeled or track vehicles is not possible.
Most conventional apparatus intended to clear existing channels or dig *new" irrigation canals suffers from one or more of the following disadvantages. Some conventional procedures, such as hydraulic dredging, require the building of dikes for the purpose of disposing of the excavated material. The building of such dikes is rather costly, and is particularly unsuitable in marshy areas. Machines which require firm ground support, for example the dragline, become simply bogged down in marshy or watercovered areas. The apparatus known as a dipper dredge requires a bulldozer to assist in the levelling of excavated material, and in marshy areas this is impossible. The machine known as a ditching machine, due to its great weight, cannot be supported by the land in a marshy area, and generally the excavated material cannot be disposed of without additional expensive equipment.
In view of the disadvantages of the abovementioned conventional apparatus for digging irrigation cannels or clearing existing cannels, it is an object of this invention to provide a floatable channeldredging, self-powered apparatus which does not require the building of dikes to dispose of excavated material, which does not require firm ground support for proper operation, and which does not require any bulldozer assistance.
Essentially, the foregoing objects are attained by the provision ofa floatable channel dredger which includes endless-conveyor scoop means to raise excavated material above the water level, a mud slinger" component which is capable of receiving the excavated material l'rom the scoop means and throwing it from 60 to 90 feet laterally away from the channel being dredged, a power source, and a propelling mechanism by which the apparatus may be manoeuvred, controlled and operated.
One embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like parts throughout the several views, and in which:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a channel dredger constructed in accordance with this invention;
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an optional steadying and drive mechanism which may be provided on the apparatus shown in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken at the line 33 in FIG. 2.
Turning first to FIG. I, the apparatus shown generally at is seen to include a scow or barge l2 consisting ofa hull 14 having a how 15 and a stem 16. On the hull 14 are mounted the following major components: and endless conveyor scoop means 18, a mudslinger 20, a control cab 22, an engine 24, a hydraulic pump 25, and a directional propeller means 26 powered from the hydraulic pump 25.
As can be seen, the hull 14 has attached to its bow l5 structural support means 27 including two arms 28 which support a scoop frame 29 for longitudinal sliding motion in the direction of the two-headed arrow 30. Preferably, the scoop frame 29 is substantially the same width as the hull l4 and carries two endless chains 32 (only one visible) to which a plurality of scoops 34 are attached. The scoops 34 are elongated in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper, and extend between the two chains 32 which are separated in the direction normal to the plane of the paper. The chains 32 are preferably located substantially at either side of the hull 14. The chains 32 are entrained about suitable sprockets 36 at the upper and lower ends of the scoop frame 29. with the upper sprockets being driven by a hydraulic motor 38.
The scoop frame 29 is mounted for sliding motion as described above by means of suitable slideway components (which are conventional and need not be shown), and the position of the scoop frame 29 with respect to the hull 14 is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder 40 of which one upper end 41 is secured to the upper arm 28, and of which the lower end 42 is secured to the scoop frame 29. In FIG. 1, the solid line position of the scoop means 18 is its highest, uppermost or withdrawn position. The dredging position for the scoop means 18 is shown in broken lines 44.
The mudslinger 20 includes a hopper 46 having an internal auger 47 which gradually moves the mud, etc. in the hopper 46 to a location where it can enter a centrifugal blower 48, both the auger 47 and the blower 48 being located within the hopper 46. The tangential outlet for the centrigual blower 48 is extended by a vertical pipe 50 which is curved at the upper end as shown at 52 so that the mud and other debris blown up the pipe 50 is thrown away from the dredge at an upward angle of about 45.
The centrifugal blower 48 is powered directly by a drive shaft 52 which in turn is rotated by the engine 24. The auger 47 can be rotated at a slower speed through conventional reduction gear mechanisms (not shown).
The engine 24 also powers a hydraulic pump 25 which maintains fluid pressure in a conventional pressure tank (not shown) from which hydraulic lines pass through the usual manual and/or automatic controls, whence further lines pass to the several hydraulic motors utilized in this apparatus. One such hydraulic motor is located at 54 in the propeller means 26, and further control devices (conventional and not illustrated) can be operated hydraulically to control the direction of the propeller means 26 and thereby steer and propel the hull 14.
A platform 55 is provided on which the control cab 22 is built. The control cab 22 has a protective roof 56, window area 58, and a control panel from which the gasoline engine 24, the hydraulic motors, and the hydraulic cylinder 40 are controlled. A flight of steps 62 leads from the deck 64 to the cab 22. A fuel storage tank 65 for the engine 24 can be located as shown in dotted lines within the hull 14.
At bottom right in FIG. I. the bottom of the ditch being cleared or dug by the apparatus is shown before excavation at 68 and after excavation at 70. The water line is shown at 72a.
Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a portion of the hull 14 is shown in each figure, and it can be seen that there has been affixed to the hull at the side thereof an upper horizontal rail 71, a lower horizontal rail 72, and an intermediate rail 74. The intermediate rail 74 is located in approximately the same plane as the upper edge of the side of the hull 14. A frame 76 includes a hollow upright pipe 77. a horizontal arm 78, a vertical arm 80 and an oblique arm 82. Three track-following wheels 83, 84 and 85 are secured for free rotation to the frame 76, the upper wheels 83 and 84 being captive between the upper and intermediate horizontal rails 71 and 74, while the lower wheel 85 rides upon the lower horizontal rail 72. Since the pipe 77 is fixedly secured to the frame 76, it will be understood that the pipe 77 is capable of horizontal motion in the upright position, longitudinally of the sides of the hull l4.
Mounted for vertical reciprocation within the pipe 77 is an elongated metal spud 86, which is shown in solid lines in its uppermost position, but which is capable of descending to the broken line position when extended.
To permit the extension and retraction of the spud 86 a hydraulic cylinder 88 is provided, having one end fixed with respect to the spud 86 through a bracket 90, and having its other end secured with respect to the frame 76 and the pipe 77. As can be seen, actuation of the cylinder 88 to extend it will lift the bracket 90 upwardly with respect to the frame 76, and will cause upward movement of the spud 86. Conversely, retraction of the cylinder 88 will cause the spud to descend to the broken line position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
Naturally, it is understood that another identical spud 86 will be mounted by similar means on the other side of the hull 14.
The spuds are utilized to secure the hull 14 in a fixed position with respect to the bottom of the ditch being dredged, and can also be used to move the dredge forward in a walking" operation. It will be understood that a cable and winch may be supplied to move the frame 76 positively in the longitudinal direction with respect to the hull 14. The cable and winch component being conventional, have not been shown.
To move the dredge forwardly by means of the spuds involves a very simple sequence. Firstly, the spuds are withdrawn upwardly and are moved by means of the winch to the furthest forward position, following which the spuds are extended downwardly by utilizing the cylinder(s) 88. The downward extension of the spuds will drive the spuds into the ground at the bottom of the channel, and give them purchase. Then the winch is utilized to move the hull forwardly with respect to the spuds, until the spuds are located at the furthest rearward position. The spuds are then withdrawn and move .forwardly again to the furthest forward position. The
cycle is then repeated.
It will be appreciated that the hopper 46 should extend over a reasonable area beneath the dumping bucket 34, so that it is enabled to catch the mud, silt, etc. from the bucket regardless of the adjusted position of the frame 29.
If desired, a shredder could be mounted above the hopper to eliminate any clogging of the blower 48 by weeds, roots, etc. No shredder provision has been shown in FIG. 1.
In place of the spuds shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it would also be possible to provide traction units on either side of the hull, which units would be particularly useful in bog-type marsh areas where the hull 14 could not float and manoeuvre. Preferably, the traction units at either side of the hull 14 have provisions for raising and lowering by means of hydraulic cylinders, and ideally the gripping portion of each track would extend substantially the entire length of the hull 14.
I claim:
1. A mud excavator, comprising: a floatable hull; a conveyor frame; an arm mounted on each side of said hull inclined upwardly and rearwardly, each of said arms including a portion at each end thereof projecting to a point clear of said hull and supporting said conveyor frame for lengthwise adjustment thereof relative to said arms and hull; a cylinder pivotally mounted upon one projecting portion of each of said arms; a piston rod extending from each cylinder; means pivotally connecting one end of each piston rod to said conveyor frame for effecting said lengthwise adjustment thereof; an endless conveyor on said frame having scoops for excavating purposes; means connected with said endless conveyor for driving the same; a hopper mounted upon said hull in a position to receive material discharged from said conveyor scoops; a rotary mud slinger communicating with the lower portion of said hopper and having a discharge pipe; and drive means connected with said mud slinger.
2. A mud excavator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the discharge pipe is inclined and curved to direct the material laterally for deposit a substantial distance from the hull.
3. A mud excavator as claimed in claim 1, including an auger in the lower portion of said hopper for feeding material to the mud slinger.
4. A mud excavator as claimed in claim 3, including means connected to drive said mud slinger and auger, respectively.
5. A mud excavator as claimed in claim 1, including means mounted upon the opposite sides of the hull for maneuvering the hull into any desired position relative to the area to be excavated.
6. A mud excavator as claimed in claim 5, wherein the means for maneuvering the hull comprises rails extending lengthwise on the sides of the hull; a movable frame having rollers mounted upon said rails and including an upright hollow member; a spud slidably mounted in said hollow member; and means between said spud and said hollow member for raising and lowering the spud relative to the hull. |
US-3874102-A | Slowed alternating current magnetic novelty | United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,874,102
Sheppard Apr. 1, 1975 SLOWED ALTERNATING CURRENT 1.091.339 3/1914 Howarth 46/239 x MAGNETIC NOVELTY 1,763,788 6/1930 .lobe, Sr. 46/235 [76] Inventor: Elwood H. Sheppard, 223 Bonita PL, Denver, Colo. 80234 [22] Filed: Nov. 7, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 413,672
{52] US. Cl. IO/106.45 [51] Int. Cl. G09f 19/02 [58] Field of Search 40/l06.45, 106.41; 46/239, 46/234435 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 312.178 2/1885 Bacon lo/106.45 X
2/1969 Hartsock 46/239 X Primary Exanziner-Robert W.. Michell Assistant Examiner.lohn H. Wolff [57] ABSTRACT This device consists primarily of a base upon which a figurine is secured having a pole and line with a fish or the like attached, the fish having magnet means spaced above the top surface of the base which will be activated by electro-magnetic force of a coil within the base, the coil being supplied by electricity from an outlet or other source.
1 Claim, 3 Drawing Figures EKTENTEDAPR H975 3,874,102
SLOWEI) ALTERNATING CURRENT MAGNETIC NOVELTY This invention relates to novel and animated devices, and more particularly to a magnetically operated device.
It is therefore the principal object of this invention to provide an animated electrical device which will move a fish or other object in an oscillating and rotating manner.
Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the type described which will include a hollow base structure which will have on its interior an electromagnetic coil which is wired in series with a rectifier switching device so as to cause the object with a permanent magnet above the base to move.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an electrical device which will have a figurine secured to the top of the base, the figurine having a flexible pole with a line attached to the fish having the permanent magnet secured within its tail, the motion also being an up and down motion as well as a rotary and other gyrating motions.
Other objects ofthe invention are to provide a device which is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction. easy to use and efficient in operation.
These and other objects will become readily evident upon a study of the following specification together with the accompanying drawing wherein:
PK]. 1 is a side view of the present invention shown in elevation and partly broken away:
FIG. 2 is a sehammatic wiring diagram of the invention; and
FIG. 3 is a modified sehammatic wiring diagram, of the invention.
According to this invention, an electrical device is shown to include a hollow rectangular basell upon which is fixedly secured a figurine 12 having a flexible pole 13 extending therefrom. A line 14 is secured fixedly to the extending end of pole 13 and has secured at its opposite end a fish 15 having a permanent magnet 16 secured fixedly in the tail thereof. The magnet 16 is spaced above the top surface of base 11 for freedom of movement of the fish 15.
An clectro-magnetic coil 17 is fixedly secured within base 11 in alignment with the fish 15 above the base 11. The electro-magnetic coil 17 is wired in series with a switching rectifier 18 by means of wires 19 and 20 which extend into cord 21 having plug 23 for being received within an electrical outlet.
When plug 23 of cord 21 is plugged into an electrical outlet, the intermittent current flow within the magnetic coil 17, causes the fish 15 by means of its magnet 16, to move back and forth and up and down, the up and down motion being affected by means of the pole 13 within the figurine 12.
As shown in FIG. 3 of the drawing, a modified form of the switching is effected by means of the relay 24 which is wired to electro-magnetic coil 17 as a modified means for the movement of fish 15.
What I now claim is:
1. A Slowed Alternating Current Magnetic Novelty, comprising in combination, a hollow base, an electromagnetic coil and a switching means within said base, means for producing an electromagnetic force, a figurine fixedly secured upon said base, said figurine holding one end of a fishing pole, a flexible line secured to the other end of said pole, the free end of said line being attached to a simulated fish having a permanent magnent secured therein, said simulated fish accordingly depending vertically in downwardly direction due to gravity, said simulated fish magnet being within a magnetic field of said electromagnetic force whereby said electromagnetic force causes said gravity depending simulated fish to move toward said coil producing an animated like movememt of said simulated fish. |
US-3874103-A | Display device | [ Apr. 1,1975
United States Patent [191 Muta 40/142 A UX Hoeve et 40/10 D 2,333 302 11/1943 Erik 2,677,910 11/1954 Morgan... 3,456,373 7/1969 Epton 3,596,387 8/1971 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [22] Filed:
3/1967 United Kingdom.............. 40/10 C Appl. No.: 361,896
nae r nu 0c my mm 8 n e H dm 6 n hi am .w m Mm T a .u m C av W. A t tF R m n T 0. mh mP 00 B du R A m s m ni 8w d 6 m .m m m VM a en. .3 y ym .P H mm m mb 1.56 .H 7 dm PA wA 4 OAN -5 M024y 1 3 W 9 Mi 4 0 1 D ,Rm OM H W O n 0 4 .l 1 W H 5 2 2 mu 1 u 0 m 4 H5 n2 WC m m l mH dm MM U IF 1. 11 2 8 5 55 l. 1.
[56] References Cited a sheet of visual material for display therebetween and a transparent bubble member enclosing the back UNITED STATES PATENTS panel, the sheet of visual material and the magnetic N S b m m u e b m F g h .m .W w t a r. r. m D m 7 e i w m a .l 6 h M C V XRX U U RMA Booker.......................
mn a h 66 de WK C r FM 259 33 999 111 5 0 0 5 20 767 287 11 DISPLAY DEVICE This invention relates to a display device, and more particularly to a display device of simple construction which is impervious to the elements for outdoor use.
A wide variety of display devices are in widespread use, with only a limited number being suitable for outdoor use. Most display devices for outdoor use are formed of a receptacle in which the visual material for display is mounted. To facilitate changing the display material, the receptacle is provided with a hinged door or the like and various sealing members in an effort to protect the visual material from the adverse effects of wind, rain, snow, etc. Because of the necessity for a hinged door or other closure, such display devices are cumbersome and inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, to insure maximum protection of the display material from the elements, use must be made of complex gaskets and like sealing members to provide a weathertight seal about the door or closure, thereby further contributing to the high cost of such systems.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a display device which overcomes the foregoing disadvantages.
It is a more specific object of the invention to provide a display device which is suitable for outdoor use, which is of simple construction and which provides maximum protection of the visual material for display at minimum cost.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter, and, for purposes of illustration but not of limitation, an embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. I is a perspective view showing the front of the display device of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear of the display device in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of the display device of FIGS. I and 2;
FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the display device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the lines 55 in FIG. 41
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transparent bubble employed with the display device of the invention; and
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the magnetic means for securing visual material with the display device of the invention.
The concepts of this invention reside in a display de vice formed of a back panel mounted in a support, with the visual material for display adapted to lie flat in face to face contact with the panel. The visual material is maintained in position by means of strips of rubberized magnetic material magnetically attracted to the back panel whereby the visual material is sandwiched between the back panel and the magnetic material. The assembly of the back panel, the magnetic material and the visual material is protected from the elements by a transparent bubble member or casing which surrounds the back panel with the visual material mounted thereon.
Referring now to the drawings for a more detailed description of the invention, there is shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 a display device embodying the features of the invention. The display device includes a vertically disposed upstanding back panel 10 in the form ofa substantially flat plate member having any desired configuration; in the embodiment illustrated, the configuration of the back panel 10 is generally rectangular having an areuate upper edge, although it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the configuration of the back panel 10 may be square, triangular, polygonal or the like.
The back panel 10 is mounted on a support 12, preferably in the form of a hollow tubular support which in turn can be, if desired, mounted on a base plate 14 for mounting on a generally horizontal surface. The lower edge of the back panel 10 is formed with a flange member 16 extending across the entire width of the back panel 10 and projecting away from the face thereof to define a ledge.
The back panel 10 is mounted on the support 12 but is spaced therefrom. As is perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the back panel 10 is mounted on the support 12 by means of bolt means 18 and spacing means 19 to define a slot between the support 12 and the rear face of the back panel 10. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, use can be made of other means, such as a spotweld for example, to fix the back panel to the support means in a spaced relation. The spring means can simply be a flat plate or a washer secured between the support 12 and the rear face ofthe back panel 10.
As is also illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the visual material for display 20, which is in the form of substantially flat sheet stock having printed matter on one face thereof, is placed in surface contact with the forward face of the back panel 10 opposite the support 12, with the printed matter opposite the back panel I0. The visual material 20 is secured in position on the back panel 10 preferably by magnetic holding means 22, positoned along one or more sides about the periphery of the visual material 20. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic holding means 22 are in the form of strips of rubberized magnets which are commercially available. Thus, the magnetic strips 22 serve to clamp the visual material 20 to the back panel 10 which is consequently formed of a magnetic material such as steel.
To protect the assembly ofthe back panel 10 with visual material 20 clamped onto the face thereof by the strips 22, the display device of the invention is provided with a transparent bubble member 24 which is adapted to enclose the back panel 10 with the printed material 20 mounted thereon. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the bubble member 24 can be formed of any of a variety of transparent materials, including glass as well as high impact, transparent plastics.
The bubble member, which serves to protect the visual material 20 from the elements is dimensioned to correspond to the back panel 10 whereby the bubble member can simply be slid down over the back panel 10 with the visual or printed material thereon to enclose the back panel. For this purpose, the bubble member 24 is provided with a slot 28 in the rear face 26; the slot 28 is dimensionedto receive the spacing member 19 which has a width less than the width of the support 12 to form a seal about the spacing member. In position on the display device, the leading edge of the slot rests upon the spacing member to thereby at least in part support the bubble member 24 on the display device. To secure the bubble member 24 in position, the display device is preferably provided with locking means 32, which can conveniently be in the form of a bolt member which extends through the support above the uppermost spacing member and into a threaded opening 34 or the like.
Once the bubble member is secured in position, the bubble member, which is open only along the bottom edge. serves to protect the visual material from the elements. The bottom opening of the bubble is substantially closed by means of the flange 16 which is preferably dimensioned to correspond to size of the bottom opening in the bubble member.
It will be understood that various changes and modifications can be made in the details of construction and use without departing from the spirit of the invention. especially as defined in the following claims.
I claim:
1. A display device for printed material in sheet form comprising upstanding support means, a back panel mounted on but spaced from the support means to define a space therebetween spacing means in said space having a width less than the width of the support means adapted to support the back panel on the support means in a spaced relation, said back panel being adapted to receive a sheet of printed material in surface contact therewith, at least one magnetized bar adapted to engage the printed material to secure the printed material thereto, and a continuous transparent bubble member open along its bottom encasing the back panel, the printed material and the bar to protect the printed material from the elements. said bubble member including a vertical slot therein. said slot being adapted to receive the spacing means with the leading edge of the slot resting on the spacing means.
2. A display device according to claim 1 which includes locking means to secure the bubble member on the back panel. |
US-3874104-A | Cartridge casing extraction mechanism for revolvers | United States Patent 1 Sibley 1 CARTRIDGE CASING EXTRACTION MECHANISM FOR REVOLVERS Harold E. Sibley, West Springfield, Mass.
[731 Assignee: Bangor Punta Operations, lnc.,
Greenwich, Conn.
[22] Filed: Nov. 8, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 414,607
[75] Inventor:
Primary ExaminerBenjamin A. Borchelt Assistant E.\'aminerC. T. Jordan Allornev, Agent, or Firm-Patrick J. Walsh [57] ABSTRACT Disclosed is a revolver including a frame having an opening and a barrel. A yoke pivotally carried by the frame, in turn, pivotally carries a cylinder for movement therewith between positions within the frame opening and to one side of the frame. The cylinder Apr. 1, 1975 carries an extractor biased forwardly by a spring for retention adjacent the rear face of the cylinder. The cylinder also carries a centerpin biased rearwardly by a spring to provide a locking projection at its rear end for engagement in an aperture in the breech face of the revolver frame. The forward end of the centerpin carries a cylinder extractor thumbpiece and an extractor rod, connected to the extractor, encompasses the centerpin forwardly on the cylinder. When the cylinder lies within the frame opening, the extractor rod lies within a channel formed on the side of the barrel. The forward end face of the channel is undercut to provide a recess. The rear face of the extractor thumbpiece is counterbored and the thumbpiece is releasably locked within said recess. To release the cylinder and operate the extractor, the centerpin is axially displaced in a forward direction by a thumbpiece on the side of the frame to release the rear locking projection of the centerpin and the extractor thumbpiece from the barrel enabling the cylinder to swing out from the frame opening. Movement of the extractor thumbpiece rearwardly displaces the extractor from the cylinder and extracts cartridges from the chambers of the cylinder. When the cylinder is moved into the frame opening after loading and into its firing position, the centerpin is cammed forwardly to align the extractor thumbpiece with the end face of the channel and the rear locking projection with the locking aperture in the frame whereupon the centerpin is displaced rearwardly by its spring to lock the centerpin at both its front and rear ends.
10 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures @ATENTEB APR 1 i975 SHEET 2 0? 3 FJJENTEDAFR News 3 874 104 sumanrs CARTRIDGE CASING EXTRACTION MECHANISM FOR REVOLVERS The present invention relates to firearms in general and particularly relates to a revolver having a double locking extractor for removing cartridge casings from the chambers of its cylinder.
Most standard revolvers are provided with an extractor for removing cartidge casings from the cylinder chambers and from the rear end of the cylinder. On revolvers having a barrel length no greater than 2 /zinches, design features of the extractor mechanism restrict extractor travel and prevent full extraction of the cartridge casings. More particularly, standard front locking systems for the extractor inhibit movement of the extractor distances sufficient to fully extract the cartridge casings from the cylinder chambers in short barrel revolvers of this type. Thus, there is a problem in providing an extractor for a short barrel revolver which has the capability of fully extracting the cartridge casings while also locking the cylinder centerpin both at its front and rear ends when the cylinder is closed into the frame for firing.
The present invention solves this and other problems associated with the extraction of cartridge casings from short barrel revolvers and provides a novel and improved short barrel revolver having a double locking extractor which obtains various advantages in construction, mode of operation and use in comparison with prior revolvers of this type. Particularly, the present invention provides a revolver having a frame carrying a barrel and an opening within said frame for receiving the cylinder. The cylinder is pivotally mounted on a yoke which in turn is pivotally carried by the frame whereby the cylinder is movable between a firing position within the frame opening and a loading and cartridge casing extraction position to one side of the revolver frame. The cylinder carries a centerpin which is spring biased rearwardly to provide a locking projection through the rear face of the cylinder. This projection cooperates with an aperture in the breech face of the frame when the cylinder lies in its firing position in the frame opening to releasably lock the rear end of the cylinder to the revolver frame. Concentric with the centerpin is an extractor which is spring biased in a forward direction to normally lie about the rear face of the cylinder and underlie the rims of the cartridge casings. The forward end of the cylinder centerpin extends through the yoke and carries an extractor thumbpiece adjacent the front end of the barrel. Also encompassing the cylinder centerpin forwardly of the cylinder is an extractor rod connected to the extractor. Along the side of the barrel there is provided an extractor rod channel which opens to one side of the barrel. The extractor rod and the centerpin encompassed thereby lie in the channel when the cylinder lies in its firing position. The forward end of the extractor rod channel is provided with a generally circular locking groove which is recessed axially from the forward end face of the revolver barrel. The extractor thumbpiece is counterbored along its rear face to define a circular flange receivable within the generally semicircular recess formed in the forward face of the barrel defining the extractor rod channel.
When the cylinder lies in the firing position and it is desired to extract cartidge casings from the cylinder chambers, a thumpiece carried on one side of the frame is moved forwardly to displace the cylinder centerpin axially forwardly against the bias of its spring. Forward displacement of the centerpin removes the rear centerpin locking projection from the aperture in the revolver frame and also carries the extractor thumbpiece forwardly to displace the flange on the rear face of the extractor thumbpiece from the locking recess in the forward face of the extractor rod channel. The cylinder and yoke are thus free to swing from the frame opening to one side of the frame. When the centerpin has cleared the rear breech surface of the frame, the centerpin and extractor thumbpiece carried thereby are displaced axially and return to their normal rearward position under the action of the centerpin spring. The extractor thumbpiece is then moved rearwardly causing the extractor to be displaced axially rearwardly against its spring bias to remove the cartridge casings from the cylinder. Release of the extractor thumbpiece permits the centerpin and extractor rod carried thereby to return to their normal positions.
Upon closing the cylinder into the frame for return to the firing position, the centerpin is cammed forwardly by a lead surface in the breech of the frame and maintained in its forward position until the cylinder is centrally aligned within the frame opening and the rear locking end of the centerpin lies in alignment with the locking aperture. Upon camming the centerpin forwardly, the extractor thumbpiece is moved axially forwardly beyond the end face of the extractor rod channel such that the circular flange lies in axial alignment with the generally semicircular recess in the end face of the extractor rod channel. When the cylinder is centrally aligned, the centerpin is spring biased rearwardly to lock within the aperture in the frame. The centerpin also carries the extractor thumbpiece rearwardly whereby the circular flange locks within the recess in the extractor rod channel. In this manner, the centerpin is locked to the revolver frame at its opposite ends. By utilizing a forward locking mechanism of the foregoing described type, a range of extractor displacement is provided sufficient to fully extract the cartridge casings from the cylinder in a revolver of the type having less than a 2 /2 inch barrel. It will be appreciated that the extractor thumbpiece lies substantially flush with the end of the revolver barrel when the revolver is ready for firing.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved extractor mechanism for a revolver.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved extractor mechanism for a revolver of the type having a short barrel, for example, 2 /2 inches, wherein the extractor has the capacity to completely remove cartridge casings from the chambers of the revolver cylinder.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved extractor mechanism for a revolver having the foregoing characteristics and wherein the cylinder centerpin is locked both front and rear to the revolver frame when the cylinder is closed into firing position in the frame.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved extractor mechanism in a short barrel revolver for fully and completely removing the cartridge casings whereby the need to shake the revolver or turn it on end to remove the cartridge casings is completely eliminated.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved extractor mechanism for short barrel revolvers providing a forward locking mechanism for the extractor rod and cylinder centerpin which is reliable in operation, simple in construction and can be inexpensively manufactured These and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the following specification, appended claims and drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a revolver particlarly illustrating an extractor mechanism constructed according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the cylinder centerpin in position enabling the cylinder to swing to one side of the frame;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the forward end of the revolver barrel illustrating a portion of the locking mechanism for the cylinder centerpin and extractor rod;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the extractor thumbpiece illustrated in a position locked to the revolver barrel;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 and illustrates an alternate form thereof;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the revolver illustrating the cylinder in a cartridge casing extraction position swung to one side of the revolver frame;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cylinder and extractor mechanism illustrating the extractor as it fully removes the cartridge casings from the chambers of the cylinder; and
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 and illustrates the extractor mechanism fully extended with the cartridge casings removed and falling from the chambers of the cylinder.
Referring now to the drawings, particularly to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a revolver 10 constructed generally in accordance with the present invention and comprised of a revolver frame 12 having a barrel l4 and an opening 16 within the frame for receiving a cylinder 18. As is conventional, cylinder 18 carries a plurality of circumferentially spaced chambers 20 for receiving cartridges, the casings 22 of spent cartridges being illustrated in FIG. I. It will also be appreciated that the revolver carries a standard firing mechanism whereby actuation of trigger 24 rotates cyliner 18 to sequentially align the cartridges with barrel 14 and a firing pin for firing the same. Since the firing mechanism per se forms no part of the present invention, further description thereof is believed unnecessary.
Cylinder 18 is carried by frame 12 on a yoke 26 for swinging movement between a firing position within frame opening 16 as illustrated in FIG. 1, and a cartidge casing extraction and cartridge loading position to one side of the frame for example as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8. More particularly, the lower end 28 of yoke 26 is pivotally carried by the frame and yoke 26 pivotally carries the cylinder 18 on bearing 30.
An extractor mechanism generally designated 32 is carried by the cylinder and includes an extractor 34 comprised of an axially bored stem 36 terminating at its rear end in a generally six pointed star-shaped extractor head 38. Head 38 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced arcuate surfaces 40 conforming to the arcuate shape of the cartidge cassing with each surface 40 surrounding a portion of the cartridge casing when the latter is received in an associated chamber 20. The rear face of the cylinder is recessed along a circle which extends substantially through the center of the cylinder chambers 20 such that, when the extractor head 34 lies in the position illustrated in FIG. 1, the rims 42 of the cartridge casings overlie part of the rear face of the extractor head 34. A plurality of lugs 46 are circumferentiallly spaced about head 34 and project rearwardly for cooperation with a portion of the firing mechanism, not shown, for rotating the cylinder when the latter lies in the firing position.
The central portion of cylinder 18 is bored as at 48 to provide an axially extending opening which is reduced in diameter at 50. The stem 36 of extractor mechanism 32 lies within opening 48 and is splined to the cylinder along opening 50. The forward end of stem 36 is internally threaded for threaded engagement with the rear end of an extractor rod 52. Also carried adjacent the forward end of stem 36 is a collar 54 having a flange 56. A helical spring 58 is received within opening 48 about stem 36. Opposite ends of spring 58 respectively bear against flange 56 and a shoulder 60 forming a part of the rear end of cylinder 18. Spring 58 thus biases extractor mechanism 32 including the extractor rod 52 for axial forward movement for retention in the position illustrated in FIG. 1. Stem 36 is counterbored to receive the cylinder centerpin 62, the counterbore defining a shoulder 68. The cylinder centerpin 62 includes a radially outwardly projecting flange 64. A helical spring 66 having opposite ends engaging the rear end of extractor rod 52 and flange 64, respectively, biases centerpin 62 for axial rearward movement into the position illustrated in FIG. 1 with flange 64 butting shoulder 68. With flange 64 in abutment against shoulder 68, the rear end 70 of centerpin 62 projects within an aperture 72 formed through the breech surface of the revolver frame. Centerpin end 70 thus locks the rear end of the centerpin within frame opening 16 in the firing position of the revolver.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the forward end of the revolver barrel 14 is provided with a channel 74 opening to the same side of frame 12 as the cylinder when located in its loading or extraction position. Channel 74 receives the forward portions of extractor rod 52 and centerpin 62 when cylinder 16 lies in the firing position illustrated in FIG. 1. To lock the forward portions of the centerpin 62 and extractor rod 52 to barrel 14, the end of channel 74 below the barrel is counterbored to form a recess 76 also opening to the one side of the barrel. The forward or end face of the barrel defining the extractor rod channel 74 is thus inset from the end of barrel l4 and is also counterbored to form a generally semicircular or semi-annular recess 78. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, generally cylindrical extractor thumbpiece is screw-threaded on the forward end of centerpin 62. The rear face of thumbpiece 80 is counterbored to provide a rearwardly opening annular recess defining an outer annular flange 82 for reception in generally semi-circular recess 78 at the forward end face of the extractor channel.
Referring now to FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the cylinder is maintained within the frame opening 16 and the centerpin 62 is locked to the revolver frame and barrel at both its forward and rear ends. That is, the rear end 70 of pin 62 extends within aperture 72 while the annular flange 82 of extractor thumbpiece 80 is received within recess 78 to lock the forward end of centerpin 62 and extractor rod 52 to the revolver barrel and against swinging movement therefrom. To unlock the cylinder from the revolver frame and permit swinging movement thereof on yoke 26 to one side of the frame, for example to the position illustrated in FIG. 6, a thumbpiece 87 carried by the revolver frame 12 rearwardly of cylinder 18 is coupled to a stub pin 86 also received in aperture 72. Thumbpiece 87 and pin 86 are spring biased, by means not shown, forwardly by a spring of insufficient force to overcome the bias of spring 66 urging centerpin 62 rearwardly into aperture 72. Thus, upon forward movement of thumbpiece 87, centerpin 62 is displaced axially forwardly such that its rear end 70 is displaced from aperture 72. Axial displacement of centerpin 62 also displaces the annular flange 82 of extractor thumbpiece 80 forwardly beyond the end face of the extractor channel. Forward movement of the centerpin 62 in this manner thus releases the cylinder and yoke for swinging movement to one side of the frame.
When the cylinder and yoke have swung to the extent that the centerpin is clear of the rear breech surface of the frame, the centerpin and extractor thumbpiece 80 are returned by spring 66 to their normal rearward position with flange 64 butting shoulder 68 of the extractor stem 36. When the cylinder has swung completely to one side of the frame, the extractor thumbpiece 80 is grasped and the centerpin 62 and extractor rod 52 moved rearwardly toward cylinder 18. This rearward movement extends extractor head 34 axially rearwardly from cylinder 18 as illustrated in FIG. 7 thereby to remove the cartridge casings from the chambers of the cylinder. Upon complete removal of the cartridge casings and release of extractor thumbpiece 80, spring 58 returns the extractor mechanism including head 34, stem 36, extractor rod 52 and centerpin 62 to their normal position.
After reloading, the cylinder is swung toward the frame opening 16. The rear end 70 of centerpin 62, upon such swinging movement, is cammed forwardly by the lead surface 90 in the breech of the frame. This camming action maintains the rear end 70 of centerpin 62 engaged along the rear breech surface and also maintains extractor thumbpiece 80 axially forwardly of the front end surface of the extractor channel. When the cylinder is swung completely into the firing position, spring 66 displaces centerpin 62 rearwardly such that its rear end 70 engages within aperture 72, which in turn. displaces stub pin 86 rearwardly against the bias of the spring, not shown, acting on thumbpiece 87. Simultaneously with the movement of centerpin 62 rearwardly, the flange 82 of extractor thumbpiece 80 engages within recess 78 to lock the forward end portions of centerpin 62 and extractor rod 52 within channel 74.
Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an alternate form of forward locking mechanism for the extractor rod and centerpin. In this form, the interior edge 94 of channel 78a formed on the forward end face of the extractor rod channel is tapered to receive a similarly tapered flange 82a counterbored on the rear face of the extractor thumbpiece 80. These tapered surfaces align the extractor thumbpiece 80 and consequently the centerpin 62 and extractor rod 52 in exact axial alignment with the locking aperture through the rear breech surface.
It will thus be appreciated from the foregoing description that the extractor rod can be displaced substantially the full length of the revolver barrel when the cylinder is swung to one side of the frame thereby providing for full and complete extraction of the cartridge casings from the chambers of the cylinder and eliminating the need to shake the revolver or turn it on end to completely extract the casings. simultaneously, it will be appreciated that, with this full extraction, the cylinder centerpin is effectively locked at both its front and rear ends when the cylinder is closed into the frame for firing.
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore to be embaraced therein. embraced What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:
1. A revolver comprising; a frame having an opening and a barrel, a yoke pivotally carried by said frame, a cylinder pivotally carried by said yoke and pivotal with said yoke between a firing position locating said cylinder within said frame opening and a cartridge casing extraction and loading position to one side of said frame, a centerpin carried by said cylinder and mounted for axial sliding movement between first and second positions, means biasing said centerpin for axial movement into said first position, means carried by said frame for locking a rear end portion of said centerpin to said frame when said cylinder lies in said firing position and said centerpin lies in said first position and for releasing the rear end portion of said centerpin from said frame when said centerpin is axially displaced from said first position into said second position, a cartridge casing extractor carried by said cylinder for axial movement in a direction generally parallel to the rotational axis of said cylinder, an extractor thumbpiece carried by a forward end portion of said centerpin, said thumbpiece being recessed along its rear face to define an arcuate rearwardly projecting flange, a channel mounted below said barrel, said channel having an arcuate recess substantially surrounding a foward end portion of said channel for receiving the thumbpiece flange and for locking said thumbpiece to said barrel and for releasing the forward end portion from said barrel when said centerpin is axially displaced from said first position into said second position, said centerpin in said second position thereof unlocking said cylinder from said frame and enabling said cylinder to swing from said frame opening to said one frame side, and means coupling said extractor thumbpiece and said extractor to enable displacement of said extractor axially away from said cylinder when said cylinder is located on said one frame side for complete extraction of cartridge casings from said cylinder.
2. A revolver according to claim 1 wherein said revolver has a barrel length of about two and one-half inches, said coupling means enabling displacement of said extractor a distance from said cylinder sufficient to fully extract the cartridge casings from said cylinder.
3. A revolver according to claim 1 wherein the latter locking means includes means responsive to axial movement of said centerpin from said second position to said first position for locking said thumbpiece to said barrel.
4. A revolver according to claim 3 wherein said centerpin normally lies in said first position when said cylinder lies to said one frame side, means carried by said revolver for axially displacing said centerpin from said first position to said second position in response to swinging movement of said cylinder from said one frame side toward said firing position.
5. A revolver according to claim 1 wherein the latter locking means includes an axially forwardly opening recess and an abutment formed on said barrel, and means responsive to axial movement of said centerpin from said second position to said first position for locating at least a portion of said thumbpiece in said recess and in lateral alignment with said abutment to preclude swinging movement of said centerpin and said cylinder from the cylinder firing position toward said one frame side.
6. A revolver according to claim 1 wherein said centerpin is carried by said cylinder for axial sliding movement relative to said extractor for movements thereof between said first and second positions and for joint axial movement with said extractor relative to said cylinder.
7. A revolver according to claim 6 wherein said extractor includes a stem having a central passage for receiving said centerpin and an internal shoulder within said passage, a flange carried by said centerpin for engagement with said shoulder when said centerpin lies in said first position, said cylinder having a central bore receiving said stem and said centerpin, a spring engageable between said cylinder and said stem for biasing said extractor for movement in a forward direction, said stem and said centerpin being jointly movable rearwardly relative to said cylinder against the bias of said spring.
8. A revolver according to claim 7 including an extractor rod having an axial passage therethrough for receiving said centerpin, said centerpin being axially movable relative to said extractor rod during movement of said centerpin betweeen said first and second position, said extractor rod being secured to said stem for joint movement with said extractor.
9. A revolver comprising; a frame having an opening and a barrel, a yoke pivotally carried by said frame, a cylinder pivotally carried by said yoke and pivotal with said yoke between a firing position locating said cylinder within said frame opening and a cartridge casing extraction and loading position to one side of said frame, a centerpin carried by said cylinder and mounted for axial sliding movement between first and second positions, means biasing said centerpin for axial movement into said first position, means carried by said frame for locking a rear end portion of said centerpin to said frame when said cylinder lies in said firing position and said centerpin lies in said first position and for releasing the rear end portion of said centerpin from said frame when said centerpin is axially displaced from said first position into said second position, a cartridge casing extractor carried by said cylinder for axial movement in a direction generally parallel to the rotational axis of said cylinder, said frame having a channel below the barrel opening laterally to said one frame side, the forward end face of the portion of said channel having an arcuate recess substantially surrounding a forward end portion of said channel, an extractor thumbpiece carried by a forward end portion of said centerpin, said thumpiece being recessed along its rear face to define an arcuate axially rearwardly projecting flange for reception in said recess for locking said thumbpiece to said channel and for releasing the forward end portion from said barrel when said centerpin is axially displaced from said first position into said second position, said centerpin in said second position thereof unlocking said cylinder from said frame and enabling said cylinder to swing from said frame opening to said one frame side, said centerpin normally lying in said first position when said cylinder lies to said one frame side, means carried by said revolver for axially displacing said centerpin from said first position toward said secend position in response to swinging movement of said cylinder toward said firing position to locate said flange forwardly of said end face, said centerpin biasing means displacing said centerpin from said second position to said first position when said cylinder swings into said firing position with said centerpin lying in said channel to engage said flange in said recess thereby to lock said thumbpiece to said barrel and means coupling said extractor thumbpiece and said extractor to enable displacement of said extractor axially away from said cylinder when said cylinder is located on said one frame side for complete extraction of cartridge casings from said cylinder.
10. A revolver comprising; a frame having an opening and a barrel, a yoke pivotally carried by said frame, a cylinder pivotally carried by said yoke and pivotal with said yoke between a firing position locating said cylinder within said frame opening and a cartridge casing extraction and loading position to one side of said frame, a centerpin carried by said cylinder and mounted for axial sliding movement between first and second positions, means biasing said centerpin for axial movement into said first position, means carried by said frame for locking a rear end portion of said centerpin to said frame when said cylinder lies in said firing position and said centerpin lies in said first position and for releasing the rear end portion of said centerpin from said frame when said centerpin is axially displaced from said first position into said second position, a cartridge casing extractor carried by said cylinder for axial movement in a direction generally parallel to the rotational axis of said cylinder, said barrel having a channel laterally to said one frame side, the forward end face of the portion of said channel having an arcuate recess substantially surrounding a forward end portion of said channel, an extractor thumbpiece carried by a forward end portion of said centerpin, said thumbpiece being recessed along its rear face to define an arcuate axially rearwardly projecting flange for reception in said recess for locking said thumbpiece to said barrel and for releasing the forward end portion from said barrel when said centerpin is axially displaced from said first position into said second position, said centerpin in said second position thereof unlocking said cylinder from said frame and enabling said cylinder to swing from said frame opening to said one frame side, the first mentioned locking means including means for displacing said centerpin from said first position to said second position when said cylinder lies in said firing position to locate said flange forwardly of said end face thereby enabling lateral swinging movement of said thumbpiece from said barrel and means coupling said extractor thumbpiece and said extractor to enable displacement of said extractor axially away from said cylinder when said cylinder is located on said one frame side for complete extraction of cartridge casings from said cylinder. |
US-3874105-A | Automatic fish-hooking device | United States Patent 1191 Andree et al.
1451 Apr. 1, 1975 AUTOMATIC FISH-BOOKING DEVICE 21 Appl. 110.; 384,112
Skorr 43/15 3,284,943 11/1966 Wedel 43/15 Primary E.\'aminer -Warner l-L. Camp Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Irwin P. Garfinkle [57] ABSTRACT An automatic fish-hooking device including a base that is adjustably secured to a horizontal or vertical surface. A frame pivoted to the base supports a fishing rod between an integral forked end and a V-channel element extending from the frame. A quick release hook on the frame positively holds the fishing rod until it is released. A spring urges the frame away from the base and an adjustable latch holds the base and frame in a cocked position. When a fish takes the bait on the line the latch is disengaged and the spring snaps the frame to a released position to hook the fish.
8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures QEJENTEU APR 1 75 SHEET 1 [If 2 PATENTEU APR 1 9 sumz 0F 2 AUTOMATIC FISI-I-HOOKING DEVICE The present invention relates to fishing rod holders and more particularly to the type in which a rod is automatically raised in response to a fish taking the bait on the line.
There have been many attempts to provide fishing rod holders of the automatic type that swing a rod to an up position to snag a fish on a hook. Generally speaking, this type of fishing rod holder comprises a pair of elements pivoted to one another and urged apart by a spring or other device. A latch on one connects with the other to hold them in a cocked position. When an increase in line tension is sensed, either through the line directly or through the rod, the latch releases and the spring snaps the elements apart to snag a fish. Typical examples of this type of device may be found in the US. Pat. to Wcdcl, No. 3,284,943, Pack, No. 3,293,789, and McDonnell, No. 3,660,921.
There are two common difficulties with all of these prior art devices. The first is that the prior art devices do not have a quick release mechanism that permits the rod to be positively held until the device is released and then easily and quickly removed. Some of these devices hold the rod by spring clips which do not positively hold the rod in place. When it is necessary to remove the rod a significant force must be exerted to free the rod from the spring clips, thus delaying the point at which a fisherman can quickly reel in or play a fish. Other devices simply hold a rod in the end of a tube. This provides quick removal but lacks a positive support for the cocked position.
Another problem is that the prior art devices do not have sufficient adjustability to permit the selection of a different line tension to trigger the device.
These ends are achieved in one aspect of the present invention by a fishing rod holder comprising a rodholding frame pivotally mounted to the base and urged apart to a released position. An adjustable latch holds the elements in a cocked position and is responsive to a predetermined force on the rod to be released and permit the frame to be snapped to the released position. Spaced forked supports on the frame receive a rod. A means intermediate the supports releasably holds the rod in place.
The above and other related features of the present invention will be apparent from a reading of the following description of the disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings and the novelty thereof pointed out in the appended claims.
In the drawings:
FIG. I is an elevational view of a fishing rod holder embodying the present invention, shown in a cocked position;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. I taken on line 2-2 of FIG. I;
FIG. 3 is another eross-sectiomtl view of the holder of FIG. I taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 2: and
FIG. 5 is an clevational view of the fishing rod holder of FIG. I. shown In a released position.
FIG. I shows an automatic fish-hooking device com prising a cast pedestal with an integral step II and base element 12. A vertical bore 13 in the bottom of pedestal III is received over a rod 14 secured to one leg l6 of an L-shaped plate 18. A cup with notches 2 surrounds rod 14. An arm 24, pivotally secured to pedestal 10, is received in any one of the notches 22 to preposition the pedestal l0 relative to the plate 18. The plate 18 has a second leg 26 at a right angle to leg 16 with a similar rod 28 surrounded by cup 30 having a plurality of notches 32. An L-shaped plate 34 is slidable in a slot 36 at the junction of legs 16 and 26 of plate 18. The leg 16 of plate 18 has a tab 42 that is received in one of a plurality of slots 38 in IL-shaped element 34 to position it relative to leg 16. L-shaped plate 34 has a shaft 44 threadedly engaging it. Shaft 44 has a swivel cap 46 at one end for clamping to the side of a boat, pier, dock, or bridge, or other fixed object, between cap 46 and leg 26. A handle 48 is secured to the opposite end of shaft 44.
A cast rod support frame element 52 is pivotally connected at one end to base 12 by a shaft 54. Frame 52 has a bore 56 at one end which receives a cap 60 of a guide rod 58. Guide rod 58 extends through a bore 62 and a cylindrical recess 64 in the step 11. A resilient sleeve, or shock absorber, 68 is receivedover the lower end of guide rod 58 and is held in place by a nut 66. Frame 52 has a V-shaped recess 70 which receives a V-shaped channel element 72.
A spring 59 surrounding guide rod 58 urges the frame 52 away from the base 12 and the two are held in the cocked position of FIG. 1 by a latch 74, shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 4. Latch 74 is pivotally mounted over a shaft 84 which is received in opposite walls of a recess 86 in frame 52. A torsion spring 88 is wrapped around shaft 84 and has a first end 90 acting on latch 74 and a second end 92 acting on frame 52. This urges a hooked end 76 of latch 74 away from one of a pair of recesses 78 or on the bottom face 80 of base 12. As explained later, there is sufficient friction between the hooked end 76 of latch 74 and the recesses 78 or sur face 80 caused by spring 59 to prevent spring 88 from swinging latch 74 out of engagement with base 12.
The latch 74 has a tab '94 extending from its upper end. When the latch 74 is in the position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the tab 94 is free to swing through the recess 86. When latch 74 is moved axially along shaft 84 the tab 94 abuts a shoulder 9'6 which prevents downward movement, thus locking latch 74 in place.
The cast frame element 52 has an integral forked end which forms a fork support for a rod illustrated in phantom as R. The end of the V-channel element 72 forms a second spaced forked support 102 for the rod R (see FIG. 5). A quick-release hook mechanism, par.- ticularly shown in FIG. 3, is positioned intermediate supports 102 and 100. The quick-release hook device comprises a post 106 integral with and extending upward from frame 52. A hook element 108 is pivotally secured to the upper end of post 106 through a shaft 110. A link I12 is pivotally secured to frame 52 at a connection 114. An operator-manipulated plate 116 is pivotally connected to an end N8 of the hook 108 and to the link 112 at 120. The operator-manipulated plate is displaceable from the illustrated position wherein it is substantiallly vertical to a released position shown in phantom where it permits the hook 108 to swing away from the rod R. As later described, the distance between the connection I20 and 114, plus the distance between and 118, is greater than the distance between the connection 114 and 118 for the hook I08 to be in its holding position of FIG. 3 so that an over center action results.
In operation the fishing rod holder is clamped to the side of a boat B, as illustrated in FIG. 1. It may also be connected to a seat or other member by clamping frame 18 to a horizontal surface so that post 28 is vertical and then placing the pedestal 10 over post 28. Whichever mounting position is selected, the arm 24 is dropped into the appropriate notch 22 or 32 to maintain a desired orientation of the rod holder relative to the boat. Alternatively, the arm 24 may be positioned out of the notch to permit the pedestal to swivel and take into account boat, fish or current movements. Frame 52 is then pushed toward base 12 against the action spring 59 and latch 74 is placed in one of the two recesses 78 or the bottom surface 80 of the base 12, depending upon the particular tension desired. The lower the notch the more tension on the line or rod is required to release the latch and set a hook firmly in the jaw of a fish.
With the frame 52 in the cocked position a line is sent out and the fishing rod simply placed on the forked supports 100, 102. Plate 116 is swung to its position illustrated in FIG. 3 where it releasably holds rod R in place.
When a fish bites, the line tension on the rod R tends to pull support 102 in a direction urging frame 52 and base 12 toward one another. When this is done the hooked end of latch 74 is pushed free of the recesses 78 or 80 by spring 88 and the spring 59 pushes on frame 52 to snap it away from the base 12. The resilient sleeve 68, or shock absorber, cushions the upward movement of frame 52. This action hooks the fish and the rod is removed from the holder by swinging operator-manipulated lever 116 upward to the phantom position of FIG. 3 to swing the hook 108 away from the rod. The rod is simply removed by pulling it out of the forked supports I00, 102. This greatly simplifies the process of removing the rod from the holder so that a fish may be quickly retrieved before it has a chance to free itself from the hook.
The above latch mechanism enables a rapid and accurate preselcction of the line tension required to trigger the mechanism. Alternatively, the latch 74 may be placed in its locked position over the shoulder 96 if an operator wishes to use the rod for trolling. This prevents the holder from releasing because of variations in tension on the line as it is pulled through the water.
While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it may be practiced in other forms without departing from its spirit and scope.
Having thus described the invention what is claimed as novel and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:
I. An automatic fish-hooking device comprising:
first and second elements pivotally secured to one another and being pivotal between a cocked position closely adjacent to one another and a released position where they are pivoted away from one another, said first element forming a base and having a pair of spaced forked supports for resting a fishing rod;
means on said second element intermediate said forked supports for releasably urging said fishing rod in place against both forked supports;
a guide rod mounted on one of said elements and extending through a bore in the other element;
an element urging means comprising a compression spring surrounding said guide rod and acting against said first and second elements for yicldably urging said elementstoward said released position;
a latch pivotally mounted on one of said elements, the other of said elements having at least one recess receiving said latch to hold said elements in the cocked position, said latch being positioned between said pivotal mounting of said elements and said guide rod;
means for yieldably urging said latch out of said recess, the friction between said latch and said recess being sufficient when said elements are in said cocked position to prevent said latch-urging means from displacing the latch out of said recess except when said elements are pivoted toward one another from said cocked position; and
means on said guide rod for limiting displacement of said elements away from one another.
2. An automatic fish-hooking device comprising:
first and second elements pivotally secured to one another and being pivotal between a cocked position closely adjacent to one another and a released position where they are pivoted away from one another, said first element forming a base and having a pair of spaced forked supports for resting a fishing rod;
means on said second element intermediate said forked supports for releasably urging said fishing rod in place against both forked supports;
a guide rod mounted on one of said elements and extending through a bore in the other element;
an element urging means comprising a compression spring surrounding said guide rod and acting against said first and second elements for yieldably urging said elements toward said released position;
a latch pivotally mounted on one of said elements,
the other of said elements having a plurality of recesses for receiving said latch to hold said elements in the cocked position, said plurality of recesses permitting a variation in said cocked position, thereby varying the force necessary to release said elements, said latch being positioned between said pivotal mounting of said elements and said guide rod; and
means for yieldably urging said latch out of said recess, the friction between said latch and said recess being sufficient when said elements are in said cocked position to prevent said latch-urging means from displacing the latch out of said recess except when said elements are pivoted toward one another from said cocked position, said latch-urging means comprising a torsion spring acting about the pivotal mount of said latch for pivoting it out of said recess.
3. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein:
said latch further comprises a tab extending radially with respect to the pivotal mounting thereof;
the element on which said latch is mounted has a recess permitting pivoting of said latch out of the recess on the other of said elements and a shoulder adjacent said recess for preventing movement of said tab in a direction permitting said latch to pivot out of said recess, said latch being slidable axially relative to its pivotal mounting so that said tab abuts said shoulder and locks said latch in said recess.
4. An automatic fish-hooking device comprising:
first and second elements pivotally secured to one another and pivotal between a cocked position closely adjacent one another and a released position where they are pivoted away from one another, said first element forming a base and the second having a pair of spaced forked supports for resting a fishing rod;
means on said second element intermediate said forked supports for releasably urging said fishing rod in place against both forked supports;
means for yieldably urging said elements toward said released position;
a latch pivotally mounted one one of said elements, the other of said elements having at least one recess receiving said latch to hold said elements in the cocked position, said second element further comprising a post extending at least to a line drawn between the forked mounting points; and
said releasable urging means comprising:
a hook element pivotally mounted to said post and having a first hooked end adapted to be placed over a fishing pole and a second end extending beyond said pivotal mounting point;
an operator-manipulated plate pivotally mounted to said second element adjacent said post;
a link pivotally mounted to the second end of said hook element and to said operator-manipulated plate, the length between the pivotal mounting points of said link and between the pivotal mounting points of said plate being greater than the distance between the pivotal mounting point on said other element and said second end for the position in which the hook element holds the pole in place, thereby releasably holding said hook element through an over-center system.
5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein one of said forked supports comprises an elongated V-channel element extending from said second element in a direction in which the longitudinal axis of said channel element defines an acute angle with respect to said fishing pole.
6. Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said second element comprises:
a cast element pivotally mounted to said one element, a guide shaft for said yieldably urging means being mounted to said cast element at a point spaced from said pivotal mounting and said channel element extending from said cast element adjacent said guide shaft; and
the other of said forked supports being integral and extending from said cast element adjacent said pivotal mounting.
7. An automatic fish-hooking device comprising:
first and second elements pivotally secured to one another and pivotal between a cocked position closely adjacent one another and a released position where they are pivoted away from one another, said first element forming a base and the second having a pair of spaced forked supports for resting at fishing rod:
means on said second element intermediate said forked supports for releasably urging said fishing rod in place against both forked supports;
means for yieldably urging said elements toward said released position;
a latch pivotally mounted on one of said elements, the other of said elements having at least one recess receiving said latch to hold said elements in the cocked position;
means for yieldably urging said latch out of said recess, the friction between said latch and said recess being sufficient when said elements are in said cocked position to prevent said latch-urging means from displacing the latch out of said recess except when said elements are pivoted toward one another from said cocked position; and
means for releasably mounting said first element to a fixed base in a plurality of positions, said releasable means comprising:
a C-clamp having two surfaces at right angles to one another;
a post extending at a right angle from each of said surfaces;
a cup surrounding each post, said cup having a plu rality of notches in its periphery;
a pedestal extending from said first element and having a bore permitting said pedestal to be placed over said post; and
an arm pivotally mounted to said pedestal to be received in one of said notches to maintain the position of said pedestal relative to said C-clamp.
8. Apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said C-clamp comprises:
a first L-shaped plate forming said two surfaces, said plate having a slot adjacent the bend in said plate;
a second L-shaped plate having a first leg adjustably received in said slot;
a shaft threaded into the second leg of said second Lshaped plate for clamping between said first and second L-shaped plates.
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENI NO. 1 3,874,105
DATED April 1, 1975 INVENTOHS) Robert T. Andree et al It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below;
Col. 1, last line, "notches 2" should read notches 22 Col. 3, line 13, "action spring 59" should read action of spring 59 Signed and sealed this 17th day of June 1975.
SEAL) Attest:
Cn Y'EARSHALL DANE-I RUTH C. IZASON Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer and Trademarks |
US-3874106-A | Hook setting device | United States Patent 1 1 [111 3,874,106
Edwards Apr. 1, 1975 1 1 HOOK SETTING DEVICE 1,665,144 4/1928 Murray 43/15 1,805,410 5/1931 McCall [76] Inventor: Edwards 6845 Falrways 2,575,852 11/1951 Trowbridge Longmom, @010- 80501 2,712,194 7/1955 Distefano 43/15 [22] Filed: Aug. 20, 1973 Primary Examiner-Warner H. Camp [21] Appl' Attorney, Agent, or FirmThomas W. ORourke [52] US. Cl. 43/15 57 ABSTRACT 51 l 1. Cl A01k 85 02 E Field of Search 43/15 A devlce msertable 1n the fishmg lme ad acent the leader or lure portion and including spring means, [56] References Cited preferably a hairpin spring, attached to the leader or lure portion of the fishing line, and trigger means to UNI'IED STATES PATENTS activate the spring means to promptly and positively Lelb upon the leader in response to a tug thereon l.3l7,843 lO/l9l9 Wenner et al. 43/16 1,558,916 10/1925 Pennell 43/15 8 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR H975 3.874.106
seam 1 OF 2 lllllw ATENTED APR 1 5 SHEETEUFZ HOOK SETTING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a fishing device, and more particularly to a fishing device for automatically setting a hook promptly and positively in response to a pull thereon generated by a fish taking a baited hook or lure.
2. Description of the Prior Art It is, of course, well known that, in a conventional process of fishing. a lure or bait is offered to fish. When a'fish takes the baited hook into its mouth, it is critical that the hook he set by a rapid pull or jerk upon the fishing line. If this is not done promptly, the fish will sense the resistance of the line or the presence of the hook and reject the bait or lure.
The quite fallible response of the fisherman to the subtle tug by the fish upon the bait or lure has given rise to automatic hook-setting devices such as described in LS. Letters Pats. 2,887,812 and 3,899,768. While these prior art devices have the advantage of a prompt and automatic response to the taking of the hook by a fish, certain inadequacies exist. Both of these prior art devices are mounted upon the fishing pole and thereby upset the balance and feel of the fishing pole when casting or otherwise manipulating it. Also, because a substantial length of fishing line is usually utilized between the fishing pole and the bait, the accumulated slack therein is rather substantial thereby giving rise to a lag in response at the hook to minor movements of the line at the pole. In fact. one of the prime reasons for the use of a fishing pole is to afford the fisherman substantial leverage in promptly taking up this slack and setting this book. However, the prior arts hook-setting devices make use of a very short lever arm or means to take up the rather substantial slack in the line. This not only adds to the undesirable bulk of the hooksetting device on the pole. but also does not provide sufficient movement to completely avoid the lag in response at the hook caused by slackness of line between the hook setter and the hook.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, which provides a heretofore unavailable improvement over previous hook-setting devices, comprises a means or device which is quite compact and therefore may be utilized in the fishing line in a conventional function, for instance, as a weight or sinker or as a bobber or bubble, depending upon the preference of the user. The device, being closely adjacent the hook. avoids the heretofore troublesome problem of being remote from the hook and thereby having a substantially reduced response time and effect upon a taking of the hook by a fish.
The compact nature of the instant invention is afforded by a simple spring means, preferably a hairpin spring. in conjunction with a simple and responsive trigger means which releases the spring means in response to a tug by a fish.
Accordingly. an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved device for automatically hooking fish in response to a tug on the book by the fish.
Another object ofthe present invention is to provide a compact and lightweight device for hooking fish which may be incorporated into the fishing line without materially altering the conventional weight and feel of such fishing line.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved automatic fish-hooking device which is employed in the fish line closely adjacent the fish hook.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved fish-hooking device with substantially improved response and transmission of response upon initial taking of the hook by a fish.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a device according to the instant invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectioned top view along the plane of line 22 of the device of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the device of the instant invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Turning now to the drawings, wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures, a device for promptly and automatically setting the hook upon the taking thereof by a fish is illustrated in a sinker mode in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Device 10 comprises a body portion 12 having, in accordance with the optional function of serving as a sinker, upper ballast 13 and lower ballast 14. At one end of body 12 is a swivel 16 adapted to function in the usual manner ofattachment to a fishing line and, accordingly, to the fishing pole. Mounted within the open interior of and secured to body 12 is a spring means specifically and preferentially illustrated as hairpin spring 18. Hairpin spring 18 is attached and secured around pivot 19 and, when set, to trigger means 20 which. in turn, is secured releasably by a post 21. A leader 23 is attached to a book (not shown) at one end and is attached at the other end thereof to trigger means 20.
As shown in detail in FIG. 2, when a fish takes the hook attached to leader 23, a modest tension on leader 23 rotates trigger means 20 around post 21 and thereby releases hairpin spring 18. Hairpin spring 18, being thus freed by trigger means 20, snaps to the position shown as hairpin spring 18. Accordingly, trigger means 20 and leader 23' are, upon release, quickly and automatically snapped into the positions shown. Guide 25 functions to position leader 23 in a position substantially opposite that of swivel 16 to provide a direct and con stant force path through device 10 from leader 23 to swivel 16.
Since spring 18 is attached directly to leader 23 through trigger means 20, a minimum of slack between hairpin spring 18 and the hook is involved. Accordingly, the motion imparted as hairpin spring 18 moves to position 18 is promptly and directly imparted to the hook.
Another function essentially identical to that of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in FIG. 3 wherein the hooking device is employed in a float or bubble mode. Accordingly, a float portion 28, which may be of a light material such as cork or a hollow hemisphere, is attached to the upper portion of body 12. A ballast weight 30 may optionally be attached to the bottom portion of body 12 to lend stability to the device. Otherwise, the function of hairpin spring 18, triggering means and leader 23 is identical to that of FIGS. 1 and 2.
From the above description and illustration, it will be apparent that the device of the instant invention may be inserted in a conventional fish line configuration to serve without disadvantage the conventional function of a float, bubble, sinker or other such device which is conventionally provided adjacent the hook. As a float or sinker, sufficient mass is present in the device per se to provide a substantial reaction to the snapping of the spring to the release position upon tripping of the triggering means by a fish. Accordingly, even though there may be slack in the line between the fishing pole and the hooking device, the hook will be set automatically at a prompt and optimum time, i.e.. upon the initial tugging of the fish upon the bait or lure incorporating the hook.
Although only two embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is apparent that various changes and modifications will be made by those skilled in the art and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
What is olaimed is:
l. A de\'ice.for setting a fishhook in response to the taking of a hook by a fish, comprising: a compact body member having means for attachment to a fish line from a fishing pole at one end of the body member, the body member having an open interior defined therein, spring means secured to the body member within the open interior and including a provision for operable connection of the spring means to the line to which the hook is attached, a post member positioned within the open interior, trigger means constituting part of the spring means for releasably securing the spring means to the post member in a distended position, the trigger means including an elongated structure having an open notch in one side thereof, provision for attachment to the fish line to which the fishhook is secured on one end, and provision for attachment to a spring member comprising part of the spring means on the other end, whereby the hook-setting device may be secured along the length of the fish line and played out with the fish line to provide a prompt release of the distended spring means to automatically set the book through a minimum length of fish line, and with the movable components of the device within the body member to avoid fouling.
2. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spring means is a hairpin spring secured to the body member by a pivot projection within the body member.
3. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein ballast is attached to the body member to permit the device to serve the function of a sinker.
4. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein floatation is attached to the body member to permit the device to serve the function of a float.
5. A device for setting a fishhook in response to the taking of the hook by a fish, comprising: a compact body member having means for attachment to a fish line at one end of the body member, the compact body member having defined therein an open interior, a hairpin spring mounted within the body member by coiling around a pivot projection within the body member, a trigger structure contained within the body member attached at one end to an end of the hairpin spring and having a provision at the other end for attachment to a fish line to which the hook is secured, the trigger structure having an open notch defined in one side thereof and adapted to receive a post projection within the body member to releasably secure the trigger structure and the end of the hairpin spring in a distended po sition, the trigger structure and, accordingly, the hairpin spring, being releasable from the post projection upon a pull on the end of the trigger structure having provision for attachment to the fish line to which the fishhook is secured, whereby the spring and trigger structure are compactly housed within the body member for protection from fouling upon release.
6. A device as set forth in claim 5 wherein a fish line is secured to the means for attachment at one end of the body member, and the fish line to which the fish hook is secured is attached to the end ofthe trigger structure having provision for such attachment.
7. A device as set forth in claim 5 wherein ballast is attached to the body member to permit the device to serve the function of a sinker.
8. A device as set forth in claim 5 wherein floatation is attached to the body member to permit the device to serve the function of a float. |
US-3874107-A | Fishing rod holder and signal device | United States Patent 1191 Wheaton 1 Apr. 1, 1975' 1 FISHING ROD HOLDER AND SIGNAL 3,058,251 10/1962 Brooks 43/17 3,359,672 12/1967 Schwartz et a1. 43/17 3,645,028 2/1972. Rayburn 43/17 Primary E.\'aminerLouis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner-Daniel J. Leach [57] ABSTRACT A combined fishing rod holder and signal device includes a vertical support member which is driven into the ground. The support member is split into two portions and includes a movable bracket which attaches the two parts and allows them to be adjusted so that the height of the support member can be adjusted as desired. A movable receptacle is connected to the support member and is adapted to receive the handle of a fishing rod which is placed generally upright, parallel to the support. A guide member is disposed vertically above the receptacle and is adapted to co-act with the receptacle and position the handle of the fishing rod as required. A resilient member is pivoted to the support and at the upper extremity thereof, it is affixed to the guide member.. A combination alarm and electric power means is connected to the support and the resilient member and a support member are both electrically conductive. A conductive detent is connected to the inner face of the resilient member and that detent is normally spaced from the support member. When a fish is hooked, it pulls on the line and in turn the detent is pulled into contact with the support to complete the circuit: and activate the alarm.
12 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures FISHING ROD HOLDER AND SIGNAL DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to fishing equipment and more particularly to an audible signal device intended to provide an audible signal in the event of a strike.
As the sport of fishing has become more popular, various devices to permit the fisherman to relax and even possibly to attend to other matters while his line is out in the water, have been devised. The ideal device permits the fisherman to cast his line and then leave the rod unattended only to be signalled when a strike is made, so that he may attend to the line and reel the fish in. Of the many devices, US. Pat. No. 3,156,997 to Smith illustrates a fish pole alarm in which the fish pole is received in a socket for pivotal movement about a pivot point. Pivotal movement, such as that caused by a fish on the line, causes the alarm to be activated through a button. The device is inserted into the ground through the use of a pointed rod.
Another device is illustrated in US. Pat. Nos. 3,560,969 and 3,285,360, respectively, which both disclose other configurations that incorporate a ground inserted rod for supporting both the fish pole, holder and a fish buzzer alarm.
In US. Pat. No. 3,058,250 to Thomas, the alarm is manually actuated and the device provides for ground insertion and a rod holder as well as the signalling function.
In US. Pat. Nos. 3,135,187, 3,053,003 and 2,608,784, the signalling device is attached to the rod and the signal is produced by movement of the line as distinct from movement of the rod.
All of these devices have proved reasonably effective in permitting the fisherman to divert his attention to other things while he is waiting for a strike. The present invention presents a superior mechanical configuration and is extremely reliable in that even the smallest strike will signal the line. The present invention is also unique in that it provides for various modes of adjustment and therefore can accommodate rods of varying size, shape -or weight. It provides the further advantages of preventing the support or holder from pivoting about its own axis.
SUMMARY A combined fishing rod holder and signal device includes a vertical support member which is driven into the ground. The support member is split into two portions and includes a movable bracket which attaches the two parts and allows them to be adjusted so that the height of the support member can be adjusted as desired. A movable receptacle is connected to the support member and is adapted to receive the handle of a fishing rod which is placed generally upright, parallel to the support. A guide member is disposed vertically above the receptacle and is adapted to co-act with the receptacle and position the handle of the fishing rod as required. A resilient member is pivoted to the support and at the upper extremity thereof, it is affixed to a guide member. A combination alarm and electric power means is connected to the support and the resilient member and a support member are both electrically conductive. A conductive detent is connected to the inner face of the resilient member and that detent is normally spaced from the support member. When a fish is hooked, it pulls on the line and in turn the handle via an adjustable bracket so that the handle of a rod may be set at any of an infinite variety of selected positions. This simple feature is provided by having the lower section and the upper section in overlying relation and the lock is of a frictional type engagement.
The above and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent as the description continues and when read in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the instant invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The fishing rod holder embodying the present invention is characterized by an elongated support member 10 which has a pointed or spiked bottom 12. The support is to be driven into the ground to a depth of approximately 6 to 8 inches for secure support ofthe fishing rod. The support is shaped generally in the nature of an elongated channel or it can be considered to have a V-shaped cross-section. It is split into an upper 14 and lower 16 segments. Because of the configuration of this support, it is possible to assemble the two segments in overlying relation and at the same time have a substantial face-to-face contact of the two segments. This feature makes it convenient to provide a lock which basically secures the two segments by means of a frictional engagement. A bracket 18 wraps around the upper and lower segments 14, 16 and a set screw 20 is threaded into a hole 22 in the bracket 18 and its leading tip presses down on the crease of the upper segment 14. The action of the set screw on the crease and the interior of the bracket on the exterior face of the lower segment forces the interior of the lower segment and the exterior ofthe upper segment into a very tight frictional engagement. It should be evident that the support has been designed in this manner so as to permit a variable length so as to better accommodate fishing rods of numerous sizes. In other words, a different rod may be used for a particular type of fish and the instant invention makes it possible to utilize one holder for the various rods that may be used.
A cup or receptacle 24 is mounted on the upper segment 14 and is adapted to receive the butt end of the rod handle 26. That receptacle is designed to support and contain the rod handle and the bracket 28 makes it possible to move the receptacle up and down the upper segment so as to provide another means of adapting this holder for various sizes and shapes of fishing rods. The bracket 28 includes the arms 30, 32 which in the vicinity of the edges thereof are riveted to the receptacle. Another set screw 34 is received in an opening 36 and bears against the outer crease of the upper segment. The outer surface of the receptacle. in part, bears against the interior sides of the upper segment and the combination is effective to anchor the receptacle in any one of its various positions. While it is not illustrated, it is certainly possible to movably connect the receptacle to the lower segment. However, in this embodiment, it has been found convenient for the receptacle to be connected to the upper segment for the accommodation of a large number of different fishing rods handles.
Further up the upper segment, there is a resilient member, such as a leaf spring 38, which is connected to an insert 40 of electrical insulative characteristics. It has been found convenient to fabricate the insert from material such as wood. The insert is basically wedge shaped and adapted to mate with the interior surfaces of the upper segment; in other words, the insert has a similar triangular cross-section. The resilient member 38 is affixed to the insert 40 by means of a pair of screws 42. Intermediate the two ends of the resilient member 38 is a set screw 43 which is received in a hole 44 which is formed right through the crease of the upper member. A nipple 48 is placed on the tip of the set screw 44 and is active on the leaf spring 38. This arrangement permits the leaf spring 38 to be biased in different degrees away from the upper segment so as to permit the fisherman to adjust the holder so that the warning will sound only when there is a proper or desired tension in the fishing rod. In other words, the further the leaf spring 38 is biased in the upper segment 14, the more force the fish will have to exert on the pole to cause the alarm to be sounded. At the uppermost end of the leaf spring 38, there is fixed a semicircular bracket 50 which functions basically as a guide member and co-acts with the receptacle to maintain the fishing rod handle in its proper disposition. That guide bracket is affixed to the leaf spring 38 by means of a screw 51 of electrically conductive properties threadedly received in aligned holes in the guide member and leaf spring respectively. A combination alarm and power source 58 of a conventional nature may be affixed at any convenient position along either the upper or lower segments 14, 16. The hot lead 60 of the power source 58 is connected to one of the screws 42. Since the upper segment 14 is electrically conductive when there is sufficient flexure in the fishing rod to bend the resilient member such that the screw 51 contacts the crease of the upper segment 14, the circuit to the power source is completed and the alarm will sound. An alarm may be chosen which is piercing enough to alert a fisherman who might have turned his attention to other matters and he can retrieve the fishing rod from the holder and reel his strike in.
Previous experience with fishing rod holders has shown that upon occasion a fish with unusual manipulative ability will pull the rod so as to cause the holder to pivot about its own axis and consequently weaken its anchoring in the ground. To this end, the instant invention has been provided with a spike 62 which may be welded or soldered onto the lower segment 16. That spike includes rather relatively extensive wings and when the support is driven into the ground, it is driven in deep enough so that the spike also enters the ground. The wings, therefore, inhibit pivoting of the support and consequently there is very little chance that an unusually strong fish will so weaken the anchoring of the support so that it will tip over. This feature in combination with those previously described permits the fisherman to divert his attention elsewhere with virtually complete security that he Will be alerted to a strike and regardless of the size or strength of the fish, the strike will not be lost.
Many changes may be made in details of the instant invention, in the method and materials of fabrication, in the configuration and assemblage of the constituent elements, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which changes are intended to be embraced therewithin.
I claim:
1. A combined fishing rod holder and signal device which comprises a vertical support member adapted to be anchored in the ground, a receptacle member adapted to support the lower portion of the handle of a fishing rod, said receptacle being affixed to said support at an intermediate point thereof, a guide member disposed vertically above said receptacle and adapted to co-act with said receptacle and position the handle of the fishing rod, a resilient member pivoted to said support member and at the upper extremity thereof is affixed said guide member, combination alarm and electric power means connected to said support, said resilient member being electrically conductive and in electrical connection with said electric supply, and said support being electrically conductive, a conductive detent connected to said guide member and also connected to said resilient member, said detent normally spaced from said support member, said rod holder anchored in the ground such that said receptacle, resilient and guide members face away from the body of water, whereby when a fish is hooked and its struggling pulls on the fishing rod, said resilient member bends and said detent contacts said support completing a circuit to said alarm, which alarm emits an audible signal.
2. In the combination of claim 1 said resilient member is insulated from said support member by an insulation insert.
3. In the combination of claim 1 an anchoring spike adapted to be forced into the ground thereby to prevent said support from rotational movement about the axis of said support member.
4. In the combination of claim 1 said spike is affixed to the lower part of said support member.
5. In the'combination of claim 1 said receptacle is adjustably bracketed to said support member to permit variable positioning along the length of said support member.
6. In the combination of claim 1 said anchoring spike is adjustably bracketed to said support member to permit variable positioning along the length of said support member.
7. In the combination of claim 1 said support member is split into upper and lower sections, an adjustable bracket fastening said sections at any of an infinate variety of selected positions.
8. In the combination of claim 7 said upper and lower sections are fastened in overlying relation and said bracket is active to lock the overlying portions in frictional engagement.
9. In the combination of claim 1 biasing member movably connected to said support member and active on said resilient member to bias said member to a selected orientation.
10. In the combination of claim 1 said resilient member is insulated from said support member by an insulation insert, an anchoring spike adapted to be forced into the ground thereby to prevent said support from rotational movement about the axis of said support member, said receptacle is adjustably bracketed to said support member to permit variable positioning along the length of said support member, said anchoring spike is adjustably bracketed to said support member to permit variable positioning along the length of said support member, and said support member is split into upper and lower sections, an adjustable bracket fastening said sections at any of an infinite variety of selected LII along a common edge thereof.
. l =l =l |
US-3874108-A | Device for determining the depth of a trolling plug | United States Patent [191 Connor [451 Apr. 1, 1975 DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE DEPTH OF A TROLLING PLUG [76] Inventor: Loly V. Connor, 2018 Breazeale Dr., Anderson, SC. 29621 [22] Filed: May 13, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 469,301
[52] U.S. Cl. 43/25, 33/126 [51] Int. Cl A0lk 87/02 [58] Field of Search 43/25; 33/126, 169 B, 138
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,752,686 7/1956 Anderson et al. 43/25 3,149,419 9/1964 Koznarski 33/126 Primary Examinew-Louis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner-Peter K. Skiff Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Bailey & Dority [57] ABSTRACT A device for mounting on the end of a fishing rod for aiding indetermining the depth that a fishing plug is running while trolling from a moving boat. The device includes a housing having a freely rotatable transverse shaft carried thereby. A radially extending arm is carried by the transverse shaft and has an eyelet adjacent one end for engaging the line upon which the fishing plug is attached. A weighted pivotal cylinder having a calibrated scale thereon is carried by the housing for indicating the angular position of the line relative to a horizontal plane. A pointer is operably connected to the radially extending arm for indicating the angular position of the line. Also mounted on the rod is a device for measuring the length of the line between the rod and the plug. By taking an angular reading of the line,'as Well as knowing the length of the line, reference can be made to a chart for determining the exact depth of the plug.
5 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE DEPTH OF A TROLLING PLUG BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a fishing apparatus and more particularly to a device for aiding in measuring the depth that a plug is being trolled behind a boat.
Most fishermen are fully aware that schools of fish tend to congregate in layers of water which would vary according to the temperature of the water. From experience it has been found that during certain times of year or when the water temperature is of a particular degree, the probability that the fish will be at a certain depth is much greater. As a result, the more experienced fisherman desires to know exactly the depth that the plug is running while trolling. In many instances a difference of merely a few feet will greatly affect the amount of fish caught.
Devices for determining the depth of shallows and holes in lake bottoms are known, and one such example is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 2,669,785. There is also a teaching therein of mounting such a device on the end of a fishing rod; however, such would be extremely cumbersome to use while trolling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention includes an apparatus for mounting on the end of a fishing rod for aiding in determining the depth that a fishing plug which is attached by a line is running while trolling from a moving boat. The apparatus includes a housing mounted on the end of a fishing rod. A freely rotatable transverse shaft is carried by the housing and a radially extending arm extends outwardly therefrom. An eyelet is carried on one end of the radially extending arm through Which the line extends for causing the radially extending arm to assume the same angular position relative to a horizontal plane as the line.
A weighted pivotal member is carried by the housing and has a calibrated scale thereon that is maintained in substantially the same position regardless of the angular position of the rod. A pointer is operably connected to the radially extending arm and is carried adjacent the calibrated scale for indicating the angular position of the line relative to the horizontal plane. Also positioned on the rod is a device for measuring the length of the line between the rod and the plug. Thus, the depth that the plug is running behind the boat can be determined by utilizing a chart and the angular reading for a given length line.
Accordingly, it is the general object of the present invention to provide an attachment for a fishing rod for indicating the depth that a plug is running while being trolled behind a moving boat.
Another important object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for indicating the length, as well as the angle that a line is extending from a rod for aiding in determining the depth that a plug carried thereon is running while being trolled.
Still another important object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be attached to the end of the rod for measuring the angle that a line extends from the rod regardless of the angle that the rod is being held.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reference to the following specification, attendant claims and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus carried on the end of the fishing rod for determining the depth that a plug is being pulled while trolling,
FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the device for measuring the angle of the line extending from the rod,
FIG. 2a is a sectional view taken along line 2a2a of FIG. 2,
FlG.-3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2,
FIG. 4 is a chart calibrated for aiding in determining the depth that a lure is running behind a boat, and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a modified form of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring in more detail to FIG. 1 of the drawings,
there is illustrated an end portion ofa conventional rod 10 wherein a line 12 extends the length thereof and passes through an eye 14 carried on the end. Attached to the eye 14 by welding or any other suitable means is a circular housing 16 that has a centrally located pin 18 extending horizontally from a side wall 20 of the housing 16. A cylindrical cylinder 22 is carried on the horizontal post 18 with a ball bearing 24 interposed between the post 18 and the cylinder so as to permit such to rotate freely. The cylinder 22 has a color coded calibrated scale 26 painted on the periphery thereof corresponding to angular deflection of the line 12. The cylinder 22 is weighted adjacent the bottom by a lead weight 28 so as to maintain the calibrated scale 26 in the same vertical position regardless of the angular position of the rod 10.
The outer end of the post 18 has a bore 30 for receiving a pin 32 carried on the inner end of a cylinder 34. The cylinder 34 is permitted to rotate freely within the bearing 18 on the pin 32. The cylinder 34 extends laterally outwardly from the calibrated cylinder 22 and has a transverse hole provided therein through which a radially extending arm 36 extends. A set screw 37 is utilized to hold the arm 36 in position. On the outer end of the arm 36 is an eye 38 through which the line passes.
Also, extending radially outwardly from the cylinder 34 is a weighted pointer 40. The pointer 40 has a laterally extending portion 42 which extends over the calibrated scale on the calibrated wheel 22. The reason that the pointer is weighted is to tend to rotate the cylinder 34 counter clockwise so that the eye 38 on the end of the arm 36 will bear against the line 12 at all times.
In order to readily observe the calibrated scale 26 on the cylinder 22, a transparent cylinder 44 extends outwardly from the side wall 20 of the housing and encompasses the calibrated cylinder 22. A cover plate 46 is carried on the opposite side of the transparent cylinder 44 from the side panel 20 and is secured thereto by any suitable means such as gluing.
In order to measure the length of the line, a calibrated counter generally designated by the reference character 48 is utilized. The line 12 passes between a pair of rollers 50 and 52 which are suitably mounted within a housing. The line passing over the roller 52 rotates the roller causing the rotations thereof to be registered on a dial 54. An eyelet 56 is provided in a vertical wall 58 of the housing for permitting the line 12 to pass therethrough between the rollers 50 and 52.
A similar eyelet is carried on the back side of the counter 48. The entire counter is mounted by screws extending between a lower bracket portion 60 upwardly into a main body portion 62 of the counter. Such is not disclosed for purposes of clarity. The counter 48 is calibrated so that when the lure is positioned adjacent the eyelet 14 on the end of the rod 10, the dial 54 registers zero. As the line is let out such causes the rollers 50 and 52 to rotate registering the number of feet passing therethrough. The angle that the line 12 makes with the horizontal plane is registered by the pointer 42 on a color coded calibrated scale 26 provided on cylinder 22.
As previously mentioned, as the line 12 passes through the eyelet 38, it causes the arm 36 to pivot, rotating the cylinder 34. As the cylinder 34 is rotated, the pointer 42 extending outwardly therefrom is positioned adjacent the appropriate color coded angular representation on the cylinder 22.
The fisherman then refers to a chart that has been previously calculated such as illustrated in FIG. 4 and by knowing the angle that the line 12 is extending out as represented by a colored segment on the cylinder 22 and referring to the same colored segment on the chart of FIG. 4 and the length of the line extending outwardly from the rod, the exact depth that the plug is running can be determined. For example, if the scale 54 of the counter 48 registered that a hundred feet of line had been reeled out and the pointer 42 as observed by the fisherman was registering in a blue calibrated segment such as represented by the segment 26f, he would then make reference to the chart such as illustrated in FIG. 4. As seen the curved lines extending from the left hand uppper corner of the graph outwardly represents segments of ten feet. Readings directly across the top of the chart represent the distance that the plug is behind the boat and the readings down the left hand side of the chart represent in segments of ten feet the depth that the plug is behind the boat.
Where the curve line representing a hundred feet crosses a line drawn from the center of the blue segment and the upper left hand corner of the chart such if read to the left would indicate that the plug is running 34 feet deep and if read vertically would be 94 horizontal feet behind the boat.
The curve illustrated in FIG. 4 has been computed to give an instant reading where the angle of the line and the length of the line extending outwardly from the rod can be determined. Of course, other suitable curves could be utilized for giving an instantaneous reading.
FIG. illustrates a modified form of the invention wherein the device is adapted to be snapped on to the rod 10. It is essential that the rod be held in a horizontal plane so as to determine the correct angle between the line 12 and a horizontal plane.
The apparatus includes a pair of spring clips 66 suitably carried on a block 68 which are adapted to snap onto the end of the rod 10. The block 68 is in turn secured to a side wall 70 of a housing. The side wall 70 has an inwardly turned flange 72 which is arcuate in shape and divided into calibrated segments 72a through 7211. The segments 72a through 72h are calibratedin the same manner as the segments 26a through 26g of the device shown in FIG. 2 and correspond to angular displacement. A post 74 extends laterally from the side plate for pivotally receiving an arm 76. The arm 76 has a circular portion which extends around the post 74 for permitting such to pivot freely therearound. An eye 78 is provided on the outer end of the arm 76 through which line 12 passes. Integral with an upper end of the arm 76 is a weight 80 which tends to force the arm 76 clockwise so as to maintain the eye 78 in engagement with the line 12. An inwardly turned pointer 82 is integral with the upper end of the arm 76 for indicating the corresponding color coded segment that represents the angular position of the line 12 relative to the rod 10. Any suitable device such as the counter shown in FIG. 1 may be utilized with the device of FIG. 5 for measuring the length of the line so that the chart of FIG. 4 can be used to calibrate the exact depth the plug carried on the end of the line is running behind the boat.
While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for mounting on the end of a fishing rod for aiding in determining the depth that a fishing plug which is attached by a line is running while trolling from a moving boat, said apparatus including:
a. a housing;
b. means for mounting said housing on an end of said fishing rod;
c. a freely rotatable transverse shaft carried by said housing;
d. a radially extending arm carried by said transverse shaft;
e. an eyelet carried on one end of said radially extending arm through which said line extends for causing said radially extending arm to assume the same angle to a horizontal plane as said line;
f. a weighted, pivotal member carried by said housing, a calibrated scale carried on said pivotal member that is maintained in substantially the same position regardless of the angular position of said rod, and
g. a pointer movable by said radially extending arm adjacent said calibrated scale for indicating the angular position of said line relative to a horizontal plane;
whereby the depth that said plug is running behind:
said boat can be determined from the angular reading indicated by said pointer for a known length of line. 2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said weighted pivotal member includes a cylinder,
a horizontal post carried by said housing for rotatably supporting said cylinder, said calibrated scale being carried on the perimeter of said cylinder, and said cylinder being weighted so as to present said calibrated scale in the same vertical plane regardless of the angular position of said rod. 3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising:
means mounted on said rod for measuring the length of said line between said rod and said plug. 4. An apparatus for being mounted on an end of a fishing rod for producing a reading that can be utilized for determining the depth that a plug attached by a line 6 line;
f. a pointer carried by said arm adjacent said calibrated scale for indicating the angular position of said line relative to said horizontal plane;
whereby the depth that said plug is running behind said boat can be determined from the angular reading indicated by said pointer for a known length of line.
5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 further comprising spring biased clips carried on said housing for securing said apparatus to said rod. |
US-3874109-A | Tease spoon | United States Patent 1191 Peterson TEASE SPOON Carmen A. Peterson, 38 Pilot FL, New Port Richey, Fla. 33552 [22] Filed: Feb. 26, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 335,465
{76] Inventor:
Primary E.\'aminer-L0uis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner-J. Q. Lever Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stein, Orman & Fisher [57] ABSTRACT A fishing lure including a body being integrally connected to a stabilizing means and arranged substantially perpendicular thereto wherein a plurality of fishing line connecting elements are formed on a substantially leading edge of the body and disposed such that the path of the lure through water is at least partially determined by the line connecting element attached to the towing line. The path is further determined by a path determining portion which is connected to the stabilizing means and which is flexible and thereby movable into a plurality of positions which at least partially determines the path of the lure through water. Ballast and ballast connecting means connecting the ballast to the body are disposed on the lure wherein the location and weight of the ballast determines the depth of the lure as it travels through water.
6 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures TEASE SPOON BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a fishing lure of the type primarily designed to be towed through water by a conventional fishing line and which has means thereon to vary or regulate the path and/or depth of the lure as it travels through water.
2. Description of the Prior Art Various types of fishing lures, spoons and artificial bait have been utilized almost since time began for the purpose of catching fish by means of a fishing line or conventional-type apparatus. Devices of this type have taken many shapes and configurations in an attempt to provide an efficient bait by being attractive to the fish thereby increasing the changes of the fish being caught thereby.
In the development of artificial bait, devices have taken various forms and have been specifically designed to emphasize or demonstrate the various specific factors which cause a fish to be attracted thereto. Prcvalent among the most common of these factors is the configuration of the lure, the path it takes as it travels through water, as when being towed by a fishing line, and the depth at which the lure travels. To accomplish performance of the lure in the manner desired, specific structural features must be incorporated therein while at the same time allowing its configuration to demonstrate the proper effect, such as reflection, or specific movement. In addition, such a lure must be relatively inexpensive to manufacture thereby reducing the initial cost of the lure to an acceptable amount considering that the user undergoes the frequent risk of loss of the lure. Keeping initial cost in mind the lure or artificial bait must also be made from a material capable of withstanding the generally harsh environment of salt water and also the force and weight applied thereto when actually engaged by a fish being caught.
In accomplishing all of the desirable feature of artificial bait, the prior art devices have developed into relatively sophisticated multi-member devices wherein various structural elements of these devices are designed to accomplish effects such as desired movement of the bait as it passes through water, desired configuration, etc. However, a number of these devices, because of their relative sophistication, are unnecessarily complex and, therefore, both overly priced and subject to rapid deterioration and frequent breakage, both because of the harsh environment to which it is subjected and the force applied to the artificial bait when struck by a fish.
The US. Pat. Nos. to Bellah, 341,483, Wagner, 2,618,096, Magill, 2,741,863 and Sargent, 2,828,572 are all representative of prior art device which, while workable as designed, could be considered unnecessarily complex in their structure.
It is therefore, readily apparent that there is a need in the sport industry for a lure capable of efficiently having its performance characteristics regulated to the extent that the path of the lure through water may be predetermined and changed and the depth at which the lure travels can be established. However, it should be ompetitive to prior art devices from an economical standpoint. Such a lure must be durable, and simple in LII construction to reduce the initial cost and maintenance thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a fishing lure of the type designed to be towed through water by a conventional fishing line or the like. The lure comprises a main body having a hook means attached to a strategic location thereon, preferably at its trailing end or extremity. The fishing line which serves to tow the lure is connected to the body by a line connecting means which itself comprises a plurality of connecting elements. These elements are in the form of apertures arranged in spaced relation to one another along at least a portion of what may be considered a leading edge of the body. These elements or apertures are arranged such that the path or orientation of the lure as it travels through water may be altered or determined dependent upon which element is connected to the towing line.
A ballast means, which may be in the form of a weight is removably or adjustably connected to the body on what may be considered a lower portion thereof. The ballast connecting means is formed on the body and comprises a plurality of connecting elements also arranged in spaced relation to one another such that the ballast may be adjustably positioned on the body in such a manner as to alter the path of travel and particularly the depth at which the lure travels through water.
The main path regulating means of the lure comprises a stabilizing means attached to the body and which may be integrally formed thereon in the form of an outwardly extending flange extending substantially along a major portion of the longitudinal axis of the lure body. The flange may be tapered inwardly to ward the rear or trailing extremity of the lure and the entire flange itself is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation to the plane defined by the lure body. The leading edge of the stabilizing means may be termed a beak portion and is particularly made from a bendable or flexible material which is sufficiently stiff or rigid to maintain the orientation or position into which it is last disposed.
This beak portion is oriented substantially in front of the leading portion of the body itself and at least partially defines the leading portion of the lure as it travels through water.
As stated above, the beak portion may be bent or positioned out of the plane defined by the flange of the stabilizing means either above or beneath this flange. This serves to regulate the angle of attack" of the leading edge of the beak portion relative to the flow of water through which it travels. This, of course in turn regulates the path of travel of the lure allowing it to move in a predetermined relation.
The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture with the features, properties and relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and the objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a side plan view of the lure of the present invention connected to a fishing line and having the ballast means and stabilizing means as regulated.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the lure of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION As shown in FIG. 1, this invention relates to a fishing lure generally indicated as of the type primarily designed to be towed through water or used in combination with a conventional fishing line 12. The lure itself comprises a body 14 having a hook means generally indicated as 16 attached to the rear or trailing extremity thereof by eyelet 18. This eyelet may be integrally attahced to the body and is designed to cooperate with a correspondingly configured eyelet or connecting means 20 on the hook means 16. The line 12 is connected to the body 14 by a line connecting means comprising a plurality of connecting elements in the form of apertures 22. These apertures or connecting elements are arranged in predetermined spaced relation along one portion of a leading edge 24 of the body. Each of the apertures are dimensioned so as to be engageable by the line 12 and it is readily seen that the disposition of the apertures 22 is such as to at least partially define the path of travel of the lure through water, dependent upon to which of the apertures 24 the line 12 is attached.
The lure further comprises a stabilizing means generally indicated as 26 and including an outwardly extending stabilizing fin or flange 28 integrally formed on or connected to body 14 by any applicable means. The dimension and disposition of the stabilizing means 26, in part due to its perpendicular orientation relative to the plane of the body 14, serves to stabilize the lure as it travels through water due to the force of line 12. The rearward or trailing portion of flange 28 is inclined or angled inwardly toward the rear or trailing portion of body 14 and serves to join the body adjacent to the eyelet 18 to which hook means 16 is attached. This gives the lure a streamlined effect and facilitates its travel through water. This stabilizing means further comprises a beak portion 30 which defines the leading portion of flange 28. The leading edge 32 of beak portion 30 is positionable in a number of positions relative to the plane defined by flange 28. This is clearly shown in FIG. 1 and is accomplished by forming the beak portion from a flexible or bendable material. This allows the user of the lure to position the leading edge 32 in a path defining or determining position as the lure travels through water. It should be pointed out that the beak portion ideally has sufficient rigidity to be maintained in the folded or bended position in which it is placed.
The lure further comprises a ballast means generally indicated as 36 which may be in the form of a weight 38 connected to body 14 by ballast connecting means in the form of a plurality of connecting elements or apertures 40. These connecting apertures are arranged in spaced relation to one another so that the weight 38 may be positioned at various locations along the undersurface of the body on the opposite side of the stabilizing means 26 relative to the line connecting means in the form of apertures 22.
The ballast 38 is so configured as to position the lower edge 42 of body 14 in sandwich-like relation within slot 44 of the weight 38. Any kind of connecting pin or the like 46, which may be integrally or movably attached to weight 38, may be applied to weight 38 so as to engage the aperture 40 in the body. Again, the connecting apertures 40 and the locking pin 46 are so configured and disposed relative to one another such that the weight itself may be removed from any of the apertures 40 and connected to one of the others. This shift in location of the ballast means causes a difference in the flow or orientation of the lure as it travels through water.
It will thus be seen that the objects made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above product without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Now that the invention has been described,
What is claimed is:
l. A fishing lure of the type to be towed through water by a line, said lure comprising: a body, line connecting means formed on said body, ballast means connected to said body, ballast connecting means formed on said body adjacent the lower peripheral edge thereof, stabilizing means including a one piece flange connected to said body, said flange comprising a flexible beak portion integrally connected to the rest of said flange and substantially defining the leading portion of said lure, whereby said beak portion may be fixedly oriented out of the plane of the remainder of said stabilizing flange and thereby at least partially determine the path of travel of said lure; said line connecting means comprising a plurality of apertures arranged in substantially spaced relation to one another said plurality of apertures extending continuously from an upper peripheral edge of said body to a point adjacent the forwardmost leading edge of said body, said apertures extending in a continuous fashion on both sides of said stabilizing flange, whereby the point of connection of the line to said line connecting means at least partially determines, along with the predetermined position of said beak portion, the path of travel of said lure through water.
2. A fishing lure as in claim 1 further comprising ballast connecting means formed on said body and comprising ballast connecting elements arranged in predetermined spaced relation to one another, each of said elements configured to interconnect said ballast means to said body, whereby said ballast means is adjustably mounted on said body.
3. A fishing lure as in claim 2 wherein said ballast means comprises weight means, said plurality of ballast connecting elements comprising a plurality of apertures arranged in spaced relation to one another, said weight removably connected to said body.
4. A fishing lure as in claim 1 wherein said flange extends along substantially the entire length of said body and is integrally attached to said beak.
5. A fishing lure as in claim 4 wherein said flange exnecting means is disposed on said body in spaced relatends outwardly from said body in a disposition tion to said ballast connecting means and on the oppottll d'l'tthl dfdb d sg i y perpen at e P am e me y Sal site side of said stabilizing means.
6. A fishing lure as in claim 1 wherein said line con- 5 |
US-3874110-A | Downrigger line release | tlnited States Patent Larson Apr. 1, 1975 DOWNRIGGER LINE RELEASE [2]] App]. No.2 457,450
[52] US. Cl. 43/43.12 [51] Int. Cl A0lk 91/04 [58] Field of Search 43/43.!2, 43.1, 44.85, 43/4486, 44.87, 44.92, 44.9; 24/20l B, 201 TR, l35 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 249,689 ll/l88l Strong, ct al 24/135 R 3,277,681 10/1966 Bey 70/457 3,738,047 6/1973 Tozer 43/4312 Primary Examiner-Louis G. Mancene Assistant Exdminer-Peter K Skiff Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Theodore J. Long; John M. Winter; Harry C. Engstrom [57] ABSTRACT A downrigger line release device for a trolling system to suspend a fishing lure at a desired depth in the water. A magnet body is fixedly or slidably attached to a downrigger cable supporting a weight beneath the water surface. A magnetic line release means is magnetically engaged with said magnet body and is secured to a fishing line a desired distance ahead of a lure to support the lure at the depth of the magnet body on the downrigger cable. The line release means is separable from the magnet body by the force of a fish striking the lure to permit the fisherman to play the hooked fish without interference of the downrigger cable and weight.
4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures DOWNRIGGER LINE RELEASE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to trolling systems, and more specifically to downrigger line release devices for releasing a fishing line from a weight supporting downrigger cable after a fish has been hooked.
2. Description of the Prior Art When trolling for fish in deep water the lure and line have a tendency to rise in the water behind the boat. The faster the speed of the boat, the greater the tendency of the lure to rise. Since fish are often found near the bottom or at considerable depths in the water, it is often necessary to use a heavy weight to keep the fishing lure down at the desired depth and close to the boat. This weight is usually attached to a downrigger line or cable which is carried on a separate reel mounted on the boat. Some sort of device is also required for either slidably or fixedly attaching the fishing line to the weight-supporting line or cable to cause the fishing line and lure to be supported at the desired depth in the water. It is also highly desirable from a sport fishing standpoint that the device be designed to release the fishing line from the weight-supporting downrigger cable when a fish strikes the lure and becomes hooked so that the downrigger cable does not interfere with the fishing line as the fisherman plays and brings in the fish.
Numerous downrigger mechanisms have been developed for attaching and releasing the fishing line to and from the downrigger cable. Such mechanisms have employed various mechanical structures, most frequently including springs and friction-fit connectors, to provide the required line releasing action. Similar mechanical devices have also been used as line releases in outrigger trolling systems designed to carry the fishing line and lure laterally outward from a moving boat, and in sinker release systems where a sinker weight carried by the fishing line is designed to be releasable upon becoming snagged or when a fish is hooked. However, such mechanical devices are frequently unduly complex and difficult to set up, usually requiring two hands to accomplish setting, and their performance is subject to deterioration with use and wear.
In addition, such devices have generally permitted only very limited rod pressure on the fishing line when the release is set, since the section of fishing line to the rod and the section of fishing line to the lure are both attached to the release device at the same point. With conventional devices, if the release mechanism is properly sensitive and responsive to the fish striking the lure, any substantial rod pressure on the device will frequently also effect release of the line by the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION I have invented a downrigger line release device which is simple and easy to use, is sensitive and responsive to the strike of a fish to release the fishing line from the downrigger system, and which permits substantial rod pressure on the set device to prevent slack line and utilize the rod pressure in setting the hook in the fish.
My downrigger line release device employs a magnet body which is attachable to the downrigger cable, and a magnetic line release means attached to a fishing line and magnetically engagable on the magnet body. When a fish strikes the lure, the force of the fish on the fishing line disengages the magnetic line release means from the magnet body and the fish can be played and reeled in by the fisherman without interference from the downrigger cable and weight.
The magnet body has attachment means by which it may be selectively engaged on the downrigger cable in fixed or sliding relation. The sliding arrangement may be used where the fisherman does not want to reel up the downrigger cable and weight when attaching the downrigger line release device, and the weight of the magnet body and the action of the attached lure are then employed to carry the device with the attached fishing line and lure down the cable to the depth of the downrigger weight.
The magnetic line release means is relatively light compared to the magnet body so that the weight of the release means on the fishing line will not be noticeable to the fisherman while playing and reeling in a hooked fish.
The magnetic line release means has a magnetic disc portion which is releasably engagable on the magnet body by magnetic force, and a stem portion extending from the disc portion. The disc portion is attached to the portion of the fishing line extending to the rod, and the stem portion is attached to the portion of the fishing line extending to the lure. Means are provided for maintaining the alignment of the disc portion on the magnet body to prevent the disc portion from being released from engagement with the magnet body due to the pull of the line extending to the rod.
The disc portion is released from engagement by the body magnet when a fish strikes the lure attached to the stem portion and exerts a significant axial pull or moment on the stem portion.
Further objects, features and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of a downrigger line release device exemplifying the principles of my invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a trolling system incorporating the downrigger line release deviceof my invention, with the lower broken away portion of the view being of larger scale than the upper portion for purposes of more clearly illustrating the manner of use of my device.
FIG. 2 is a side view of my downrigger line release device in its set condition whereby the fishing line is held in close proximity to the downrigger cable.
FIG. 3 is a side view of my downrigger line release device immediately after release of the magnetic line release means and attached fishing line from the magnet body and downrigger cable.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged section view taken along section line 44 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged section. line taken along section line 5--5 of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more particularly to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, a preferred embodiment of my downrigger line release device is shown generally at 20 in FIG.
1. The release device 20 is shown attached to a down rigger line or cable 12 extending from a downrigger support and reel 11 mounted on a boat 10. A downrigger weight 13 is attached to the end of the downrigger cable 12 and may be lowered to the desired depth below the boat or raised out of the water by means of the downrigger support and reel 11.
As illustrated, my downrigger line release device 20 may be attached to the downrigger cable 12 a desired distance above the weight 13, and the weight 13 and downrigger cable 12 are then lowered until the release device 20 is at the desired fishing depth. In addition, the release device 20 is attached to the fishing line 14a extending from the fishing rod and reel 15 mounted on the boat 10, and is also attached to the section of fishing line 14b extending from the device to a lure 16. Accordingly, FIG. 1 generally illustrates a trolling system which employs a fishing line and lure releasably secured to a downrigger cable at a desired depth in the water by my line release device 20.
As more clearly shown in FIG. 2, my downrigger line release device 20 has a magnet body 21 formed of ferromagnetic material, such as iron, which has a high degree of magnetism. The magnet body 21 is preferably generally cylindrical with a forward end 22 and a rearward end 23. As best shown in FIG. 4, a post member 24 extends axially forward from the forward end 22 of the magnet body 21 to receive an attachment plate 25 which is secured on the post member 24 by an attachment nut 28 threadedly engaged thereon. The post member 24, attachment plate 25, and attachment nut 28 together comprise an attachment means for attaching the body magnet to the downrigger cable. The post member 24 is preferably a non-magnetic screw, the head of which is seated in an axial recess 21a which extends into the body magnet 21 from its rearward end 23 as shown in FIG. 4. The attachment plate 25 has at least one and preferably two elongated grooves 26 and 27 in the surface of the attachment plate 25 which engages the forward end of the magnet body 22. One of the grooves 27 has a smaller cross section than the downrigger cable 12 with which the release device will be used, so that the device 20 can be secured to the downrigger cable 12 in a fixed position by engaging the cable in the groove 27 and tightening the attachment nut 28 on the post member 24 so that the cable 12 is rigidly secured between the attachment plate 25 and the forward end 22 of the magnet body 21. The other groove 26 is of greater cross-sectional area than the thickness of the downrigger cable 12 so that the release device 20 may be slideably engaged on the cable 12 by locating the cable within the groove 26 and tightening the attachment plate 25 against the forward end 22 of the magnet body 21 by means of the attachment nut 28.
A magnetic line release means 29 in the form of a substantially flat disc portion 30 having a rearwardly extending stem portion 31 magnetically engages the rearward end 23 of the magnet body 21. The magnet body rearward end 23 is substantially flat to provide maximum surface contact with the flat disc portion 30. The disc portion 30 has a relatively small mass as compared to that of the magnet body, and is formed of magnetic material so that it will be maintained in engagement with the magnet body until a substantial axial or moment force is applied tothe stem portion 31, as described more fully below, to disengage the disc 30 from the magnet body 21. A line attachment hole 32 is located near the circumferential edge of the disc portion 30 to receive a line attachment ring 33 for engaging the section of the fishing line 14a extending from the fishing rod and reel 15. The stem portion 31 preferably has a plurality of line attachment holes 34 located at different distances from the disc portion 30. A line attachment ring 35 is engaged in one of the stem portion line attachment holes 34 for attachment to the section of the fishing line 14b extending to the lure 16.
The axial recess 21a in the magnet body 21 extends vertically upward and downward from the center of the magnet body to define a slot 21b to accommodate the line attachment ring 33 extending through the line attachment hole 32 in the disc portion 30 when the disc portion engages the rearward end 23 of the magnet body, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. Since the vertical slot 21b extends to both the upper and lower edges of the magnet body, the magnet body can be positioned on the downrigger cable 12 with the slot 21b disposed vertically, and without regard for which end of the slot opens upwardly. The magnetic line release means 29 will then be engaged on the magnet body 21 with the line attachment ring 33 located partially within the upper end of the vertical slot 21b.
As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the magnetic line release means 29 is magnetically engaged on the rearward end 23 of the magnet body 21, the fishing line 14a from the fishing rod and reel 15 will exert an upward force on the disc portion 30 whenever the line 14a is taut. In fact, it is desirable for the fisherman to maintain a relatively taut line from the rod to the releasing device to prevent slack line and to utilize rod pressure in setting the hook in the fish as soon as the magnetic line release means 29 is disengaged from the magnet body 21 by the fish. Accordingly, means are provided to prevent the release means 29 from being disengaged from the magnet body 21 due to normal rod tension transferred through fishing line 14a to the attachment ring 33 and disc portion 30. The stem portion 29 in the preferred embodiment extends through'the disc portion 30 to a head portion 36. The head portion 36 has a smaller outside diameter than the diameter of the recess 21a at the center of the magnet body 21, and is positioned within the recess 21a when the disc portion 30 is magnetically engaged against the body magnet 21, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The width of the recess 21a decreases as it extends upwardly and downwardly from the center of the magnet body so that.
the width of the slot 21b above and below the center of the magnet body is less than the diameter of the head.
portion 36. Accordingly, any lateral force which is exerted on the disc portion 30 by the attachment ring 33 and the fishing line 14a extending to the rod and reel 15 will be resisted by the engagement of the outer circumference of head portion 36 against the inner surfaces of the slot 21b of the magnet body 21 to prevent the disc portion 30 from sliding transversely off the magnet body 21 and releasing the fishing line. Therefore, with my improved downrigger line release device, substantial rod pressure can be maintained on the device without fear of disengaging the magnetic line release means 29 from the magnet body 21.
In use, my downrigger line release device can be fixedly mounted at the desired position on a downrigger release cable 12 in the manner described. The fishing line 14a from the rod and reel may then be secured to the line attachment ring 33 of the magnetic line release means 29 and line section 14b attached to the desired lure 16 is secured to line attachment ring 35. The device is then set by engaging the disc portion 30 against the rearward end 23 of the magnet body 21 where it will be maintained by magnetic force. Such engagement is very simple, as it merely requires the fisherman to bring the disc portion into close proximity and alignment with the magnet body 21 until it is attracted to and engaged upon the body portion 21 by magnetic force. This can be easily accomplished by one hand, and leaves the fishermans other hand free to steady himself in the boat or handle other related tasks. The boat may then be operated to troll the lure at the fishing depth determined by the depth of the downrigger line release device.
As previously described, the fisherman may maintain rod pressure on the fishing line extending to the release device while waiting for the fish to strike. When the fish strikes the lure, it will exert a force on the lure 16 and line section 141) to cause the line release means 29 to be disengaged from the magnet body 21. Such force will be exerted by the line 141) through the attachment ring 35 and stem portion 31 either axially, or more commonly at an angle to the center axis of the release device 20. An axial force will pull the disc portion 30 directly off the magnet body 21 in a substantially axial direction. However, as the head portion 36 clears the recess 21a in the rearward end 23 of the magnet body 21, the release means 29 will be pulled upwardly as well as rearwardly due to the tension of the fishing rod and fishing line 14a, as illustrated in FIG. 3, and such upward movement will provide a positive force for setting the hook in the fish. In most cases the fish will strike the lure at an upward, downward or sideward angle to the axis ofthe release device. Such a strike will produce an angular force on the stem portion 31 of the release means 29 which will create a moment arm about a point on the edge of the disc 30 in engagement with the magnet body 21 to force the disc portion 30 off the magnet body. It can be readily seen that the farther the point of application of the force to the stem portion is from the disc portion, the greater will be the moment arm through which the force is transmitted, and the less force which will be required to disengage the release means 29 from the body magnet 21. Accordingly, by selecting a line attachment hole 34 on the stem portion closer to the disc portion 30 the amount of force required to disengage the release means will be increased. Conversely, by using a line engagement hole 34 farther from the disc portion 30 the amount of force required to disengage the release means 29 will be lessened. Obviously, the releasing force will be primarily dependent upon the degree of magnetic force exerted by the magnet body 21 on the release means 29, and
the magnet body should be selected to provide the degree of magnetic force appropriate to the size and striking power of the type of fish for which it will be used.
As previously indicated, the fisherman may engage my downrigger line release device on the downrigger cable 12 without raising the cable and weight by utilizing the larger elongated groove 26 in the attachment plate 25 to produce a slip fit between the release device and the cable 12. The weight of the magnet body and the action of the lure will then be utilized to carry the release device and lure down the cable. However, if a slip fit engagement is used, the fisherman will not be able to employ rod tension, since any substantial upward force exerted through line section 14a will cause the device to slide upwardly on the downrigger cable 12.
My release device 20 may also be used with a trolling board (not shown) of the type conventionally used to troll a line along a parallel path to one side or the other of a moving boat. The trolling board is connected to a line attached to the boat and. the shape of the board causes the board to move transversely outward until it is located at some distance to one side of the boat, in much the same manner that the downrigger weight is located a desired distance below the boat. The downrigger line release device may then be fixedly attached to the trolling board, preferably by means of a pair of attachment rods extending upwardly from the trolling board and engaged within the elongated grooves 26 and 27 of the attachment plate 25. The line release device then operates in the same manner as previously described such that the magnetiic line release means 29 will be disengaged from the magnet body 21 affixed to the trolling board when a fish strikes the lure. The fish can then be played and reeled in by the fisherman without interference from the trolling board.
It is understood that my invention is not confined to the particular construction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces all such equivalent and modified forms thereof as come within the scope of the following claims.
1 claim:
1. A downrigger line release device for a trolling system comprising:
a. a magnet body having a flat surface and a recess in said flat surface,
b. attachment means for attaching the magnet body to a cable supporting a weight, and
c. a magnetic line release means including a disc portion for magnetically engaging the magnet body flat surface and having means for engaging a fishing line extending from a fishing rod, a head portion extending from the disc portion for engagement within the recess in the magnet body flat surface to prevent the disc portion from being transversely disengaged from the magnet body by a transverse force applied to the disc portion line engaging means, and a stem portion extending from the disc portion and having means for engaging a fishing line extending to a fishing lure, said magnetic line release means being separable from the magnet body flat surface when a force is applied to the stern portion line engagement means.
2. The downrigger line release device specified in claim 1 wherein the magnetic line release means stem portion has a plurality of line engagement means for engaging a fishing line extending to a fishing lure, each said line engagement means being located a different distance from the disc portion.
3. The downrigger line release device specified in claim 1 wherein the attachment means for attaching the magnet body to the weight supporting line includes a post member extending from the magnet body, an attachment plate mounted on the post member, and means for engaging the weight supporting line between the magnet body and the attachment plate.
41. The downrigger line release device specified in claim 1 wherein the attachment plate has a plurality of elongated grooves of different cross-sectional area and wherein at least one said groove will fixedly engage a weight supporting cable against the magnet body and at least one said groove will slidably engage a weight supporting cable against said magnet body. |
US-3874111-A | Toy bulldozer | United States Patent [191 Pauly et al.
[[ Apr. 1,1975
[ TOY BULLDOZER [75] Inventors: Ronald R. Pauly, Mound; Curtis H.
F ahrendorff, Minneapolis, both of Minn.
[73] Assignee: Tonka Corporation, Hopkins, Minn.
[22] Filed: Jan. 30, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 437,881
[52] U.S. Cl. 46/40 [51] Int. Cl A63h 33/30 [58] Field of Search 46/214, 215, 40
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.557.851 6/1951 Warner 46/40 2.563.974 8/1951 Thierry 46/40 2.702.963 3/1955 Swcnson 46/40 2.812.869 11/1957 Nisperly 46/40 X 2.985.983 5/1961 Konstenius 46/40 3.161.987 12/1964 Decker 3.462.874 8/1969 Pauly et a1. 3.711.990 1/1973 Pfeilsticker 46/214 Primary ExaminerLouis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner-.1. Q. Lever Attorney, Agent, or F irmDouglas L. Carlsen; Andrew E. Carlsen [57] ABSTRACT A toy bulldozer including a tractor having a dozer blade extending across the front thereof with arms extending rearwardly from the blade on either side of the tractor and having their rear ends pivoted to the tractor on a common transverse axis, and a control mechanism for raising and lowering the blade about said pivot axis comprising a handle having its lower end pivoted to the blade and extending upwardly therefrom slidably through a simulated hydraulic cylinder of resilient plastic material which is mounted on the front portion of the tractor. Catch means are provided for releasably locking the handle at various positions of vertical adjustment with the blade at different elevations.
2 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures APR' 1 I975 3,8 74.1l1
saaznzurz TOY BULLDOZER This invention relates generally to miniature toy vehicles and more particularly concerns toy bulldozers or the like wherein an earthmoving blade is mounted on the vehicle extending crosswise to the direction of travel and wherein the blade is vertically adjustable between different positions of elevation.
Manufacturers of miniature toy vehicles are constantly trying to simulate both the appearance and operation of the full sized vehicle in the toy. Heretofore, toy bulldozers have generally comprised a tractor with a front dozer blade which is vertically movable by some sort of lever mechanism. This is not realistic of the full counterpart where such dozer blades are now generally vertically adjusted by means of hydraulic cylinders.
The object of the present invention is to provide a miniature toy bulldozer wherein the dozer blade is adjusted to its various positions through a hand control device which simulates a hydraulic cylinder in appearance and in some respects in operation.
With this and other objects in mind the invention broadly comprises a toy bulldozer wherein the bulldozer blade has a handle which is mounted for vertical sliding movement in simulated hydraulic cylinders to give the appearance of hydraulic cylinders operating the blade adjustment. Catch means acting between the handle and cylinders lock the blade in adjusted position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is aside elevation ofthe toy bulldozer with the dozer blade positioned at ground level.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the front portion of a bulldozer embodying the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a transverse section taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and looking forwardly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more particularly to the drawings reference numerals will be used to denote like structural parts or features in the different views. A toy tractor has front wheels 11 and rear wheels 12 at each side. A track 14 of flexible resilient material is trained around the pair of wheels 11, 12 on each side of the tractor. The tractor 10 includes a front end portion 15 as well as side portions 16.
A bulldozer blade 17 extends crosswise in front of tractor l2 and is connected to a pair of L-shaped brackets or arms 18 each of which has its forward portion 19 integrally secured to the blade and then extends rearwardly alongside the tractor with its rear end journaled on a pin 20 extending laterally from the adjacent side portion 16. Blade 17 is thus movable in a generally vertical direction about the axis of pins 20.
The device for adjusting blade 17 and securing it in a desired position of adjustment is denoted generally by the numeral 22. This comprises a U-shaped handle 24 having a bight portion 25 connecting parallel legs 26 at their upper ends. At their lower ends legs 26 are provided with aligned terminals 27 which are journaled in apertured tabs 28 mounted on the bracket portions 19 and extending rearwardly therefrom. Each of the legs 26 has upper and lower catches denoted respectively at 29 and 30 formed on the rear side thereof.
A pair of simulated hydraulic cylinders 31 are mounted one on each side of the front end portions 15 of the tractor. These are tubular shaped members of relatively rigid plastic material which are split up the rear side leaving the open slot 32 through which the legs 26 can be inserted into the members during assernbly. At approximately their longitudinal centers the members 31 have integrally formed U-shaped collars 34 each of which has a pair of laterally spaced tabs 35 which are journaled on a cross pin 36 mounted to extend transversely through the tractor front portion 15. Pin 36 is spaced relative to the catches 29 and 30 so as to interfere with smooth longitudinal sliding movement of legs 26 in members 31. The numeral 37 denotes a simulated hydraulic line which leads from the upper end of one member 31 through the front portion 15 of the tractor to the upper end of the other member 31. Accordingly, both members 31 and line 37 are formed as a single molded plastic part.
In normal operating position with the dozer blade in scraping relation along the surface of ground G, the handle 24 is in its lowered position as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. In this position the catches 29 and 30 on the legs 26 will be below the pin 36 as shown in FIG. 4. The engagement between the catches 29 and the pin 36 will yieldably retain the dozer blade in this lowered position.
The blade 17 may be raised to an intermediate position or to a fully raised transport position by pulling upwardly on the handle bight portion 25. As the catches 29 and 30 are forced to cam over pin 36, the member 3] acts as a spring and the upper and lower ends thereof will flex upwardly shown in FIG. 5 allowing the catches to pass over the pin. By the same token members 31 yieldably retain the dozer blade in any adjusted position.
Obviously, the adjustment of the dozer blade is about the axis of pin 20. It will also be understood that the handle 24 and members 31 will tilt about the axis of pin 36 during raising or lowering of the blade.
Having now therefore fully illustrated and described our invention, what we claim to be new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:
1. In a toy bulldozer,
a. a tractor,
b. a bulldozer blade extending across the front of the tractor with a pair of arms extending rearwardly from the blade one on each side of the tractor and having their rear ends pivoted to the tractor on a common horizontal axis extending transversely of the tractor,
c. an inverted U-shaped handle having parallel legs extending downwardly one on each side of the tractor with their lower ends pivotally connected to the rear side of the bulldozer blade,
d. a pair ofelongated cylinders mounted one on each side of the tractor each slidably receiving one of said handle legs, and
e. locking means acting between at least one of said legs and cylinderfor releasably locking the leg in various positions therein.
2. The subject matter of claim 1 wherein said cylinders are pivotally mounted on a pin extending through the tractor and cylinders, said pin forming a part of said locking means. |
US-3874112-A | Animating device for figure toys | itited States Patent Sapkus et a].
[ Apr. 1, 1975 ANIMATING DEVICE FOR FIGURE TOYS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPUCATIONS 1 1 lnventersr Jurgis n MahhattanBeach; 623,559 8/1961 Italy 46/245 Stephen Lewis, Pac1fic Pallsades; Kurt Ru el Redondo Beach; John T. Bensoii? Eilcino, all of Calif. pmimry Examlr ler Louls Manceine Asszstant Examiner-Robert F. Cuttmg [73] Asslgneez Mattel, Inc., Hawthorne, Cal1f. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Max .E. Shirk; Stephen L. 22 Filed: Dec. 26, 1973 Kmg [21] Appl. No.: 427,873
[57] ABSTRACT [52] US. Cl 46/119, 46/128, 46/142, Pi ol-type hand grip is swingably connected to a fig- 46/148, 273/874 ure toy for swinging the figure toy through simulated [51] Int. Cl A63h 11/00 allatting, or the ik aetivities- Alternatively, [58] Field of Search 46/119, 128, 142, 148, th figure y ay be lat hed to th and grip f r 46/245; 273/814 other activities wherein an actuator may be selectively positioned to swing the figure toys arm and leg, re- References Cited spectively.
UNITED STATES PATENTS 7 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures 2,088,510 7/1937 Frasca 46/142 2 1 1 l/ 1 f I 124 1? 13 4: 16 I \v/dl l 7,7:' Z ,,2 I -1 'f 15 {a g I 28 i I zq v: .w/ 1 1M 1' 164 DATENTEB APR H975 3874.1 12.
If a
ANIMATING DEVICE FOR FIGURE TOYS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The background of the invention will be set forth in two parts.
1. Field of the Invention The invention pertains generally to an animating device for figure toys and more particularly to a simple,
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and useful animating device for figure toys.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an animating device of the type described for selectively swinging a figure toys arm, torso or leg upon actuation of a trigger on a pistol-type hand grip.
According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a pistol-type hand grip is releasably connected to a figure toy by a waist band encompassing the torso of the figure toy and pivotally connected to the hand grip through a latch which may be released by pulling a trigger on the hand grip.
The trigger swings a primary lever which moves a push rod into engagement with a secondary lever. The push rod and the secondary lever are carried by a slotted sleeve rotatably mounted in the hollow barrel portion of the hand grip. In a first rotated position of the sleeve, the secondary lever swings a leg on the figure toy. The sleeve may then be rotated to a second position where the secondary lever releases the latch so that the figure toy will swing through an arc simulating a baseball batters swing, or the like. When the sleeve is rotated to a third position, the secondary lever is positioned to engage an arm swinging mechanism when the trigger is actuated.
In a second embodiment of the invention, an armswinging lever is integral with the trigger which selectively releases a spring-loaded leg-kicking lever and a torso-swinging spring.
The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to like elements in the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, with parts broken away to show internal construction, of a figure toy in combination with an animating device constituting a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial, side elevational view, with parts broken away to shown internal construction, of the combination of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of an appendage animating means on the figure toy of FIG.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the appendage animating means of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the animating device of FIG. 1 in a first operating position;
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the device of FIG. 6 in a second operating position;
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the device of FIG. 6 in a third operating position;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the connector which connects the device of FIG. 1 to a figure toy;
FIGS. 10 and 11 are enlarged, partial elevational views of the connector shown in FIG. 9; and
FIG. 12 is an elevational view, with parts shown in cross section, of an animating device constituting a second embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring again to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, an animating device constituting a first embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 150, is shown in combination with a figure toy 12 having a lower torso portion 14 and an upper torso portion 16.
The lower torso portion 14 includes a front half 18 and a rear half 20 which are connected together by a plurality of pins 22, 24 and 26 on rear half 20 which engage suitable sockets (not shown) on front half 18.
Rear half 20 also carries a larger pin 28 which is engaged in a socket 30 on the front half 18.
The upper torso portion includes a front half 32 and a rear half 34 which are connected together by a plurality of pins (not shown) which engage sockets 38 provided on the rear half 34.
The upper torso portion 16 includes a reduced diameter, midrift portion 40 engaged in the open top 42 of lower torso portion 14 and these portions are connected together by a resilient, rubber-like connector 44 having a headed upper end 46 engaged in an aperture 48 provided in a partition 50 disposed in the upper torso portion 16 at the base of a cylindrical neck 52. Connector 44 includes a lower end 54 which is provided with an aperture 56 which, in turn, may be engaged over pin 28 before it is inserted into socket 30.
Figure toy 12 also includes a head 58 which is connected to neck 52 by a mushroom pin 60 having a head 62 seated in a cavity 64 provided at the base of head 58 and a button connector 66 seated in an annular channel 68 provided in neck 52. Additionally, figure toy 12 includes a pair of legs 70, 72 having upper ends 74 articulately mounted on balls 75 in leg openings 76 provided in the lower torso portion 14.
Upper torso portion 16 includes a pair of arm openings '78, 80 in which arms 82, 84, respectively, are rotatably mounted by shoulder pins 86 each having a first end 88 which carries a cross-bar, like the one shown at 90 for arm 82, embedded in a bulbous shoulder portion 92 thereof. Each pin 86 includes a second end 94 which is bifurcated and which carries a head 96. Each shoulder 92 is provided with an arcuate slot 98 through which an associated one of the pins 86 extends so that the arms 82, 84 may be swung laterally outwardly away from the upper torso portion 16. Shoulder portion 92 for arm 84 frictionally engages arm opening 80 and is maintained in engagement therewith due to the tensioning of pin 86 by trapping head 96 against a vertical web 100 affixed to the upper rear torso half 34.
As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, figure toy 12 also includes an appendage or arm animating means 10 having a pinion gear 102 carried by a boss 104 journalled in shoulder opening 78 by a flange 106 trapped in an annular channel 108 (FIG. 1) provided in upper torso portion 16. Boss 104 includes an open cylindrical portion 110 which is frictionally engaged by shoulder 92 on arm 82 due to the force exerted by pin 86 which passes through an aperture 112 in boss 104 and is maintained therein by head 96. Pin 86 carries a disc 114 serving as a thrust bearing for pinion gear 102.
Appendage animating means 10 includes a rack 116 carried by an arm 118 formed integrally with an actuating plate 120. Plate 120 is shaped to form a continuation of the rear wall 122 of upper torso portion 16 and is swingably mounted in an opening 124 provided therein. Plate 120 carries a trunion 126 journalled in vertical plates 128, 130 on rear wall 122 and maintained in position therein by suitable fingers, like the one shown at 132 in FIG. 2 extending from front, upper torso half 32.
Plate 120 carries a pair of stops 134, 136 (FIG. 1) which bottom out against rear wall 122 preventing plate 120 from passing beyond rear wall 122 under the influence of the bias imparted by connector 44 due to its engagement with a shelf 138 (FIG. extending inwardly from plate 120.
Referring now more in particular to FIG. 3, arm 82 may be manually swung rearwardly in the direction of arrow 140 or counterclockwise in the direction of arrows 142 for 360 of rotation by exerting enough force to overcome the friction between shoulder 92 and boss 104, which remains stationary due to the engagement of pinion 102 with rack 116 (FIG. 4). Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the appendage animating means does not interfere with the normal play value of a figure toy wherein the child-user desires to manipulate the arms and legs to different posed positions where the arms and legs will remain until they are again acted upon by an outside force.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the appendage animating means 10 may be used to cause figure toy 12 to simulate karate chops by first manually positioning arm 82 in the raised position shown in FIG. 4. Plate 120 may then be moved in the direction of arrow 144 overcoming the bias exerted by connector 44 and moving rack 116 to rotate pinion gear 102 sufficiently to swing arm 82 to the broken line position shown in FIG. 4. The individual parts of appendage animating means 10 will then be in the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 5 whereupon plate 120 may be released and will be returned to the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 4 by connector 44.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6-10, the animating device 150 includes a pistol-type hand grip 152 having a handle portion 154, a trigger 156 and a hollow barrel 158. Hand grip 152 may be swingably connected to figure toy 12 by a waistband 160 which encompasses torso portions 14, 16 and which is connected to barrel portion 158 by a pivot pin 162. As best seen in FIG. 2, the major axis of figure toy 12 is approximately parallel to the major axis of pivot pin 162 and the major axis of barrel 158 intersects the major axis of figure toy 12 substantially normal thereto so that figure toy 12 may be swung on an are about pivot pin 162 in a manner to be hereinafter described.
Animating device 150 also includes a secondary lever 164 which is swingably mounted in a sleeve 166 (FIGS. 6 and 7) rotatably mounted in barrel 158 so that the secondary lever 164 may be selectively moved from the position shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 (where lever 164 is adapted to swing leg to the positions shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 where lever 164 is adapted to actuate arm 82 and to swing figure toy 12 about pivot pin 162, respectively. Lever 164 includes a free end 168 adapted to engage plate when lever 164 is in its FIG. 7 position. A spindle 170 is carried by lever 164 adjacent its free end 168 and is adapted to engage leg 70 when lever 164 is in the position shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6. When sleeve 166 is rotated to place lever 164 in its FIG. 8 position, a latch 172, which normally prevents swinging of figure toy 12 about pivot pin 162, is brought into bridging engagement with a slot 174 in which lever 164 works in sleeve 166, so that lever 164 will release latch 172 when lever 164 is moved from the broken line position shown in FIG. 8 to the solid-line position shown therein.
Referring more in particular to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9, hand grip 152 includes a right housing half 176 and a left housing half 178 in which a primary lever 180 (FIGS. 6 and 7) and the trigger 156 are swingably mounted on trunions 182, 184 (FIG. 6) respectively. Trigger 156 may be molded from a suitable polymeric material and includes an integral leaf spring 186 which biases trigger 156 to the extended position shown in FIG. 6. Trigger 156 includes an upper end 188 engageable with primary lever 180 to swing it into engagement with a push rod 190 reciprocably mounted in a way 192 provided in sleeve 166 in the path-of-travel of secon dary lever 164 so that push rod 190 will swing lever 164 about its pivot pin 194, which is rotatably mounted in suitable sockets, like the one shown at 196 in sleeve 166. Thus, when trigger 156 is moved in the direction of arrow 198, end 188 of trigger 156 will swing primary lever 180 in the direction of arrow 200 causing push rod 190 and secondary lever 164 to move in the direction of arrow 200. It should be noted that push rod 190 engages primary lever 180 near its lower end 202 when the secondary lever 164 is in its leg-swinging position, as shown in solid linesin FIG. 6. When the secondary lever 164 is in the position shown in FIG. 7, push rod 190 engages primary lever 180 approximately midway between end 202 and trunion 182. It has been found that it takes more force to actuate arm 82 by depressing plate 120 than it does to actuate leg 70. This additional force is offered by primary lever 180 acting through an increased lever arm when push rod 190 engages primary lever 180 between its ends rather than at its lower end 202.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 6 and 81 1, hand grip 152 may be releasably connected to waist clamp 160 by a bracket 204, which carries pivot pin 162 and latch 172 and which is swingably connected to left housing half 178 by engaging pin 162 in a pair of gusset members 206, 208 formed integrally with left housing half 178 when it is molded from a suitable polymeric material. Bracket 204 is'e ngaged by the ends 210, 212 of waist clamp 1'60 and'carries athumb screw 214 adapted to threadedly engage a threaded plate 215 on wais t 'clamp 160 to drive ends 210, 212 into position in bracket 204 when thumb screw 214' is rotated inthe' dir'ection of arrow 216 (FIG. 9 i
In use,a child-user may rotate sleeve 166 until secondary lever 164 is in its FIG. 6 position. Trigger 156 may then be squeezed causing lever 164 to engage leg 70 and swing it through a ball-kicking motion. Sleeve 166 may then be rotated to its FIG. 8 position where latch 172 will bridge slot 174 so that lever 164 will engage latch 172 when trigger 156 is squeezed causing figure toy 12 to swing in an are about pivot pin 162 in simulation of a baseball batter, or the like. Sleeve 166 may then be rotated until lever 164 is in its FIG. 7 position. Trigger 156 may then be squeezed causing end 168 of lever 164 to depress plate 120 (FIG. 5) so that animating means 10 will swing arm 82 downwardly in simulation of a karate chop, or the like.
Referring now to FIG. 12, a figure toy animating device constituting a second embodiment of the present invention, generally designated 150A, is shown in combination with the figure toy 12 and includes a hand grip 152A on which a trigger 156A is swingably mounted by a pin 184A. Trigger 156A is formed integrally with a leaf spring 186A and with an arm-swinging lever 164A. Hand grip 152A also includes a leg-swinging lever 164B swingably connected to grip 152A by a pivot pin 194A and biased toward leg 70 by a spring 217. Leg swinging lever 1648 may be retained in the position shown in FIG. 12 against the force of spring 217 by engaging a first ledge 218, which is formed on lever 1648, with a second ledge 220, which is formed on trigger 156A. Spring 217 includes an arm 222 which encompasses a pivot pin 162A swingably connecting hand grip 152A to a waist clamp 160A. Spring arm 222 then engages waist clamp 160A for swinging figure toy 12 in an are about pivot pin 162A when trigger 156A is squeezed to release a finger 223 from locking engagement with clamp 160A.
In the second embodiment 150A of the present invention, it is necessary to cock either the leg-swinging lever 1648 or the waist clamp 160A against the force of spring 217 before trigger 156A is squeezed. Thus, if leg swinging lever 1648 is first cocked and then trigger 156A is squeezed a slight amount, leg swinging lever 1648 will be released and spring 217 will drive it into engagement with leg 70 for swinging leg 70. Further squeezing of trigger 156A will bring arm swinging lever 164A into engagement with plate 120 for swinging arm 80. If, on the other hand, waist 122 clamp 160A is cocked, then the first increment of movement of trigger 156A will release finger 223 from waist clamp 160A so that spring 217 will swing waist clamp 160A and figure toy 12 about pivot pin 162A.
While the particular figure toy animating devices herein shown and described in detail are fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that they are merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended claims F ing:
which form a part of this disclosure. Whenever the term means is employed in these claims, the term is to be interpreted as defining the corresponding structure illustrated and described theequivale nt of thesamej What is claimed is: V
1. In combination with a figure toy having rotatable appendages anda torso, an animating device, comprising: j u
hand grip means adapted to be releasa bly connected .to said figure toy and manually manipulated by a user of said animating device;
connecting means engageable with said torso for connecting said hand grip means thereto with the major axis of said hand grip means intersecting the major axis of said figure toy substantially normal thereto; and
pivot pin means swingably connecting said connecting means to said hand grip means, the major axis of said torso being substantially parallel to the major axis of said pivot pin means, whereby said figure toy may be swung through an are about said pivot pin means.
2. A combination as stated in claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprises a band encompassing said torso at its midsection.
3. A combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hand grip means includes lever means for engaging at least one of said appendages and actuating means for swinging said lever means into engagement with said at least one of said appendages.
4. A combination as stated in claim 3 wherein said actuating means comprises:
trigger means swingably connected to said hand grip means;
primary lever means swingably mounted in said hand grip means in the path of travel of said trigger means for actuation thereby;
rod means slidably mounted in said hand grip means in the path of travel of said primary lever means for actuation thereby; and
secondary lever means swingably mounted in said hand grip means in the path of travel of said rod means for actuation thereby.
5. A combination as stated in claim 3 wherein said actuating means comprises:
a trigger swingably connected to said hand grip means, said trigger including a ledge engageable by said lever means for preventing movement thereof until said trigger is actuated; and
spring means connected to said lever means for biasing said lever means into engagement with said ledge until said trigger is moved out of blocking engagement therewith and then rapidly swinging said lever means ito engagement with said at least one of said appendages.
6. A combination as stated in claim 4 wherein said rod means and said secondary lever means are mounted in a sleeve rotatably mounted in said hand grip means in operative association with said primary lever means whereby the mechanical advantage exerted by said primary lever means may be controlled by rotating said sleeve.
7. In combination with a figure toy having rotatable appendages and a torso, an animating device, comprisin this specification or.
hand grip means adapted to be releasably connected a leg-swinging lever swingably connected to said hand grip means;
spring means biasing said leg-swinging lever in a legkicking direction and biasing said connecting means in a torso-swinging direction; and
keeper means on said trigger for controlling opera- 'tion of said leg-swinging lever and said connecting means, whereby said leg-swinging lever and said connecting means may be selectively cocked against said trigger and then released upon actuation of said trigger. |
US-3874113-A | Doll wherein head connects to a support member, thereby locking on body and limbs | United States Patent 1191 Beck 1 1 Apr. 1,1975
[ DOLL WHEREIN HEAD CONNECTS TO A SUPPORT MEMBER THEREBY LOCKING ON BODY AND LlMBS [75] Inventor: Hans Beck, Kreutles, Germany [73] Assignee: Georg Brandstatter, Zirndorf,
Germany 22 Filed: Feb. 2, 1973 21 App]. No.: 328,891
2,752,726 7/1956 Calverly 46/22 2,884,739 5/1959 Ketcham 46/163 3,225,489 12/1965 Ryan 46/22 X 3,234,689 2/1966 Ryan t 46/173 X 3,277,602 10/1966 Speers et a1. 46/173 X 3,590,516 7/1971 Dunn 46/22 Primary E.\'aminerF. Barry Shay Attorney, Agent, or FirmHane, Baxley & Spiecens [57] ABSTRACT The specification describes a toy figure comprising a body, a head, and arms. The head and the arms are adapted to be plugged into holes in the body. Legs can be set at different angles to the body about respective axes. The body comprises a loosely inserted support part, the support part having bearing means for the legs, locking members for the arms and a detent. The head is provided with a plug pin adapted for cooperation with the detent.
6 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures DOLL WHEREIN HEAD CONNECTS TO A SUPPORT MEMBER THERIEBY LOCKING ON BODY AND LIIMBS BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field to which invention relates The invention relates to toy figures with a head which can be plugged into openings in the body and arms which can be plugged in and like the legs can be moved angularly about a respective axis.
Such figures which can be fitted together by plugging in are advantageous both for the manufacturer and also for the user because on the one hand they allow the mass production of different types of figures by modification of the respective individual elements fitted together instead of the expense of offering a whole series of types which are produced so as to be different. On the other hand, this construction of the figure satisfies the wishes of the child at play as regards taking the figures apart. In this respect it is to be emphasized that taking apart does not lead to destruction of the toy figure owing to the fixing together of the different parts with plug connections and instead makes possible fitting together of the toy figure as often as required.
However, the requirements raised as regards a toy figure are not exhausted as regards the ability of the toy figure to be taken apart and simple fitting together again. In contrast to plug-in constructional sets, in the case of which the function of the elements to be fitted together is of primary importance, in the present case the appearance of the figures is of particular importance, that is to say they should, despite their plugged together construction, not have the appearance of a machine, and instead should have the appearance of a model of a human person. It follows from this that the shape of the body and the members should, despite the simplicity required, be in accordance with the figure represented as regards shape and proportions and should also be able to carry out typical movements and be able to assume certain positions. Furthermore, the connection joints should not be visible even in the case of the finished figure and should not project from the external shape of the figure parts.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION This aim is achieved in accordance with the invention in that in the body which is open downwards a support part is inserted in a removable manner and has bearing means for the legs, stop members for the arms and a detent for a plug-in pin arranged on the head. This support part accepts all limbs and, like the connecting parts between it and the various body parts, remains covered by the downwardly open body or trunk, which surrounds the support part. This body is formed by a preferably integral hollow body, whose cross-section corresponds with the contours of the figure. Using a profiled construction of the surface it is possible to endow the body simultaneously with the appearance of a figure carrying a certain article of clothing, that is to say a suit, a smock and the like. The opening in the lower part of the body is so large or the enveloping surfaces so cut away that the leg piece or pieces can be swung out of the standing position into the sitting position.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention each locking member consists of a downwardly opening fork, whose two limbs fit around a bearing pin of the arm, at whose inner end a broadened out bearing head is arranged. In this respect the free ends of the fork limbs are bent slightly towards the center of the recess, whose limits they form. The bearing pins must therefore be pressed into this recess on plugging them in. This fitting around of the holding piece with respect to the arm pin allows in the case of suitable dimensioning of the interfitting parts, for the arms to be swung and nevertheless be held in an oblique position with respect to the body axis.
The toy figure in accordance with the invention is furthermore characterised in that the two bearings for the legs are arranged in downwardly extending resilient lugs of the support part, which within the body lie against the side flanks of the latter and in that on the inner casing of the body guide surfaces are provided for the resilient lugs of the support part. In these bearings, which in the simplest case consist of a circular recess in the support part and pin-like shoulders or projections on the outer side surfaces of the legs, the legs can be swung in relation to the longitudinal axis of the figure in the direction of walking. Conveniently in this respect the two outer sides, adjacent to the resilient lugs fitting over them of the support part, are provided with a flat recess for these lugs so that the figure is not made unnaturally broad adjacent to the position at which the leg joins the body and instead the body placed over the leg has at its lower edges the distance, usual in the case of articles of clothing, from the leg section of the figure.
Both legs can form a unit. In this embodiment the toy figure can have two basic positions, that is to say the standing position with legs in the longitudinal axis of the body and parallel to each other, and the sitting position displaced by and all intermediate positions. If the figure in accordance with. the invention is so constructed that between the two legs a further longitudinal position is provided, which is arranged with the same axis to the ones arranged on the outside, the legs can also be arranged as an angular setting to each other and thus the number of positions which the body can assume are increased considerably.
A locking of the legs in the standing or sitting position is achieved in accordance with the invention owing to the feature that the support part has an abutment for swinging movement of the legs and which in the case of the standing position of the figure fits into a recess on the rear side of the legs, and when the figure is sitting lies against a part, continuing the upper side of the leg piece, of this recess. The abutment is made integrally if both legs form a unit, while in the case of another embodiment it consists of two lug-shaped parts.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention the head which can be plugged into the body is made flat at the top and has a detent for a wig or hat or the like which can be plugged into position so that on exchanging the hair and head the figure can be given various different appearances and also by additional attributes as for example a crown worn on the head or a helmet, cap etc. for certain persons to represent a charac ter in a fairy story, a craftsman and other further characters in a symbolic manner.
In order to ensure natural movement of these parts there is the feature in accordance with the invention that between the head and the body there is an abutment for limiting the rotary movement of the head which ensures that the face part of the head cannot look backwards over the shoulder. Furthermore, the
size of the figure parts is so dimensioned that between the head and the body typical articles of apparel typical for imitating a certain character, such as a priests robe or a train can be attached.
The same purpose, that is to say providing for many possibilities of variation of the figure, can be served in accordance with the invention which provides for a construction of the hands, which consist of a half-shellshaped part which is approximately U-shaped in crosssection and whose limbs or figures are constructed in accordance with the natural differences in length between the four fingers and the thumb and whose limb ends are bent inwards slightly towards each other so that an open, partly encircling position of the hand is formed. This converging form of the hand limbs or fingers makes it possible, in accordance with the purpose of play, to add to the figure typical articles such as tools or the like, which can easily be pressed into the hand and snap into place and held. It also makes it possible for one figure to grip the other and to carry articles suitable for carrying.
LIST OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS Further features, details and advantages of the invention will be gathered from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the figure partly in section.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section through the leg section taken on line llll of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a cross-section adjacent to the holding part of the figure taken on line IIlIlI of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The trunk of the toy figure has an elongate support or holding member 1 with a plate 2 running transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis of the body and also branches 3, 4, extending toward the head, for the attachment of the head and also branches 5, 6 for receiving the arms. The extension, extending beyond the plate 2, of the branches 5, 6 in a downward direction forms the resilient tongues or lugs 7, 8 to provide a bearing for the legs. The parts mentioned preferably form a unit and are completed by the abutment 9, also molded on, for stopping swinging of the legs from the dot-dash line position in FIG. 2 to the full line position of FIG. 2. Tongues 7,8 in conjunction with abutments 9 and recesses in the legs constitute limit means limiting the pivotal movements of the legs as is more fully explained hereinafter. The branches 5, 6 form the locking members for the arms 10, 11 and comprise for this purpose an upwardly open fork 12 with the branches 14, 14, which fit around the bearing pins 15, 16 of the arms l0, 11. The ends, adjacent to the middle of the figure, of the bearing pins 15, 16 adjoin broadened out bearing heads 17, 18.
At the free end of the arms 10, 11 of the figure the hands 19, 20 are arranged and preferably molded on. These hands have a thumb member 22 which is short and partly fits around the recess 21, and a member 23 on the finger side. The free ends of the members 22 and 23 have a distance between them which is less than the breadth of the recess 21 so that an article which is pressed into the hand in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the arm is held fast in it and can be removed again, however, on the exertion of a slight pressure.
The branches 3, 4 of the support member 1 are provided with detents 24, 25 for receiving the neck piece or part 27 connected with the head 26. For assembly of the figure the shoulder 28, which is approximately triangular in cross-section, of the neck piece 27 is slid along the wedge surfaces of the detents 24, 25 in the direction of the leg until the projecting parts of the shoulder 28 snap into position and are held in this position so that they cannot be too readily pulled out.
The head 26, provided with a face, and the neck part 27 and its shoulder 28 are preferably made integral. The hollow spherical head 26 is flat at the top and comprises approximately at the same level as the margin of the hair an encircling detent means 29, on which a wig 30, providing with a cooperating detent means, can be fitted. It is also possible to place the hat or the like on the head and fix it in position with the detent means.
The support member 1 and the bearings molded on it for the branches are surrounded by the body 31, whose collar-like shoulder 32 covers the transitional parts between the head 26 and the support part 1 and its shoulder parts 33, 34, the bearing pins 17, 18 of the arms 10, 11. The rear coat part 35 of the body 31 is made longer than its front casing part 36 so that the respective lower edges end at a short distance from the seat surface or the upper surface of the leg when the figure is in the sitting position. Lateral extensions 37, 38 of the body 31 cover the bearings of the legs 39, 40.
These bearings are formed by recesses or sockets 7 8' in the lugs or tongues 7, 8 forming the extension of the branches 5, 6 of the support member 1. Pins 41, 42 arranged on the outer sides of the legs fit into these recesses or sockets and adjacent to the pins 41, 42 the outer sides of the legs are provided with flat surfaces 43, 44, which lie against the resilient lugs 7, 8 of the support member 1. The legs 39, can be arranged to form a unit with the feet 45, 46 molded on them. The leg piece is provided on its rear side with a recess 47 extending approximately over the whole width. This recess 47 is extended over part of the upper side of the leg piece and serves for receiving the abutment 9 molded on the support member 1.
For limiting rotary movement of the head 26 l provide an approximately semi-circular groove 50 adjacent to the collar-shaped shoulder 32. Into this groove 50 there extends a radial extension 51 of the neckpiece 27 which can be rotated in the hole 52. Since the radial extension 51 beneath the head is arranged on the face side of the head and the groove 50 terminates approximately in the shoulder line, there is no possibility of the head being turned backwards, though it can be turned to the side.
I claim:
1. A toy figure comprising:
an elongate support member, a head member having a neck portion, two arms, two legs, joined at the upper ends thereof, and means for cooperating with said support member and head to connect said head, arms and support member,
said support member having a pair of first bearing means for pivotally receiving the legs at the joined ends thereof, a pair of second bearing means, each for pivotally receiving one of said arms and locking means for releasably locking the neck portion of said head member,
said legs having pins at the joined ends thereof, said pins being engaged with said first bearing means for pivoting the legs about an axis transverse of the lengthwise axis of the support member,
each of said arms having at one end thereof pivot means releasably engageable with the respective second bearing means,
said head member being insertable with its neck portion into said locking means of the support member for releasably locking therein, and
said means for connecting said head, arms and support member comprising a hollow body member which is open at one end and closed by an end wall at the other end, said end wall including an opening for passage of said neck portion, the body member being fittable upon the support member, the end wall of the body member in the fitted position thereof locking the arms to the support member and the head member in its locked position locking the body member to the support member.
2. The toy figure according to claim 1 wherein said support member comprises two transversely spaced branches extending from the support member parallel to the lengthwise axis thereof, each of said branches having a recess, said recesses constituting the first bearing means, the joined ends of the legs being disposed between said branches and said pins on the legs being journalled in said recesses.
3. The toy figure according to claim 1 wherein said support member comprises a pair of upwardly open forked branches extending from the support member, the pivot means on each of said arms mounting on its free end an enlarged head portion, each pivot means being journalled in a slot defined by the respective forked branch and is axially retained in the slot by. its head portion, said slots constituting said second bearing means.
4. The toy figure according to claim 1 wherein said locking means on the support member comprises two transversely spaced flexible branches extending from the support member parallel to its lengthwise axis, said flexible branches having each a protrusion on the sides facing each other, and wherein said neck portion of the head member comprises a peripheral protrusion intermediate its length, the cross sectional outline of the protrusion on the neck portion being wider than the distance between protrusions on said flexible branches in a released position thereof whereby upon forcing the neck portion protrusions past the protrusions on the flexible branches the branches will snap back into their relaxed position, thus releasably locking the neck portion to the support member.
5. The toy figure according to claim 4 wherein a further protrusion on the neck portion engages a circumferentially elongate recess in the rim of the opening in the end wall of the body member thereby limiting rotation of the head member relative to the body member.
6. The toy figure according to claim 1 wherein the top of said head member is flattened and includes a detent, and a head covering is secured in said detent. |
US-3874114-A | Plantbed cover assembly | United States Patent [191 Rowell Apr. 1, 1975 PLANTBED COVER ASSEMBLY 211 Appl. No.: 400,823
[52] US. Cl 47/29, 47/17, 47/19, 49/74, 98/110 [51] Int. Cl A0lg 13/04, A01g 9/24, E06b 7/08 [58] Field of Search 47/26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 47/17, 19; 49/74, 77, 371; 98/110 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 673,810 5/1901 Yancey 47/28 874,218 12/1907 Lutz 47/28 1,092,094 3/1914 Darroch 98/110 X 1,283,338 10/1918 Simon 47/17 UX 2,046,601 7/1936 Atkinson", 47/17 2,206,478 7/1940 Hennessey 47/17 X 2,743,720 5/1956 Dollinger 49/77 X 3,120,035 2/1964 Morris 98/110 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 72,448 4/1951 Denmark 47/17 2,955 2/1915 United Kingdom 47/29 4,422 10/1955 Germany 47/26 812,097- 4/1937 France 47/29 63,212 lO/l891 Germany 47/17 825,762 3/1938 France 47/17 Primary Examiner-Edgar S. Burr Assistant Examiner-Steven A. Bratlie Attorney, Agent, or FirmWoodard, Weikart, Emhardt & Naughton [57] ABSTRACT Disclosed is a plantbed cover composed of two rectangular frames hinged together along one side margin and at their corners adapted to be fastened so that their hinged margin is above the opposite side margins which are spaced above the plantbed level. Hinged skirts depend from the frame side margins, and extending transversely across the frames are parallel, transversely curved vanes of light transmitting (translucent or colorless) plastic. The vanes are moveable, in unison, about their longitudinal axis to vary exposure of the bed.
3 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures DATENTEDAPR' 1 m5 3' 874 1 14 SHEET 2 OF 3 PLANTBED COVER ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the culture of tobacco plants it is customary to start the plants in prepared beds, with planting of the beds occuring as early as possible in the spring. Approximately six to eight weeks after planting, the plants are removed, or pulled," from the small nurturing beds and reset in the fields, maintaining optimum spacing between plants, etc. The structure of the present invention protects and controls the access of rain, sleet, frost, etc. to the prepared nurturing beds both before and after planting and during the period before pulling or transplanting of the tobacco plants. The light transmitting (translucent or colorless) plastic vanes, transversely curved, which form the cover panels are moveable between. open and closed position. When closed they permit convection circulation of air within the space over the bed. The vanes, in closed position, promote a humid, sunwarmed atmosphere over the plants which increases the plant growth rate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plantbed cover assembly embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, side view of the structure shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along the line 44 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view ofa skirt panel, visible in FIG. 1, and attached to the frame side members.
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of the skirt panel of FIG. 5 mounting on the adjacent frame member.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the frame illustrating its support in spaced relation to the plantbed.
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary end view of the hinged marginal side members of the joined frames.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring initially to FIG. 1 there is shown a plantbed cover embodying the present invention which in general, is formed by two frame members 10 and 11 hingedly joined to each other along their upper side margins 12 and 13 respectively. The hinges joining the marginal side members of the frames 10 and 11 are shown in FIG. 8 and there identified at 16. As may be seen in FIG. 8 a flexible member such as a cord or chain 14 limits the angular spread between the frame members. The two frames 10 and 11 are duplicates and frame 10, for example, may be seen to be composed of frame members 12 and 17 which extend parallel to each other and end frame members 18 and 19 rigidly joined to the longitudinal frame members. The hinged margins 12 and 13 of the frames 10 and 11 are disposed above the free marginal side members (17 in the case of frame 10) so that the frames lie in oppositely inclined planes over the plantbed whose general level is indicated at 21 in FIG. 1 and 7.
As may be seen in FIG. 2 the frame members are rigidly joined by any suitable means such as the metal L- shaped brackets 26. As may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame 10 and, it will be understood, similarly the frame 11 carries a series of narrow vanes 31 which are arcuate in cross section and are formed of a rigid, plastic material, preferably acrylic plastic and translucent or colorless, the vanes being illustrated in their closed position in which their concave face is up. in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
The vanes 31 are arranged parallel to each other and are supported in the frame by tubular support members 32. The tubular support members may be formed of suitable plastic pipe and are slotted to accommodate the end portion of the respective vane 31 and the vane is rigidly fastened to the tube by solvent bonding or any other suitable means. The support members or tubes 32 extend freely through journalling apertures 33 in the frame members 17 (as viewed. in FIG. 2) and the ends of the vanes 31 are held spaced from the frame members by means of the arcuate spacer rings 34.
The vanes 31 are movable in unison from a closed position in which their concave face is upward to an open position in which the vanes are arranged with their concave face rightwardly as shown in broken lines, identified at 31a, in FIG. 3. The means for moving the vanes in unison between these two positions will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. The vane displacing means includes a throw bar 41, which may be formed of wood, and extends parallel to and closely adjacent the frame side member 17 but rests on the vane support members 32 as will be evident from FIG. 3. The throw bar 411 has pivotally attached to it the eyelet head 42a, of a pin member 42 the shank portion of each of the pins extending at an acute angle from the throw bar 41. As will be evident from FIG. 3, the pins are rigidly secured to the vane support members by extending the pins diametrically through the vane support tubes 32. Keeping in mind that the eyeleted head 42a of each of the pins 42 is free to pivot with relation to the throw bar 41, as the throw bar 41 is moved upwardly and longitudinally to the right (as viewed in FIG. 3), the pins 42 will be shifted to their broken line position of FIG. 3, thereby rotating the vane support members 32 through approximately placing the vanes in their vertical position as illustrated at 31a in broken lines in FIG. 3. It will be understood that the motion of the throw bar 41 rotates all of the vanes in unison and return motion of the throw bar leftwardly, as viewed in FIG. 3, will again place the vanes in their closed position wherein their concave face is upward.
As may be seen in FIG. 1, the joined frame members 10 and 11 are provided with generally triangularshaped end pieces 61 which are fastened, by any suitable means, to the inclined side members of the joined frames. Where the joined frames are arranged end to end so as to overlie a lengthier plantbed, intervening end members 61 may be omitted. Depending from the frame side member 17, and from its counterpart in the frame 11 (not shown) is a skirt panel 46. As may be seen in FIG. 5, the skirt panel 46 has rigidly fastened to it the lower plate of a hinge 47 whose pintle 48 joins it to an upper hinge plate 49. The hinge plate 47 is attached to the panel 46 at an inwardly notched area so that an upper marginal side portion 46a of the panel extends above the hinge. As may be seen in FIG. 7, the upper hinge plate 49 is rigidly attached to the side member 17 so that the skirt panel 46 depends pivotally from the lower margin of the frame member 17 and closes the area between the lower margin of the frame and the plantbed ground line 21. The upwardly extending marginal portion 46a of the skirt panel serves to direct any abnormally large volume of water flowing down the channel formed by the concave face of the vanes 34 to the exterior of the frame (the normal water flow down the vanes will pass through their respective tubes 32 to the exterior). This occurs because the ends of the vanes (engaging the spacers 34) are leftward or outboard of the upper end of the marginal portion 46a of FIG. 7. While the skirt panel 46 is described with ref- 7 erence to FIG. 7 as depending from the frame side member 17, it will be understood, that a similar skirt panel depends from the opposite counterpart (on the frame 11).
As may be seen in FIG. 7, at the four corners of the joined frames there is mounted a guide post 53 whose flattened upper end is attached to the frame member by means of screws or other suitable means. The guide posts 53, extending vertically downwardly, are inserted in plastic tubes or pipes 54 driven into the ground to a proper depth. With the frame members resting on the top of the pipe 54, the lower margin of the panel 46 will just clear the ground line. The pipes 54 are driven into the ground at the corners of the plantbed to be protected by the joined frames and this method of locating the frames permits them to be easily removed from over the plantbed by withdrawing the posts 53 from the pipes 54.
The structure above described provides a means for protecting a plantbed, particular useful in the care of tobacco plants before they are transplanted to the fields, the structure permitting air circulation about the plants since, as will be evident from FIG. 2, the vanes 31 do not completely close off circulation through the frames when in closed position because of the spacing between their adjacent marginal edges. The vanes may be placed in their open position, illustrated by broken lines at 31a in FIG. 3 when the plants are small to permit rain or irrigation water to enter the plantbed. The panels are, preferably, of approximately 4 by 8 foot dimension so that when two hinged panels are in place over a plantbed they overlie an approximately 8 by 8 foot section of plantbed. To obtain access to the plantbed for removing the plants, at transplanting time for example, the cover in the form of the two hinged frames may be lifted off the comer pipes 54 and folded together for storage or may be placed on the ground in extended position for return to overlying relation to the bed. The translucent or colorless acrylic plastic from which the vanes are formed permits the plants to be exposed to direct sunlight without damage. In the closed position of the vanes 31 while some air circulation through the frames is permitted, the green-house effect within the frames is such as to create a very humid atmosphere which is conducive to increased growth of the plants.
I claim:
1. A plantbed cover assembly comprising two rectangular frames hingedly joined to each other along one of the marginal side members of each frame and adapted to be supported spaced above a plantbed with the hinged side members above the remaining marginal side members of the frames to thereby dispose both frames in oppositely inclined planes over the plantbed, each of the frames carrying a series of narrow vanes areuate in cross section and formed of a rigid lighttransmitting plastic material, said vanes being arranged parallel to each other and provided with support members which extend from the end of the vanes and freely through journalling apertures in the frame side members, and vane displacing means for rotating said support members in unison through ninety degrees to thereby move said vanes between a first position in which their concave surface faces upwardly and a second position in which their concave surface faces sidewardly, the side margins of adjacent vanes being closely spaced from but not engaging each other when said vanes are in said first position, said vane displacing means comprising a plurality of pins each having an eyelet head and a shank portion, a throw bar extending parallel to and closely adjacent to one of the remaining marginal side members of the frame and resting on said vane support members, the eyelet head of the pins being pivotally attached to the throw bar and the shank portion of each pin extending at an acute angle from the throw-bar and rigidly secured to the extending support member of one of said vanes, whereby as said throw bar is moved upwardly and longitudinally said support members are rotated and the vanes attached thereto are moved between said first and second positions.
2. A plantbed cover as claimed in claim 1 having a skirt panel extending the length of one of the remaining marginal side members of each of the frames and hinged thereto to thus depend from the side members and extend downwardly substantially to the level of the plantbed.
3. A plantbed cover as claimed in claim 2 in which an upper marginal side portion (46a) of each of said skirt panels (46) extends upwardly above said hinged attachment of each of the skirt panels to the frame side members to thereby deflect rain water flowing down the concave upper surface of the vanes to the exterior of the plantbed. |
US-3874115-A | Nonspill flexible package for shipping and storing cut flowers or the like | United States Patent [1 1 London et a1.
1 1 NONSPILL FLEXIBLE PACKAGE FOR SHIPPING AND STORING CUT FLOWERS OR THE LIKE [76] Inventors: Herbert S. London, 1730 Merton Rd., N.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30306; William Jackson Seay, 330 Woodward Way, N.W.. Atlanta, Ga. 30305 [22] Filed: Feb. 11, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 441,034
[52] U.S. Cl 47/34.ll, 47/41, 206/423, 220/904, ISO/DIG. l,
[51] Int. Cl B65d 37/00 [58] Field of Search 128/275, 295; 220/904; 4/110; l12;283; 177,150/5, 1. DIG. l, 44, 48; 47/41, 4l.1l.34.1 1; 43/55 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,148,283 7/1915 Berger 4/283 1,402,904 l/1922 Skidmorc........ 47/41.11 1,427,123 8/1922 Pulig ISO/DIG, 1 1,624,407 4/1927 Hamilton 47/4l.|1
2,505,845 5/1950 Alvarez 4/177 2,623,368 12/1952 220/904 111] 3,874,115 145] Apr. 1, 1975 3.158.188 11/1964 Esty 150/48 3,559,651 2/1971 Moss 128/295 3,742,994 7/1973 Pensak 150/1 Primary E.\'aminer-Robert E. Bagwill Attorney, Agent, or Firmlones, Thomas & Askew [57] ABSTRACT stored in an upright position, the spaced-apart position of the open end relative to the side of the bag prevents liquid spillage if the bag becomes upset or overturned. The system also includes a container box for receiving and shipping a number of flower-containing bags. The box is convertible to display the flower-containing bags.
4 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures ATENTEB APR v 1 9 5 SEILEY 2 BF 2 I NUNSPILL FLEXIBLE PACKAGE FOR SHIPPING AND STORING CI'T FLOWERS OR THE LIKE This invention relates in general to the storage and shipment of perishable commodities such as flowers. and in particular to a container for cat flowers or the like. as well as a box for such containers.
The shipment of plants such as cut flowers and the like presents numerous difficulties arising from the need to maintain and preserve the freshness and gencral overall appearance of the flow ers during shipment. Although some varieties of flowers can be shipped dryf that is. without providing a supply of water for the flowers. many \arieties ofcut flowers simply cannot withstand withdrawal from water for any substantial extent of time without becoming wilted and generally unattractive in appearance. Flowers that cannot withstand dry shipment may be available in many locations only during the growing season for the particular type of flower. since the flowers cannot be economically and satisfactorily shipped substantial distances from locations which have an extensive growing season.
arious types of plant shipping containers have been proposed in the prior art. including containers which attempt to maintain cut flowers in a moist environment. Such prior-art expedients include the provision of a flo\\crrecei\ing box which is made water-proof by coating or impregnation with a suitable waterimpervious material. Such containers are waterproof. how e\cr. only while remaining in a normal upright poslllttfl'. the water immediately escapes from a box which becomes o\erturned or upset. conditions which are likely to occur during movement and handling during sltlpltlclti of the flowers. Another prior-art expedient suggested for the presctwahle shipment of cut flowers requires a moisture retaining element such as a spongy or cellular material which is impregnated with water or another pre crvathc liquid. The w titer-retaining material is positioned adiacent or in surrounding relation with the stems of the cut flowers. and is received within a suitable waterproof container. Such containers are ne\ertheless not truly spillproof. since an overturned or upset container still permits water to flow from the cel lular material and escape from the container.
Prior-art attempts to provide a suitable shipping container which preseiwes cut flowers have. accordingly. not been truly spillproof under conditions incurred in shipment and handling. Many such containers have the additional disadwintage of being prohibitively expensive for large-\olume utilization. since the cost of the flower-shipping container may reach or even exceed the cost of the flowers to be shipped therein.
It will be apparent that a commercially successful container for shipping and preserving cut flowers must not only maintain the flower stems in a moist environment without allowing liquid to escape if the container is upset or overturned. but must also be inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.
Accordingly. it is an object of the present invention to provide improved container apparatus for flowers.
It is another object of the present invention to PTO ride nonspill container apparatus for maintaining cut flowers or the like in liquid.
It is still another object of the present invention to pro\ ide a flower shipping system which allows wet shipment of flowers and which is sufficiently inexpensive for commercial utilization.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a flower shipping system which provides wet shipment of flowers and which also provides a display for the flowers.
Other objects and advantages of the present inverttion will become readily apparent from the following description of the disclosed illustrative embodiment thereof. including the drawings in which:
FIG. I is a pictorial view showing an example of a flower container apparatus according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a section view taken along line 22 of FIG. I. showing the container apparatus to be upset and lying on one side;
FIG. 3 is a section view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. I. also showing the container upset and lying on a side;
FIG. 4 is a partially broken-away pictorial view of an example of a box for shipping and displaying flower containers or the like, according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a partially broken-away pictorial view of the box shown in FIG. 4, with the hos configured for dis play: and
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the box in FIGS. 4 and Stated in general terms. the present in\ention co|nprises a container in the nature of a bag having a closed end and an open end re'entcring the bag to face gencr ally toward the closed end. The inwardly directed open end ofthe bag is maintained in spaced-apart relation to at least a portion of the contiguous bag walls which sur round the open end. The stems of a quantity of cut flowers may be inserted through the open end to be received within the bag. and a quantity of water or another liquid can be added to the bag for presening or maintaining the freshness of the flowers. So long as the quantity of liquid added to the bag does not exceed a certain predetermined amount. the spacer.l-apart rela tion of the open end with respect to the sides of the bag prevents liquid from escaping through the open end of a bag which is overturned or upset. A number of the flower'receiving bags can he received in a box for shipping in a compact arrangement. The box can be reconfigured for display of the flower-receiving bags.
Stated more particularly and with reference to a disclosed embodiment offlower container apparatus illustrating the present invention. there is seen in FIG. 1 a nonspill container indicated generally at I0 and includ ing a bag 11 having a closed end 12 and an open end 13 which is folded into the bag to face toward the closed end. The bag 11 is preferably flexible or pliant in nature. and may be made of any suitable flexible and liquid-impermeable material such as vinyl plastic. waterproof paper. or the like. The use of a flexible material made ofa suitable plastic which can be heatsealed is particularly useful to the inexpensive fabrication of the bag. and the use ofa transparent or translucent material permits the liquid contents of the bag to be readily ascertained. The bag 11 may be fabricated from separate sheets ofmaterial 19a and 19]) which are heatsealed along the closed end 12 and the two edges 14 and 15. with the sheets of material being folded along fold lines I611 and 16b to turn into and re-enter the bag and return on the interior portions [7 and 18 (FIG. 2) to terminate at the spacing structure 22 surrounding the open end 13.
The spacing structure 22 at the inwardly-facing open end 13 of the bag must maintain the open end of the bag in spaced-apart relation with adjacent surrounding portions of the material 19a and 19h which define the adjacent surrounding portions of the bag. for a purpose discussed below. The disclosed embodiment of the spacing structure 22 is provided by an inflatable cuff which is disposed within the bag and which completely surrounds the open end 13 of the bag. The inflatable cuff is fabricated. in the disclosed embodiment. with a first wall 23:! conveniently formed by an extension of the inwardly-folded interior portion 18, extending back in a generally parallel relation with the inwardly-folded interior portion 18. again folded at 24 to terminate at a location 25 which may be defined by heat-sealing onto the interior portion 18. The first wall portion 23a is preferably formed of sufficient width to wrap around the wall portion l7u and 18:: leading to the open end 13 to provide the second wall 23h, on the upper side of the opening 13 as shown in FlGS. 2 and 3. The second wall 23/1 extends along the sheet 190 in a direction to ward the fold lines [611 and 16b. folds inwardly at 26 in a direction toward the interior portion 17, and is attached to the first wall portion 23a along the line 27. lt can be seen that the inflatable cuff of the disclosed embodiment is iulvantageously formed from a single extension of wall portion 18a material long enough for folding forwardly from the open end l3 for contact and scaling at the lines 25 and 27, and which has sufficient breadth to provide a cuff structure which substantially entirely wraps around the two wall portions 17a and [8a. The aforementioned construction of the cuff ad vantageously enables the bag as thus far described to be fabricated from no more than two pieces [90 and 19/) of material It will be understood. however. that the cuff may be provided by alternative modes of fabrication For example. the cuff can be separately fabricated and subsequently secured to the open end 13.
Attached to tie spacing structure 22 provided by the inflatable cuff is a tongue 28 which extends through an edge 15 of the bag to terminate at an end 29 outside of the bag. The tongue 28 may conveniently be fabricated by a pair of aligned plastic members which are heat sealed together around their peripheries The tongue 28. however constructed. provides a fluid communication conduit extending from the inflatable cuff through the edge 15 of the bag to the end 29 of the tongue.
(onsidering the application and use of the invention as set forth in the above-described embodiment. the bag 11 as described is preferably manufactured with the cuff spacing structure 22 provided in unintlated. or at least merely partially inflated. configuration. The stems 3 of a quantity of cut flowers. schematically rep resented by the lines 36 in FIG. 1. are readily insertable into the bag ll through the interior portions 17 and 18. the wall portions 17:: and 18a. and through the open end l3 to be received adjacent the closed end 12 of the bag. A quantity of water or another suitable liquid 37 may also be admitted to the bag in the same manner. either before or after the cut flowers are inserted. It will be seen that the funnel configuration defined by the fold lines 1611 and 16b readily permit liquid to be supplied into the bag. The maximum quantity of liquid 26 in the bag is critical for reasons set forth below.
After the liquid 37 and the flowers have been disposed in the bag. the cuff is inflated by connecting the end 29 of the tongue 28 to a suitable source of pressurltl ized air. Any appropriate structure. such as the hollow injection needle 38 fitted to an end of an air hose. may be used to accomplish the necessary inflation. Once the cuff is suitably inflated, the end 29 of the tongue 28 is suitably sealed to maintain cuff inflation.
The bag 11. along with a contained quantity of cut flowers and the liquid 37, is normally stored and shipped in approximately an upright position. as depicted in H0. 1, and a number of such bags and associated flowers might conveniently be received in a suitable receptacle. such as the box described below. having means which conveniently hold the bags ll in approximately upright position. If a bag 11 should become overturned. however. the liquid 37 within the bag will flow to occupy the position 37' as shown in FIG. 2. The open end 13 of the bag is maintained by the spacing structure 22 in a spaced-apart relation above the surface of the liquid 37'. and so none of the liquid is able to enter the open end 13 and escape from the bag. It will be apparent. as aforementioned. that the maximum quantity of liquid 37 supplied to the bag must not exceed that quantity. considering the overall configuration of the bag and the lateral extent of the inflated cuff. which would place the surface level of the liquid 37' above the open end 13 of the bag while lying on its side as in FIG. 2.
lfthe bag 11 becomes completely upset to occupy an upside-down position from the normal position shown in FIG. 1, the liquid 37 is collected within the interior region 39 adjacent the fold lines 16a and 16b of the bag; the open end 13 is spaced a sufficient distance from the fold lines 16d. [6b to be above the level of liquid in a completely overturned bag. It will be understood. accordingly. that the liquid cannot escape from the bag ll even though the bag becomes upset or complctely overturned. Once an overturned or upset bag is righted to reassume the upright position. the liquid 37 returns to the normal position surrounding the ends 36 of the flower stems. The liquid in the bags thus cannot escape and cause damage to other cargo being shipped with the flowers. unless the bag 11 is subjected to forces which utterly destroy the bag.
Although the flower container of the present invention is described above in the context of an inflatable cuff which maintains the open end of the container in spaced-apart relation from possible liquid levels within the container, it will be appreciated that the inflatable cuff is but one possible arrangement ofstructure which maintains the open end ofthe bag in a spaced-apart relation so as not to be immersed when the bag is over turned or inverted. An alternative construction of the present container invention. for example. can utilize a rigid spacing element substituted for the inflatable cuff. with the rigid spacing clement including an annular sleeve attached to the open end of the bag and further having stiff spacing members extending in a generally radial direction outwardly from the sleeve to maintain the necessary spacing between the open end of the bag and the liquid level in a turned-over bag. Other techniques and structures for maintaining desired spacing ofthe re-entrant open end 13 and surrounding portions of the bag will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.
Although wet flower containers of the type made according to the present invention can be shipped in any container or box of appropriate size and configuration to maintain the containers in a normal upright position,
and to afford protection to the flower portions emerging from the containers. the flower-receiving bags of the present invention can be advantageously shipped and subsequently displayed in a box constructed according to the teachings ofthc present in vention. A disclosed embodiment of such a box is shown in FIG. 4-6, wherein the box is indicated generally at 60 and includes an outer box 6] which is preferably selectively separable into a main box portion 62 and a cover box portion 63 by manipulating a suitable parting device such as a conventional tear-tape 64 disposed around the periphery of the outer box 6] at a predetermined distance above the bottom 65 of the outer box.
Disposed within the outer box 6] is an inner box comprising four walls 66a. 66!). 66c. 66d interconnected to form a sheath designated as 67. The overall dimensions of the sheath 67 are slightly smaller than the overall inner dimensions of the main box portion 62, so that the sheath 67 is loosely received within the main box portion to be raised or lowered therein. Each of the walls Mia-66d are preferably slightly higher than the top of the main box portion 62 as defined by the location of the teartape 64.
The inner box has a false bottom 70 which, in the disclosed embodiment. is entirely severed from the four walls 66u-66rl defining the sheath 67. A pair of cords 71 and 72 extend in spaced-apart relation to each other. beneath the false bottom 70, with the cords resting on the inner surface of the main bottom 65 of the outer bo\. The cords extend upwardly between the vvalls 66a and 66. and the confronting walls of the outer box 61. to terminate at enlargements X which may be conveniently provided by knots in the cords. It is preferable that the box 60, in the shipping configuration depicted in FIG. 4. present a substantially flat inner floor for receiving the above-described [lower shipping bags. and so the cords 7| and 72 may be untensioned to allow the false bottom 7!) to rest on the main bottom 65, with the cords 7| and 72 interposed between bottoms. The ends of the cords pass through retainers such as the slots S in the upper edges of the sheath The overall dimensions of the false bottom 70 are preferably somewhat less than the corresponding di mensions of the sheath 67. The false bottom 70 has cutaway relief portions 730V 73!). 73v. 731/ extending approximately diagonally from each corner of the false bottom to terminate at a distance spaced inwardly of the corner. It can be seen in FlG. 6 that these cutaway relief portions define flaps 74a. 7412.741, and 74d. walls 66a and 66c. and are retained therein by the enlargements X; the line of joindcr of each such flap to the center portion of the false bottom 70 are preferably scored or otherwise weakened so that the flaps are readily bendable with respect to the center portion of the false bottom.
The use and operation of the box 60 is now described. With the box in the shipping configuration as depicted in FlG, 4. presenting a substantially flat false bottom 70. a number ofcontainers (or. in the alternative. any other package which may be desired to be disposed within the box) are positioned in a generally upright arrangement across one dimension of the box. The containers 10 are maintained in a row by a divider 75. which may simply be a stick having pointed ends that are embedded within the walls 650 and 65:2 It will be apparent that two or more rows of packages 10 can be disposed within the box 60, depending on the size of the box. with each row o packages separated and maintained upright with a corresponding divider. The cover box 63, which is at this time attached to the main box 62, is then closed and sealed in a conventional manner. and the box is ready for shipment. Although the exterior of the box 60 is preferably marked with shipping legends such as this end up or the like, indicating that the box should be maintained in an upright position as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the use of nonspill containers as described hereinabove prevent leakage of water and consequential weakening or destruction of the box if overturn or upset should occur.
When the box 60 has arrived at a destination where it is desired to display or remove the flowers shipped therein. the cover box 63 is separated from the main box 62, by way ofthe tear tape 64. The exposed sheath 67 is now grasped and lifted upwardly, relative to the main box 62, causing the cords 7] and 72 to engage the flaps 74a-74d formed in the false bottom 70. Referring now to FIG. 5, it is seen that elevating the sheath 66 causes the cords 71 and 72 to elevate the flaps 74(1-741/ of the false bottom to a position pivoted upwardly from the main bottom this upwardly pivoted arrangement ofthe flaps causes the bottom ends of the several containers 10 to be urged inwardly toward the center ofthe false bottom. and this inward movement provides a corresponding outward movement of the flowers received in the containers It). The enlargements X retain the cords 71 and 72 in the slits 5 during the step of elevating the sheath 67 to raise the false bottom flaps. After the llaps of the false bottom have been raised by a desired amount. the cord ends are withdrawn from the slits S in the sheath sides and are instead disposed in slits S located in the corresponding sides ofthe main box 62. It can be seen in FIG. 5 that the ends of the cord 7] and 72 are provided with additional enlarge ments Y. which may also advantageously be provided by knots in the cords. spaced inwardly from the firstmentioned obstructions X; the obstructions Y function to retain the cords in the slits S. so that the sheath 67 can be released and lowered back into the main box 62 while the false bottom remains suspended in elevated position by the cords 7] and 72.
It can be seen from the foregoing that there is described a box which is especially useful for shipping and for displaying flower containers such as described hereinabove. The nonspill flower container and the box of the present invention enable flowers to be shipped from a grower directly to a retail outlet, such as a supermarket or similar retail consumer location. whereupon the box is readily converted to a visually appealing display configuration simply by removing the cover box portion and elevating the false bottom to fan out the containerized flowers. A purchaser can easily select and remove one or several containers of flowers. with the container also functioning as a carrier until the flowers are removed for use.
It will be understood that the foregoing relates only to disclosed embodiments ofthe present invention. and that numerous alterations and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
What is claimed is:
Flexible package for receiving cut flowers or the like, comprising:
an elongate bag made of a pliant. liquid-impermeable material;
said elongate hag having sides ol substantially a flat configuration extending from a closed bottom end to atop end which is open to admit the stems of a bunch of cut flowers or the like;
an inflatable member secured within said elongate bag in annular surrounding relation vvith said open top end;
said inflatable member extending v ithin said elon gate bag along substantially less than the entire elongate length of said bag so that space remains betvveen said inflatable member and said closed bottom end to receive the cut ends of flovver stems and also to receive and retain a quantity of liquid;
said inflatable member when uninflated leaving said open top end substantially unobstructed to the entry of such flower stems or the like;
said inflatable member. when expanded by inflation. snugly surrounding and engaging such flower stems or the like v hich are euending through said open top end there being an area between the outer stirlace ol said inflatable member and the bag portion ad acent thereto for water passage therebetvveen when said package is upended; and
means in fluid flovv communication with said inflatable member to admit pressurized fluid to said inflatable member.
2. l he package as in claim 1. wherein said means for (ill admitting fluid to said inflatable member extends to a location outside of said bag.
3. The package as in claim I. wherein:
said inflatable member comprises an inflatable cuff secured within said bag and having a first end disposed at and attached to said open top end of said bag and a second end in spaced apart relation to said open top end; and
means providing a liquid impervious connection joining said first end of said cul'f to said open top end oi said bag, so that the space within said bag betvvcen the inflated call and the portions of said bag sides contiguous to said culf provides a reservoir volume to receive liquid which is normally at said closed bottom end of said bag unless said bag is upended.
4. The package as in claim 1, wherein:
said inflatable member. when expanded by inflation. is extended into contact with said flat sides of said bag adjacent said open top end to maintain said bag sides in mutual spaced apart relation: and
said open top end being maintained by said expanded inflatable member at a position intermediate of said mutually spaced apart flat sides so that said open end may be maintained above the surface of the liquid when said bag is disposed in a proximately horizontal position. |
US-3874116-A | Synthesis gas manufacture | FIR xefi'f all:
J United States Patent 1191 1111 3,874,116
White *Apr. 1, 1975 SYNTHESIS GAS MANUFACTURE 3,383,228 5/1968 Rekate et a1 48/209 x 3,471,275 /1969 Borggreen 48/209 [75] lnvemor- Rbert whlte Pmole, Cahf- 3,556,751- 1/1971 Slater et al.... 48/209 ux 73 Assignee; Chevron Research Company, San 3,759,677 9/1973 White 48/209 Francisco Ca 1115,320 3/1922 McDonald 48/209 Notice: The portion of the term of this OTHER PUBLICATIONS 1 subsequenf t0 P 18, l-laslam and Russell, Fuels and Their Combustion, p. i 1990, has been dlsclalmed- 68-70, (1st. Ed., 1926), TP318H3 AU171.
[22] Filed: Apr. 27, 1973 Primary E.taminerJoseph Scovronek [21] Appl' 355353 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-G. F. Magdeburger; R. H.
Related US. Application Data Davies; De YOlmg [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 39.116, May 20,'
1970, abandoned. [57] ABSTRACT [52] U 8 Cl 48/209 48 H 48/202 A process for producing synthesis gas under substan- 28/206 252/373 423/648 tially endothermic gasification conditions, which com- 51 1m. 01. (3101 3/00 c10j 3/16 prises: (a) feeding ganic feed material [58] Field of Search 48/209, 111, 197 A, 197 R, mg g f and least Q percent Xygen 18/202, 206 210; 423/648, 252/373; and contalnlng less than 5 welght percent sulfur, to a 210/2 5 23 25 reaction zone; (b) feeding steam to the reaction zone;
' and (c) contacting the steam with the organic feed material in the reaction zone at a temperature be- [56] References Clted tween about 500 and 1,600F. Preferably the feed UNITED STATES PATENTS material is solid waste material, most preferably solid TCStl'Up et ai municipal waste 2,126,150 8/1938 Stryker 48/209 UX 2,776,879 1/1957 Gumz 48/202 16 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure ORGANIC MATERIAL OR SOLID WASTE //3 70 I7 2 5 l k i I] I5 HEAT GAS RECOVERY PURIFICATION 26 30 at "a w za Z7 14 2 25 co 7 9 H20 r SHIFT GAS 4{ k} CONVERSION PURIFICATION a2 2o SANITARY H2 RES IDUE (ASH) COMBUSTION CHAMBER & 02 l SYNTHESIS GAS MANUFACTURE RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 39,116, filed May 20, 1970 now aban- 5 doned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the production of synthesis gas. More particularly, the present invention relates to the production of synthesis gas by the endothermic reaction of carbonaceous material with steam. The term synthesis gas is used herein to mean a gas comprising hydrogen and carbon oxides and some methane.
Synthesis gas can be used for a number of purposes for example, the carbon oxides can be removed from the synthesis gas, usually after converting essentially all of the carbon monoxide to hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and the resulting purified hydrogen gas used in hydroconversion processes such as hydrocracking, to produce jet fuel or gasoline. The synthesis gas can also be used to synthesize methanol from the hydrogen and carbon oxides or to synthesize other chemicals such as ammonia when nitrogen is added to the synthesis gas, either after production of the synthesis gas or, preferably, during the reaction used to produce the synthesis gas. The synthesis gas can be used in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to form liquid hydrocarbons. Also, the synthesis gas can be used to form methane or it can be burned directly as a fuel gas.
Various methods have been suggested for the production of synthesis gas or hydrogen-rich gas mixtures. Among these methods are steam-hydrocarbon reforming, partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, Lurgi coal gasification, the traditional steam, redhot coke reaction, and modified methods of reacting carbonaceous matter with steam and oxygen, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,505,065.
The processes most frequently used to generate hydrogen are steam-hydrocarbon reforming and partial oxidation of hydrocarbons.
In typical steam-reforming processes, a hydrocarbon feed is pretreated to remove sulfur compounds, which are poisons to the reforming catalyst. The desulfurized feed is mixed with steam and then is passed through tubes containing a nickel catalyst. While passing through the catalyst-filled tubes, most of the hydrocarbons react with steam to form hydrogen and carbon oxides. The tubes containing the catalyst are located in a reforming furnace, which furnace heats the reactants in the tubes to temperatures of l,200-l,700F. Pressures maintained in the reforming furnace tubes range from atmospheric to 450 psig. If a secondary reforming furnace or reactor is employed, pressures used for reforming may be as high as 450 psig to 700 psig. In secondary reformer reactors, part of the hydrocarbons in the effluent from the primary reformer is burned with oxygen. Because of the added expense, secondary reformers are generally not used in pure hydrogen manufacture, but are used where it is desirable to obtain a mixture of H and N as in ammonia manufacture. The basic reactions in the steam reforming process are:
e.g., methane-steam:
In typical partial oxidation processes, a hydrocarbon is reacted with oxygen to yield hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Insufficient oxygen for complete combustion is used. The reaction may be carried outwith gaseous'hydrocarbons or liquid or solid hydrocarbons. For example, with methane the reaction is:
With heavier hydrocarbons, the reaction may be represented as follows:
C I-I 2.8 0 -1- 2.1 H 0 I, 6.3 CO +0.7 CO 8.1 "2
Both catalytic and noncatalytic partial oxidation processes are in use. Suitable operating conditions include temperatures from 2,000F. up to about 3,200F. and pressures up to about 1,200 psig, but generally pressures between and 600 psig are used. Various specific partial oxidation processes are commercially available, such as the Shell Gasification Process, Fauser-Montecatini Process, and the Texaco Partial Oxidation Process.
There. is substantial carbon monoxide in the hydrogenrich gas generated by either reforming or partial oxidation. To convert the carbon monoxide to hydrogen and carbon dioxide, one or more CO shift conversion states are typically employed. The CO shift conversion reaction is:
This reaction is typically effected by passing the carbon monoxide and H 0 over a catalyst such as iron oxide activated with chromium.
Production of hydrogen and other gases from waste substances produced in the manufacture of paper from wood chips and the like has been discussed in the literature as, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,317,292. In the manufacture of paper, wood chips are digested, for example, with an aqueous calcium sulfide liquid, thereby forming calcium lignin sulfonate waste product in solution, leaving wood pulp behind. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,317,292, the waste substances containing lignin-derived organic components can be converted to a gas mixture comprising hydrogen by contacting the waste material with steam in a reaction zone at an elevated temperature. The sulfite waste liquor produced in the manufacture of paper from wood chips and the like is a relatively well-defined waste material, consisting mostly of lignin-type organic compounds and certain inorganic components, including at least 5 weight percent sulfur, calculated as the element sulfur, but present usually in the form of sulfur compounds.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,471,275 discloses a method for converting refuse or garbage-type material to gases, such as gases rich in hydrogen. According to the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,471,275, the refuse is fed to a retort and heated therein to a temperature between about 1,650F. and 2,200F. The retort is externally heated. According to the U.S. Pat. No. 3,471,275 process, steam is not generally added to the retort. Any steam which is added to the retort is added to the bottom of the retort so that steam would flow countercurrent to the waste material which is introduced to the retort at the top of the retort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a process is provided for producing synthesis gas under substantially endothermic reaction conditions, which process comprises reacting the feed with steam by: (a) feeding an organic feed material, containing hydrogen and at least 10 weight percent oxygen and containing less than 5 weight percent sulfur, to a reaction zone; (b) feeding steam to the reaction zone in an amount sufficient to maintain a gas mol fraction of steam in the range 0.1 to 0.9 and at a temperature sufficient to effect a contacting of the steam with the organic feed material in the reaction zone at a temperature between about 500 and l,600F.
It has been found that the defined organic feed material is conveniently converted at an unexpectedly high rate to synthesis gas when the conversion is carried out under substantially endothermic conditions in accordance with the present invention. Preferably little (less than 25 percent) or none of the endothermic heat required for gasification is furnished by in situ oxidation by molecular oxygen in the gasification zone, i.e., under essentially endothermic reaction conditions. The present process is especially advantageous in that the (CO H )/CO mol ratio of the product gas is in general at least 1.5.
The reason for the fast reaction rate in the process of the present invention is not completely understood, but it is believed that an important factor is the oxygen content of the organic feed material in the process of the present invention. The organic feed material, which in this specification is to be understood to contain hydrogen as well as carbon, must contain at least weight percent oxygen, which can be contrasted to the essentially nil amount of oxygen present in hydrogen feedstocks to synthesis gas-producing processes such as steam-light hydrocarbon reforming or hydrocarbon partial oxidation. The presence of chemically bound oxygen in the organic feed material in the process of the present invention may contribute to the relatively fast reaction rate by making the feed material more susceptible to reaction with steam to produce hydrogen than in the case of hydrocarbon material containing little or no oxygen. It has been found that it is particularly preferable in the process of the present invention to produce synthesis gas from organic feed material containing at least 25 weight percent oxygen, and still more preferably between about 35 and 70 weight percent oxygen. Broadly, oxygen contents of satisfactory feeds are in the range 10 to 70 weight percent.
It has also been found that organic feed material containing the oxygen substantially in the form of polyhydroxylated compounds is particularly advantageous from the standpoint of high reaction rates with steam to form synthesis gas. Feeds containing oxygen in the form of polyhydroxylated compounds are meant to include carbohydrates such as cellulose and sugars.
The oxygen and the hydrogen content in the organic feed material are to be understood as chemically combined carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, i.e., oxygen and hydrogen which are connected through one or more chemical bonds to the carbon present in the organic feed material.
It is important in the process of the present invention that the feed material contain less than 5 weight percent sulfur. The sulfur is calculated as the element, al-
though for those undesired and excluded feedstocks the sulfur is usually present as a compound as, for example, an organic sulfur compound or an inorganic sulfur compound present in the feed material. Thus, it is to be understood that the organic feed material reacted with steam according to the process of the present invention is free from a high percentage of inorganic or organic sulfur compounds, i.e., that the feed contains less than 5 weight percent sulfur either as sulfur chemically combined with the organic feed material or as inorganic sulfur compounds physically mixed with the organic feed material. Feeds such as Kraft black liquor produced as a waste material in the manufacture of paper pulp are not suitable in the process of the present invention because of the relatively high content of sulfur compounds in such feeds. It is undesirable to have substantial amounts of sulfur in the feed to the reaction zone in the process of the present invention because of the increased reactor cost and, more particularly, because of the increased problems in removing sulfur compounds from the synthesis gas produced in the reactor. It is preferred that the sulfur content of the organic feed material be below about 3 weight percent sulfur.
It is important that the gas mol fraction of the steam in the reaction zone be maintained at a value of at least 0.1. Steam is a reactant in the present process, and as such must be present in a substantial amount. Preferably the steam mol fraction should be in the range from about 0.2 to 0.6. Larger relative amounts, up to about 0.9 mol of steam per mol of gas may be employed. However, no particular advantage and some disadvantage is experienced where the steam mol fraction is large, i.e., the extra process burden, and the like.
It has been found that particularly suitable organic feed material for the process of the present invention includes solid waste material, including material commonly referred to as garbage. It has been found that high reaction rates are obtained in the process of the present invention for the conversion of solid waste ma terial to synthesis gas. The term solid waste material or solid waste is used herein to include solid municipal waste or common garbage, sewage, industrial waste such as sawdust, and agricultural waste such as corn husks and other discarded cellulosic material.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feed material is solid municipal waste, including what is commonly referred to as garbage, but excluding sewage. This solid municipal waste, consisting primarily of common garbage, is particularly preferred in that it has been found that, with simulated solid municipal waste, high conversion rates to synthesis gas can be obtained in the process of the present invention, and also sanitary, valuable products are produced, to alleviate an important disposal and pollution problem resulting from the increasing amounts of solid municipal waste which must be disposed of daily. In addition, it has been determined that the amount of solid municipal waste for a number of urban areas is roughly satisfactory from a feed requirement standpoint for the production of synthesis gas to be used in various processes mentioned previously.
Typically the solid municipal waste includes substantial amounts of at least proteins, fats, cellulose, sugars, starches, and hydrocarbons. In this connection, substantial amounts is used to mean at least about 1 weight percent of the total solid municipal waste feed.
Usually the solid municipal waste feed will contain at least 2 weight percent of each of the above-specified constituents. The feed, of course, must contain at least weight percent of combined oxygen, as discussed above.
The solid municipal waste feed which is used in the process of the present invention may contain a substantial amount of moisture. The term solid is used in distinction to free-running liquids, and does not mean that the solid municipal waste material is free of moisture.
It should be understood that the feed composition for such a diverse feedstock as solid municipal waste will be subject to variation from time to time. Therefore, the composition of the solid municipal waste feed should be determined as an averaged composition fed to the reactor. Unsatisfactory feed components, if present, exit the process via the ash discharge route.
As indicated above, although solid wastes other than municipal wastes can be processed to form synthesis gas in accordance with the process of the present invention, it is particularly preferred to convert solid municipal waste to synthesis gas, as it has been determined that the amount of municipal waste generated is particularly suited to the production of commercial amounts of hydrogen and that the municipal wastes are a surprisingly attractive feedstock in terms of synthesis gas yields.
One of the reactions occurring in the process of the present invention is the reaction of cellulosic material of sugar-type material with steam to produce hydrogen and carbon oxides. The cellulosic and sugar-type material can be considered on the basis of a simple sugar such as glucose, for which the following reaction applies:
Unlike a similar reaction where water is added to methane or carbon, the above reaction has a negative freeenergy change (AF) at 25C., so that, on the basis of thermodynamics, the reaction can occur at room temperatures. However, it has been found that the reaction rate is very slow at room temperatures. Therefore, elevated temperatures are preferred in the reaction zone according to the process of the present invention. However, it is particularly preferred to use temperatures below l,600F. Higher temperatures result in excessive heat requirements, increased reactor cost, lower yields of hydrogen, and ash fusion problems. Thus, preferably the contacting of the organic feed material with the steam is carried out in a reaction zone at a temperature between about 500 and l,600F., and more preferably between about 700F. and 1,600F. Temperatures between 1,000l ,400F. are particularly preferred. At these temperatures it has been found that the reaction of the organic feed material with steam is a surprisingly attractive route to produce hydrogen-rich gas, with relatively high H; yield, relatively low heat requirements, a desirable (CO H2)/CO mol ratio of at least 1.5, and results in a free-flowing, particulate ash residue.
The process of the present invention can be carried out over a wide range of pressures, from about 1 atmosphere to 200 atmospheres, preferably from about 4 to 150 atmospheres. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure in the reaction zone is maintained between about 4 and atmospheres. It has been found that these high pressures are particularly advantageous in the reaction of solid waste material with steam while the reaction zone is maintained at a temperature between about 500 and 1,600F. Because the reaction of solid waste material with steam has been found to be fairly rapid compared, for example, to the reaction of coke or carbon with steam, a substantial rate of production of hydrogen from solid waste material can be obtained at relatively high pressures, including pressures ranging from about 500 to 1,000 psig up to about 2,000 or 3,000 psig. The relatively low temperatures required in the process of the present invention, i.e., temperatures below 1,600F. and more preferably below l,400 F., are important in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein high pressures are used in the reaction zone. The lower temperatures permit avoidance of the fusion of the ash, and consequently avoidance of clinker formation. They also result in considerable savings in the cost of the reactor, particularly at the preferred high reaction pressures. High reaction pressures afford the extremely important advantage of generating synthesis gas at a high pressure, so that the synthesis gas needs little or no compression before being used in a high-pressure hydroconversion process such as hydrocracking or hydrotreating. Also, CO is more economically removed from raw hydrogen generated at the preferred high pressures in accordance with the present invention, because the high-pressure CO can be removed from the hydrogen by absorbing the CO into a physical absorbent such as methanol or propylene carbonate, as opposed to the more expensive means of removing C0 at low pressure using a chemical absorbent such as an amine.
In the process of the present invention it is preferred that the temperatures required for the process be substantially maintained by control of the temperature of the reactive gases, steam or steam and combustion gases, which are introduced into the reaction zone. While heat can be supplied to this zone by in situ combustion of a minor portion of the organic material, at best only a minor fraction about 25 percent or less should be so supplied. In situ combustion usually is accompanied by local hot-spots, incandescent zones, and consequential fusion of the ash. For effective operation of the present process, a free-flowing, particulate ash is required. Indirect heat exchanger means such as coils, fire tubes, and the like, may also be used as heat sources. However, these means are in general satisfactory sources for but a fraction (less than 25 percent) of the heat requirement. The rate of heat supply to the reactants by indirect heat transfer is relatively slow, compared to direct heat supply via a gaseous react'ant. Also, due to the very nature of the more ordinary organicfeed materials, waste materials, garbage, and the like,-
the presence of coils and other kinds of indirect heating elements tends to impede the desired steady flow of the feed through the gasification stage of the process.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the flow of organic feed material and steam feed to the reaction zone is concurrent within the reaction zone. Both the organic feed material and the steam are fed to the top or upper part of the reactor with basically a downward flow of the organic feed material and reactant steam in the reactor, and to withdraw produced hydrogen-rich gases from the lower part of the reactor. Operation in accordance with this embodiment results in less oily material and unconverted hydrocarbons being withdrawn from the reaction zone.
Also, the temperature in the reaction zone can be controlled at the preferred relatively low levels so as to further maximize the yield of synthesis gas in the reaction zone.
In accordance with another and a particularly preferred embodiment of my invention, the flows within the gasification zone of organic feed material and steam feed to the reaction zone are countercurrent.
The conversion of organic feed material, particularly solid wastes, to synthesis gas in accordance with the present invention operates as a heretofore-unharnessed use of the sun's energy. The sun puts a great deal of radiant (as opposed to thermal) energy into the constituents that make up organic feed materials such as solid wastes, but in the past the energy of solid waste has generally not been utilized in the United States. Instead, solid waste has mostly been a nuisance and sanitation problem. Living plants manufacture carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll by means of a complex series of reactions (heat and nutrients in the soil are also needed). Radiant energy is an important factor in the transformation, commonly known as photosynthesis. The carbohydrates produced by the photosynthetic process in plants can be represented by the general formula C,.(HOI-I Using the general formula of a carbohydrate, an abbreviated chemical equation to represent photosynthesis can be written as follows:
The photosynthesis of a specific carbohydrate, glucose, may be represented by the equation:
+ C H1205 "l' 602 kCal.
As is indicated by the -671 kilocalories after the above equation, radiant energy received from the sun is stored in carbohydrates such as the simple glucose carbohydrate in the above equation.
In the process of the present invention, clean hydrogen which has a high amount ofstored energy is produced from garbage-type feed material including carbohydrates. Thus, it may be noted that if the hydrogen produced in accordance with the present invention is burned with oxygen, there is a release of about 52,000 Btus per pound of hydrogen. The hydrogen is obtained from a carbohydrate (for example) by reaction of the carbohydrate with H O, requiring a heat input of about 6,600 Btus per pound of hydrogen produced. The other 45,600 Btu's per pound of hydrogen is put in by photosynthesis. Thus, about 87 percent of the stored energy in the hydrogen produced in the present invention comes from the sun the process of the present invention adds only another approximately 13 percent of the hydrogens stored heat energy.
A particularly preferred over-all process embodiment for producing high-pressure hydrogen for use, for example, in a hydroconversion process such as hydrocracking comprises the following steps:
a. reacting the organic feed material with steam in a reaction zone at a temperature between 500 and 1,600F. to generate a hydrogen-rich gas containing hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane;
b. withdrawing the hydrogen-rich gas from the reaction zone at a temperature between 500 and 1,600F.; c. recovering heat from the hydrogen-rich gas by heat exchanging the hydrogen-rich gas with H O to obtain steam;
d. using at least a portion of the steam generated in step (c) as feed steam for reaction with the organic feed material according to step (a);
e. separating H S from hydrogen-rich gas withdrawn from heat recovery step (c);
f. shift-converting carbon monoxide present in the hydrogen-rich gas withdrawn from the H 8 separation step to obtain additional hydrogen gas;
g. centrifugally compressing I-h-CO gas withdrawn from step (f) to obtain a high pressure hydrogen gas; and
h. separating carbon dioxide from the high-pressure, hydrogen-rich gas by physical absorption of carbon dioxide present in the high-pressure hydrogen gas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The drawing is a process flow diagram schematically indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Referring now more particularly to the drawing, organic material is fed as indicated by arrow 1 to the process as is schematically indicated in the drawing. According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the organic feed material is ordinary municipal solid wastes or garbage. Preferably certain constituents such as metals in particular, iron-containing materials are removed from the solid wastes prior to reacting the solid wastes with steam. The constituents which make up the solid wastes generally include clothing, food particles and food peels, plastics, paper, cardboard, wood, etc. The process of the present invention is preferably applied to ordinary municipal or city garbage.
Referring again to the drawing, a conveyor belt, as indicated in the drawing by numeral 2, can be used to transport the organic feed material so that it falls as indicated by arrow 3 into hopper 4 for feeding to reactor 6 via line 5. In reactor 6, the organic feed material is contacted with steam introduced via line 7 or preferably line 7a. The steam and organic feed material react to form synthesis gas (hydrogen and carbon oxides) and usually minor amounts of various other gases such as hydrogen sulfide.
As indicated previously, the reaction of the organic feed material with steam to form hydrogen is basically an endothermic reaction. Therefore, heat must be supplied to the reaction zone. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the process of the present invention, the temperature in the reactor, i.e., in reactor 6, is controlled by burning a portion of and recycling a relatively large amount of the synthesis gas effluent from heat recovery zone 12 back to the reactor via combustion chamber 28. For each part (weight) of oxygen introduced to chamber 28 via line 8, an amount of the effluent synthesis gas from zone 12 in the range 15 to 50- parts (weight) is also introduced to obtain a hot combustion gas product having a temperature of the order of about 1,500 to 1,900F. The hot effluent gas is then introduced to reactor 6 to obtain a temperature between about 700 and 1,600F., preferably about 1,200 to l,400F., in the reaction zone. If desired, and as a further control means for the process, the amount of oxygen introduced via line 8 may moderately exceed the stoichiometric requirement for the oxidation of the recycled synthesis gas. In this case, some combustion a minor amount, i.e., less than 25% of the heat required for the gasification of the organic feed will take place in reactor 6, and will furnish a portion of the required heat for the desired endothermic reaction.
This particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention can be briefly illustrated by an approximate quantitative example. About 3,700 tons per day of solid municipal waste is fed to one or more reactors maintained at a temperature of about 1,200F. and a pressure in the range from 4 to 20, preferably about 10, atmospheres. The 3,700 tons per day of solid municipal waste feed is reacted with steam by introducing steam at a temperature of about l,900F. and in an amount sufficient to maintain a mol fraction of steam in the reactor of about 0.6, into the reactor or reactors to produce a net product synthesis gas of about 100 million SCF per day of H plus CO. Both the solid municipal waste and the steam or water are fed to the upper part of each reactor, and the gross effluent gas is removed from the lower part of each reactor. After separating fly ash from the gross product gas in a cyclone separator, the gross effluent gas is cooled by giving up a large portion of its heat content to boiler feed water to generate steam in heat recovery zone 12. A major portion of the gross effluent gas from the reactor is passed via line 27 to combustion chamber 28 wherein it is burned with approximately 500 tons per day of oxygen. About 250 million Btus per hour are produced by the burning of the recycle gases introduced via line 27 to combustion chamber 28. The hot gases leave the combustion chamber at a temperature of about l,800F. via line 29. These hot gases are then introduced via lines 30, 31 and 32 to reactor 6 in order to supply the heat to achieve and maintain a reaction temperature of about 1,200F. in reactor 6. The ratio of recycle gas passed via line 27 to oxygen added via line 8 to the combustion chamber is between about and 50 on a weight basis. Preferably the weight ratio of recycle gas to oxygen is between about and 40 on a weight basis.
The net product of 100 million SCF per day of H plus CO is passed via line 15 to gas purification zone 16 for H 5 removal. In those instances where a synthesis gas comprising H and CO is desired, the synthesis gas may be withdrawn from the process after gas purification zone 16. In those instances where purified hydrogen is desired, the H and H CO is passed to shift conversion zone 20 and then to gas purification zone 22 so that a purified hydrogen stream can be withdrawn via line 24.
As indicated in the drawing, the sanitary residue remaining from the organic feed material can be removed from the lower part of the reaction zone after it has fallen through a grating, as indicated by numeral 9. Mechanical apparatus and means used for the reaction of carbonaceous material such as coal and similar material can be adapted to the process of the present invention wherein material such as solid wastes are reacted with steam and a sanitary residue or ash remains. Thus, it is apparent that various mechanical schemes can be used for the reactor in the process of the present invention.
Preferably the reaction is carried out at a temperature within the range of about 700 to 1,600F. Temperatures in the range of about 800 to 1,400F. have been found to be particularly attractive in terms of high synthesis gas yield. Usually there will be a temperature gradientin the reactor, with a somewhat higher temperature prevailing in the lower part of the reactor. The upper part of the reactor typically is cooled somewhat relative to the lower part of the reactor, because the solid waste material is being heated in this zone. In any event, the gases removed from the reactor via line 11, or preferably line 11a, are still at an elevated temperature, usually'in the range of about l,O00F. These hydrogen-rich hot gases are passed via line 11 or 11a to heat recovery zone 12.
The reaction of solid waste material with steam to form synthesis gas is far more thermodynamically favorable than a similar reaction for either CH C, coke, coal or hydrocarbons. Therefore, it is possible to carry this reaction out at much greater pressures than are used with the other feedstocks. Thus, in the production of hydrogen, particularly preferred reaction pressures are between about 20 and atmospheres. These high pressures minimize or eliminate the need for subsequent compression of the hydrogen gas produced as, for example, when the hydrogen gas is to be used in a high-pressure hydroconversion process.
The steam for the process of the present invention can be generated in various manners, but it is preferred to recover heat present in the effluent gases from reactor 6 by heat exchange of the hot effluent gases from reactor 6 with water in heat recovery zone 12 to thereby generate steam removed via line 14 from heat recovery zone 12. If necessary, additional heat may be put into the steam in line 14 or line 7 before it is passed via line 7 to reactor 6.
In the process of the present invention, it is preferred to utilize a portion of the steam generated in heat recovery zone 12 in CO shift conversion zone 20, as is indicatedby the steam passed via line 19.
Inheat recovery zone 12, H 0 and oily material withdrawn in the gaseous or vapor stream via line 11 or 1 la from reactor 6 is condensed. The condensed H O will typically contain various gases produced in reactor 6 such as HCI, l-IBr, HI, NH I-IF, etc., as well as some CO CO and H5. The oily phase of the liquid condensed out of the hydrogen-rich gas withdrawn from reactor 6 will typically contain hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbon components such as methanol, acetic acid, formaldehyde, formic acid, acetone, etc.
The condensed aqueous phase and oily phase are shown schematically as withdrawn from the process via line 27. The materials withdrawn via line 27 can be passed to various further processing as, for example, processing for the recovery of oil and the separation of various chemicals.
In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the process of the present invention, the flow of steam and solid waste material in reactor 6 is essentially concurrent, as opposed to countercurrent, flow. Thus, the solid waste material is introduced to reactor 6 via line 5 and, according to this preferred embodiment, steam is introduced to reactor 6 at the top of reactor 6 via line 7a. The upper part of the reactor will be cooler than the lower part of the reactor in most instances because of the relatively low temperature of the solid waste material introduced into the reactor. However, after a minor portion of the solid waste material has been reacted with oxygen to supply heat, the temperature will rise. Thus, the lower part of the reactor will be at a higher temperature than the upper part of the reactor. According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the raw hydrogen-rich gas is withdrawn from reactor 6 in the lower part of the reactor via line 11a. Operation in accordance with this preferred embodiment affords the advantage of reducing the amount of oily substances withdrawn from reactor 6 by converting these oily substances to synthesis gas or by burning the oily substances in combustion chamber 28. In countercurrent flow operation of reactor 6, steam introduced at the lower part of the reactor tends to strip or retort a certain amount of oil out of the solid waste feed to the upper part of reactor 6. 1n concurrent flow of the solid waste material and steam, this stripping or retorting is substantially reduced, and the raw hydrogen gas is withdrawn from a relatively hot zone of the reactor so that oily material obtained from the solid waste material will be substantially reduced by reaction with steam to form synthesis gas and/or by oxidation with oxygen to yield heat.
Valves 25 and 26 are closed when it is desired to operate reactor 6 with concurrent flow of solid waste ma terial and steam.
The gas withdrawn via line 11 or 1111 is the basic synthesis gas produced in accordance with the present invention. Zones l2, 16, 20 and 22 relate to further treatment of this synthesis gas, which is particularly preferred in the production of a relatively pure hydrogen stream. It is to be understood that these subsequent steps can be altered when other final products are desired, as, for example, in the case of methanol production.
According to the preferred over-all process embodiment shown in the drawing, the cooled gases from heat recovery zone 12 are passed via line 15 to gas purification zone 16. Usually, one or more additional cooling steps will be applied to the gases removed from zone 20 before they are purified in gas purification zone 16.
In gas purification zone 16, H s which may be present in the effluent from reactor 6 is removed, preferably by scrubbing the hydrogen-rich gas with an H absorbent. Various gas purification means may be employed in gas purification zone 16. The use of monoethanolamine (MEA) is a preferred absorbent for removing H 8 and other sulfur compounds. A portion of the CO present in the gases from reactor 6 is generally removed from the hydrogen-rich gas at the same time H 3 is removed from the hydrogen-rich gas, but H is preferred not to remove CO from the hydrogen-rich gas in gas purification zone 16. H 8 present in the hydrogen-rich gas produced in reactor 6 and removed from the hydrogen in gas purification zone 16 can be passed to other processing. For example, the H S can be passed via line 17 from gas purification zone 16 to a Claus process for the production of sulfur. Usually the H 8 will contain some CO but preferably only small amounts of CO.
After at least H 5 removal from the hydrogen-rich gas in gas purification zone 16, the hydrogen-rich gas is fed via line 18 to CO shift conversion zone 20. In the CO shift conversion zone, CO present in the hydrogenrich gas is reacted with steam added to the CO shift conversion zone to form CO and additional H Hydrogen-rich gas containing only small amounts of CO for example, between about 0.2 and 2.0 volume percent CO is withdrawn from C0 shift conversion zone 20 via line 21. The hydrogen-rich gas from C0 shift conversion can be directly passed to gas purification zone 22 for removal of CO using an absorbent which is selective for CO as opposed to H such as monoethanolamine.
However, it is preferred to centrifugally compress the H CO gas mixture from the CO shift conversion zone prior to removing the CO It is particularly preferred to centrifugally compress the H CO gas and then remove CO by physical absorption using a solvent such as propylene carbonate or methanol. The use of centrifugal compressors for H -CO compression is discussed in more detail in commonly assigned patent applications Serial Nos. 736,520 (now U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,331, issued Nov. 9, 1971), 788,299 (now U.S. Pat. No. 3,551,106, issued Dec. 29, 1970), and 788,262 (now U.S. Pat. No. 3,532,467, issued Oct. 6, 1970). The disclosures of these applications, particularly those portions relating to H CO centrifugal compression and also the disclosures relating to CO shift conversion and hydrogen gas purification are incorporated by reference into the present patent application.
In accordance with the preferred over-all process embodiment of the present invention wherein the 11,-- CO gas from shift conversion is centrifugally compressed and then treated for CO removal with a physical absorbent, the H withdrawn via line 24 from gas purification zone 22 usually will be at sufficiently high pressure for example, 1,000 to 2,500 psig for use of the H in a high-pressure hydroconversion process such as catalytic hydrocracking. In other instances, for example when the H produced in the process of the present invention is to be used as a fuel gas blending component, little or no compression of the hydrogen gas produced in reactor 6 is usually necessary, because reactor 6 is preferably operated at a pressure between about 4 and 20 atmospheres.
EXAMPLE 50 g of organic feed material was charged to a oneliter quartz reactor. The organic feed material used in this instance was simulated solid municipal waste composed of 50 weight percent paper, 10 weight percent sawdust, 3 weight percent wool, 2 weight percent plastic, 10 weight percent cotton, 10 weight percent iron, 2 weight percent aluminum, and 13 weight percent food peels such as orange peels, etc. The oxygen content of this particular organic feed material was approximately 50 percent by weight excluding the metallic materials, i.e., iron and aluminum, in the reactor charge.
53 ml. H O was added to the quartz reactor over a 4- hour period. The internal reaction zone in the reactor was maintained at a temperature of about l,200 to 1,400F. during most of the reaction time. No catalyst was used in this laboratory run.
Over the 4-hour period, the total gas production was approximately 22 liters under ambient conditions of temperature and pressure. The maximum gas production rate during the 4-hour run period was about 10 liters per hour. The gas produced contained about 60 volume percent H with the remainder being mostly CO and CO.
Recovered from the 50-g charge to the reactor was 11.8 g of residue. Of this residue, 6.3 g were iron and aluminum and their oxides. The carbon-hydrogenoxygen elemental analysis of the organic residue was about 85 weight percent C, about 1.4 weight percent H, and about 14 weight percent 0.
The above results illustrate that organic feed material, particularly solid municipal waste-type material, can be converted to substantial amounts of synthesis gas with the simultaneous production of a residue which is sanitary because of the high-temperature treatment of the solid municipal waste and the breaking down of the solid municipal waste into various constituents. The results also illustrate that the synthesis gas can be produced at a fairly high rate at relatively low temperatures; the rate of synthesis gas production from the solid municipal waste was surprisingly found to be considerably higher than the rate of hydrogen production by reacting carbon with H O under similar temperature conditions.
Although various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that they are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting. Certain features may be changed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The process of the present invention can be carried out in the absence of catalysts or in the presence of a catalyst. Particularly preferred catalysts are disclosed in application Ser. No. 34,834, filed May 5, 1970, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,677 issued Sept. 18, 1973. It is apparent that the present invention has broad application to the production of gases comprising hydrogen from certain organic feed materials by reaction of the organic feed materials with steam. Accordingly, the invention is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments'or examples discussed, but only as defined in the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
l. A process for producing synthesis gas under substantially endothermic reaction conditions, which comprises reacting a solid organic feed material with steam in a reaction zone by:
a. passing said feed into the zone, said feed comprising carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in chemical combination wherein at least 25 weight percent of the feed is said oxygen and less than 5 weight percent of the feed, calculated as elemental sulfur, is sulfur;
b. feeding steam into the reaction zone and into contact with said feed, said steam being introduced in an amount sufficient to maintain a gas mol fraction of the steam in the reaction zone in the range from about 0.1 to 0.9 and said steam being at a temperature sufficient to substantially provide the heat required to effect said contacting at a temperature in the range from about 500F. to 1,600F.; and
c. recovering a synthesis gas having a (C H )/CO mol ratio of at least l.5.
2. A process as in claim 1, wherein a. said contact temperature is in the range from about 700 to 1,600F.;
b. said pressure is in the range from about 1 to 200 atmospheres;
c. said chemically bonded oxygen content of the organic feed is in the range from 25 to about weight percent; and
d. said gas mol fraction of steam in the reaction zone is in the range from 0.2 to 0.6.
3. A process as in claim 1 wherein said contact temperature is in the range 800 to l,400F.
4. A process as in claim I wherein said contact temperature is in the range from 1,000 to l,400F.
5. A process as in claim 1 wherein said oxygen content is in the range 35 to 70 weight percent.
6. A process as in claim 2 wherein said pressure is in the range from 4 to atmospheres.
7. A process as in claim 2 wherein said pressure is in the range from 4 to 20 atmospheres.
8. A process as in claim 2 wherein said reactants are introduced concurrently into said zone.
9. A process as in claim 2 wherein said reactants are introduced as countercurrent streams into said reaction zone,
10. A process as in claim 1 wherein said feed comprises solid waste material.
11. A process as in claim 10 wherein said feed comprises municipal waste.
12. A process as in claim 10 wherein said waste comprises agricultural waste.
13. A process as in claim 1 wherein a portion of said heat required to maintain said contact temperature is furnished by:
a. passing a portion of said recovered synthesis gas to a combustion zone;
b. combusting said portion with added molecular oxygen; and
c. passing the resulting combusted gas to said reaction zone.
14. A process as in claim 13 wherein sufficient molecular oxygen is added to said combustion zone to provide a moderate excess, said excess being in an amount wherein not more than 25% of the heat required to maintain said contact temperature is provided by the combustion of said feed in said reaction zone.
15. A process for producing synthesis gas having a (C0 H2)/CO mol ratio of at least 1.5, which comprises reacting steam with a solid organic feed material in a reaction zone, said reaction being carried out under substantially endothermic reaction conditions, by:
a. passing said feed into the zone, said feed comprising solid municipal waste and comprising carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in chemical combination, wherein at least 25 weight percent of the feed is said oxygen and less than 5 weight percent of the feed, calculated as elemental sulfur, is sulfur;
b. feeding steam into said reaction zone and into contact with said feed, said steam being introduced at a temperature in the range from l,500 to l,900F. and sufficient to effect said contacting at a temperature of about l,500F., and in an amount sufficient to maintain a mol fraction of steam in the reactor of about 0.6;
c. maintaining in said reaction zone a pressure in the range from about 4 to 20 atmospheres.
16. A process as in claim 5 wherein said contact temperature is in the range from 1,000F. to l,400F. |
US-3874117-A | Electric door opener | United States Patent [191 Boehm 1 ELECTRIC DOOR OPENER [75] Inventor: Raymond H. Boehm, Racine, Wis.
[73] Assignee: R. H. Boehm Company, Inc.,
Racine, Wis.
[22] Filed: Sept. 28, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 401,841
Primary Examiner-Kenneth Downey Attorney, Agent, or FirmAndrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall [57] ABSTRACT An electric door opener to be utilized in conjunction Apr. 1,1975
with a standard door closer or door check to provide the elements of automatic door control. The door opener is typically mounted on the transom of the door and includes an electric motor having a drive shaft that operates through a worm grear mechanism and an electromagnetic clutch to drive a gear train. The output of the gear train is operably connected to a linkage attached to the door. An approach switch, associated with an approach mat or a photoelectric eye, is located ahead of the door, while a safety switch is similarly associated with a safety mat or photoelectric eye located behind the door. With the closing of the approach switch by a pedestrian approaching the door, high voltage power is supplied to the motor and clutch to enable the motor to drive the gear train and pivot the linkage to move the door to the open position. In addition, closing of the approach switch will also supply low voltage power to the motor. When the door is in the full open position a limit switch is actuated which acts to remove high voltage power from the motor, leaving only low voltage power on the motor. The low voltage power supplied to the motor is sufficient to overcome the force of the door closer and maintain the door in the open position. A time delay is incorporated in the system which provides time for pedestrian movement from the approach mat to the safety mat, and to clear the safety mat before the door closes.
15 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENIEBAPR H975 SHEET 1 [IF 2 ELECTRIC DOOR OPENER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Automatic door operators are commonly used in supermarkets, airports, department stores, and other high volume traffic areas where pedestrians are burdened with packages or luggage. Automatic door operators are normally installed in the transom of the door, or alternately, under the floor, and are usually actuated by walk-on approach mats or a photoelectric eye. The automatic door operator performs the functions of opening the door, cushioning the opening action, stopping the opening action, closing the door and cushioning the door in the closed position. Automatic door operators are relatively complex in structure, expensive to install and maintain, and require frequent maintenance by specially trained service personnel.
Door closers or door checks are commonly used in association with residential, commercial or industrial doors. The conventional door closer provides opening speed control, opening cushioning, a stop for the opening action, as well as providing closing power and closing cushion for the door. The conventional door closer is mounted externally on the transom or on the door itself, and as the door is manually opened, the door closer stores energy to provide the closing power when the door is released. Conventional door closers are relatively inexpensive, reliable and easy to install and maintain.
SUMNIARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an electric door opener to be utilized in conjunction with a standard door closer or door check, together accomplishing automatic door operation with reliable, easy to install and maintain, relatively low cost elements. The electric door opener is typically mounted on the transom of the door and includes an electric motor having a drive shaft that operates through a worm gear drive and an electromagnetic clutch to drive a gear train. The output ofthe gear train is operably connected to a linkage attached to the door. An approach switch, which can take the form of a walk-on approach mat or a photoelectric eye, is located in front of the door and a safety switch, which can similarly take the form of a safety mat or photoelectric eye, is located to the rear of the door. As a pedestrian steps on the approach mat, the approach switch is closed which acts to energize the motor and the electromagnetic clutch to thereby drive the gear train and pivot the linkage to move the door to the open position. When the door is fully opened a limit switch is actuated which acts to remove the full power from the motor,
' leaving only low voltage power on the motor. The low voltage power is sufficient to overcome the force of the door closer and maintain the door in the open position.
The door opener also includes a time delay which provides time for a pedestrian to leave the approach mat and reach the safety mat before the door will begin to close. Through use of a variable resistor the time delay can be selectively changed to suit the particular system.
The door opener of the invention is adapted to be used in conjunctionwith a standard door closer, and can be used with either new or existing doors. As the door opener does not include a mechanism for controlling closing of the door, the overall structure is simplified and the cost is substantially reduced over that of conventional automatic door operators which provide both an opening and closing function.
The unit includes a symmetrical housing which can be directly installed on either right hand or left hand doors and can be utilized with either center hung or butt hinged doors without modification to the opener or to the door.
The door opener of the invention also includes simple adjustments for opening speed of the door, time delay before closing, and direction of operation. The door opener also provides a power operated low voltage holding action to hold the door in the open position when a pedestrian is either on the approach or the safety mat, so that there is no danger of overheating the motor under this hold-open condition.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the door opener of the invention as associated with a door;
FIG. 2 is a vertical section of the door opener;
FIG. 3 is a horizontal section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a section taken along line 44 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. '2; and
FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 illustrates a hinged doorl which is mounted within a doorway defined by a frame 2. The frame includes a pair of vertical jambs 3 which are connected at their upper ends by a transom or lintel 4. A standard door closer or door check 5 is associated with the door and can be a conventional hydraulic or mechanical type. The door closer 5 includes a housing 6 which is mounted on the transom and a pair of pivoting arms 7 are connected to the door. When the door is opened, energy will be stored by the door closer 5 which will then act to return the door to the closed position in a conventional manner.
Door 1 is adapted to be opened by a door opener which is indicated generally by 8 and is mounted on the transom 4. As best shown in FIG. 2, the door opener 8 includes an electrical control box 9 which contains the electrical components of the system and lead wires 10 are connected to the electrical components and are provided with a plug 11 which can be engaged with a standard volt output. A three-conductor socket, not shown, is also furnished on the control box 9, to provide connections to the approach mat and safety mat, the function of which will be hereinafter described.
The door opener 8 also includes a permanent magnet motor 12, a worm gear reducing unit 13, a clutch assembly 14, and a gear box 15. To mount the opener on the transom 4, gear box 15 is provided with a pair of flanges 16 which are connected by bolts 17 to the transom (FIG. 3).
As best shown in FIG. 5, the drive shaft 18 of motor 12 is connected to the worm gear reduction unit 13 which includes a worm 19 which drives gear 20 mounted on the upper end of vertical shaft 21. The
worm gear unit 13 not only provides a stage of reduction, but also will act to prevent the door from being slammed to the open position by a gust of wind during the opening cycle.
The lower end of the shaft 21 is keyed to a hub 22 of the clutch assembly 14. The hub 22 is journalled for rotation within a non-rotatable annular electromagnetic core 23. The clutch assembly 14 also includes an armature unit 24 including a central hub 25 and an outer ring 26. Ring 26 is normally spaced from the lower surface of the hub 22 to provide an air gap therebetween. The hub 25 of armature unit 24 is connected to the upper end of a shaft 27 and a flat spring 28 connects the hub 25 to the ring 26; When the core 23 is energized a magnetic field will be developed which will move the ring 26 upwardly into engagement with the hub 22, thereby bending the spring 28 upwardly, to provide a driving connection between the shaft 21 and the shaft 27. When core 23 is deenergized, the force of the deformed spring 28 will move the ring 26 downwardly out of engagement with the hub 22 to thereby disconnect the shafts 21 and 27.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the shaft 27 is journalled for rotation within the gear box 15 and carries a gear 29 which drives a gear 30 mounted on shaft 31, which is similarly journalled within the gear box 15. Shaft 31 carries a small gear 32, which is engaged with a large gear 33 on shaft 34, and shaft 34 also carries a small gear 35 which drives a gear segment 36 mounted on the shaft 37. The lower end of shaft 37 projects outwardly of the gear box and is connected to one end of an arm 38. The opposite end of arm 38 is pivotally attached to one end of an arm 39 and the opposite end of arm 39 is pivotally connected to a clevis 40 that is attached by screws to the door 1. With this construction, rotation of the shaft 37 will cause the arms 38 and 39 to pivot to move the door to the open position.
As shown in FIG. 2, a pin 42 is mounted within a central bore in the shaft 37 and pin 42 is provided with an enlarged head 43 that is located in a recess 44 in the end of the shaft 37. The upper end of the pin 42 projects beyond the end of the shaft 37 and carries a cam 45. A pair of Belleville springs 46 surround the pin 42 and provide frictional contact between the cam and the shaft 37 to restrict free rotation of the pin within the bore of the shaft. Cam 45 pivots with the shaft 37 and the arm 47 of a switch unit 48 rides against the peripheral surface of the cam 45. When the door is pivoted to the full open position the cam 45 is adapted to actuate the switch unit 48, as will be hereinafter described.
The door opener is adapted to be actuated by closing of anapproach switch as a pedestrian approaches the door. As shown in FIG. 1, the approach switch is associated with an approach mat 49 which is located on the floor in front of the door 1. As the pedestrian steps on the approach mat 49, the approach switch is actuated to thereby operate the door opener. In addition to the approach switch, a safety switch is associated with a safety mat 50 that is located on the floor behind the door. While the drawings illustrate the approach and safety switches to be associated with mats, it is contemplated that various types of switches can be utilized, such as those actuated by photoelectric eyes, push bars, sonic actuation, or the like.
As shown in the wiring diagram, FIG. 6, 120 volt power from lines 51 and 52 is supplied to the high voltage winding 53 of a transformer 54. The power lines 51 and 52 are also connected through lines 55 and 56 to full wave bridge 57, the output of which is connected to coil 23 of the clutch assembly 14, and to full wave bridge 58, the output of which is connected to the permanent magnet motor 12. Line 59 is connected across lines 55 and 56 and a variable resistor 60 and capacitor 61 are connected in line 59. Line 62 connects line 59 with line 55 and solid state switch unit 63 is connected in line 62 and serves to control the current flow through line 55. Switch unit includes a diac 64, and a triac 65. The variable resistor 60 and capacitor 61 function as a voltage dividing network, and adjustment of resistor 60 will determine the point in the half cycle in which the triac will fire and thus provides a speed control for the motor.
Transformer 54 also includes a pair of low voltage windings 67 and 68, and in practice the winding 67 can be 28 volts while winding 68 is 14 volts.
Lines 69 and 70 of a control circuit connect winding 67 to full wave bridge 71 and the command or approach switch 72 and the safety switch 73, associated with approach mat 49 and safety mat 50, respectively, are connected in parallel in line 69. The output of bridge 71 is connected to relay 74 by lines 75 and 76, and capacitor 77 and a variable resistor 78 are connected across line 75 and 76.
Lines 79 and 80 of a low voltage circuit connect the low voltage winding 68 to full wave bridge 81, and the output of bridge 81 is connected to the motor 12 by lines 82 and 83.
As the pedestrian walks on the approach mat 49, switch 72 closes and the relay 74 is energized. Energizing relay 74 will close the normally open contacts 74-1, will open the normally closed contacts 74-2, will close the normally open contact 74-3 in line 79 and will close the normally open contacts 74-4 in line 56. With the closing of contacts 74-4 power will then be supplied from the power lines 51 and 52 to the motor 12 and clutch coil 23 to operate the motor and engage the clutch. Closing of contacts 74-3 will serve to supply low voltage power to the motor though the lines 79 and 80. Engagement of the clutch provides a driving connection between the motor 12 and the gear train to thereby pivot arms 38 and 39 and move the door to the open position.
When the door moves to its fully opened position, the
the switch assembly 48. Limit switch 84 is connected in line 85, which is connected between line 55 and line 59. With the closing of limit switch 84 power will follow the path of least resistance through line 85, thereby bypassing the switch unit 63 so that the supply of high voltage power to the motor 12 will be terminated, since the triac is off. The low voltage power being supplied through lines 79 and 80 to the motor will be sufficient to maintain the door in the open position against the force exerted by the door closer 5. This situation, in which low voltage power is supplied to the motor 12, will continue to exist while the approach switch 72 is closed.
If the pedestrian moves through the open door from approach mat 49 to the safety mat 50, approach switch 72 will open, and the capacitor 77 is employed to maintain energization of the relay 74 in the event the approach switch 72 and safety switch 73 may both momentarily be open as the pedestrian passes through the doorway. Capacitor 77 also provides a time delay when the pedestrian leaves the safety mat 50, or leaves the approach mat 49 and does not step onto the safety mat 50, before the door will begin to close and permits the pedestrian to be safely out of the way of the door when it begins its closing action through operation of the door closer 5. Adjustment of the variable resistor 78, which is typically mounted on the control box 9, permits the duration of the time delay to be selected for each installation.
When the pedestrian has stepped off of the safety mat 50, and there is no pedestrian on the approach mat 49, both the switches 72 and 73 will be open, and after discharge of the capacitor 77 relay 74 will be deenergized. Contacts 74-1, 74-3 and 74-4 will then open while contacts 74-2 will close to shut off power to the motor 12 and to clutch coil 23 and permit the closer 5 to return the door to the closed position without torque.
being transmitted back through the motor.
The door opening logic can be illustrated by the equation:
where Q is the state of memory element (relay 74) and when Q l the relay is energized and when Q 0 the relay is deenergized; n is a state of time and n l is the next state of time; A is the approach mat switch and A 1 when the switch is closed and A 0 when the switch is open; S is the safety mat switch and S 1 when the switch is closed and S 0 when the switch is open.
Using the above equation, the following table of conditions can be determined:
Thus, the next state of the relay 74 (0, is deenergized if A and S are 0, is equal to the existing state if S is 1 and A is 0 or 1, and is energized if A is l and S is 0.
The door opener of the invention is adapted to be used in conjunction with a standard door closer and may be associated with any new or existing door. It can be mounted on the door and is symmetrical for installation in either left hand or right hand doors. The door opener can be utilized with any type of contact closure, such as walk-on floor mats, photoelectric eyes, pushbars, or the like.
The door opener includes simple adjustment for the opening speed through operation of the variable resistor 60 and for the time delay through operation of variable resistor 78.
Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.
I claim:
1. An electric door opener to be operably connected to a door to open the same, comprising a unidirectional electric motor having an output shaft, a worm gear unit connected to said output shaft, gear means having an input and an output, electromagnetic clutch means interconnecting the worm gear unit and the input of the gear means, said clutch means having an engaged and a disengaged position, a pivotable linkage connecting the output of the gear means to the door, operation of said gear means acting to pivot the door through said linkage to an open position, approach switch means located ahead of the door and disposed to be actuated by a person approaching the door, means responsive to actuation of said approach switch means for engaging said clutch means and for supplying the combination of high voltage power and low voltage power to said motor, deactivation of said approach switch means curtailing the supply of power to said motor and disengaging said clutch means, and limit switch means responsive to opening of the door to a predetermined position for withdrawing the high voltage power and maintaining the supply of low voltage power to said motor whereby the low voltage power will retain the door in the open position.
2. The door opener of claim 1, and including time delay means for delaying the curtailing of power to said motor and the disengagement of said clutch means for a predetermined time after deactuation of said approach switch means. I
3. The door opener of claim 2, and including safety switch means located behind the door and disposed to be actuated by a person located behind the door, and means responsive to actuation of said safety switch means for engaging said clutch means and for supplying the combination of high voltage and low voltage power to said motor, so that the door will be maintained in the open position while said safety switch means is actuated.
4. The door opener of claim 2, and including means operably connected to said time delay means for selectively varying said predetermined time.
5. The door opener of claim 4, and including means responsive to actuation of said approach switch means and said safety switch means for preventing opening of said door.
6. In combination, a door to enclose a doorway and movable between an open and a closed position; a door closer having a force operating to move the door from the open to the closed position; and a door opener separate from said door closer to move the door from the closed to the open position; .said door opener compris ing a uni-directional electric motor having anoutp'ut shaft, a worm gear unit connected to said output shaft, gear means having an input and an output, electromagnetic clutch means interconnecting the worm gear unit and the input of the gear means, said clutch means having an engaged and a disengaged position, a pivotable linkage connecting the output of the gear means to the door, operation of said gear means acting to pivot the door through said linkage to an open position, approach switch means located ahead of the door and disposed to be actuated by a person approaching the door, means responsive to actuation of said approach switch means for engaging said clutch means and for supplying the combination of high voltage power and low voltage power to said motor, deactivation of said approach switch means curtailing the supply of power to said motor and disengaging said clutch means, and limit switch means responsive to opening of the door to a predetermined position for withdrawing the high voltage power, said low voltage power being sufficient to overcome the closing force of the door closer to thereby maintain the door in the open position until deactivation of said approach switch means.
7. The combination of claim 6, wherein said approach switch means is associated with a walk-on floor mat.
8. The combination of claim 6, and including safety switch means located behind the door and disposed to be actuated by a person located behind the door, and means responsive to actuation of said safety switch means for engaging said clutch means and for supplying the combination of high voltage power and low voltage power to said motor, so that the door will be maintained in the open position while said safety swtich means is actuated.
9. The combination of claim 8, wherein said safety switch means is associated with a walk-on floor mat.
10. The combination of claim 6, and including time delay means for delaying the curtailing of power to said motor and the disengagement of said clutch means for a predetermined time after deactuation of said approach switch means.
ll. ln combination, a door to enclose a doorway and movable between an open and a closed position; a door closer to move the door from the open to the closed position, and a door opener to move the door from the closed to the open position, said door opener comprising an electric motor having an output shaft, a worm gear unit connected to said output shaft, gear means having an input and output, electromagnetic clutch means interconnecting the worm gear unit and the input of the gear means, said clutch means having an engaged and a disengaged position, a pivotal linkage connecting the output of the gear means to the door, operation of said gear means acting to pivot the door through said linkage to an open position, a first electrical circuit connected to a source of high voltage power,
' a transformer having a high voltage winding connected in said circuit and having a pair of low voltage windings, an approach switch located ahead of the door and disposed to be closed by a person approaching the door, a safety switch located behind the door and disposed to be closed by a person being in a position behind the door, a second electrical circuit connected to a first of said low voltage windings, said approach switch and said safety switch being connected in parallel in said second circuit, a relay connected in said second circuit and having a plurality of contacts, whereby closing of said approach switch or said safety switch will energize the relay to actuate said relay contacts, a third electrical circuit connected to the source of high voltage power, said motor and said clutch means and a first of said contacts being connected in series in said third electrical circuit whereby closing of said first contact through energization of said relay will operate said motor and engage said clutch means, a fourth electrical circuit connecting the second low voltage winding to said motor, a second of said contacts being connected in series with said motor in said fourth circuit, whereby energizing of the relay will close said second contact to thereby supply low voltage power to said motor, and a limit switch disposed to be actuated when the door is opened to a predetermined position and connected in the third circuit, actuating of the limit switch will open the third circuit to cut off the supply of high voltage power to the motor, whereby the low voltage power supplied to the motor through said fourth circuit will retain the door in the open position.
12. The combination of claim 11, and including a capacitor connected in parallel with said relay in said second circuit, the discharge of said capacitor acting after opening of said approach switch means and said safety switch means to continue energization of said relay for a predetermined period of time.
13. The combination of claim 12, and including a variable resistance disposed in parallel with said relay and said capacitor in said second circuit, adjustment of said variable resistance acting to adjust the predetermined period of time.
14. The combination of claim 11, wherein a solid state switch unit is connected in said third circuit, said switch unit includes a triac and a diac, said limit switch being connected in said third circuit in a manner such that closing of said limit switch will bypass firing voltage to said switch unit and prevent firing of said triac to thereby cut off the supply of high voltage power to the motor.
15. The combination of claim 14, and including voltage dividing means connected across said third circuit and including variable resistance means and a capacitor, said voltage dividing means arranged to set the voltage at which the triac fires to thereby vary the magnitude of the high voltage power supplied to the motor. |
US-3874118-A | Animal actuated door | United States Patent [191 Robinson Apr. 1, 1975 l l ANIMAL ACTUATED DOOR [22] Filed: Dec. 14, 1973 [211 Appl. No.: 424,912
Primary Examiner-Kenneth Downey Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Berman, Bishoff & Platt [57] ABSTRACT An animal-operated door consisting of a rigid closure plate hinged at one vertical side edge to a vertical margin of a doorway and employing a spring biasing the closure plate towards a closed position. The opposite vertical side edge of the closure plate has a 45 integral flange extending for its full height, allowing a dog or similar animal to open the door by pushing its snout between the flange and the adjacent side margin of the doorway. The flange has perforations distributed thereover to prevent the closure plate from being opened by wind forces. The surface of the closure plate is smooth and otherwise offers no resistance to movement out of the doorway, thereby permitting the animal to back out of the doorway or to depart through the doorway from the inside without injury.
10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures ATENTED APR H975 3.874.]. 1 8
ANIMAL ACTUATED DOOR This invention relates to door structures, and more particularly to doors capable of being operated by domestic animals, such as cats or dogs.
A main object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved animal-operated door which is simple in construction, which is easy to install, and which is constructed so that an animal can be easily trained to operate the same;
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved animal-operated door which involves very inexpensive components, which is rugged in construction, and which allows an animal to either enter therethrough by a simple procedure or to leave therethrough without risk of injury to the animal.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved animal-operated door which is relatively neat in appearance, which is biased to a normally closed position to prevent the entry of insects, rodents, or the like through the associated doorway, and which is arranged so that it cannot be accidentally opened by normal wind forces.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved animal-operated door of simple construction provided with means whereby an animal can open the door by engaging its snout between a side portion of the door and the adjacent margin of the associated doorway and can enter or leave through the doorway without risk of injury.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and claims, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view, taken from the outside,
of a portion of a building wall provided with a doorway having an improved animal-operated door constructed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the doorway of FIG. 1, taken from the inside of the building.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 3-3 of FIG. 1, with the door shown in closed position and indicating the manner in which an animal inserts its snout between the vertical inclined flange of the doorand the side marginal portion of the doorway preparatory to opening the door.
FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the door in open position with the animal passing through the associated doorway.
Referring to the drawings, 11 design-ates the wall of a building provided with a rectangular doorway 12, which may be a doorway specifically intended for the passage of animals, such as cats or dogs, or alternatively, may be a normal doorway employed for entrance into or egress from the associated building. In the typical doorway 12 illustrated in the drawings, the bottom edge 13 of the doorway is shown as being elevated somewhat above ground level.
Designated generally at 14 is a door constructed in accordance with the present invention, which may comprise a single piece of sheet metal having a rectangular main body portion 15, defining a closure plate adapted to cover the doorway l2 and to overlap its margins, as shown in FIG. 1, the closure plate 15 being I vertically hinged to wall 11 at one side margin of doorway I2, at the outside thereof, by means of a conventional vertical hinge assembly 16 provided with a biasing spring 17 acting on the closure plate element 15 to bias it towards closed position covering doorway 12.
The closure plate member 15 is integrally formed at its opposite vertical margin with inclined vertical flange 18 extending for the full height of the main body portion 15 of the door 14, the flange 18 being at an obtuse angle to main body 15, for example, at an angle of I35, thereby defining an angle of 45 between flange I8 and wall 11 at the adjacent margin of doorway 12. The inside surface of closure plate I5 and the corner 20 defined between said closure plate and the flange l8 adjacent to the inside surface of the closure plate are preferably smooth so that they will not cause any injury to an animal rubbing thereagainst, for example, to an animal such as the one shown in dotted view in FIG. 4 which is in the process of'passing through the doorway 12.
The flange 18 is formed with a plurality of ventilating perforations 21 distributed over its surface and being of sufficient size and quantity to allow air currents to pass therethrough and to prevent the doorfrom being opened by normal wind forces.
As above-mentioned, the door 14, comprising the main closure plate body portion 15 and the flange I8, is preferably formed from a single generally rectangular piece of sheet metal of sufficient thickness to provide the required rigidity.
It will be apparent that the door 14 may be mounted on either the right or left side of a doorway by merely inverting it.
As will be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the door 14 is constructed so that an animal can insert its snout in the convergent recess defined between the flange l8 and wall 11 and open the door 14 from the outside by a simple straight ahead pushing movement, without pivoting its head. Since the flange 18 extends for the full height pendent spring attached between the door 14 and the margin of doorway 12 or a door frame attached to the doorway, is sufficiently yieldable to allow an animal of normal strength to push the door open by wedging its snout in the convergent recess, defined between flange l8 and the adjacent wall surface in the manner above described. The spring, however, is of sufficient strength to promptly close the door after the animal has entered or departed.
An animal may pass outwardly through the doorway by pushing on the inside of the door itself, and the door will yield, allowing the animal to leave without causing injury to the animal because of the smooth inside surface of the door, as above-described. Similarly, if an animal wishes to back out after having partly entered the doorway, for example, if the animal is in a position such as that shown in dotted view in FIG. 4, the animal may retreat without injury to itself, since the corner portion 20 is relatively smooth and allows the animal to safely slide rearwardly past the same.
The door 14 may be an independent unit attachable to a building wall 18 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1, or alternatively, may be part of an assembly including a door frame which is in turn attachable to a building around a suitable hole cut in the building wall. In the typical embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the door 14 is provided with the standard hinge assembly 16 which may be attached to the side margin of a doorway hole cut in the building wall 11.
As will be seen, the biasing spring 17, or the independent spring above-described, acts to keep the door securely closed when not in use. This not only eliminates drafts into the building but also prevents rodents and other=srnall unwanted animals from making entrance into the building. p
It has been determined that small animals, such as dogs particularly, can be trained in a very short period of timeji to operate the door of the present invention, and tha t,as above-explained, a dog or other small animal can stop when partially through the door and back out without being injured. This overcomes a common difficulty encountered with presently provided doors which are hinged at the top, wherein if the animal starts to back out after it has partially entered or exited, the door clampingly engages the animal, theclamping engagement becoming tighter the harder the animal pulls, whereby the animal is sometimes quite jured. l i
It will be further noted that since thedoor is made of sheet metal, it is not subject to destruction by dogs or other'anirnals, since it cannot be readily damaged by chewing. In the case of swinging'doo'rs provided with plastic flaps, or other types of relatively vulnerable material, such flaps have been destroyed because of the tendency of the animals to play with and chew at the flaps. Furthermore, since the door 14 is constructed of metal, it is not readily subject to distortion and will not deteriorate seriously by exposure to weather or variations in 'climatic'conditions. Many of the previously used plastic flap designs have proven to be unsatisfactory because of distortion and deterioration caused by such weatherconditions. Y
Any type of suitable conventional hinge assembly may be employed, either a hinge assembly of a continuous type, or oneemploying spaced hinge elements. The hinge assembly is attached to the door in a manner such that the door may be installed by merely fastening the hinge assembly through screw holes provided therefor to. the appropriate side marginal portion of the wall 11 adjacent the doorway.
While a specific embodiment of an improved animaloperated door assembly has been disclosed in the foregoing description, it will be understood that variousv modifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to thosev skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that no limitation be placed on the invention exceptas defined by the scope of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
l. In combination with a doorway, an animaloperated door comprising a rigid closure plate adapted to cover the doorway, hinge means connecting one side edge of the closure plate to a side margin of the doorway, springmeans biasing the closure plate toward closed position over the doorway, and an inclined seriously in flange on the opposite side edge of the closure plate and merging smoothly therewith which permits noninjurious ingress or egress, said flange extending at an obtuse angle to said plate such that when the closure plate is in closed position over the doorway the flange defines, with respect to the adjacent side margin of the doorway, a tapering recess shaped to substantially conform with the shape of an animals snout, whereby to enable an animal to engage its snout in the recess and thus force the closure plate open and to thereby allow the animal to pass through the doorway, said flange being of substantial height and extending along said adjacent side margin for a sufficient vertical length to allow a wide range of sizes of animals wishing to pass through the doorway to be able to insert their snouts in the recess.
2. The structural combination of claim 1, and wherein said flange is integral with the closure plate.
3. The structural combination of claim 2, and wherein said flange is at an angle of approximately l35 to the closure plate.
4. The structural combination of claim 3, and wherein the flange is provided with a plurality of ventilating perforations distributed thereover and of sufficient size and quantity to prevent the closure plate from being opened by wind forces.
5. The structural combination of claim 4, and wherein the closure plate and flange are formed from a single generally rectangular piece of sheet metal.
6. The structural combination of claim 1, and wherein said flange is substantially coextensive in height with said closure plate.
7. An animal-operated closure comprising a rigid closure plate adapted to cover a doorway, hinge means on one side of said plate adapted to be connected to the side margin of a doorway, spring means biasing said plate toward its position covering a doorway, and an inclined flange of substantial height with respect to the plate on the opposite side thereof merging smoothly therewith which permits non-injurious ingress or egress and extending at an obtuse angle substantially throughout its entire length with respect to said plate whereby a tapering recess shaped to substantially conform with the shape of an animals snout is formed between the flange and the adjacent side margin of a doorway when installed to enable an animal to engage its snout in the recess and thus force the plate open.
'8. The animal-operated door of claim 7, wherein said flange is substantially coextensive in height with said plate.
9. The animal-operated door of claim 8, wherein said plate and flange are integrally formed from a single generally rectangular piece of rigid sheet material.
10. The animal-operated door of claim 9, wherein said flange is perforated. |
US-3874119-A | Door for vehicles, especially passenger motor vehicles | United States Patent Renner et al.
DOOR FOR VEHICLES, ESPECIALLY PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES Inventors: Hermann Renner, Magstadt; Bla
Barenyi, Maichingen, both of Germany Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft, Stuttgart, Germany Filed: Feb. 15, 1973 Appl. No 332,589
Assignee:
Foreign Application Priority Data Feb. 15, 1972 Germany 2206998 U.S. Cl. 49/502, 296/154 Int. Cl B60j 5/04 Field of Search 49/501-503,
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/1958 Rantala 296/154 X Apr. 1, 1975 3,370,384 2/1968 Hafer et a1 49/502 3,730,581 5/1973 Parkinson t 296/152 X 3,778,101- 12/1973 Tsuda 49/502 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,189,810 4/1970 United Kingdom 49/502 Primary E.\'aminerKenneth Downey Attorney, Agent, or Firnl Craig & Antonelli [57] ABSTRACT 23 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTEUAPR H975 FIG. 2
FIG. I
DOOR FOR VEHICLES, ESPECIALLY PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES The present invention relates to a door for vehicles, especially to a side door for passenger motor vehicles, which includes in its upper area a windowpane adapted to be lowered in the downward direction and which is provided in its lower area with reinforcements.
The recognition has gained acceptance to an everincreasing extent in the construction and design of modern vehicles that, for safety reasons. the passenger space of motor vehicles or the like has to be constructed deformation stiff and formrigid. The doors of motor vehicles, especially the side doors, to which one ascribes a decisive significance essentially for the socalled flank protection, entail difficulties in this regard. In particular. when the doors are provided with side windows adapted to be cranked down, which is practically indispensible for reasons of the driving comfort, great difficulties arise in the accommodation of sufficiently large reinforcements. It is known to mount these reinforcements on the outside of the plane formed by the guide means of the windowpane. This leads to an optically non-appealing exterior of the vehicle whereas, on the other, considerable difficulties arise with the water drainage within the area of the doors as well as regards the arrangement of hinges and door locks. There exists the danger that the water penetrates into the reinforcements and leads thereat in hollow spaces to an enhanced corrosion.
The present invention is concerned with the task to construct a door of the aforementioned type as safetydoor by the use of a good reinforcement without impairing external appearance of the vehicle. The present invention essentially consists in that the reinforcements are disposed on the side of the plane formed by the guide means ofthe windowpane facing the vehicle interior space whereas a shielding or protective cover member is mounted on the outside of this plane. This arrangement ofthe reinforcements does not change the external configuration of the vehicle whereas a space which is present in most vehicles and is not used farreachingly. is utilized for the accommodation of the reinforcements. A safe water drainage can be realized in a simple manner. Additionally, it is possible to so accommodate the mechanisms for the adjustment of the windowpanes that they are readily accessible after removal of the shielding cover member.
A particularly simple water drainage is obtained in that in an appropriate embodiment of the present invention the shielding cover member is open in the downward direction. Advantageously, the shielding cover member consists of synthetic plastic material, for example. of synthetic resinous material of any conventional type.
According to a further feature of the present invention, provision is made that the reinforcements extend underneath the only partially lowerable pane up to the outer contour of the vehicle.
In order to render the reinforcements safe also in the vehicle interior space, it is advantageous if the reinforcements are at least partially covered on the vehicle interior side with padding of foamed material or the like, such as synthetic resinous foamed material.
In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the lower area consists of a completely closed hollow bearer which is composed of one or several sheet metal plates. This hollow bearer can be formed organically and integrally in a simple manner and can be protected against corrosion. Additionally, it is possible thereby to reinforce the hollow bearer internally with one or several additional profiles.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a door for a motor vehicle. especially a side door for a passenger motor vehicle which avoids by simple means the aforementioned shortcomings and drawbacks encountered in the prior art.
Another object of the present invention resides in a door for vehicles which permits the accommodation of sufficiently large reinforcements without impairing the external appearance of the vehicle, thereby permitting the preservation of an aesthetic external configuration of the vehicle.
A further object of the present invention resides in a side door for passenger motor vehicles which permits a simple and reliable water drainage within the area of the door as well as a simple arrangement of the hinges and door locks.
Still a further object of the present invention resides in a side door for a motor vehicle which is highly effective as safety door, yet minimizes the danger of corrosion on the inside of the door.
These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing which shows, for purposes of illustration only, two embodiments in accordance with the present invention, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic verical crosssectional view through a side door of one half of a symmetrically constructed passenger motor vehicle in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 2 is a somewhat schematic vertical crosssectional view through a modified embodiment of a side door of a symmetrically constructed passenger motor vehicle in accordance with the present inventron.
Referring now to the drawing wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the two views to designate like parts, the contour of a passenger motor vehicle is schematically indicated in both figures of the drawing; the passenger motor vehicle includes longitudinal bearers 3 each extending in the respective plane of the tires 1 and 2 and longitudinal bearers 4 within the area of the roof. The space between the longitudinal bearers 3 and 4 is completely taken over in height by a respective side door generally designated by reference numeral 5. This side door consists each of a windowpane 6 and of a hollow bearer generally designated by reference numeral 7 and disposed in the lower area of the door.
The hollow bearer 7 of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 is disposed essentially on the side of the windowpane 6 facing the vehicle interior space or of the planes constituted by the guide means thereof. Since guide means as used in a motor vehicle door for the windows are of conventional construction, they are not shown and described in detail herein. Only in its area closely above the longitudinal bearer 3, the hollow bearer 7 extends up to the outer contour of the vehicle since the windowpane 6 is not completely lowerable. The hollow bearer 7 is then provided externally with a cover profile 8 which extends about the longitudinal bearer 3 and protects the same in this manner against damages. The
window guide means disposed in the central area of the door are covered off against the outside by a protective or shielding cover member 9 which extends in this area at a distance to the hollow bearer 7. The protective cover member 9 made preferably of synthetic plastic (resinous) material is provided at the bottom with a gap or apertures 10 so that a completely satisfactory water drainage is assured.
The hollow bearer 7 of the embodiment according to FlG. l is composed of two sheet metal members 11 and 12 which are welded together. These sheet metal members l1 and 12 accommodate there between a profile 13 for the further rigidification and reinforcement. On the inside of the vehicle, the hollow bearer 7 is covered off with a padding 14 of conventional foamed material or the like of any known type which is dimensioned thicker in the upper area of the hollow bearer 7 than at the bottom.
In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the shielding or protective cover member 9 extends over the entire height of the hollow bearer 7 so that it extends up to the top side of the longitudinal bearer 3. This embodiment is suitable for a side window 6 that can be cranked down completely. Also in this embodiment the shielding cover member 9 which is preferably made of synthetic plastic (resinous) material is provided in its lower area with apertures 10 through which the penetrating water can drain off. The hollow bearer 7 is assembled of two sheet metal members 15 and 16 connected with each other by spot welding or the like. The inner sheet metal member 15 is provided with indentations or embossments, by means of which it abuts at the outer sheet metal member 16. In this manner, a map pocket. an arm rest or the like can be formed. The inner sheet metal member 15 is therebeyond covered off by means ofa padding 17 which is provided with an aperture 18 within the area of the indentation of the sheet metal member 15.
In both embodiments, the advantage results that the hollow bearers 7 which are constructed very rigid in bending are disposed on the inside of the effective line between the door lock (not shown) and the hinge (not shown).
While we have shown and described two embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the same is not limited thereto but is susceptible of numerous changes and modifications as known to those skilled in the art, and we therefore do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein but intend to cover all such changes and modifications as are encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.
What we claim is:
1. A vehicle door comprising an outer cover means for protecting the outer surface ofa vehicle door structure, said outer cover means being open in the downward direction to drain liquid from the interior of the vehicle door structure, and
an inner reinforcement means adapted to project into a vehicle interior to form the inner surface of said vehicle door structure, said inner reinforcement means including at least first and second panel members forming a completely closed hollow bearer reinforcing structure at the interior side of the vehicle door structure,
said outer cover means and said inner reinforcement means being spaced from one another at an upper portion thereof to form a window accommodating means between said outer cover means and said inner reinforcement means.
2. A door according to claim 1, characterized in that said outer cover means consists essentially of synthetic resinous material.
3. A door according to claim 2, characterized in that said inner reinforcement means extend underneath said window accommodating means up to the outer contour of the vehicle.
4. A door according to claim 2, characterized in that said inner reinforcement means are at least partially covered on the vehicle interior side with padding means essentially consisting of foamed material.
5. A door according to claim 4, characterized in that the foamed material is a synthetic resinous foamed material.
6. A door according to claim 4, characterized in that the hollow bearer reinforcing structure is reinforced internally with at least one additional profile means.
7. A door according to claim 4, characterized in that the hollow bearer reinforcing structure is reinforced internally with several additional profile means.
8. A door according to claim 7, characterized in that the door is a side door for a passenger motor vehicle.
9. A door according to claim 7, characterized in that said inner reinforcement means extend underneath said window accommodating means up to the outer contour of the vehicle.
10. A door according to claim 1, characterized in that said inner reinforcement means are at least partially covered on the vehicle interior side with padding means essentially consisting of foamed material.
11. A door according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow bearer reinforcing structure is reinforced internally with at least one additional profile means.
12. A door according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow bearer reinforcing structure is reinforced internally with several additional profile means.
13. A door. according to claim 1, characterized in that said inner reinforcement means extend underneath said window accommodating means up to the outer contour of the vehicle.
14. A vehicle door structure comprising an outer cover means for protecting the outer surface of a vehicle door structure, an inner reinforcing means adapted to project into a vehicle interior to form the inner surface of said vehicle door structure, said inner reinforcing means including at least first and second panel members forming a hollow bearer reinforcing structure at the interior side of said vehicle door structure,
window means formed between said outer cover means and said inner reinforcing means, said window means including a window movable in one of an upward and downward direction between said outer cover means and said inner reinforcing means, and
drainage means for draining liquid from between said outer cover means and said inner reinforcement means.
15. A door structure according to claim 14, wherein said drainage means includes apertures formed at a lower'portion of said outer cover means.
16. A door structure according to claim 1, wherein said outer cover means is formed of synthetic resinous material.
17. A door structure according to claim 14, wherein said hollow bearer reinforcing structure is internall reinforced by at least one profile means.
18. A door structure according to claim 17. wherein said inner reinforcing means includes a portion extending below said window means to an outer contour of the vehicle.
19. A door structure according to claim 18, wherein said portion extending below said window means is provided with a profiled cover at the outer contour of the vehicle.
20. A door structure according to claim 14, wherein said window means is open between a top portion of said outer cover means and said inner reinforcing means such that said window passes out of said window means in the upward direction of movement.
21. A door structure according to claim 14, wherein said inner reinforcing means includes an inner sheet metal member facing said vehicle interior. said inner sheet metal member having at least one indentation.
22. A door structure according to claim 21, wherein said inner sheet metal member is covered with padding of foamed material. said padding including an aperture in the area of said indentation.
23. A vehicle door structure comprising an outer protective cover means, said outer cover means including apertures formed at the lower portion thereof for draining liquid from the vehicle door structure, an inner reinforcing means adapted to project into a vehicle interior. said inner reinforcing means including an inner sheet metal member facing said vehicle interior, said inner sheet metal member having at least one indentation, wherein said inner sheet metal member is covered with padding of foam material. said padding including an aperture in the area of said indentation, and window means formed between said outer cover means and said inner reinforcing means. said window means including a window movable in one of an upper and downward direction between said outer cover means and said inner reinforcing means. |
US-3874120-A | Knife sharpener, particularly for a microtome | United States Patent 1 1191 1111 3,874,120 Dalton, deceased et al. 1 Apr. 1, 1975 KNIFE SHARPENER, PARTICULARLY FOR 1,953.559 4/1934 Hughes 51/159 x A MICROTOME 2,287,317 6/1942 McD0nn.ell.... 51/153 2,391,260 12/1945 Mlller 51/59 R 1 Inventors: E a fi g as a of 2,431,624 11/1947 Smith 51/159 a on 1e .J.,by Ruth Dalton, executrixt Frederick Primary Evaminer-Harold D Whitehead gt f lll y i; John Attorney, Agent, or FirmSeidel, Gonda &
ee, en mtown, a. Goldhammer [73] Assignee: Arthur H. Thomas, Company,
Philadelphia, Pa. [57] ABSTRACT [22] Filed: 6, 1973 A knife sharpener, particularly for a microtome knife, holds the kmfe agamst a reciprocating surface at a 1 1 pp Flo-13309127 first angular position relative to the direction of displacement of the surface, shifts the knife to another 152 US. Cl 51/59 R, 51/153, 51/159 angular P051901 relative/0 displacemen. [51] Int. Cl B24b 3/48 Surface after a predetermined amount of rehmve kmfe [58] Field of Search 5159 R 62 67, 153, 159 and surface displacement, lifts and turns the knife SW63 over to sharpen the opposite side of the edge 1n re sponse to a further measured amount of displacement [56] References Cited :ftfhe Sl]1rf 3C,tagt]tlln shifts the angular potsitiont offthe me re a we 0 e sur ace in response 0 ye a ur- UNITED STATES PATENTS ther relative displacement of the surface, then lifts and l 2 g/: 5 turns the knife over, and the entire cycle is repeated.
i1 erm l,878,791 9/1932 Magnano 51/159 18 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures /6 H I f 54 I O 1 86 I z0. /30 n n: "j'. .11. i g
/ I. I 5 5 B5 25 7 I :r I T I PATENTED H975 3.874.120
SHEET 2 0F 5 FIG. 3
0.4. 246 RECTIFIER 204 2 06 246 W i I as? ATEHTED 1 !9175.
KNIFE SHARPENER, PARTICULARLY FOR A MICROTOME This invention relates to a knife sharpener. particularly for a microtome.
It is desirable to put an extremely fine edge on certain types of cutting devices, such as the microtome knife. Originally, knives were sharpened by hand. Hand sharpening involves holding the knife against the abrasive surface at a predetermined angle and appying sufficient pressure to hold the edge evenly against the surface. The amount of pressure must be gauged in accordance with the hardness of the knife and the fineness of the grinding surface. At best. hand sharpening of a microtome knife is an empirical process and the more experienced the operator. the better the edge.
Not unexpectedly. machines have been developed to assist in producing a quality edge on a knife such as a microtome. One such machine is the Model 7203 Thomas Fanz Microtome Knife Sharpener sold by Arthur H. Thomas Company, Philadelphia Pa. Such a machine is shown at page 769 of the Arthur H. Thomas Company catalog entitled Scientific Apparatus and Reagents, published in I968. The Thomas Fanz Microtome Knife Sharpener includes a reversible glass disc that is turned mechanically at a constant speed. A knife holder is mounted on a counterbalanced rod that is adjustable for inclination. A motor drive sweeps the knife across the diameter of the plate and an attachment automatically lifts and reverses the knife by means of a cam shaft, gears, lever and connecting cable.
Although hand sharpening has many drawbacks as explained above, the basic approach is still the best for providing a good edge on a microtome knife. In particular, the best technique is an angular. but straight line relative motion between the knife edge and the abrasive surface as shown in FIG. 3. The straight line mo tion between the knife edge and the abrasive surface produces straight microscopic scratches on the surface which define the edge ofthe knife. By holding the knife such that its edge is at an angle other than normal (90) to the direction of motion, the microscopic scratches are also at an angle other than normal. By shifting the knife so that the scratches are first at one angle and then at a substantially equal but opposite angle with respect to the normal. the microscopic scratches essentially form a cross hatching on the surface of the knife as illustrated hereinafter. The microscopic scratches are necessary to a good cutting action for a microtome and are normally generated by the hand action. The scratches on opposite sides of the surfaces that define the edge meet at the edge. As such they form desirable microscopic nicks in the edge; that is they form a saw or serrated edge which is required for good cutting.
The best edge is acquired if the knife is not permitted to shift, roll or change position during each stroke. Moreover, a sufficient and constant pressure should be applied. This is extremely difficult, if not impossible to accomplish by hand techniques. The present invention seeks to improve upon existing knife sharpening machines by fully duplicating the hand sharpening technique without incurring the difficulties normally attributed to such technique. In particular, the present machine seeks to fully duplicate the hand sharpening technique while eliminating the inherent deficiencies incurred when actually sharpening a knife by hand.
In particular, the present invention provides a machine wherein there is straight line reciprocating relative motion between the knife edge and the abrasive surface. Either the knife can move relative to a fixed abrasive surface, or the surface can move relative to a fixed knife. In operation, the machine makes a predetermined number of strokes on a first side of the knife with the knife being in a first angular position. Thereafter. the machine shifts the knife to a second angular position and an equal number of strokes on the same side of the knife are made. Next, the machine raises and turns the knife over. Thereafter, the same number of predetermined strokes in both the first and second angular position of the knife are made so that the knife is equally stroked on both sides. Finally. the knife is again turned over to the first side and the process is repeated.
For the purpose of illustrating the invention. there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a knife sharpener in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the knife sharpener taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view ofthe knife sharpener taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the knife sharpener.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the knife sharpener illustrating the knife turnover mechanism and knife angle shift mechanism.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a portion of the knife holder.
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view ofa latch mechanism for the knife turnover mechanism.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the latch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 taken along the line 88.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the latch mechanism in FIG. 7 taken along the line 9-9.
FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of the drive. timing and solenoid control.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a microtome knife.
FIG. 1-2 is an enlarged plan view of the cutting edge of a microtome knive.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a microtome knife.
The machine described below provides a knife edge having a requisite sharpness on a repeatable basis. This is accomplished by duplicating the preferred knife stroking method using a machine that eliminates variations through human intervention. The preferred stroking method has been described above.
It has also been pointed out that the preferred knife stroking method generates microscopic parallel scratches in the facets or sides of the knife that define the cutting edge of the knife. Depending upon the quality of the cutting edge, these scratches can be reduced, but not eliminated. Indeed, it is not desirable to eliminate the scratches.
Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a microtome knife 20 having facets 21 and 23 which define the cutting edge. Shown on the facets are a series of scratches 25 and 27 at equal but opposite angles with respect to a line drawn normal to the edge of the knife 20. These scratches would not ordinarily be observable by the naked eye. They are shown merely for the purpose of illustrating the desired result. The arrow shown at the side of the knife 20 shows its direction of motion when sectioning a sample. As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,
it is most desirable that the scratches intersect at the knife edge. Of course, such scratches are shown greatly exaggerated in size for purposes of illustration. Note that not only do opposte scratches meet or intersect to define serrations, but also the angled scratches on eact facet 21 or 23 also meet.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a knife sharpener, particularly for a microtome, designated generally as 10.
The knife sharpener is contained within a housing 12 that is divided into three compartments. The knife compartment 14 contains the sharpening plate 16 mounted on a reciprocable table 18. The compartment also contains knife 20 to be sharpened. The knife 20 illustrated in the drawings is a microtome blade. However, it should be understood that the microtome is illustrated herein as exemplary since other knives can equally well be sharpened using the knife sharpener 10. The compartment 14 also contains a portion of the knife support mechanism 22 and the knife angle shift mechaism 24, both of which are described in more detail hereinafter. The entire compartment 14 is enclosed by a hood 26, preferably made of a clear plastic so that the sharpening procedure can be readily observed. The hood 26 is hingedly fixed to the housing 12 by means of the hinge 28 as shown in FIG. 1. This permits access to the compartment 14.
Immediately behind compartment 14 is the motor compartment 30 (FIGS. 2 and 3) separated from the compartment 14 by the wall 32. Motor compartment 30 also contains portions of the knife support mechanism 22 and portions of the knife angle shift mechanism 24 which extend through the wall 32. Also located within motor compartment 30 are control microswitches and timing cams described hereinafter.
Immediately adjacent the motor compartment 30 is the control section which includes adjustment knob 36 for the timer 38 as well as the adjustment knob 40 for controlling the angle of attach for the blade 20 by adjusting the height of the knife support mechanism.
Bottom wall 42 (FIG. 2) separates the compartments 14 and 30 from the bottom compartment 44 which houses the driving mechanisms as hereinafter described. The bottom compartment 44 is closed by a lower bottom wall 46 to which appropriate resilient glides 48 are affixed.
The sharpening plate 16 may be a glass plate fixed on the reciprocable table 18 by conventional means, such as the abuting blocks 50, 52 and 54. The glass plate 16 is used for supporting a dry grinding paper. However, the plate can be modified to support a wet grinding compound if desired.
As shown in FIG. 4, slide blocks 56, 58 and 60 are affixed to the bottom of reciprocable table 18 and extend through slotted openings in bottom wall 42. Flanges 62 and 64 are riveted or otherwise affixed to bottom wall 42 so as to depend therefrom and provide support for retaining the slide rods 66 and 68. Slide rods 66 and 68 extend through holes in slide blocks 56, 58 and 60 and thereby provide means for supporting and guiding the table 18 as it is reciprocated. The reciprocal motion of the table 18 is in a straight line as defined by the guide rods 66 and 68.
The table 18 is driven in its reciprocable motion by crank 70 which is pivotally connected to the connecting rod 72. Rod 72 is also pivotally connected to the table 18 by the pin 74.Crank is directly fixed to the gear reduced output 76 of the drive motor 78 mounted within motor compartment 30.
As shown in FIG. 5, the knife 20 is wedge shaped. It. therefore can be retained within a similar wedge shaped slot 80 formed in the knife holder 82. The knife 20 is-wedged into position within the slot 80 by the thumbscrews 84 and 86 which extend through threaded holes in the holder 82 and bear against the back surface of the knife 20. Of course, other knife holders, as required, may be used.
The knife holder 82 is connected to the knife turnover rod 88 by the pin 90 extending through the aligned holes 96 and 92. Holes 96 are formed in the cam flanges and 102 which extend from the back of the knife holder 82. Hole 92 is formed in the flattened terminus portion 94 of the turnover rod 88. Terminus portion 94 fits snugly between the cam flanges 100 and 102. Pin 90 is held in position within the holes 92 and 96 by the screw 98.
The cam flanges 100 and 102 each define cam surfaces 104 and 106 at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of turnover rod 88. Sleeve 108 is slidably mounted on turnover rod 88 and normally biased toward the cam surfaces 104 and 106 by spring 110. Spring 110 is held in position by collar 112 which is fixed to the turnover rod 88 by the set screw 114.
The force of sleeve 108 against either surfaces 104 or surfaces 106 of the cam flanges 100 and 102 holds the knife holder 82 and hence the knife 20 in position at an angle with respect to the axis of turnover rod 88. As used herein, the angle may be defined as the angle between an imaginary line normal to the edge of the knife 20 and the axis of the turnover rod 88. It should be understood, however, that the foregoing is for the purpose of defining the angle and therefore should not be considered as limiting since other methods of defining the position of the knife 20 may be appropriate. Since the turnover rod 88 is mounted to extend parallel to the direction of displacement of the table 18, it therefore follows that an imaginary line normal to the edge of the knife 20 is at the same angle with respect to the direction of the displacement of the table 18. In view of the foregoing, it follows that the cutting edge of the knife 20 is at a complementary angle with respect to the axis of the rod 88. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the angle is chosen to be 30. Such angle is defined by the angle of the cam surfaces 104 and 106 (FIG. 6). It therefore follows that the cutting edge of the knife 20 is at a complement of the angle, hence 60, with respect to the direction of displacement of table 18. It is in nowise intended that the angle be limited to what is specified herein. Such angles are exemplary only, and other angles may be chosen as desired.
The surfaces 106 and 104 are at equal angles with respect to the axis of turnover rod 88. Moreover, such surfaces combined with the force applied by the sliding sleeve 108 define an over center mechanism. The over center mechanism thus holds the knife holder 82 and hence the knife 20 in one of two angular positions with respect to the axis of turnover rod 88. Either position defines the same angle with respect to that axis, which angle may be 30? as defined above.
The turnover rod 88 is supported on a lever 116, FIG. 5, which in turn is pivotally connected to the wall 118 by means of a shaft and appropriate bushing 41 which extends through a slot 120. Shaft-bushing 41 permits lever 116 to freely rotate. ,The knob 40 and shaftbushing 41 provide a means for raising and lowering the level 116 with respect to the bottom wall 42 and lock the same in position. This changes the vertical angle of the axis of rod 88 with respect to the horizontal and hence provides a means to change the angle at which the knife rests against the plate 16. The particular angle selected depends upon the use to which the knife is to be put. By way of example, but not limitation, the length of slot 120 is such that the angle between the axis of rod 88 and the horizontal can be changed from 14 to 20. Of course, other ranges of angles can be used. This range of angles is sufficient for sharpening microtome knives. Other angular selections would be built into the machine for other types of knives.
The turnover rod 88 is supported on the lever 116 by appropriate bushings 122 (FIG. 5) extending through holes in the flanges 124 and 126 which depend from the lever 116. Turnover rod 88 terminates in a friction bearing 128 which prevents the rod from freely rotating except upon the application ofa turning torque as hereinafter described.
As previously indicated, the lever 116 pivots on the shaft-bushing 41. In doing so, it lifts the rod and hence knife 20 upward from the sharpening plate 16. This upward movement of the turnover rod 88 is used to cause the knife 20 to rotate 180. Such rotation turns over the knife 20 so that the opposite side can be brought to rest against the plate 16 when the rod 88 is returned to its lowered position.
Wheel 130 is connected to rod 88 through one-way clutch 132. As is conventional, one-way clutch 132 permits the wheel 130 to rotate freely in one direction with respect to rod 88 but blocks rotation in the opposite direction. In the embodiment shown herein, wheel 130 is free to move only in the counterclockwise direction.
The outer surface of wheel 130 is provided with a friction tire 134 preferably made of rubber or a resilient plastic. Friction tire 134 bears against pad 136 mounted on plate 138 which is affixed to wall 32. Pad 136 is made of rubber or a plastic material which has a sufficiently high friction to cause wheel 130 to rotate when friction tire 134 bears against it as turnover rod 88 is raised and lowered. Upon raising rod 88, the wheel 130 tends to rotate in a clockwise direction and hence drives the rod in the same direction through clutch 132. As the rod 88 is lowered, the wheel 130 turns freely and hence does not rotate the rod. The friction bearing 128 holds the rod in position as it lowers knife 20 toward sharpening plate 16.
The length of pad 136 is sufficient to rotate wheel 130 and hence the rod 88 180. Therefore, the knife 20 is turned over by the upward movement of the rod 88.
To be certain that the rod 88 rotates only 180, a stop 140 is affixed thereto. Stop 140 is provided with diametrically spaced shoulders 142 and 144. Shoulders 142 and 144 are positioned to engage the lip 146 fixed to wall 118 when the rod has turned a full 180. Once shoulder 142 or 144 engages lip 146, the wheel 130 merely slips along pad 136. This prevents any over rotation of the rod 88 and hence possible damage to the corners of the knife 20 when it is lowered to the plate. Thus, the rod 88 rotates exactly 180 each time it is lifted away from the plate 16 by turning the lever 116.
As best shown in FIG. 5, the mechanism for shifting the knife holder 82 from one angular position to another angular position as determined by the over center mechanism includes the pusher 148. Pusher 148 is slidably held adjacent wall 118 by a T-shaped block 150 that extends through slot 152. Block 150 is pivotally held to wall 118 by means of pivot pin 154. Thus, the pusher 148 is free to slide relative to block 150 and also is free to pivot upwardly and downwardly with block 150 on pin 154.
Pusher head 156 is fixed to the forward end of pusher 148 by resilient means such as a spring (not shown). The function of pusher 148 is to move forwardly to engage the knife holder 82 and cause it to shift from one angle to the other angle as determined by the over center mechanism. Pusher head 156 is resiliently mounted on pusher 148 so as to absorb any excess toward travel of the pusher 148. Such excess travel is designed in to accommodate the angular position of the mechanisms.
Pusher 148 is selectively caused to move forward to engage knife holder 82 by means of the bifurcated pusher block 158 fixed to reciprocable table 18. Pusher 148 engages the pusher block 1158 by means of slot 160. The pusher 148 is normally held out of engagement with pusher block 158 by the actuator 162 of solenoid 164. However, upon retraction of the actuator 162, the pusher 148 pivots downwardly by its own weight until it rests upon the bigth of the bifurcated block 158. When the table 18 reciprocates toward the wall 32, it will reach a position wherein the slot 160 overlies the bight of block 158 and the pusher 148 will fall into engagement therewith. As the table 18 reciprocates away from the wall 32, it will pull the pusher 148 with it. The length of pusher 148 is more than sufficient for the pusher head 156 to engage the knife holder 82 and cause it to rotate about pin 90 until the over center mechanism causes it to assume the other angle. When the table 18 reciprocates toward the wall 32, the actuator 162 is again extended. The block 158 carries the pusher 148 with it. As a result, the pusher 148 engages the actuator 162 along inclined cam 166 and thereby raises the pusher 148 sufficiently to disengage the front of slot 160 from the block 158. Thus, pusher 148 remains out of engagement with the block 158 until the actuator 162 is again withdrawin by the solenoid 164. Note the difference in length between the front wall and the back wall of slot 160. The back wall is longer. The length of the back wall is sufficient to be engaged by block 158 on all movements toward wall 32, if the push has first been moved forward.
As previously indicated, the knife 20 is turned over by pivoting lever 116. The lever 116 is intermittently pivoted by means of the apparatus described below.
As shown in FIG. 4, crank 168 is connected to the shaft 170 which is driven by gear 172. Connecting rod 174 is pivotally connected to the crank 168 at one end and to the slide block 176 at the other end. As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, slide block 176 is slidingly mounted on slide rod 178 and is maintained in position by means of guide 180 which moves in guide slot 182 formed in bottom wall 42. Guide 180 is fixed to slide block 176 by pin 184. It should be apparent from the foregoing that slide block 176 therefore reciprocates along guide rod 178 at a rate determined by the angular velocity of crank 168.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lever 116 includes a tab which extends through an opening in bottom wall 44 and it is connected to channel bar 188 of the knife turnover latch mechanism 186. Channel bar 188 extends from the pivotal connection with lever 116 under the table 18 where it is slidingly connected to slide block 176. Slide block 176 includes a laterally protruding extension 190, as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Extension 190 includes a portion that protrudes through an elongated slot 192 formed in the side ofchannel bar 188. Thus, reciprocating slide block 176 and its extension 190 provide support for channel bar 188 and can reciprocate relative to the channel bar.
From the foregoing, it should be apparent that by latching or otherwise connecting channel bar 188 to the reciprocating slide block 176, the channel bar 188 will be caused to move with the slide block and hence will pivot the lever 116 about shaft 41. As an end result, the blade 20 is turned over.
Channel bar 188 is latched to slide block 176 by means of primary pivot arm 194 and spring biased secondary pivot arm 196. As shown in FIG. 9, primary pivot arm 194 is pivotably connected to channel bar 188 by pivot arm 198. Secondary pivot arm 196 is pivotally connected to primary pivot arm 194 by means of hinge 200. Spring 202 normally biases secondary pivot arm 196 away from primary arm 194. Spring 203, normally biases the primary arm 194 outward from the channel bar 188. A limit stop is provided in hinge 200 so that secondary pivot arm 196 always maintains an acute angle with respect to primary pivot arm 194 even when fully biased outwardly.
Solenoid 204 is located to the side of primary pivot arm 194 and includes actuator 206. Solenoid 204 is mounted on plate 62. Upon energization, actuator 206 extends outwardly from solenoid 204 and pivots primary pivot arm 194 toward channel bar 188 against the bias of springs 202 and 203. This action latches channel bar 188 to slide block extension 190 in the following manner. The slide block extension 190 normally misses secondary pivot arm 196 as it reeiprocates within slot 192. However. upon movement toward channel bar 188 under the force applied by actuator 206, the extension 190 now engages the end of secondary pivot arm 196 and pushes it forward. The movement of pivot arm 196 carries with it the channel 188 and hence pivots lever 116. The weight of the knife 20 and the knife support mechanism 22 is sufficient to maintain secondary pivot arm 196 in contact with extension 190 throughout the cycle. Thus, the knife is not dropped back onto sharpening plate 16. Rather, it is lowered. Thereafter, actuator 206 is retracted and the turnover mechanism is not operated until it is again extended.
It should be obvious from the foregoing that there has been described a mechanism for sharpening the knife 20 at two different angles on one side, turning over the knife and then sharpening it on the other side at the same two angles. It should also be apparent that the sequence of the foregoing is determined by the actuation of solenoids 164 and 204. The timing sequence for the actuation of solenoids 164 and 204 is as follows.
All motive power for the knife sharpener 10 is derived from motor 78 (FIG. 3) mounted within motor compartment 30. The output of motor 78 drives shaft 76 (FIG. 4) to which is affixed gear 208. Gear 208 meshes with idler gear 210 which is in turn meshed with gear 172. Gear 212 is mounted in common with gear 172 on shaft 170. Gear 212 meshes with gear 214 mounted on shaft 216.
Gears 172 and 210 have the same diameter and the same number of teeth about their periphery. Hence, they rotate at the same but opposite angular velocities. Since gears 172 and 210 are larger in diameter than gear 208, they rotate at a slower angular velocity than gear 208. Accordingly, crank 168 turns at a slower angular velocity than crank 70. As a result, slide block 176 has a slower rate of reciprocation than table 18.
Gear 212 has a smaller diameter than gear 172. Gear 214 has a larger diameter than gear 212. Accordingly, gear 214, which is driven by gear 212, rotates at a slower angular velocity than gear 172.
Timing cam 218 is mounted on shaft 170 together with gears 172 and 212, as shown in FIG. 2. Hence, timing cam 218 rotates at the same angular velocity as shaft 170 and gears 172 and 212.
Timing cam 220 is mounted on shaft 216 in common with gear 214 and hence rotates at the same angular velocity as gear 214.
As best shown in FIG. 3, timing cam 218 controls the actuator 222 for knife shift microswitch 224. Timing cam 220 controls the actuator 226 for turnover microswitch 228 as well as the actuator 230 for power microswitch 232.
The function of the foregoing is best understood by reference to the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 10.
As shown in FIG. 10, power is drived from a conventional source of AC voltage and applied to the motor of timer 38 by closing timer switch 236. Timer 38 is conventional and therefore need not be described in detail. It is sufficient to state that upon rotation of knob 36, switch 236 is held closed until the timer 38 times out.
Power microswitch 232 functions as a supplemental power switch to bypass timer switch 236 through conductor 234. The function of this bypass is to maintain the operation of motor 78 until knife 20 has been lowered to sharpening plate 16. If timer 38 were allowed to merely time out, the possibility exists that this may occur while knife 20 is in a raised position. This is an extremely dangerous condition. To prevent this, power microswitch 232 is maintained in a closed (D) condition except at one position of the timing cam 220 when it moves to the open (C) condition by the engagement of actuator 230 (FIG. 3) with timing pin 254. Power microswitch 232 is illustrated in the open (C) condition in FIG. 10. Pin 254 is positioned on cam 220 so that microswitch 232 can be in the (C) condition only when knife 20 is on plate 16.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, motor 78 is connected to one side of the alternating current voltage source. The other terminal of motor 78 is connected to switch 232 and to recitifier 244. Rectifier 244 is connected across the source of AC voltage through switch 232. The negative side of rectifier 244 is connected to solenoid 204. The opposite terminal of solenoid 204 is connected through conductor 246 to terminal (A) of microswitch 228. Hence, microswitch 228 controls the actuation of solenoid 204, and hence the latch mechanism 186. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the circuit for energizing solenoid 204 is open.
The negative side of rectifier 244 is also connected to one terminal of solenoid 164. The opposite terminal of solenoid 164 is connected through conductor 248 to terminal (E) of microswitch 224. Microswitch 224, as shown, is connected through terminal (E) and conductor 250 to terminal (B) of microswitch 228. Thus, solenoid 164 is actuated upon movement of microswitch 228 from the position (A) to its opposite connective position (B) when microswitch 224 is in position (E).
As previously indicated. the timing sequence of the knife sharpener 10 is such that the knife is to be sharpened on one side at a first angle. sharpened on the same side at a second angle. turned over. and sharpened on the second side at the second angle. and then sharpened on the second side at the first angle. The knife is then turned over again and the process repeated. This process continues for a preset period oftime as determined by the timer 38. The sequence of the foregoing is determined by the timing cams 218 and 220. The movement of the timing cams is in turn determined by the angular velocity of the various gears within the gear train shown in FIG. 4.
By way of example. but not limitation. it may be desirable to reciprocate the table forward and back three times before shifting the angle of the knife 20. Accordingly. the gear ratio between gears 208 and 172 is selected at 3-to-l with idler gear 210 being at a ratio of l-l with gear 172. Thus. timing cam 218 is turning at an angular velocity which is one-third as fast as the an gular velocity of gear 208 and crank 70. Stated otherwise. timing cam 218 will make one revolution for each three revolutions of gear 208.
At the same time. the ratio between gears 212 and 214 is also 3-to- 1. Accordingly. gear 214 will make one revolution for each three revolutions of the gear 212 and one revolution for each nine revolutions of gear 208.
From the foregoing. it can be seen that the knife sharpener 10 operates follows:
Gear 208 makes three revolutions. thereby reciprocating plate 18 against knife 20 three times. (A complete cycle of reciprocation includes a forward and back stroke of plate 18 relative to wall 32).
Timing cam 218 turns one complete revolution. thereby bringing actuator 222 into notch 252. Switch 224 thereby shifts from the (F) position in which it has been held by cam 218 to the (E) position.
At the same time, timing cam 220 will have made one-third of a revolution. Actuator 226 follows the high portion of the cam 220 and holds switch 229 in the B position. Thus. a circuit is completed through switch 228 to the positive side of the rectifier 244, thereby energizing solenoid 164 and solenoid actuator 162. This causes pusher 148 to move forward in the manner described above and shift knife holder 82 to the angular position illustrated in FIG. 3.
Gear 208 continues to rotate and makes three additional revolutions which result in three additional reciprocations of table 18, this time with the knife 20 in its second angular position.
As the completion of the second three revolutions, switch 224 again moves from the (F) position to the (E) position, but it operates without effect since actuator 226 now follows the low or short radius portion of cam 220. Therefore, switch 228 is in the (A) position inhibiting switch 224.
Cam 220 having now made an additional one-third revolution and actuator 226 is now moved onto the low or short radius portion of the periphery of cam 220. The short radius portion extends over 120 of the periphery 0f cam 220. This moves switch 228 to the (A) position. This in turn completes a circuit through solenoid 204 and hence actuates the lift and turnover mechanism.
During the lift and turnover operation, gear 208 makes an additional three revolutions resulting in additional three reciprocations of'the table 18. At the same time, cam 220 rotates an additional one-third revolution bringing it back to the position illustrated in FIG. 3; that is. with the actuator 226 on the high or large radius portion ofthe cam. During this sequence, actuator 222 falls into notch 252 on cam 218. But this does not operate the pusher 148 because switch 224 cannot complete the circuit through switch 228. This can only be done when switch 228 is in the (B) position.
As previously indicated, switch 232 prevents the knife sharpener 10 from timing out via timer 28 with knife 20 in the raised position. This is prevented by positioning switch 232 such that its actuator 230 is in position (D) except when lifted by timing pin 254 to position (C). This allows switch 232 to bypass timer switch 236, thereby maintaining power to motor 78 to complete the turnover operation. Upon completion of the turnover operation, actuator 230 will be moved to its (C) position by timing pin 254, thereby turning off the motor.
From the foregoing example. it can be seen that the knife 20 is sharpened by three complete reciprocating strokes on a first side at a first angle. by three additional complete reciprocating strokes at a second angle. and then the knife is turned over. The knife is turned over while the table 18 completes three additional reciprocating strokes. Thereafter. the knife is sharpened by three complete reciprocating strokes at the first angle. and then shifted back to the second angle and sharpened by three additional reciprocating strokes. Thereafter. the knife is again turned over to the first side and the process repeated.
It should be noted that when the knife is turned over from the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the side of the knife holder 82 on which thumbscrew 86 is located is now adjacent to the pusher 148. Thus. the pusher 148 need be only on one side of the turnover rod 88.
Although the operation of the knife sharpener 10 has been described in terms of a i3-to-l ratio between the various cycles, it should be understood that other ratios and timing cycles can be incorporated into the machine.
The present invention has been exemplified by describing the table 18 as moving with respect to the knife 20. It should be understood, however. that the invention is not limited to reciprocation of the table 18. It is within the scope of the present invention to reciprocate the knife 20 relative to a fixed table or to otherwise create the necessary relative motion. For example, the table could be moved in a crosswise fashion with respect to the knife.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and. accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.
1 claim:
1. in a knife sharpener, means for holding a knife against an abrasive surface for sharpening the knife edge, drive means for displacing said knife and said surface relative to each other, the direction of relative displacement between said knife and surface being at an oblique angle with respect to the cutting edge of said knife, means for automatically changing said angle from a first predetermined angular position to a second predetermined angular position in response to a measured amount of relative displacement of said knife and surface, and means to turn the knife over to sharpen an opposite side of the edge in response to a further measured amount of relative displacement of said knife and said surface.
2. In a knife sharpener. means for holding a knife against an abrasive surface for sharpening the knife edge, drive means for displacing said surface and said knife relative to each other, means for automatically shifting the angular position of the knife relative to the direction of displacement from a first predetermined angular position to another predetermined angular position in response to a measured amount of displacement of the surface, and means to turn the knife over to sharpen an opposite side of the edge in response to a further measured amount of displacement of said surface.
3. In a knife sharpener in accordance with claim 2 wherein said means for shifting the angular position of the knife relative to the direction of displacement of the surface comprises means to push the knife from one angular position to another angular position.
4. In a knife sharpener in accordance with claim 3 wherein said means for shifting the angular position of the knife includes means to bring said means to push the knife into operative engagement with the knife in response to a measured amount of displacement of the surface.
5. In a knife sharpener in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means to turn the knife over to sharpen an opposite side of the edge of a knife includes means for lifting and rotating the means for holding the knife.
6. In a knife sharpener. means for holding a knife against an abrasive surface for sharpening the knife edge, drive means for displacing said surface and said knife in straight line linear motion relative to each othersmeans for automatically shifting the angular position of the knife relative to the direction oflinear displacement from a first predetermined angular position to a second predetermined angular position in response to a predetermined amount of displacement of the surface and knife relative to each other, and means to turn the knife over to sharpen the opposite side of the edge in response to a further predetermined amount of displacement of the knife and surface relative to each other.
7. In a knife sharpener, means for holding a knife against an abrasive surface for sharpening the knife edge, drive means for displacing said surface in straight line linear reciprocable motion relative to said knife, means for automatically shifting the angular position of the knife relative to the direction of linear displacement of said surface from a first predetermined angular position to a second predetermined angular position in response to a predetermined number of reciprocations of said surface, and means to turn the knife over to sharpen an opposite side of the edge in response to a further predetermined number of reciprocations of said surface.
8. In a knife sharpener in accordance with claim 7 wherein said means for shifting the angular position of the knife relative to the direction of displacement of the surface comprises means to push the means for holding the knife from one angular position to a second angular position.
9. In a knife sharpener in accordance with claim 8 wherein said means for pushing the means for holding the knife includes a pusher and means for selectively engaging said pusher to the reciprocating abrasive surface to bring said pusher into engagement with said means for holding said knife.
10. in a knife sharpener in accordance with claim 7 wherein said means to turn the knife over includes means for lifting and rotating the means for holding the knife through 11. ln a knife sharpener in accordance with claim 10 wherein said means for lifting and rotating the knife holder includes means for selectively latching the means for lifting and rotating the knife holder to the reciprocable abrasive surface.
12. In a knife sharpener, means for holding a knife against an abrasive surface for sharpening the knife edge, support means for the abrasive surface, drive means for displacing said support means in straight line linear reciprocable motion to thereby displace said abrasive surface in straight line linear motion relative to the knife, means for shifting the angular position of the knife relative to the direction of linear reciprocation of said abrasive surface from a first angular position to a second angular position, said means for shifting the angular position of the knife including a pusher for pushing the means for holding the knife from a first angular position to a second angular position and means for selectively engaging said pusher with said reciprocating support means, and meansto turn the knife over to sharpen its opposite side, said means to turn the knife over including means to lift and rotate the knife through 180, said means to lift and rotate the knife through 180 including means to selectively latch the means to lift and rotate the knife through 180 to the reciprocable support means.
13. In a knife sharpener, means for holding a knife against an abrasive surface for sharpening the knife edge, support means for the abrasive surface, drive means for displacing said support means in reciprocable straight line linear motion relative to said knife edge, means to hold one side of said knife edge against said abrasive surface at a first predetermined angular position for at least one reciprocation of said surface, means to shift said knife edge to a second predetermined angular position, means to hold said knife edge at said second predetermined angular position for at least one reciprocation of said surface, means to lift and turn the knife over, means to hold the opposite side of the edge of said knife against said abrasive surface at a first predetermined angular position for at least one reciprocation of said surface, means to shift said knife edge to a second predetermined angular position and means to hold said knife edge at said second predetermined angular position for at least one reciprocation of said surface.
14. In a knife sharpener, means for holding a knife against an abrasive surface for sharpening the knife edge, drive means for displacing said knife and said surface relative to each other, means for maintaining the cutting edge of said knife at an oblique angle with respect to the direction of relative displacement between said knife and said surface, means for changing said angle from a first angular position to a second angular position in response to a measured amount of relative displacement of said knife and surface, means to turn the knife over to sharpen an opposite side of the edge in response to a further measured amount of relative displacement of said knife and said surface, means for again changing said angle from a first angular position to a second angular position in response to a measured amount of relative displacement of said knife and surface, and means to turn the knife over to again sharpen the first side of the knife edge in response to a further measured amount of relative displacement of said knife and said surface.
15. In a knife sharpener in accordance with claim 14 wherein said means for changing the angle of relative displacement between said knife and surface comprises means to push the knife from one angular position to another angular position.
16. In a knife sharpener. means for holding a knife against an abrasive surface for sharpening the knife edge, drive means for displacing said surface in straight line linear reciprocable motion relative to said knife, means for shifting the angular position of the knife relative to the direction of linear displacement of said surface from a first angular position to a second angular position in response to a predetermined number of reciprocations of said surface, said means for shifting ineluding a pusher for pushing the means for holding the knife and means for selectively engaging said pusher to the reciprocating abrasive surface to bring said pusher into engagement with said means for holding said knife, and means to turn the knife over to sharpen an opposite side ofthe edge in response to a further predetermined number of reciproeations of said surface.
17. In a knife sharpener, means for holding a knife against an abrasive surface for sharpening the knife edge, drive means for displacing said surface in straight line linear reciprocable motion relative to said knife, means for shifting the angular position of the knife relative to the direction of linear displacement of said surface from a first angular position to a second angular position in response to a predetermined number of reciprocations of said surface, and means to turn the knife over to sharpen an opposite side of the edge in response to a further predetermined number of reciprocations of said surface, said means to turn the knife over including means for lifting the means for holding the knife and for rotating the same through and means for selectively latching the means for lifting and rotating the knife holder to the reciprocable abrasive surface.
18. In a knife sharpener, means for holding a knife against an abrasive surface for sharpening the knife edge, drive means for displacing said surface and said knife edge in straight line linear motion relative to each other. means to hold one side of said knife edge against said abrasive surface at a first and then a second angular position, means to move said knife in a first direction away from said surface, means to rotate said knife relative to said surface in a direction from said first direction to thereby turn the knife over, and means to hold the opposite side of the edge of said knife against said abrasive surface at a first and then a second angular position. |
US-3874121-A | Workpiece mounting apparatus for an internal grinding machine | [ Apr. 1,1975
1 1 WORKPIECE MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR AN INTERNAL GRINDING MACHINE Inventors: Makoto Kikuchi, Kariya; Ikuo Otsu,
Toyota, both of Japan Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha,
Kariya-shi, Aichi-ken, Japan Filed: Oct. 5, 1973 Appl. No.: 403,869
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Oct. 19, 1972 Japan 47-120094 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Dix 51/236 X Primary ExaminerHarold D. Whitehead Attorney, Agent, or FirmOblon, Fisher, Spivak, McClelland & Maier [57] ABSTRACT A workpiece mounting apparatus in which a measuringgauge for measuring a cylindrical bore of a workpiece is provided with a tapered portion thereon and is fixedly mounted on a shiftable rod which in turn is s1idab1y mounted within a spindle. The measuring gauge projects from a reference face plate on a chuck housing a predetermined amount as a result of axial movement of the shiftable rod so as to align the axis of the workpiece with the axis of the spindle. When the workpiece is clamped on the reference plate by clamping means, the tapered portion of the measuring gauge is engaged with the cylindrical bore of the workpice. Thus, axial alignment between the spindle and the workpiece is established by confirming the engagement of the tapered portion of the measuring gauge and the bore of the workpiece by means of a detector and thereafter, the tapered portion thereof is extracted from the cylindrical bore of the workpiece.
6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEB APR 1 1975 ziLi l U! 3 WORKPIECE MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR AN INTERNAL GRINDING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a workpiece mounting apparatus, and more particularly to an improved apparatus for establishing axial alignment between a workpiece and a spindle.
2. Description of the Prior Art In a conventional internal grinding machine, the workpiece is clamped by means of a chucking device such as an electromagnetic chuck or diaphragm chuck to thereby align the same, with the axis of a spindle.
In such a machine, when clamped, the axis of the workpiece is aligned with the axis of the spindle with reference to the outer diameter thereof and therefore, the axis of the cylindrical bore of the workpiece is apt to deviate from the axis of the spindle. Consequently, a degree of grinding accuracy is decreased due to the fact that the axis of the workpiece is not always aligned with the axis of the spindle and further, the amount of grinding of the workpiece differs at various places around the bore thereof. Moreover, if a thin cylindrical workpiece of a workpiece having a notched portion on the periphery thereof is supported in the diaphragm chuck, the shape of the workpiece is changed, thereby having a further decrease in accuracy in the degree of grinding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved workpiece mounting apparatus.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a workpiece mounting apparatus in which the axis of a workpiece is exactly and efficiently aligned with the axis of a spindle with reference to a measuring gauge on a shiftable rod when the workpiece is clamped on a reference face plate of a chuck housing by means of clamping claws.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a workpiece mounting apparatus wherein a workpiece is positively clamped on a reference face plate of a chuck housing by means of clamping claws in accordance with axial movement of an operating member without deforming the workpiece.
The foregoing and other objects are attained through the provision of a workpiece mounting apparatus according to the present invention which features a measuring gauge fixedly mounted on a s hiftable rod within a spindle such that the axis of a workpiece coincides with the axis of the spindle. Firstly, the tapered portion of the measuring gauge projects from a reference face plate of a chuck housing by a predetermined amount as a result of axial movement of the shiftable rod. When the workpiece is clamped on the reference face plate by means of the axial movement of clamping means, the tapered portion of the measuring gauge is engaged with the cylindrical bore of the workpiece. Thus, the axial alignment between the workpiece and the spindle is correctly established by confirming the engagement between the tapered portion of the measuring gauge and the cylindrical bore of the workpiece by means of a detector. Thereafter, the tapered portion of the measuring gauge is extracted from the cylindrical bore of the workpiece and then the grinding operation is performed thereon, thereby increasing a degree of grinding accuracy with respect to the cylindrical bore thereof. Furthermore, if the peripheral portion of the workpiece is ground with reference to the cylindrical bore thereof in the other machine tool, the same is concentrically finished with a high degree of accuracy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views and in which:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a preferred embodiment of a workpiece mounting apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing partly a preferred embodiment of a workpiece mounting apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an schematic view of the control circuit for a positioning cylinder employed within a workpiece mounting apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a chuck portion in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, the reference numeral 1 designates a bed on which a spindle head 2 is slidably mounted through a slide carriage 2a. Slidably mounted on a guide surface 4 of the slide carriage 2a is a swivel base 3 with which a main body 5 is connected through a pivot 6 to thereby adjust angularly the direction of the axis of a spindle 7. The spindle 7 is rotatably supported within the main body 5, a V-grooved pulley 8 being keyed to the spindle 7 at the left portion thereof and drivingly rotated by a motor, not shown, through a set of belts 9'. A face plate 10 is fixedly attached to the right side surface of the spindle 7, on which plate a chuck housing 11 is fixedly mounted for rotation therewith. On the right end of the chuck housing 11, a reference face plate 12 is secured to support a workpiece W thereon.
Clamping claws which are indicated by the reference numeral 16 extend outwardly of the chuck housing ll projecting toward the right, as viewed in FIG. 1, through opening holes (in FIG. 6) of the reference face plate 12, at least, at two positions thereon. As shown in FIG. 6, the clamping claws 16 are also pivotably mounted by pivot pins 17 fixed on a supporting disc 15 which is axially pivotably mounted by a pin 15a on the right end of a connecting sleeve 14. Connecting sleeve 14 is operatively connected with an operating member 13 slidably disposed within the spindle 7 in axial alignment therewith. Though the pin 15a is shown as being located on the lower portion of the connectinig sleeve 14, as viewed in FIG. 6, it is actually mounted on the sleeve 14 in the traverse plane perpendicular to the drawing paper. Further, a compression spring 18 is interposed between-one end of each of the clamping claws 1 6.and the reference face plate 12 so that the clamping claws 16 may always be urged to be disengaged from the workpiece W. However, when the operating member 13 is moved toward the left or retracted, in FIG. 6, the clamping claws 16, each having a cam surface 16a thereon, are respectively adapted to clamp the workpiece W on the reference face plate 12 as each clamping claw 16 is urged inwards along the axis of the spindle 7 by the cooperation between the inner face of the opening hole 12a and the cam face 16a.
As shown in FIG. 1, a cylinder 20 is fixedly mounted on the pulley 8 and a piston 21, which is integrally connected with the operating member 13, is reciprocatably received therewithin. A rotatable distributor 22 is provided on the left end portion of the cylinder 20 in order to slidably move the operating member 13 by supplying fluid under pressure into the cylinder 20. That is, passages 22a and 22b are formed within the rotatable distributor 22 and communicate with the right chamber and left chamber of the cylinder 20 respectively. Furthermore, there is fixedly provided a circular plate 39 on the operatinig member 13, at the extreme left end thereof, in such a manner that it may be confronted with an air nozzle 40 to thereby confirm the clamping operation of the workpiece W performed by the clamping claws 16 by means of a detector 44, as seen in FIG. 2.
The construction of a measuring device and an aligning device for the workpiece W will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 6.
A shiftable rod 23 is slidably disposed within the operating member 13 of the spindle 7 and in axial alignment therewith. A measuring gauge 24, which has a tapercd surface 24a, is integrally mounted on the right end or top portion of the shiftable rod 23 and is aligned with the axis of the spindle 7. A receiving member 25 is rotatably mounted on the shiftable rod 23, at the left end portion thereof, through ball bearings but is refrained from axial movement with respect thereto. A first swing arm 27 is fixedly keyed on a first connecting shaft 30, so as to be pivotably moved therethrough, which is rotatably received within a supporting base 26 protruding from the main body 5. A ball 28, which is formed on a guiding shaft 28a fixedly mounted in the first swing arm 27 at the one end thereof, is received within and bears upon the receiving member 25. Therefore, the shiftable rod 23 is axially slidable within the operating member 13 by the pivotable movement of the first swing arm 27 through the ball 28 and the receiving member 25.
As shown in FIG. 2, a spring 41 is tensioned between one end of the first swing arm 27 and the supporting base 26 such that the swing arm may be urged to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction. Rotatably journaled in a bracket 29, threadably mounted on the main body 5, is a. second connecting shaft 32 which is operatively connected with the first connecting shaft 30 through a coupling 31. A pivotable arm is secured to the coupling 31 so as to regulate the shifting movement of the shiftable rod 23. A second swing arm 33 is fixedly mounted on the second connecting shaft 32, at the lower portion thereof, as seen in FIG. 3. Arm 33 is urged in a counter-clockwise direction (FIG. 4) by means of a tension spring 34 interposed between the same and the slide carriage 2a to thereby advance the shiftable rod 23 toward the right by the pivotable movement thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, while the shiftable rod 23 is being retracted, the pivotable arm 35 is engaged with a limit switch 45 for confirming the original position thereof as seen in FIG. 4.
As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, a positioning cylinder 36 is firmly attached on the bracket 29 for adjustably pivoting the pivotable arm 35 so as to regulate the advanced position of the shiftable rod 23. In the positioning cylinder 36, a first piston 46 and a second piston 47 are slidably carried and the former is larger with respect to the area subject to the fluid under pressure than the latter. An abutment 48 is secured on a piston rod extended out of the positioning cylinder 36 from the piston 47 at the right end thereof and further, is engageable with the pivotable arm 35. That is, the abutment 48 is axially movable by the sliding movement of the piston 47 in order that the pivoting movement of the pivotable arm 35 may be controlled by the cooperation of the same and the abutment 48, thereby determining the position of the shiftable rod 23 and the measuring gauge 24. Thus, the measuring gauge 24 is displaced into three positions; a retracted position, an intermediate position as shown in FIG. 6, and an advanced position. As shown in FIG. 5, the positioning operation of the measuring gauge 24 is performed by controlling the positioning cylinder 36 by means of the switch of a change-over valve 49. The control of the positioning cylinder 36 will now be described in detail.
In FIGS. 2 and 3, a limit switch, which is indicated by numeral 42, is fixedly mounted on the supporting base 26 for generating a sizing signal by engaging cooperation of the switch with an abutment bolt 43 threadably mounted on the swing arm 27 when the bore of the workpiece W is finished to a predetermined dimension. That is, when a straight portion 24b on the measuring gauge 24 is snugly inserted into the cylindrical bore of the workpiece W by rightward movement of the shiftable rod 23, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, the abutment bolt 43 operates the limit switch 42 to issue a sizing signal for stopping the grinding operation.
As shown in FIG. 1, a grinding wheel 19 is rotatably mounted on a wheel head 50 which is installed upon a table 37 slidably mounted on the bed 1. More particularly, the table 37 slides upon the bed 1 in a direction parallel to the axis of the grinding wheel 19 through a reciprocating means, not shown, while the wheel head 50 slides upon the table 37 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the grinding wheel 19 through a feeding device, not shown. A dog 38 is secured to and extends from the table 37, and is provided for pivotably moving the second swing arm 33 against the urging force of the extension spring 34 through the engagement of the same with the swing arm 33 when the grinding wheel 19 is moved toward the workpiece W for a grinding operation thereon. The shiftable rod 23 is, therefore, retracted toward the original position thereof by the pivotable movement of the second swing arm 33. By this movement of the shiftable rod 23, the measuring gauge 24 is withdrawn from the bore of the workpiece W.
The operation of the workpiece mounting apparatus according to the present invention will now be explained in detail in coordination with the internal grindward the right, in FIG. 1, and arranged apart from the second swing arm 33, to thereby shift the shiftable rod 23 toward the right by the tension force of the springs 34 and 41. However, since the change-over valve 49 is changed into a position I after completion of the previous grinding cycle, the firsit and second pistons 46 and 47 are moved toward the right, as seen in FIG. 5, whereby the abutment 48 on the piston rod of the piston 47 is positioned at the right end position thereof. Thus, the pivotable arm 35 is pivotably moved toward the original position, as shown in FIG. 4, thereby regulating the advancing movement of the shiftable rod and extracting the measuring gauge 24 from the workpiece W.
Furthermore, the clamping claws 16 are pivotably and outwardly moved from the workpiece W by the urging force of the compression spring 18 by shifting the operating member 13 toward the right, as seen in FIG. 1, through the actuation of the piston 21 in the cylinder 20. The workpiece W is therefore unclamped and removed from the reference face plate. Thereafter, when the change-over valve 49 is changed into a position II, as seen in FIG. 5, the pressurized fluid is supplied into a left cylindner 36a and a right cylinder 36b in the positioning cylinder 36 and thus, the first piston 46 is positioned at the right end therein but the second piston 47 is moved toward the piston 46, as seen in FIG. 5. The piston 46 is still immovable even if the piston 47 engages therewith, because the left area subject to the fluid under pressure of the piston 46 is larger than the right area thereof.
Accordingly, the abutment 48 is moved toward the left, as seen in FIG. 5, by the stroke equal to the sliding amount of the second piston 47. The pivotable arm 35 is then pivoted into engagement with the abutment 48 in a counter-clockwise direction, from the position as seen in FIG. 4, by the tension force of the springs 34 and 41 in accordance with the leftward movement of the abutment 48. Therefore, the first and second swing arms 27 and 33 are pivotably moved in the same direction, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, by means of the tension forces of the springs 41 and 34, respectively. Therefore, the shiftable rod 23 is advanced through the ball 28 and the receiving member by the pivotable movement of the second swing arm 27.
By the advancing movement of the shiftable rod 23, the measuring gauge 24 is inserted into a cylindrical portion 120 formed in the reference face plate 12 in axial alignment therewith and projecting the tapered surface 24a thereof through a predetermined amount passed a prominent portion 12b of the face plate. The intermediate position of the measuring gauge 24 serves as the position for aligning the workpiece W with the shiftable rod 23, when the workpiece W is loaded on the reference face plate 12 and receivingly held on the measuring gauge 24.
Subsequently, the piston 21 is moved toward the left or retracted position, as seen in FIG. 1, within the cylinder 20 so as to retract the operating member 13. The clamping claws 16 are, therefore, radially inwardly urged and pivoted about the pin 17 by the engagement between the inner face of the opening hole 12a and the cam face 16a, thereby clamping the workpiece W on the reference face plate 12. At this time, the rotational axis of the workpiece W positively coincides with the axis ofthe shiftable rod 23, being based on the tapered surface 24a with which the cylindrical bore of the workpiece W receivingly engages.
When the circular plate 39 is, thereafter, opposed to the nozzle 40 in accordance with the retracting movement of the operating member 13, the detector 44 is operated by the back pressure created within the nozzle 40 and confirmation of clamping of the workpiece W is attained. In response to this confirmation, the change-over valve 49 is changed into the position I resulting in that the pivotable arm 35 is pivoted clockwise by the abutment 48 through the advancing movement of the first and second pistons 46 and 47, as seen in FIG. 4. Thus, the shiftable rod 23 is moved toward the left, in FIG. 1, or retracted into the original position thereof and the tapered portion 24a of the measuring gauge 24 is therefore extracted from the cylindrical bore of the workpiece.
Thereafter, the wheel head 50 is moved toward the workpiece W such that the cylindrical bore of the workpiece is roughly ground by the grinding wheel 19. During this grinding operation, the limit switch 45 is being operated by the pivotable arm 35 in order to keep the shiftable rod 23 in the retracted position. The grinding wheel 19 is therefore not interfered with by the measuring gauge 24 while it is axially traversed several times by a stroke corresponding to the length of the workpiece W.
After the rough grinding operation is completed, the
grinding wheel is dressed by a predetermined amount by means of a dressing tool, not shown. Subsequently, the workpiece W is successively finely ground by the grinding wheel 19 which is axially shifted in a similar manner as described above. Also, the change-over valve 49 is simultaneously changed into a position III when the grinding wheel 19 is: moved away from the workpiece W and the fluid under pressure is admitted into the right chamber of the cylinder 36 and exhausted from the chambers 35a, 361;, as seen in FIG. 5. Consequently, the first and second pistons 46 and 47 are moved toward the left, thereby displacing the abutment 48 from the position shown in FIG. 5. The swing arms 27 and 33 are pivotally moved in a counter-clockwise direction by the urging force of the springs 41 and 34 and thus, when the shiftable rod 23 is advanced, the measuring gauge 24 is moved toward the cylindrical bore of the workpiece W.
At this time, if the bore of the workpiece W is not still being finished into a predetermined diameter, the straight portion 24b of the measuring gauge 24 is not inserted into the bore thereof. Therefore, the grinding wheel 19 is further repeatably moved toward and away from the workpiece through the sliding movement of the table 37. Moreover, the measuring gauge 24 is also extracted from the workpiece W by the swing arm 27 through the engagement between the second swing arm 33 and the dog 38 on the table 37 when the grinding wheel 19 is moved toward the workpiece W. When the grinding wheel 19 is moved away from the workpiece W, the measuring gauge 24 is shifted toward the workpiece W.
As soon as the bore of the workpiece W is completed into the predetermined diameter, the straight portion 24b is receivingly admitted into the bore thereof. When the straight portion 24b is located at the advanced position thereof, the limit switch 42 is actuated by the abutment bolt 43 on the swing arm 27 thereby generating the sizing signal. The grinding wheel 19 is moved away from the workpiece which is, in return, unclamped from the reference face plate 12 by releasing of the clamping claws 16.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, It is to be understood therefore, that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
We claim:
1. An apparatus for mounting a workpiece in an internal grinding machine having a bed, a spindle head slidably mounted upon said .bed, a' table slidably mounted upon said bed and movable toward and away from said spindle head, and a whheel head mounted upon said table and rotatably carrying a grinding wheel, comprising:
a main body of said spindle head;
a spindle rotatably mounted on said main body;
a chuck housing fixedly mounted on said spindle at one end thereof and provided with a reference face;
clamping means axially slidably mounted within said spindle and provided for clamping the workpiece on the reference face of said chuck housing;
aligning means disposed within said spindle in axial alignment therewith and having an aligning portion for establishing alignment between the axis of the workpiece and the axis of said spindle through engagement with the cylindrical bore of the workpiece when the workpiece is clamped on said reference face by means of said clamping means;
a measuring gauge integrally provided on said aligning means and adapted to be snugly inserted into the cylindrical bore of the workpiece to confirm the completion of the machining operation when the bore is machined into a finished size; and
positioning means mounted on said main body and capable of selectively projecting said alignment means from the one end of said chuck housing through first and second predetermined distances so as to align the workpiece with said spindle by said aligning portion and confirm the completion of the machining operation by said measuring gauge.
2. An apparatus for mounting a workpiece according to claim 1, wherein said aligning means comprises:
a shiftable rod slidably mounted within said spindle and provided with said aligning portion and said measuring gauge at the one end thereof in co-axial alignment with said spindle; and wherein said positioning means comprises:
a hydraulic actuator connected with said shiftable rod for regulating projected positions of said aligning portion and said measuring gauge; and
spring means for urging said shiftable rod so that said mesuring gauge may be yieldably projected from the reference face of said chuck housing through said second predetermined distance determined by said hydraulic actuator.
3. An apparatus for mounting a workpiece according to claim 1, wherein said clamping means comprises:
an operating member slidably mounted within said spindle in axial alignment therewith;
a supporting member axially pivotably mounted on said operating member;
a clamping claw pivotably mounted on said supporting member and urgingly held by means ofpushing control cylinder means operably connected with said operating member for engaging said clamping claw with the workpiece against the urging force of said pushing means.
4. An apparatus for mounting a workpiece according to claim 3, wherein said control cylinder means comprises:
a cylinder integrally connected with said spindle;
a piston fixedly mounted on said operating member and slidably received within said cylinder so as to move said clamping claw toward the periphery of the workpiece for clamping the same on the reference face of said chuck housing; and
a rotatable distributor attached to said cylinder for introducing the fluid under pressure to axially move said piston.
5. An apparatus for mounting a workpiece according to claim 1, wherein said positioning means includes shifting means operably connected with said aligning means so as to move the same toward and away from the cylindrical bore of the workpiece and said shifting means comprises a shiftable rod slidably mounted within said spindle and operably connected with said aligning means:
a receiving member rotatably journaled on said shiftable rod at the other end thereof and refrained from axial movement with respect thereto;
a connecting shaft rotatably supported within said main body;
a first swing arm secured to the one end of said connecting shaft and operatively connected with said shiftable rod for axially sliding the same through said receiving member;
a second swing arm fixedly mounted on the other end of said connecting shaft;
a pivotable arm secured on said connecting shaft for regulating the rotational movement of said first swing arm;
spring means interposed between said second swing arm and said bed so as to rotatably move said second swing arm by means of the urging force thereof.
6. An apparatus for mounting a workpiece according to claim 5, wherein said positioning means further includes control means operably connected with said shifting means for controlling the advancing position of said shiftable rod and said control means comprises:
a cylinder provided on said main body;
a first piston and second piston slidably received within said cylinder and different from each other with respect to the area subject to the fluid under pressure;
change-over valve means arranged to change the direction of fluid supplied to said cylinder and control the slidable movement of said first and second pistons;
an abutment integrally connected to said second piston and protruding outwardly of said cylinder for regulating the pivoting movement of said pivotable arm through the engagement therewith in accor dance with controlling of the axial movement of said second piston; and
switching means provided on said main body for detecting the original position of said shiftable rod. |
US-3874122-A | Grinding machine | C i Unlted States Patent 11 1 1111 3,874,122 Ward Apr. 1, 1975 GRINDING MACHINE Primarv Examiner-Othell M. Simpson I t M II W A l A [76] nven or aga 223 igz g gggzg Attorney, Agent, or FlrmBac0n & Thomas [22] Filed: Nov. 27, 1973 [2]] Appl. No.: 419,288
[57] ABSTRACT [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Nov 29 1972 United Kingdom 55181 /72 A grinding machine particularly for grinding the nonparallel opposite side faces of a lathe tool, having two 52 U.S. Cl 51/111 R grinding Wheels arranged Opposite one anmher across [51] Int. Cl........ B24b 9/00 a movable work-piece table and a Work-piece Support [58] Field of seakch H 1 1 l 4 which is angularly adjustable to present opposite faces 80 A R R 84 of a work-piece in turn to the respective grinding wheels.
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 543,458 7/l895 Berry 51/111 R PATENIEMPR 1 ms GRINDING MACHINE This invention relates to grinding machines for use in forming or re-forming the surface of a work-piece.
It is sometimes necessary to grind two opposite faces of a work-piece so that their planes make a small angle with one another, one example being the opposite side faces of a tooth of a cutting tool which faces have to be under-cut or relieved to provide the necessary clearance angle relative to the cutting edge. Up to now such faces have been ground in two separate operations with the same grinding wheel, which of course necessitates reversing the position of the work-piece between the two operations. Such a procedure is inconvenient and time-consuming.
According to the present invention there is provided a grinding machine including a table for supporting a work-piece and defining a path of travel for the workpiece during grinding, means for drivably mounting two grinding wheels one on each side of said path of travel, and work-piece mounting means associated with or mountable on said table and including means for setting the angle which a face of the work-piece makes with a plane containing its direction of travel during grinding.
With such an arrangement two opposite faces of a work-piece may be ground at an angle to one another, one by each of said grinding wheels, without it being necessary to reverse the work-piece position but simply by re-setting the work-piece through the small angle between its faces between the two grinding operations. In a preferred form of the invention the grinding machine incorporates means for automatically carrying out such re-setting, which means may conveniently be linked to the table drive means. The resetting may be effected either in the course of the movement of a work-piece along its said path of travel in one direction (i.e. at a position between the two grinding wheels if they are mutually spaced along such path), or at one end of the path of travel if the grinding wheels are directly opposite one another and the direction of movement of the work-piece must therefore be reversed for operation on its second face.
Preferably the said mounting means for the grinding wheels are arranged to permit the rotational axes of the wheels to be angularly adjusted about axes perpendicular to the axis about which the work-piece is settable as aforesaid, so as to enable the work-piece faces to be ground at compound angles. The said work-piece mounting means may, as is presently preferred, comprise a so-called rotary actuator of known construction mounted on the table and itself carrying a mounting device for the work-piece; a hydraulically controlled rotary actuator is preferably employed which can be automatically controlled in conjunction with table movement. Alternatively a mechanism similar to such a rotary actuator and on which the work-piece is directly mountable could be built in as an integral part of the table.
A machine according to the invention may be arranged to mount two or more separate work-pieces in a row, in such manner that all of the work-pieces are first ground by one grinding wheel, then all angularly re-set, and then all ground by the other wheel.
Two embodiments of grinding machines in accordance with the invention will now be described by way I of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a grinding machine according to the invention, incorporating a rotary actuator for setting the angle of a work-piece;
FIG. 2'is a perspective view of the rotary actuator showing the internal components thereof;
FIGS. 3, 4 and are respectively a side elevation, an end view and a plan view of part of a lathe cutting tool with a fully relieved cutting tip; and
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the table of a second embodiment;
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a grinding machine 1 having a frame 30 upon which are pivotally mounted two 3 I-I.P. motors 2 and 2'. Each motor has a drive shaft 3 and 3 to which is attached a grinding wheel 4 and 4 respectively. The grinding wheels 4 and 4 can be inclined towards one another by rotating the respective motors 2 and 2 about their pivotal axes on frame 30. The distance between grinding wheels 4 and 4 can be varied by rotating hand wheels 5 and 5'. Similarly, the motors 2 and 2 can be raised or lowered by rotating hand wheels 6 and 6'.
An elongate table 7 is positioned below the grinding wheels 4 and 4 and supports a rotary actuator 8 in a T-slot 9. The table is drivable parallel to the length of the slot 9 so as to define a path of movement of a workpiece through the machine and between the wheels 4 and 4'. A holder 10 for mounting a work-piece 11 is mounted on rotary actuator 8.
When the drive for the table 7 is actuated the table carrying the rotary actuator 8 and the holder 10 move from left to right as viewed in FIG. 1. After the holder 10 passes grinding wheels 4 and 4' the direction of the drive is automatically reversed and the rotary actuator 8 and the holder 10 return to their initial position at which the drive stops.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the hydraulic rotary actuator 8 comprises two racks 12 and 13 formed on cylinders l4 and 15 respectively. The racks 12 and 13 engage a pinion 16 which is secured fast on a shaft 17. I-Iydraulic power lines 19 and 19 are connected to bores housing cylinders 14 and 15 respectively. When hydraulic liquid is pumped through line 19', rack 12 moves to the left as viewed in FIG. 2. Pinion 16 rotates anti-clockwise and rack 13 moves to the right. Similarly, when hydraulic liquid is pumped through line 19 into cylinder 15, rack 13 moves to the left and pinion 16 rotates clockwise. An end stop 18 is located adjacent one end of each cylinder and can be adjusted to limit the travel of racks l2 and 13.
Referring again to FIG. I, holder 10 is mounted on shaft 17 and is pivotable about the longitudinal, vertically extending axis of shaft 17 denoted by line XX. The end stops 18 are set so that holder 10 can move through the desired angle between the opposite faces of the work-piece, e.g. 6 arranged 3 to each side of a vertical plane containing the direction of table movement.
The drives for table 7 and for the hydraulic actuator 8 are interconnected so that whilst the table is moving from left to right as viewed in FIG. 1, the holder 10 is positioned about axis XX to 3 to the right of the direction of table movement. This angles the work-piece 11 into engagement with grinding wheel 4'. As the holder 10 moves past grinding wheel 4', the wheel grinds the side of the work-piece 11 so that it tapers progressively from the leading edge 20. After the holder 10 has moved past grinding wheel 4 a switch (not shown) is tripped to reverse the direction of the drive and the table then travels from right to left. As the direction of the drive is reversed the flow of hydraulic liquid to rotary actuator 8 is reversed and holder 10 is rotated about axis XX to 3 to the left of the direction of table movement. As the holder 10 passes grinding wheel 4, the wheel grinds the side of the work-piece 11 so that it is symetrically tapered about its longitudinal axis.
As described hereinbefore, motors 2 and 2' are pivotally mounted on frame 3. By inclining the grinding wheels 4 and 4' so that they converge towards table 7 the opposite faces of the work-piece 11 can be undercut so as to have a compound clearance angle.
Referring to FIG. 3, 4 and 5, there is shown part of a lathe tool 21. The tool 21 has a cutting tip 22 which is primarily intended for cutting grooves in workpieces. In order to prevent the sides of the cutting tip 22 binding on the sides of the grooves the cutting tip is relieved, that is to say the cutting tip 22 tapers from the leading edge 20 both towards the body of the tool (FIG. 4) and towards the edge of the tool (FIG. By inclining the grinding wheels 4 and 4' towards the table 7 and operating the hydraulic actuator in the manner described, a work-piece having the general outline of work-piece 11 can be ground to produce the lathe tool shown in FIG. 3 to 5. It should be noted that this lathe tool is not complete and further operations are necessary to appropriately finish and sharpen the leading edge 20.
Whereas rotary actuator 8 is shown with one pinion l6 and shaft 17 only, it will be appreciated that two or more pinions and shafts could be mounted between racks 12 and 13 with the longitudinal axes of the shafts aligned side-by-side. In such an arrangement each shaft could be connected to a respective holder so that several work-pieces could be ground sequentially.
The angle of the work-piece 11 can be set relative to the grinding wheels 4 and 4' by means other than a rotary actuator. In FIG. 6, work-piece 25 is held in a holder 26 which is mounted in a slot 27 in a drivable table 28. The slotted top plate of the table 28 is pivotally mounted about an axis Y-Y and, in the embodimcnt shown, can be moved up to 5 to either side of its central position relative to its direction of movement during grinding. A drive is connected to table 28 and is also connected to an actuator for rotating the table top plate about vertical axis YY so that whilst the holder 26 is moving from left to right (as viewed in FIG. 6) the table 28 is angled about axis Y-Y so that for example, the 33 mark is aligned with arrow 29. Conversely, after the holder has moved past the grinding wheels and operated a trip, holder 10 moves from right to left and table 28 pivots about axis XX so that the 3mark is aligned with arrow It will be appreciated that the relative positions of the grinding wheels and the work-piece are similar as the work-piece passes the grinding wheels in both the arrangements shown in FIG. 1 and 6.
The hydraulic rotary actuator illustrated in FIG. 2 is the type MTV2 manufactured by Matthews Hydraulics, I-Iorsenden Lane, South Greenford, Middlesex, England.
What I claim is:
1. In a grinding machine having a table for supporting a workpiece and defining a path of travel for the workpiece during grinding, grinding wheel mounting means drivably mounting two grinding wheels one on each side of said path of travel, and workpiece mounting means on said table and including means for setting the angle which a face of the workpiece makes with a plane containing its direction of travel during grinding whereby one wheel may be caused to work on said workpiece before the other wheel works thereon, the improvement comprising: said grinding wheel mounting means being independent of one another and each said grinding wheel mounting means being separately positionably adjustable in three senses, viz:
a. rectilinearly, parallel to the grinding wheel axis;
b. rectilinearly, transverse to the grinding wheel axis;
and
c. rotationally, about an axis transverse to the grinding wheel axis and parallel to the said table.
2. A grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, including means for re-setting the said work-piece angle after the work-piece has been worked upon by one of said grinding wheels but before it is worked upon by the other grinding wheel.
3. A grinding machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein said re-setting means is operatively connected to the table drive means for actuation at a predetermined point in the travel of the work-piece.
4. A grinding machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein said workpiece holder is movable in opposite directions along said path, the said grinding wheel mounting means being arranged to mount the grinding wheels directly opposite one another across the said path of travel of a work-piece, and the said re-setting means is arranged to re-set the work-piece angle at the same time as its direction of movement is reversed at one end of its said path of travel.
5. A grinding machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the said grinding wheel mounting means are arranged to mount the grinding wheels at positions spaced from one another along the said path of travel of a workpiece, and the said re-setting means is arranged to reset the work-piece angle at a point in said path of travel between the two grinding wheels.
6. A grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said work-piece mounting means comprises a fluidoperated rotary actuator. |
US-3874123-A | Metal conditioning planetary grinder | United States Patent Hopkins et al.
[ Apr. 1,1975
[ METAL CONDITIONING PLANETARY GRINDER [75] Inventors: Richard G. Hopkins, Bennington Township, Shiswassee County, Mich.; Paul E. Stockhausen, Canfield, Ohio [73] Assignee: MWA Company, Owosso, Mich.
[22] Filed: Oct. 11, I973 [21] Appl. No.: 405,298
3,035,377 5/1962 Bouensiepen et a1 5l/l09 3,041,793 7/1962 Shimizu 51/109 3,404,489 10/1968 lshima 51/109 3,593,465 7/1971 Krippes 51/120 Primary Examiner-Othell M. Simpson Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Whittemore, Hulbert & Belknap [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for grinding a billet or a slab comprising a plurality of abrasive wheels each of which is rotated about its own axis and all of which are orbited about a common center. The abrasive wheels are mounted on a rotatable drum or head which is capable of being tilted to present the cutting faces of the grinding wheels at an angle to the work if desired. The abrasive wheels have the ability to float and thus follow the contour of the work, and are held by fluid pressure or the like in yielding contact with the work.,
7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures ATENTEB APR 1 I975 SHEET 1 OF 4 FIGQL.
METAL CONDITIONING PLANETARY GRINDER BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Conventional slab and billet grinders have a single grinding wheel mounted on the end of a boom or arm. The wheel grinds on its periphery and removes metal along a narrow path from a workpiece when the wheel is moved relative to the workpiece or vice versa. The wheel is indexed in a transverse direction as the workpiece or wheel moves back and forth to grind the entire surface of the billet or slab. This procedure is very time consuming because the wheel grinds on such a narrow path.
The machine of this invention employes mutiple grinding wheels. The wheels are orbited as the work and wheels move relative to one another so that the wheels grind a relatively wide path. Accordingly, much less time is required to grind the entire surface of the billet or slab than heretofore.
In the drawings:
FIG. I is a top plan view of grinding apparatus embodying our invention.
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of grinding apparatus having a modified construction.
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view with parts in section of the modified construction, one of the grinder units being shown in detail. a portion of another being shown but the others being omitted for clarity.
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the grinding apparatus comprises a head or drum A mounted for rotation on a base B which is supported for tilting movement about the horizontal axis of aligned pivots C. A plurality of grinder units D are mounted on the drum or head in a circle concentric with the axis of rotation of the drum to abrade a workpiece W which may be moved back and forth on a carriage E. Alternatively, the workpiece may remain stationary and the grinding apparatus may move over the work.
The drum or head A is a hollow member having circular top and bottom plates 12 and 14 marginally connected by the cylindrical wall 16. The base B has a circular hole 18. The drum A is supported in the hole 18 of the base for rotation about its central axis 19 by the bearing 20. A motor M mounted on the base B has a sprocket 22 in driving engagement with an annular chain 24 secured to the margin of the bottom plate 14 of the head so that the head is rotated by the motor.
The base B is supported for tilting movement about the horizontal axis of the aligned pivot pins C. Such pivot pins are carried by the upper ends of the uprights 26 and are supported in bearing blocks 28 mounted on the base B. Any suitable means may be provided for locking the base B in a given angular position such for example as the uprights 30 having the arcuate slots 32 through which extend the bolts 34 threaded into the edges of the base B. The same locking mechanism is shown in side elevation in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and it will be understood that when the bolts 34 are tightened the base B is locked in a given angular position by being clamped to the uprights 30. Friction pads 31 may be provided between the uprights 30 and the base. FIG. 2 shows the base B, and hence the drum A. locked in a horizontal position but often during grinding the base will be supported at an angle to the horizontal so that the grinding wheels may grind at a negative rake as hereinafter more fully described. The
base B may be power-tilted one direction and then the other from horizontal depending on the direction of relative movement of the wheels and the work by power means which may be of the type shown at 300 in FIG. 4.
Grinder units D are arranged in spaced relation to one another in a circle the center of which coincides with the axis of rotation 19 of drum A. The several grinder units are identical so that a description of one will suffice for all. Spacing of wheel centers and wheel size determines the width of the path that can be ground. Means can also be provided to vary the centers of the wheels, if desired.
Each grinder unit D comprises a spindle 36 parallel to drum axis 19 and having a grinding element 38 secured to the lower end. The grinding element 38 in this instance is a circular abrasive member or disc adapted to grind or abrade on its bottom surface 39, which is normal to the axis of spindle 36. The grinding element may take other forms obviously and could for example be of the segmented type. Each grinder unit also includes a fluid piston cylinder assembly 40 which is supported on the top plate 12 of the drum by a bracket 42. The cylinder 44 of the piston cylinder assembly 40 is parallel to drum axis 19 and has a piston, not shown, therein. A rod 46 extends from the piston downwardly through the bottom of the cylinder and has a hollow coupling 48 secured to the lower end. A bearing 50 is held within the hollow coupling by a retainer plate 52. The upper end of the spindle 36 is rotatably supported in the bearing 50. A pin 53 projecting upwardly from drum A extends through a hole in retainer plate 52 to prevent the retainer plate and coupling 48 from rotating but permitting sliding movement thereof.
The spindle 36 is driven by a gear 54 within the drum A secured to the lower end of an upright shaft 56 which lies on the axis of rotation 19 of the drum and is rotatably supported by bearings 58 and 60 in the top and bottom plates l2and 14 of the drum. Each spindle is axially slidably supported by a bushing 61 in a sleeve 62 which is supported for rotation by bearings 64 and 66 in the top and bottom plates of the drum. The lower portion 68 of each spindle is splined and has a spline connection with the sleeve 62 so as to rotate with the sleeve but be capable of axial movement relative thereto. The sleeve has an integral gear 70 meshing with the gear 54 so as to be driven thereby. The shaft 56 is enclosed within an elongated tubular member 72 secured to and projecting upwardly from the top plate 12 of the drum. A sleeve 74 extends into the enlarged socket 76 in the upper end portion of the tubular member 72 and rotatably supports the upper end of shaft 56. Sleeve 74 is clamped to tubular member 72 by ring 73. The shaft 56 is driven by a suitable source of power, not shown, in driving connection with a pulley 78 on the upper end of the shaft by belts 80.
It will be understood that all of the other spindles of the grinder units D are likewise driven in rotation by being geared to the gear 54 in the manner shown in FIG. 2.
Each cylinder 44 is supplied with fluid to raise and lower its piston and hence the grinding element 38 by fluid supplied from a common source P. The source P leads to a four-way three-position valve V having consage 94in tubular member 72 leading to the conduit 96 to one end of the cylinder. The other drilled passage 88 in sleeve 74'leads to an annular groove 98 in sleeve 74 by way of P0118100, and the groove 98 communicates through passage 102 in tubular member 72 with conduit 104 leading to the opposite end of the cylinder. The cylinders of the other grinder units are connected into the grooves 90 and 98 by other passages similar to passages 94 and 102. It will be apparent that valve V in one position will direct fluid to the lower end of the cylinders while exhausting the upper end to raise the grinding elements away from the work, in a second position will direct fluid to the upper end of the cylinders while exhausting the lower end to force the grinding elements downward into pressure engagement with the work W on carriage E, and in a third position will seal the lines 82 and 84 to lock the pistons within cylinders 44 and hence hold the grinding wheels in any given positions with respect to the work.
in the operation of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2, the carriage E is moved one way or the other in the direction of the arrow. The motor M is operated to rotate the drum A and accordingly orbit the grinding elements 38. The gear 54 is rotated to turn all of the grinding elements on their individual axes. The grinding elements with valve V in the illustrated position, are forced downward into contact with the work under a yielding pressure by hydraulic fluid delivered to the upper ends of the cylinders 34. As seen in FIG. 1, the orbiting grinding elements have a wide sweep or path which in this instance is slightly greaterthan the width of the workpiece W to grind the entire upper surface of the workpiece on one pass. The grinding elements are under a yielding pressure depending upon the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the source P and are therefore individually floatable so'as to follow the contour of the work. It is apparent that a single pass is all that is necessary to grindthe entire upper surface of the work. An additional pass may be made if desired to remove more metal.
The supporting base B and drum A are shown disposed horizontally in FIG. 2 so that the grinding faces 39 of the grinding elements 38 press flush upon the sur= face of the work being ground. It is often preferred to grind with a slight negative rake, that is on the trailing edges of the grinding elements, and to accomplish this the bolts 34 may be loosened to tip the base B away from the horizontal and then tightened to lock the base in tipped position. As above stated, the base B may be power-tilted one way and then the other to achieve a negative rake as the work moves back and forth, by power means such as shown at 300 in FIG. 4.
The value V may be shifted from the position shown to its other position to raise the grinding elements from the work.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a modified construction which differs, from the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 essentially in that separate power sources are provided for rotating the spindles of the several grinder units. The grinding apparatus comprises a head or drum AA mounted for rotation on a base BB which is supported for tilting movement about the horizontal axis of aligned pivots CC. A plurality of grinder units DD are mounted on the drum or head in a circle concentric with the axis of rotation of the drum.
The drum or head AA is hollow and has a circular top ring 12 and a bottom plate 14' marginally connected by the cylindrical wall 16 and ring 17. Radial ribs 21 divide the interior space of the drum into segments as shown in FIG. 3 for the grinder units DD. The base has a circular hole 18'. The drum AA is supported in the hole 18' of the base for rotation about its central axis 19' by the bearing 20'. A motor MM mounted on the base BB has a sprocket 22' in driving engagement with an annular chain 24 secured to the margin of the bottom plate 14' so that the head is rotated by the motor MM v The base is supported for tilting movement about the horizontal axis of the aligned pivot pins CC. Such pivot pins are carried by the upper ends of the uprights 26' and are supported in bearing blocks 28' mounted on the base BB. Any suitable means may be provided for locking the base BBin a given angular position such as the uprights 30' having the arcuate slots 32' through which extend the bolts 34' threaded into the edges of the base BB. The bolts when tightened lock the base BB in a given angular position by clamping it to the up= rights 30'. Friction pads 31' may be interposed be= tween the uprights and the base. The base BB may be power tilted one way and then the other depending on the direction of relative movement of the wheel and the work by power means 300 which may comprise a fluid cylinder 302 having a piston (not shown) pivoted as at 304 to base B. The cylinder is pivoted to a fixed support 306 and fluid under pressure is delivered from pump 311 to either end of the cylinder and exhausted from the other end by fluid lines 308 and 310 depending upon the position of the four=way three=position valve 312. in one position of valve 312, fluid is directed to the upper end of the cylinder while the lower end is are hausted, in a second position fluid is directed to the lower end of the cylinder while the upper end is ex= hausted, and in a third position fluid lines 308 and 310 are sealed to lock the base BB in a given position.
The grinder units DD as in the first embodiment are arranged in spaced relation to one another in a circle, the center of which coincides with the axis of rotation 19' of the drum AA. Spacing of wheel centers and wheel size determines the width of the path that can be ground, and as in FIG. 1, means may be provided to vary the centers of the wheels as desired. Such grinder units DD are identical and each comprises a spindle 102 having a grinding element 104 secured to the lower end. The grinding element 102 in this instance is a cir= cular abrasive member or disc adapted to grind or abrade on its bottom surface 106. The grinding ele ments may as in the first embodiment described take other forms and for example may be of the segmented type. Each grinder unit DD also includes a fluid piston cylinder assembly 108 which is supported on the top plate 12 of the drum. The cylinder 110 of the piston= cylinder assembly is parallel to drum axis 19'. An elon= gated tubular plunger 112 is axially slidably mounted in the cylinder. Such plunger has a piston 114 within the cylinder and integral extensions or rod ends 116 which extend above and below the piston through the oppo= site ends of the cylinder. The spindle 102 extends coax= ially through the plunger and is mounted therein for free rotation but constrained to move axially therewith by bearings 120. A pin 122 extending axially within the cylinder passes through a hole in the piston 114 to prevent the piston from rotating but permitting it to slide axially within the cylinder.
Each spindle 102 is individually driven by a motor 130 having an output pulley 132. Belts 134 extend around the pulley 132 and around a pulley 136 on the upper end portion of the spindle 102. The upper end portion of the spindle, designated 138, is splined and has a spline connection with pulley 136 so that it may slide axially within the pulley but is constrained to rotate therewith. The pulley 136 is supported in bearings 139 held by a bracket 140 mounted on the top ring 12' of the drum AA. Each motor 130 is supported on the drum by a mounting 150 having horizontal arms 152 which are pivoted at one end by pins 154 to a supporting bracket 156 on the drum. The opposite end of each arm is connected to a pin 160 pivoted to a mounting bracket 156. The pin 160 has an adjustable threaded connection with the arm 152 to permit adjustment of the tension on the driving belts 134.
Each of the cylinders 110 is supplied with fluid to raise and lower its piston and hence the grinding element 104 by fluid supplied from a common source P. The source P leads to a four-way three-position valve VV having conduits 170 and 172 leading to the drilled passages 174 and 178 in the sleeve 180. Sleeve 180 is disposed in a socket 182 in the upper end portion of an elongated tubular member 184 which is secured to and projects upwardly from the top plate 12' of the drum in coaxial relation with the drum. The sleeve 180 is clamped in the socket by ring 185.
Passage 174 communicates with an annular groove 186 in the sleeve by ports 188, and the annular groove is in communication with a passage 190 in tubular member 184 leading to the conduits 192 to the lower ends of cylinders 110. The other drilled passages 178 in sleeve 180 leads to an annular groove 196 in sleeve 180 by way of ports 200, and the groove 196 communicates through passage 202 in tubular member 184 with conduits 204 leading to the upper ends of the cylinders 110. The cylinders of the other grinder units are connected with the grooves 186 and 196 by other passages similar to passages 190 and 202. It will be apparent that the valve VV in one position will direct fluid to the lower end of the cylinders while exhausting the upper end to raise the grinding elements away from the work, in a second position will direct fluid to the upper end of the cylinders while exhausting the lower end to force the grinding elements downward into pressure engagement with the work W on carriage E, and in a third position will seal lines 170 and 172 to lock the pistons 114 of cylinders 110 and hence hold the grinding wheels 104 in given positions with respect to the work.
Any suitable means may be provided for transmitting electrical energy to the motors 130. In the present instance, it is brought in by wiring through conduit 210 and by commutator rings 212 is supplied to the tubular member 184 which turns with the drum AA. Since the motors 130 are also mounted on and turn with the drum AA. wiring from the commutator rings on the tubular member 184 may be connected directly to the several motors.
The operation of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is substantially the same as that of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The motor MM rotates the drum AA to orbit the grinding elements 104. Each of the grinding elements is individually rotated on its own axis by its own motor 130. When valve VV is in the illustrated position, the grinding elements are forced downward into contact with the work under pressure by hydraulic fluid delivered to the upper ends of the cylinders 110. The grinding elements are under a yijelding pressure and can individually follow the contour of the work.
As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the supporting base BB and drum AA may be disposed horizontally so that the grinding faces of the rotary grinding elements press flush or flat: upon the surface of the work or they may be locked in a tilted position to grind with a negative rake if desired. The power means 300 is used to tilt the base and to reverse the tilt when necessary.
The valve VV when shifted from the position shown to its other position will direct fluid to the lower end of the cylinders and exhaust the upper ends to raise the grinding elements away from the work.
What we claim as our invention is:
1. Grinding apparatus for grinding a workpiece comprising a workpiece support, a head, support means supporting said head for rotation adjacent said workpiece support, means for rotating said head, a plurality of spaced grinder units, means mounting said grinder units on said head in a circular array about the axis of rotation of said head, each grinder unit comprising a spindle extending generally parallel to the axis of rotation of said head, a grinding element on one end of each spindle, each grinding element being in the form of a wheel having a workpiece abrading face disposed in a plane normal to the axis of its spindle, means for axially rotating said spindles, pivot means mounting said support means for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation of said head, power means for pivoting said support means about said transverse axis, means for securing said support means in selected positions of pivotal adjustment, and means for relatively moving said head and workpiece support.
2. Grinding apparatus for grinding a workpiece comprising a workpiece support, a head, support means supporting said head for rotation adjacent said workpiece support, means for rotating said head, a plurality of spaced grinder units, means mounting said grinder units on said head in a circular array about the axis of rotation of said head, each grinder unit comprising a spindle extending generally parallel to the axis of rotation of said head, a grinding element on one end of each spindle, each grinding element being in the form of a wheel having a workpiece abrading face disposed in a plane normal to the axis of its spindle, means for axially rotating said spindles, means mounting said spindles for limited axial movement, reversible fluidoperated means for retracting said spindles axially in a direction away from the grinding wheel thereon and for yieldably urging each spindle axially in a direction toward the grinding wheel thereon, pivot means mounting said support means for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation of said head, means for securing said support means in selected positions of pivotal adjustment, and means for relatively moving said head and workpiece support.
3. Grinding apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said means for axially rotating said spindles comprises a separate power device for each spindle.
4. Grinding apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said means for axially rotating said spindles comprises a driven member mounted for rotation on said head, and means for transmitting the rotation of said driven I member to all of said spindles.
5. Grinding apparatus for grinding a workpiece comprising a head, support means supporting said head for rotation, means for rotating said head, a plurality of grinder units, means mounting said grinder units on said head in spaced relation to one another about the axis of rotation of said head, each grinder unit comprising a spindle extending generally parallel to the axis of rotation of said head, a grinding element on one end of each spindle, means for axially rotating said spindles, pivot means mounting said support means for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation of said head, and means for securing said support means in selected positions of pivotal adjustment.
6. Grinding apparatus as defined in claim 5, including a sleeve within which each spindle is splined for rotation therewith and axial movement relative thereto, means rotatably mounting each sleeve on said head, reversible power means for moving said spindles axially in opposite directions relative to said sleeves, the means for rotating said spindles comprising a driven gear mounted for rotation on said head, and gears on said sleeves meshing with said driven gear by means of which the rotation of said driven gear is transmitted to all of said spindles.
7. Grinding apparatus for grinding a workpiece comprising a head, support means supporting said head for rotation, means for rotating said head, a plurality of grinder units disposed in spaced relation to one another about the axis of rotation of said head, each grinder unit comprising a spindle extending generally parallel to the axis of rotation of said head, a grinding element on one end of each spindle, a sleeve within which each spindle is splined for rotation therewith and axial movement relative thereto, means rotatably mounting each sleeve on said head, reversible power means for moving said spindles axially in opposite directions relative to said sleeves, and means for rotating said spindles comprising a driven gear mounted for rotation on said head, and gears on said sleeves meshing with said driven gear by means of which the rotation of said driven gear is transmitted to all of said spindles. |
US-3874124-A | Method and apparatus for machining and/or polishing molded elastomer materials | United States Patent [191 Morgan et al.
[ Apr. 1, 1975 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MACHINING AND/OR POLISHING MOLDED ELASTOMER MATERIALS [22] Filed: Mar. 21, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 453,407
Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 334,025, Feb. 20,
1973. abandoned.
[52] U.S.Cl 5l/125,5l/162,51/216 LP, 51/267, 51/284, 51/322, 51/324, 269/7 [51] Int. Cl. B24b 13/02, B24b 1/00 [58] Field of Search 51/284, 322, 324, 131, 51/356, 216 LP, 267, 266, 125, 129, 162;
[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.077.707 2/1963 Sarofecn 51/284 3,333,369 8/1967 Barr 51/277 3,475,867 11/1969 Walsh 51/277 X 3.574.257 4/1971 DuBois 269/7 3.686.796 8/1972 Clark 51/284 X 3.750.272 8/1973 Gomond 51/284 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 963.407 7/1964 United Kingdom... 51/324 Primary Eraminvr-Donald G. Kelly Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Brown, Murray, Flick & Peckham [57] ABSTRACT A method of and apparatus for machining and/or polishing contact lenses of the type produced in a semifinished form by molding of silicon rubber elastomer materials such as hydrocarbon substituted polysiloxane rubber. After selecting a semifinished lens, a layer of liquid, e.g. water, is applied to the lens and/or a holder. The lens support surface on the holder is preferably flat but may be either convex or concave. When the holder has a flat surface, pressure is applied to the lens to flatten it and expel entrapped air. The lens is then centered on the holder. A stream of coolant is preferably directed onto the holder to reduce the temperature of the lens material. This cooling freezes the liquid layer thereby affixing the lens to the holder. The cooling also hardens the elastomer material of the lens. At a reduced temperature of 90F or less, the lens material becomes sufficiently hardened so that polishing and/0r machining of a selected surface can be effected by contact with a tooling member having a liquid interface on the tooling surface. The preferred composition of the liquid interface is oil of orange and ethanol with the further addition of stannic oxide as a polishing agent. The lens is rotated by the holder or alternatively the tooling member is rotated during machining and/or polishing. Following this, the lens is allowed to return to ambient temperature. The present invention further provides improved apparatus including different forms of support members with flat, convex or concave lens support surfaces. The support members include improved provision for centering of the lens on the support member. A spring-biased plunger is used to hold the lens onto the support member after centering. Additionally, machining tools for the lens are provided with segments of either a convex or concave tooling surface.
51 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PAIENIEBAFR H975 3.874.124
sum 1 or 3 SELECTING A SEMI-FINISHED MOLDED SILICON RUBBER LENS APPLYING ADHESIVE TO LENS AND/OR HOLDER, e. 9. WATER SUPPORTING LENS UPON A HOLDER CENTERING LENS UPON HOLDER Fjg HOLDING LENS IN PLACE UPON HOLDER REDUCING TEMPERATURE OF LENS, e.g. 90F
ROTATING LENS UPON HOLDER AND/OR TOOL AT e.g. I,OOO RPM MAINTAINING LIQUID INTERFACE ON TOOL AND/OR LENS MACHINING AND/OR POLISHING SURFACEIS) OF LENS ALLOWING LENS TO RETURN TO AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MACHINING AND/OR POLISHING MOLDED ELASTOMER MATERIALS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 334,025 filed Feb. 20, 1973, and now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a predetermined and desired peripheral curve in either or both of the peripheral posterior curve area and the peripheral anterior curve area of a contact lens. The present invention is particularly adapted for modifying a semi-finished contact lens in the form of a molded elastomer material, particularly molded hydrocarbon substituted polysiloxane rubber material.
It is well accepted knowledge that the cornea portion of the human eye is not a simple spherical surface having a single radius of curvature but instead, the cornea is a complex physiological interface consisting of many curvatures and may have an irregular or warped surface.
The selection of contact lenses typically requires measurements of the anterior radius of the cornea to determine the base curve of posterior radius of contact lenses, the diameter of the cornea, the size of the palpebral fissure area, and the required corrective power property of the lens. In order to supply properly fitted contact lenses, the specified semifinished lens must be provided with usually custom-formed posterior and anterior lens surface. In the past, contact lens blanks formed from materials such as clear methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, or copolymers of methyl and ethyl acrylate were prefinished in a manner to necessitate only minor changes during a fitting process. A lens made from these materials is usually referred to a hard" contact lens and could be modified by machining and/or polishing without great difficulty.
The peripheral curve areas of contact lenses are extremely important to successful use and comfort to the ultimate user of the contact lenses. The peripheral anterior curve area of the lens surface defines a surface over which the eyelid first passes during its travel in the downward direction. The transitional movement by the lid onto the lens must occur without the tendency to dig in and without hampering easy movement of the lid over the lens. The peripheral posterior curve of the lens constitutes a surface that defines somewhat of a reservoir for the tear fluid which passes from the reservoir into the interior area encompassed between the lens and the cornea portion of the eye. The contour of this surface is important to a continuous flow of tear fluid in a manner without a stagnation of fluid between the lens and the eye.
The foregoing discussion was principally directed toward the older and prior art practice of fitting har contact lenses. Much of this procedure is equally applicable to the supplying and fitting processes for lenses made from a molded elastomer, particularly hydrocarbon substituted polysiloxane rubber lens material. Typically, a molded lens of this material has a hardness of 80-85 Shore A Durometer and may include a silica filler whereby the lens has an index of refraction of 1.439 and transmits light at 86% in its dry state and 91% in its wet state. Such lens material for contact lenses is presently available from Dow Corning Company marketed under the trade name ofDow Corning Silcon Contact Lens."
The elastic nature of these lenses has many desirable attributes including permeability to CO and O gases. However, the elastomer material is difficult to machine and polish to any substantial extent. Attempts in the past to modify or alter the shape and contour of these lenses after molding have met with unacceptable results. This is believed to stem from the elastic nature of the elastomer material that was impervious to modifications essential to the production of suitably finished surfaces. Surface alteration in the past produced a surface that was very rough, resembling a course machined surface and not translucent. As a result, modifications to the peripheral anterior curve left the lens with a very rough surface which irritated the inner surface of the eyelid as it passed onto the contact lens. Attempts to alter the peripheral posterior curve surface of the lens were essentially impossible to accomplish.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for the modification of a surface defined by a molded elastomer article to meet specified dimension requirements and/or to meet required surface characteristics.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for machining and/or polishing an article, particularly a contact lens of molded elastomer material which is essentially caused to undergo a substantial reduction to the temperature thereof to produce a temporary hardening of the elastomer material throughout the machining and polishing operations which include the essential maintenance of a liquid interface between a tooling surface and a surface of the article.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for machining and/or polishing an article, particularly a contact lens, of molded elastomer material that is affixed to a support member by freezing a layer of liquid betwween the article and the support member as a necessary incident to reducing the temperature of the elastomer material for the machining and polishing operations.
ln accordance with the present invention there is provided a method of machining and/or polishing an article, such as a contact lens or the like, of a molded elastomer to modify a surface of the article, the method includes the steps of: positioning th article upon the support surface of a carrier member; reducing the temperature of the article to essentially increase the hardness of the molded elastomer material thereof; establishing a liquid interface between a tooling surface and a selected surface of the article to undergo modification, the liquid interface being a fluid having a freezing point below the reduced temperature of the article; modifying the selected surface of the article by the contact with a tooling surface in the presence of the liquid interface while maintaining the molded elastomer at a state of increased hardness by the reduced temperature thereof; and thereafter, allowing the temperature of the article to return to an ambient room temperature.
The method according to the present invention includes the steps of: establishing a layer of liquid between a surface of the article and the support surface of a carrier member, the liquid forming this layer having a freezing point at a temperature essentially above a subsequently reduced temperature of said article; and thereafter locating the article into a desired position upon the support surface of a carrier member, the reducing of the temperature of the article being further essential to the freezing of the layer of liquid to thereby affix the article onto the carrier member.
When the carrier member has a flat support surface and the outer peripheral edge of a contact lens is supported thereon, then pressure is exerted on the lens to elastically flatten the molded elastomer lens essentially until all entrapped air is expelled following which the elastically deformed lens is affixed to the carrier member by freezing the aforesaid layer of liquid. In another aspect, the support member may take the form of an aqueous cell having an inclined support surface at the upper end of a tubular wall surrounding a pocket to contain the aforesaid layer of liquid to serve the added functions of centering and leveling a contact lens in an automatic manner.
The method of the present invention is further characterized by forming the aforesaid liquid interface from a liquid mixture preferably including a constituent elements; oil of orange and ethyl alcohol. The liquid mixture may additionally include stannic oxide in powdered form to serve as a polishing agent.
The method according to the present invention may be employed specifically for machining and polishing the peripheral posterior and anterior curves formed or to be formed in a semi-finished contact lens of molded elastomer and particularly a molded silicon rubber contact lens. Additionally, the diameter of said lenses may be reduced, if desired.
The present invention provided improved forms of apparatus for carrying out the aforesaid machining and/or polishing operations, including the combination of; carrier means having a face surface for supporting a contact lens in a manner to expose a surface of the lens during the modification thereof; the carrier means further including a heat exchange surface remote to the face surface to essentially reduce the temperature of the lens while supported by the carrier means through the agency of conductive heat transfer; means to direct a cooling medium onto the heat exchange surface for hardening the lens by reducing the temperature thereof essentially by conductive heat transfer; tooling means including a liquid interface for modifying the exposed surface of the contact lens; and means for producing relative rotation between the tooling means and the contact lens while supported by the carrier means.
The apparatus according to the present invention provides apparatus for carrying out the aforesaid machining and/or polishing operations, including a lens holder having a surface for supporting either the concave or convex surface of the lens during machining and/or polishing operations. The lens holder according to one embodiment for modifying lenses for fitting purposes includes a lens support disk, an elongated tubular handle for the passage of a gaseous or liquid coolant toward the disk, means for securing the disk to the bandle, an opening between the passageway in the handle and the disk for cooling the lens by conduction as the coolant strikes the lens holder, a controlled source of liquid or gaseous coolant and conduit including valve means for delivery of the coolant to the handle of the lens holder.
In another form of the present invention there is provided a lens support member having in one form a concave surface and in another form a convex surface for supporting in a desired position a lens to be machined and/or polished, a ring having an inclined leading edge for centering the lens upon the surface of the holder, the ring being constructed to pass over the lens holder whereby after locating the lens on the holder, the lens is centered by displacement of the centering ring into contact with the outer peripheral edge of the lens. In combination with the aforesaid lens support member there may be additionally provided a plunger having a spherical end for contact with the lens, resilient means for maintaining the plunger in holding contact with the lens, and means for supporting the plunger. In the preferred form, the plunger is supported within a central bore provided in a tool member. The tool member includes segmented lengths of an abrasive surface which has either a convex or concave form.
These features and advantages of the present invention as well as others will be more apparent when the following description is read in light of the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the method of polishing and/or machining contact lenses according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a typical semifinished contact lens;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the relationship of a fitted contact lens to the cornea of an eye;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention for machining and polishing moled elastomer contact lenses;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line VV of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating apparatus according to a second embodiment for machining and polishing semifinished, molded elastomer lenses;
FIG. 7 is an elevational view partly in cross-section of apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is an elevational view in section of a fourth embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention.
With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the initial step in the method according to the present invention consists of selecting a semifinished contact lens in the form of a molded elastomer particularly, for example, molded silicon rubber material. The semifinished lens is selected on the basis of a desired base curve which is determined by actual measurements of the eye to be fitted with a contact lens. In addition, the selection of the semifinished lens requires measurements to determine the required diameter and optical power of the lens. Usually, incident to the fitting process, the diameter of the lens is reduced slightly, therefore it is the practice to specify a lens diameter slightly exceeding that which is actually needed for the final fitted lens. The shape of the lens in its semi-finished form is illustrated by FIG. 2 where it will be noted the lens 10 has a posterior surface 11 which is intended to be fitted to the cornea of the users eye. The outer or anterior surface 12 of the lens terminates by a chamfered portion 13. Typically, this chamfered portion when the lens in its semi-finished state is rough, resembling that of a tool finish and has greatly reduced translucent properties over that of the other surfaces of the lens.
After the selection of a semifinished lens such as that illustrated by FIG. 2, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for machining and polishing of the surfaces of the lens. One or more surfaces of the lens can be readily modified to produce the particular shape and configuration necessary for immediate of subsequent proper fitting of the lens to the eye which relationship is typically illustrated by FIG. 3. The cornea of the eye is generally indicated by the reference numeral 14 and the eyelid 15 is shown passing over the upper leading edge of a finished contact lens 16. It is essential to the successful use of corneal contact lenses to provide the lens with a smooth, tapering extremity which allows movement of the lens on the cornea without the tendency to dig-in and impede movement of the lid over the lens. It is clearly apparent that the semifinished lens shown by FIG. 2 requires machining and then polishing in order to obtain a proper fitting relationship with the cornea as illustrated by FIG. 3. It is important that the outer diameter of the lens should be neither excessively sharp or blunt.
The finished lens shown in FIG. 3 typically includes a central posterior curve 17 which terminates into an intermediate posterior curve surface 18 which then blends into a peripheral posterior curve portion 19. At the anterior surface of the lens there is usually defined a peripheral anterior curve portion 20. The present invention is directed to machining and polishing the surfaces 19 and 20 including, when necessary or desirable, the blending in" of the surface 19 with the surface 18. The diameter of the lens may be reduced, if desired.
After selection of a desired semifinished lens, it is coated with an aqueous solution typically in the form of water (distilled) or other biocompatible solution which is nondestructive to the elastomer material and has a freezing point similar to water, may be employed with successful results. Irrespective of the liquid that is actually employed, the properties of the substance must be such that they will firmly affix the lens to a support surface when the temperature thereof has been reduced below its freezing point. Thus, it is important to establish a layer of liquid between the lens and the support surface of a carrier member. Water is an excellent choice for the liquid, but other liquids having a freezing point of even 75F are usable.
FIGS. 4 and 6 illustrate two forms of apparatus for supporting the lens. The apparatus illustrated by FIG. 4 is used for manual modifications of the lens while the apparatus illustrated by FIG. 6 may be used in an automated manner in combination with a verticallyarranged lathe or similar machine. In FIG. 4, the lens is supported on a lens support disk 21 of a probe 22. The lens support disk has a concave surface 23 when the surface 13 (FIG. 2) of a lens is to be machined and polished. The surface 23 will be convex in shape when the lens surface 11 is to be machined and polished. The surface 24 can be flat, is desired. The diameter of the disk should be one-half millimeter or less than the diameter of the lens so that adequate lens support is provided throughout the machining and polishing operatlons.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the disk is attached by a reduced diameter shaft 24 to a collar 25. The collar is formed integrally with a sleeve portion 26 so that the central opening thereof communicates with a series of holes 30 for providing a gas passageway through the sleeve. The holes 30 direct a cooling medium into impinging contact with the back surface of the disk 21, thus cooling by conduction the support surface 23 for the lens. A length of pipe 27 passes a short distance into the sleeve 26 where it is rigidly attached thereto. The pipe 27 has a sheathing of plastic material 28 to provide a surface by which the user may grip the probe without exposure to the extreme cooling effect of the coolant passing internally through the probe. The pipe 27 is connected to a flexible hose 29 which is joined to a flow control valve 31 receiving a gaseous or liquid coolant from a storage container 32. A number of different types of coolant may be successfully used which include Freon 12 (TM) (CCl F liquid CO and liquid N The coolant may be applied directly onto the lens, if desired, to freeze the layer of liquid used to affix the lens to carrier member. This is followed by cooling by conduction.
Prior to reducing the temperature of the lens it is im portant to center the lens upon the surface 23 of the probe which is accomplished by a visual inspection of the lens on the surface 23 when the probe is held in the upright position. The lens is then held in place by the use of tongs or other readily available instruments until the flow of coolant reduces the temperature of the disk 21 to render the layer of liquid effective thus firmly affixing the lens to the surface 23. It is important that throughout the machining and polishing operations, that the temperature of the lens be reduced to and maintained at, for example, at least -F or lower, thereby materially reducing its elasticity characteristic.
During the machining and polishing operations it is essential that a liquid interface is maintained between the tooling surface of a tool and the lens surface to permit and enhance the mechanical displacement of lens material. This interface liquid must have a low freezing point, Le. a freezing point below 90F, preferably leaving essentially no residuals. A mixture of ethanol an glycerine or similar esters may be used as an interface liquid. It is greatly preferred to select the liquid interface as a mixture of oil of orange and ethyl (C H OI-I). The ethyl alcohol should be 200% proof. In this mixture the concentration of the components is preferred at 1:1 by volume of the oil of orange and ethanol. Available information suggests that the mixture does not undergo any type of chemical reaction. The liquid interface further includes, in its preferred form, one gram of stannic oxide (S,,O) per liter of the above mixture. A powdered form (400 mesh size or smaller) should be selected to function as a polishing agent. The stannic oxide is presently available from Fisher Scientific with the following specification:
8,,0 White FWl50.69
NaOH 0.10% 80., 0.006% Sal Salts 0.50%
Other suitable variations to the ratio of components of the mixture for the liquid interface are possible. For example, ethanol at 40 to 60% in relation to the volume of oil of orange. The quantity of stannic oxide added to the mixture can be varied between 1 gram to 10 grams per liter of solution. Physical agitation of liquid interface mixture should be provided to keep the stannic oxide particles in suspension with the solution.
In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that the liquid interface is a liquid that remains in a liquid state at normal atmospheric pressure and that the interface liquid constitutes a liquid having a freezing point which is essentially below the reduced temperature of the article. The interface liquid can be further characterized in a comparative manner as defining a vapor pressure at any given temperature which is essentially less than the vapor pressure of the coolant medium at the same temperature.
The machining and polishing operations will generate a certain quantity of heat which must be readily dissipated. Therefore, it is preferred to touch the lens with a tooling surface while maintaining the liquid interface therebetween. It is necessary and sufficient to touch the lens once or a number of times for very short periods, each of a duration usually not exceeding 1 second of time.
In FIG. 4, a tooling spindle 35 has a conical tooling surface 36 in the form of a rough tooling finish. The spindle 35 is supported in a socket 37 that is, in turn, rotatably supported by bearings in a support structure. The socket member 37 is connected to a suitable drive such as motor 38 to rotate the member 35 at speeds in excess of 1,000 revolutions per minute. For a machining operation the optimum speed is approximately 2,500 RPM during cutting or similar modification of the lens. For polishing operation the optimum speed is 18,000 RPM. Higher speeds can be used. As will be apparent hereinafter, the tooling member or the lens can be rotated. It is preferred, however, to rotate the lens.
After the desired machining and polishing operations have been completed, the valve 31 is used to terminate the flow of the coolant gas. As the lens and support surface 23 return to ambient temperature, the aqueous layer of liquid becomes liquid again, thus freeing the lens for removal from the probe. A stream of heated air, such as supplied by an ordinary hair dryer, may be directed onto the lens support member to speed up the return of the lens to an ambient temperature. An electric heating element may be embedded below the lens support surface of the carrier member to speed up the return of the lens to an ambient temperature.
A thermocouple may be embedded below the lens support surface and connected to a remote indicator in order to assure that the desired lowered temperature of -90F or less has been reached before machining and polishing operations are commenced. However, it has been discovered that in lieu of actual temperature measurements, visual inspection of the lens and/or support member will reveal a white or a complete frosting appearance to their outer surface upon attaining the desired temperature.
In FIG. 6, illustrates a second embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention and a more automated form apparatus is provided for machining and polishing a contace lens. The anterior surface of a semifinished lens is supported upon the upper convex surface 40 of a cylndrical-shaped holder 41. The holder has fins 41a spaced along its cylindrical surface for very efficient heat transfer, particularly when coolant is applied thereto. It is apparent that the posterior surface ofa lens can be similarly supported upon a holder having a concave lens supporting surface, not shown. A ring 42 has a central bore for receiving the holder 41. The ring 42 has a radial concave edge 43 used for centering the lens upon the surface 40. This is carried out by vertically sliding the ring 42 along the holder 41 until the surfaces 43 contact the outer edge of the lens. As this occurs, the lens being subjected to the forces of gravity and aided by the lubricating effect of the aqueous layer of liquid material previously applied thereto, will cause the lens to assume a centered position. The ring 42 is then allowed to pass downward on the holder 41 and assume an inoperative position where it is seated in a recess 44 formed in the holder 41. An arbor 45 has a central bore into which there is received the stem 46 of the holder 41. The arbor 45 is supported by bearings that are carried by a frame 47 that may be part of the headstock of a lathe which has a vertically rotational axis. The arbor 45 is coupled to a motor for rotation at the desired speed as heretofore indicated. A plunger 50 is urged by a spring 51 toward the lens in order to hold the lens in its centered position before affixing it to the surface 40 by freezing the layer of liquid therebetween. A snap ring 52 maintains the plunger slidably supported within a bore formed in a tooling member 53. The tooling member has an actual tooling surface 54 extending about 20 about the lower edge of the member 53. The surface 54 is shaped for machining and polishing the desired surfaces of the lens illustrated in FIG. 2. The tool member 53 may be supported in the tailstock of the lathe or, if desired, it may be rotated at some preselected speed such that the relative speed between the tooling surface 54 and the lens when supported on the surface 40 falls within the range of speeds as heretofore indicated.
A source of liquefied coolant, such as that illustrated and described in FIG. 4, may be used to direct a stream of coolant directly to the lens to affix it onto the surface 40. A stream of coolant should be directed onto the fins 41a to maintain, if not entirely cool the lens by conductive heat transfer. After the lens has been supported and centered on the surface 40, the tool member 53 is lowered so that the plunger head 50 is brought into holding contact with the lens upon the surface 40 until cooling to a desired temperature has been achieved and maintained. The tool member 53 is then advanced further so that the tooling surface 54 contacts the lens to produce the desired machining and/or polishing operations.
FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred form of a driven lens carrier member employed for the modification of the anterior surface of a lens. A suitable drive, not shown, is provided to rotate the carrier member at the same speeds as previously described in regard to the tooling spindle of FIG. 4. The carrier member 60 includes a drive shaft 60a at its lower end and at its upper end a disk portion 61 defines a flat lens support surface 62 which is highly polished. A layer of liquid 63, e.g., water, is established upon the lens support surface 62. A semifinished lens 10 or the lens 16 is placed upon the layer of liquid 63 such that the peripheral anterior curve area 12 of the lens is exposed. An elastic deforming pressure is applied centrally to the lens in the direction toward the carrier member 60. This pressure is exerted on the lens in such a way to expell all entrapped air which can be determined and confirmed visually because the lens is transparent. The applied pressure on the lens serves the added function of elastically deforming the lens into a flat disk-like configuration as compared with the molded shape shown by FIGS. 2 and 3. The lens is then centered on the support surface 62.
A handle 64 is used to position the discharge end of a nozzle 65 at a space of about 2 mm from a plurality of spaced-apart heat transfer fins 66 below the disk portion 61. The fins are part of the carrier member 60 which is made from material with good heat conduction properties such as copper or aluminum. A gaseous or liquid coolant is conducted by a nozzle onto the heat transfer fins to cool a lens located upon the carrier member by conductive heat transfer down to at least 90F. This cooling freezes the layer of liquid 63 and thereby affixes the lens to the support surface 62. The cooling is also essential to minimizing the elastic properties of the lens material. This renders the material at a temporary state of increased hardness which is conductive to modifying the lens surface by machining and/or polishing. During such modification, it has been found essential to maintain a liquid interface between the surface of the lens and a tooling surface. By selectis provided to rotate the carrier member at the speeds previously described in regard to the tooling spindle of FIG. 4. The carrier member 70 includes a drive shaft 70a at its lower end. A cup-shaped aqueous cell 71 is employed to support a lens at the upper end of the member 70. The cell is cylindrically-shaped and has a chamfered or beveled lens support surface 72. A hollowed internal pocket 73 forms a resevoir for a layer of liquid 74 between the surface 72 and the lens 12 or 16. In FIG. 8, the lens 16 is supported by the liquid to expose the surfaces 17, 18 and 19. To support a lens in this manner, an excessive quantity of liquid '(i.e. water) is placed in the pocket 73 and then the lens is placed upon the liquid. The lens is buoyant and supported by the layer of liquid which acts as a cushion. As a result automatic self-centering and leveling of the lens will take place. A plurality of spaced-apart heat transfer fins 75 are used and constructed in the same manner as described in regard to FIG. 7. However, in FIG. 8 the lens is affixed to the aqueous cell by the freezing of the liquid layer 74 including the liquid in the pocket 73. This cooling is also essential to rendering the lens material at a temporary state of increased hardness as previously described.
Although the invention has been shown in connection with certain specific embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and arrangement of parts may be made to suit requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
We claim as our invention:
1. A method of machining and/or polishing an article, such as a contact lens or the like, ofa molded elastomer to modify a surface of the article, said method including the steps of:
positioning said article upon the support surface of a carrier member;
reducing the temperature of said article in such a way so as to essentially increase the hardness of the molded elastomer forming said article; establishing axliquid interface between a tooling surface and a selected surface of said article to undergomodification in such a manner so as to include forming a wetted liquid surface upon the article after the hardness thereof has been essentially increased by said reducing the temperature; the liquid interface being in a liquid state at normal atmospheric pressure and constituting a liquid having a freezing point below the reduced temperature of the article; modifying the selected surface of said article by the contact with a tooling surface while the selected surface remains wet with and in the presence of said liquid interface while maintaining said molded elastomer at a state of increased hardness by the continued reduced temperature thereof; and
allowing the temperature of said article to return to an ambient room temperature.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the established liquid interface has a vapor pressure at any given temperature which is essentially less than the vapor pressure of the coolant medium at the same temperature.
3. The product formed by the method of claim 1:
4. The method according to claim 1 including the further step of:
producing relative rotation between said article and said tooling surface after said reducing the temperature of said article.
5. The method according to claim 1 including the further steps of:
establishing a layer of liquid between a surface of said article and said support surface of a carrier memher, the liquid forming said layer being such that it remains essentially in a fluid state at an ambient room temperature; and thereafter locating said article into a desired position during said positioning said article upon the support surface of a carrier member,
said reducing the temperature of said article being further essential to the freezing of said layer of liquid to thereby affix said article onto said carrier member.
6. The method according to claim 1 wherein said reducing the temperature of said article is further defined to include the step of:
directing a stream of coolant essentially onto said carrier member to reduce the temperature of said article by conductive heat transfer while the article is supported by the carrier member.
7. The method according to claim 5 wherein following said reducing the temperature of said article, said method includes the further steps of:
rotating said carrier member with said article affixed thereto, and concurrently therewith,
directing a stream of coolant essentially onto said carrier member to maintain the reduced temperature of said article by conductive heat transfer as an incident to said modifying the selected surface of said article.
8. The product formed by the method of claim 7.
9. The method according to claim 7 wherein said directing a stream of coolant is further defined to include maintaining said article at a reduced temperature of at least F.
10. The method according to claim 9 wherein said rotating said carrier member with said article affixed thereto is further defined to include rotating said carrier member at a speed in excess of 1,000 RPM.
11. The method according to claim 10 wherein said article is further defined as a semifinished contact lens of a molded elastomer including a silica filler.
12. The method according to claim wherein following said step of reducing the temperature of said article, said method includes the further steps of:
rotating a tooling member defining said tooling surface at a speed greater than 1,000 RPM,
directing a stream of coolant essentially onto said carrier member to maintain the reduced temperature of said article by conductive cooling as an incident to modifying the selected surface of said article while maintaining said liquid interface between the selected surface and said tooling surface. 13. The product formed by the method of claim 12. 14. The method according to claim 12 wherein said article is further defined as a semifinished contact lens of a molded elastomer including a silica filler.
15. The product formed by the method of claim l4. 16. The method according to claim 5 wherein said layer of liquid established between a surface of said article and the support surface of a carrier member is further defined to include using water to establish said layer of liquid.
17. The method according to claim 7 wherein said article is defined as a contact lens and wherein said step of locating said article into a desired position is further defined to include centering said contact lens upon a contoured surface of the carrier member.
18. The method according to claim 1 for modifying a contact lens wherein said method additionally includes the initial steps of:
establishing a layer of liquid between a surface of said contact lens and a flat support surface of a carrier member, the liquid forming said layer having a freezing point essentially above a subsequently reduced temperature of the lens; and thereafter,
applying pressure on said contact lens in a direction toward said flat support surface to elastically flatten said lens, said reducing the temperature of said article being further essential to freezing said layer of liquid to thereby affix said lens while elastically flattened onto said carrier member.
19. The method according to claim 18 wherein said applying pressure on said contact lens is carried out in such a way so as to expel entrapped air between the lens and the support surface.
20. The product formed by the method of claim 19.
21. The method according to claim 1 for modifying a contact lens wherein said method additionally includes the initial steps of:
filling a hollowed area in a carrier member with a liquid having a freezing point essentially above a subsequently lowered temperature of the lens, and thereafter,
locating said contact lens to float upon said liquid and thereby establish a layer of liquid between said lens and a lens support surface of said carrier member, said reducing the temperature of said article being further essential to freezing said layer of liquid to thereby affix said lens onto said carrier member.
22. The product formed by the method of claim 21.
23. The method according to claim 1 wherein the liquid interface includes ethyl alcohol.
24. The product formed by the method of claim 23.
25. The method according to claim 23 wherein said liquid interface is a mixture of one part by volume of oil of orange and one part by volume of ethyl alcohol.
26. The method according to claim 1 wherein said liquid interface is established by using a liquid suspension of stannic oxide.
27. The method according to claim 23 wherein said mixture for the liquid interface further includes stannic oxide.
28. The method according to claim 27 wherein said stannic oxide has a particle size of 400 mesh size or smaller.
29. The method according to claim 28 wherein between one to ten grams of stannic oxide are added to each liter of liquid mixture of oil of orange and ethyl alcohol.
30. The product formed by the method of claim 29.
31. The method according to claim 1 wherein the temperature of said article is elevated to an ambient room temperature following said step of modifying the selected surface thereof by directing a stream of heated air onto said article.
32. The method according to claim 6 wherein the temperature of said article is returned to an ambient room temperature following said step of modifying the selected surface thereof by directing a stream of heated air onto said carrier member for conductively heating the article to an ambient room temperature.
33. A method of machining and/or polishing an article, such as a contact lens or the like, of a molded elastomer to modify a surface of the article, said method including the steps of:
establishing a layer of liquid between a surface of said article and a support surface of a carrier member, the liquid forming said layer having a freezing point at a temperature essentially above a subsequently reduced temperature of said article; and thereafter locating said article into a desired position upon the support surface of the carrier member;
reducing the temperature of said article to essentially freeze said layer of liquid to thereby affix said article onto said carrier member, said reducing the temperature of said article being further essential to increasing the hardness of the molded elastomer forming said article;
rotating the carrier member while said article is affixed thereto;
modifying the selected surface of said article by the contact with a tooling surface while maintaining said molded elastomer at a state of increased hardness by said reducing the temperature thereof; and thereafter,
allowing the temperature of said article to return to an ambient room temperature.
34. The product formed by the method of claim 33.
35. The method according to claim 33 wherein said layer of liquid established between a surface of said article and the support surface of a carrier member is further defined to include using water to establish said layer of liquid.
36. The method according to claim 33 wherein said article is defined as a contact lens and wherein said step of reducing the temperature of said article includes directing a stream of coolant onto said carrier member to conductively cool the contact lens.
37. The method according to claim 33 for modifying a contact lens wherein said layer of liquid is established upon a flat lens support surface, said method additionally includes the steps of:
arranging said lens upon the established layer of liquid, and thereafter applying pressure on said contact lens in a direction toward said flat support surface to elastically flatten said lens as an essential incident to freezing said layer of liquid to thereby affix said lens while elastically flattened onto said carrier member. 38. The product formed by the method of claim 37. 39. The method according to claim 37 wherein said applying pressure on said contact lens is carried out in such a way so as to expel entrapped air between the lens and the support surface.
40. The method according to claim 33 for modifying a contact lens wherein said method additionally includes the initial steps of:
filling a hollowed area in a carrier member with a liquid to form said layer of liquid, and thereafter, locating said contact lens to float upon said liquid to thereby establish a layer of liquid between said lens and a lens support surface of said carrier member, and thereafter centering said contact lens by buoyant floating upon the layer of liquid, said reducing the temperature of said article being further essential to freezing said layer of liquid to thereby affix said lens onto said carrier member. 41. The product formed by the method of claim 40. 42. An apparatus for machining and/or polishing a molded elastomer article, said apparatus comprising:
carrier means including a face surface for supporting said article in a manner to expose a surface thereof during modification, said carrier means further including a heat exchange surface remote to said face surface to essentially reduce the temperature of said article while supported by said carrier means through the agency of conductive heat transfer; said carrier means further includes a layer of liquid on said face surface for affixing said contact lens thereto upon freezing thereof; means to direct a cooling medium onto said heat exchange surface for hardening said article by reducing the temperature thereof; tooling means including a liquid interface for modifying the exposed surface of said article; and means for producing relative rotation between said tooling means and said article while supported by said carrier means.
43. The apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said carrier means further includes an elongated tubular support member having openings in the wall thereof for conducting said coolant medium from within said tubular support member onto said heat exchange surface.
44. The apparatus according to claim 42 further comprising a centering ring including a contoured surface for displacement into engagement with said contact lens to center the lens relative to said carrier means.
45. The apparatus according to claim 42 further comprising:
a plunger having a surface at one end for contact with said article when supported by said carrier means, resilient means for urging said plunger into holding contact with said article, and
means for supporting said plunger relative to said carrier means.
46. The apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said liquid interface is further defined as a mixture of oil of orange and ethyl alcohol.
47. The apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said liquid interface includes ethyl alcohol at 200 proof.
48. The apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said liquid interface is further defined to include a liquid suspension of stannic oxide having a particle with a mesh size of 400 or smaller.
49. The apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said article is a contact lens and wherein said carrier means is further defined to include a flat surface for supporting said contact lens in an elastically flattened state.
50. The apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said carrier means is further defined to include a tubular wall with an inclined lens support surface at the upper end thereof, said tubular wall defining the sides of pocket, a floor wall in said carrier means lying below said lens support surface for supporting a volume of liquid in said pocket.
51. The apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said carrier means is further defined to include a cupshaped liquid container having a tubular wall defining a lens support surface at the upper end thereof. |
US-3874125-A | Convertible pad sander | United States Patent 11 1 Stroezel 5] Apr. 1, 1975 CONVERTIBLE PAD SANDER 3,136,099 6/1964 Tully et al 51/170 MT Inventor: Reinhold Sneeze], Leinfelden, 3,375,616 4/1968 Scott et a1 51/170 MT Germany Primary Examinerlames L. Jones, Jr. [73] Asslgnee: Robert Bosch GmbH Stuttgart Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael S. Striker Germany [22] Filed: Mar. 27, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT A N [21] pp] 0 455286 A sander wherein an electnc motor can rotate a shaft in two directions and the shaft carries an eccentric [30] Foreign Application Priority Data which orbits the pad while the shaft rotates in one di- Mar. 31, 1973 Germany 2316286 reetien and reeiproeates the p while the shaft tates in the opposite direction. Two counterweights [52] US. Cl 51/170 TL, 51/170 MT, 15/22 R rotate about the shaft in the same direction while the [51] Int. Cl. B24b 23/00 pa Orbits, and in pp r t s while h pad [58] Field of Search 51/170 T, 170 TL, 170 MT reciprocates. A change in the direction of rotary 51/170 R; 15/22 R, 50 R, 98 movement of the shaft automatically entails a conversion of orbital movement of the pad into reciprocatory [56] References Cited movement, or vice versa.
UNITED STATES PATENTS 20 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures 2.893,]77 7/1959 Bruck 51/170 MT PATENTED APR 1 5 SHLEI 1 BF 2 CONVERTIBLE PAD SANDER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to portable power tools in general, and more particularly to improvements in pad sanders. Still more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in convertible pad sanders wherein the platen and the cushion can perform orbital or reciprocatory movements.
It is already known to provide a pad sander with a selector which enables the means for moving the pad to impart to the latter an orbital movement or a reciprocatory movement. It is also known to provide such sanders with two counterweights which are intended to balance the mass of the moving pad. The pad is attached to the housing of the sander by one or more elastic columns or the like. The element which moves the pad is an eccentric driven by the output shaft of an electric motor or another suitable prime mover. One of the counterweights is a flywheel and the other is a balancing beam. When the sander is in use, the center of gravity of the flywheel moves counter to the direction of movement of the center of gravity of the balancing beam. This effects a mere partial balancing of the pad regardless of the setting of the selector, i.e., regardless of whether the pad orbits or reciprocates. Consequently, the manipulation of such sanders necessitates the exertion of a substantial effort because the operator must grip the handle or handles of the power tool with a considerable force. This is tiresome to the user and results in excessive wear upon the parts of the sander.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a convertible pad sander wherein the pad is fully or nearly fully balanced, not only while the pad performs orbital movements but also when the pad is caused to reciprocate with respect to the housing.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved system of counterweights in a convertible pad sander.
A further object of the invention is to provide a pad sander whose pad can orbit or reciprocate with novel and improved means for selecting the mode of movement of the pad with respect to the housing.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a pad sander wherein the mechanism for transmitting motion to the pad occupies little room, which can be manipulated for extended periods of time with a minimum of effort, and wherein the wear on the moving parts and their bearings is less pronounced than in conventional pad sanders.
The invention is embodied in a pad sander which comprises a housing, a pad which is movably coupled to the housing by elastic columns or the like, drive means including a prime mover mounted in or on the housing, an eccentric receiving motion from the prime mover and serving to move the pad with respect to the housing, and control means which is operable to respectively convert the movement of the eccentric into orbital or reciprocatory movements of the pad, a pair of counterweights rotatable in the housing about a common axis to compensate for imbalance of the pad while the pad performs orbital or reciprocatory movements, and means for respectively rotating the counterweights in the same direction and in opposite directions when the pad respectively orbits and reciprocates with respect to the housing. The controol means is preferably operated by mechanical selector means, such as a selector means including a reciprocable plunger installed in a shaft which carries the eccentric and can be driven by the prime mover in two directions through the intermediary of a set of gears.
The counterweights and/or their carriers are preferably mounted one behind the other on the shaft which carries the eccentric.
The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved pad sander itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together with additional features and advantages thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a fragmentary partly elevational and partly longitudinal vertical sectional view of a convertible pad sander which embodies the invention, the parts of the sander being shown in positions they assume when the pad is ready to perform orbital movements;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view as seen in the direction of arrows from the line II-II of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view as seen in the direction of arrows from the line III-III of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a portable power tool which constitutes a pad sander. The sander comprises a housing 10 which is rigid with the casing of a prime mover here shown as an electric motor 11. The casing of the motor 1 l is rigid with a handle 12 receiving one end of a flexible power cord 12a the other end of which carries a plug, not shown, which is insertable into an outlet. A pad 13 including a platen and a cushion of synthetic plastic or other suitable material is movably coupled to the underside of the housing 10 by several elastic columns 14 or in another suitable way.
The output shaft 15 of the motor 11 extends downwardly toward the pad 13 and rotates in an antifriction ball bearing 16 of the housing 10. The lower end portion of the output shaft 15 is rigid or integral with two gears 17 and 18. The lower gear 18 is larger than the upper gear 17. A fan 15a is mounted on the output shaft 15 at a level above the bearing 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the gears 17, 18 are integral with each other and are fixedly mounted on the shaft 15 against any angular, axial and/or other movement relative thereto.
An intermediate shaft 19 is fixedly mounted in the housing 10. The shaft 19 is parallel to the output shaft 15 and is surrounded by a needle bearing 19a for a small intermediate gear 20 which meshes with the upper gear 17 on the output shaft 15. The gear 20 is freely rotatable on the intermediate shaft 19 but is held against any appreciable axial movement.
A further shaft 21 is mounted in the housing 10 in parallelism with the shafts 15 and 19. The upper part of the shaft 21 is mounted in a needle bearing 22 and the lower part of the shaft 21 extends into the inner race of an antifriction ball bearing 23 in the housing 10. That end portion of the shaft 21 which is adjacent to the pad 13 is provided with an eccentric pin 24 located at a level below the bearing 23.
A first counterweight or balancing weight 26 is nonrotatably secured to the shaft 21 between the bearings 22, 23 by a radially extending motion transmitting pin 25. The counterweight 26 is inwardly adjacent to a second counterweight or balancing weight 27 which is attached to or made integral with the periphery of a substantially dished lower portion 28a of a carrier 28 surrounding the shaft 21. The carrier 28 further includes a tubular extension 29 which is coaxial with and spacedly surrounds the shaft 21. The extension 29 has an axially extending through bore 30 for two needle bearings 31, 32 which surround the shaft 21 between the bearings 22 and 23. The carrier 28 is rigidly connected with a gear 33 which meshes with the lower gear 18 on the output shaft 15.
The intermediate gear 20 on the shaft 19 meshes with a further gear 35 which is secured to a second carrier 36 telescoped onto the extension 29 of the carrier 28 and rotatable in a friction bearing or sleeve bearing 36 in the housing 10. The tubular intermediate portion 37 of the carrier 36 has at its upper end a transversely extending ring-shaped cover or wall 38 surrounding the adjacent portion of the shaft 21.
The upper end portion of the shaft 21 is formed with an axially extending recess or blind bore 39 for a reciprocable selector plunger 40. The lower portion of the plunger 40 is formed with a diametrically extending passage 41 for a sleeve 42 which receives a spherical torque transmitting element 44 and a helical spring 43 tending to move the element 44 radially outwardly. The spring 43 reacts against an end wall 42 of the sleeve 42. The element 44 (hereinafter called ball for short) serves as a means for selectively coupling the shaft 21 with the carrier 28 or 36. To this end, the end wall 38 of the carrier 36 is formed with an axially parallel internal groove 45 which can receive a portion of the ball 44 in one axial position of the selector plunger 40. The upper end portion of the extension 29 of the carrier 28 is rigid with a ring-shaped insert 46 having an axially parallel internal groove 47 which can receive the ball 44 in another axial position of the selector plunger 40. The end wall 42 of the sleeve 42 extends into an axially parallel groove of the shaft 21 so that the plunger 40 can move axially of but cannot rotate relative to the shaft 21.
The upper end portion of the plunger 40 extends beyond the bore 39 in the shaft 21 and forms a spool or reel with two flanges 48, 49 surrounding an annular groove 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the groove 50 receives a portion of a shifting pin 52 which is eccentrically mounted in a rotary shank 51 provided with an actuating knob 53. The latter is accessible to the operator at the outer side of the housing 10. Thus, the operator can move the selector plunger 40 axially to thereby introduce the ball 44 into the groove 45 or 47 by rotating the knob 53, preferably with respect to a suitable scale on the housing 10. In that axial position of the plunger 40 which is shown in FIG. 1, the ball 44 extends into the groove 47 so that the shaft 21 can rotate with respect to the carrier 36 and vice versa, but the shaft 21 shares all angular movements of the carrier 28 for the counterweight 27. When the knob 53 is rotated through 180 or less (with respect to the position shown in FIG. 3), the plunger 40 is lifted by the pin 52 and the ball 44 enters the groove 45 so that the shaft 21 must rotate with the carrier 36 but is free to rotate independently of the carrier 28.
The eccentric pin 24 at the lower end of the shaft 21 extends into a control device 55 whose setting determines the mode of operation of the sander. The control device 55 has a frame 70 which is fixedly mounted on the platen of the pad 13, and the device 55 can be set to impart to the pad 13 an orbital or a reciprocatory movement. The control device 55 comprises a winged input member 56 which is turnable about a muff 65 and has two projections or wings 57, 58 located diametrically opposite each other. The input member 56 is mounted in a socket 59 provided therefor in a slide or tray 60 having two recesses 61, 62 which are located diametrically opposite each other. In FIG. 2, the common axis 63 of the recesses 61, 62 makes an acute angle with the common symmetry plane 63a of the wings 57, 58. The muff 65 is received in an axial bore of the input member 56 and is rigid with the eccentric pin 24 of the shaft 21. The lower portion of the muff 65 (as viewed in FIG. 1) has a transversely extending bore 66 for a spherical detent member 68 which is biased outwardly by a helical spring 67. The latter urges a portion of the spherical detent member 68 into and beyond a radial aperture 56 of the input member 56 and into an arcuate internal groove 69 of the tray 60. The heretofore described parts of the control device 55 are installed in the substantially square frame 70 which is formed with outwardly bulging portions or sockets 71, 72 respectively adjacent to the recesses 61, 62 of the tray 60. When the projections or wings 57, 58 of the input member 56 assume the positions shown in FIG. 2, their outer edge faces abut against the adjacent portions of the internal surface of the frame 70. If the input member 56 is turned clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 2, so that the common plane 63a of the wings 57, 58 coincides with the common axis 63 of the recesses 61, 62 of the tray 60, the outer edge faces of the wings 57, 58 are spaced apart from the internal surface of the frame 70 and can move into and out of the respective sockets 71, 72.
The muff 65 is mounted in an antifriction ball bearing 73 which is mounted in the tray 60. The frame 70 is rigid with the platen of the pad 13. FIG. 2 shows that the length of the tray 60, as considered in the direction from the portion 72 toward the portion 71 of the frame 70, is less than the length of the frame so that the tray 60 can move up and down (as viewed in FIG. 2) when the wings 57, 58 respectively extend into the recesses 61, 62. The width of the tray 60 matches the width of the space which is surrounded by the frame 70.
If the winged input member 56 of the control device 55 is moved to the angular position shown in FIG. 2, the sander is set for orbital movement of the pad 13. The knob 53 is assumed to be in the position shown in FIG. 3 so that the plunger 40 assumes its lower end position and the ball 44 extends into the internal groove 47 to thereby couple the shaft 21 to the carrier 28. When the starter switch (not shown) for the motor 11 is closed, the output shaft 15 causes its gears 17, 18 to respectively rotate the gears 35 and 33. The gear 18 is directly in mesh with the gear 33 but the gear 35 receives torque through the medium of the gear 20 so that the gears 33 and 35 rotate in opposite directions. Since the gear 35 does not transmit torque to the shaft 21 (the ball 44 extends into the groove 47 of the carrier 28), the gear 35 merely orbits about the axis of the shaft 21.
The gear 18 rotates the shaft 21 by way of the gear 33, carrier 28, ball 44 and sleeve 42. The eccentric pin 24 causes the control device 55 to impart to the pad 13 an orbital movement. At the same time, the pin 25 of the shaft 21 causes the counterweight 26 to orbit about the shaft 21 in the direction of orbital movement of the counterweight 27. The counterweight 27 is rotated directly by the gear 33 and carrier 28, and the counterweight 26 is rotated by the gear 33 indirectly through the medium of carrier 28, ball 44, sleeve 42, shaft 21 and pin 25. The masses of the counterweights 26, 27 are selected in such a way that they compensate for the imbalance of the orbiting pad 13.
If the pad 13 is to perform a reciprocatory movement, the winged input member 56 must be turned so that the plane 63a coincides with the axis 63 of FIG. 2. This is achieved by turning the knob 53 from the position shown in FIG. 3 so that the eccentric pin 52 shifts the plunger 40 axially (upwardly, as viewed in FIGS. 1 or 2) in order to introduce the ball 44 into the groove 47 of the wall 38. The shaft 21 is then rotated by the gear 17 through the medium of the gears 20, 35, carrier 36, ball 44 and sleeve 42. The direction of rotation of the shaft 21 is counter to the direction of rotation when the shaft 21 receives torque from the gears 18 and 33 because the gear is rotated by the gear 17 through the intermediary of the gear 20. The counterweight 26 shares the angular movement of the shaft 21 because it is connected thereto by the pin 25. In order to achieve an optimum balancing of masses when the pad 13 performs a reciprocatory rather than an orbital movement, the counterweights 26 and 27 should rotate in opposite directions. This occurs as soon as the plunger is lifted because the direction of rotation of the shaft 21 and counterweight 26 is then changed but the counterweight 27 continues to rotate in the same direction as before because its carrier 28 receives torque from the gears 18 and 33, i.e., the same as when the shaft 21 is driven by the carrier 28. The counterweights 26, 27 bypass each other along both longitudinal sides of the pad 13 and are located diametrically opposite each other when moving along the transverse sides of the pad. Thus, the mass of the counterweights 26, 27 balances the mass of the pad 13 while the latter moves lengthwise and the mass of one counterweight balances the mass of the other counterweight when the counterweights travel along the shorter sides of the pad. Such mode of operation insures a highly satisfactory balancing of masses while the pad performs reciprocatory movements.
The control device is operated as follows:
It is assumed (by looking at the sander from above) that the shaft 21 is driven to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, i.e., counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 2. The eccentric pin 24 orbits about the axis of the shaft 21, together with the muff 65, whereby the detent ball 68 of FIG. 2 moves against the inclined surface 69a at the lower end of the groove 69 in the tray and is depressed into the bore 66 of the muff so that the latter can rotate in the input member 56. Therefore, the wings 57, 58 remain in the angular positions of FIG. 2 and prevent a reciprocatory movement of the pad 13 while causing the pad to orbit about the axis of the shaft 21 to the extent determined by eccentricity of the pin 24. This takes place while the plunger 40 dwells in the depressed or lower end position of FIGS. 1 or 2. The frame (and hence the pad 13) is orbited by the wings 57, 58 because the input member 56 orbits with the muff 65 and eccentric pin 24.
If the direction of rotation of the shaft 21 is thereupon changed by lifting the plunger 40 in response to rotation of the knob 53, the shaft 21 rotates in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, and the parts 24, 65 orbit clockwise. The spring 67 expels the ball 68 into the groove 69 so that a portion of the ball 68 extends into and beyond the aperture 56. Consequently, as the shaft 21 rotates clockwise, the muff 65 turns the input member 56 clockwise so that the wings 57, 58 respectively enter the recesses 61 and 62 of the tray 60. The wings 57, 58 come to rest when they respectively abut against the surfaces 61a, 62a of the tray 60, i.e, when the axis 63 is located in the plane 63a. As the muff 65 continues to orbit, the surface 69b at the upper end of the groove 69 (as viewed in FIG. 2) depresses the ball 68 into the bore 66 so that the muff 65 is free to turn clockwise in the input member 56 but the wings 57, 58 remain in abutment with the surfaces 61a, 62a. The wings 57, 58 can enter the adjacent portions of the frame 70 in certain angular positions of the eccentric pin 24 with respect to the axis of the shaft 21 (which rotates clockwise). The tray 60 is then free to move in the frame 70 so that the frame 70 merely shares those movements of the tray 60 which cause the pad 13 to move lengthwise. Consequently, the pad 13 reciprocates whenever the shaft 21 is rotated clockwise.
The reference characters denote the customary retainers for a sandpaper or a sanding sheet which is to be draped around the cushion of the pad 13 before the power tool is put to use.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features which fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of my contribution to the art and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalent of the claims.
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
1. In a pad sander, a combination comprising a housing; a pad movably coupled to said housing; drive means including a prime mover, an eccentric receiving motion from said prime mover and arranged to move said pad with respect to said housing, and control means operable to respectively convert the movement of said eccentric into orbital or reciprocatory movements of said pad; a pair of counterweights rotatable about a common axis to compensate for the imbalance of said pad while the pad performs said movements; and means for respectively rotating said counterweights in the same direction and in opposite directions when said pad respectively orbits and reciprocates with respect to said housing.
2. A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising mechanical selector means for operating said control means.
3. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said prime mover comprises a rotory output member and further comprising a shaft rotatable in said housing about said common axis, said counterweights being mounted on said shaft and said drive means further comprising gears for rotating said shaft in response to rotation of said output member.
4. A combination as defined in claim 3, further comprising a carrier for one of said counterweights, one of said gears being rigid with said carrier.
5. A combination as defined in claim 3, further comprising means for transmitting torque from said shaft directly to one of said counterweights.
6. A combination as defined in claim 3, wherein said output member is parallel with said shaft and further comprising a carrier rigid with one of said counterweights and mounted on said shaft, said drive means further comprising an intermediate shaft and said gears including first and second gears rigid with said output member, a third gear mounted on said intermediate shaft and meshing with said first gear, a fourth gear rigid with said carrier and meshing with said second gear, and a fifth gear mounted on said first mentioned shaft and meshing with said third gear, said drive means further comprising coupling means operable to transmit torque or to interrupt the transmission of torque from said fifth gear to said first mentioned shaft.
7. A combination as defined in claim 6, wherein one of said first and second gears is larger than the other of said first and second gears.
8. A combination as defined in claim 6, wherein said eccentric is provided on said first mentioned shaft.
9. A combination as defined in claim 6, further comprising a second carrier rigid with said fifth gear, said coupling means being operable to transmit torque or to interrupt the transmission of torque from said second carrier to said first mentioned shaft.
10. A combination as defined in claim 9, wherein said coupling means comprises an element which transmits torque from said first mentioned carrier to said first mentioned shaft when said coupling means interrupts the transmission of torque from said second carrier to said first mentioned shaft, and vice versa.
11. A combination as defined in claim 10, wherein said element of said coupling means is a spring-biased ball.
12. A combination as defined in claim 9, further comprising selector means for operating said coupling means, said first mentioned shaft having an axial bore and said selector means comprising a plunger supporting said element and non-rotatably received in said bore, said plunger being movable axially of said first mentioned shaft between first and second positions in which said element respectively couples said first mentioned shaft to said first mentioned carrier and to said second carrier.
13. A combination as defined in claim 12, further comprising means for moving said plunger, including an eccentric coupled to said plunger and actuating means for moving said eccentric.
14. A combination as defined in claim 3, further comprising a carrier for one of said counterweights, said carrier having a dished first portion coaxial with and surrounding said shaft and a tubular second portion also coaxial with and surrounding said shaft, said one counterweight being provided at the periphery of said first portion and one of said gears being rigid with one portion of said carrier.
15. A combination as defined in claim 14, further comprising antifriction bearings interposed between said shaft and said tubular second portion of said carrier.
16. A combination as defined in claim 14, further comprising a second carrier having a tubular portion coaxial with and surrounding said tubular second portion of said first carrier, another of said gears being rigid with the tubular portion of said second carrier.
17. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said control means comprises a slide for moving said pad and an input member operable by said eccentric to move said slide during each stage of movement of said eccentric to thereby orbit said pad or to move said slide during selected stages of movement of said eccentric to thereby reciprocate said pad.
18. A combination as defined in claim 17, wherein said control means further comprises a muff fixed to said eccentric and detent means installed between said input member and said slide and arranged to operate said input member.
19. A combination as defined in claim 17, wherein said control means further comprises a frame rigid with said pad and confining said slide, said frame having two sockets and said input member having two projections which move into and from said sockets while said pad reciprocates with respect to said housing.
20. A combination as defined in claim 19, wherein said input member is turnable with respect to said slide to move said projections into and from alignment with said sockets, said slide having recesses for said projections. |
US-3874126-A | Flexible hand held abrading tool | United States Patent [191 Catlin et al.
[ *Apr. 1,1975
[ FLEXIBLE HAND HELD ABRADING TOOL [73] Assignee: Remington Arms Company, Inc.,
Bridgeport, Conn.
[*1 Notice: The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to Nov. 27, 1990 has been disclaimed.
[22] Filed: Nov. 23, I973 [21] Appl. No.: 418,498
Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No, 189,786, Oct. 15, 1971, Pat. No. 3,774,355, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 803,561, March 3, 1969, abandoned.
3,774,355 11/1973 Dawson ct al. 51/395 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 151,172 8/1955 Sweden 29/80 Primary Examiner-Othell M. Simpson Attorney, Agent, or Firm-,Iohn H. Lewis, Jr.; Nicholas Skovran [57] ABSTRACT A flexible base metal strip has a strong, tough and adherent abrasive armoring coating produced thereon in situ from abrasive particles of hard, high melting material selected from the group consisting of metal carbides, borides, nitrides, silicides and combinations thereof, and particles of a matrix metal, said matrix metal particles being in said armoring coating and fusion bonded to each other, to the base metal strip and to the abrasive particles to anchor and partially embed the abrasive particles therein with the particles projecting therefrom in the form of a seris of sharp cutting edges. Attachment means are provided at each end of the coated strip for attachment of the strip to a suitable frame such as a standard hack saw frame. When properly secured and tensioned in such a frame, a small, flexible hand held abrading tool is formed which is suitable for hand working materials having a high hardness so as to be unsuitable to be worked by prior art abrading tools.
8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures ATENTEU 3.874126 sum 1 0f 2 FLEXIBLE HAND HELD ABRADING TOOL This is a continuation-in-part of our copending application Ser. No. 189,786, filed Oct. 15. I971 US. Pat. No. 3.774.355, which is in turn a continuation of our application Ser. No. 803,561,, filed Mar. 3. 196 now abandoned.
This invention pertains to armored abrading tools and the production thereof. comprising a structural base member composed of a base metal, such as steel, alloy steel or other metal or alloy characterized inherently by high strength. hardness and toughness or heat treatable to such, said structural base member having a hard wearing, ductile and abrasive surface coating produced in situ from powdered metal particles of a hard, refractory brazing or matrix metal or metal alloy, such as a nickel-base or cobalt-base alloy, and abrasive particles of a hard, high melting material. such as metal carbides, borides, nitrides, silicides or equivalent diamond substitute materials, said matrix metal particles being fusion bonded to each other, to said abrasive particles and to said base metal, and said abrasive particles being partially embedded oranchored in said. ma trix metal and projecting therefrom to provide a multiplicity of sharp cutting edges.
The invention provides a new tool of the above type and methods of producing the same. These tools have a new field of utility, namely, a flexible, hand held file band tool having surface portions armored as above, the tool being particularly adapted for hand filing and surface abrading of such refractory materials and metals as glass, fiber glass, ceramics, cement asbestos, tiles, high temperature alloys, such as chrome-nickel alloys, titanium and titanium base alloys and the like.
Small hand held filing or abrading tools have long been commercially available. The most common tool of this type is characterized by the conventional metal file which generally comprises a relatively thick piece of suitably shaped steel with its surfaces grooved in a pattern to produce raised cutting points for effecting the abrading or filing action. Similar tools have recently been manufactured by securing minute cutting elements to the steel bar by a copper braze instead of scoring the surface. Such tools are disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,906,612, issued to Myron L. Anthony et al. on Sept. 29, 1959. Prior art hand held abrading devices may be used only for surface grinding of relatively soft materials, such as wood or other cellulosic products, unreinforced plastics, relatively soft metals such as aluminum, brass, mild steel and the like. Additionally,
they are inherently rigid, rendering. them much less readily adaptable to work in the contouring of surfaces.
in accordance with this invention, a metallic strip of suitable length is mounted at its end portions to an appropriate frame, such as a hack saw frame. Tension of the file band may thus be adjusted to provide any desired degree of flexibility for abrading work.
The armoring coating of the tile band is preferably so applied that the abrading grit particles are anchored in weldments of the matrix metal which are individual thereto and which may be spaced apart as desired for enhancing the flexibility and fatigue life of the file band. A preferred method for applying the armoring coating to the substrate band stock consists first in precoating the abrasive particles with a fluxing agent, such as borax, and with the brazing metal powders, the brazing metal powders being advantageously of much smaller particle size than the abrasive particles A thin adhesive coating is next applied to the surface portion or portions of the substrate to be armored, preferably vby a printing operation, employing printer's ink or other adhesives as the coating materials. Before this coating becomes dry, the so-printed surface of the substrate is passed beneath a falling curtain of the precoated abrasive particles at a rate of application adjusted to provide a preselected average spacing between the particlesfalling upon and adhering to the printed surface portions. non-adhering particles being removed thence by such means as an air blast or vacuum. In this way, the precoated abrasive particles may be applied to the printed surface portions in as dense or sparse a distribution as desired. depending on the character of the substrate being armored. For armoring thefile band stock of this invention, a relatively sparse distribution is desired as has been previously mentioned.
The thus armored tool or substrate band stock is then allowed to travel for some distance, or through a drying unit, until the adhesive coating is dryed and thence is passed next through an induction heating coil energized from a high frequency alternating current source for rapidly heating the tool or file band stock to temperatures sufficiently high to melt the brazing metal powders coating each grit particle whereby the molten matrix metal flows about the base of each grit particle and onto the base metal substrate and by capillary action coalesces into a cup-like molten pool partially immersing the grit particle therein. with said particle projecting therefrom.
The file band stock is next subjected to rapid cooling in an inert atmosphere or fluid until cooled to temperatures such that the molten cup of brazing metal surrounding the base of each grit particle solidifies and thus permanently anchors the grit base therein in bonded relation to the grit particle and to the substrate base metal. This heating and cooling may also be such as to austenitize and thence transform to martensite the micro-structure of this steel substrate which is thereafter subjected to a tempering treatment.
The file band is then punched and cut into suitable lengths for mounting on the desired frame.
Numerous advantages result from individually precoating the grit particles, each with its own supply of brazing metal and fluxing agent. The amount of brazing metal for each grit particle can be accurately controlled to partially embed the same only to an extent desired and to assure that each grit particle will project therefrom to provide a sharp, exposed cutting edge. The brazing metal for each grit particle bonds only to the grit particle coated thereby and also only to a relatively small area of the substrate base metal. This is a particular advantage in armoring applications requiring a flexible substrate with optimum fatigue properties as in the file band of this invention. This is further facilitated by the fact that the precoated grit particles may be applied to the substrate with a controlled average spacing between the particles such that the bonded particles may be spaced apart sufficiently as not to impair the flexibility and fatigue life of the substrate band stock. The precoating also facilitates application of the armoring coating in spaced patterns if such is desired for a particular application. The precoating of the grit particles is particularly efficacious where such particles are relatively large. Small grit particles are, however, more difficult to precoat and, with respect to such, a
satisfactory file band can be produced without preeoating.
The advantages resulting from precoating the grit particles are less readily obtainable with other methods for applying an armoring coating, such as that wherein there is first applied to the substrate a thin layer of paste flux, then a layer of brazing metal powders and finally an overlayer of the carbide grit particles, or that wherein a paste flux and the brazing metal powders are premixed and applied as an initial coating on the substrate base metal and an overcoating of the grit particles superimposed thereon. Such techniques tend to produce a layer of brazing metal which covers the substrate in varying thickness throughout the armored area, depending on the amount of brazing metal initially applied and wherein it is difficult to control the extent of embedment of the grit particles. Also, where flexible substrate is required, as in the case of the tile band, a continuous layer of brazing metal reduces the flexibility and fatigue life because the physical properties of the brazing metal may not be compatible with those of the substrate. Also, the procedure for applying the flux, brazing metal and grit particles in two or three separate operations results in increased labor costs, while the excess braze metal not actually employed for anchoring the grit particles increases the material cost as compared to the grit precoating technique of this invention.
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be had for a more detailed description to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand held abrading tool constructed by mounting a file band of this invention in a suitable frame;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a fragmentary portion of steel or alloy steel flexible strip stock which is continuously armored on one surface longitudinally thereof in accordance with the preferred embodiment ofthis invention;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along the line 33 thereof;
FIG. 4 is a plan view similar to FIG. 2 wherein the base stock is armored in spaced-rectangular areas in accordance with another embodiment of this invention;
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic showing in flow sheet form illustrative of a method and apparatus for producing the armored grinding stock of this invention;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view in elevation of a tungsten carbide particle coated with a flux such as borax and matrix metal particles;
FIG. 7 is a view in elevation of the coated carbide particle of FIG. 6 after fusion bonding to the base metal strip; and
FIG. 8 is a plan view of base metal strip as punched prior to coating in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
Referring now to the drawings, FlG. 1 illustrates an abrading tool I] in accordance with this invention having a suitable frame 12 such as, in this case, a hack saw frame which is provided with a pair of opposed mounting brackets 14 which are adapted for securing thereto a file band 15 of this invention. In the preferred embodiment, the file band I5 is provided with a hole 15a positioned at each end portion thereof to accommodate standard mounting means such as those generally used for the securing of a hack saw blade in the frame 12. lfdesired, any other type of attachment means may be provided at or secured to the end portions of the file band 15. It should be noted that the mounting brackets 14 are preferably rotated in the frame 12 to the position shown in FIG. I, so that one side of the file band 15 will be in working position, facing outwardly from the frame, as distinguished from a saw wherein an edge of the blade is so positioned.
The file band 15 (FIG. 2) preferably comprises a flexible strip of base metal, such as a steel or alloy steel strip 16 which is provided with an armoring coating 17 extending continuously in the longitudinal direction. End portions, however, may remain uncoated in a manner and for reasons to be further described in detail. Referring to FIG. 3, the armoring coating 17 comprises a myriad of tungsten carbide or other diamond substitute abrasive particles 19 each of said particles being partially embedded in and bonded to a substantially meniscus shaped anchoring layer 20 of a matrix metal, such as a high melting, refractory, nickel-base or cobalt-base alloy, which anchoring layer of matrix metal is in turn bonded to and alloyed with the base metal 16.
FIG. 4 illustrates how the armoring coating may be, if desired, applied to the base stock 16 in longitudinally spaced rectangular areas 21. Such a configuration may be preferable in certain applications to the continuous coating illustrated in FIG. 2 and may be accomplished in a manner set forth herein and described in greater detail in our above-mentioned Patent application Ser. No. I89,786.
Referring to FIG. 5, the following is a suitable sequence of manufacturing operation for the production of armored file bands in accordance with this invention. A coil of for example AlSl 6150 alloy steel strip 0.025 in. thick by l in. wide is mounted on an unwind wheel 30. By way of example, this coil may contain approximately l,()()() ft. of strip. A frictional drag mechanism of conventional construction (not shown) restrains the unwind wheel from turning prematurely in response to the spring energy contained in the wound up steel strip. The strip passes thence between a pair of rubber covered wheels 31, 32, which frictionally engage the strip in the upper roll of which is driven in order to move it forward against the resistance of the frictional drag mechanism. Thus, the upper roll 31 is driven by a variable speed electric motor 33 and geared head speed reducer 34 while the lower roll 32 functions as an idling back up roll.
The strip then passes between a pair of rolls 35, 36 of an industrial roll type printing machine 37. This machine prints a desired pattern as shown, for example, in either FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, on the top side of the strip using a viscous coating medium, as hereinafter described. The printing machine is driven via a chain drive 38 by the same motor and speed reducer 33, 34 that powers the drive wheel 3] so that the printing speed and strip speed are synchronized.
While the printed pattern is still wet, the strip passes under a vibratory feed hopper 39, electromagnetically actuated in conventional fashion. This feed hopper covers the entire strip with a thin layer, as'at 40, of tungsten carbide or other abrasive particles which have been preeoated with a suitable flux such as borax and brazing metal powders, as described below. By controlling the relationship between the operating rate of the feed hopper 39 and the rate of travel of the strip 16, the particle density and distribution of the grit particles can be well controlled to leave any desired average spacing between adjacent abrasive particles.
This strip covered with the thus precoated tungsten carbide particles travels next to the air blower 4]. The blower removes the abrasive particles from all areas of the band other than those which stick to the printed pattern. If desired. a vacuum may be used so that grit particles may be readily collected. Depending on such factors as strip speed or spacing between the feed hopper and the air blower, it may be necessary in some instances to include a dryer between the hopper and the air blower. Alternatively such a dryer, for example. as an infrared ray drying unit 42 may be disposed following passage of the strip past the air blower 41.
The strip with the abrasively coated pattern passes next through a high frequency induction coil 43 encrgized from a high frequency current source 44. as for example of about 5.2 megacycles per second. This coil heats the strip to approximately l,9()() F. to austenitize the steel of the substrate strip and to braze the tungsten carbide grit to the strip by causing the steel band to be inductively heated. this heat then by induction and ra diation causing the matrix metal particles coating each carbide particle to melt and flow to and about the base of each particle in the manner shown in FIG. 3, as is more fully explained hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
The strip passes next through an atmosphere chamber 45 and thence through a slotted, water cooled chill block 46 extending therefrom. As the strip passes out of the magnetic field of the induction coil and into the atmosphere chamber, the matrix metal cools and solidifies thereby permanently to anchor the grit particles therein and to bond the matrix metal to the grit particles and to the base metal substrate. The chill block further cools the heated strip quickly to a temperature below that of martensitic transformation of the steel substrate, thus to quench harden the same. The chill block is not required if the strip stock is made of a steel which hardens on air cooling from the austenitic state. If desired. the atmosphere chamber 45 and chill block 46 may be replaced by a fluid quenching system.
The atmosphere chamber is supplied with a circulating flow of nitrogen gas to minimize scaling or oxidation of the steel strip substrate until it is cooled below scaling or oxidizing temperature. The strip passes out of the chill block 46 through a slot 47. thence over an idler support roller 48 and through a tempering oven 49, wherein the strip is tempered at a suitable temperature which may be. for example, about 950 F. The strip passes next past a counter 50, which continuously records the number of blade segments, total length in feet or otherwise of the strip processed. The strip is next engaged by a take-up reel 51 driven by a motor 52. The motor may be controlled by a friction clutch or. as illustrated, be structured so that the take-up reel exerts only an intermittent pull on the band. It is,intermittently activated by a loaded tension arm 52:: resting on the band stock It), and applies tension when needed for coiling but avoids excessive pull which could stretch the file band at the point where it is red hot and a weakly plastic in the induction heating coil.
Details of construction of particular structures referred to with reference to FIG. 5, such as the printing machine 37, atmosphere chamber 45, and chill block 46. are described in detail in our above-mentioned U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. I89,786 which is expressly incorporated herein for that purpose.
The band stock 16 on the take-up reel 51 may be later unwound and cut into sections of suitable length for use as a file band 15 and the holes I511 may also be punched at that time. As an alternative, the take-up reel 51 may be omitted and in its place. suitable cutting and punching means may be provided to cut and punch file bands immediately after the band stock has been coated as described above.
Asa further alternative, the steel strip 16 may be prepunched at spaced intervals in the manner shown in FIG. 8 prior to coating the strip. In this way the holes 15! and a pair of cutouts 54 are formed prior to coating so that. after the coating process has been completed. only a small bridging portion 55 between adjacent file band segments need be severed to produce a finished product.
Regardless of the manner adapted for cutting the individual file hands. it is preferable that the portions which must be cut or punched remain uncoated as the cutting of abrasive coated band stock would cause a high degree of wear and tear and a resultingly short life for the tooling utilized. Referring to FIG. 5. sufficient uncoated portions 56 may be provided at properly spaced intervals along the coated steel strip by proper patterning of the roll 35 of the printing machine 47. This can be accomplished whether the tile band 15 is provided with a continuous armoring coating 17 as shown in FIG. 2 or with spaced areas of abrasive coat ing 21 as shown in FIG. 4.
The coating liquid may be conventional printers ink minus the coloring matter, compositions for which are described in standard texts, such as Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering 47.544 I940), Kingzetts "Chemical Encyclopaedia. I940 Ed.. page 520, and Shreves "Chemical Process Industries." I945 Ed., page 509. As stated in these publications. printing ink consists essentially of a suspension of pigments. such as paint pigments, in a drying oil. such as linseed oil. or petroleum oils. to which may be added various natural or synthetic resins, waxes, gums, water insoluble soaps, driers. antioxidants, bitumen, asphalt. or stearin pitch, etc.
In addition to the conventional printing inks, applicants have found the following adhesive printing admixtures to be suitable for purposes of this invention.
EXAMPLE I Admix 7 /2 oz. Nicrobraf Flux. 8t) milliliters Corn Syrup, l0 milliliters Lube Well D-IOO. water soluble oil used as an emulsifier and to promote wetting, 2O milliliters ethylene glycol to slow up drying action, and 25 milliliters water.
EXAMPLE II Admix 7 oz. Nicrobraz Flux with milliliters glycerin.
The flux is used in the above examples as the solid in suspension to prevent squeegee action during printing which otherwise causes the adhesive to push out around the print pattern thus destroying the precise pattern. The addition of extra solids makes room between the printer and the surface being printed so that an adequate thickness of adhesive material may be applied. Flux is compatible with the process where many other types of solids for the purpose leave harmful inclusions in the finished product. The Nicrobraz Flux referred to in the examples is a boride-fluoride flux put out under that designation by the Wall Colmonoy Company, Detroit, Mich.
As above stated, the preferred material applied to the steel or alloy steel base metal band stock for purposes of armoring comprises tungsten carbide particles precoated with a suitable flux, such as borax, and also with the brazing metal powders. The materials employed for the brazing metal are preferably powders of hard. refractory alloys, such as nickel-base or cobalt-base alloys, capable of providing a matrix metal which wets the surfaces of and bonds to the tungsten carbide or other diamond substitute particles and also which fusion bonds to and alloys with the steel or alloy steel base metal band stock. Suitable such brazing alloys are Stcllitef a cobalt-chromium tungsten alloy of well known composition; also that sold by the Wall Colomony Corporation, as LM Nicrobraz comprising an alloy consisting of 13.571 Cr, 3.5% B, 4.57! Si, 2.5% Fe and the balance nickel. A suitable particle size for the brazing metal powders is 300 mesh. A suitable particle size for the carbide particles is that which passes through a 30 mesh screen but is held on a 40 mesh screen. Thus, the particle size of the carbide particles is considerably greater than for the brazing metal powders.
The following is a suitable procedure for precoating the tungsten carbide or other abrasive grit particles with a tluxing agent and with the matrix metal powders, although the proportions given below may be varied within fairly wide limits with satisfactory results. Assuming tungsten carbide grit of relatively coarse grit size, for example 3040 mesh (U.S. standard, i.e., about 0.0l650.0232 inch), is required, the procedure is to admix in a container approximately 1 1b. tungsten carbide grits, l .4 oz. Oxweld Brazo Flux (borax), 4 oz. 300 (0.0019 inch) mesh braze alloy ranules and 50 ml. water. Where relatively fine (70-100 mesh) 0.008270.00587 inch tungsten carbide grits are required, an admixture in approximately the following proportions is suitable, 1 lb. tungsten carbide grits, 1.4 oz. Oxweld Brazo Flux (borax), 4 oz. 300 mesh braze alloy granules and 65 ml. water. In either case, the water is boiled off until a thick slurry is formed while stirring continuously to keep the solids from sticking to the bottom and sides of the container. The slurry is then spread on a flat surface and trowelled to a thickness of 3/16 inch, which is sliced into small squares and allowed to dry to a solid cake. The dry cake is crushed and screened through a sieve of a mesh adapted to pass single tungsten carbide grits coated with brazing alloy, but not to pass a multiplicity of such grits stuck together. The larger crushed dry cake particles retained on the sieve are recrushed and rescreened. This procedure is repeated until all of the dry cake particles are crushed adequately to pass through the sieve. Any excessive braze alloy granules which do not adhere to the .tungsten carbide grits are screened out on a sieve size substantially smaller than the coated tungsten carbide grits. The adherence of the brazing alloy granules to the tungsten carbide grits may be improved by gently hand mixing shellac with the small dried cake squares prior to crushing. For this purpose. approximately 12 milliliters of shellac may suitably be used for each pound of coarse (30-40 mesh) tungsten carbide grits in the original mixture, or 15 ml. of shellac for each pound of fine (70-100 mesh) tungsten carbide grits in the original mixture. After the shellac dries, the remaining procedure is the same as above described.
A so-eoated carbide particle is shown in enlarged view in FIG. 6, wherein the grit particle is shown at 60, the flux coating at 61 and the brazing or matrix metal particles at 62. As the soeoated carbide particle passes through the high frequenev induction coil, the matrix metal powders become molten and under the fluxing action of the borax and How to and about the base of the carbide particle and against the base metal in the manner illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein the carbide particle is shown at 60, the fused brazing metal at 64 and the base metal at 65. On subsequent cooling, the matrix metal solidifies and alloys with the base metal and also bonds to the carbide particle. thereby permanently anchoring the base of the carbide particle in the matrix metal, with the carbide particle projecting therefrom to provide exposed sharp cutting or abrading edges. as at 66.
The use of precoated grit particles provides securement of the particles to the substrate by individual weldments as shown in FIG. 3. The particles 19 are spaced with uncoated metal generally exposed between adjacent regions of the anchoring layer 20. It will be readily apparent that, with such an arrangement, the flexibility of tile band 15 is substantially the same as that of the uncoated strip 16.
Referring again to FIG. 1, to assemble an abrading tool 11 in accordance with this invention with a suitable tile band 15, the frame 12 is selected of an appropriate size to accommodate the file band or, if adjustable as is the hack saw frame illustrated, is adjusted to an appropriate size to accommodate the tile band. With the mounting brackets 14 oriented in the proper direction, the file band is secured to the mounting brackets and, through the use of a suitable tensioning means 67, such as the wing nut illustrated, the file band is tightened to a tension suitable for the job to be accomplished.
In accordance with this invention, the tile band 15 is not supported between its end portions so that it maintains a high degree of flexibility. This is of great advantage in working many of the materials suitable for the abrading tool 11. When filing metals and other hard materials, portions of the material to be filed may be too hard to be removed by the action of a single abrasive particle 19 (FIG. 3). Were the file band 15 rigid, in the manner of prior art tiles, the abrasive particles 19 could become rigidly interlocked with portions of the material to be filed thus causing the abrading tool to split or skip and producing an excessive amount of wear to the tool. With the flexible file band of this invention, if an abrasive particle 19 is unable to move a portion of material which it abuts, it will be moved, with the file band, away from and over the material so that the abrading tool 11 continues to move smoothly and other abrasive particles 19 can engage the material in similar manners until it has been successfully removed.
The flexibility of the file band 15, particularly when coupled with adjustability provided by tensioning means 67, greatly eases the task of shaping materials such as fiber glass and ceramics in that the file band 15 is deformable into a somewhat curved shape to accommodate the curvature of the item being shaped for greater ease and smoothness of filing. Further, the spacings between adjacent abrasive particles coupled with the flexible nature of the file band enables the tool to be virtually self-cleaning. This prevents the clogging which has been known to generally disable prior art abrading devices.
We claim:
I. An abrading tool comprising a flexible strip of hardenable and temperable steel having end portions and having. over at least a surface portion thereof. a strong, tough and adherent abrasive armoring coating produced in situ from abrasive particles of hard. high melting point, refractory mctal-carbides precoated with particles of a high melting and tough brazing metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt-base and nickel-base alloys and combinations thereof. said brazing metal particles being fusion bonded to each other and to said steel strip and alloyed therewith into weld ments individual to and partially embedding said abrasive particles. with said abrasive particles projecting from said weldments to form sharp cutting edges. and bolder means for engaging the end portions of said strip and holding said strip under tension.
2. The abrading tool of claim I wherein said strip is unsupported between said end portions.
3. The abrading tool of claim 2 wherein said holder means includes a spaced pair of opposed mounting brackets for engaging the end portions of said strip and tensioning means at one of said mounting brackets for controlling the tension of said strip.
4. The abrading tool of claim 2 wherein said holder means is a hack saw frame.
5. A flexible file band for an abrading tool. said file band comprising a flexible strip of hardenable and tentperable steel having over at least a surface portion thereof. a strong. tough and adherent abrasive armoring coating produced in situ from abrasive particles of hard. high melting point. refractory metal-carbides. prccoated with particles of a high melting and tough brazing metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt-base and nickel-base alloys and combinations thereof. said brazing metal particles being fusion bonded to each other and to said steel strip and alloyed therewith into weldments individual to and partially embedding said abrasive particles with said abrasive particles projecting from said weldments to form sharp cutting edges, said strip having end portions engageable by a suitable frame for freely supporting said band under tension.
6. The file band of claim 5 wherein said abrasive coating is continuous.
7. The file band of claim 5 wherein said abrasive coating comprises a plurality of spaced coated areas.
8. The file band of claim 5 wherein the end portions of said strip are uneoated. |
US-3874127-A | Vacuum chuck with sealable cavity | Umted States Patent 1 1 1111 3,874,127
Coburn et al. A r. l 1975 [54] VACUUM CHUCK WITH SEALABLE 3,029,835 4/1962 Biello et a1 137/516.29 X CAVITY 3.095900 7/1963 Newhall 137/516.29 x [75] Inventors: Orin W. Coburn; Joe D. Stith, both FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS of Muskogee, Okla. 197,152 5/1923 United Kingdom 137/516.29 Assignee: Cobum Optical Industries, Inc. 401,399 4/1923 Germany 51/235 Muskogee Okla Primary Examiner-James L. Jones, Jr. [22] Filed: Jan. 3, 1973 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-John J. Byrne [21] Appl. No.: 322,232
[57] ABSTRACT Disclosed is a system for blocking an opthalmic lens g 32: blank by means of a vacuum. The lens blank rests on [58] Fieid 137/516 the chuck and forms an air pocket or cavity therebe- 29/235 tween which is evacuated by means of a vacuum pump. After evacuation, an elastic plug is inserted in [56] References Cited an aperture in the chuck by atmospheric pressure to maintain the vacuum. The lens is disengaged from the UNITED STATES PATENTS chuck by peeling the plug back and thereby releasing 1,456,673 5/1923 Dey 51/235 the vacuum. 2,198,765 4/1940 Featherstone et a1. 51/235 2,688,220 9/1954 Boutell 51/235 1 Clalm, 10 Drawing Figures f at 4 0 1 1 I 1 1 1 EXHAUST PATENTEBAPR H975 3,874J27 sum 1 {if 2 A Fl 1 2 34 Y mnmig Q (PRIOR ART) 55)??? (PR/0 A RT) VACUUM CHUCK WITH SEALABLE CAVITY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention This device relates to the art of ophthalmic lens grinding. In particular, an apparatus is described for blocking a lens by vacuum. The apparatus includes a feature which will maintain the vacuum without the necessity of vacuum hoses.
2. Description of the Prior Art One of the most troublesome aspects in finishing lens blanks to prescription curvatures is the gripping of the blank during processing. The lens blank itself is either glass or plastic. it is somewhat fragile, and must be securely gripped in a manner to withstand grinding stresses. The prior art teaches many ingenious ways of blocking a lens for this purpose. A common method is to secure a steel block to one lens surface through the use of pitch or the like (See Fritzche U.S. Pat. No. 2,465,153). Another common method is to employ a low melting point alloy to attach the lens to the block (See US. Pat. No. 3.468.366, for instance). In each of the prior art methods, the lens blank is oriented with respect to the block. After finishing, the block must be removed and the lens cleaned. The alloy must be recovered for economic reasons and the pitch is a troublesome product with which to work.
A new method has been recently developed for blocking lens blanks which includes the use of an evacuated cavity to hold the lens to the block. Such an application is described in US. Application Ser. No. 217.469 by Orin W. Coburn and Joe D. Stith. The technique disclosed therein is to place a lens on a block having a sealed cavity where the lens rests and then withdrawing the air from the cavity so that vacuum holds the lens in place on the block. The vacuum in the cavity is maintained by means of a pneumatic hose connected to a vacuum drawing pump. The present invention provides a system wherein a lens can be blocked by vacuum and that vacuum maintained without the encumbering vacuum hose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an improvement over prior vacuum blocking systems in that it is possible to eliminate the necessity of a vacuum hose once the holding cavity has been evacuated. The vacuum in the cavity is maintained by inserting an especially designed elastic plug into a block orifice from which the vacuum was drawn. The plug maintains the cavity at subatmospheric pressure and. of course. thereby eliminates the necessity of a hose. A novel mechanism is employed to insert the elastic plug into the orifice after the cavity between the lens and the chuck has been evacuated.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved means and method of vacuum blocking a lens.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a simple means of blocking a lens without using materials such as hot pitch or low melting point alloys.
It is a further object of the invention to simply and economically vacuum block a lens and then remove the hose thereto while maintaining the vacuum in the vacuum chuck constant.
It is yet another object of the present invention to vacuum chuck a lens so that the lens and chuck are freely movable without the encumbrance of the vacuum hose.
These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following detailed description when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. l'is an elevation view, partially in section, of a prior art block of the type employing pitch or low melting point alloys;
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the prior art unit shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a prior art vacuum chuck; FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the unit shown as FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the vacuum chuck according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view ofthe unit shown as FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the unit according to a preferred embodiment as also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5',
FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the method and apparatus used for inserting a plug into the vacuum chuck with the lens block and] plug inserter greatly enlarged for purposes of illustration;
FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the plug inserting unit and the chuck shown as the cavity of the chuck is being evacuated; and
FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 showing how the elastic plug is received in the vacuum chuck subsequent to evacuation.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawing wherein lilke numerals indicate like parts. FIGS. 1 and 2 indicate a common method of lens blocking according to the prior art. In this method, a lens L is secured to a block 10 by way of an adhesive 12. The member 10 can be steel or a formed-in-place metallic or plastic block. The block is circular for ready reception in chucking equipment. One of the surfaces is formed with detents or depressions 16 and 18 and oftentimes with a center detent 20. These detents frequently receive hardened inserts for the reception drive pins associated with grinding and polishing equipment. The adhesive 12 is generally a pitch or an alloy with a low melting point.
FIGS. 3 and 4 show a vacuum chuck according to that disclosed in Ser. No. 217,469 by Orin W. Coburn and Joe D. Stith. According to this method, a metal block 22 forms the body of the chuck. The interior of the body 22 is a dish-shaped depression 24 around the rim of which is located a rubber gasket member 26. When a lens blank is placed on top of the chuck a cavity is formed between the lens and the dish-shaped depression 24. A vacuum may be drawn on that cavity via a fitting 28 and an internal passageway 30. FIG. 4 shows how the fitting 28 is connected via a piece of vacuum tubing 32 to a source of vacuum 34. The lens blank is secured in its position on the vacuum chuck by the vacuum drawn by vacuum source 34. An advantage of the method shown as FIGS. 3 and 4 over the prior art methods shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is that it is not necessary to use substances like pitch or low melting point alloys which must be subsequently removed from the lens and recovered. As mentioned previously, one disadvantage of the method shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is that it is necessary to maintain a vacuum within the dishshaped cavity 24 and this is done by means of tubing 32 and vacuum source 34. This restricted grinding operations to the vicinity of the vacuum source. Here, the vacuum hose 32 and vacuum source 34 can be detached from the block to thereby improve the manageability and mobility of the lens and its chuck.
FIG. shows a top plan view of the vacuum chuck according to a preferred embodiment. The apparatus includes a block member 36 serving as a holder for an elastomer seal 38. Elastomer 38 is annular to fit the contour of the metal block member 36 and is beveled slightly inwardly on the top surface thereof to evenly receive the lens L to be blocked. Elastomer seal 38 also includes a small lip portion 40 for insuring a good vacuum enclosure. The base of block member 36 is indicated by the numeral 42. Base or depression 42 serves the same function as dish-shaped depression 24 in FIG. 3. That is, it forms a cavity 43 with the seal 38 and the lens from which air is withdrawn so that a lens will adhere to the metal block member by vacuum. The base 42 includes an aperture 44 which connects the interior of the block to a source of vacuum.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the vacuum chuck assembly. The back or bottom surface includes an annular beveled area 46 surrounding the periphery of a flat, back surface 48. The surface 48 includes a series of detents 50, 52, and 54. These detents are directly analogous to those in FIG. 2 as depressions 16, 18, and 20. The detents are typically formed to receive steel hardened metal inserts for use with grinding apparatus. Center detent 52 is located in the symmetrical center of the block 36 and detents 52 and 54 are located at equal distances from detent 52. The detents lie in a common plane. Detents 50, 52, and 54 do not extend into cavity 43 on the inside of block 36.
Located outwardly of detent 52 is a recessed area 56 extending from the bevel 46 on the edge of block 36 toward detent 52 and into back surface 48 for a short distance. The flat surface 55 of recess 56 accommodates the enlarged, thin head portion 58 of an elastic plug 59. The plug includes a nipple portion 57 for insertion into the aperture 44 and the head is formed with a flat surface 58 about the nipple 57. It is important that elastic plug 58 be adapted to make a good vacuum seal on surface 55. 7
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum chuck according to FIGS. 5 and 6. The nipple 57 of plug 58 extends far enough into aperture 44 that a good vacuum seal between the cavity 43 can be formed when the lens blank B is seated on elastomer seal 38.
The improved vacuum chucking apparatus is shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. A vacuum pump 62 is communicated to the interior 72 of the plug inserter housing via conduit 68 and fitting 70. A pneumatic switch 54 is disposed in conduit 68 for controlling the application of a vacuum. The cavity 72 is machined to provide room for a plunger element 74 and a plunger biasing spring 76 which tends to lift plunger 74. The upper rim 67 of plug inserter unit 66 is adapted to engage the surface 55 of recess 56.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing unit 66 mated in position with block 36. When a plug member 56 is placed on plunger 74, its surface 58 is just even with or slightly below the rim 67. As seen in FIG. 9, a block is placed on unit 56 with rim 67 about aperture 60. A lens blank B is placed over member 40 and cavity 42 is formed. An operator then turns on vacuum switch 66 so that air is withdrawn from cavity 42 through aperture 60, about the plug 58, into plug cavity 72, and eventually out through fitting 70, vacuum hose 68, to the vacuum pump 62. During the evacuation step the air withdrawn from cavity 42 encounters little resistance when passing around plug 58 because plunger biasing spring 76 is not strong enough to prevent air from flowing out of cavity 42 and the peripheral edges of head 58 can bend slightly during evacuation.
After cavity 42 has been evacuated to a selected pressure, line 68 is vented to atmosphere. FIG. 10 shows, in cross-sectional view, the effect of venting line 68 to the atmosphere. As atmospheric pressure enters cavity 72, a force is exerted on the top of plug 58 and drives it home into passageway 60. At this point, the plug inserter unit 66 may be lifted from the block 36. Elastic plug 58 will remain in place, held there because of the vacuum in cavity 42 and the pressure on the outside of the block. The vacuum in cavity 42 also secures lens L so that it remains effectively fastened to block 36 as long as a vacuum is maintained therein.
The blocked lens can now be removed to any location without the encumbrance of a vacuum hose. Even though the lens is firmly secured to the block, deblocking operation is relatively simple. To remove the lens L from block 36 one merely lifts or peels the edge of elastic plug 58 until the vacuum is broken. In this manner, the lens can be removed simply and quickly from the block 36 without the mess of heated pitches or low melting point alloys. The block can be used again and again.
In a general manner, while there have been disclosed effective and efficient embodiments of the invention, it should be well understood that the invention is not limited to such embodiments, as there might be changes made in the arrangement, disposition, and form of the parts without departing from the principle of the present invention as comprehended within the scope of the accompanying claims.
We claim:
1. An apparatus for inserting a plug into an aperture which in turn will seal an evacuated chamber formed by a lens blank and a blocking member wherein said plug is of a type having a domed head on one surface thereof and having a flat surface on the other surface thereof wherein said surfaces meet at a relatively thin periphery, a nipple extending from said flat surface and said blocking member having a second flat surface about said aperture wherein the improvement comprises,
a housing having an interior cavity leading to an annular upper edge and said edge adapted for positioning against said flat surface about said aperture,
a platform means reciprocally received within said cavity and normally disposed in a position at a distance from said edge an amount equal to the thickness of said domed head,
a spring means in said cavity for biasing said platform means to said position wherein said nipple extends into said aperture and said surface circumscribes the peripheral area about said aperture,
a vacuum source,
a conduit means for communicating said vacuum source with said interior cavity, and
a valve means located in said conduit means for selectively communicating said cavity to atmosphere or to said vacuum source and wherein said vacuum to atmospheric pressure whereby said distorted edge will be pressured snugly against said second flat surface. |
US-3874128-A | Centerless work-holding apparatus for a machine tool | United States Patent [1 1 [111 3,
Ishii Apr. 1, 1975 [5 CENTERLESS WORK-HOLDING 3,158,970 12/1964 Lockwood 51/236 APPARATUS FO A MACHINE TOOL 3,746,523 7/1973 Johansson 51/236 [75] Inventor: Katsutoshi lshii, Ichikawa, Japan [73] Assignee: Seiko Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha,
Tokyo, Japan [22] Filed: Nov. 30, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 310,780
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Nov. 30, 1971 Japan 46-112448 Nov. 30, 1971 Japan 46-112447 [52] US. Cl. 51/236 [51] Int. Cl. B24b 41/06 [58] Field of Search 51/236 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.715.304 8/1955 Dix 51/236 3.023552 3/1962 Grobey ct a1. 51/236 3.056238 10/1962 Hahn 51/236 Primary ExaminerAl Lawrence Smith Assistant E.\'aminerJames G. Smith Attorney, Agent, or FirmRobert E. Burns; Emmanuel J. Lobato; Bruce L. Adams [57] ABSTRACT A centerless work-holding apparatus or fixture for a machine tool for holding work in a working position radially and axially relative to a reference axis with work-driving by use of rolls and an axially and rotatably movable rotor element which is fluid-actuated for releasably clamping the workpieces during work thereon. The rotor element hasa flange which provides areas on opposite sides thereof for actuating it with fluid under pressure. These areas are individually greater than the profile area or transverse dimensional area of the workpieces so that very small workpieces can be individually held by the pressure of the fluid actuating the rotor element.
3 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures ATENTEU APR I I975 SHLU 1 0F 3 CENTERLESS WORK-HOLDING APPARATUS FOR A MACHINE TOOL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to machine tools and more particularly to a centerless work-holding apparatus for internal grindingmachines.
Conventional centerless grinding machines are known in which a set-of two driving rolls and a shoe support workpieces on the peripheral surface thereof and maintain them in a work position for performing grinding or other operations thereon. Some of these known machine tools have fluid discharge ports facing an end surface of the workpiece from which a fluid, for example a hydraulic fluid, is ejected andapplied against the workpiece applying axial pressure against the workpiece thereby holding it against a fixed plate maintaining the position of the workpiece for working thereon. However, the direct application ofa hydraulic fluid to maintain the workpiece in position has limitations in that this technique is not readily applicable to extremely small surface areas on some workpieces such as miniature ball bearings. The force applied on the workpiece in such circumstances in such that the biasing or holding force is insufficient so that the machine operations, for example grinding, cannot be accurately carried out. It has generally been found that in order to maintain direct fluid pressure on a workpiece the hydraulic force must be in the order of a relatively high pressure, for example 30 to 50 kg/cm In one construction of a conventional centerless grinder a roll skew is used in which two rolls and a shoe hold the workpiece. The axial holding force applied to the workpiece is accomplished by skewing one of the rolls. Each of the rolls contacts the workpiece at a respective point but'the driving force applied by this type of work-holding apparatus is thereby decreased, and therefore the workpiece cannot be subjected to a heavy grinding operation. Moreover, the roll skewed needs to be adjusted to obtain a stable axial holding force. In these devices, the workpiece is held in reference bot to its outer diameter, but to an end surface, so that if the end surface of a tubular workpiece is not finishedground with an accurate surface, which is exactly at right angles relative to the workpiece axis, the bore of a tubular workpiece will be ground with a taper.
In other machine tools for centerless grinding, a mag netic work-holding device is used. However, in such a case the workpieces are subjected to magnetization and must be subjected to a demagnetizing operation after grinding. Futhermore, the grinding chips adhere to the apparatus by virtue of the magnetization thereof so that the machine is subject to scoring and excessive wear. Another limitation of this type of apparatus is that the workpieces themselves must have good magnetic char acteristics and workpieces of'poor magnetic characteristics are not readily held, for example stainless steel. When very small workpieces, for example tubular workpieces having a bore diameter smaller than millimeters, are to be ground internally, the effective area ofthe workpieces cooperating with the magnet are very small so that it is difficult to hold the workpieces in the right position and the grinding accuracy-accordingly is decreased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a centerless work-holding; apparatus for machine tools making possible to machine or grind extremely small workpieces precisely and with strongly applied machining or grinding forces.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a centerless work-holding apparatus having an automatic bore plug gage to gage and size the inner diame ter of the bore of workpieces in wich internal machining or grinding operations are effected.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a centerless work-holding apparatus in which workpieces are accurately held and a hydraulic liquid or some other fluid is used for applying an axial holding force by means of a pressure-applying rotor. The fluid, if it is a hydraulic fluid, is likewise used as a coolant and is applied without impeding the gaging operation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic fluid system in which a low pressure pump flows the hydraulic cooling fluid and chips therein to a filter which may be constructed inexpensively and a high-pressure pump is used to boost the fluid pressure downstream of the filter.
A centerless work-holding apparatus according to the invention has a front plate defining a surface facing an end of individual, tubular workpieces against which each workpiece is abutted by a pressure-applying rotor which is rotatably and slidably supported in a cylinder for holding the workpieces between it and said surface while they arerotatably driven and radially positioned by driven rolls. The axial pressure applied by the rotor element and the radial force applied by the rolls and a I shoe maintains the individual workpieces in a working position accurately held therein in position for internal grinding operations.
The pressure-applying rotor is housed in a cylinder which is large enough for hydraulic fluid to flow adequately therethrough to function as a coolant to the workpieces while an adequate pressure is applied to an end flange on the rotor and it is applied against the individual workpieces to hold them stably and firmly in its axial position during the rotation of the rotor in conjunctionwith the rotating individual workpieces. Moreover, the liquid pressure in the flow path increases or decreases in response to axial movement of a plug gage gaging of the internal bore of the workpieces but in no way impedes the gaging operation and the pressure applied to the workpiece is maintained accurately.
The abrasive grains or chips of material removed during a machining or grinding operation are carried out of the work-holding apparatus by the coolant liquid at a low pressure and filtered through a low-pressure filter. The coolant pressure is boosted on the discharge side of the filter with a high-pressure pump which supplies the pressure necessary to operate the pressureapplying rotor reciprocably for selectively clamping and releasing the workpieces individually. The low pressure filter accordingly can be constructed in an inexpensive manner and its operating life is increased since it is not subjected to high pressures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a centerless work-holding apparatus according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the centerless work-holding apparatus in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of a centerless work-holding apparatus in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a section view taken along section line 4-4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. is a fragmentary section view of a second embodiment of a centerless work-holding apparatus according to the invention; and
FIG. 6 is a schematic overall view of a hydraulic system used in conjunction with a centerless work-holding apparatus according to the invention.
Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description of an example of the invention and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As illustrated in the drawings, a centerless workholding apparatus according to the invention comprises a base 1 on which is mounted a block 2 rotatably supporting a driven-shaft pulley 3 fixed on a rotatable shaft 4 extending through the block 2. A lower driving roll 5 is mounted on the shaft 4 for rotation therewith. A second block 6 supported as hereinafter described supports a rotatably driven shaft 7 provided with a drivenshaft pulley 8. The shaft 7 is likewise provided with an upper driving roll 9 for driving a workpiece as hereinafter described. The upper block 6 is provided with an arm 10 pivotal about a pivot pin 11, on the portion 1', about which a lever 12 supporting the block 6 and its arm rocks. An adjustment screw 13 extends through the upper block 6 and provides an adjustment of the upper roll 9, for variable sizes of workpieces, by adjusting the support arm 10 relative to the support lever 12. Once a proper adjustment is set for a particular size workpiece, the upper block is secured in position on the rocker arm 12 by a set screw 14.
The rocker arm 12 is biased in a clockwise direction by a biasing spring 15, which provides for cyclical adjustment of the position of the driving roll 9 in accordance with the size of the workpieces to be handled, and for the receiving of individual workpieces when work is to be performed thereon. The position of the roll is adjusted by adjusting the angular position of the rocker or swing lever 12 by an adjustment device 16 extending through the arm and supporting on one end thereof a cam follower 17 that engages the profile of a rotatably driven control cam 18 so that the upper roll 9 is biased counterclockwise against the action of its spring.
The centerless work-holding apparatus according to the invention is usable with various type workpieces and machine tools and is illustrated as applied to a grinding machine and being used with tubular workpieces 19 having an axial bore in which an internal grinding operation is performed as hereinafter described. The workpieces 19 are delivered to the apparatus through a hopper or chute 20. The workpieces are intended to be rotatably driven by the driving rolls 5, 9 described above, and releasably held axially in position against a face plate 21 and between the face plate 21 and the holder plate 22 provided with a guideway 23 in communication with the lower end 20' of the chute 20. To enter the guideway from the chute, for delivery to a work position a between the lower and upper rolls 5, 9 the workpieces are positioned individually in this position by a loading or feed blade 24, which is actuated reciprocably, by means not shown, in syncronization with the upward and downward movement of the upper roll 9 under control of the control cam. The cam spaces the upper roll from the lower roll as shown in FIG. 1 when a workpiece is being loaded in the work position and then lowers the upper roll for engagement with the workpiece. v
When the individual workpieces are delivered individually by the injector or feed 24, they are held against a shoe or stop 25. The two rollers are driven in directions effective to cause the individual workpieces 19 to bear against the stop or shoe 25. The individual workpieces are therefore rotatably driven and are held in accurate radial position since they bear against the two driving rolls and a third point or area defined by the shoe 25. I
The workpieces in the apparatus illustrated are ground internally by a grinder 26 inserted axially, in synchronism with the positioning of the individual workpieces and by means not shown, through an opening 27 in the face plate 21 coaxial with the bore of the individaul workpieces. A cylinder or bore 28 is formed in the plate 22 in which is housed a pressure-applying rotor 29 which is rotatable and axially displaceable within the cylinder or bore 28 and is movable axially by fluid under pressure for engaging an end of the individual workpieces for applying axial pressure thereto to maintain them releasably clamped and aligned coaxially with the opening 27 in the face plate and the cylinder or bore in the oppositely disposed plate 22 in which the rotor is housed.
The pressure-applying rotor 29 is constructed with a cylindrical portion 29 and oppositely disposed flanges at opposite ends. A flange at one end extends inwardly and is provided with radial, fluid passages 30. The other flange 31 extends outwardly as indicated. The cylinder or base 28 has a major and a minor diameter and the outwardly-extending flange 31 extends into the major bore portion of the cylinder. A shoulder defines a pressure chamber or space 32 formed by a bushing 33, a block 34, and the plate 22. The bushing 33 is a guide bushing in which is axially guided a reciprocally driven bore gage constructed as a plug gage 35 for gaging the internal bore of the individual workpieces as hereinafter described. This gage is rotatably and slidably mounted in the axial bore 33 of the guide bushing to make possible direct sizing of the workpiece by insertion of a tip or gage part 35'.
The block 34 is provided with a fluid inlet 36 and and outlet 37 having a passageway 37' in communication with the pressure space or chamber 32. The inlet 36 is in communication with an annular groove or passageway 38 in the guide bushing in communicatin with the pressure chamber 32 through an annular port or passage 39. Fluid under pressure, for example a hydraulic fluid, is applied to the inlet and flows through the cylinder compartment or pressure chamber 32 through the supply port or passage 39 in the guide bushing in communication with the annular passageway of the guide bushing.
As shwon in FIG. 4, the pressure holder plate 22 has a stepped portion 22' with a higher part on the right hand side and a lower part on the left hand side of the centering vertical axis L normal to the axis of the workpiece grinding position a. Thepressure chamber 32 and the end flange 31 are dimensioned so that the oil flow control clearance d1 is less than a second clearance d2. These are dimensioned to carry out operation as later described for flowing fluid under pressure for: actuating the pressure-applying rotor out of the ports or passages 30 open to the exterior of the apparatus from the compartment cylinder pressure chamber 32 as further described hereinafter.
The workpieces 19 are transferred from the chute and the injector or feed 24, as before described, positions them individually in the grinding position a between the upper and lower driving rolls 5, 9. The upper roll 9 is urged to engage with the periphery of the workpiece through the driven control cam 18 which controls the movement upwardly and downwardly of the upper roll. The individual workpieces are held firmly at three points by the driving rolls 5, 9 and the stop or shoe 25. As before described, the two driving rolls rotate in a selected direction, by drive means not shown, applying rotation to the drive pulleys. The individual workpieces 19 are rotated in a clockwise direction by the rolls, and each is pushed against the stop or shoe 25.
When the pressurized fluid is applied to the cylinder pressure chamber 32 through the passage 38 and the port 39 from the inlet 36, a hydrostatic pressure is generated in the pressure chamber 32 and pressure is applied to the flange or pressure-receiving flange portion 31 of the pressure-applying rotor 29 so that it moves forwardly, outwardly of the cylinder, to the left in the drawing, to engage an end of the individual workpiece 19 in the working position a. The individual workpiece has applied thereto a strong axial clamping force so that it bears against the front plate 21 and is held releasably clamped in position accurately axially and radially and cannot move relative to a reference axis coaxial with its own axis and the rotor axis and the aperture in the face plate.
Drive means are provided for positioning the grinding wheel or grinder 26 in position through the aperture or hole 27 of the front plate 21 to grind the inner surface of the workpiece 19. This is done in synchronism and timed relationship with the other operations, by means not shown.
Pressurized fluid, for example a hydraulic fluid, is applied through the inlet 36 to the pressure chamber 32 and provides an axial force to the rotor 29, as before described. If a hydraulic fluid is used it functions to provide a grinding coolant maintaining the workpiece cooled and lubricated through the clearance d Fluid under pressure is discharged from pressure chamber through the outlet 37 and the discharge port 37' and through the clearance d,. The fluid also lubricates the rotor 29 for rotation in the cylinder 28.
When a specified grinding operation has taken place, the automatically-controlled bore gage 35 is advanced, by means not shown, axially so that its gaging portion 35 is inserted into the axial bore of the individual workpieces to perform direct sizing and the gaging. At the time that the gaging portion of the plug gage is inserted into the workpiece the axial bore is closed off by the plug gage but the radial passages 30 formed on the end flange of the rotor 29 provide an outlet so that the fluid confined in the rotor is discharged through these radial passages and has no influence on the sizing or gaging of the individual workpieces.
When the workpiece is ground to a specified size, as determined by the gaging operations, the supply of pressurized oil to the inlet 36 is cut off by a control, not shown, and a reverse flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure from the outlet 37 to the pressure chamber 32, so that the pressure-applying rotor 29 is retracted and disengaged from the individual workpieces. Simultaneously, the upper driving roll 9 releases the workpiece under control of the control cam so that the finished workpiece is discharged through a chute 40 by the next workpiece entering the working position delivered as before described. The above operations are repeated cyclically and in synchronization, so that the individual workpirces can be continuously ground, sized or gaged, automatically and inserted and discharged as before described.
The apparatus described above preferably operates in optimum condition if the opposite ends of the individual workpieces are ground accurately flat and normal to the longitudinal axis of the workpieces. In this manner, the individual workpieces are positioned accurately in their working position. Provision is made, however, in the apparatus according to the invention for accurately holding radially workpieces that are not accurately ground on the oppositeend portions. This is accomplished by the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5, in which the reference numerals employed therein correspond to the parts heretofore described of the first embodiment. In this second embodiment, different lower and upper driving rolls 5', 9, are provided. In this instance, the elongated tubular workpieces 19 are axially longer than the workpieces heretofore described. In this second embodiment, the driving-and-guide rolls 5', 9 are constructed of sufficient width so that they engaged a major axial length of the individual workpiece as illustrated in FIG. 5. The peripheral surface contacted is thus of a sufficient width or axial length that T the radial position can be accurately maintained without the opposite ends of the workpieces being accurately ground. So long as the peripheral surface is thus sufficiently accurate, the driving rolls will maintain the longitudinal axis of the bores of the individual pieces coaxial with the various tools so that the internal grinding operation is carried out accurately as well as the gaging function as before described. The mode of operation of the second embodiment is otherwise similar to the apparatus heretofore described.
The grinding operations result in grains of material or chips from the grinding or machining operations which are carried off by the hydraulic coolant fluid. In the overall diagram illustrated in FIG. 6, a machine tool or grinding machine 41 is provided with a centerless work-holding apparatus of the type heretofore described. The hydraulic fluid used as a coolant is discharged from the grinding machine 41 to a hydraulic fluid tank 47 provided with a magnetic chip separator 48. A suction is taken on the rservoir or supply tank 47 by a low pressure pump 49 which delivers the hydraulic fluid to a filter 50.
The filter consists of an inexpensive paper and the filtered liquid is discharged through a valve A to the high pressure pump 51 which boosts the oil pressure, for example, up to 10 Kglcm The discharge of the high pressure pump 51 is connected through a set of directional control valves 52 and flow control valves 53a, 53b which are connected to the inlet 36 and outlet 37 respectively. The hydraulic fluid line between the high pressure pump 51 and the directional control valve 52 is provided with a relief valve 55 and a pressure gage 56.
The hydraulic fluid taken from the tank or reservoir 47 discharged through the filter 50 has all the residual abrasive grains and chip material removed therefrom in the fine or close filter. Since the filter 50 is disposed between the low pressure pump 49 and the high pressure pump 51, the differential pressure between the inlet and the outlet of the filter is maintained low so that it is possible to use an inexpensive filter construction, for example a paper filter, and the life of this filter is pro.- longed. Thus the use of a relatively low pressure to the filter makes it possible to'use a-system in which a pressure-proof or strong filter box is not necessary.
In the illustration of the system in FIG. 6, the hydraulic fluid under pressure flows into the inlet 36 through the corresponding flow control valve 53a. The hydraulic fluid operates the work-applying holder or rotor as described above, and functions as a coolant and is returned to the supply or reservoir. tank 47. The fluid from the outlet 37 returns through the flow control 531 and valve 52 into the reservoir 47. It is understood that the return line between the directional valve 52 and the reservoir or tank 47 is omitted in FIG. 6.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that in the apparatus described heretofore, two rolls and a stop or shoe radially position the workpieces. However, three rolls may be used instead. 1
In the apparatus according to the invention, the pressure-applying rotor is supported rotatably and slidably by the pressure holder plate and the workpiece is provided with an axial holding force that is readily accomplished so that the construction is simple to carry out the development of this force in comparison withthe conventional hydrostatic and bearing methods. Moreover, the work-holding apparatus of the present invention makes it possible to grind workpieces havingv very small end surface areas for holding them axially in position. Thepower unit of the fluid pressure used in advancing and withdrawing of the pressure-applying rotor may be of a low pressure, for example, of Kg/cm If a hydraulic fluid is used for driving the rotor, it can be used both as the rotor motive power fluid and the coolant. However, the principles of the invention are applicable to the use of other fluids.
As indicated heretofore, the gaging or sizing operation is carried out automatically without impeding the flow of, oil or the oil affecting the gaging operation.
Moreover, if the hydrostatic pressure applied to the pressure rotor is set properly, it is possible to grind workpieces not only with an end surface retaining method, or end surface method, but also with the peripheral surfaces so that a peripheral-reference method is possible for positioning of the workpieces. Thus accurate internal grinding can be performed even if both end surfaces of the workpieces are not finished as ground. Moreover, in case the workpieces are peripherally held with the peripheral reference method, it is possible to carry out heavy grinding or grind longer workpieces by enlarging the width of the two rolls, as before described, and strengthening the frictional rotational force against the workpieces.
As indicated heretofore, the ratios of the pressurereceiving areas, the fluid inlets and outlets, and the ports ofthe pressure space and clearances are maintained to effect rapid movement of the pressureapplying rotor. It is possible to move the pressureapplying rotor backwards and forwards rapidly and ro-.
tate it in conjunction withthe driven workpieces, and the supply and discharge of workpieces is positively performed. I
What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. A centerless work-holding apparatus for a machine tool comprising, two rotatably driven rolls spaced radially to rotatably support individual workpieces sequentially disposed therebetween in a position radially relative to a reference axis passing through the individual workpieces and to engage the workpieces peripherally to rotatably drive them; means releasably clamping the workpieces individually in a position fixed axially of said reference axis and rotatably about said axis comprising a face plate disposed in a plane normal to said reference axis, a fluid-actuated, reciprocable,pressureapplying tubular rotor element actuated axially for engaging the workpieces individually and clamping them axially between it and the face plate; said rotor element having a flange at an end thereof remote from said face plate and a workpiece clamped between said rotor and said face plate; and means to selectively apply a fluid under pressure directly on one side of said flange for actuating said rotor element axially in a first direction for releasably clamping the workpieces individually and for applying said fluid under pressure directly on an opposite side of said flange for actuating said rotor element axially in an oppositedirection to release the individual workpieces.
2. A centerless work-holding apparatus according to claim 1, in which said face plate has a through aperture through which said axis passes and dimensioned to allow a tool to pass therethrough for performing an operation on said workpieces individually while in a clamped condition.
3. A centerless work-holding apparatus according to claim 2, in which the workpieces are tubular and have an axial bore, and including a bore gage movable axially through the tubular rotor element for gaging the axial bore of the individual workpieces while in a clamped condition after performance of said operation. I =l |
US-3874129-A | Process for the production of haze-free semiconductor surfaces | United States Patent [191 Deckert et a1.
[- Apr. 1, 1975 PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HAZE-FREE SEMICONDUCTOR SURFACES [75] Inventors: Helmut Deckert, Burghausen;
Wolfgang l-leinke, Od (Post Mehring); Herbert Jacob; l-lelmut Kirschner, both of Burghausen, all
of Germany [73] Assignee: Wacker-Chemitronic, Postfach,
Germany [22] Filed: Sept. 25, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 400,576
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data 2,375,824 5/1945 Saunders 51/308 2,375,825 5/1945 Saunders 51/308 2,427,799 9/1947 Maloney 51/308 3,170,273 2/1965 Walsh et a1 51/308 3,715,842 2/1973 Tredinnick et a1. 51/308 Primary Examiner-Donald J. Arnold Attorney, Agent, or Firm--Alli.son C. Collard [57] ABSTRACT Producing semiconductors with exceptionally smooth haze-free surfaces in a multistage polishing process wherein polishing the semiconductor with a first and conventional polishing agent containing a silicon compound suspended in water is followed by polishing with a modified polishing agent comprising said first polishing agent in major proportion containing minor but effective additions of polyvinyl alcohol and a 3 to 5 carbon monohydroxy aliphatic alcohol.
1 Claim, No Drawings PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HAZE-FREE SEMICONDUCTOR SURFACES The state of the art includes knowledge of how to treat semiconductor surfaces with polishing agents containing quartz, silicic acid, silicates and fluosilicates (also known as fluorosilicates and fluorsilicates) which may also contain alkali, for chemical polishing, in order to obtain smooth surfaces. These smooth surfaces are necessary for semiconductors that are to be used as components or starting materials for the production of electronic parts, e.g., integrated circuits.
Interference with the crystal structure of the semiconductor surfaces caused, e.g., by prior mechanical working of the crystal (scratches, damage through sawing, deep damage through lapping) impairs the yield of electronic construction elements. To test the surfaces, the following test procedures are used in the electronic industry. The surfaces of the discs are inspected in a dark roon under a beam of narrowly bunched strong rays of light. lrregularities and interruptions in the crys tal surface, also even specks of dirt and residues of earlier washing processes, can be recognized quicker and better by means of the diffusion of incident light than when studied under a microscope.
In the polishing methods known up until now, the aforementioned defects were indeed removed, but the surfaces showed the point of impact or incidence of the light beam as a milky surface. This diffustion of light occurs at the slightly roughened semiconductor surface. It is true that the roughening cannot be seen with the naked eye, but it causes the diffusion or scattering of the spot light beams. This phenomenon is now known as haze."
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a polishing method which produces haze-free surfaces and thus further improves the quality of the semiconductor surfaces. This object of the invention is a method for the production of haze-free semiconductor surfaces through polishing with polishing agents that contain quartz, silicic acid, silicates and/or fluosilicates, characterized in that a first polishing step in which a polishing agent is used which, in addition to one of the above-mentioned components of the polishing agents or mixtures thereof, contains 1 percent by volume, calculated on the volume of the first polishing agent, of a monohydroxy alcohol with from 3 to 5 carbon atoms and 0.0] 0.5 percent by weight of polyvinyl alcohol, calculated on the weight of the first polishing agent.
Surprisingly, it was found that through the additives in the second polishing step, the roughness in the surface can be eliminated so that the semiconductor surface does not cause any diffusion of the light beam. The surfaces are haze-free (optically smooth), and the yield of electronic semiconductor elements that are made of such polished semiconductor material is no longer reduced by faulty surface quality.
Known polishing suspensions are used for the first polishing step. They may desirably contain precipitated silicates or fluosilicates as described in the German Public Disclosure No. l ,75 2,1 63. Examples of such silicates are the silicates of the metals of the 2nd and 3rd main and subordinate groups of the periodic system, and silicates of heavy metals as for instance, zirconium, iron, lead, nickel, cobalt, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, zinc and aluminum. Examples of fluosilicates are fluosilicates of the metals of the lst, 2nd 3rd groups of the periodic system, e.g., sodium, potassium,
magnesium, calcium, barium, aluminum and zinc. Also silicic acid gels or sols as, e.g., those described in the US. Pat. No. 3,170,273, are suitable as polishing agents. Quartz powder, for instance of 5-200 millemierons grain size, (German Public Disclosure No. 1,219, 764) can also be used. The polishing agent usually also contains an alkali as a chemically active component.
The modified polishing agent used for the second polishing step preferably contains either the same components as that for the first step, or any one of the before mentioned group or mixtures thereof. However, in any case it contains additionally about I to 10 percent by volume of a monohydroxy (:monovalent) alcohol of 3 to 5 carbon atom content, and about 0.01 to 0.5 percent by weight of polyvinyl alcohol. The percentages are calculated on the volume and weight respectively, of the polishing agent without additives, i.e., prior to incorporating these alcohols.
Most of the suitable monohydroxy alcohols are saturated alcohols, e.g., propyl-, isopropyl-, n-butyl-, isobutyl-, tert. butyl-, amyland isomayl alcohol. Mixtures of any of these alcohols may also be used.
A polyvinyl alcohol additive containing a major proportion of polyvinyl alcohol, e.g., about 88 to 100 mole% saponified polyvinyl ester is typically employed. Copolymers of vinyl esters, e.g., with ethylene, which subsequently are saponified, may also be used.
The time for the first polishing step, as is known in the industry, amount to about 10 minutes to 2 hours. The polishing in the second step usually takes only about 2 to 10 minutes.
The method according to the invention may be used in the polishing of semiconductor materials in general, including the most dissimilar of them, e.g., silicon, germanium, Ill-V semiconductors, e.g., gallium arsenide. The semiconductor bodies that are to be polished are often present in the form of discs. Still other examples of such semiconductors include gallium phosphide and indium antimonide.
EXAMPLE 1 Round silicon discs of 50 mm. diameter and 350 micron thickness, which have been produced by sawing off sections of a monocrystalline silicon rod, are fastened by means of wax on a round, flat carrier plate of stainless steel. This plate is placed on a polishing machine turntable which is covered with a polishing cloth with the silicon discs in contact with that cloth and subjected to a pressure of 0.2 kp./em with the turntable rotating at 90 rpm. A polishing suspension consisting of 50 l. water glass (30% SiO and 25 kg. calcium chloride (CaCl .6H O) in 600 I. water, is dripped onto the turntable at the rate of about 25 cc./min. After polishing for about 1 hour, the surface of the silocon disc is polished to a normal extent. However, upon looking at the silicon surface under a spotlight, a milky haze can be seen, which is caused by diffusion of the light. The disc are again placed on the polishing machine, and the polishing process continued for 6 minutes with a new polishing composition, namely a mixture of parts by volume of the first suspension to which have been added 5 parts by volume of n-butyl alcohol and 1 part by volume of a solution of 10 percent by weight solution of polyvinyl alcohol in water. When the disc is inspected again after this process step it is observed that the surface is free from all diffused light, i,e., the location of the spotlight beam reflected by the surface of the disc cannot be identified.
EXAMPLE 2 (Comparative) More of the silicon discs are subjected to the first polishing step according to Example l with the same polishing suspension. The polishing time in this instance is 1 hour and minutes. Thereafter a milky haze on the discs is seen under a spotlight. This means that a prolongation of the polishing time will not eliminate the roughness of the semiconductor surfaces.
EXAMPLE 3 Round gallium arsenide discs of 30 mm. diameter are subjected to the same two-stage polishing process as that described in Example I. These discs also display a milky haze under the beam of a spotlight after the initial polishing step but not after the second polishing step with additives, according to the present invention.
EXAMPLE 4 volume of isobutanol and 3 parts by volume ofa 10 percent by weight polyvinyl alcohol solution in water. Polishing is then continued for 7 minutes. A test of the disc under the light beam shows that the discs have been polished until they are haze-free.
While the process of the present invention has been described mainly in respect to only a few specific examples for purposes of a complete and detailed disclosure, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments and modifications are within the purview of this invention. Accordingly, the instance invention should not be contrued as limited in any particulars except as recited in the appended claims or required by the prior art.
What is claimed is:
1. In a process for the production of a semiconductor having a haze-free polished surface by polishing the semiconductor with a polishing agent containing a substance selected from the group consisting of quarts, a silicic acid gels or sols, a silicate, a fluosilicate, and mixtures thereof, said substance having a particle size between about 5 and about 200 mp. the improvement which comprises further polishing the semiconductor in a second polishing step with a modified polishing agent containing said first polishing agent and from about 0.01 percent to about 0.5 percent by weight of polyvinyl alcohol calculated on the weight of said first polishing agent, and from about 1 percent to about 10 percent by volume of a saturated monohydroxy alcohol having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms, based on the volume content on said first polishing agent. |
US-3874130-A | Ceiling-mounted apparatus for providing a smoke vent or smokeproof screen in the event of a fire | United States Patent. [1 1 Muramatsu et al.
1 1 CEILING-MOUNTED APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A SMOKE VENT OR SMOKEPROOF SCREEN IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE [75] Inventors: Mobuhiro Muramatsu; Kosuke Aoki; Masamichi Miki, all of Shizuoka, Japan [73] Assignee: Riken Lightmetal industry Co., Ltd.,
Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan [22] Filed: Apr. 10, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 349,783
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Apr. 10, 1972 Japan 47-35859 June 6, 1972 Japan 47-66514 June 8, 1972 Japan 47-67775 June 13, 1972 Japan 47-69642 [52] US. Cl 52/1, 49/2, 49/5 [51] Int. Cl E05f 15/20 [58] Field of Search 52/19, 205, 302; 49/154, 49/155, 156, 386, 387, 379; 98/35 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,116,767 ll/l9l4 Ullner 49/195 1,380,207 5/1921 Hcgstrom.... 49/7 1,429,967 9/1922 Olshin 52/1 1,716,038 6/1929 Ferris 49/386 1,758,885 5/1930 Clark 49/155 1 Apr. 1,1975
Primary ExaininerErnest R. Purser Assistant Examiner-H. E. Raduazo Attorney, Agent, or FirmBucknam and Archer 7] ABSTRACT An outer frame is fixedly mounted on a ceiling to define a rectangular opening therethrough, which opening is normally closed by a lid having a panel supported by an inner frame so as to be flush with the ceiling. The lid is normally locked in its closed position by means including guides slidable along horizon tal grooves formed on the confronting surfaces of the outer frame and by one or more turnable arms connecting the lid to the outer frame. such that when unlocked the lid is caused by gravity to turn to an open position with its free end moving substantially vertically downward as the aforesaid guides coupled to the opposite ends of the lid slide along the horizontal grooves of the outer frame. The apparatus serves either as an emergency smoke vent, in case the outer frame is coupled to a smoke duct, or as a smokeproof screen, in case the outer frame is closed permanently at its upper end.
4 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures *ATENTEB APR H975 SEiLEI 1 BF 8 FIG.1
AJENTEB APR H975 SHLU 2 0i 8 WATENUB AFR l 1975 SziiEI 3 BF 8 FIG.4
CEILING-MOUNTED APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A SMOKE VENT ()R SMOKEPROOF SCREEN IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus to be mounted on a ceiling for use either as an emergency smoke vent or as a smokeproof screen.
It is a well known fact that various artificially synthesized materials now being used for the construction of buildings can result in the emission of a great deal of smoke and harmful gases in the event of a fire. Even in the early stages of a fire, in which only a narrowly limited portion of the building is actually caught by the flames, the smoke and other combustion gases are known to take a heavy toll of its inhabitants.
This damage can be avoided, at least in part, by the provision of emergency smoke vents communicating the confined spaces of the building with the atmosphere or of smokeproof screens or partitions designed to retard the spread of smoke and other gases.
When a fire breaks out in a room or other enclosed spaces, the smoke first rises to the ceiling, travels along the same. and then starts descending to spread throughout the room. It will accordingly be apparent that the smoke vent or smokeproof screen be provided to the ceiling in order most effectively to exhaust the smoke or to retard its spread throughout the room.
The smoke vent and the smokeproof screen for emergency use can be served by apparatus of substantially the same construction. Conventional versions of such apparatus usually include a frame mounted on a ceiling to define a generally rectangular opening therethrough,
and this opening is normally closed by a turnable lid.
When released, either manually or automatically, the lid is caused by gravity to turn on a fixed fulcrum to the open or vertical position whereby permitting the smoke to escape through the duct in communication with the ceiling opening. Alternatively, the lid itself can serve as the smokeproof screen in its open position if made sufficiently long to span the opposite walls of the room or the like.
However, since the lid turns as aforesaid on the fixed fulcrum in accordance with the prior art, considerable spacings must be provided between the frame and the lid to permit the required motion of the latter. This of course is undesirable from the viewpoint of general appearance of the ceiling. The prior art apparatus has another serious disadvantage in that additional means are required to cushion the impact of the lid rapidly turned to its open position or to prevent the same from swinging to and fro in that open position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the listed disadvantages of the prior art, it is an object of this invention to provide novel and improved apparatus easily adaptable for use either as an emergency smoke vent or smokeproof screen.
Another object of the invention is to provide appara tus of the character described, in which a lid for normally closing an opening formed through a ceiling by an outer frame is so moved to its open position that the spacings between the lid and the outer frame can be minimized.
Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the character described, in which a suitable degrce of friction is imparted to the lid to minimize its impact as the same is moved to its open position.
According to this invention, briefly stated in its perhaps broadest aspects, there is provided apparatus including an outer frame fixedly mounted on a ceiling to define a generally rectangular opening therethrough, the outer frame having horizontally extending guide grooves formed on the confronting inside surfaces thereof. The rectangular opening is provided with a lid which is normally locked in the closed position and which is supported at one end by support means including a plurality of guide portions slidably received in the respective guide grooves of the outer frame. The lid is further connected to the outer frame by at least one turnable arm in such a manner that when unlocked as in the event of a fire, the lid is permitted to move by gravity to the open position while its free end is caused to move substantially vertically downward as the guide portions of the support means travel slidingly along the respective horizontal guide grooves of the outer frame. A smoke duct can be coupled to the outer frame at its upper end so that the smoke produced in the enclosed space under the ceiling will escape therethrough while the lid is in the open position. Alternatively. in case the lid is intended to serve as a smokeproof screen in the open position. the upper end of the outer frame is to be permanently closed.
The features which are believed to be novel and characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself. however, both as to its construction and mode of operation, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of preferred embodiments read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters denote like parts throughout the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings:
FIG. I is a perspective view of an outer frame for use in the apparatus of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention in which is used the outer frame of FIG. I;
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 taken along a plane degrees turned from the plane of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5a is a perspective view of an inner frame used in the embodiment of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5b is an enlarged partial sectional view of a modified example of the inner frame of FIG. 5a;
FIG. 5c is a view similar to FIG. 5b showing another modified example of the inner frame of FIG. 5a;
FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view explanatory of the motion of a lid from its closed to open postion in the embodiment of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of another preferred embodiment of the invention designed exclusively for use as a smokeproof screen;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged, partial vertical sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 taken along a plane 90 turned from the plane of FIG. 8;
FIG. I is an enlarged perspective view showing means for supporting a lid in the embodiment of FIG. 7; and
FIG. I I is a vertical sectional view explanatory of the motion of the lid from its closed to open position in the embodiment of FIG. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first preferred embodiment of this invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Referring first to FIG. I, the apparatus according to the invention includes an outer frame I having a rectangular space extending therethrough and which is to be mounted on a ceiling in a manner hereinafter set forth. The outer frame I can be formed of four identical lightweight steel members In, Ih, If and Id rigidly combined together into the hollow, rectangular shape by means of L-shaped reinforcements 2 provided on the inside of the respective corners of the rectangularly combined members and securely affixed thereto by screws 3. If desired, the members In to Id may be welded together at theirjunctions 4 for added strength. Alternatively, the outer frame 1 may be integrally molded as by the technique of die casting.
As best illustrated in FIG. 2 and as also shown in FIG. 3. each of the constituent members In to Id of the outer frame I comprises a hollow, substantially rectangular-sectioned portion 7 including an inner wall 50 and an outer wall h, an upper flange 8 extending horizontally inward from the top of the portion 7. and a lower flange 9 supporting the edge of the ceiling as in the drawings. The aforesaid inner wall 5a is recessed at 6 to define a guide groove extending horizontally throughout the entire length ofeach of the members In to Id, as will be seen more clearly by referring back to FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 best illustrates the means for mounting the outer frame I on the ceiling. A channel-shaped support member 12 is fixedly mounted crosswise on joists II which support the furring strips I0 of the ceiling. A fixture I3 is attached to the outside surface of each of the constituent members In to Id of the outer frame I and is securely coupled to a bolt 14 through a knuckle pin IS. The bolt I4 is fastened to the support member I2 by a pair of thumbscrews I6 so that the outer frame 1 is securely held in position with its lower flange 9 in proper engagement with the edges of the ceiling I7.
The outer frame 1 thus mounted on the ceiling is to serve as an emergency smoke vent by having a duct I8 coupled thereto through its upper flange 8. However, in case a lid normally closing the lower end of the outer frame I is intended for use as a smokeproof screen, as set forth more specifically in the second embodiment of the invention, the open upper end of the outer frame may be closed by a sheet 2| of appropriate material fixedly mounted on the upper flange 8, as indicated by the dot-and-dash lines in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The construction of the lid 20 openably closing the lower end of the outer frame I will be best apparent from FIG. 5. Broadly, the lid 20 is comprised of an inner frame 22 of shape and size substantially corresponding to those of the outer frame I, and a panel 23 supported by the inner frame 22 so as to be flush with the ceiling 17 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and preferably made of the same material as the ceiling I7 to permit the apparatus to be inconspicuously mounted. The
inner frame 22 includes an upper portion 24 composed of four hollow, rectangular-sectioned members 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d of lightweight steel or the like, and a lower portion 25 composed of four substantially U- shaped members 25a, 25b, 25c, and 25d of lightweight steel or the like.
The four constituent members 240 to 24:1 of the upper portion 24 are rigidly secured to each other by L-shaped reinforcements 26 provided on the inside of the respective corners of the rectangularly combined members and screwed or otherwise fastened thereto. The four constituent members 250 to 25d of the lower portion 25 are secured at their upper ends 28 to the outer surfaces of the upper portion 24 by means of screws 30.
However, as seen in FIG. 5a, one of the four constituent members of the lower portion 25 is to be screwed to the upper portion 24 only after the aforesaid panel 23 has been placed on the bent lower ends 29 of the other three members already screwed to the upper portion 24. In this manner the assemblage of the lid 20 is highly facilitated.
It is to be understood that the makeup of the lid 20 set forth in detail hercinbefore is purely by way of example. Only if one (25d in FIG. 5a) of the constituent members 25a to 25d of the lower portion 25 is formed independently of the corresponding member (24d in the same drawing) of the upper portion 24, so as to be screwed or otherwise united together after insertion of the panel 23 into the lower portion 25, then the other members (250 to 25c) of the lower portion 25 can be formed integrally with the respective corresponding members 24a to 240) of the upper portion 24, as illustrated in FIG. 5b.
If desired, blocks 32 of resilient material such for example as rubber can be interposed between the corresponding members of the upper and the lower portions 24 and 25 as in FIG. 50. Thus, by regulating the tightness of screws 33 fastening the lower portion members to the respective upper portion members, the dimensions of the lower portion 25 can be varied for adjustment of the gaps G, FIG. 2, between itself and the outer frame I. The resilient blocks 32 can of course be replaced by washers.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the lid 20 of the above described construction is supported within the outer frame I by a pair of rods 34 along one end thereof. Each of these rods 34 is composed of a smaller diameter portion 35 and a guide portion 36 of larger diameter formed at the outer end of the smaller diameter portion. The smaller diameter portion 35 is both slidably and rotatably received in a sleeve 37 affixed to the said one end of the lid 20, whereas the guide portion 36 is received in the guide groove 6 formed on the corresponding inside wall of the outer frame I. In order to permit the guide portions 36 to slide along the guide groove 6 on the confronting walls of the outer frame without suffering undue friction, it is preferable that the entire guide portions or at least their surfaces be made of a suitable synthetic resin.
It will be noted from FIG. 3 that the rods 34 are urged against the respective guide grooves 6 by helical compression springs 38 housed in the respective sleeves 37. The friction to be exerted between the guide portions 36 and the grooves 6 is regulatable by means of adjusting screws 39.
A pair of arms 40 extend between the two opposite ends of the lid and the respective corresponding inside walls of the outer frame 1. Each of the arms has one of its ends turnably coupled by a pin 42 to a support 41 secured to the inside wall of the outer frame I and the other end turnably coupled by a pin 44 to a support 43 secured approximately centrally of the outside edge of the lid 20.
As seen in FIG. 2, lock means generally designated by the numeral 45 is secured on the inside of the outer frame I to normally hold the lid 20 in the closed position by engaging a latch 46 on the free end of the lid. Although not shown in the drawings, it is assumed that the lock means 45 is electrically connected to a smoke detector of any known construction, so that the latch 46 will be released upon introduction of an actuating signal to the lock means from the smoke detector in accordance with the prior art. Of course, the relative positions of the lock means 45 and the latch 46 can be reversed without departing from the scope of the invention.
Proceeding to the description of a mode of operation of this first preferred embodiment of the invention, constructed substantially as hcreinbefore described,
the lock means 45 becomes operative to release the latch 46 when actuated by the smoke detector. Thereupon the lid 20 starts moving by gravity as shown in FIG. 6, in such a manner that the lid turns downwardly on the rods 34 while being pulled forwardly, or to the left as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 6, by the arms 40 as the guide portions 36 of the rods 34 travel slidingly along the respective guide grooves 6.
As will be understood from FIG. 6, the free end of the lid 20 descends substantially vertically as the lid moves from its closed or horizontal portion to its open or vertical position, and in the open position of the lid 20 the guide portions 36 of the rods 34 are positioned to the extreme left, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, of the guide grooves 6. It will not be apparent that since the lid 20 is not turned on a fixed fulcrum, the spacings G, FIG. 2, between the front and rear ends of the lid and the corresponding surfaces of the outer frame 1 can be minimized. Moreover, the impact which may he produced upon descent of the lid 20 can be cushioned by the friction exerted as the guide portions 36 of the rods 34 slide along the respective guide grooves 6. The friction thus exerted is regulatable as aforesaid by the adjusting screws 39 thereby simultaneously controlling the speed of descent of the lid 20.
However, the friction to be exerted between the guide portions 36 and the respective grooves 6 is subject to change with the lapse of time or due to the heat that may be generated in the event of a fire, so that it is possible that the lid 20 be opened without being sufficiently decelerated by the friction only. To obviate this, buffers such for example as helical compression springs 47, FIG. 6, can be installed on the left-hand ends of the respective guide grooves 6 so as to yieldingly contact the guide portions 36 upon descent of the lid 20 and hence to cushion its impact.
As the lid 20 has been moved to its open position in the manner set forth hereinbefore, the smoke filled in the enclosed space under the ceiling 17 may be caused to escape through the duct 18 connected to the outer frame I with the aid of a blower or the like not shown in the drawings. In case the lid 20 itself is intended for use as a smokcproof screen, it is required to have a sufficient length to extend from wall to wall of the room or other enclosed space under the ceiling. FIGS. 7 to II inclusive illustrate another preferred embodiment of the invention which is believed to be more suitable for use for this purpose and in which different means are employed to support a lid which usually will be considerably longer and thus heavier than the lid 20 of the FIGS. I to 6 embodiment.
The reference numerals 47 and 48 in FIG. 7 denote the confronting walls of a room or the like between which the outer frame I is supported by the above described means including the joists ll of the ceiling, the channel-shaped support members l2, the bolts I4 and so forth. The outer frame 1 of this second embodiment is substantially of identical construction with the outer frame of the preceding embodiment, except that it is sufficiently long to span the opposite walls 47 and 48 of the enclosed space. The lid 20 is also correspondingly elongated to lit in the outer frame I with appropriate clearance.
In order firmly to support the elongated lid 20, one or more, two in this embodiment, crossheams 49 extend between the two opposed longer sides of the outer frame I as best shown in FIG. 7. As illustrated in further detail in FIG. 8, each of the crossheams 49 includes a hollow, rectangular-sectioned portion 50, a flange 51 formed on the top of the portion 50. and a pair of guide grooves 52 formed under the portion 50, and is coupled to the opposite inside walls of the outer frame 1 by screws, not shown, which are received in screw pockets 53 formed within the portion 50.
Crossheams 54 of hollow, substantially rectangularsectioned shape are also provided to the lid 20 so as to be positioned on both sides of each of the first mentioned crossheams 49, and each pair of the crossheams 54 are interconnected by a plate member 55 screwed at 56 to the bottoms of the respective cross-beams 54. The rods 34 set forth in connection with the preceding embodiment are provided at one end of the lid 20 as shown in FIG. 8, and their guide portions 36 are received in the respective guide grooves 6 formed in the inside walls of the outer frame I and in the guide grooves 52 formed in the crossheams 49.
However, the rods 34 and the arms 40 of the preceding embodiment must be modified in construction in order to prevent the lid 20 from striking against the crossheams 49 during its descent to the open position. As illustrated in detail in FIG. I0, each rod 34 in this second embodiment is provided in the form of an L- shaped movable member 58 having the guide portion 36 formed on one end thereof. The L-shapcd members 58 are slidably inserted into respective sleeves or guides 59 secured in places to the lid 20 and are prevented from detachment therefrom by stops 60 formed on the other ends thereof.
In addition to the arms 40 extending between the two opposite ends of the lid 20 and the respective corresponding surfaces of the outer frame I as in the preceding embodiment, there are provided additional arms extending between the crossheams 49 and 54 of the outer frame I and the lid 20 respectively, as will be seen from FIG. 8. All these arms are of identical construction, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, the pin 44 on one end of each arm 40 is slidably received in a slot 61 of prescribed length formed in each of the supports 43 secured in places to the lid 20.
The lock means 45 in combination with the latch 46, FIG. 9, can be provided in one or more positions on the outer frame 1 and the lid 20, respectively, normally to hold the lid in the closed position. As in the preceding embodiment, it is assumed that the one or more lock means 45 are electrically connected to the smoke detector of known construction so as to be automatically actuated in event the smoke is detected in the enclosed space under the ceiling. The upper end of the outer frame I is permanently closed by a sheet 62 of any appropriate material.
in the second preferred embodiment of the invention, constructed as shown in FlGS. 7 to II, the lid 20 is caused by gravity to move to its open position as the latch or latches 46 are released from the lock means 45. As set forth in connection with the preceding embodiment, the lid 20 turns downwardly on the guide portions 36 formed at the tips of the respective L- shaped members 58 while being pulled forwardly by the arms 40 as the guide portions 36 travel slidingly along the respective guide grooves 6 and 52., as will be understood from FIG. ll.
Furthermore. since the arms 40 and the L-shaped members 58 are both slidable to a predetermined extent relative to the lid 20. this lid is permitted to descent to its open or vertical position without striking against the crossbcams 49 of the outer frame I as it is displaced downwardly during its travel to the open position.
The lid 20 thus moved to its open position will serve by itself as a smokeproof screen to retard the spread of the smoke throughout the enclosed space. However, since the gaps between the lid 20 and the walls 47 and 48 should be eliminated altogether in order to make still more effective the service of the lid as the smokeproof screen, a pair of stopgap members 64, H68. 8 and ll. of required thickness can be turnably pinned at 63 to the walls 47 and 48 respectively so as neatly to close the gaps left by the lid 20 in its open position.
Although the apparatus according to this invention has been shown and described hcreinbeforc in terms of some preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be clearly understood that all matter described herein or shown in the accompanying drawings is by way of example only and is not restrictive of the invention in any way. It is therefore appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the fair meaning or proper scope of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
I. An apparatus designed to provide a smoke vent or smokeproof screen, comprising an outer frame fixedly mounted on a ceiling to define a generally rectangular opening therethrough which extends between two opposite walls of an enclosed space under said ceiling,
said outer frame having horizontally extending guide guide grooves of said outer frame and of said cross 6 beam; lock means for normally holding said lid in the closed position; a smoke detector for actuating said lock means; a plurality of turnable arms connecting said lid to said outer frame and to said crossbeam in such a manner that when said lock means is actuated to unlock said lid, the same is caused by gravity to move to the open position while its free end is caused to move substantially vc rtically downward said guide portions of said support means slide along said respective guide grooves of said outer frame and of said crossbeam.
2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1. wherein said lid comprises an inner frame and a panel supported thereby so as to be flush with said ceiling, the spacing between the front and rear ends of said lid and the surfaces of said outer frame being minimized, said panel being made of the same material as said ceiling.
3. An apparatus designed to provide a smoke vent or smokcproof screen comprising an outer frame fixedly mounted on a ceiling to define a generally rectangular opening therethrough which extends between two opposite walls of an enclosed space under said ceiling, said outer frame having horizontally extending guide grooves formed on the confronting inside surfaces thereof; at least one crossbeam provided to said outer frame, said crossbeam also having horizontally extending guide grooves formed on both sides thereof; a lid normally closing said rectangular opening formed through said ceiling; support means openably supporting said lid at one end thereof and including a plurality of guide portions slidably received in said respective guide grooves of said outer frame and of said crossbeam; lock means for normally holding said lid in the closed position; a smoke detector for actuating said lock means; a plurality of turnable arms connecting said lid to said outer frame and to said crossbeam in such a manner that when said lock means is actuated to unlock said lid, the same is caused by gravity to move to the open position while its free end is caused to move substantially vertically downward said guide portions of said support means slide along said respective guide grooves of said outer frame and of said crossbeam, and wherein said support means comprise a plurality of L-shaped members each coupled at one end to said one end of said lid so as to be slidable to a predetermined extent relative to said lid and each having one of said guide portions formed on the other end to be slidably received in each of said guide grooves of said outer frame and of said crossbeam, and wherein each of said arms is also coupled at one end to said lid so as to be slidable relative to said lid, whereby said lid is permitted to move to the open position without striking against said crossbeam.
4. An apparatus designed to provide a smoke vent or smokcproof screen comprising an outer frame fixedly mounted on a ceiling to define a generally rectangular opening therethrough which extends between two opposite walls of an enclosed space under said ceiling, said outer frame having horizontally extending guide grooves formed on the confronting inside surfaces thereof; at least one crossbeam provided to said outer frame, said crossbeam also having horizontally extending guide grooves formed on both sides thereof; a lid normally closing said rectangular opening formed through said ceiling; support means openably supporting said lid at one end thereof and including a plurality of guide portions slidably received in said respective guide grooves of said outer frame and of said crossbeam; lock means for normally holding said lid in the closed position; a smoke detector for actuating said tive guide grooves of said outer frame and of said crossbeam. and including a pair of stopgap members turnahly supported on said respective opposite walls of the enclosed space to close the gaps formed between said lid and said respective walls when said lid is moved to the open position. |
US-3874131-A | Building construction | United States Patent 1191 1:111 3,874,131 Webster Apr. 1, 1975 15 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 3,150,851 9/1964 Ritchie et a1. 248/482 3,170,266 2/1965 R b t t l. 52/11 X Inventor: John Webster, Rlchmondv 3,344,561 10/1967 14262523,? 52/11 73 A R M Mtl C 3,344,562 10/1967 l Ss'gnee f fi 3: ompany 3,344,566 10/1967 3,381,434 5/1968 [22] Filed: May 3, 1973 3,550,381 12/1970 3,007,662 11/1961 Featheringham 248/482 [21] Appl. No.: 356,963
Primary Examiner-Ernest R. Purser [52] US. Cl 52/11, 52/60, 52/95, A m Examiner-Carl D, Friedman 248/482 [51] Int. Cl. F04d 13/00 [58] Field of Search 52/11,94, 5s, 60, 95, 1 1 ABSTRAET 52/403; 248/4811 A building construction having an improved fascia, fascia fastener, and gutter hanger wherein such com-, [56] References C'ted ponents are of simple and economical construction UNITED STATES PATENTS and readily installed in position and the building conl,940,369 12/1933 Peul 248/48.1 struction has optimum structural integrity and esthetic 2,635,841 4/1923 Bauhammer et al 248/481 appeal. 2,712,915 7/1955 Cohen et a1. 248/482 2,990,590 7/1961 Graveley 52/94 X 5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures 4' 22 1.6 H2 1 98 9e 23 IZI :11
- 1 92 r 106 110 4 T 113 -85\ 97 F- 107 93 83 226 g BUILDING CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are numerous residential, commercial, and industrial buildings which have a roof structure which overhangs a wall structure and it is a common practice to provide a fascia strip or fascia at the terminal edge of the overhanging roof and to attach a gutter to the fascia. It is also common practice to provide a fascia which has flanges for receiving a soffit strip thcrebetween whereby the fascia holds one edge portion of the soffit strip and a frieze runner is provided on the wall structure and receives the opposite edge portion of the soffit strip whereby the soffit strip is supported between the fascia and the frieze strip.
However, previously proposed building constructions employing the above-mentioned components usually require additional parts to install components suchas the fascia, soffit, gutter, and the like; and, comparatively more labor is required for installation. Therefore, with the additional parts and added labor the previously proposed building constructions are still deficient in terms of cost, structural integrity, and esthetic appeal.
SUMMARY This invention provides an improved building construction having an improved fascia, fascia fastener, and gutter hanger wherein such components are of simple and economical construction and readily installed in position with minimum labor and the building construction has optimum structural integrity and esthetic appeal.
Other details, uses, and advantages of this invention will be readily apparent from the embodiments thereof presented in the following specification, claims, and drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The accompanying drawing shows present preferred embodiments of this invention, in which FIG. I is a view with parts in cross section, parts in elevation, and parts broken away particularly illustrating improved building ocnstruction of this invention which utilizes improved fascia, fascia fastener, and gutter supporting means;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view looking normally toward the vertical main body of the fascia of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken essentially on the line 33 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view ofa fascia fastener of this invention also illustrating by dotted lines that the fastener is reversible; and
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view similar to an upper portion of FIG. 3 particularly illustrating a modification of the fascia of FIG. 3 which-allows such fascia to be supported in position simply by a hanging action.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Reference is now made to FIG. 1 of the drawing which illustrates one exemplary embodiment ofthe improved building construction of this invention which is designated generally by the reference numeral and such building construction utilizes unique components of this invention including a fascia fastener 21 which has a fascia strip 22 (which will be referred to hereinafter simply as a fascia 22) fastened thereto and a gutter hanger 23 which cooperates with suitable means, to be subsequently described, provided on the fascia 22 to support a gutter 24 in position on the fascia 22. The fascia 22 also has suitable means for supporting a soffit material or soffit strip 25 (which may also be referred to hereinafter simply soffit 25) in a manner which will be described in detail subsequently.
The building construction 20 has a roof construction or structure which is supported on a suitable wall structure or wall 31 so that the roof structure 30 overhangs the wall 31 in the manner illustrated at 32. The roof structure 30 has a terminal end edge 33 and a fascia 22 is suitably detachably fastened against the terminal edge 33 utilizing the fascia fasteners 21 and as will be described in more detail later. The substantially vertical wall structure 31 also has a frieze runner or frieze strip 34 attached by fasteners 35 against the wall 31 and the frieze strip 34 has a pair of parallel flanges defining a channel 36 which is adapted to receive one end portion 37 of the soffit material or strip 25 with an opposite end portion 40 of such soffit material being sup ported by the fascia 22.
As seen particularly in FIG. 4 of the drawing the fascia fastener 21 which will be referred to hereinafter simply as clip 21, comprises a first portion 41 which is adapted to have the fascia 22 held flatly thereagainst and a second portion 42 which is foldably connected substantially perpendicular to the portion 41 along a rectilinear bend or fold 43 whereby the clip 21 has a roughly right angle shape or L-shaped configuration. The portion 42 of the clip 21 has a pair of substantially identical projections 44 extending in the same direction and in substantially parallel relation from opposite end portions 45 of portion 42 and each of the projections 44 is adapted to have a hooking end portion 46, see FIG. 3, of a flange 47 comprising the fascia 22 hooked therearound in a manner to be subsequently described.
The projections 44 have parallel outer edges 50 and arcuate end portions 51 when viewed normal or perpendicular to portion 42 of the clip 21. Each arcuate end portion has a substantially semicircular outer head portion 52 and a neck portion 53 arranged inwardly thereof with the neck portion 53 having a reduced width.
The portion 42 of clip 21 is constructed so that it is substantially symmetrical about an axis parallel to and arranged midway between outer edges 50 whereby the clip 21 is a reversible clip, i.e., the clip may be reversed so that portion 41 is arranged essentially as shown in the dotted line position at 54 in FIG. 4, and such clip may be employed at the opposite end (not shown) of the roof structure 30 and fascia 22 illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, to facilitate attachment of the clip 21 against associated structures, such as roof structure 30, a plurality of openings 55 may be provided for receiving associated fastening devices 56 therethrough and each fastening device 56 may be in the form of a nail, screw, bolt or the like, with it being understood that the clip 21 may be fastened to metal structures, wood structures, or structures made of any other suitable material.
The clip 21 has a cutout 60 in each end of each of its portions 41 and 42. Each cutout 60 is so positioned with respect to the bend or fold 43 that it removes clip material from each portion 41 and 42 at each end of the clip 21. Each cutout 60 defines a flange 61 in portion 41 at opposed ends of the clip and the flange 61 is adapted to have an associated fascia hooked therearound in a manner to be subsequently described.
The fascia 22 is a single piece unitary construction having integral gutter and soffit supports and such fascia will now be described with particular reference to FIG. 3. The fascia 22 has a body portion or main body 66 which has opposed surfaces shown as a front surface 67 and a rear surface 68. The fascia 22 also has a pair of soffit supports in the form of a lower flange 72 and the previously mentioned flange 47 which is an upper flange and such supports or flanges have inner portions which adjoin the rear surface 68 and are arranged in parallel relation.
The supports or flanges 47 and 72 are adapted to receive the soffit 25 therebetween and it will be seen that such flanges 47 and 72 extend transverse and in one direction, i.e., rearwardly, from the rear surface 68 of the body portion 66. As previously mentioned, the flange 47 has a hooking end portion 46 and portion 46 hooks away from the lower flange 72 and toward the surface 68 and the hooking end portion 46 is adapted to be hooked around an associated supporting projection and in particular the supporting projection 44 of an associated fascia fastening clip 21.
The flange 72 has an outer portion 73 which is arranged perpendicular to its inner portion and the flange 72 has a roughly channel-shaped terminal end portion which is in the form of a substantially U-shaped portion which is designated generally by the reference numeral 74. The U-shaped portion has a bight 75 and a pair of substantially parallel legs 76 extending from opposite ends of the bight 75 with the parallel legs 76 being arranged substantially parallel to the body portion 66 and the outer leg 76 being arranged substantially vertically above and in an alignment with portion 73. The U- shaped portion defines a channel 78 which is particularly adapted to receive a resilient compressible material or member 77 therein and such member is such that the end portion 40 of the soffit material 25 is held tightly compressed against the flange 47 in a tight nonrattling manner; and, the opposite end portion 37 of the soffit material 25 is also suitably held tightly in position by the frieze strip 34.
The resilient compressible member 77 and the construction and arrangement of the U-shaped portion 74 and portion 73 relative to the remainder of the flange 72 is such that the soffit material 25 may be moved from the horizontal solid line position illustrated in FIG. 3 to an inclined position, such as the dotted line position illustrated at 80, while still holding the end portion 40 of the soffit 25 firmly in position in a nonrattling manner.
The fascia 22 has a gutter support 82 which extends from the front surface 67 of the body portion 66 in a direction opposite from the direction in which the flanges 47 and 72 extend. In particular, the gutter support 82 extends forwardly from the front surface 67; and, as seen in FIG. 3, the flange 72 and gutter support 82 are arranged so that when viewed in cross section or from an end they are arranged in aligned relation and have substantially coplanar outside surfaces.
The fascia 22 has a projection 83 arranged in vertically spaced relation from the gutter support 82 and the projection 83 defines a groove 84 which is adapted to receive the upper portion 85 of the inside wall 86 of the gutter 24 therewithin. The projection 83 holds such upper portion against the front surface 67.
The fascia 22 also has another projection 90 extending from the front surface 67 of the body 66 and is adapted to support the gutter fastener or hanger 23 in a manner to be subsequently described in detail. The projection 90 defines a groove 91 which is adapted to receive an associated hook-like portion of the hanger 23 therewithin.
As previously mentioned, the fascia 22 is a single piece unitary construction whereby its body portion 66, supports or flanges 47 and 72, and projections 83 and 90 are made as a single piece construction. The projections 83 and 90 extend in opposite directions from a common base portion 92 whereby when viewed in cross section the base portion 92 may be considered broadly as being in the form of a leg of a T-shaped construction having arms or projections 83 and 90.
As previously indicated the fascia fastener or clip 21 is suitably fixed in position utilizing fastening devices 56 on the associated roof structure 30 and the fascia 22 is simply fastened in position by hooking the hooking portion 46 of the flange 47 around the lower projection 44 of associated clips. Once the lower portion of the fascia 22 is fastened in position suitable fasteners which may be in the form of self-tapping screws 94 may be used to fasten the fascia to associated clips 21 and the screws 94 are fastened in position using techniques which are well known in the art.
It will also be appreciated that instead of using selftapping screws 94 to fasten the upper portion of a particular fascia into position, the fascia of this invention may be modified as shown in FIG. 5 and such modified fascia is designated generally by the reference numeral 22M. The fascia 22M has an upper downwardly hooking end portion designated generally by the reference numeral 95M. The hooking end portion 95M of the body portion 66M allows the fascia 22M to be hooked into position and held by the flange portion 61 and the projection 44 of each associated clip 21 without the need for self-tapping screws 94 or the like. Only a fragmentary portion of the fascia 22M is illustrated at FIG. 5; however, it will be appreciated that such fascia is identical to the fascia 22 with the exception of the downwardly hooking portion 95M.
Thus, once a single fascia 22 or a plurality of rectilincarly aligned fascia members 22 are suitably fixed in position on an associated structure of a building construction utilizing fascia fasteners or clips 21, a gutter 24 may be simply fastened in position by sliding such gutter along the fascia 22 with the upper edge portion 85 of the gutter held in position by the projection 83 and its lower inside corner supported by the flange 82. The gutter 24 may also be installed in position by tilting such gutter so that the outermost edge thereof, as viewed in FIG. 3, is at a location somewhere between the illustrated location and a location above and to the right of the illustrated location allowing the upper portion 85 of the gutter back wall 86 to be slipped behind the projection 83 whereupon the gutter 24 is then rotated counterclockwise, as viewed in FIG. 3, so that its bottom inside corner rests on the flange 82.
To assure that the gutter 24 is held firmly in position the gutter fastener or hanger 23 made in accordance with the teachings of this invention is provided and such hanger will now be described in detail making particular reference to FIG. 3. The hanger 23 has a main body portion or body 93 which has opposed end portions with one of such end portions being in the form of a first substantially L-shaped hook 98 which is adapted to be hooked around an associated support therefor and in this example is adapted to be received within the groove 91 of the fascia 22 and supported by supporting projection 90 of such fascia.
The hanger 23 has a second hook 95 which defines the opposite end portion of the body 93 and the hook 95 has a substantially L-shaped configuration including a first leg 96 which is arranged substantially in alignment with the main body 93 and a transverse leg 97 which extends substantially perpendicular to the leg 96 with the transverse leg 97 having an extension 100 extending therefrom substantially parallel to the leg 96. The L-shaped book 95 is adapted to be hooked around an outer portion 101 of the gutter 24 with the extension I00 arranged beneath a corner 102 of such outer portion 101 whereby the hanger 23 supports the top outer portion of the gutter 24 firmly in position. It will be appreciated that a plurality of such hangers 23 are provided along the length of the gutter 24 as illustrated at 103 and 104 in FIG. 1. The hanger 23 is particularly adapted to be used with a gutter 24 in which the top part of its outer portion is substantially L-shaped and defined by a vertically extending leg 105 and a horizontal leg 106 which is directed toward the back gutter wall 86.
The leg 96 of the L-shaped hook 95 has a retaining shoulder I07 provided with a concave arcuate surface 0. The hanger 23 also includes a detachable substantially L-shaped locking member Ill and the locking member has a convex arcuate surface 112 which is adapted to be received within the concave arcuate surface ll0. After the main part of the hanger 23 is fastened around the gutter 24 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 3, the locking member 111 is placed with its arcuate surface I12 into engagement with the surface 110 and its transverse leg H3 arranged therebeneath. The member 111 is then rotated clockwise so that the terminal end edge 114 of its leg 113 is wedged into position against the inside surface of the gutter corner I02 essentially in a snap-fitted relation or manner. With the locking member 111 snap fitted in position, which is the position illustrated in FIG. 3, it will be seen that the leg 113 thereof is arranged vertically and sandwiches gutter portion 105 firmly against leg 97 of hanger 23. The locking member 1]] has another leg 116 which sandwiches portion 106 of the gutter 24 against leg portion 96 of the L-shaped hook.
The hanger 23 has a brace 120 which extends from and beneath the main body portion 93 at an acute angle 12] so that the brace 120 and the main body portion 93 define a roughly Y-shaped configuration. The brace 120 has a larger area terminal bearing surface 122 which is particularly adapted to engage the gutter wall 86 and compress such wall firmly against the main body portion 66 of the fascia 22.
Thus, it is seen that the building construction utilizes a unique dual-purpose fascia 22 which has integral means for supporting both the frieze material and the gutter 24. Further, it will be seen that an improved reversible clip 21 and hanger 23 are provided with the gutter hanger 23 having a'locking member 111 for locking the hanger into position against an associated outer portion of a gutter 24.
Each fascia 22 or 22M is particularly adapted to be used with a gutter which may be made of a comparatively thin material; yet, optimum support is provided for such gutter by the fascia and the gutter hangers of this invention.
The hanger 23, clip 21, and fascia 22 may be made by any suitable process and using any suitable material. Further, the fascia 22 is made preferably by extrusion process and of a suitable metallic material such a metallic material containing aluminum. Further, it has been found that these described components cooperate to suppor-t an associated gutter and a frieze material in a high strength and esthetically attractive manner for an extended service life.
While present exemplary embodiments of this invention, and methods of practicing the same, have been illustrated and described, it will be recognized that this invention may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.
What is claimed is:
l. A fascia having integral gutter and soffit supports comprising, a body portion having opposed surfaces and a top edge, a pair of rigid :soffit supports each adjoining and extending transverse and in one direction from one of said surfaces, a gutter support extending from the other of said surfaces in a direction opposite from said one direction, and a T-shaped portion arranged in spaced relation from said gutter support at a location beneath said top edge, said T-shaped portion having a leg portion adjoining and extending from said other surface and having a pair of projections extending from the outer end of said leg portion in opposite directions, one of said projections extending toward said gutter support and being adapted to hold an upper portion of said gutter against said other surface and the other of said projections extending away from said gutter support and being adapted to support a hanger for said gutter, said pair of soffit supports being defined as an upper and a lower flange having inner portions arranged in parallel relation and being adapted to receive a soffit therebetwecn, said lower flange having a roughly channel-shaped terminal end portion which is adapted to receive a resilient compressible member therewithin and said lower flange having an outer portion arranged substantially perpendicular to its inner portion with said channel-shaped portion adjoining said outer portion.
2. A reversible fastener for fastening a fascia on an associated structure, said fastener comprising, a first portion adapted to have an associated fascia held thereagainst and a second portion arranged transverse said first portion, said second portion having a pair of substantially identical projections extending in the same direction and in substantially parallel relation from opposite end portions of said second portion, said second portion being substantially symmetrical about on axis parallel to and arranged midway between outer edges of said projections enabling said fastener to be reversed and used to fasten either end of said fascia on said associated structure, each of said projections being adapted to have a hooking end portion of a flange comprising said fascia hooked therearouncl, said first and second portions being foldably connected substantially perpendicular to each other along, a rectilinear fold as a single piece construction and further comprising a cutout in at least one of said portions at each end of said rectilinear fold defining a flange which is adapted to have a portion of said fascia hooked therearound.
3. A gutter hanger comprising a main body having opposed end portions, a first hook defining one of said opposed end portions with said first hook being adapted to be hooked around an associated support, a second hook defining the other of said opposed end portions, said second hook having a substantially L- shaped configuration including a first leg and a transverse leg which extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg of said L-shaped hook, and an extension extending from said transverse leg and substantially parallel to said first leg, said second hook being adapted to be hooked around a corner part of a gutter with said extension arranged beneath said corner part, said first leg having a retaining shoulder extending therefrom generally toward said extension and said hanger further comprising a detachable locking member which is adapted to be snap-fitted between said shoulder and said extension with an L-shaped portion of said gutter sandwiched between said locking member and L-shaped second hook.
4. A hanger as set forth in claim 3 in which said detachable locking member comprises a roughly L- shaped member having an arcuate surface which is adapted to engage a corresponding arcuate surface defining the outside surface of said retaining shoulder.
5. A gutter hanger comprising a main body having opposed end portions, a first hook defining one of said opposed end portions with said first book being adapted to be hooked around an associated support, a second hook defining the other of said opposed end portions, said second hook having a substantially L- shaped configuration including a first leg and a transverse leg which extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg of said L-shaped hook, an extension extending from said transverse leg and substantially parallel to said first leg, said second hook being adapted to be hooked around a corner part of a gutter with said extension arranged beneath said corner part, and a brace extending from the central portion of said main body at an acute angle between said main body and brace to define a substantially Y-shaped configuration, said brace being arranged beneath said main body with said hanger fastened in position, said brace having a solid terminal bearing surface which is particularly adapted to engage a wall of said gutter and compress said wall against a structure associated with said gutter. |
US-3874132-A | Swimming pool ledge structure | United States Patent 91 Mendelow et a1.
[11] 3,874,132 Apr. 1, 1975 SWIMMING POOL LEDGE STRUCTURE both of NY.
[73] Assignee: Ideal Recreational Products, Inc.,
Sterling, NJ.
[22] Filed: Oct. 1, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 402,373
[52] US. Cl 52/71, 52/300, 4/l72.2l [51] Int. Cl E04b 1/344 [58] Field of Search 52/300, 169, 589, 591,
52/593, 594, 102, 71, 65; 4/l72.l9, 172.21; 160/135, 229 R, 183
Primary ExaminerFrank L. Abbott Assistant E.\'aminerCarl D. Friedman Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richard M. Rabkin [57] ABSTRACT A ledge for a swimming pool having side walls and a plurality of upright reinforcing posts includes a plurality of ledge segments extending between pairs of posts, with each ledge segment having generally complementary formed first and second end portions. The first end portion of each ledge segment is adapted to mate with the second end portion of an adjacent ledge segment and means are provided for pivotally interconnecting the ledge segments at the mating end portions thereby to permit relative movement between the ledge segments so that the angular relation between the segments may be varied. One end of each segment includes structure for operatively interconnecting that end of the ledge segment directly to its associated upright post.
24 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures QATENTED APR 1 I975 sum 1 5 3 PATENTEDAPR sumsgg SWIMMING POOL LEDGE STRUCTURE The present invention relates to swimming pool constructions, and more particularly to a ledge structure for use with above the ground swimming pools.
In recent years there has been a substantial increase in demand for home swimming pools, particularly of the above the ground type which are adapted to be installed or set up by the home owner in a relatively small back yard area. Such pools have become extremely popular, but suffer from a number of disadvantages particularly in that they are relatively difficult to erect. Typically, such pools are formed from numerous elements, including a vinyl plastic flexible liner, a somewhat flexible side retaining wall which is normally formed of sheet metal or relatively thick plastic, and a series of vertical posts or uprights located around the periphery of the side wall which serve to reinforce the side wall against water pressure on the interior of the pool.
In addition to these elements, the above ground pools are normally provided with an edge member or ledge which covers the upper edge of the pools side wall and, when formed of sufficient width, provides a seat about the periphery of the pool. Such ledges are typically formed of rolled sheet metal or the like, and are difficult to assemble and secure to the pool. Generally, the ledges are secured at their ends between pairs of upright posts, with one or more cooperating cap members used to cover the abutting edges of the ledge and the upper ends of the posts. In order for these various elements to be properly assembled, the upright posts must be spaced in exact relative position to one another so that the screw or bolt holes in the ledges, caps, and posts are in proper alignment with each other to permit proper interconnection between these elements. However, exact positioning of the uprights is difficult to accomplish, particularly in circular or oval pools where the upright posts must be arrayed in an arc.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a swimming pool with a ledge structure which is substantially simpler to assemble than previously proposed above the ground pool structures.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a ledge structure for swimming pools which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and has substantial strength.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a ledge structure which permits the homeowner to accurately assemble a swimming pool having arcuate side wall portions.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a ledge structure is provided for use with an otherwise conventional above the ground swimming pool having a vertically extending side wall and a plurality of vertically extending reinforcing posts located in predetermined spaced locations along the outside of the side wall. Preferably, the ledge structure consists of a plurality ofindividual one piece ledge members each of which is formed as a relatively straight elongated frame member having first and second end portions which are spaced longitudinally from each other a distance sub stantially equal to the distance between two adjacent uprights or posts. The one piece ledge members have upper and lower surfaces, with the upper surface defining a relatively wide seat overlying the upper edge of the pool's side wall, and the lower surface thereof ineluding means at the first end portion of the ledge for operatively connecting that end portion of the ledge to the reinforcing post. In one embodiment of the present invention this is accomplished by providing a pocket in the lower surface of the first end of the ledge which is adapted to receive the upper end of the post. In addition, the upper surface of the first end portion of the ledge and the lower surface of the second end portion thereof have generally complementary and mating configurations so that the second end portion of one ledge member is adapted to be directly connected to the first end portion of an adjacent ledge member, whereby it is supported by that adjacent ledge member on its associated post. This mating relationship, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, permits limited arcuate movement of the ledge members with respect to one another so that slight misalignments made by the homeowner in assembling the pool or slight misalignments due to production tolerances can be accommodated by arcuate movement of the ledge members with respect to one another during the assembly procedure.
The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be apparent in the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swimming pool incorporating a ledge structure constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a ledge assemblly presently used in commercially available pool constructions;
FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view, similar to FIG. 2, of the ledge assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 3B is a perspective view, with parts broken away, of an inverted ledge member constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a ledge member of the present invention, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3A; and
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3A.
Referring now to the drawing in detail, and initially to FIG. 1 thereof, an above the ground swimming pool 10 is seen which includes a ledge structure 12 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Pool 10 is generally of conventional construction in thatit includes a flexible side wall 14 which may be formed of sheet metal or relatively hard plastic sheeting, and a plurality of vertical upright posts 16 spaced in predetermined locations about the periphery of the side wall 14, on the exterior thereof. As is conventional, the pool is provided with an inner liner 17 whose free edge is folded over the top edge 18 of side wall 14, as described hereinafter. Liner 17, of course, serves to retain water in the pool.
For illustrative purposes, pool 10 has been shown as having a generally oval shape, including semi-circular end portions 20 and relatively straight side portions 22. However, it is contemplated that the present invention may be used in other pool configurations and it is particularly adapted for pool configurations having curved side walls, e.g., circular pools.
As mentioned above, previously proposed pool constructions require relatively complex ledge connections in order to complete the pool and secure the seating ledge to the upper edge of the side wall and to uprights 16. One such ledge connectiton of the prior art is shown in FIG. 2 for purposes of illustration and for comparison with the relatively simple connection provided by applicants invention. Thus, for example in the structure shown in FIG. 2, the prior art ledge members 24, which are provided in lengths substantially equal to the distance between successive pairs of posts, are secured to the upper ends 26 of channel-shaped posts 16 by being sandwiched, in effect, between the upper end plate 28 on the top of the post and a locking plate 30. ln this arrangement, the apertures or bolt holes 32 in the plate 30, ledges 24 and plate 28 must all be positioned in alignment by the homeowner assembling the pool in order to properly secure the bolts 34 thereto. After this connection is made an inner cap 36 and an outer cap 38 are assembled and positioned over the ledge members 24 and secured to the plate 28 by a bolt 40 in order to cover or conceal the spaced ends 41 of ledge members 24 at the top of the post. In addition, the outer cap 38 is secured to post 16 by a ledge angle clip 42 and a bolt 43.
Accordingly, it is seen that the assembly of the prior art ledges 24 to posts 16 is substantially complex. It also is quite apparent that if an upright post 16 is not properly positioned with respect to its adjacent posts, the bolt holes in the respective elements will not align; that is particularly true with respect to the bolt holes 32 in the elements 24, 28 and 30. If that should occur, then the homeowner assembling the pool will have to partially disassemble the same and shift post 16 to its proper position. This positioning of posts 16 with respect to one another is particularly difficult when the posts are arrayed around a curved portion of the side wall 14, as is the case in an elliptical or circular pool, because the measurement of the arcuate distances at which the posts are to be spaced is difficult for the unskilled homeowner.
In accordannce with the present invention, in contrast, only a single ledge element and, at most six bolts for each joint, are required to form the completed ledge construction. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3A, the pool constructed in accordance'with the present invention is provided with a series of ledge elements 50 which are each of substantially identical construction and which have complementary end portions 52, 54. It is noted that in the partial perspective view of FIG. 3A, the end 52 of one ledge element, and the end 54 of another adjacent ledge element are shown in detail. These opposite end portions of the ledge elements are of relatively complementary configuration so that they may be placed in overlapped and mating configuration. Thus, the end portion 54 of the ledge element 50a, as described hereinafter, has a pocket formed on the lower surface thereof which is adapted to receive the upper end portion 26 of a post 16a (see also FIG. 1) so as to be operatively connected thereto by a plurality of bolts, as described hereinafter. The other end of ledge elements 50, e.g., the end 52 of the ledge member 50b in Flg. 3A, is not connected directly to a post, but rather is pivotally connected to the end 54 of the adjacent ledge member 50a by bolts or screws 82, 88 as described hereinafter, so that limited pivotal movement is permitted between the adjacent ledge elements. Therefore, for example, after ledge element 50a is connected to post 16a and the ledge element 50b (at the right in FIG. 3A) is connected at its end 52 to the end 54 of ledge element 50a, the position of ledge element 50b with respect to ledge element 50a may be varied or adjusted slightly by pivoting ledge element 50b with respect to ledge element 50a so that its opposite end 54 can be properly positioned with respect to the next previously placed post (e.g., 16b in FIG. 1) for securement thereto. This ability to slightly vary the relative positions of the ledges permits the person assembling the pool to compensate for slight misalignments in the post positions or misalignments of the bolt holes in the ledge elements or posts which are due to variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances. Moreover, numerous unnecessary parts are eliminated, as compared to previously proposed pool ledges, thereby substantially reducing the costs of producing the pool.
A ledge element 50 constructed in accordance with the present invention, is more clearly illustrated in FIG. 3B of the drawing wherein a bottom view thereof is provided. As seen therein, ledge element 50 has a generally channel-shaped configuration including a bight portion 56 which forms the seat portion of the ledge element in the completed construction on which users of the pool may sit. In addition, the ledge has a pair of legs 58, with the leg 58 being somewhat longer than the leg 60 and forming the exterior leg of the ledge, i.e., the leg which is located on the outside of the pool (see FIG. 1). This longer leg 58 also serves to conceal the top edge of the side wall 14 in the completed pool, thereby to provide a more complete and pleasing appearance; the leg 60, on the other hand, provides a bumper on the interior of the pool to prevent inadvertent contact by the swimmers with the top edge of the pool side wall.
The ends 52, 54 of the ledge 50 are of generally circular configuration, with the end 54 thereof having a depending semi-circular wall member 62 formed integrally therewith. This wall member has an inner wall surface 64 which, as seen in FIG. 4, has a plurality of integral pads or extensions 65 formed thereon. Wall 62 opens towards (i.e., inner wall 64 faces) a longitudinally extending wall 66 (more fully described hereinafter) to define therewith a pocket 68 in which the upper end 26 of the channel-shaped post 16 is received in the manner shown in FIG. 6.
In assembling a pool using a ledge construction in accordance with the present invention posts 16 are arrayed in the pattern prescribed by the manufacturer as carefully as possible by the homeowner. He then takes one of the ledges (e.g., 50a), properly associated with a given post, as described hereinafter, and inserts the upper end portion 26 of that post (e.g., 16a) in the pocket 68 of the ledge. This connection is thence made permanent by bolting the wall 62 to the post 16a through apertures 70 formed in wall 62 with bolts or sheet metal screws 71. Apertures 70 are located to extend through pads 65 which engage the sides of channel shaped post 16a to insure proper relative positioning of the post and ledge.
Thus, for example with reference to FIG. 3A, the person erecting the pool first places the ledge 50a in engagement with and secured to the post 16a. Thereafter, the ledge 50b at the right in FIG. 3A is superimposed upon the end 54 of the previously mounted ledge 50a, so that the ends 52 and 54 are in mating relation, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.
Proper mating relation of the ends 52 and 54 is insured by the configuration of the end portions of the ledge. Thus, for example, as seen in FIGS. 3A, 5 and 6,
the upper surface 69 of end portions 54 is provided with an annular rib 72 located about the periphery thereof, and a central post 74 which acts as a pivot post in the completed construction. The lower surface 76 of end 52 on the other hand, has a pocket or well 78 formed therein which is generally circular in configuration and which is adapted to receive rib 72. In addition, end 52 includes a female pivot member or socket 80 formed therein which receives post 74.
In assembling the pool with the ledge members of the present invention, after the ends 52 and 54 of adjacent ledge members are superimposed in the manner described above, they are pivotally secured together by a bolt 82, which is threaded into the post 74 at the end portion 54. By this arrangement, the uppermost ledge member 50 (50b in FIG. 3A) is adapted to pivot slightly about the bolt 82 so that its opposite end 54 (not shown in FIG. 3A) can be adjusted with respect to the next post 16. The pivotal movement of that ledge 50b achieves the proper positioning of the ledge with respect to the other post, (e.g., 16b in FIG. 1) and that other post (16b) can then be inserted in the pocket 68 of the end 54 of ledge member 50b.
Relative pivotal movement between adjacent ledges 50 is limited by the provision of one or more arcuate slots 84 in the end 54 of the ledge members. These slots are preferably located to cooperate with a pair of bosses 86 in the end 52 of the ledge and into which bolts 88 may be connected. By securing the ledges together with bolts 88 in this manner, the pivotal movement of the ledges with respect to one another will be limited by the engagement of the bolts with the edges of the slots 84. Because of the provision of bolts 88 connected between the ledges, the bolt 82 may, if desired, be eliminated. In any case, by this construction of the invention the pool ledges are relatively easily connected with a minimum of parts and the permissible adjustment which can be made between adjacent ledges allows the homeowner to compensate for slight errors in post placement and variations in the elements due to permitted manufacturing tolerances.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, lower surface 77 of the bight or seat portion 56 of each ledge member 50 is provided withv longitudinally extending spaced walls 66, 90 as seen most clearly in FIGS. 4 and 6. These walls define a slot or track 92 therebetween which is adapted to receive the upper edge 18 of side wall 14. This track takes the place of the conventional coping used with previously proposed pool constructions for holding the top edge of the vinyl liner on the top edge of the side wall. Typically, previously proposed copings are in the form of a generally U-shaped elongated clip which simply snap over the top edge of the side wall 14 and hold the top edge of the vinyl liner, which has been previously folded over the top edge of the side wall, against the side wall. Track 92, integrally formed in the ledge 50 of the present invention, takes the place of this coping in that the side walls 66, 90 thereof serve the same function as the coping since they wedge the top edge 94 of the vinyl liner 17 against and around the top edge 18 of the side wall 14.
Track 92 is longitudinally curved, as seen in FIG. 4, in order to accommodate the curved side wall section of a predetermined curved section of the poo]. Since it is usually preferable that the curved portions of the pool conform to arcs ofa common circle, the ledge sections for the curved portions of the pool will all have substantially the same track configuration. The ledge members used at the straight. sections 22 of the oval pool, on the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 1, have tracks 92 formed therein which are relatively straight. Thus, in the pool supplied to the purchaser, a variety of ledges 50 will be provided, each having a track 92 of a particular configuration adapted to be used at a specific location on the periphery of the pool. By providing the integrally formed track in the ledge member in this manner, not only is the previously required coping eliminated, but also the side wall 14 is guided in the proper curve between posts 16 without any additional guide structure at the top of the pool. Moreover, the ledge and integral track form a tension hoop at the top of the pool to reinforce the pool walls when the pool is filled.
As illustrated also in FIG. 4, it is seen that the track 92, i.e., walls 66, 90, pass through and up to a position adjacent the end of the end portion 54 of the ledge. In this manner the side wall 14 and the edge 94 of the liner 17 are fully guided throughout their entire extent. In addition, the wall 66 is located across the open side of the curved wall 62 so as to form the pocket 68 in which post 16 is received. On the other hand, the other end of the track 92, adjacent the end portion 52 of the ledge member, ends adjacent the edge of well 78 so as not to interfere with the placement of the end 52 of the ledge over the end 54 thereof, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5.
Track 92 is reinforced and supported by a plurality of transverse rib members 100 located in spaced relation to each other along the longitudinal axis of the ledge, and extending transversely of the ledge and substantially perpendicularly to the track. These reinforcing ribs extend between flanges 58, 60 of the ledge, on opposite sides of track 92, and thereby strengthen walls 66, of the track. The reinforcing ribs also resist spreading of the walls 66, 90 as the track 92 is moved over the top edge of the side wall and, in addition, they hold the flanges 58, 60 of the channel-shaped ledge member against spreading apart; thereby maintaining a neat and uniform appearance for the ledges. Moreover, the ribs 100 provide a transverse support for the bight portion 56 of the ledge member, stiffening and strengthening the ledge so as to improve its strength characteristics to enable it to be used as a seat for individuals using the pool.
As is apparent, the ledge construction of the present invention substantially reduces the cost of manufacturing swimming pool structures for sale to the home market and for erection by the homeowner himself. This is accomplished by the specific ledge construction described above, which ledge is preferably formed of a one piece molded plastic construction. In this connection, foam structural high impact styrene plastic may be highly suitable for use as the ledge member of the invention. In any case, the use of a plastic material to form the ledge structure is highly advantageous since the plastic ledge will be corrosion resistant, have a longer life and will not be affected by pool chemicals. In addition, the plastic ledge will be more comfortable to sit on than previously proposed metal ledges since they will not absorb as much heat and the plastic ledges require far less maintenance then metal. These advantages are achieved by the structure of the present invention since that structure can be readily molded in a one piece plastic construction whereas the more complicated prior art ledges could not.
The ledge of the present invention, as described, is substantially easier to assemble for the homeowner than previously proposed constructions. Moreover, by the track arrangement 92 it insures that the side wall itself follows the proper arcuate path for which it has been designed. As a result, the swimming pool structure is assembled in a more professional manner, with greater assurance to the homeowner that it is properly assembled and safe for use.
Although an illustrative embodiment of the present invention has been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention.
What is claimed is:
1. A ledge for a swimming pool having a side wall, a plurality of upright reinforcing posts, and a plurality of ledge segments, wherein the improvement comprises, each of said ledge segments having generally complementary first and second end portions each having upper and lower surfaces with the upper surface of said first end portion of each ledge segment and the lower surface of said second end portion having complementary male and female guide surface portions of predetermined configuration, the upper surface portion of one ledge segment being adapted to matingly engage the lower surface of an adjacent ledge segment, with said complementary surface portions thereof engaging each other in mating relation for preventing longitudinal movement of said ledge segments with respect to one another while allowing relative pivotal movement therebetween; means for pivotally interconnecting said ledge segments at said mating end portions to permit relative pivotal movement therebetween thereby to adjust the angular relation between said ledge segments, and separate means on the lower surface of said first end portion of the ledge segment for operatively interconnecting the first end portion of said ledge segments to their associated upright posts in a relatively fixed position whereby the position of adjacent ledge segment may be adjusted by pivoting the second end portion of the adjacent ledge segment with respect to the first end portion of an associated ledge segment.
2. The ledge as defined in claim 1 wherein said ledge segments are each formed in a one piece molded plastic construction.
3. The ledge as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said ledge segments comprises an elongated frame member of one piece construction; said upper surface of each of said ledge segments being relatively flat to define a seating surface.
4. The ledge as defined in claim 3 wherein said first and second end portions of said ledge segments are generally circular in plan and said male and female guide surface portions comprise an annular rib formed on the upper surface of said first end portion of the ledge segments and an annular wall member formed on the lower surface of the second end portion of the ledge segments defining an annular pocket which is adapted to receive said annular rib in mating pivotal relation.
5. The ledge as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for interconnecting the first end portions of said ledge segments to their associated uprights comprises a pocket formed in the lower surface of the first end portion of each of said ledge segments, said pockets each having a configuration which is generally complementary to its associated upright to receive the upper end of said upright therein.
6. The ledge as defined in claim 3 wherein said first and second end portions of said ledge segments are generally circular in plan, said first end portion having an annular rib formed on the upper surface thereof and said second end portion having an annular wall member formed on the lower surface thereof defining a pocket which is adapted to receive said annular rib in mating pivotal relation.
7. The ledge as defined in claim 6 including means for limiting pivotal movement of adjacent ledge portions with respect to one another.
8. The ledge as defined in claim 7 wherein said limiting means comprises at least one arcuate slot formed in one of said first and second end portions and fastening means extending through said slot for securing the first end portion of one ledge to the second portion of an adjacent ledge.
9. The ledge as defined in claim 3 wherein said pool includes a liner folded over the upper edge of said side wall and said lower surface of each of said ledge segments has a pair of depending generally longitudinally extending wall members defining a track therebetween which is adapted to receive the upper edge of said side wall and said pool liner folded thereover.
10. The ledge as defined in claim 9 including reinforcing walls depending downwardly from the lower surface of said ledges and extending transversely of said longitudinally extending wall members.
11. The ledge as defined in claim 10 wherein said longitudinally and transversely extending wall members are integrally formed in said frame member.
12. The ledge as defined in claim 10 wherein the track in each of said ledge segments has a predetermined longitudinal configuration conforming to a predetermined segment of said side wall.
13. A ledge member for use with a swimming pool having a vertically extending side wall, a pool liner folded over the upper edge of said side wall, and a plurality of vertically extending reinforcing posts located in predetermined spaced locations along the outside of said wall, said ledge member comprising a relatively straight elongated frame member having first and second end portions spaced longitudinally from each other a distance substantially equal to the distance between two adjacent posts; said ledge member having upper and lower surfaces, said upper surface defining a relatively wide seat overlying the upper edge of said side weall and said lower surface including means at said first end portion for operatively connecting the first end portion of the ledge member to a reinforcing post; the upper surface of said first end portion of the ledge member and the lower surface of said second end portion thereof having generally complementary and mating configurations, separate from said connecting means, for preventing relative longitudinal movement of said ledge members while permitting pivotal movement therebetween; whereby the second end portion of one ledge member is adapted to be directly connected to the first end portion of another ledge member, thereby to be supported by said another ledge member and its associated post.
14. The ledge member as defined in claim 13 wherein said ledge member is integrally formed as a one piece member.
15. The ledge member as defined in claim 14 including a pair of integrally formed spaced and generally longitudinally extending depending wall members defining therebetween a track which is adapted to receive the upper edge of said side wall and a liner folded over said edge thereby to retain said liner along said upper edge.
16. The ledge member as defined in claim 15 including a pair of integrally formed spaced and generally longitudinally extending depending wall members defining therebetween a track which is adapted to receive the upper edge of said side wall and said liner thereby to retain said liner along said upper edge.
17. The ledge member as defined in claim 16 wherein said ledge member has a generally channel-shaped configuration in section including a bight portion defining said relatively wide seat and a pair of depending legs, said transverse walls extending between said track walls and said depending legs and being formed integrally therewith, thereby to reinforce said track, walls, legs and seat.
18. The ledge member as defined in claim 15 wherein said track has a predetermined longitudinal configuration conforming generally to a predetermined segment of said side wall.
19. The ledge member as defined in claim 18 wherein said means for operatively connecting said first end portion thereof to an associated post comprises means for defining a pocket on the lower surface of said first end portion having a configuration which is generally complementary to said associated post to receive said post.
20. The ledge member as defined in claim 19 wherein said pocket defining means comprises a generally arcuately shaped wall member depending from the lower riphery of said post, said track extending through said first end portion substantially to the free end of the ledgemember, and said arcuate wall member opening towards said track and cooperating with one of said longitudinally extending wall members to define said pocket.
21. The ledge member as defined in claim 19 including means for pivotally interconnecting the first end portion of said ledge to the second end portion of another ledge.
22. The ledge member as defined in claim 21 wherein said pivotal interconnecting means comprises cooperating male and female pivot members formed on said first and second end portions and for permitting said ledge to be pivoted .in a horizontal plane with respect to and adjacent connected ledlges thereby to vary the angle therebetween.
23. The ledge member as defined in claim 22 including means for limiting pivotal movement of said ledge members with respect to and adjacent connected ledge member comprising an arcuate slot formed in one of said first and second end portions and fastening means extending through said slot for securing the first end portion of said ledge to the second end portion of another ledge, said slot defining the limits of permissible pivotal movement between the ledges.
24. The ledge member as defined in claim 21 wherein said first and second end portions of said ledge segments are generally circular in plan, said first end portion having an annular rib formed on the upper surface thereof and said second end portion having an annular wall member formed on the lower surface thereof defining a pocket which is adapted to receive said annular rib in mating pivotal relation. |
US-3874133-A | Systems for interconnecting plates | United States Patent [1 1 Silvius [451 Apr. 1, 1975 [76] Inventor: Arthur Aurelius Xaverius Silvius,
Leerdamseweg 34, Asperen, Netherlands [22] Filed: June 9, 1972 [21] App]. No.: 261,426
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data June 10. 1971 Netherlands 7107973 [52] US. Cl. 52/758 ll), 52/285 [51] Int. Cl. F161) 5/06 [58] Field of Search 287/l89.36 D, 189.36 C
287/l89.35, 20.92 D, 20.92 C, 20.924; 1 46/29, 31; 52/285, 288
Primary Examiner-Werner ll-l. Schroeder Assistant Examiner-Wayne L. Shedd Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Sh.erman & Shalloway [57] ABSTRACT A system for interconnecting plates, panels or the like to one another includes a plurality of interconnecting elements which are inserted into slots formed in the plates or panels and a main coupling with which the interconnecting elements are mated to join the plates or panels. Preferably, the interconnecting elements have flanges thereon, which engage opposite sides of the plates adjacent to the edges of the slots. The flanges are joined by web portions which extend therebetween. The main couplings have portions extending either therefrom or therein which slide into openings in the interconnecting elements which extend between the web portions. In order to achieve a snug fit between these projecting portions and the interconnecting elements, the projecting portions either dove-tail into the interconnecting elements, or engage with slots with ribs extending between the web portions of the interconnecting elements.
12 Claims, 27 Drawing Figures PATENTLL; 1 W5 saawzure PMENIEDAPR 11975 3,874,133
sum 5 [1F 6 PNEN MFR 1 I975 SHEET 6 OF 6 SYSTEMS FOR INTERCONNECTING PLATES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a system for interconnecting a plurality of plates, panels or the like. More particularly. this invention relates to a system for interconnecting plates, panels or the like, wherein separate couplings are used to effect the interconnection.
For quickly and detachably interconnecting plates and boards a number of systems are known in the furniture industry. Such systems generally use a rotatable hook, mounted in a recess in the edge of one plate or board. which grips an eye or pin, in or on another plate or board. Such a system forms a good connections, but the mounting of the connecting components is rather complicated and expensive. Consequently, an object of this invention is to avoid these disadvantages and to accomplish a considerable simplication and reduction in costs.
To this end the system according to the invention uses two or more interconnected clamping pieces of which the crosssection has the shape of an I or a double dove-tail or a shape derived therefrom which is adapted to be clamped in a notch or plate to be connected.
The clamping pieces are preferably made from elastomeric material. However, they may be manufactured from stiff material, in which case the clamping force is effected by the elasticity of the connected plates.
In the case where a clamping piece has an I-shaped crosssection the web of the I may be pushed into a notch of a plate and both flanges will engage respectively opposite surfaces of the plate. Clamping can then be effected by the fact that the notch is slightly narrower than the web of the I and/or by the fact that the distance of the facing surfaces of the flanges is somewhat smaller than the thickness of the plate.
When. however. the crosssection ofa clamping piece has the shape of a double dove-tail, clamping will only be effected by the fact that the notch has approximately a similar shape. but is of somewhat smaller dimensions.
The invention has the advantage that the plates to be connected need only be provided with simple notches and that the interconnection of various plates can be realized without tools by simply pushing the clamping pieces into the notches of the various plates. It has appeared that the connection can be very solid by proper selection ofthe elasticity of the material and of the mutual proportion of the dimensions of the clamping pieces and notches.
A compact connecting element for interconnecting four plates contains four clamping pieces which are mutually arranged in the form of a cross.
When additionally at least one slot has been applied in the web of a clamping piece it will be possible to clamp a glass sheet or a similar sheet of hard material into this slot in a position perpendicular to the board into a notch of which that clamping piece has been applied.
Clamping of glass sheets into a slot of a rather stiff connecting element is described in the Dutch patent application No. 6.902.537 of applicant.
In this case the web of each of the clamping pieces comprises preferably two slots which are separated by a partition wall. In that case the I-shaped crosssection of a clamping piece will actually be H-shaped and the H-shape can be considered as being derived from the I-shape.
A slot can be applied in the web of each I or in the mentioned partition wall, which slot is intended for clamping receiving an adaptor with an I-shaped profile, which itself is adapted to clamp into a notch in a plate.
This combination of connecting elements and adaptors is suitable to be applied for various plate thicknesses and eventually also to various notch widths. A similar adaption to different plate thicknesses or notch widths can also be obtained if the facing surfaces of the two flanges of each I-shaped clamping piece or adaptor are stepped.
In some cases it may be advantageous to divide the element into two halves according to a central longitudinal plane, one of the halves being provided with at least one protruding pin on the web of each clamping piece, which pin fits in a hole of the other half.
If the clamping pieces define a central aperture in which can be received and clamped a separate filling piece, there is a possiblity to interconnect a number of boards and then to close the channel defined by the edges of the boards by means of the filling pieces. These filling pieces will also increase the strength of the connecting element and consequently also of the connection.
In the Dutch patent application No. 6,902,537 of applicant a stiff elastic disc is described provided with four slots mutually enclosing an angle of which are adapted to clamp thin hard sheets, such as glass sheets. The invention gives the possibility to use such a disc additionally for the connection of relative thick boards. so that thin window-panes and thick board can be interconnected.
To this end elastic parts are protruding on both sides of at least one of said slots which parts form the flanges of a clamping member with an I-shaped crosssection which can be clamped into a notch of a thicker board.
The possibility of application of the stiff elastic disc for the connection of relative thick boards will be optional if the elastic protruding parts are composed of two detachably interconnected halves and are applied in openings between the said slots of the connecting el' ement.
The disc which is provided with elastic protruding parts can be adapted in a similar manner to the connection of boards of different thicknesses by providing each of the elastic protruding parts with a longitudinal slot parallel to the plane of the element for receiving a reducer.
It is within the scope of the invention to interconnect the clamping pieces of a connection element in a detachable manner. The advantage thereof may be that the separate clamping pieces can be manufactured in a simpler and less expensive way; it might also be desirable to clamp each of the clamping pieces into a notch of a board before they are interconnected. Furthermore the mutual detachable connection of the clamping pieces gives the possibility to choose the number of clamping pieces per connection element.
In the following the invention will be further explained referring to the FIGS., in which are shown various embodiments of connecting elements according to the invention.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a connecting element with four clamping pieces arranged in the form of a cross and is a view of the boards to be connected by this element.
FIGS. 2a and 2b show respectively connecting elements with three and two clamping pieces with an I- shaped crosssection.
FIG. 3 shows a connecting element which is also appropriate for the connection of glass sheets.
FIGS. 4 to 13 inclusive show different possibilities of the shape of the clamping pieces of connecting elements.
FIGS. 14a to l4e inclusive show a connecting element according to the Dutch patent application No. 6,902,537 with additional accessories which can form together an I-shaped clamping piece.
FIGS. 15 and 16 are perspective views of additional embodiments of interconnecting systems in accordance with the present invention showing a pair of interconnecting elements joined by main couplers.
FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views of still another embodiment of interconnecting systems in accordance with the present invention showing main couplings which mate with interconnecting elements to join panel members.
FIG. 1 shows a connecting element 1, which is preferably manufactured from elastomer material, for interconnecting four boards 20 to 2d inclusive, which are each provided with a narrow notch 3. The connecting element comprises four webs 4 which are arranged crosswise and each of which being adapted to be pushed into a notch 3 ofa board. The webs are on both sides defined by flanges perpendicular to the pushing direction. These flanges form in FIG. 1 the corner pieces of a square but they are in FIG. 2 much smaller. In both cases the connecting element can be considered as a number of interconnecting clamping pieces 5-4-5 of which the crosssection perpendicular to the pushing direction are I-shaped. The clamping effect between clamping piece and board is realized by the fact that the web 4 is somewhat bigger than the width of the notch 3 and/or by the fact that the distance of the facing surfaces of the two flanges of each clamping piece is somewhat smaller than the thickness of the board. The four webs enclose in FIG. 2 a connection part 6 which has the same thickness as the flanges 5 but this part could also have in principle the same thickness as the webs 4 and can even be omitted in some cases or be realized in a detachable manner. It will be evident that no tools are needed for realizing the connection or for loosening the connection.
FIG. 2a shows the connection element with three clamping pieces and FIG. 2b a connecting element with two clamping pieces, all having an I-shaped crosssection.
FIG. 3 shows a connection element with clamping pieces which are arranged crosswise with respect to each other the web of each of these clamping pieces being provided with two slots 9, which are separated from each other by means ofa partition wall 11. Consequently the crosssection of each clamping piece is actually I-I-shaped, which shape can be considered as to be derived from the I-shape. As appears from the figure the web 4 of two clamping pieces is pushed into a notch 3 of a board 2b, 2d respectively. A glass sheet 12 can be clamped into the slot 9,10 of each web 4. In order to support the bottom edge of the glass sheet 12 a shallow narrow slot 13 has been applied in the board 2d (FIG. 3). This slot 13 could be omitted if a strip of a suitable length and width is cut from the bottom edge of the glass sheet.
FIGS. 4 and 7 show varieties of the connecting elements with clamping pieces with I-shaped crosssection according to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 5 shows a connection element with four clamping pieces which are arranged crosswise with respect to each other and which have a double dove-tailshaped crosssection. In this case no separate flanges are present, so that the clamping effects only can be realized in that the board to be connected is provided with a slot of similar shape which, however, has smaller dimensions. The connection can be compared with a double dove tail connection.
FIG. 6 shows a connection element which can be considered as to be a combination of FIG. 3 (each web has slots 9, 10 for engaging a glass sheet) and FIG. 5 (the shape of the web is a double dove-tail).
FIG. 8 shows a connection element which as such and in connection with a I-I-shaped adaptor 14, which has been previously pushed into a board notch, is suitable for different widths of the notches 3 and for different thicknesses of the boards 2. A slot 13 has been applied in the partition wall of the I-I-shaped adaptor into which is clamped the web 4 of a clamping piece of a connecting element. This situation is shown in crosssection in FIG. 8b. The facing surfaces of the flanges of the clamping pieces are stepped to make them usable for the notch widths and board thicknesses shown in FIGS. 86 and 8d.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show varieties of the connecting elements with the H-shaped clamping pieces according to FIG. 3. In FIG. 9 the slots in the web of the H are V- shaped.
FIG. 10 shows a connection element composed of two halves. The halves are interconnected by means of detachable pin-sleeve connections 17.
FIGS. 11, 12 are varieties of FIGS. 1,2.
FIG. 13 is a variety of FIG. 5.
It is noted that in FIGS. 10 to 13 inclusive the four clamping pieces which are arranged crosswise with respect to each other define a central aperture which can be closed by a detachable filling piece 16. This gives the possibility to interconnect a number, for example four, of boards, subsequently to fill the channel defined by the board edges which are turned to each other, by means of a lath and finally to apply the filling pieces into the respective connecting elements.
Referring now to FIGS. 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e, there is shown a system for connecting thin sheets, such as glass sheets (not shown) to relatively thick boards, designated generally by the numeral 102. The system includes a main coupling 103 which is in the form of a disc, such as that disclosed in the applicants Dutch patent application No. 6,902,537. The main coupling or disc 103 has four slots 105, which extend therein and are spaced apart from one another. The slots 105 receive the afore-mentioned thin sheets or glass panels (not shown).
In order to also connect the relatively thick panels or boards 102 shown in FIG. Me to the coupling means 103, it is necessary to utilize pairs of interconnecting elements, designated generally by the numeral 106 and shown in FIGS. 14c, 14b and 14c. Each interconnecting element has two halves 106a and 10619, which are disposed on opposite sides of the coupling element 103 and have generally triangular portions 107 thereon which fit into openings 108 disposed in the discs 103. The projecting portions 107 on the halves 106a and 106!) of the interconnecting elements have a thickness which is approximately one-half the thickness of the disc 103, so that the portions extend to abutt one another half-way through the openings 108 (see FIG. 148).
In order to securely mount the interconnecting elements 106 on the discs 103, the discs 103 have opposed projections 111 and 112, which extend into the opening 108 to define a substantially triangular configuration for positioning the projecting portions 107 (see FIGS. 14a in conjunction with FIG. 14b). The projections 111 and 112 prevent the interconnecting elements 106 from rotating relative to the discs 103. Each projecting portion 107 is a semi-circular shaped pin 113 which extends into a recess 114 on the opposite projection portion 107, when the two halves 106a and 10612 of the interconnecting means are snapped together (see FIG. 1412 in conjunction with FIG. 14c). Each half 106a and 106b of the interconnecting elements 106 has a hub 116 extending therefrom, which in turn registers with the opposite hub via a pin-inaperture arrangement 117-118. The hubs 116 are disposed to abutt outside of the periphery of the disc 103 when the interconnecting elements 106a and 10612 are snapped together on the hub 116. In order to facilitate snapping together the two halves 106a and 10617 of the interconnecting elements, the interconnecting elements are made of an elastomeric material.
Each half 106a and 10612 has a pair of flanges 121 and 122 extending outwardly therefrom, as seen in FIGS. 14a, 14b and 140. These flanges 121 and 122 receive the thick panels or boards 102 therebetween to hold the panels or boards in engagement with the disc 103 (see FIG. 142). If one of the boards 102 happens to be too thin to be tightly engaged between two sets ofthe flanges I21 and 122, a shim such as the shim 127 shown in FIG. 14d. may be placed around the flanges as shown in FIG. 140 to take up the slack. Each interconnecting element 106 has auxiliary flanges 128 thereon, which serve to hold the shims 127 in place on the flanges 121 and 122.
From the afore-described arrangement, it is readily seen that the coupling or disc 103 can connect together thin sheets. such as glass (not shown) and thick panels, such as boards 102, by receiving the thin sheets in the slots 21 and receiving the boards 102 between the flanges 121 and 122.
In FIG. 15 and 16 is shown in which way a number of separate [shaped clamping pieces 5-4-5 can be interconnected to a connecting element according to the invention. In both cases the clamping pieces have triangular extensions 30, whereby four of these triangular extensions can be shifted onto each other in such a way that a square is formed. Each of the triangles is provided with an opening 31 into which a pin 32 of a connecting member 33a, 33b fits in a clamping way. According to the embodiment according to FIG. 15 the connecting member consists of two caps 33a and 33b, of which the one 33a is provided with pins 32 and the other 3311 with openings not visible in the figure. For the interconnection of the clamping pieces the pins 32 of cap 33a are inserted through the openings 31 of the triangular extensions and the openings of the cap 33!).
In the embodiment according to FIG. 16 the connecting member also consists of two caps 33a, 33b, which, however, both are provided with pins 32 as well as with openings 34; the openings 31 in the triangular extensions 30 ofthe I-shaped clamping pieces 5-4-5 are elongated and can each receive a. pin 32 of the cap 33a and a pin 32 of the cap 33b. In mounted position the end of a pin of cap 33a will fall into an opening 34 next to a pin of cap 33b, and the other way around. One of the caps can be provided with a centering member fitting into recesses at the opposite angle points of the triangular extensions 30. If less than four clamping pieces per 1 connecting element according to the invention are applied triangular filling pieces are applied to the place which would be destined for the triangular extensions if four clamping pieces would be applied.
Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown a main coupling, designated generally by the numeral 36, which mates with a plurality of interconnecting elements, designated generally by the numeral 42. The main coupling 36 is cruciform in shape with four arms, designated generally by the numerals 4343, which extend outwardly from a main core 44. Each arm 43 mates with one of the interconnecting elements 42 (only one of which is shown) to interconnect four of the panels 2 so as to radiate from the core 44 of the main coupling 36. Since the main coupling 36 is cruciform in configuration, two panels 2 will extend in a vertical plane of FIG. 17 as drawn.
Each panel 2 has a slot 46 formed therein, which slidably receives one of the interconnecting elements 42. f
In order for the interconnecting elements 42 to seat securely in the slot 46, each interconnecting element 42 has a top flange 47 and a bottom flange 48, which engage opposite sides 49 and 51 of the panel 2, respec tively.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, flanges 47 and 48 are U-shaped so as to extend around the periphery of the opening forming the slot 46.
The flanges 47 and 48 are joined by a web 52 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is also generally U- shaped to conform to the U-shaped configuration of the flanges. The web 52 has a bend formed along line 53 occurring therein, so as to form a dove-tail type opening 54 within the interconnecting element 42 to receive one of the arms 43 from the main coupling 36.
Each arm 43 of the main coupling 36 is formed into an upper fork 57 and a lower fork 58 separated by a slot 59. Each of the forks 57 and 58 have converging sides 61 and 62, respectively, which converge toward the slot 59. When the arm 4.3 is received in the dovetail opening 54 of the interconnecting element 42, the upper arm 61 fits between the bend 53 and the top flange 47, while the lower fork 58 is received between bend 53 and the bottom flange 46. Preferably, the lower portion 520 of the web 52 and the upper portion 52b of the web 52 converge toward the bend 53 at the same angle that the sides 61 and 62 of the arm 43 converge toward the slot 59. However, since the element 46 is made of an elastomeric material and the webs 52 can be relatively flexible, at least along the bend 53, the angles assumed initially by the upper and lower portions 52b and 52a of the web 52 may be different from the angles of the walls 61 and 62, so that when the arm 43 is dove-tailed with the slot 59, the web 52 will deform slightly to conform with the shape of the arm 43. This will result in a tight fit between the sides or surfaces 61 and 62 and the interior surface or surfaces of the web 52. This will also force the exterior surfaces of the web 52 against the sides of the slot 46 in which the element 42 is seated.
In order to further rigidify the interconnecting between the main coupling 36 and the interconnecting elements 42, each arm 43 of the main coupling is relieved at the top and bottom surfaces of the forks 57 and 58, respectively, to form a land 66 and a shoulder 67 thereon. Since only the land 66 and shoulder 67 of the top fork 57 is shown, only the relationship between the top fork and the top flange 47 will be explained, but it should be understood that the lower fork 58 has a land 66 and a shoulder 67 thereon, which are similar in structure and function to the land and shoulder on the upper fork. When the arm 43 is dove-tailed in the interconnecting element 42, the land 66 engages the lower side 68 of the flange 47, while the shoulder 67 engages the inner surface 69 of the flange. This causes the outer lower surface 71 of the flange 47 to engage the top surface 49 of the panel 2 more tightly. Since both the top and bottom forks 57 and 48 have lands 66 and shoul ders 67 engaged similarly with the top and bottom flanges 47 and 48, respectively, the various aforementioned elements of the arm 43 and interconnecting elements 42 will seat in tight engagement.
Additional rigidity is obtained in the aforementioned interconnection by a pin 71 which is passed through aligned holes 72 and 73, respectively, in the top and bottom forks 57 and 58 of each arm 43. This prevents the top and bottom forks from tending to skew out of alignment in relation to one another, so that they form an angle therebetween which might tend to tilt the panels 2 out of the illustrated planes. This skewing could be caused by either one or both of the forks 57 and 58 starting to bend as they extend from the core 44 of the main coupling 36. Finally, according to the illustrated embodiment, the web 52 and the flanges 46 and 47 terminate in ends 76 and 77, respectively, which engage shoulders 78 on the core 44 and the shoulders 67 on the adjacent arms. In the illustrated embodiment, this engagement will occur only with those elements 46 connecting panels 2 extending in the same plane. The elements 46 connecting panels 2 extending in a plane perpendicular to this plane will have end portions that will abutt with only the outer surfaces of the top and bottom flanges 47 and 48.
Referring now to FIG. 18, there is shown a main coupling, designated by the numeral 81, which is similar in configuration to the coupling or plate-shaped body disclosed in applicants prior U.S. application, Pat. No. 3,687,500, issued Aug. 29, 1972. The coupling 81 has four slots 82 which extend therein and are spaced 90 apart so that, in terms of the orientation shown in FIG. 18, four panels 2 may be connected together to extend in horizontal and vertical directions. For purposes of clarity, only one panel 2 is shown in FIG. 18.
The panel 2 has a thickness 83 which is greater than the width 84 of the slots 82 and, therefore, an arrangement needs to be made so that the panels 2 can be connected to the coupling 81. This is accomplished by making a slot 86 in each panel 2 to receive an interconnecting element, generally designated by the numeral 87.
The interconnecting elements 87 have a rib portion 88 which extends between and connects a pair of web portions 89-89 between which it extends. The thickness of the rib 88 approximates the width 84 of the slots 82, so that the ribs may be received in the slots. The width of the slots 88 approximates the width 91 of the coupling 81, so that as the rib 88 is received in the slots 82, the coupling 81 will be received between the webs 89. The length of each interconnector 87 is such that the rib 88 will fill the entire slot 82. In this way, a snug relationship is achieved between the interconnectors 87 and the coupling 81.
In order to firmly seat each interconnector 87 in the slots 86 formed in the panels 2, each interconnector has top flanges 9494 extending outwardly and normally to the webs 89, and bottom flanges 9696 extending normally and outwardly from the bottom of the webs 89. The interconnecting elements 87 can, by the afore-described structure, enable one to use the couplings 81 to connect together relatively thick panels 2 and, thus, allow the couplings 81 to have a more general utility than is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,687,500.
All the connecting elements discussed have in common that they comprise a number of fixedly or detachably interconnected clamping pieces of which the crosssection have the shape of an I or a double dove-tail or a shape derived therefrom. Further many varieties are possible.
What we claim is:
1. A system for interconnecting relatively thin sheets to one another and to relatively thick panels and for interconnecting relatively thick panels to one another and to relatively thin sheets, comprising:
interconnecting means for fitting into slidable engagement with the relatively thick panels;
flange means extending from said interconnecting means for overlying opposite sides of the relatively thick panels to effect a tight fit between the panels and the interconnecting means; and
coupling means having a plurality of slotmeans therein, said coupling means slidably receiving said interconnecting means to secure the relatively thick panels to the coupling means, said slot means having a width approximating the thickness of the thin sheets and extending in the coupling means for receiving the thin sheets and retaining the thin sheets on the coupling means.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said slot means is received in said interconnecting means to retain the relatively thick panels on said coupling means.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the interconnecting means has a rib which extends thereacross having a thickness that approximates said slot means and which is received in said slot means when said coupling is received by said interconnecting means.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein there are a plurality of said slot means disposed at intervals in said coupling means.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said coupling means has a central portion and four arms projecting therefrom, each of which contains one of said slot means and each of which is received by one of said interconnecting means.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the interconnecting means has webs which extend between said flanges and which converge toward one another to form a slot, and wherein the arms have surfaces thereon which converge toward one another to approximate the convergence of the webs, so that the arms dove-tail into engagement with the slots formed by the converging webs.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interconnecting elements are formed into two halves having projecting portions extending therefrom, and wherein the coupling means has openings extending therethrough into which the projecting portions of the interconnecting elements fit when the interconnecting elements are mounted on the coupling means.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein shim means are secured to the flange means projecting from said interconnecting means to allow relatively thick panels to be retained on said coupling means.
9. A system for interconnecting panels of various thicknesses, comprising:
interconnecting elements having oppositely facing flanges extending therefrom for engaging opposite sides of the panels and webs extending between the flanges to connect the flanges together;
coupling means having arms extending therefrom for nesting with said interconnecting means by sliding between said oppositely disposed flanges; and
slot means extending in each of said arm means for receiving relatively thin panels therein to connect the relatively thin panels to the panels engaged by said interconnecting means.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each arm means has an aperture extending therethrough which registers with said slot means and receives a pin therethrough to rigidify said arm means when said arm means is nested with said interconnecting means.
11. An apparatus for interconnecting relatively thick panels to relatively thin sheets, comprising:
interconnecting means having pairs of upper and lower flange portions projecting outwardly therefrom for engaging opposite surfaces of the thick panels;
a pair of web portions for connecting the upper and lower flanges to one another;
a rib portion extending between the web portions;
and
coupling means having a plurality of slots therein for receiving the rib means therebetween and for receiving relatively thin panels therein.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the slot means are disposed at intervals in said coupling means. |
US-3874134-A | Modular building units | 1 Apr. 1, 1975 United States Patent 1 Feldman et al.
FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1 1 MODULAR BUILDING UNITS Inventors: Albert Feldman, 4 Upton Rd.;
652,375 4/1951 United Kingdom 52/251 1,518 637 2/1968 52/79 Robert Feldman, 27 Larnis Rd., both of Framingham, Mass. 01701 May 29, 1973 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Structures, by McGraw Hill, 1956, pages 53,55, 57, 58 and 59.
[22] Filed:
Appl. No.: 364,980
Related US. Application Data Continuation of Ser. No.
115,276, Feb. 16, 1971,
Primary Examiner-John E. Murtagh Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Joseph Zallen abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 53,675, May 1, 1970, abandoned.
[57] ABSTRACT The modular building unit comprises an integral frame of floor, ceiling and wall elements, covered on its interior surface with an integral cover member anchored to the frame, The cover member is made up of an apertured core suchas wire mesh and spaced rods embedded in cementitious material. The exterior is com- 02 ....0 Zoo M M l63 2 5 200 1 53 1 23 5oo ma .3 9,9070, h5oo 423 ZMU 5 6 2 0H3 WM S umfid mur mmm9 87 L C 05 5 3m U.| .F H 555 III [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS pleted where exposed to the atmosphere by inserting finishing elements between adjacent frame members and by a variety of exterior covers as may be desired.
15 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures Gamber................
7 3 6 7 O 9 H H 6 I 3. 444 7. 333
PMENTEU APR 7 I95 SHEET 1 (IF 7 IZI [FIG.
.WTEHTED sum 5 BF 7 PEG. I2
PMEHTED APR 1 i975 SHEET 7 Bf 7 MODULAR BUILDING UNITS CROSS-REFERENCE TO PATENT APPLICATION This is acontinuation of our co-pending patent application of the same title, Ser. No. 115,276 filed Feb. 16, 1971, now abandoned, which in turn was a continuation-in-part of our then co-pending but now abandoned patent application of the same title, Ser. No. 33,675 filed May 1, 1970.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to building structures. In particular it relates to prefabricated or modular building units made of cementitious material.
Many attempts have been made in the past to reduce the cost of building structures by prefabricating the buildings or portions thereof or designing modular units. Cementitious building structures as have been previously described have suffered from one or more disadvantages. One particular disadvantage has been the inability to transport a modular unit to its site because of its excessive weight. Another disadvantage is that in handling or transportation, severe cracking often takes place which cannot be repaired.
One object of the present invention is to provide a novel building structure and method for its construction which provides modular Cementitious building units of substantially less weight than previously described prefabricated or modular units.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a building unit which would be economically transportable.
A further object of this invention is to provide such a building unit which has greatly improved resistance to cracking.
Another object of this invention is to provide a building unit which can be completely or partially constructed in a factory.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide such a building unit which can be used with other similar units to provide larger building units or multiple apartments.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will appear in the description and claims which follow taken together with the appended drawings.
Summary of Invention The invention comprises broadly an enclosed building unit. The unit has an intergral frame having floor, ceiling and exterior wall framing elements with provisions for open portions such as windows, doors, stairs, chimneys, conduit spaces and the like. Extending over substantially the entire interior surface of the frame, except for said open portions, is an integral cover member which forms the floor, ceiling and walls. The cover member comprises an apertured core generally rigid but with some flexibility as, for example, spaced rods and wire mesh. The core is anchored to the frame on all sides and is embedded in Cementitious material. The layer of core embedded in Cementitious material can be quite thin, for example, from about one-quarter to one-half inches in thickness. In one example, the floor has a thickness of about 1 /2 inches and wall and ceiling thickness of about inches.
In one form of the invention, the frame of the building unit is preferably made from peripheral and intermediate horizontal studs for the floor and ceiling and In a second form ofthe invention, the frame elements comprise spaced rodswrapped with wire mesh and embedded in a c ementitious material. The peripheral horizontal elements. also preferably include steel channel beams. The core of the integral cover member preferably comprises layers of wire mesh.
In a preferredconstruction for the first embodiment, a first steel wire mesh layer e.g. 22 wire gage having about /2 inch openings, is positioned on the interior surfaces of the steel studs on all sides and attached to the studs. A rod layer comprising spaced steel rods e.g. 12 gage, is laid over the mesh and attached to the studs by ties, staples or the like. A second wire mesh layer is then positioned on and attached to the rod layer. A
high viscosity Cementitious material e.g. cement orconcrete, is then applied to fill in and surround the rod and mesh layers e.g. to a thickness of about inch to 1 /2 inch. After the Cementitious material has cured, the combined layers provide a continuous cover str uctu re. The space between adjacent studs is then filled with insulating material'such as fiberglass, foam, plastic, asbestos, rock wool, or similar low density insulating material, as may be desired. 3
If the particular wall, ceiling, or floor is to be exposed to the atmosphere, cementitious material may be applied to the exterior surfaces of the studs in question.
In a preferred construction for the second embodiment, a transversely grooved wire mesh core is used for the floor and ceiling, a floor or ceiling framing element is formed from rods spaced within a groove and wrapped with mesh, a vertical forming element is formed from rods spaced adjacent the ends of the grooves and wrapped with mesh, and a horizontal peripheral framing element is formed from a beam e.g. steel beam, in conjunction with spaced rods wrapped in wire mesh.
Other finishing material may be applied to the exterior as may be dictated by various designs. These include wood, clapboard and metal. At the factory, interior portions, kitchen cabinetry, pre-assembled doors, and pre-assembled windows are fitted and installed. Other interior finishing such as painting, electrical services, and leads may also be accomplished at the factory. Accordingly, except for the foundations, the building unit is ready for installation when it arrives at the site.
Because of its construction, the building units of this invention may be stacked or arranged in various combinations with suitable interior designs so as to provide single or multiple dwellings or office buildings or industrial buildings of a wide variety of size and scope.
Because of their construction, the building units of this invention require much less material than previously described prefabricated buildings. Accordingly, building units made in accordance with this invention are sufficiently light in weight to enable them to be han-. dled by conventional transportation, cranes and similar lifting devices. Thus, the building unit illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 in the drawings, has approximate dimensions of 42 feet by 14 feet by 8% feet and weighs only 24,000 pounds. Concrete structures of the same volume typically weigh at least double. A 12 foot width is used in many instances because it is the maximum usable on roads and railroads in the United States.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an end view of the frame of a building unit made in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 2 is an isometric diagrammatic view of the frame of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged interior view of the end wall showing the first wire mesh layer attached to horizontal and vertical framing elements.
FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged interior view as in FIG. 3 showing the rod layer extending over the wire mesh layer.
FIG. 5 is a more enlarged partial interior view as in FIGS. 3 and 4, showing the second wire mesh layer extending over the rod layer.
FIG. 6 is a section along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a slightly enlarged similar view as in FIG. 6 but in this case including the cementitious layer interspersed in and surrounding the mesh and rod layers.
FIG. 8 is a similar view as in FIG. 6 with the addition of an exterior assembly of a first wire mesh layer, a rod layer and a second mesh layer.
FIG; 9 is a slightly enlarged partial view of FIG. 8 showing a cementitious layer interspersed in and surrounding the exterior mesh-rod layer as well as the interior mesh-rod layer.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a corner of the end showing interior and exterior cementitious-rod-mesh wall layers and their attachments to framing elements.
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of an assembly of three enclosed building units made in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 12 is a partial end view with partial cutaway showing the mold used for forming the wire core of the floor in accordance with a second embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 13 is a partial perspective end view with cutaway showing two wire layers substantially coextensive with the floor and positioned in the mold of FIG. 12 with a third layer (shown prior to insertion) substantially coextensive only with the groove portions.
FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view with cutaway showing the wire layers positioned in the mold of FIG. 12, together with spaced rods in the grooves.
FIG. 15 is a partial end view with partial cutaway showing the joining of the floor in the mold with a base of the wall.
FIG. 16 is a partial end view with partial breakaway showing a floor, wall and ceiling, wherein the mold has now been removed and the wire mesh and rods embedded in cement.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF INVENTION FIGS. 1-11 relate to an enclosed building unit made in accordance with this invention which is of a size and shape particularly useful for standardized factory production, ease of handling with'conventional equipment, and suitable for transportation over the highway. Thus, the illustrated unit has approximate dimensions of 42 feet by 14 feet by 8 /2 feet and with such a unit the interiors can be arranged and laid out in a wide variety of designs.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame for the building unit consists of peripheral, horizontal steel studs 12, and intermediate, horizontal steel studs 12a as the floor framing elements; peripheral, horizontal steel studs 121 and intermediate horizontal steel studs 121a as the ceiling forming elements; and vertical steel studs 11, 111, 116, 117 and 118 on the end wall 10 and corresponding vertical steel studs on the other end wall and the two side walls as the vertical wall framing elements attached to and extending between the floor and ceiling elements. By means of intermediate framing elements such as 113, 114, 115, 113a, 114a and a, open portions are provided in the frame for windows 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 and doors 109 and 110. By similar intermediate framing open portions for stairs, chimneys, conduit spaces and the like can be provided.
The framing elements illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be assembled in a variety of ways, thus, for example, they may be pre-assembled as walls or cross frames. In all cases, the completed frame resembles a six-sided cage wherein the steel studs are firmly attached to one another by welding, bolting or the like. In the illustrated example, the studs are uniformly spaced about 21 inches apart on their centers. The particular studs illustrated in the drawings are I-beams about two inches wide and 4 inches deep. Each beam thus provides an interior surface of about 2 inches, an
exterior surface of about 2 inches and a space between' these surfaces of about 4 inches.
As explained in detail below, the basic integral cover member of this invention is formed and abuts on the inner interior surface of the studs. Supplemental cover portions are applied to the exterior surfaces of the studs where such surfaces are to be exposed to the atmosphere. The sheets of insulating material are inserted so as to be positioned between the interior and exterior cover members and are generally fitted between adjacent steel studs.
After the frame has been formed, the first wire mesh layer is applied to substantially all the interior surfaces of the studs, except for the open portions, including the walls, floor and ceiling. This first wire mesh layer which can itself consist of one or more thicknesses of wire mesh, is attached to the steel studs by ties, staples or the like. A suitable wire mesh, for example, would consist of 22 gage steel having k inch openings.
As illustrated in FIG. 3 the end wall interior is covered by wire mesh 13 which extends over and is attached to vertical I-beams 111 and 112 and horizontal I-beams l2 and 121. After the first wire mesh layer, which as indicated previously can be single or multiple construction, is applied over substantially all of the interior steel stud surfaces including the walls, floor and ceiling, a rod layer comprising horizontal steel rods 14 spaced 6 inches on center is applied over all the wire mesh. The rods, e.g. 1 2 gage steel, are tied to the steel studs on 4 inch centers by ties, staples, or the like.
A further wire mesh layer 15 which can also be either singular or multiple, is then applied over all of the rod layer 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and is tied to the rods.
The final step in the construction of the integral cover member is to apply a heavy viscosity, cementitious material 16 such as a mortar mix of Portland cement and sand, which can be applied with a trowel. This cementitious material 16 is interspersed in and surrounds the mesh and rod layers, thus providing as the integral cover member anchored to the frame, a continuous interior wall of about A inch thickness.
Where there are exterior cover portions of mesh and rod layers, as for example, FIG. 8, a similar cementitious layer is applied thereto. i
It should be noted that the ties and staples referred to above, although present in all the rod constructions as described are illustrated only in FIG. 9 so as not to obscure the pattern of the various mesh and rod layers.
Further, although there has been no specific illustration showing an insulating layer or panel in position between adjacent studs and between the exterior and interior surfaces of the studs, it can be readily apparent from the drawings where such insulating panels or blocks would be positioned. Thus, having reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, an insulating block would be perpendicular to the surface of the drawing and cover the stud portion 11. Thus, a wall, ceiling or floor which is intended to be exposed to the atmosphere constructed in accordance with FIG. 9 would in affect have a sandwich of exterior and interior cementitious wire-rod layers enclosing insulating blocks or material.
In the second embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 16, the elements of the integral frame are formed of spaced bars and wire mesh rather than the studs exemplified in the first embodiment, except for flat steel beams at the base and top of each wall.
Having reference now to FIGS. 12 and 16 and treating FIG. 2 as schematic. the floor and ceiling elements of the integral frame are formed by shaping wire mesh as, for example, steel mesh in a mold (e.g. wood or plastic), the mold having transverse grooves in which steel rods are spaced adjacent the edges of such floor and ceiling mold assemblies. Wall frame elements are assembled comprising horizontal spaced rods with steel channels on top and bottom with vertical rods spaced at the end of each groove and tied in to the transverse rods. After this tie in, wire mesh is wrapped around both the vertical rods and the horizontal rods so as to provide a caged structure similar to the schematic view in FIG. 2. While assembling the frame elements, floor, ceiling and wall cores are formed with layers of wire mesh.
After the frame elements and the mesh layers have been assembled, their surfaces are covered on both sides with a high viscosity cement having a high compressive strength. Such a cement in parts by weight is 100 parts Portland Cement, I00 parts of sand and 44 parts of water, which has a compressive strength in excess of 7000 p.s.i. Generally, the compressive strength of cement used in this invention should be at least 5000 p.s.i. and preferably at least 7000 psi.
The mold 301 is coextensive with the dimensions of the floor or ceiling to be formed but can be made in sections for ease of handling. The mold 301 has transverse grooves 302 spaced at regular intervals as, for example, on 4 foot-centers and has a front face 303 and a top face 304.
In assembling this embodiment, the floor mold 301 is placed in position on a working surface and covered with successive inch wire mesh layers 305 and 306 which extend into the grooves and over the entire top face 304 as well as the front face 303. The wire mesh in effect contributes to both the floor framing elements, which are to be constructed in the grooves, and the floor itself, which extends the area of the top surface 304. For reinforcement, a third somewhat larger wire mesh layer 307 as, for example, 4 inch mesh, is placed in each groove with only a small overhang on the top surface 304. Wire mesh layers 305 and 306 are formed by pressing into the grooves. It is understood that these layers can be applied with adjacent sections which are tied to one another. Mesh layer 307 is preferably preformed and then inserted into the groove as illustrated in FIG. 13.
The floor framing element is constructed in each groove by means of upper rods 308 and lower rods 309. These rods preferably have bent over ends 308a and 309a so that they may be attached to vertical wall frame element rods 310 by means of ties 312 and 313. Rods 310 are welded to a horizontal longitudinal channel 360 which forms the base of the wall frame. Attached to the base 360 and tied into rods 310, 308 and 309 are longitudinal horizontal rods 311.
In a similar fashion, wall framing elements comprising base channels and vertical rods are spaced around the entire periphery of the floor, being tied in when adjacent to the floor groove to the transverse floor frame element rods. At the top of each wall frame element as sembly is a channel (e.g. 325) which is attached to the vertical rods (e.g. 310) and tied in with the transverse ceiling framing element rods (e:.g. 349) and has similar horizontal rods 339 attached to it.
After The rods and channel members have been assembled so as to form the enclosure with the appropriate openings, mesh layers are then applied around the spaced rods of the various framing elements and also to form the apertured core portion of the walls, ceiling and floor.
Thus, horizontal rods 311 are covered in sequence with coarse (e.g. 2 inch) wire mesh layer 314 and then by successive fine wire mesh layers 315 and 316. Vertical rods 310 are likewise covered in sequence with a coarse wire mesh layer 335 and then with successive fine wire mesh layers 336 and 3.37. Top horizontal rods 339 are similarly wrapped in mesh layers 340 and 341 and ceiling frame element rods 349 are likewise wrapped in successive mesh layers 350, 351 and 352.
The wall core is formed by connecting a-central wire mesh 323a covered on each side by a fine wire mesh 340 and 341. Similarly the ceiling core is formed from central coarse mesh 318a and fine mesh layers 330 and 331. As indicated previously, the floor core is formed from mesh layers 305, 306 and 307. It is generally preferred that the outer mesh layers (eg 340) be so arranged that they are close to the surface after cementing (See FIG. 16). i
In one method of assembly, the entire rod, channel and wire skeleton is assembled and tied together, and appropriate forms then applied to permit embedding of the wire-wrapped rods and channel in cementitious material to form the framing elements. Cementitious material is also applied to embed the core portions of the walls, ceiling and floor also with the aid of appropriate forms to form the integral cover member.
The assembly of the skeleton frame can also be done in sections, as for example, welding the vertical rods to the upper and lower channels for each wall separately. As is readily apparent, the door and window areas can be cut out and formed either during or after the time when the walls, ceiling and floor cores are being connected.
After the concrete has been placed on all the desired sections, it is preferably vibrated to ensure penetration. After the concrete has set, the fbrms are removed with the floor being poured last. To assist in curing, the entire building can be enclosed by a flexible material, as
for example, a plastic tent, and steam applied. I
In one modification of the method of assembly, the
' framing elements are assembled but cementitiousmaterial is poured and cured on the floor, portion first. This permits support of forms on the floor to complete the pouring of cementitious material, particularly for the ceiling.
The unit is then finished by inserting desired interior partitions, electrical wiring and fixtures, plumbing and fixtures, outside panels for insulation and weather between the vertical framing elements, a functional or decorative roof, windows, doors, etc.
The modular building unit thus comprises a floor 317, a ceiling 318, spaced floor frame elements 319, spaced ceiling frame element 320, horizontal lower wall frame elements 321, vertical wall frame elements 322, vertical wall portion of covering member 323 and upper horizontal wall frame elements 324.
In certai'n situations, as for example, in erecting multiple-dwelling buildings, the modular building unit can comprise framing elements and cover portions for the floor, two opposite walls, and the ceiling, the end walls being open.
What is claimed is:
1. A cementitious building unit having at least a floor, two opposing walls and a ceiling, a continuous interior surface and a ribbed exterior, comprising:
a. framing elements for the floor, ceiling and exterior walls, said framing elements consisting of upper peripheral horizontal framing elements, lower peripheral horizontal framing elements, vertical framing elements extending between said upper and lower elements and intermediate horizontal framing elements extending between said peripheral horizontal elements:
b. at least one layer of wire mesh attached to said framing elements and extending over the interior surfaces of said framing elements so as to form the core for the floor, ceiling and exterior walls; provision being made in said framing elements and wire mesh layers for open portions, such as windows, doors, chimneys, conduit spaces and the like; and
c. a mass of cementitious material interspersed in and surrounding said wire mesh layers so as to form the floor, ceiling and exterior walls as a continuous interior surface, with the forming elements forming exterior ribs; the portions of said floor, ceiling and walls which extend between said framing elements being thin.
2. The building unit of claim 1 wherein the portions of said floor, ceiling and walls which extend between said framing elements have their outer wire mesh layers close to the surface after cementing.
3. The building unit of claim 1 wherein the thickness of the portions of said floor, ceiling and walls which extend between said framing elements is approximately /2 to 1% inches.
4. The building unit of claim 1 wherein spaced rods are used in conjunction with said wire mesh and are embedded in said cementitious material.
5. The buildingunit of claim 1 wherein a said framing element is a metallic member.
6. The building unit of claim 1 wherein a said framing element comprises metallic elements embedded in cementitious material.
7. The building unit of claim 1 where said cementitious material consists essentially of Portland cement and sand.
8. The building unit of claim 1 wherein a said framing element comprises spaced rods wrapped with wire mesh and embedded in cementitious material.
9. The building unit of claim 8 made by first assembling and tying together all rods and wire mesh to form a skeleton and then embedding the skeleton in cementitious material consisting essentially of Portland cement and sand.
10. The building unit of claim 1 wherein there are exterior finishing elements fitted in between adjacent framing elements so as to cover selected portions of the exterior surface of the cementitious wire mesh layer.
11. The building unit of claim 10 wherein said finishing elements include sheets of insulating material fitted in between adjacent framing elements.
12. The building unit of claim 1 positioned on another building unit made in accordance with claim 1.
13. The building unit of claim 1 wherein there are a floor, ceiling and two opposite walls, with the end walls being open.
14. The building unit of claim 1 wherein said cementitious material consists essentially of Portland cement and sand, the thickness of the portions of said floor, ceiling and walls which extend between said framing elements is approximately /2 to 1% inches, and a said framing element comprises metallic elements embedded in cementitious material.
15. A cementitious building unit having at least a floor, two opposing walls and a ceiling, a continuous interior surface and a ribbed exterior, comprising:
a. framing elements for the floor, ceiling and exterior walls, said framing elements including peripheral horizontal framing elements each of which contains a channel member anchored to rods wrapped with wire mesh and embedded in cementitious material;
b. at least one layer of wire mesh attached to said framing elements and extending over the interior surfaces of said framing elements so as to form the core for the floor, ceiling and exterior walls; provision being made in said framing elements and wire mesh layers for open portions, such as windows, doors, chimneys, conduit spaces and the like; and
c. a mass of cementitious material interspersed in the surrounding said wire mesh layers so as to form the floor, ceiling and exterior walls as a continuous interior surface, with the framing elements forming exterior ribs; the portions of said floor, ceiling and walls which extend between said framing elements being thin.
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT N0. 3 874 134 DATED April 1 1975 INVENTOWS) 1 Albert Feldman and Robert Feldman It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
On the title page [63] change "53,675" to "33,675".
Signed and Scaled this twenty-fifth Day Of November 1975 [SEAL] A ttes t:
RUTH C. MASON I C. MARSHALL DANN Attesu'ng Officer Commissioner ufParenIs and Trademarks |
US-3874135-A | Extruded metal construction element | United States Patent 91 [111 3,874,135 Craven Apr. 1, 1975 EXTRUDED METAL CONSTRUCTION 3,566,561 10/1968 Tozer 52/720 X ELEMENT Inventor: Eugene J. Craven, Rt. 1, Box 207,
Moreland, Ga. 30259 Filed: Apr. 22, 1974 Appl. No.: 462,802
Related US. Application Data Continuation of Ser/No. 283,082, Aug. 23, 1972, abandoned.
US. Cl. 52/98, 52/720 Int. Cl. E04c 3/06 Field of Search 52/720, 730, 731,735,
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1962 Mucssel 52/720 Primary Examiner-Price C. Faw, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Donald L. Johnson; John F. Sieberth; Paul H. Leonard [57] ABSTRACT An integral elongated extruded metal construction element of hollow tubular construction having a set of channels located in oppsite sides thereof joined together by an elongated member integral therewith which is adapted to have a portion thereof readily re moved or knocked out.
6 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures EXTRUDED METAL CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT This is a continuation division of application Ser. No. 283,082, filed on Aug. 23, 1972; and now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to building construction elements and more particularly to a new and improved elongated metal construction element of low cost construction which may be used for many different structural purposes in fabricating building and window frames.
The invention is especially related to an improved elongated vertical mullion of hollow tubular construction having a set of glazing channels located in opposite sides thereof. Prior art metal construction elements or mullions of the type of this invention are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,023,859.
Hollow structural shapes are often made of metal, especially aluminum and aluminum alloys, and formed by extrusion of these metals. In the building construction industry. hollow structural shapes are used in making windows and window frames. These elements or pieces are employed as sills, vertical members, headers, mullions, etc.
In extruding hollow structural shapes or metal con struction elements, mullions, etc. of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,023,859 and exemplified in FIG. 2 thereof, considerable difficulty is found in constructing dies for the extrusion and in getting the shape to run through the extrusion equipment without the longer widths or sides being concave or convex. Ordinarily, the sides tend to cave in during manufacture, making it difficult to produce a mullion or element requiring sufficiently close tolerances for the subsequent installation of glass and vinyl or plastic splines.
The present invention provides a metal extrusion which overcomes these prior art difficulties, improves manufacturing, eliminates twisting and permits thinner extrusions.
It is known that double hollow shapes may be joined together as an integral extrusion, but such a shape would be unsatisfactory and unsuitable for most uses.
It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide a new and improved structural shape which can be readily manufactured by extrusion and which can easily be used for its subsequent purpose.
It is a particular object of the invention to provide a novel double hollow construction shape in which the double hollows are integrally joined together and in which a desirable portion ofthe integrally joining member may be readily removed.
Other objects and advantages of the instant invention will be readily apparent from the drawings and description hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises an elongated metal construction element of hollow tubular construction having a set of double hollows or channels located in opposite sides thereof. Each of the channels or hollows are joined together by a joining member integrally formed therewith. The joining member is so constructed or shaped that a portion thereof may be quickly and easily removed. The joining member is of sufficient strength to provide a desired stability during extrusion of the metal construction element, but sufficiently small or narrow so as not to interfere with the construction purpose for which the element is intended.
The invention is especially suitable for vertical mullions having opposed channels therein for receiving glass panes and for the construction of windows and window frames.
In the preferred form of the invention, the mullion or element is extruded from aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the integrally joining member is of a wider dimension in the center thereof as compared to the width where it joins each of the channels or hollows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional and perspective view of a section of a vertical mullion embodying an elongated extruded metal construction element characterized by the novel features of the invention; and,
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an enlarged portion of FIG. 1, illustrating the joining member which integrally joins the opposing channels of the extruded metal construction element or mullion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the preferred form of the invention, the metal construction element is formed by the extrusion of aluminum or aluminum alloy. For purposes of this application, the term aluminum as used hereinafter and in the claims includes aluminum and aluminum alloys customarily used or which may be used in the construction industry.
The mullion is so extruded or constructed that it provides opposing hollow members or channels which are integrally joined together by a joining member. The joining member is located between the sides of the opposing hollows facing each other and preferably at a central area of each of the facing or opposing sides. The hollows may be of various configurations and be the same or of different sizes or dimensions. For use as mullions for receiving glass panes, vinyl splines and the like, the opposing hollows are preferably channel members. The sides of the channels may be vertical as illustrated in the drawings or may extend outwardly or inwardly as desired.
The joining member is integrally formed with the metal construction element and extends longitudinally therewith. The mid-portion or central part of the member is thicker than the portions joining each of the facing sides of the hollows. The joining member may be of any desired configuration, but should be of sufficient strength to retain the extruded shape of the hollows and so constructed that a desired portion on an end of the element can be readily removed. The portion to be removed can be knocked out with a hammer or torn out with pliers or may be removed by any suitable means.
The invention provides an element which can be transported to a work site in its extruded form thus retaining the hollows or channels in their desired positions until installation of the glass or other desired time. A workman on the job site can then knock out or remove a desired portion of the joining member on the ends of the element thus readying it for its immediate ultimate use.
Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown an elongated vertical mullion of hollow tubular structure having respectively located in opposite sides thereof a set of glazing channels, hollows or internal U-shaped parts 11 and 12. It will be noted that while the channel 12 is similar to the channel 11, i.e., it is provided with grooves in the side walls thereof, and it is appreciably more shallow than the channel 11. It can be appreciated that the channels 11 and 12 can be constructed in various sizes and shapes and may be the same or different. They merely need to be of such size and shape to effectively receive a panel element, e.g., a glass pane.
The channels 11 and 12 are preferably provided with grooves 11a and 11b, and 120 and 12b, respectively. The grooves are adapted to receive resilient gaskets.
The channels 11 and 12 are integrallyjoined together by an elongated joining member 13 running longitudinally therewith.
In using the vertical mullion 10 in a flush glazing arrangement in which a plurality of adjacent windows or panels are provided, the mullions 10 are spaced along the wall of a building and are so oriented that the deep channels 11 all face in the same direction, i.e., for each window there are provided opposing deep and shallow glazing channels. A desired portion of the integrally joining member 13 on the end of each of the mullions 10 is knocked out or removed at any time prior to the installation of the mullions. As much of the member 13 may be removed as desired, but in most applications only one or two inches will need to be removed at each end.
The vertical mullions may all be installed before the glass panes are mounted in the unit. In order to mount the panes in the frames, the panes are each slidably moved at any angle into the bottom of the deep channel and then swung into place opposite opposing channel 12, resilient gaskets having previously been mounted in the grooves 11a and 12a of the channels 11 and 12, respectively. Thereafter, the pane is slidably moved into the bottom of the shallow channel 12 and resilient gaskets are forced into place in the grooves 11b and 12b to complete the unit. By providing both a shallow and a deep glazing channel in each mullion 10, and removing a portion of the joining member 13, sufficient space is provided between the opposing channels 11 and 12 to accommodate suitable reinforcement, if required, while at the same time minimizing the overall width of the mullion in a flush glazing design.
More specifically, and as shown in FIG. 1, there is shown an elongated, extruded vertical mullion 10 of hollow tubular construction having a generally rectangular hollow section made up of two external U-shaped parts, hollows or channels, 14 and 15, and two internal U-shaped parts 11 and 12 which are disposed within the section and are provided with base parts 110 and 120 which are disposed in substantially parallel spaced apart relationship. The external U-shaped parts 14 and 15 are respectively provided with legs 14a, 14b and 15a, 15b, which extend toward each other in spaced apart parallel planes and have spaced apart ends adapted to receive the edges of panel elements therebetween on opposite sides of the section. Thus, the legs 14a and 15a extend toward each other in the same plane and are provided with spaced apart ends or edges 14c and 15c which are spaced apart as shown to receive the edge of a panel element therebetween. Similarly, the legs 14b and 15b extend toward each other in another plane which is parallel to the plane occupied by the legs 14a and 15a and are provided with spaced apart ends or edges 14d and 15d to receive the edge of a second panel element therebetween.
As illustrated, the legs of the internal U-shaped parts or hollows 11 and 12 extend toward but are displaced from the adjacent leg ends of the external U-shaped parts. Thus, the internal U-shaped part 11 is provided with legs 11d and lle which extend toward the legs 11b and 15b, respectively, and are respectively provided with feet 11f and 11g which are displaced from the leg ends 14b and 15b. Somewhat similarly, the internal U- shaped part 12 is provided with legs 12d and 122 which extend toward the leg ends 14c and 15c, respectively, of the legs 14a and 15a, and are respectively provided with ends 12fand 12g which are displaced from the leg ends and 15c. As will be noted, the end surfaces of the legs 14c and 14d are substantially coplanar with the inner surfaces of the legs 12d and 11d and the end surfaces of the leg ends and 15d are substantially coplaner with the inner surfaces of the legs 12e and lle. By virtue of this coplaner relationship, coupled with the displacing of the ends of the legs of the internal U- shaped parts from the ends of the legs of the external U-shaped parts, it becomes feasible to form the grooves 11a, 11b, 12a and 12b for receiving resilient-securing strips by providing connecting parts 17, 18, 19 and 20 integrally to join the leg ends of the internal U-shaped parts with the legs of the external U-shaped parts at points spaced back from the ends of the last-mentioned legs. More specifically, the connecting part 17 is formed to extend at right angles to the legs 14a and 12d and integrally joins the leg 12d with the leg 14a at a point spaced back from the leg end 140 to define the groove 12a between the leg ends 140 and 12f. Similarly, the connecting part 18 is formed to extend at right angles to the leg 15a and 12e, and integrally joins the leg l2e with the leg 15a at a point spaced back from the leg end 15c to define the groove 12b between the leg ends 150 and 12g. Somewhat similarly, the connecting part 19 is an extension of the leg 11d and is formed to extend at a right angle to the leg 14b, and integrally joins the leg 11d with the leg 14b at a point spaced back from the leg end 14d to define the groove 11a between the leg end 14d and foot 11f. The connecting part 20 is an extension of the leg lle and is formed to extend at a right angle to the leg 15b, and integrally joins the leg 15b with the leg lle at a point spaced back from the leg end 15d, thereby to define the groove 1117 between the leg end 15d and foot 11g.
The integrally joining or connecting member 13 can be seen in more detail in FIG. 2. The member 13 runs longitudinally with the mullion 10 and is integrally formed therewith and connects the base parts 11c and 120 of the opposed channels 11 and 12 together. The legs or portions 13a and 13b of the member 13 extend at right angles to the base parts 11c and 120, respectively. The legs 13a and 13b are joined together by an enlarged or central portion 13c which is conveniently of a substantially octagonal shape, having six exterior sides, sides 13d and l3e which extend outwardly and downwardly from leg 13a, sides 13f and 13g which extend outwardly and upwardly from leg 13b, and sides 1311 and 13i which connect sides 13d, 13fand 13a, 13g, respectively, and are parallel to each other. The bottom portion 13] of the leg 13a forms the seventh side of the member 13, and the top portion 13k of the leg 13b forms the eighth side of the member 13, thus forming a substantially octagonally shaped (in cross-section) central part 130.
It can be appreciated that the member 13 can be of any desired shape, but it should be of a shape which readily lends itself to being formed in an extrusion operation, and which a portion thereof can readily be removed from the base parts 110 and 12c and from the member 13.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.
What is claimed is:
1. An integral elongated metal construction element having a generally rectangular hollow section comprising two external U-shaped parts, the legs of which extend toward each other in two spaced apart planes and are provided with spaced apart ends adapted to receive the edges of panel elements therebetween on opposite sides of said section, two oppositely facing internal U- shaped parts disposed within said section between said planes substantially at right angles to said external U shaped parts and spanning the spaces between the legs of said external U-shaped parts to receive the edges of the panel elements therewithin, the legs of each of said internal U-shaped parts extending toward but being displaced from the adjacent leg ends of said external U- shaped parts, and a joining member connecting said two oppositely facing internal U-shaped parts integrally formed and extending longitudinally therewith, said joining member having a portion thereof adjacent each of said internal U-shaped parts which are of sufficient strength to retain the structural integrity or shape of said U-shaped parts and which portions are sufficiently weak that they may be readily removed from said construction element.
2. The construction element of claim 1, wherein said joining member is of a wider dimension in the center thereof than in the area immediately adjacent and joining each of said oppositely facing internal U-shaped parts.
3. The construction element of claim 1, wherein said joining member has a central portion of a substantially octagonal shape in cross-section and legs extending from said central portion in opposite directions therefrom and connecting said oppositely facing internal U- shaped parts to each other.
4. An integral elongated construction element formed by an extrusion process, comprising a generally hollow section comprising two internal hollows located in opposite sides thereof and facing each other, each of said hollows being joined together by a joining member integrally formed and extending longitudinally therewith, said joining member being so constructed and shaped that a portion thereof adjacent each of said hollows may be quickly and easily removed therefrom, and said portions of said joining member being of sufficient strength to provide a desired stability during extrusion of the construction element.
5. The construction element of claim 4, wherein said joining member is of a wider dimension in the center thereof than in the area immediately adjacent and joining each of said oppositely facing internal hollows.
6. The construction element of claim 4, wherein said joining member has a central portion of a substantially octagonal shape in cross-section and legs extending from said central portion in opposite directions therefrom and connecting said oppositely facing internal hollows to each other.
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,874,135 DATED April 1975 |NVENTOR(S) Eugene J. Craven It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
The Title Page should show the Assignee as being The William L. Bonnell Company, Newnan, Ga.
Signed and Scaled this Attest:
RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer (ommissiuner oj'ParenIs and Trademarks |
US-3874136-A | Telescopic mast structure | Unlted States Patent 1191 1111 3, Michel 1451 Apr. 1, 1975 TELESCOPIC MAST STRUCTURE 3,263,382 8/1966 TOUI'ICiiOHfl 52/111 3,423,890 1/1969 Leigh 52/118 [75] Invent Lucle Pam France 3,587,886 6/1971 Gano et a1. 52/118 x 73 Assignee; Scadella Anstalt, Vaduz 3,722,154 3/1973 Sakamoto et a1. 52/115 X Liechtenstein FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [22] Filed: June 7, 1973 22,403 7/1912 United Kingdom 52/115 1,158,982 6/1958 France 52/115 1 1 pp 367,893 1,005,255 3/1957 Germany 52/115 [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Primary Exami' 1er Fran]f Abbott June 12 1972 France 72 20997 Assistant Exammer-Leshe A. Braun Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Finnegan, Henderson, 52 11.5. c1. 52/115, 52/118 Parabow Garrett [51] Int. Cl B66f 11/02 [58] 1 16111 61 Search 52/126, 111, 122, 114, [57] ABSTRACT 52 18 115 29, 7 Telescopic mast structure having tubular sections extendible within the other guide units between comple- 5 References Cited mentary surfaces of associated telescoped sections, UNITED STATES PATENTS pressurized fluid for extending sections relative to I 764 063 4/19"; Guichard 11 X each other, and expansible seal between such comple- 217081493 5/1955 Badertscher Hal 1.11:1: 52/111 x mentary surfaces 2,888,111 5/1959 Evans 52/114 3 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure TELESCOPIC MAST STRUCTURE The present invention concerns telescopic mast structures.
Attempts have been made to form telescopic mast structures from a plurality of tubular sections which can be extended by means of pressure fluids, in particular gases. Such structures require sealing means to contain the pressure fluid and require a high degree of surface finish on the corresponding sliding surfaces. As a result the tubular sections have to be checked and inspected prior to assembly of the structure. These requirements are expensive and the cost of a large structure, for example a structure which can be extended several tens of metres, can become prohibitive. Further structures which are capable of large extensions require large diameter tubular sections and this again adds to the overall costs.
The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages in existing telescopic mast structures which are extended by a pressure fluid.
According to the present invention a telescopic mast structure comprises a plurality of tubular sections extendible one within the other, each section having a guide unit adjacent its upper end co-operable with the exterior of its associated inner tubular section and an expansible joint adjacent its lower end co-operable with the interior of its associated outer tubular section and means provided in the outermost tubular section for introducing a fluid under pressure whereby to extend the sections.
Preferably, each guide unit comprises friction rollers co-operable with a roller track arranged on the exterior of the associated inner tubular section.
Conveniently, each expansible joint comprises an annular inflatable chamber extending around the tubular section and surrounded by a peripheral annular resilient sealing member, a lubricant cavity in the sealing member communicating through radial bores with the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member.
As a result telescopic mast structures of any size, and in particular structures capable of large extensions, can be manufactured and assembled in a simple manner and at little cost.
Further the expansible joint enables tubular sections to be utilised which hitherto were considered unacceptable on account of irregular tolerances and surface conditions.
Preferably the inflatable chamber and the sealing member are secured about the tube between two flanges on the tube, at least one of the flanges being detachable. This facilitates maintenance and renewal of the structure and an inspection entrance can be provided in the outermost tube of the structure.
Preferably, secondary guide rollers are provided adjacent the lower end of each tubular section. These secondary guide rollers can serve to bear stresses exerted on the wall of the associated tubular section in the event of excessive compression of the expansible joint.
The invention will be described further, by way of ex ample, with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows, diagrammatically, a simplified section of a portion of a telescopic mast.
A telescopic mast comprises a plurality of tubular cylindrical sections fitting one into the other. In the drawing only, the first tube 1 of the series, that is the outermost tube having the largest diameter and the next im- 2 mediate tube are shown. The lower part 2 of the tube 1 forms a support for the mast. I
A guide unit is mounted internally adjacent the upper end of each tubular section of the mast. In the illustrated example the guide unit comprises friction rollers 4 co-operable with a roller track 5 arranged on the exterior of the associated tube 3.. The last tube of the series, that is the tube of smallest diameter which forms the innermost section of the mast, is not provided with such a guide unit and its upper end is sealed in a fluidtight manner.
With the exception of the outermost tube 1, each tube of the series is provided with an expansible joint 6 adjacent its lower end, the joint 6 co-operating with the inner surface of the associated outer tube of the series. The joint 6 comprises an annular air chamber 7 extending around the tube 3 which in turn is surrounded by a resilient sealing member 8. The member 8 can-be formed from rubber or a plastics material. The air chamber 7 is provided with an inflation valve 9 and the chamber 7 together with the sealing member 8 are maintained in position about the tube 3 between a fixed flange 10 and a detachable flange 11.
The sealing member 8 is formed with an annular internal cavity 12 which is filled with a lubricant such as a grease on assembly of the mast. The cavity 12 communicates with the outer periphery of the sealing member 8 by way of a plurality of radial bores 13. The sealing member 8 is in contact with the inner surface of the associated outer tube. The bores 13 terminate in an annular groove 14 formed in the outer surface of the sealing member 8 and which serves to provide a substantially uniform supply of lubricant about the complete periphery of the sealing member. As mentioned above and as seen from the drawing the innermost tube 1 of the series is not provided with an expansible joint. The bottom of the tube 1 is sealed in a fluid-tight manner by a plate 15. An inlet 16 through the wall of the tube 1 enables a fluid under pressure, for example compressed air, to be introduced by means not shown into the bottom of the mast structure.
Secondary friction guide rollers 17 are mounted on each tube immediately above the joint 6. The rollers 17 do not normally bear against the interior of the associated outer tube and serve merely to absorb stresses arising in the wall of the outer tube in the event of excessive compression of the joint 6 about a part of its periphery.
it will be seen that the joints 6, which can expand and contract, provide excellent seals within the mast structure irrespective of the condition of and possible distortions in the tube surfaces. Upon installation the diameter of the sealing member 8 is slightly less than the nominal internal diameter of its associated outer tube. The chamber 7 is then inflated to a pressure at which the sealing member 8 bears at an appropriate required pressure against the internal wall of the associated outer tube.
The air chamber 7 which is elastically deformable urges the grease contained in the annular cavity 12 through the bores 13 to the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member 8 thus ensuring effective lubrication in the course of operation. Suitable choice of the consistency of the lubricant and the diameter or number of the radial bores 13 serves to control the rate of distribution of the lubricants. The internal walls of the tubes can be coated with lubricant during installation.
The joints 6 ensure the acceptance of the stresses exerted by the lower part of each of the tubes on the associated outer tube. In addition the joints 6 in conjunction with the friction rollers 4 ensure that the tubes are centered and guided one within the other. Further the rollers 4 and the co-operating tracks 5 serve to prevent relative rotation between the tubes. This can be useful in certain practical applications of the mast structure.
The arrangement described above enables the construction of large telescopic structures which can be extended readily by introducing pressure fluid at the inlet port 16. The structure can be formed from tubes which are not required to be manufactured to close tolerances and this results in a reduction in cost. For example, the structure can be constructed from pipeline tubing.
As a result of the detachable flanges 11 the maintenance and renewal of the joints 6 can be performed readily without complete dismantling of the structure. An inspection trap can be provided in the tube 1 and this trap (not shown in the drawing) can, dependent on the size of the structure, be a man-hole.
I claim:
1. A telescopic mast structure comprising a plurality of tubular sections extendible one within the other, a guide unit adjacent one end of each section cooperable with a complementary surface of an associated tubular section, an expansible sealing joint adjacent the opposite end of each section and likewise cooperable with a complementary surface of an associated tubular section and means for introducing fluid under pressure into tubular sections whereby to extend and erect the structure, each expansible joint comprising an annular inflatable chamber extending around the tubular section, an annular resilient sealing member extending about the periphery of the inflatable chamber, and a lubricant cavity in the sealing member communicating through radial bores with the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member.
2. A telescopic mast structure according to claim 1, including two axially spaced flanges on the tubular section for containing the inflatable chamber and the resilient sealing member, at least one of the flanges being detachable.
3. A telescopic mast structure according to claim 1, and secondary guide rollers arranged adjacent the lower end of each tubular section and which normally do not bear against the interior of the associated outer tubular section but are arranged to absorb stresses in the wall of said outer section whenever said expansible joint is compressed beyond a predetermined amount. |
US-3874137-A | Building arrangement | United States aten 11 1 1111 3,874,137
Gentr A r. 1, 1975 [54] BUILDING ARRANGEMENT FOREIGN PATENTS on APPLICATIONS lnventorl Thomas H. Gentry, 404 Hilary n 814,522- 9/1951 Germany 52/169 Danvllle, Callf. 94920 [22] Fl d J I 9 1973 OTHER PUBLICATIONS e uy The Patio House, Urban Land lnstltute, 1200, 18th PP 377,150 St., Washington, DC. Copyright 1963, All 37 pages.
Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 117,744, Feb. 22, 1971, PmWY Emmme pflfred Peham abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. Attorney! Agent or Flrm"Flehr Hohbach Test 734,480, June 4, 1968, abandoned. Albrltton & Herbert [52] US. Cl. 52/169, 52/234 57 BSTRACT [51] Int. Cl. E04h 1/02 A building arrangement wherein a house provides two [5 8] Field of Search 52/169 DT, 234 Walls which act as walls for two differeht courtyards of two different adjacent houses whereby each house is [56] References Clted in turn provided w1th two walls from two other dlffer- UNITED STATES PATENTS ent houses to form two of the walls of its courtyard. 3,254,458 6/1966 Van D61 Lely 52/169 x 3,427,645 2/1969 SprOul 52/169 8 Clams, 3 Drawmg Flgures PATENTED 3,874,137
Hu a
INVENTOR.
THOMAS H. GENTRY 'HJEMEDAPR' 1197s 3,874,137
sum 2 or a 1411'!" LAW...
TNVENTOR. THOMAS H. GENTRY MEET 3 OF 3 III/IIIIIIIII 1 lulu ll uuul, III Hi l 1 mm. l (I INVENTOR- THOMAS H. GENTRY g4, MS
BUILDING ARRANGEMENT This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 1 17,744 filed Feb. 22, 1971, now abandoned which was in turn a continuation of application Ser. No. 734,480 filed June 4,1968, now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to house building arrangements for achieving higher utilization of land area and more particularly to house building arrangements wherein each house has an individual courtyard. 2. DE- SCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART One of the most pressing problems in providing low cost housing involves the high price of land on which the houses must be built. If higher utilization of available land area can be achieved, the overall price of each house can be reduced for the comparable quality homes.
Most populated areas in the country have building restrictions and codes which often require front, side, and rear yards. These have been believed necessary for esthetic purposes and other real or imagined reasons such as to lower the transmission of noise between houses. These requirements have the effect of reducing the size of house which can be placed on a specific sized lot or of requiring the purchase ofa larger lot than is really necessary in order to build a specific sized house.
It is believed that if esthetically pleasing houses could be built on smaller plots of land and still have the advantages of outside recreation areas, insulation from sound transmission, and light and air inwardly directed to the house, that the object of zoning restrictions would be realized and yet the overall price of the house can be reduced.
Many studies have been made by state and federal agencies with regard to low cost housing, and one conclusion usually reached is that as the price of the house is lowered, many additional non-owners of houses can qualify to purchase a home. One study has indicated that in the San Francisco Bay area for each decrease of $1000 in the price of a house 40,000 additional families can qualify to own a home.
A particular solution to the problem is offered by th house building arrangement of the present invention wherein each house is placed in a corresponding corner of a lot and is provided with a private walled in court yard.
The best source of the state of the prior art with regard to homes having courtyards is summarized in a book entitled The Court-Garden House, by Schoenauer and Seeman, which was published by the McGill University Press in Montreal, 1962. Shown on pages 54, 66, and 72 thereof are various housing plans which are most closely related to the invention; however none of those building arrangements, nor any of the others, disclose or contemplate the specific features of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a house buildingarrangement wherein each house has one wall which can form a wall for a courtyard or open area of another house and a second wall which can form a wall for a courtyard or open area for yet another house whereby all the houses in combination provide each house with a courtyard or open area in which at least one or more of the walls of the courtyard or open area are formed by the adjacent houses.
It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide a housing arrangement which achieves maximum utilization of the available land area.
. It is another object of the present invention to provide a building arrangement wherein each house is provided with a walled in courtyard.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a housing arrangement wherein the walls for the courtyard of each house are formed at least in part by the adjacent houses.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide. a housing arrangement wherein each house is insulated by a solid wall from the courtyard of each of the adjacent houses to prevent the transmission of noise from the courtyard into the houses.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a courtyard for each house which is private and unobservable from the adjacent houses.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a housing arrangement wherein each house has numerous rooms which from and open onto a courtyard for light and air.
And still a further object of the present invention is to provide a housing arrangement which lowers the overall price of homes requiring the same cost to build.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a plan view of the building arrangement of the present invention; 7
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a two bedroom house of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a four bedroom house of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention includes the method of achieving high utilization of land area for individual dewllings. The steps comprise first dividing the land into generally rectangular adjacent lots. These lots are preferably arranged in parallel adjacent rows fronting on opposed parallel streets which loop or deadend to reduce traffic flow. Each lot thereby has at least two edge lines and a rear line common to the other lots except for the four corner lots.
A house is then placed in each corresponding rear corner of each lot with one wall of the house disposed along a portion of the proximate rear line. Then the wall of each house disposed along the edge line is utilized as a wall for a courtyard or open area on the property adjacent the edge line and the wall of each house disposed along the rear line is utilized as a wall for a courtyard or open area on the opposed property adjacent the rear line.
Employment of the above-described method provides a housing arrangement wherein each house has a first wall which can form a wall for a courtyard or open area of another house and a second wall which can form a wall for a second courtyard or open area of yet another house whereby all of the houses in combination provide each house with a. walled in courtyard or open area in which at least one of the walls provided therefore is formed by the adjacent houses. Usually two of the walls of each courtyard are formed by two different adjacent houses except in the case of the corner houses and the illustrated four bedroom houses.
Generally the first and second walls of each house are solid contiguous outside corner walls and are disposed adjacent the contiguous boundary lines of the property on which the house is built.
Reference is made to the drawings. Shown in FIG. 2 is a preferred embodiment of a two bedroom house having a solid side wall 11 which is disposed along a portion of the edge line 13 of a lot on which the house is built. Within the house, all the service utilities are disposed along this wall such as the kitchen 15, the storage closet 17 with the water heater 19, the bathroom 21, and a walk in closet 23. A contiguous solid rear wall 25 is disposed along a portion of the rear line of the lot. A second side wall 27 having apertures therethrough such as sliding doors 29, leading out to a courtyard 31, forms a third wall of the house. The front wall 33, also having apertures therethrough, such as windows 35, forms the front of the house. A carport or garage 37 is disposed between the second side wall to the house and the generally solid side wall of the adjacent house. A three bedroom house has generally the same arrangement, but is slightly wider to M in the third bedroom.
The courtyard of the house is formed between the second side wall 27 of the house and the solid side wall 39 of the adjacent house on the adjacent lot, and between the solid rear wall 41 of the opposed house. The storage room 43 at the rear end of the carport forms a fourth wall whereby the courtyard or open area is generally walled in. However, the carport could be left open at the rear whereby it would not wall in the courtyard. Therefore, the term generally walled in in this regard means a front wall may or may not be present.
Thus the side wall 39 of the adjacent house forms one wall for the courtyard, the rear wall 41 of the opposed house forms another wall, and the second side wall 27 of the house on the lot of the courtyard forms a third wall. In turn, the rear wall 25 of the house on the lot forms a wall for the courtyard 45 of the opposed house and the side wall 11 of the house on the lot forms a wall for the courtyard 47 of the next adjacent house.
Reference is made to FIG. 3 wherein a four bedroom house as contemplated by the present invention is illustrated. The rear wall 49 of this house extends the full length of the rear property line whereby the rear wall 51 of the opposed house can, but does not, form a rear wall to the courtyard 53 because the house itself intervenes. Only the side wall 55 of the adjacent house forms a separate wall to the courtyard. If, for instance, the rear wall of the house is shortened by a few feet, then the rear wall 51 of the opposed house would form a wall for the courtyard. Thus, the term can as used herein defines the capability of the wall, but in some instances the wall does not serve the function.
There are two particular features which are present throughout the building arrangement and which can be used as one means of describing the invention. The first is that the side walls 57 and the rear walls 59 of each house forming walls for the adjacent and opposed courtyards 61 are contiguous and are disposed along portions of the boundary lines of the lot, but they do not necessarily extend the full lengths thereof. The walls are also solid whereby they provide privacy to both the courtyard and to the house. The lack of apertures in the wall, in addition to preventing observation, serves to reduce the transmission of sound between the two. The second distinctive feature relates to the fact that the two walls are always disposed in the same relative location on each lot whereby each house is disposed in a corresponding corner of each lot. In the present drawings, each house is shown disposed in the rear left hand corner of each lot, but this arrangement could be flopped over as a mirror image in each case and work just as effectively.
It will be noted that the building arrangement of the present invention has numerous advantages over houses built with front, rear, and side yards. A single side wall can be erected simultaneously for two houses disposed in corner to corner relation on catercornered lots, however, it will be noted that the property line does not follow the same side of the wall for the whole length of the wall. The line actually runs along the outside of each house and it must therefore make a wall thickness jog through the wall at the intersection of the rear and side property lines whereby the opposed lots on opposite sides of the rear line are slightly offset with respect to each other. The houses could also be built with the walls offset on opposite sides of the property line whereby the line would be straight and would make the surveying of the lots easier. Likewise the rear wall of the four bedroom house can extend the full length of rear line of the lot.
The lots can very easily be slanted with the backbone wall, or dividing wall between opposed lots, forming a series of parallel slanted walls in a herringbone pattern.
An advantage of the plan is that all of the houses can be made to face in the same direction for the best climate irrespective of location in the building tract.
The invention is difficult to describe and can be described in relation to the lot on which it is built or in relation to the other houses in the building arrangement. When described in the first manner, the invention is a building arrangement for adjacent property lots having common edge lines and a common rear line and wherein each of the houses having common edge lines front generally in the same direction and each of the houses having a common rear line front generally in opposite directions. Each house has one wall thereof disposed along a portion of the edge line of the lot on which it is built and one wall disposed along a portion of the rear'line of the same lot whereby the wall of each house which is disposed along the edge line can form a wall for a courtyard or open area disposed on the adjacent lot defined in part by the edge line. Likewise, the wall of each house disposed along the rear line can fonn a wall for another courtyard or open area disposed on the opposed lot defined in part by the rear line. Moreover the walls can be described as solid and having no apertures. This describes the building arrangement' by the structural arrangement of each house.
Another way to describe the building arrangement in relation to the boundary lines is by the characteristics of the combination of structures on adjacent property lots having common edge lines and a common rear line. The arrangement comprises a first house disposed predominantly in one corner of a first lot with two contiguous walls thereof disposed adjacent one of the edge.
lines and the rear line. A second and third house is disposed predominantly in the same corresponding corners of the two lots having common edge lines with the first house. The walls of the second and third houses are disposed in the same manner as the first house. A fourth house is disposed on the opposed lot having a common rear line with a first house. The house is positioned in a corresponding corner of the lot with the walls thereof also disposed similar to the first house. This permits the wall of the first house disposed along the edge line common to the first and second house to form a boundary for the courtyard or open area for the second house. The wall of the third house disposed along the edge line common to the first and third house forms a boundary for a courtyard or open area for the first house. The wall of the fourth house disposed along the rear line common to the first house can form a boundary for a courtyard or open area disposed between the first house and the wall of the third house. The pattern of the first, second, third, and fourth houses is repeated throughout the group of adjacent lots. 7
The building arrangement can also be described without relation to the property lines and comprises a multiplicity of houses having at least a front wall, a solid rear wall, a solid side wall, and a second side wall having apertures therethrough. The houses are arranged in combination in two generally parallel rows whereby the solid side wall of each house forms a wall for a courtyard or open area for the adjacent house in the same row and the solid rear wall can form a wall for a courtyard or open area opposite the rear wall of each house and disposed in opposed relation in the parallel row.
There are many advantages to the present invention. Mainly, maximum utilization of the land area involved is achieved. Each house is inwardly directed whereby light and air can flow into the house from the courtyard and the wind is excluded. The property can easily be kept clean since there are no side yards to clutter up and grow ragged and no debris can blow into the courtyard. Noise is excluded because of the solid walls, and privacy is assured to each courtyard since there are no apertures in the walls of the adjacent houses. Conversely no observation can be made into the adjacent houses from the courtyards.
The walled in courtyard permits a micro-climate to be established within for growing of various types of plants which might not otherwise flourish.
The arrangement of the houses provides a very distinct advantage whereby a person, such as the wife, can, from nearly every room within the house, and at all times, observe and completely control the court area. All utilities and storage areas are located opposite the court whereby maximum access to the court from nearly all the rooms of the house is assured. The houses are staggered which eliminates transfer of noise from plumbing and slamming of doors, etc. between one exterior surface of the house to another house.
It will be noticed that transfer of noise during the daytime from a courtyard must travel through a solid side wall and then through the service rooms before it would reach the living rooms. At night, when the bedrooms disposed next to the rear courtyard wall are used, the courtyards are most always quiet.
By reducing the amount of street front area to a minimum, and by eliminating the side yards, deterioration of the neighborhood is inhibited since there is very little area to clutter up. It is easier to maintain since there is less external area to control. The closeness of the houses eliminates the need for fences and lowers pedestrian traffic and directs it towards the park areas which are built adjacent to the housing groups. Vehicular traffic is reduced since the loop and dead end streets go nowhere. There is a visual continuity of structures when they are viewed from one end of the street which enhances the esthetic appearance of the area. The building arrangement cuts down the length of the streets, the size of the yards, and increases the land use which permits a reduction in total price for a full sized complete house.
It will be apparent from the foregoing description of the invention in its preferred form that it will fulfill all the objects attributable thereto. While it is illustrated and described in detail, the invention is not to be limited to such details as have been set forth except as may be necessitated by the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
l. A housing arrangement for a plurality of contiguous lots arranged in first and second rows, each lot in the first of said rows being arranged to have a common rear line with an aligned lot in the second of said rows, adjacent lots in each row having common edge lines therebetween and a front line facing a public street that is adapted to receive vehicular traffic, the edge lines of the first row being aligned with the edge lines of the second row, a house disposed in each of the adjacent lots of the rows, each house comprising vertical exterior walls enclosing a living area, each house being so positioned on its lot as to have a first generally solid vertical wall without apertures disposed along a common edge line and extending from one rear corner of the lot to the front of the living area and a second generally solid vertical wall without apertures extending along said rear line from said rear corner to that side of the living area remote from the first wall whereby said first exterior wall of each house disposed along the edge line of its lot forms an enclosing wall for a courtyard or open area for the house on the adjacent lot of the same row, and whereby said second wall disposed along the rear line of the lot forms an enclosing wall for another courtyard or open area for one of the houses disposed on the opposed aligned lots of the second row, said last named houses of the second row each comprising vertical exterior walls enclosing a living area and so positioned on its lot that it has a first generally solid vertical wall without apertures disposed along at least a portion of a common edge line that is aligned with a common edge line of the first row and is spaced the width of the lot from the first wall of the house on the opposed lot of the first row, each of said lots of each row having such courtyard or open area, each of said areas being bounded by a first wall of an adjacent house of the same row, by a second wall of an opposed house on an aligned lot of the other row and by said other vertical exterior walls of the house on the same lot, the other vertical exterior walls that enclose the living area of each such house being physically spaced from the first wall of the house on an adjacent lot to provide both said courtyard or area and also isolation between houses on adjacent lots of a row.
2. A housing arrangement according to claim 1 wherein each house is of substantially rectangular configuration to provide a substantially rectangular living area.
3. A housing arrangement according to claim 1 wherein an additional wall separate from the walls en- 8 the distance between the first wall of one house and the next house of the same row and is the rear wall of a storage area.
7. A housing arrangement according to claim 6 wherein said storage area forms a portion of the rear wall of a covered parking area.
8. A housing arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the service utilities of each house are disposed along at least one of said solid walls without apertures. |
US-3874138-A | Roofing system | United States Patent r1 1 in] 3, Storch Apr. 1, 1975 ROOFING SYSTEM Primary Examiner-Price C. Faw, Jr. [76] Inventor: Harold Storch 31819 Mayfair Attorney, Agent, or FzrmHarness, Dickey & Pierce Ln., Birmingham, Mich. 48009 [22] Filed: Aug. 22, 1973 ST ACT [21 A 1 N 390,392 A roofing system particularly adapted for roofs having eaves. gables, valleys, peaks and/or ridges. The system Related Appllcatlon Data comprises identical roofing tiles with novel means for Division Of 182.361, P 1971, sealing and fastening both the longitudinal and lateral 3383579 edges of adjacent tiles. The system further comprises special gable end sections and valley, ridge and hip [52] US. Cl 52/199, 52/219, 98/66 R peak Sections which intflfit with the aforementioned [51] Int. Cl E04f 17/02, E04d 13/14 tiles to assure proper Sealing at hip peaks valleys and Field of Search 52/198- 219; ridges. The roofing system includes filler pieces fabri- 285/42 43; 98/42 66 R cated from the tiles which permit the length of a roof portion to be independent of the tile size. Also in- [56] References cued cluded are various eave edge strips which interfit with UNITED STATES PATENTS the tiles and may incorporate drip caps, facia boards 506930 l0/l893 Nies ct al 285/43 and gutters- Further Shown is a vent Stack formed inte- 572,76l 12/1896 Lamprecht ct al. 52/219 grally with the tile to eliminate leakage potential and 1.683.548 9/1928 Hughey 285/43 having a flexible connection to a conduit from a gase- 1916383 l2/l959 Kinkead 4 52/219 X us source R24.637 4/1959 Wulle 52/199 X 2 Claims, 29 Drawing Figures PATEHTIQAFR 1:575 q 874 8 saw s g? 1 v ROOFING SYSTEM This is a division of application Ser. No. 182,361, filed Sept. 21, 1971, now US. Pat. No. 3,783,570.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to roofing structures, and more particularly to roofs having gables, hip peaks, valleys and ridges and fabricated of interlocking slabs of molded resinous plastic material such as skinned urethane foam.
2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art is exemplified by the following United States patents:
1,993,086 S. W. Chaffee 2,160,642 0, V. Bumpas et a1 2,685,852 K. Godel 2,811,118 F. M. Ball 3,114,218 E, V. A. E. Macquere 179,955 T. Reynolds 403,837 .1. E. Gusten et al 530,119 H. Niederlaender 618,197 W. Borgolte 1,454,070 F. Openshaw 1,473,275 N, J. Burgett BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an overall roofing system using interfitting sections of molded resinous plastic material which overcomes the deficiencies of previous constructions and in particular prevents leakage along both the longitudinal and lateral tile edges as well as in the vicinity of valleys, hip peaks, ridges, gables, eaves and vent stacks. To this end, the invention comprises a basic molded tapered roof tile of novel configuration together with means for interlocking and sealing the adjacent tiles at their longitudinal and lateral edges. This means includes an upwardly extending lip at the rearward end of each tile so that fasteners may secure the forward end of the adjacent tile thereto, the material of the tiles gripping the fasteners in a watertight manner. Filler pieces may be used to interfit with adjacent tiles so that the length of a gable or other roof portion need not be an exact multiple of the tile length. These filler pieces are fabricated from the basic tile simply by cutting the side edges to fit. Left hand and right hand end tiles are provided for the roof edges. lnterfitting eave sections are also provided, including left hand, right hand, and intermediate configurations.
Also included in the roofing system are novel valley and hip peak sections which interfit with the basic tiles. The seal configuration is such that any leakage in the vicinity of valleys and hip peaks will be prevented. A vent stack tile is also provided, incorporating an integrally molded tube projecting below the roof line and connected by a flexible conduit to a gaseous fluid source. This will prevent leakage due to roof distortions when subjected to varying wind and temperature conditions. Various modifications of eave edge strips incorporating drip caps, facia boards and/or gutters are provided. Also illustrated are alternate constructions for valleys and ridges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a house showing the roofing system of this invention applied to a gabled roof construction;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the roof showing the arrangement of tiles;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view in elevation taken along the line 33 of FIG. 2 and showing the manner in which the upper and lower edges of adjacent tiles interlock, as well as the ridge construction;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view in elevation taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2 and showing the manner in which adjacent tiles are united to each other and secured to the roof sheathing as well as the eave sections;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of an intermediate roof tile;
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view thereof taken in the direction of the arrow 6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view in elevation taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 2 and showing the juncture of the side edges of two adjacent tiles;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a filler piece joining an intermediate tile with a row terminating tile such as an end, valley or hip peak tile;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view of a tile used for the left hand end of a roof;
FIG. 10 is a front elevational view thereof taken in the direction of the arrow 10 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary elevational view of an intermediate eave section;
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the cave section taken in the direction of arrow 12 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view showing the manner in which a tile interfits with an eave section;
FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of an eave section used for the left end of the roof;
FIG. 15 is a top plan view thereof taken in the direction of the arrow 15 of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a valley tile;
FIG. 17 is a side elevational view thereof taken in the direction of the arrow 17 of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a hip peak tile;
FIG. 19 is a side elevational view thereof taken in the direction of the arrow 19 of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a ridge cap construction;
FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of an end ridge cap;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional-view in elevation of a roof tile having an integrally formed stack for connection to a source of gaseous fluid;
FIG. 23 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a modified eave section incorporating a drip cap and facia board;
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of another modification of an eave section in which the edge strip incorporates a drip cap and a turnunder;
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of another modified eave edge strip incorporating a drip cap, facia board and gutter;
FIG. 26 is still another modification of the cave edge section in which retention and sealing of the adjacent tile is accomplished by tipping the tile into place;
FIG. 27 is an elevational view of an alternate construction of a trough or valley in which strip material is applied with an adhesive;
FIG. 28 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a modified form of a tile interlock in which a rear nailing flange is incorporated along the upper tile edge; and
FIG. 29 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view in elevation of an alternate ridge cap construction for the roofing system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The roofing system of this invention is adapted for use on sloping roofs, and particularly on gabled roofs such as that generally indicated at 11 in FIG. 1, having ridges 12 and 13, hip peaks l4 and 15, and valleys 16. The roof has beams such as that indicated at 17 in FIG. 3 and sheathing 18.
The roofing system contemplates the use of several different basic sections some of which are illustrated generally in FIG. 2. These sections are fabricated of a molded resinous plastic material such as skinned urethane foam which is strong, lightweight, attractive in appearance, and tends to cling to and surround the ends of driven fasteners such as nails. Among the sections comprising the invention are three types of roof tiles, an intermediate tile 19, a left hand end tile 21, and a right hand end tile 22.
The construction of an intermediate tile 19 is seen in FIGS. and 6. The tile is of elongated rectangular shape, having a rear edge 23, a front edge 24, and two side edges 25 and 26. The upper or exposed surface 27 of tile 19 is substantially flat, and a series of feet 28, 29 and 31 extend downwardly from the central and side portions of the tile, being integrally connected by a foot 32 and a rib 33 at the front and central portions respectively (FIG. 5). The bottoms of the feet are tapered so as to be shorter at the rear than at the front, the forward end of surface 27 of the tile thereby being pitched outwardly with respect to sheathing 18 as shown in FIG. 3. The rearward portion of tile 19 has a transversely extending foot 34.
Forward portion 24 of tile 19 has a downwardly open groove 35 formed by foot 32 and by a shorter lip 36. Rearward portion 23 of the tile comprises an upwardly extending lip which will interfit with groove 35 of the adjacent tile. Preferably, the groove and lip are tapered so as to provide a wedge fit. A second and shorter lip 37 is spaced forwardly from lip 23 so that the groove 38 between these two lips will receive the end of lip 36 (FIG. 4). The interfitting tiles may be fastened to each other and to the sheathing by nails 39 which extend through lip 23 and penetrate sheathing 18, and headless nails 40 at right angles to nails 39 which extend through lips 36 and 23 and foot 32. It should be noted that these fasteners do not penetrate any water bearing surfaces. Moreover, the resinous plastic material of the tiles will cling to and tend to surround the ends of nails 39 and 40 in a leak-resistant manner. If desired, a mastic or other sealing compound 41 may be applied to the joint. A double seal will thus be provided which at all times controls the overlap between adjacent tiles.
Side edges 25 and 26 of tile 19 are also provided with grooves for interfitting with the adjacent tiles. More particularly, side edge 25 has a downwardly facing groove 42 (FIG. 7) formed by foot 28 and a spaced shorter lip 43. Similarly, edge 26 has an upwardly facing groove 44 formed by two lips 45 and 46. Feet 28 and 31 may have complementary tapers (FIG. 7) to create a better fit. Lip 46 will be received by groove 42 of the adjacent tile while lip 43 overlies groove 44 and rests on lip 45. A mastic or other sealing compound 47 may be provided at this joint.
Adjacent rows of roof tiles will be laid so that their joints are staggered, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each row will be started at one end of a gable or other roof portion and worked toward the other end or to a valley or hip peak, where a special tile (hereinafter referred to as a row terminating tile) will be placed. In cases where the gable length is not an exact multiple of an intermediate tile length, filler pieces such as that indicated at 48 in FIG. 8 may be provided. These pieces will be fabricated by cutting off the opposite side edges of an intermediate tile on the site to a length necessary to permit the filler piece to overlap the side edges of the adjacent intermediate tile 19 and a row terminating tile indicated at 49 in FIG. 8. The front and rear sealing edges of filler piece 48 will interlock adjacent tiles 19 in the usual manner.
Two examples of a row terminating tile are left and right hand end roof tiles 21 and 22. These differ from intermediate tile 19 in that one side edge will have a decorative facia ridge instead of being grooved, the other edge having an upwardly open groove 44 with lips 45 and 46.
A left hand end tile 21 is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The left hand edge 49 of this tile is shown as having a decoratively scalloped facia edge, the other parts of the tile being the same as and having reference numerals corresponding to those of intermediate tiles 19. Right hand end tile 22, not illustrated in detail, will have its finished edge 50 (FIG. 2) on the opposite side.
The two other illustrated types of row terminating tiles are valley tiles 63 and hip peak tiles 81, described below.
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a center section eave edge strip generally indicated at 51. The strip has a downwardly extending scalloped decorative portion 52 and an upwardly extending lip 53 which enters the groove 35 of the next adjacent intermediate tile 19 or end tile (FIG. 13). A shorter lip 54 is spaced from lip 53 forming a groove 55 within which lip 36 is inserted to form a double seal. A sealant 56 could be placed in the seal for additional effectiveness.
One end of strip 51 is provided with an upwardly facing recess 57 and the other with a downwardly facing recess 58. The intermediate eave edge sections will thus interfit to form a continuous eave edge.
Left hand and right hand eave edge sections are also provided in the roofing system, to be used at the roof ends. A left hand eave edge strip generally indicated at 59 is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. This strip is similar to the strip 51, but the left hand end 61 is finished instead of having a notch for connection with an adjacent strip.
In order to permit staggering of the tile joints as shown in FIG. 1, the left hand and right hand end tiles are made of two lengths, for example, a full length left hand tile indicated at 21 in FIG. 1 and a half length indicated at 62. Similarly, the left hand and right hand end eave edge strips could be made of full and half lengths or in other sizes to suit requirements.
FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a valley tile generally indicated at 63, to be used in valleys such as 16 of FIG. 1. Section 63 comprises two flat sloping surfaces 64 and 65 which intersect at 66. Strengthening ribs 67 are provided below surfaces 64 and 65, the ribs being tapered as shown in FIG. 17 so that the slopes of surfaces 64 and 65 will match those of surfaces 27.
The forward edges of surfaces 64 and 65 are provided with downwardly facing grooves 68 similar to grooves 35 of tiles 19. The rearward edges have upwardly extending lips 69 similar to lips 23, and shorter lips 71 spaced from lips 69 to provide grooves 72 similar to grooves 38. Notches 73 and 74 are provided in lips 69 to provide clearance with respect to the adjacent valley tile. The side edges of surfaces 64 and 65 have upwardly facing grooves 75 formed by two lips 76 and 77 similar to groove 44 and lips 45 and 46 of tile 19. The two grooves 75 are at right angles to each other so that the outer edges of tile 63 will interfit with the tiles on adjacent gables. The complete valley will be formed by a plurality of sections 63 forming a continuous row with the inside corner 78 of one section being adjacent the outside corner 79 of the next section. The sealing functions of the forward, rearward and side edges of each valley tile with its adjacent tiles, as well as the methods of fastening these tiles to the adjacent tiles and the roof sheathing will be the same as described above with respect to the other row terminating tiles. Since surfaces 64 and 65 are integrally formed as a single section, no leakage will be permitted. Furthermore, surfaces 64 and 65 of tile 63 will blend in completely with the adjacent tiles and filler pieces 48 to give the effect of continuous lines of tiles which overlap.
FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a hip peak tile generally indicated at 81 to be used in a location such as hip peak of FIG. 1. Tile 8] comprises two sloping surfaces 82 and 83 having strengthening ribs 84 molded on the underside thereof. Surfaces 82 and 83 intersect at 85, and the ribs are tapered as shown in FIG. 19 to support the sloping surfaces. The forward edges of surfaces 82 and 83 have downwardly extending feet 86 and lips 87 corresponding to foot 32 and lip 36 of tile 19. Rearward edges 88 of surfaces 82 and 83 extend upwardly and are shaped similarly to lip 23 of tile 19. A shorter lip 89 similar to lip 37 is also provided so that the space between these two lips will receive the end of the adjacent lip 87. The side edge of surface 82 has an upwardly facing groove 91 formed by two lips 92 and 93, similar to groove 44 and lips 45 and 46 of tile 19. The outer edge of surface 83 has similar lips 94 and 95. The inside corner 96 of each hip peak tile will receive the outside corner 97 of the next adjacent tile. It will therefore be seen that the sealing effects described above with respect to tiles 63 will be present for the forward, rearward and side edges of the hip peak tiles. It should also be noted that the forwardmost valley or hip peak tiles may interfit with the cave edge strips described above and are fastenable to each other and to the roof sheathing by the methods discussed with respect to tiles 19.
It should be observed that in the case of both valley tiles 63 and hip peak tiles 81, the longer edges (forward or rear) will interfit partially with the shorter edges of the next adjacent valley or hip peak tile respectively, and partially with tiles 19 and/or filler pieces 48. The uniform character of the sealing edges of the various tiles will make possible this staggered relationship.
FIG. 20 shows a ridge cap for a roof constructed according to the present invention. The ridge cap is generally indicated at 96 and has a pair of upwardly sloping surfaces 97 and 98, two outer legs 99 and 101, and a central leg 102, all extending downwardly from surfaces 97 and 98. Legs 99 and 101 are adapted to engage the upper surfaces 27 of adjacent tiles 19 on both slopes of the gable (FIG. 3). The rearward ends of these tiles may be cut off as necessary to create the proper fit. Central leg 102 will rest in caulking or sea]- ant material 103 which is applied between the two tiles 19 and above the roof sheathing. For the ends of a ridge, left hand and right hand sections similar to section 96 could be provided with appropriately finished ends. Such a ridge cap is shown in FIG. 21 and is generally indicated at 104. The left hand end 105 of this cap extends downwardly to overlap the end of the gable. Adjacent cap sections may be interfitted by a reduced end 106 at one end of each cap section which will be received by the adjacent end of the next cap section. To complete a ridge, a filler section (not shown) is formed by appropriately removing material from a fullsized ridge cap.
FIG. 22 illustrates a vent stack panel generally indicated at 107. This panel is constructed similarly to the panel 19 except that it has a tubular vent portion 108 integrally formed therewith and creating a vertical passage with a lower extension 109 extending below the roof line. This extension may be connected to a gaseous fluid source 111 such as the flue of a gas water heater, dryer or furnace, or to a plumbing vent stack, by a flexible connection 112. This connection, which may be fabricated for example of a resilient and properly heatresistant material, is slipped over a reduced portion of extension 98 and held in place by a band clamp 113. It will be observed that section 107 will have the same sealing functions as described above with respect to adjacent tiles and will also eliminate the problem of leakage between the stack and roof, since stack 108 is integrally formed with the tile itself and can move with the roof because of flexible connection 112. Roof movement, as is well known, could be caused by varying temperature and wind conditions.
FIG. 23 shows a modified form of the invention in which the tile 114 has a single downwardly extending forward lip 115, and an eave edge strip generally indicated at 116 is provided incorporating a horizontal portion 117, a drip cap 118 and a facia board partially shown at 119. Strip 116 has an upwardly extending lip 121 and a shorter lip 122 spaced therefrom to form a groove 123. Downwardly extending lip of tile 114 extends into groove 123, with lip 121 extending upwardly behind lip 115 and engaging the underside of the tile surface. A rearward extension 124 is also provided on strip 116, this extension resting on sheathing 125 of the roof. This will enable the strip to be secured to the roof by fasteners such as nails 126 passing through extension 124 and into the sheathing. Tile 114 is secured to strip 1 16 by nails 127 which pass through tile 114 and enter lip 121.
FIG. 24 shows an eave edge strip 128 incorporating a drip cap 129 and a turnunder 131. The face 132 of strip 128 may have decorative ribbing or another design molded into its surface. As in the embodiment of FIG. 23, drip cap 129 extends forwardly a short distance, with turnunder 131 extending rearwardly and upwardly beneath wood sheathing 133. Strip 134 in this embodiment is constructed similarly to tile 114, having a downwardly extending lip 135. Section 128 has an upwardly extending lip 136 and a spaced shorter lip 137, lip 135 extending into the space therebetween. As in the previous embodiment, strip 128 is provided with a rearwardly extending portion 138 into which fasteners 139 may be driven to secure the strip to sheathing 133. Nails 141 may be used to secure tile 134 to lip 136 of strip 128.
FIG. illustrates an eave edge strip generally indicated at 142 incorporating a drip cap 143, a facia board 144 and a gutter 145 into a single component. The strip in this case is of channel-shaped construction to form the gutter, tie bars 146 of upwardly tapered crosssectional shape being formed at intervals to reinforce the gutter walls. As in the last two embodiments, the strip has an upwardly extending lip 147 and a rearward extension 148 for fasteners 149. Headless nails 151 may be driven through lip 152 of tile 153 and into lip 147.
FIG. 26 shows another method of retaining and sealing the lower end of a tile. The tile in this instance is indicated at 154 and is connected at its forward end to a strip 155 having a drip cap 156. Strip 155 also has an upwardly extending lip 157 having a thinner lower sec tion 158 which gives it a certain amount of flexibility. A shorter lip 159 is spaced outwardly from lip 158.
Tile 154 has a downwardly extending lip 161 behind which is an arcuate recess 162. Lip 161 has a hooked bend 163. To install tile 154, it will initially be held vertically and hook 163 inserted between lips 157 and 159. The tile will then be tilted backwards (clockwise in FIG. 26) so that hook 163 will become engaged with the undercut portion of lip 159 and lip 157 will be engaged by lip 161. With tile 154 fastened down in the position shown in FIG. 26, a tight double seal will be effected. It will be observed that strip 155 has a rearward extension 164 for fasteners 165 securing it to roof sheathing 166.
FIG. 27 illustrates an alternate valley construction using an appropriate valley strip material 167 supplied in rolls and secured to the roof 168 with an adhesive 169 which may be spray applied. Strip 167 has upturned outer edges 171, and the lower edges of tiles 172 which engage strip 167 have undercut grooves 173 within which edges 171 are disposed. Grooves 173 are machined at the same time that the ends of tiles 172 are angle cut to fit the valley.
FIG. 28 shows a modified form of interlock between the upper and lower edges of adjacent tiles, these tiles being indicated at 174. The forward edge of each tile has a downwardly extending lip 175 and the rearward edge an upwardly extending lip 176 and a shorter lip 177 to form a groove 178 within which the lower edge of lip 175 is disposed. The rearward edge of each tile also has an extension 179 which will be flush with wood sheathing 181 so that fasteners such as nails 182 may be used to secure the rearward edge of each tile to the roof.
FIG. 29 illustrates an alternate ridge cap construction which is capable of accommodating various roof pitches. The cap is generally indicated at 183 and comprises three interfitting strips 184, and 186. Strips 184 and 185 engage the surfaces of the adjacent'tiles 187 so that fasteners 188 may secure them to the tiles. They curve upwardly and interfit with the similarly curved ends of part 186 the three strips thus forming the cap. A mastic 189 or other caulking material may be used between the adjacent tiles 187 and parts 184 and 185. An outer reinforcement 191 and an inner reinforcement 192 are provided to cover and seal the joints of adjacent cap sections 183. These reinforcements may be snapped into place as shown to cover the joints.
As shown by the dot-dashed lines, the flexibility of strips 184 and 185 will permit cap 183 to accommodate itself to roofs with a wide variety of pitches.
I claim:
1. In combination, a fixed stack leading from a gaseous fluid source toward a roof and terminating below the roof, a planar roofing element having a tube integrally formed therewith and passing through and below the roof, and a flexible conduit secured to and interconnecting the lower end of said tube and the upper end of said stack, whereby movement of said tube with respect to said stack caused by roof movement will be permitted without creating leaks in said roof.
2. In a building roofing system, a roofing tile having a main planar portion supported on and generally parallel to a subjacent roof surface, said planar portion being provided with lip means at one edge thereof fixedly interfltted with a mating portion of an adjacent tile of the system, said tile also having an integral tubular portion extending vertically through said planar portion and projecting both above and below said planar portion and a flexible connection between the lower end of said tubular portion and a fixed vertically extending fluid conduit of the building having its upper end located below said planar portion. |
US-3874139-A | Basement wall construction | United States Patent [191 Landwoski 1 Apr. 1, 1975 1 1 BASEMENT WALL CONSTRUCTION Edmund A. Landwoski, Schofield, Wis. 54476 [76] Inventor:
[52] US. Cl 52/251, 52/259, 52/270, 52/293, 52/438, 52/440, 52/592, 52/600 [51] Int. Cl. E041) 1/16, E04C 1/12 [58] Field of Search 52/270, 259, 293, 432, 52/437, 438, 440, 592, 600, 274, 251
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 790,514 5/1905 Mcara 52/585 1.236.387 8/1917 Moore 52/600 X 1,445,713 2/1923 Reilly 52/438 X 1,770,781 7/1930 Jenkins 52/437 3.798.860 3/1974 Mason 52/585 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 915,004 7/1946 France 52/438 855,906 1 1/1952 Germany 52/259 910,590 2/1946 France 1. 52/274 Primary Examiner-Alfred C. Perham Auurney, Age/11, or FirmHenry C. Fuller {57] ABSTRACT A building wall construction particularly adapted for a foundation or basement wall includes a plurality of pre-formed or pre-cast concrete panels which have a shiplap arrangement of flanges projecting from opposite side edges. When the panels are assembled at the site, the flanges form vertical chambers between the adjacent wall sections to receive columns of reinforcing concrete. Channels in the upper and lower ends 01 the panels communicate with channels in adjacent panels to afford casting of a continuous peripheral bond of concrete around each panel. The bonds around each panel are also integrally connected with the bonds around adjacent panels. The wall assembly also includes for each wall section a variable or universal panel which has both of the side flanges project ing from the outer building face. This panel reverses the sequence of the projecting flanges to insure that both corner panels for one wall have flanges projecting from the outside face to meet with the outside flanges from transverse wall sections. The panels also can be employed to form a horizontal building structure such as a roof. Hollow tubes molded in the panels add rigidity, reduce weight and can be employed as conduits for electrical, heating and plumbing connectrons.
7 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures BASEMENT WALL CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of pre-cast or pre-formed concrete building panels have been developed for use as a foundation or basement wall. The Cooper U.S. Pat. No. 3,685,241 discloses one form of prior art panel. Constructions such as that shown in the Cooper patent require special corner panels which are not as easily formed, stored or shipped as are planar panels. Other disadvantages of some prior art masonry building panels are the need for special grouting or mastic to provide waterproof joints.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a building wall construction which is particularly suited for a foundation or basement wall. No special corner panels are required. Each wall section includes a plurality of a first type of wall panel and at least one of a second type. The first type panel has flanges projecting from each vertical side edge with one of the flanges being an extension of the inside face and the other flange being an extension of the outside face of the panel to provide a shiplap type joint with the flanges of adjacent panels. However, the principal difference from a conventional shiplap type construction is that the projecting flanges have a thickness substantially less than half the thickness of the panel. Thus, when assembled a vertical passageway or chamber is formed between the adjacent edges of adjoining panels to receive reinforcing rods and concrete at the building site.
The second type of panel which is used in each wall section has flanges projecting from both side edges which are extensions of the outer face of the panel. The purpose of the second panel or universal panel is to reverse the sequence of the projecting flanges to insure that the panels at the corners of the wall where the wall section meets transverse wall sections have outside flanges rather than inside flanges to form corners with the panels of the adjacent wall sections.
Each panel has channels in the upper and lower panel ends for receiving reinforcing concrete and horizontally disposed reinforcing rods at the site. When the wall sections are assembled at the site, concrete is poured in the vertical passageways and it flows beneath the wall panels in the horizontal channels in the bottom ends of the panels as well as along the top of each panel. Thus a continuous bond beam completely surrounds each panel with the bond beams for adjacent panels being integrally connected in the vertical passageways or chambers between adjacent wall panels.
Further objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following disclosure.
DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa building panel in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view in fragmentary section of the building panel shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an end view of the panel shown in FIG. 2 in fragmentary section.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the panel shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a complete building wall constructed with the building panels of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the building wall shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, elevational view in fragmentary section showing an assembly of building panels.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view showing building panels assembled to form a corner.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the universal panel.
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view showing universal panels in a ceiling structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structure. The scope of the invention is defined in the claims appended hereto.
In the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first building panel 10 which has upper and lower ends 12 and 14, and vertical side edges 16 and 18. The panel 10 also has an outside face 20 and an inside face 22. Each panel 10 has a flange 24 which extends from and is a continuation of outside face 20 and a flange 26 which extends from and is a continuation of the inside face 22. The flanges have a length A (FIG. 8) which is equal to the thickness B which is the panel thickness less the flange thickness. These dimensions are desirable to obtain the corner configuration as shown in FIG. 8.
The upper and lower ends 12 and 14 are respectfully provided with channels 27 and 28 which receive reinforcing concrete and reinforcing rods as hereinafter described. When the panels 10 are cast at the factory, sleeves are inserted in the side edges as shown at 30, 32, 34, 36 to form apertures, which receive rods or dowels 38 which are installed at the building site. The rods 38 assist in maintaining the wall sections in assem' bly in a planar array with the faces of the panels coplanar prior to the introduction of the reinforcing concrete. The dowels 38 are located (FIG. 4) so that when the panels are assembled, the inside surfaces 39 of flanges of the panels will abut the dowels anchored in the adjacent panels. Thus the dowels will prevent displacement of the panels in one direction.
As best shown in FIG. 3 each panel is provided with upper loops 44 and lower loops 46 which are used during assembly for connection to a crane or other lifting device. In addition, the loops 44 and 46 are also employed to receive reinforcing rods which extend horizontally through the loops and can be wired to the loops as shown at 43 in FIG. 7. Loops 44 and 46 comprise the ends of an elongated rod 48 which extends diagonally through the panel III (FIG. 3) to reverse the position of the loop ends 50, 52 which are also embedded in the panel. This arrangement distributes the loading forces when the panels are lifted throughout the panel and also strengthens the panel.
The panels also desirably include a plurality of hollow tubes 54 shown in FIG. 2 which are inserted in the mold during forming-of the panel. Four tubes 54 are shown embedded in the panel. The tubes strengthen the panel, reduce the weight, provide a greater insulating capability because of the trapped air space and also can be employed for electrical, plumbing, or heating conduits. If the panel 10 is 10 inches thick, tubes 6 inches in diameter can be employed. The tubes can be paperboard with their ends plugged so that the interior of the tubes is not filled with concrete during the casting process.
FIG. 9 shows a building panel 60 called a universal panel which is the same as the panel 10 except that both flanges 62 and 64 are extensions of the outer face 66. The purpose of the universal panel is to reverse the sequence of flanges of the first panels to insure that the panels such as 68 and 70 shown in FIG. 8 have outside flanges to form a tight corner 72 which is a continuation of the faces of the transverse wall sections.
FIG. shows a plan view of an assembly of building panels and 60. Each wall section 74, 76, 78 and 80 includes one universal panel 60. The universal panels 60 also include upper and lower channels 82 and 84 for forming the continuous reinforcing concrete bond as presently described.
In constructing a wall using the panels 10 and 60, a footing 90 (FIG. 9) is poured at the site with a channel or keyway 92.
The panels 10, 60 are assembled on the footing with horizontal reinforcing rods 92 and 94 inserted through the loops 44 and 46. Vertical reinforcing rods 96 are positioned in the vertical chambers or passageways 98 between the adjacent panels. The rods 92, 94 and 96 can be wired together at appropriate cross points such as 100 FIG. 7). Concrete is then poured into the passageways 98 between adjacent panels. Vibrators can be employed to cause flow of the concrete from the passageways 98 into the lower channels 28 and footing keyways 92 to form a continuous concrete beam or bond around each panel as shown by dotted line 102 in FIG. 6 to integrate the individual building panels in a single structural unit.
To strengthen the bond and prevent lateral displacement of the panels, the side edges 16, 18 of each panel are provided with a longitudinal groove 110 (FIGS. 2, 4). Thus when the reinforcing concrete is molded in the vertical passageways 98, the concrete column 112 is in the form of a spline with protruding ribs 114, 116 which assist in holding the panels in a common plane.
FIG. 10 shows the universal panels 60 assembled to form a horizontally extending structure such as a roof 120 supported on a vertical wall section 122. The horizontal channels 124 between panels are filled with concrete to form beams 126. Forms can also be supported at the top of wall 122 and opposite the ends 128 of the panels 60 to enable pouring of a horizontal beam portion 130 which connects the beams 126. If flange 64 is broken away above passageways 98, the beams 130, 126 can be formed at the same time as the concrete bond 102 to integrate the roof and side wall assemblies.
What is claimed is:
1. A building wall construction having a footing arranged in the configuration of the building, a wall assembly comprising an array of first and second masonry panels supported on said footing and arranged in wall sections having end panels, each of said panels having an inside face and an outside face and oppo'sitely located vertical side edges, said first panels having inside and outside flanges, said outside flanges extending from one of said side edges and being a continuous extension of said outside face, said inside flanges being a continuous extension of said inside face, and said second panels including flanges extending from said side edges and being extensions of said outside face of said second panels, said flanges projecting from said side edges a distance equal to the thickness of said panels less the thickness of said flanges to form vertical chambers between adjacent panels, and said flanges having an end surface and an inside surface and each of said panels having a dowel projecting from a side edge, said dowels being located to abut said inside surface of said flange of said adjacent panels of the same wall to align the wall sections in the same wall in a planar array with a continuous planar outer wall surface and said dowels in one of said panels adjacent a corner engaging a side edge of the other of said adjacent panels to align the end surface of said flange of said other of said panels with the outer surface of said one panel to form a continuous surface to the corner, each of said wall sections including at least one of said second panels to reverse the sequence of flanges of said first panels so that the end panels in each wall section have outside flanges projecting from said wall section to form corners with adjacent transverse wall sections.
2. A building wall construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said side edges include longitudinal vertical grooves to form a spline of reinforcing concrete introduced in said chambers and between side edges of adjacent panels to prevent lateral displacement of said adjacent panels.
3. A building wall construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of said panels have upper and lower ends and channels in said ends extending the width of said panels, said channels in each of said panels being in communication with channels in adjacent panels and the vertical chambers and a continuous peripheral bond of concrete around each of said panels with the continuous bonds integrally connected to the bonds of concrete around adjacent panels.
4. A building wall construction in accordance with claim 3 including hanger loops in each of said upper and lower channels.
5. A building wall construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein said hanger loops for said upper and lower channels are at the ends of a rod extending vertically and diagonally through said panels and in which the free ends of said loops are embedded in the panel through which the rod extends.
6. A building wall construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of said panels has a plurality of hollow tubes molded within the panels and extending substantially the length of said panels.
7. The building wall construction of claim 1 in combination with a plurality of said panels arranged to form a horizontally disposed structural building member supported by said wall assembly with said flanges forming a passage bottom, including reinforcing concrete in said passages and surrounding said panels to provide a continuous integral band of concrete around the periphery of said horizontally disposed panels. |
US-3874140-A | Structural wall member with sculptured surface and method of making same | United States Patent 1 [it] 3,874,140
Seehusen Apr. 1, 1975 STRUCTURAL WALL MEMBER WITH SCULPTURED SURFACE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Primary Examiner-J. Karl Bell Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Townsend and Townsend {57] ABSTRACT A pre-cast structural building wall panel which has at least one sculptured surface defined by a design in the wall panel or by objects such as rock adhered to one side of the panel. The panel is made by forming a sand or gravel bed, inside a form or mold, or placing a form over the bed, shaping the bed by sculpturing the surface of the sand or by placing objects such as rock on the bed and spraying or pouring a first, relatively thin layer of a mortar which includes an adhesive agent. Conventional concrete reinforcing bars are placed in the form after the mortar has set and the form is then filled with concrete. After the concrete has hardened the form is stripped from the panel, the panel is raised from the granular bed, the panel surface facing the bed is cleaned and the panel is then anchored in its upright position at the building site to define a structural building wall.
25 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures [75] Inventor: Donald G. Seehusen, Portola Valley,
Calif.
[73] Assignee: United States Rock Company, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif.
[22] Filed: Mar. 19, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 452,597
[52] US. Cl. 52/315 [51] Int. Cl. B44f 9/04, E040 1/00 [58] Field of Search 52/315, 565; 264/275 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 985,353 2/1911 Landis 52/315 X 1,169,985 2/1916 Mickelson 52/315 X 2,149,784 3/1939 McClatchy et al. 52/315 2,151,420 3/1939 Carve] 52/565 3332017 2/1966 Prusinski ct a1. 52/315 X 3.331.175 7/1967 Terrio 52/315 3502539 3/1970 MacPhail 52/315 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,405,740 5/1965 France 52/315 STRUCTURAL WALL MEMBER WITH SCULPTURED SURFACE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Continuous attempts are being made to lower construction costs for buildings while enhancing their aesthetic appearance. One common expedient is to preform or pre-cast building wall sections or panels. Where the panels are made of poured concrete they are frequently east on the ground, in their horizontal orientation and then erected and anchored. This greatly simplifies the construction of the molds and permits the economic manufacture of wall sections from reusable molds.
The aesthetic appearance of buildings is frequently enhanced by incorporating sculptured walls, or wall sections, facing walls with decorative materials such as rock, combining attractive colors and color combina tion and the like.
In the past it was common to first erect the wall, either by building it in situ or by employing pre-cast wall sections and thereafter applying the decorative facing. This took the form of painting the building wall or attaching thereto the desired objects, i.e., decorative panels, rocks, tiles and the like. Difficulties were experienced and prevailed in combining the pre-casting of wall sections with incorporating into such sections the finished surface although the desirability of such a combination is known. For example, US. Pat. No. 3,331,175 discloses to pre-form building wall sections and incorporating therein a decorative facing. However, the method suggested in that patent is cumbersome and expensive. It employs a layer of wax into which decorative building stones or rocks are embedded and over which the structural concrete panel is poured. After the concrete has set the wax must be removed.
As a result of prior art failures to economically, practically and aesthetically appealingly combine the incorporation of decorative wall facings and the pre-forming of building wall sections, the old and common practice of finishing the wall sections after they have been erected has been widely adhered to. This is particularly true in instances in which the decorative facing is formed of relatively large rocks or plates such as flag stone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is generally directed to preformed building wall sections or panels of the abovedescribed type which include, as an integral part thereof,
a sculptured, decorative facing or surface. This surface is incorporated in the panel when the panel is formed. Consequently, upon the erection of the panel and its anchoring as part of a building wall results not only in the anchoring of a structural member but simultaneously provides the desired decorative wall facing without the need for a subsequent wall finishing as was common in the past.
Thus, the present invention combines the sculpturing of the panel face with the pro-forming of the structural portion of the panel in a simple and economic manner without sacrificing either structural integrity or aesthetic appearance. The present invention is versatile and enables the sculpturing of the panel by sculpturing the panel material per se or by incorporating in the panel exteriorly visible objects such as rock, tiles, decorative plates or the like.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention a panel is pre-formed by placing a bed of granules such as sand or, preferably, gravel in an open form or mold. In this connection the term open form denotes a form or mold which generally comprises a frame which has the desired outline. The term placed over (or onto) the sand is intended to mean and means both the placement of a form over a flat sand bed or the formation of such a bed within the form by pouring sand, grave] or similar granular materials into the form while the form is positioned on a horizontal support surface.
After the sand bed has been placed in the form, the sand bed surface is sculptured by forming thereon a desired design to the reproduced on the decorative panel surface or by placing onto (or partially into) the bed objects such as rock plates, tiles or the like that are to define the finished decorativesurface of the panel. Thereafter a relatively thin, continuous layer of mortar is placed, e.g. sprayed over the sculptured bed surface or the objects thereon and permitted to set. The spraying of the mortar with conventional spraying equipment results in a relatively rough, ragged surface which is highly desirable to obtain an optimal bond between the mortar layer and concrete subsequently poured into the form to complete the panel. Furthermore, the spraying of the mortar layer does not destroy the sculptured pattern in the sand bed as may occur when the mortar is poured over the sand bed without the utmost of care.
Once the mortar layer has set workmen can walk thereon and concrete reinforcing bars, e.g., steel bars are placed in the space of the form overlying the mortar layer. The form is then filled with concrete. The relatively rough surface of the mortar layer greatly facilitates the formation of a strong bond between the mortar and the concrete. After the concrete has hardened the form is stripped from the panel, removed from the sand bed and the resulting decorative surface is cleaned by washing it down with a jet of high pressure water. This completes the manufacture of the panel and it is thereafter installed by anchoring it to the ground, foundation, adjoining wall sections and the like.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention an adhesive agent is incorporated in the mortar mix before it is placed over the sculptured granular bed or the objects on such bed. A wide variety of adhesive agents are available. The essential characteristic of such agent is that it is compatible" with the watery mortar slurry, that is that the adhesive agent can be evenly dispersed throughout the mix. The agent further must be curable" in the mortar slurry, that is it must set up, cure or harden after it has been incorporated in the mix.
A wide variety of adhesive agents can be employed. For example, one may use polyvinyl, alcohol-polyvinyl acetate copolymers (or either one alone) such as CON- CRESIVE No. 1069 available from the Adhesive Engineering Company of San Carlos, Calif. or DARA- WELD available from the W. R. Grace Company of Boston, Mass; styrene butadiene emulsions such as SM-IOO available from the Highway Products Sales Division of Dow Chemical Co. of Midland, Mich.; acrylic emulsions such as CONCRESIVE No. 1198 available from the Adhesive Engineering Company; or epoxy Portland cement admixtures such as EPI-TOP PC-lO available from the Celanese Coatings Company of Louisville, Ky. or EPOXON available from the Epoxon Corporation of San Carlos, Calif. The bonding strength of such adhesive agents is enhanced by mixing them with up to 50 percent BERYLEX, a powdery substance available from the Harry Warde Co. of Kansas City, M0. The chemical composition of BERYLEX is not known to applicant.
A suitable, presently preferred adhesive agent is available from the United States Rock Company of 599 North Matilda Avenue, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94086 under the trademark ROCK BOND.
The incorporation of the adhesive agent facilitates the manufacture of the surface sculptured decorative structural building panels in several ways. The adhesive agent greatly increases the bond between the decorative surface objects, e.g. rocks and the structural con crete panel. I-Ieretofore experienced bond failures could result in loosening of individual rocks, which not only distracted from the appearance of the panel but which could endanger life or property and which required tedious, time-consuming and expensive repairs. Furthermore, the incorporation of the adhesive agent appears to enhance the speed with which the mortar sets up. Applicant is presently not certain what causes this speed-up in the set-up process. Additionally, the incorporation of the adhesive agent seals the pores of the mortar layer, prevents moisture from seeping behind the rock facing and thus prevents interior damage, the growth of microorganisms and a subsequent loosening of the bond between the rock and the mortar.
The shortened set-up time for the mortar layer is of great practical benefit since it enables the completion of a panel in a shorter time. Workmen can step on the mortar layer after a relatively short period of time to place the reinforcing rods for the later-poured concrete without disturbing the sculptured side of the panel. Consequently, forms can be reused more frequently, thereby making the manufacture of the panels more economical.
Further aspects of the invention relate to detailed refinements in the manufacture of the panels. Thus, it is preferred to employ granules rather than fine sand having a minimum size of no less than about A X U. S. mesh and no greater than about /8 X 6. After the rock has been placed on the granular bed the sides of the rocks facing away from the bed can be cleaned by washing them down. If the bed is made of sand fine sand particles have a tendency to splash back onto the rocks. The presence of such particles when the mortar layer is poured distracts from the quality of the bond between the rocks and the mortar. The relatively large granules, however, are too heavy to splash back under the impact of a stream of cleansing water so that maximum adhesion between the rocks and the mortar is assured. For instances in which the rock facing comprises relatively large and heavy rocks anchoring cones can be secured, e.g., bonded to the sides of the rock over which the mortar is applied. These cones preferably comprise truncated cones with the truncated end attached to the rock and the cone base being free and embedded in the mortar layer. Furthermore, coloring agents can be incorporated in the mortar to further enhance the appearance of the decorative face of the panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a building wall made with structural wall panels having a sculptured, decorative facing constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, in section, of a form for pre-casting the panels illustrated in FIG. 1 in accor dance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrates another aspect of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 and illustrates the use of anchoring cones on panels having sculptured surfaces defined by relatively large rock plates.
I DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, an upright building wall 2 is made from a plurality of building wall sections or panels 4 placed side-by-side and suitably anchored with bolts, concrete and the like. Each panel includes a structural concrete slab 6, a sculptured, decorative outer face or surface 8 and a mortar layer 10 which secures the decorative face to the concrete slab. The decorative face may be defined by a suitable design such as surface undulations 12 in the mortar layer or by regularly or irregularly shaped and positioned objects such as rock plates 14 which are bonded to the concrete slab with the mortar layer 10.
Each panel 4 is pre-formed by casting it in a horizontally disposed form 16. For the panels illustrated in FIG. 1 the form has a rectangular configuration although it will be understood that the form may have any other desired shape as dictated by the building, a particular decorative effect that is to be achieved or the like. The form is an open form as above defined and has vertical sides 18 and open ends or faces 20 and 22. Initially a bed of a granular material 24 such as the abovementioned gravel is formed on ground 26. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 the gravel bed is formed after form 16 has been placed on the ground and is entirely disposed within the form. In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, the gravel bed is first formed on the ground and the form is then placed on top of upper surface 28 of the bed.
Assuming now that the decorative face of the panel shall be rock plate, individual plates such as flag stones 30 are placed onto the upper gravel surface 28 and are preferably pushed into the bed to anchor or embed them therein and prevent their shifting. The flag stones are placed in the gravel bed in the desired array and they may overlap each other as is illustrated in FIG. 4.
After all rock has been placed in the mold essentially conventional mortar mix is made from mixing sand, cement and water, in conventional proportions. To this mixture the above-described adhesive agent is added. When the mortar is made in a conventional I0 cubic foot mortar mixer approximately 25 gallons of water, 5 sacks of cement (of -100 pounds each) and 4 to 6 cubic feet white sand (Olympia two type) are mixed. To this about 2 gallons of the above-referenced adhesive agent are added. This amounts to approximately 0.027 percent by volume of mortar slurry in the mixer. Acceptable results are achieved by placing as little as about one quart of the adhesive agent in the 10 cubic foot mixture or as much as about 5 gallons although a marked decrease in the bonding strength of the set mortar is experienced when the lower limit of adhesive proportion is reached. The upper limit is primarily detcrmined by economic considerations due to the relatively high price for the adhesive agents. The upper limit is further defined by the increasing viscosity of the resulting mortar-adhesive agent mixture and a resulting increasing difficulty in handling the mixture.
The mortar-adhesive mixture (hereinafter also referred to as mortar) is now placed, e.g., sprayed under pressure over the upwardly facing sides 32 of the flag stones until a continuous mortar layer of a mini mum thickness of about %;-inch and preferably of between /2 to fli-inch is obtained. This mortar layer covers and interconnects all facing rocks and any gaps that may exist between them.
After the mortar layer has been permitted to set up (normally for about 6 to 12 hours) it has sufficient strength and hardness so that workmen can step thereon. Next conventional concrete reinforcing bars 34 are placed into the form. It will be noted that the positioning of the reinforcing bars is facilitated by the fact that workmen can step on the mortar layer without breaking it or disturbing the arrangement of facing rocks 30. Thereafter, the form is filled with concrete and the concrete is permitted to set. It will be observed that the height of form walls 18 is such that the resulting concrete slab 6 has the necessary thickness. After the concrete has set the form is stripped by removing form sides 18 or opening the sides in cases where hinged, reusable forms are employed.
The finish cast panel is now raised from gravel bed 24, placed in its upright position and the decorative face 8 of the panel 4 is washed down with highpressure water to remove sand and gravel that may have become lodged thereon. The panel is now ready for placement in and anchoring to building wall 2.
Referring briefly to FIG. 3, in another embodiment of the invention the decorative face 8 of panel 4 is defined by the panel itself rather than by flag stones or other objects adhered to the panel. The surface may, for example, be defined by a pattern such as undulations 12 which are raked, formed or pressed into the upper gravel bed surface 28. Normally, such undulations in a gravel or a sand bed are destroyed when concrete is poured thereon. In accordance with the present invention the above-referred to mortar mixture is sprayed onto the sculptured sand surface to define a relatively thin mortar layer which has a thickness substantially less than the overall thickness of the finished wall panel and which is further preferably between about k to about fivinch. After the mortar layer has set up workmen can again step onto it to place the concrete reinforcing bars 34 in the form. As above de' scribed the mold is thereafter filled with concrete and after the concrete is set the form is stripped from the panel and the panel is lifted off the sand bed. The decorative panel surface, now defined by the mortar, is washed down with a high pressure water stream to remove therefrom sand or gravel particles that may adhere to it.
Referring now briefly to FIG. 4, in instances in which the facing rocks are of a relatively large size, and, therefore, large weight, anchoring cones 36 are bonded to the upwardly facing sides 32. The anchoring cones may be constructed of any suitable material such as concrete, plastic, steel or the like and they are preferably bonded to the rocks with a suitable high strength epoxy. The cones are truncated cones with a truncated end 38 bonded to the rock and a free cone base 40 disposed in and anchored to the mortar layer 10. The anchoring cones supply additional holding force for the heavy rock plates to insure their secure adhesion to the mortar layer and the concrete slab.
I claim:
1. A method for making a building panel having a decorative face comprising the steps of providing a form defining the outline of the panel, forming a flat bed of a loose granular material, placing the form onto the bed, giving an upper surface of the bed a sculptured configuration, thereafter placing onto the sculptured surface a mixture made from. water, sand, a binding agent activated by the water and an adhesive compatible with and dispersable in water, permitting the mixture to set, thereafter filling the form with concrete, permitting the concrete to set, and removing the resulting panel having a sculptured surface from the mold and the bed.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of forming the surface configuration comprises the step of placing objects onto the sand, and wherein the step of placing the mixture onto the surface comprises the step of covering the objects with a layer of the mixture.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the step of placing the object comprises the step of placing objects in overlapping relationship onto the bed.
4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the step of placing the object comprises the step of placing rocks onto the bed.
5. A method according to claim 2 wherein the step of placing the objects comprises the step of partially embedding the objects in the bed.
6. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of forming the bed comprises the step of forming a bed of gravel.
'7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of placing the mixture comprises the step of placing the mixture to a minimum depth of approximately one-half inch.
8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of giving the surface configuration comprises the step of forming a pattern of depressions and protuberations in the bed, and wherein the step of placing the mixture comprises the step of covering the pattern in the surface with a layer of the mixture.
9. A method according to claim 1 including the step of placing concrete reinforcing bars in the form spaced from the layer prior to the step of pouring the concrete.
10. A method of constructing building panels having a decorative face comprising the steps of forming a horizontal bed of a granular material, placing an open form over the bed, sculpturing an upper surface of the bed, placing a relatively thin layer of a mortar into the form to cover the sculptured surface, the layer having a thickness of at least about one-half inch, permitting the layer to set, placing reinforcing bars spaced from the layer in the form, thereafter pouring concrete into the form, permitting the concrete to set, and thereafter removing the form from the poured mortar-concrete panel and removing the panel from the bed.
11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the step of placing the form comprises the step of placing the form on top of the bed.
12. A method according to claim wherein the step of placing the form comprises the step of forming the granular bed in a lowermost portion of the form.
13. A method according to claim 10 including the step of subjecting the decorative face of the finished panel after the panel has been removed from the bed to a stream of a high pressure fluid to remove from the face granular material that may adhere to the panel.
14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the step of subjecting comprises the step of subjecting the face to a high pressure stream of water.
15. A method according to claim 10 wherein the step of forming the surface configuration in the bed comprises the step of placing objects that define the face and the configuration of the face onto the bed surface, and wherein the step of placing the mortar comprises the step of covering the objects with a continuous motar layer.
16. A method according to claim 15 including the step of washing upwardly directed surfaces of the objects with water to remove substantially all granular materials from such surfaces.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the step of forming the bed comprises the step of forming a bed of gravel to facilitate the washing step, the gravel having a minimum average size of approximately A X 10 to X 6 U. S. mesh.
18. A method according to claim 10 including the step of adding to the mortar an adhesive material compatable with and curable in a water-based mortar.
19. A method according to claim 18 including the step of adding a coloring agent to the mortar before it is placed into the mold.
20. A method of constructing a structural building wall having at least one sculptured, decorative surface comprising the steps of forming a substantially horizontal bed of a granular material, placing an open form over the bed, placing onto the bed within the outline of the form objects that are to define the sculptured face, arranging the objects in the desired pattern, cleaning sides of the objects facing away from the bed of granules and debris, making a mortar by mixing a granulate, a water-activated binder, water, and an adhesive agent compatable with and curable in a watery slurry, covering the objects and the bed with a relatively thin mortar layer, curing the mortar, thereafter placing concrete reinforcing bars in the molds and placing a layer of concrete on top of the mortar layer, the concrete layer having a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of the mortar layer, curing the conrete to form a mortar-concrete panel having at least one sculptured surface defined by the objects, thereafter removing the form from the panel and removing the panel from the bed, cleaning the side of the panel including the sculptured surface of granules from the bed that may adhere thereto, positioning the panel in its vertical orientation at a building wall, and anchoring the panel to thereby complete the portion of the building wall defined by the panel.
21. A structural, water impervious building wall having a sculptured surface comprising a reinforced concrete slab, a mortar layer on one side of the slab having a thickness substantially less than the thickness of the slab, the mortar layer including an adhesive material compatable with and curable in a mortar slurry, the adhesive being evenly distributed throughout the mortar layer to enhance the adhesion of the layer to the slab and close voids in the layer to thereby render it water impervious, and a plurality of objects having first inner sides adhered to the mortar layer and second, exterior sides defining the sculptured surface, the mortar layer comprising a continuous layer between the objects and the slab.
22. A wall according to claim 21 wherein the objects comprise rock.
23. A wall according to claim 22 wherein the rock comprises relatively flat rock sections, at least some of the sections overlapping each other.
24. A wall according to claim 22 including a plurality of anchoring means secured to the side of the rocks adhered to the mortar layer and extending into the mortar layer to enhance the connection between the layer and the rocks.
25. A wall according to claim 24 wherein the anchoring means comprises truncated cones having a truncated end adhesively attached to the side of the rocks facing the mortar layer and a free cone base disposed in the mortar layer. |
US-3874141-A | Building panels | United States Patent 1191 Olson et a1.
[ Apr. 1,1975
[ BUILDING PANELS [75] Inventors: Mervyn D. Olson; Roy F. Hooley,
both of Vancouver; John Bell McRai, Coquitlam; Norman Murray Stephens, North Vancouver; William R. Scotton, Ganges, British Columbia, all of Canada [731 Assignee: International Canadome Limited,
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada [22] Filed: June 8, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 368,289
52 us. or 52/630, 52/8l,52/86 51] int. c: E041) 1/32 [58] Field ofSearch 52/81,86, 63,630,584
[56] References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 8/1928 Small 52/86 11/1963 Ouellet 52/86 3,144,103 8/1964 Krucger 52/86 3,203,144 8/1965 3,439,459 4/1969 3,557,501 1/1969 Kolozsvary 52/584 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 564,940 2/1958 Belgium 135/1 R 1,315,078 2/1962 France 52/86 Primary Examiner-Frank L. Abbott Assistant E.\"aminer-Henry Raduazo Attorney, Agent, or Firnz-Fetherstonhaugh & Co.
[57] ABSTRACT A symmetrical quadrilateral plate, generally diamond shaped, folded along two lines symmetrically spaced on each side of its major axis to form a flat central valley and two similar triangular portions. Extensions portions are provided at the ends of the major axis and define extensions of the valley, the end portions being bent upwardly or downwardly from the plane of the valley.
11 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures "HEB AFR 1 1816 SHEET 1 UF 2 BUILDING PANELS The invention relates to modular building panels for use in building construction, and particularly to folded plates for use in buildings which derive their strength from the three-dimensional configuration of the plates.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a symmetrical quadrilateral modular plate for cooperative use with similar plates in building construction, said plate being folded along two lines symmetrically spaced on each side of a diagonal of symmetry to form a flat central valley, and two similar, at least substantially triangular portions lying in intersecting planes disposed at equal angles to the plane of symmetry of the plate, said plate having extension portions at the ends of the diagonal of symmetry defining extensions of said valley, with said extension portions being bent, whereby the valley extensions define acute angles on the same side of the plate with the central valley.
Preferably, adjacent each edge of the plate, folds are formed along two parallel lines to define a ridge plane and a peripheral flange for overlapping engagement with adjacent plates in a building construction.
The invention will, now be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIG. 1 is a plan view of a modular plate according to the invention,
FIGS. 2 and 3 are plan views similar to FIG. 1 of alternative configurations of the plate,
1 FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above the plate of FIG. 1,
FIG. 5 is a sectional elevation on the line 55 of FIG. 4,
FIG. 6 shows an end detail of a further configuration of plate,
FIG. 7 shows an end detail of the plate of FIGS. 1 and 4 and,
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of part of a building construction incorporating four plates according to the invention.
Referring first to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the plate 1 shown is generally diamond shaped and is bent along two parallel lines 2, equally spaced from the major diagonal of the plate to form a central valley 3 having a reverse curve (as best seen in FIG. 5) and similar triangular portions 4 lying in intersecting planes disposed at equal angles to the plane of symmetry of the plate. In addition, two ribs are preferably formed in the plate in parallel relation to the lines 2. Instead of the ribs 20 however, the plate may be slightly bent along the same lines in the opposite direction to the bends at the lines 2. Either arrangement enhances the stiffening of the plate.
At each end of the plate, generally planar extension portions 5 are provided each defining an extension 6 of the central valley 3. The extension portions 5 are bent downwardly so that the valley extensions 6 define substantially the same acute angles relative to the diagonal of symmetry and on the same side of the plate with the valley 3, as best seen in FIG. 4. Adjacent to each edge, the plate 1 is bent along a pair of lines 7 to form a ridge plane 8 and a peripheral flange 9.
The extension portions 5 are also folded along two parallel lines 10 to form extension ridge planes 11 convergent with the main ridge planes 8 at the same angle to the major diagonal.
The flanges 9 are cut away parallel to the major diag onal to permit abutment with a similar cut away portion of an adjacent plate.
FIGS. 2 and 3 show plate configurations similar to that of FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 but in which the plate is bent along the lines diverging from the ends of the plate so that the flat central valley 3 is of greater width in the centre of the plate than at the ends. In FIG. 2, the fold lines 13 are curved whereas in FIG. 3 the lines 14 are straight so as to define angles at the center position.
Turning now to FIGS. 6 and. 7, these show details of the end portions of two different plates. In FIG. 6, the extension portions 5 are bent in the same direction as the triangular portions 4. In FIG. 7, the extension portions 5 are bent in the opposite direction to the triangu lar portions 4, this arrangement being that shown in the plate of FIG. 4. The extension portions 5 at the ends of each plate may be bent so that the valley extensions 6 lie at the same or different angles to the central valley 3, depending upon the shape of the building into which the plates are to be incorporated.
The plates may be made of plastics material or metal sheet aluminum or steel. When the plates are formed from aluminum sheet, the fold lines 2 are preferably spaced apart by between about 30 and 60 times the thickness of the sheeting. Where steel sheeting is used, the spacing of the fold lines 22 is preferably between 30 and times the thickness of the sheeting. It has been found that the formation of the double fold lines 22 substantially increases thi capacity of a building assembled from such plates to resist dead weight loading. For example where a symmetrical load is applied to a building of generally cylindrical configuration constructed from such plates, the yield limit has been found to occur at a load level about 80% greater than the case of buildings formed with plates having only a single fold line along the major diagonal.
FIG. 8 shows part of a building structure assembled from four plates according to the invention, two plates 15a, 15b being of the form shown in FIG. 4 with extension portions 5 bent in the opposite direction to the triangular portions 4, and the other two plates 16a, 16b having extension portions bent in the same direction as the triangular portions 4 in the manner shown in FIG. 6. It will be seen that the uppermost plate 16a has its ridge plane 8 and peripheral flange 9 overlapping the corresponding plane 8 and flange of the plate 15a. At the same time, the extension portion 5 overlaps the extension portion 5 of the plate 16b. The plate 15a overlaps the plates 16b and 15b in a similar manner so that the structure is resistant to the ingress of rain.
We claim:
1. A building panel comprising symmetrical quadrilateral modular plate for cooperative use with similar plates in building construction, said plate being folded along two lines symmetrically spaced one on each side of a diagonal line of symmetry to form a central valley between said lines and two similar at least substantially triangular portions lying in intersecting planes disposed at equal angles to a plane of symmetry of the plate, and said plate having extension portions at the ends of said diagonal of symmetry, and extension portions being generally planar and including therein a continuous extension of said two lines, thus defining extensions of said central valley and the plane of each said generally planar extension portion being bent to define an acute angle with the diagonal line of symmetry, whereby said extension portions are shaped to lap with an extension portion of an adjoining plate on the building construc tion.
2. A building panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein said central valley is transversely curved so as to be convex in the direction in which said triangular portions are bent, and said extensions being similarly curved.
3. A building panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein said extension portions are bent so as to define the same acute angle with said diagonal of symmetry.
4. A building panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein said extension portions are bent from said diagonal of symmetry in the same direction as said triangular portions.
5. A building panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein said extension portions are bent from said diagonal of symmetry in the opposite direction to said triangular portions.
6. A building panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sides of said triangular portions defining the sides of said plate are each folded adjacent the edges thereof to form a peripheral flange.
7. A building panel as claimed in claim 6, wherein each side of said plate is folded adjacent the edge thereof along two parallel lines to define a ridge plane.
8. A building panel as claimed in claim 7,'wherein said extension portions are folded along two parallel lines on each side of said diagonal of symmetry to form extension ridge planes convergent with said main ridge planes at the same angle to the diagonal of symmetry.
9. A building panel comprising symmetrical quadrilateral modular plate for cooperative use with similar plates in building construction, said plate being folded along two lines symmetrically spaced one on each side of a diagonal line of symmetry to form a central valley between said lines and two similar at least substantially triangular portions lying in intersecting planes disposed at equal angles to a plane of symmetry of the plate, said plate having extension portions at the ends of said diagonal of symmetry, said portions defining extensions of said central valley and being bent to define acute angles relative to the diagonal line of symmetry and being shaped to lap with an extension portion of an adjoining plate on the building construction, said central valley being transversely curved so as to be convex in the direction in which the triangular portions are bent, and said extensions being similarly curved.
10. A building panel comprising symmetrical quadrilateral modular plate for cooperative use with similar plates in building construction,- said plate being folded along two lines symmetrically spaced one on each side of a diagonal line of symmetry to form a central valley between said lines and two similar at least substantially triangular portions lying in intersecting planes disposed at equal angles to a plane of symmetry of the plate, said plate having extension portions at the ends of said diagonal line of symmetry, said extension portions defining extensions of said central valley and being bent to define acute angles relative to the diagonal line of symmetry and being shaped to lap with an extension portion of an adjoining plate on the building construction, the sides of said triangular portions defining the sides of said plate being folded along two parallel lines to define a ridge plane and including a peripheral flange adjacent each said ridge plane on the exterior thereof to define the outer edge of said plate.
11. A building panel as claimed in claim 10, wherein said extension portions are folded along two parallel lines on each side of said diagonal of symmetry to form extension ridge planes convergent with said main ridge planes at the same angle to the diagonal line of symmetry. |
US-3874142-A | Reglet joint | United States Patent [191 Dallen 1 1 REGLET JOINT [75] Inventor: John A. Dallen, Port Clinton, Ohio [73] Assignee: The Standard Products Company, Cleveland, Ohio 221 Filed: Mar. 5, 1973 2 l] Appl. No.: 338,389
Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Scr. No. 136,848, April 23,
l97l, abandoned.
[52] U.S. Cl 52/656, 52/400, 52/476 [5]] Int. Cl. E04c 2/38, E04f H56 [58] Field of Search 52/656-658,
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 684,304 lll/l90l Pflcging 52, 758 H 2,504,700 4/1950 Krantz 52/758 H 2,7 I 7,667 9/1955 Bancroft 2.976.970 3/l96l Toney... 3,3l9.985 5/1967 Arnett,v 3,426,482 2/1969 Mock 52/656 Apr. 1,1975
3,5l2.3l8 5/l970 Turner 52/397 3,534,490 l0/l970 Herbert 403/401 3,546,842 l2/l970 Blum 52/656 3.603.627 9/l97l Kaffel 52/656 3,709,533 l/l973 WaltersW... 52/656 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 349,875 6/l93l United Kingdom 403/40l 889,069 l2/l97l Canada 52/400 Prirmtry E.\'antiner-Ernest R. Purser Assistant Examiner-James L. Ridgill, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Meyer, Tilberry & Body [57] ABSTRACT A joint is formed between adjacent end portions of a pair of reglets. The reglets include a substantially channel-shaped cross-sectional configuration defined by spaced-apart sidewalls and a bottom wall. The sidewalls have flanges extending outwardly therefrom. The flanges include bottom surfaces having spline receiving recesses therein. Elongated splines are received in the spline receiving recesses for holding adjacent end portions of the reglets together with the flanges substantially aligned.
6 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures REF-LET JOINT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 136.848 filed Apr. 23. l97l, now abandoned.
This application pertains to the art of joints. and more particularly to joints between adjacent end portions of reglets used in panel sealing systems. Although the invention is particularly applicable to use with joining reglets of panel sealing systems and will be described with particular reference thereto. it will be appreciated that the invention has broader applications and many he used for joining other devices.
The present invention is particularly applicable to window sealing systems for use with concrete walls wherein reglets are generally cast into the walls around a window opening wherein the reglets define the means for mounting a window panel and will be described with particular reference thereto; however, it will be appreciated that the invention has broader applications such as wherever it may be desirous ofjoining adjacent reglets in a predetermined desired relationship relative to each other for mounting any type of construction components.
Reglets are elongated channel shaped members of extruded plastic which form the means for holding a windowpane in the window opening of a concrete wall. Usually they are placed in their ultimate position and the concrete is then cast around the outer sides of the channel. To insure that the reglet is firmly attached to the wall, the outside of the channel usually is provided with laterally extending flanges.
Hcretofore, when reglets were imbedded in concrete walls or the like, there have been no means provided to interconnect adjacent reglets. This made it difficult to maintain the adjacent reglets in the desired aligned relationship in order to form a desired window panel mounting gasket receiving channel. This problem was particularly acute when the concrete walls we re poured around the reglets in that the force of pouring often caused the reglets to become misaligned relative to the other reglets comprising the retaining frame. As a result. it was necessary to utilize a single or continuous reglet for each side of the retaining frame to be formed. This practice, of course, developed a substantial numher of *scrap reglet segments in that once a reglet length was cut to size. that portion remaining could not be used unless it was long enough to form a complete retaining frame side elsewhere. Obviously, a substantial amount of scrap was inherent with this type of use.
Further, when preparing a multi-sidcd frame. for example. a rectangular frame for a corresponding rectangular opening, it was necessary to miter or bevel the ends of the adjacent corner forming reglets in order that they could be closely fitted together in a desired spaced relationship. This mitering step necessitated rather precise angled cuts to be made which. required substantial time and skill to perform. As these corner reglets were not rigidly affixed to each other. the pouring and vibrating of the concrete around them often caused misalignment as described above. These mitered corners were also necessary to prevent the concrete or other construction material from entering the ends of and fouling the reglet channel areas.
(ill
SUMMARY OF THF INVENTION In accordance with the present imention. a joint is formed between adjacent end portions of reglets. The reglets are of the type including a substantially channelshaped cross-sectional configuration defined by spaced-apart sidewalls and a bottom wall. The sidewalls have flanges extending outwardly therefrom and include bottom surfaces having spline receiving recesses therein. Elongated splines are received in the spline receiving recesses for holding adjacent end portions of the reglets together with the flanges substantially aligned.
In accordance with one arrangement. the splines are arcuately longitudinally curved on opposite sides of their midpoint to insure a good frictional engagement with the spline receiving recesses. In addition. the splines are preferably flat metal members having rounded opposite ends for ease of insertion of the splines within the spline receiving recesses.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention. the spline joint may be used for joining adjacent end portions of reglets in substantially straightline continuation of one another. or in substantially perpendicular arrangement to one another.
The improved spline joining arrangement of the pres ent application may be used alone or in combination with the clip member and clip joint described in the aforementioned application Ser. No. l36,848.
The principal object of the present invention is the provision of a reglet joint which may be used to rigidly affix adjacent reglets to each other in a predetermined desired aligned relationship.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a reglet joint which eliminates the necessity for mitering or beveling the ends of those reglets forming frame corners.
Another object of the present invention is the provision of a reglet joint which permits the use of short or odd lengths of reglets in forming a side of a panel retaining frame.
Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a new reglet joint which prevents concrete or other building materials comprising a building wall from entering the reglet channel areas at the corner joints of a panel retaining frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts. a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
FIG. I is a plan view. with portions of the wall broken away. of a window mounted in a concrete wall illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention:
FIG. 2 shows two mounting clips in accordance with the subject invention as they are used in rigidly connecting two reglet members forming a corner for the frame shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the two reglet joining clips used in FIG. 2:
FIG. 5 shows a portion of a strand of the reglet joining clips of the subject invention with one of the reglet clips being broken away therefrom.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a reglet Illl which the joint of the present invention is used;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a spline member used with the joint of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is an elevational view looking generally in the direction of arrows 8-8 of FIG. 7:
FIG. 9 is a plan view generally showing a joint between adjacent end portions of reglets;
FIG. Ill is an elcvational view of a spline member of FIGSv 7 and 8 after it has been deformed for use in a substantially perpendicular joint;
FIG. I] is a plan view of a substantially right-angle joint; and
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevational view showing a reglet member having an alignment clip secured thereto.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of lim' iting same. the FIGURES shows a panel 10 mounted in an opening [2 in a concrete wall 14. Panel could comprise any type of construction panel. however. in the preferred embodiment. this panel is a glass windowpane. Similarly, wall 14 could be formed from other construction materials. Disposed about opening l2 in concrete wall 14 are a plurality of reglets I6, portions of which are more precisely shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This type of panel mounting system is known in the art as may be seen more completely in my copending and commonly assigned continuation-in-part application Serv No. 89.954 and the commonly assigned US Pat. No. 3.524.290. These reglets are received in gasket receiving channels l8. integrally formed in concrete wall [4 when the wall is poured around the prepositioned reglets. which face inwardly towards opening I2. An elastomeric gasket member 20 has a tongue (not shown) which is received in the reglets and includes means for retaining panel in a desired position relative to opening 12. Again. this type of arrangement is known in the art and is shown in the above mentioned commonly assigned application and patent.
More specifically, in this type of sealing system. reglcts [6 each include a channel area 28 comprised of a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 30, 32 joined together by a bottom wall 34. The bottom wall has a generally flat outer surface area 35. Disposed on the inside of sidewalls 30. 32. and extending longitudinally therewith. are a plurality of inwardly extending protrusions 36. 38 respectively. Similarly disposed on the outside surfaces of the sidewalls are a plurality of outwardly extending protursions 40. 42. It is to be noted that protrusions 36. 38 matingly engage a tongue member (not shown) on gasket as is known in order to maintain the gasket in a desired panel sealing relationship with panel 10. Similarly. protrusions 42. 44 engage the sides of reglet receiving channel 18 in concrete wall 14. As reglets 16 are generally placed in position prior to pouring the concrete wall. the reglets are permanently retained in receiving channels [8 by these outwardly extending protrusions; however. other methods of locating the reglets relative to the wall may be used without affecting the operation or scope of the reglet joining clip of the subject application. Disposed coextensive with bottom wall 34 are outwardly extending bottom wall extensions or wings 44, 46 which also serve to retain the reglets in their respective receiving channels I8. but which also are used with the subject clip as will be hereinafter described Each reglet 16 also includes shoulder areas 48. 50 including downwardly extending longitudinal retaining protrusions 52. Sonic reglets may also include breakoff tabs 54. 46 which increase the shoulder width of the reglets but which may be easily removed ifa thin shoulder area is preferred due to construction requirements. Other shoulder configurations have also been heretofore utilized. it only being necessary for purposes of the subject invention that reglets include a channel areas as hereinabove described.
The joining clip ofthe subject invention is best shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4 and specific reference will be made thereto. The joining clip itself is generally designated 60 and includes a base or bottom 62 and upwarclly extending legs 64. 66. In the preferred embodiment, these clips are stamped and formed from a thin. relatively rigid metal. It will be understood. however. that other materials. such as plastic. could be utilized. In the preferred embodiment. base 62 is dimensioned to be received in a closely embracing relationship with outer surface area 35 of bottom wall 34. In the preferred embodiment. legs 64. 66 each comprise a longitudinal outwardly extending curvilinear surface 68 adjoining the side edges of base 62 and a longitudinal inwardly extending curvilinear surface 70 adjoining surface 68. As can best be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. legs 64. 66. i.e.. surfaces 68. 70. extend substantially over the length of base 62. However. it will be noted that legs 64. 66 each include tapered ends 72. 74 which converge upwardly from the base. The taper on each end may be of any angle. however. in the preferred embodiment. an angle of no greater than 45 measured relative to base 62 is preferred as will hereinafter become apparent relative to the use of the clip.
Each clip includes identical joining areas 80. 82 (FIG. 5) at the ends thereof which areas are bendable through an angle of at least without breaking but upon repeated bendings are frangible. Essentially. areas 80. 82 are merely extensions of base 62'. however, in the preferred embodiment. it should be noted that the ends of areas 80. 82 are notched to a thickness less than the thickness of the base.
The joining clip of the subject invention is most advantageously formed in a strand generally designated 90 with other identical clips and are interconnected by joining areas 80. 82 in an end to end relationship. As the ends of the joining clips are notched to a thickness less than the thickness of the support area. a notch 94 is formed between each joining clip 60 and the adjacent joining clips at the associated joining areas 80, 82. Each notch 94 extends transversely across the strand.
Two uses of the subject reglet joining clip are shown in FIG. 1. namely. in joining together lengths of reglets in order to form a single elongated reglet and in forming a corner joint for the panel retaining frame. These uses are generally designated A. B. respectively in the FIGURES. In joining two adjacent lengths of reglets only one clip 60 is utilized. In order to remove this one clip from the strand shown in FIG. 5, it is merely necessary. due to notches 94. to repeatedly bend the clip areuately back and forth about notch 94 as shown by directions a and h therein. The result of this bending is to establish metal working stress areas at the notch so that a fracture will occur across the notch following only a few bending cycles. As best seen in FIG. 4. this fracture establishes slightly uneven or jagged edges 96 on joining areas 80. 82', however. these uneven edges do not affect the operation or use of the clip. The fact that the clips may be broken away from the strand by this arcuate bending movement is important for job site use in that it eliminates the need for any metal cutting tools for the separation process. Alternatively. of course, a pair of tin snips could be used to make the separation.
Once this single clip has been removed from strand 90, it is ready for installation to secure the two adjacent reglets I6 together by merely snapping or sliding the clip in position on one end of a reglet as best shown in FIG. 3. such that approximately one half the length of base 62 closely embraces outer surface area 35 of that reglet. The clip may be snapped on the reglet by placing the clip in the desired position with curvilinear surfaces 70 of legs 64. 66 in longitudinal engagement with bottom wall extensions or wings 44, 46 and then exerting a pressure against base 62 so that surfaces 70 are biased outwardly from each other to permit the clip to pass into a tight fitting relationship with the reglet whereby base 62 closely embraces outer surface area 35. In this position, extensions or wings 44, 46 are received in outwardly extending curvilinear surfaces 68 of the legs. As the clip is formed from a resilient material, surfaces 70 spring back toward each other to lock the clip into place once the extensions or wings are received in the outwardly extending curvilinear surfaces. This same above described procedure is then repeated relative to the other reglet length in order to form the completed reglet.
In order to complete corner joint 8, shown in FIGS.
I and 2. two ofthe clips ofthe subject invention are required. It is therefore necessary to remove two interconnected clips from strand 90 as hereinabove described. Once removed and as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. these two clips are then bent at notch 94 so that they are generally normal to each other. In the preferred embodiment, the taper of ends 72. 74 is 45 when measured from their respective support areas. Therefore, when the two clips are bent the normal position with each other, these tapers come together at an abutting joint 98 to completely enclose the joint area and aids in preventing the concrete or other construction material from entering into the reglet channel areas. With particular reference to FIG. 2. the horizontally disposed reglet is then placed in position in its associated clip as has been hereinabove described. It should be noted that there is a small gap between the end of this reglet and base 62 of the vertically extending clip. This distance should not exceed the total height of legs 64, 66, again, in order to prevent the concrete or other construction material from entering the reglet channel area during pouring. The vertically disposed reglet may then be inserted into the vertically extending clip with the reglet leading edge closely engaging the shoulders of the horizontally extending reglet member.
The length of each clip as measured longitudinally along base 62 need not be substantial. It is only necessary that it be sufficient to clampingly engage the adjoining reglets and provide some rigidity for the joint. It has been found that for reglets having a channel width of inch and a channel height of I inch, a clip length of 2 inches is entirely satisfactory.
Although the subject clip has only been shown for use in connecting two longitudinally abutting reglets and for use in forming a generally square corner joint. it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other combinations of the subject clip may be used to perform other clipping functions as required by the very nature of the reglet use requirements. For example, it would be possible to seal a panel which does not have square corners, in which case. the combination of two clips described in this specification and drawings would be bent to whatever degree dictated by the panel shape. Further, various numbers of the clips could be used in addition to the number described with reference to joints A and B in FIG. I.
In the arrangement described. it will be recognized that leg 64 of clip member 60 has a generally Sshaped cross-sectional configuration. while leg 66 has a generally backward S-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Each leg curves outwardly as at 68 from base portion 62 and then curves inwardly as at before merging into outwardly extending terminal end portions facing outwardly from sidewalls 30 and 32.
In the arrangement shown and described, outwardly extending flanges 48 and 50 sometimes become misaligned. This is particularly true in rcglets having other shapes. In accordance with the present invention, an improved joining arrangement is provided for preventing misalignment of such flanges on reglet members.
Reglet member E of FIG. 6 includes a central portion having a generally U-shaped eross-sectional configuration including a base portion 104 and spaced-apart sidewalls I06 and I08 extending upwardly therefrom. The inner facing surfaces of sidewalls I06 and I08 have longitudinally extending and vertically spaced protrusion IIO thereon for engaging a tongue member on a resilient gasket in a known manner. Outwardly extending longitudinal protrusions I12 are provided on the outward surfaces of sidewalls I06 and I08 for anchoring reglet member E within concrete or the like. Base 104 includes outwardly extending projections or extensions H6 and "8 extending outwardly beyond sidewalls I06 and I08.
In accordance with one arrangement. sidewall 108 has an outwardly extending flange I20 extending outwardly from the upper end thereof. Sidewall I06 includes an outwardly extending flange I22 defined by a first substantially horizontal portion 124 extending outwardly from the upper end of sidewall I06; an upwardly extending flange sidewall portion 126'. and an outwardly extending terminal flange I28 extending outwardly from the upper end of flange sidewall I26. Flange sidewall 126 includes longitudinally extending inner protrusions I30 and outwardly extending longitu dinal protrusions I32 for the same purpose as the pro trusions on sidewalls 106 and 108. Substantially horizontal portion I24 of sidewall I22 includes an outwardly extending extension I34.
In accordance with a preferred arrangement, outwardly extending flanges I20 and I28 each include a downwardly and inwardly extending projection I38 and I40. Projections I38 and I40 include downwardly inclined surfaces 142 and 144 which are spaced down wardly from the lower surfaces I46 and I48 of flanges I20 and 128. The uppermost one of projections I12 and 132 have upper surfaces and I52 spaced downwardly respectively from lower surfaces I46 and I48 of flanges I20 and I28. The space between surface I46 and surfaces I42 and I50 defines a longitudinal spline receiving recess I56. The space between surface I48 and surfaces 144 and I52 defines a longitudinally e\tending spline receiving recess I58. l'erininal in wardl extending portions I60 and I62 of projections I38 and I40 may be surrounded with concrete in main taining flanges I and I28 in proper position.
Substantially flat and elongated metal spline member F in FIG, 7 has opposite portions I70 and I72 on opposite sides of centerline I74. Opposite end portions 170 and I72 are receivable within spline receiving recesses I56 and I58 on adjacent reglet members positioned in parallel abutting relationship or at right angles to one another. Obviously, the reglets can also be positioned at other angles relative to one another. In accordance with one arrangement, spline member F is stamped from cold rolled steel having a thickness of around 0020 inch. Spline member F is curved as at I76 at centerline I74 so that its upper surface lies substantially on the periphery of a circle having a radius of 0020 inch, Spline member F has opposite ends 180 and I82 which are transversely substantially smoothly curved. This aids in inserting spline members F within spline receiving recesses I56 and I58. In accordance with a preferred arrangement, opposite portions I70 and I72 of spline member F are downwardly curved in the same direction as curved portion 176. In one arrangement. opposite portions I70 and I72 are curved so that the distance between the lowermost point on their upper surfaces and the highest point on their upper surfaces is around l/32 of an inch. This arrangement provides some spring action so that opposite portions I70 and I72 of spline F will tightly wedge within either of spline receiving recesses I56 or I58.
FIG. 9 shows end portions I70 of splines F positioned within spline receiving recesses I56 and I58 of one reglet member E. An adjacent reglet member E positioned in parallel aligned relationship with the reglet member already having splines therein is movable in the direction of arrow I86 until spline end portions I72 are received in spline receiving recesses I56 and I58 on the second reglet member. This will maintain flanges I20 and I28 in alignment so they cannot separate from one another.
FIG. I0 shows a spline member F bent along centerline I74 and curved portion I76 so that opposite leg portions I70 and I72 extend substantially perpendicular to one another. Two reglct members E of FIG. I] may then be cut as indicated by line 202 at 45 angles for abutting one another at a substantially right angle. The bent spline member of FIG. I0 is then positionable within spline receiving recesses I56 and I58 on the abutting end portions of the reglet members for se curcly holding the flanges against misalignment with reglct members E positioned perpendicular to one another.
FIG. I2 shows another arrangement wherein a substantially right angle clip member G has a first leg por tion 206 positioned against the outer surface of sidewall 106 and a second leg 208 positioned against the undersurface ofhorizontal portion I24. Second leg 208 terminates in an upwardly and inwardly extending portion 2 I0 which receives extension I34. Clip member 60 is then positioned over the base of the reglet member in the same manner as described with respect to FIGS. 1-4. Leg 66 firmly bears against the lower end portion of first leg 206 while portion 210 firmly grips extension I34. This firmly maintains entire flange 122 on adjacent reglets in alignment with one another. Clip memher (I is capable of being used on reglet members which are positioned in aligned abutting relationship or at right angles to one anotherv In the arrangement of FIG. 12. clip 60 is shown as having a base 62 which curves outwardly smoothly away from base 104 of reglet E. This arrangement provides clip member 60 with addi tional spring action so that legs 64 and 66 firmly grip protrusions 44 and 46.
In the arrangement shown and described, it will be recognized that clip members 60 and G are usable in combination with one another and with splines F for securely holding a pair of adjacent abutting reglets in aligned position. In addition, fora reglet member of the type shown in FIG. 3. it is possible to provide spline receiving recesses as described with respect to FIG. 6 for receiving splines F. Therefore, splines F and clips 60 are usable in combination with one another without clip G depending upon the shape of the reglet members.
In the arrangements described, it will be recognized that second flange 122 may be considered stepped so that it includes a first sidewall I06 adjacent bottom wall or base I04 of reglct E; a second sidewall portion 126 positioned outwardly and upwardly of first sidewall portion: a horizontal portion 124 integrally interconnecting first and second sidewall portions 106 and 126; and an outwardly extending flange portion I28. Member G may be considered a stiffening member having a groove firmly receiving extension 134.
It will be recognized that clip members 60 and G may be formed integral with one another as a one-piece clip member. In such an arrangement, first leg 206 would be integral with S-shaped leg portion 66 of clip member 60. That is, inwardly curved portion of leg portion 66 would simply merge integrally into leg 206 of clip member G.
Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification. The present invention includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.
Having thus described my invention, I claim:
I. A joint between adjacent end portions of a pair of reglets of the type including a substantially channelshapcd cross-sectional configuration defined by spaced-apart side walls and a bottom wall, said side walls having flanges extending outwardly therefrom, said flanges including bottom surfaces having longitudinally extending spline receiving recesses therein, said recesses having a width in the direction parallel to said flanges and having walls spaced-apart in the direction perpendicular to said flanges, and elongated metal splines received in said spline recesses for holding said adjacent end portions of said reglets together with said flanges substantially aligned. each of said splines having a longitudinal axis, a width corresponding to said recess width and a thickness dimension in said direction perpendicular to said flanges, said thickness dimension being substantially less than said width dimension and less than the spacing of said recess walls, and each of said splines having an intermediate portion bridging said adjacent end portions of said pair of reglets and leg portions extending from said intermediate portion and received in a corresponding spline recess. said intermediate portion extending across the spline transverse to said spline axis and being arcuate and offset in said direction perpendicular to said flanges. said intermediate portion further having ends transverse to said spline axis and engaging corresponding ones of said spaced recess walls of said pair of reglets and a portion between said ends and spaced from said corresponding ones of said recess walls and engaging the other of said recess walls of said pair of reglets. each of said leg portions of said spline extending into the corresponding spline recess from the corresponding end of said intermediate portion and having a terminal end edge spaced from said corresponding end and engaging said one of said spaced recess walls of the corresponding spline recess. and each of said leg portions of said spline having a longitudinally arcuate curvature in said direction perpendicular to said flanges, said curvature being from said corresponding end of said intermediate portion to said terminal end edge, said curvature providing for said leg portion to be offset in said direction perpendicular to said flanges a distance greater than the spacing of said recess walls, whereby a portion of each of said leg portions between said corresponding end of said intermediate portion and said terminal end edge engages the corresponding one of said other of said recess walls.
2. The joint of claim I wherein said flanges include outer ends having projection means extending down wardly and inwardly therefrom, each of said sidewalls having projection means extending outwardly therefrom below said bottom surfaces of said flanges, said spline receiving recesses being defined between said projection means and said bottom surfaces of said flanges.
3. The joint of claim 1 wherein said reglets extend substantially perpendicular to one another and said leg portions of said splines are at substantially right angles to one another.
4. A joint between adjacent end portions of a pair of reglets of the type including a substantially channelshaped cross-sectional configuration defined by spaced apart side walls and a bottom wall. said side walls having flanges extending outwardly therefrom. said flanges including bottom surfaces having spline receiving recesses therein, and elongated splines received in said spline recesses for holding said adjacent end portions of said reglets together with said flanges substantially aligned. said side walls and bottom wall of each reglet having outer surfaces intersecting to define laterally spaced longitudinally extending edges. laterally outwardly extending projections on said edges and a clip member including a portion longitudinally spanning said outer surfaces of said bottom walls of said adjacent end portions of said reglets, said clip member including leg members extending upwardly from said spanning portion and having inwardly open recesses receiving said projections, said projections being resiliently cngaged laterally between said leg portions.
5. The joint of claim 4 wherein at least one of said side walls on each of said reglets is stepped to include a first side wall portion adjacent said bottom wall and a second side wall portion positioned outwardly and upwardly of said first side wall portion, said first and second side wall portions being integrally connected by a horizontal portion. a stiffening member positioned against the outer surfaces of said first side wall portion and said horizontal portion, said stiffening member including an end portion positioned between the outer surface of said first side wall portion and one of said leg members on said clip.
6. The joint ofclaim 5 and including an outwardly extending projection adjacent the intersection of the outer surfaces of said second side wall portion and said horizontal portion. said stiffening member including an inwardly open groove receiving said projection. |
US-3874143-A | Packaging method and apparatus | United States Patent [191 Braber Apr. 1,1975
[ PACKAGING METHOD AND APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Robert J. Braber, Harleysville, Pa.
[73] Assignee: The Lehigh Press, Inc., Harleysville,
[22] Filed: Mar. 16, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 341,867
Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 270,945, July 12,
1972, Pat. No. 3,811,564.
[52] US. Cl 53/14, 53/30, 53/41, 53/133, 53/184 [51] Int. Cl..... B65b 1/02, B65b 43/08, B65b 61/02 [58] Field of Search 53/30, 40, 41,112 A, 184, 53/282, 296, 14, 133; 156/252, 253, 257,
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9/1961 Ollier et a1. 53/184 3,014,320 12/1961 Harrison 53/30 X 3,158,491 11/1964 Farrell et. a1 229/51 TS 3,298,593 l/1967 Stephenson 229/51 TS 3,379,364 4/1968 Pilger 229/51 TS 3,394,869 7/1968 Fontana et al... 229/51 TS 3,505,781 4/1970 Loewenthal 53/329 3,577,700 5/1971 Bippis et a1. 53/30 Primary Examiner-Robert L. Spruill Attorney, Agent, or FirmRobert K. Youtie [5 7] AB STRA'CT A blister packaging method and apparatus wherein a blister formed sheet is filled and closed by securement to an additional sheet, one of which sheets is scored, so that flexure of the secured sheets effects severance along the score to afford access to the contents of the blister.
7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENYEB 11975 874 32H, 2 BF 4 FIG,
PACKAGING METHOD AND APPARATUS CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to applicants prior copending patent application Ser. No. 270,945, filed July 12, 1972 now US. Pat. No. 3,81 1,564, entitled CON- TAINER CONSTRUCTION, being a Continuation-in- Part thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION While the packaging method and apparatus of the present invention have been primarily developed and employed for use in the pharmaceutical industry, say for packaging of pharmaceuticals, and will be illustrated and described hereinafter with particular reference thereto, it is appreciated and understood that the advantageous features of the instant invention are ca pable of many varied and diverse applications, all of which are intended to be comprehended herein.
In the pharmaceutical field, the goods thereof are often packaged according to dosage, say one or two capsules, tablets or the like per packaged unit, rather than bulk packaging, so that more accurate control of drug distribution is effected and maintained. Such dos age packaged units must be relatively inexpensive to warrant their use. I
In addition to the advantageous features of being sealed against contamination, it is often further desirable that the ease or facility of opening the dose pack be capable of control, say to permit of easy opening by all persons, as well as to present a degree of difficulty or lack of ease which thwarts the endeavors of young children.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an important object of the present invention to provide a packaging method and apparatus which in a highly efficient and economical manner, and at substantial speed, effects packaging for drugs, and other like articles. which packaging is relatively inex pensive, attractive in appearance, capable of maintaining sterility, and wherein the degree of difficulty in opening may be predetermined in the packaging procedure.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging method and apparatus having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph which is extremely simple for high speed and long continued use with minimum downtime, and which is capable of wide versatility for advantageous practice with widely different goods.
Other objects of the present invention will become v BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a diagrammatic, top plan view showing packaging apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating the packaging method of the present invention as practiced by the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view showing a package constructed in accordance with the teachings of the instant invention.
FIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view showing an initial stage of forming a blister sheet according to the instant invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 5 showing a slightly later stage of the forming procedure.
FIG. 7 is a sectional elevational view showing a later stage of sheet forming according to the instant invention FIG. 8 is a partial sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 8-8 of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is shown therein the packaging apparatus, generally designated 20, which includes package forming, fabricating and filling; means.
At an upstream, inlet or feed end, leftward in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a supply or source 21 of thermoplastic sheeting, say in the form of a roll 22 rotatably carried by a pedestal support 23 and adapted to let off, dispense or feed a web 24 upwardly and rightwardly over an idler roll 25. The web 24 may be vinyl, or other suitable material of appropriate thickness or gauge.
Just downstream of the idler or guide roll 25 the web 24 passes to a forming station 28 which, by thermoforming, provides downwardly bulging, upwardly facing recesses or blisters. The forming station 28 may include a generally vertical press 29 having upper and lower dies 30 and 31 suitably operated by motive means, such as a hydraulic cylinder 32 and an operating linkage 33, or other suitable means.
Downstream or rightward of the forming station 28 is a web indexing clamp 35 for clamping the web 24 and shifting or indexing the web rightwardly, downstream, say by reciprocatory shifting of an operating mechanism 36. Thus, the operating mechanism 36, which may be hydraulic or other suitably type, may shift rightward with the clamp 35 closed on the web 24 to shift the latter rightward or downstream, and may return upward or leftward with. the clamp open. In this manner a predetermined length of web 24 is indexed into the forming station 28 upon each succeeding rightward shifting movement of the clamp 35. Just downstream of the clamp 35 is a cutoff mechanism or knife 37 which operates in coordination with the indexing clamp 35 to sever successive lengths of formed web 24 into separate sheets.
Referring to FIG. 3, it will there be apparent that the web 24 is provided at the forming station 28 with a plurality of blisters 40, which may be six in number arranged in two transverse rows of three blisters each. Of course, any other arrangement of blisters may be employed, as desired. Formed simultaneously with the blisters 40 may be register marks or holes 41, say being four in number corresponding to each group of six blisters 40, adjacent to opposite longitudinal edges of the web.
At the web severance station or cutoff knife 37, the web may be severed into successive generally rectangular sheets 42 each being formed with a group of six blisters 40 and a corresponding group of four register holes 41.
Extending downstream from the cutoff station or knife 37 is an endless belt, chain or conveyor 45. The conveyor 45 includes an upper run 46 extending over an upper or receiving end roll 47, and downstream therefrom to pass downwardly over a discharge end roll 48. From the underside of discharge or downstream end roll 48, upstream therefrom extends a lower run 49 of conveyor 45 passing beneath a lower idler roll 50, and extending thence upstream over an intermediate idler roll 51. The converyor, belt or chain 45 is provided on its outer surface entirely thereabout with a plurality of register members, projections or pins 52. The register members or pins 52 are arranged in a pair of laterally spaced circumferential rows, as seen in FIG. 1, adjacent to respective longitudinal edges of the conveyor 45 and appropriately spaced for interfitting engagement with the hereinbefore described register formations or holes 41 of the web 24 and the subsequently formed sheets 42.
Just downstream of the cut-off station or severance knife 37, and over the upstream end of conveyor 45 is a sheet locator 55. The sheet locator 55 places each successive sheet 42 severed from web 24 onto the upper conveyor run 46 with the sheet register holes 41 receiving the conveyor register pins 52. In this manner, each severed web sheet 42 is positively located in accurate registry with the several stations downstream of the sheet locator station 45 by indexing of the conveyor. This obviates the need for relatively difficult web registry.
Downstream of the sheet locating station 55 is a loading or filling station 56, at which the upwardly recessed blisters are properly loaded with contents, such as capsules 57, see FIGS. 1 and 3.
Downstream of the filling station 56, along the conveyor 45, is located a closing or sealing station generally designated 60. The sealing station 60, as will appear more fully hereinafter, serves to secure in sealed relation over the open upper sides of the filled blisters 40 an additional closure sheet, by suitable adhesive means, such as radiofrequency sealing, heat sealing or the like.
The apparatus includes a branch conveyor or feed line generally designated 61, for feeding a closure or top sheet transversely of the conveyor 45 to the sealing station 60. The transverse supply line 61 may include a supply source, such as a roll 62 of thermoplastic sheeting, such as vinyl, or other suitable material, being led from the roll in the form of a web 63.
Adjacent to the supply roll 62, the web 63 is led to a scoring station 64, wherein the web is scored, as by heat or other suitable scoring means to form a plurality of scores or cuts 65. The scores or cuts 65 may be generally U-shaped in configuration, arranged in a pair of rows of three scores each similar to the arrangement of each group of six blisters 40, described hereinbefore. The scores each extend only partially through the web 63, so as to define a line of weakening therein, without impairing the air impervious integrity of the web.
From the scoring station 64, the web 63 may pass to a printing station 66, say for hot stamp printing, or other suitable marking, as desired.
From the printing station 66, the web 63 passes to a cutting or perforating station 70 which suitably nicks,
cuts or perforates the web transversely thereacross at spaced locations intermediate each group of six scores 65. A transverse perforation or line of weakening is shown at 71, being a combination of aligned slots and edge nicks.
Thence the web 63 passes to an indexer or feeder 72 which operates in synchronism with the stepped operation of conveyor 45 to feed the web into the sealing station 60 over a sheet 42.
The sealing station 60 may include upper and lower dies 75 and 76 movable vertically into sealing relation toward each other and out of sealing relation away from each other, and suitably shaped to produce a specifically configured arrangement of sealing 77, best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 as of a generally rectangular gridwork defining a group of contained closed configurations or rectangles, say six in number, as in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the lower blister-formed sheet 42 and upper closure sheet are secured together about the specific configuration of the sealing 77. Any suitable actuating means may be employed with the sealing station 60, and appropriate locating means is also provided, such as a sensor of suitable type responsive to proper positioning of the web 63 at the sealing station to terminate operation of the web indexer 72.
Generally simultaneously with the above described sealing operation, at the sealing station 60, the web 63 is severed or broken along a severance line 71, whereby an end portion 78 of the web 63 is severed therefrom to define an upper or closure sheet secured in sealing relation on a lower or blister-formed sheet 42.
An advantageous mode of severing the sheet 78 from the web 63 is shown in FIG. 8, including an upstanding bar or breaker member 79 which may be fixed, say to the lower sealing die 76 in position just beneath the endmost unbroken severance line 71. Upon sealing movement of the dies 75 and 76 toward each other, the severance line 71 is broken by frangible engagement with the bar 79, and a retainer member 80 may retain the web 63 against undue flexure.
In the aforedescribed sealed relationship, lower and upper sheets 42 and 78 in the multiple unit arrangement, move downstream on the upper run of conveyor 45, the register pins 52 removably engaged in the register holes 41 to a scoring or perforating station 80. The preforating station 80 may be purely mechanical, including suitable operating means 81, see FIG. 2, or may be of the hot knife type, or other.
Downstream from the perforating or scoring station 80 may be a punch-out station 82, also having suitable operating means 83, see FIG. 2. Exiting from the punch-out station 82, say being retained on the conveyor 45, or falling through the conveyor to a suitable removable means, may be resultant packages 83, which may each include a series of individual containers detachably secured together, as by frangible scoring, or the like. Individual containers 84 may be identical to that disclosed in said copending patent application, and as seen in FIG. 4 herein and described in detail hereinafter.
As noted hereinbefore, the endless conveyor belt or chain 45 moves stepwise or intermittently, its upper run 46 moving in discreet spaced intervals through steps of predetermined length. Toward this end, a conveyor indexing means may be provided adjacent to the downstream roll 48, as at 85, the indexer 85 being reciprocable in timed relation with the hereinbefore described components to effect the stepwise conveyor movement.
Certain unique features of the forming station 28 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5-7, therebeing illustrated therein the upper die 30 and lower die 31. The lower die 31 may include a generally flat die face 87 extending circumferentially about andbounding a die opening 88. Located within the lower die 31 is a heating member 89 which includes a generally flat end face 90. The heating member 89 is adapted to extend into the central opening 88 with the heating member face 90 substantially flush with the circumferential lower die face 87. Any suitable heating means may be employed in the member 89, a coil 91 being shown therein for purposes of illustration and without limiting intent.
The upper die 30 may be formed with a generally flat downwardly facing die surfaces 92 and a central internal hollow 93 opening as at 94 generally downwardly toward the lower die 31. Circumscribing and bounding the opening 94 of the upper die member 30 may be a ridge or clamping edge 95. That is, with the web or film 24 on the surface 87 of the lower die 31, the upper and lower dies may be moved together until the projecting edge of clamping ridge 95, extending about its closed configuration, engages the web to retain the encompassed region in position.
Mounted within the hollow 93 of upper die 31 may be an extensile and retractile die section 96. The section 96 may include a lower, downwardly facing surface 97 movable within the opening 94 and provided with a plurality of downwardly protuberant projections or forms 98 specifically configured in the shape of desired blisters.
In the condition shown in FIG. 5, it will be apparent that the central portion of web 24 over lower die open ing 88 is being heated by contact with the lower die heating member 89. lfdesired. fluid pressure, say pneumatic, may be applied to maintain the web 24 in engagement with the heating member to effect more rapid heating. For this purpose air pressure may be introduced into the hollow 93 through a port 86.
Following the above initial step of blister formation, the heating member 89 of lower die 31 may be withdrawn or retracted downwardly in opening 88, see FIG. 6 and the air pressure removed from the upper side of the web.
Following the above, the die section 96 of the upper die 30 may be shifted downwardly to protrude the ,de pending projections or bosses 98 into the lower die opening 88 against the heated region of web 24. Simultaneously. fluid pressure may be applied, say through port 99 into opening 88 of lower die 31, against the underside of the web 24 to promptly apply the latter in v conforming engagement with the forming bosses 98, of course. die member 89 may be retracted to provide a closed chamber for the pressurized fluid. Upon upward retraction of the upper die section 96, and upon slight lowering of the die 31, the web 24 may be indexed downstream for repeated blister formation applied to another portion of the Web.
From the foregoing it will now be appreciated that the method of the instant invention includes the feeding of web 24 and sheets 42 along the path between web supply roll 22 and the downstream end of conveyor 45, wherein the web is blister-formed at the forming station 28 along the path, severed into sheets 42 downstream of the forming station, filled with suitable contents at the filling station 56, and an upper or closuresheet 78 applied by sealing to the blister sheet in closing relation with the blisters. Further, it will be appreciated that the upper or closure sheet is prescored to define frangible severance: lines before sealing in closing relation, which lines afford subsequent opening means upon flexure of the secured sheets to break along the scores.
It will now be further appreciated that the instant invention provides a method of packaging an apparatus therefore which is relatively simple in construction and operation, highly reliable throughout a long useful life, and which otherwise fully accomplishes its intended objects.
Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be understood that the individual package there illustrated includes lower and upper sheet portions or sheets 42 and 78, the former being blister formed for receiving contents, and the sheets being circumferentially secured together by marginal sealing 77. The upper sheet 78 includes the frangible severance line, partial cut or non-through score 65. The package is thereby hermetically sealed against contamination and openable upon flexure requiring a predetermined degree of difficulty for severance or breakage along the score 65.
Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention.
What is claimed is:
l. A method of packaging comprising feeding a sheet along a path, forming a blister in the sheet at one location along the path, depositing contents in the blister, feeding an additional sheet into facing relation with said first-mentioned sheet at another location along the path to extend across the blister and enclose the contents, scoring one of said first-mentioned and additional sheets to form a cut extending partially through said one sheet, and securing said sheets together in said facing relation along a region of closed configuration extending about said blister and score, whereby flexure of the secured sheets along said score effects severance of the score for opening therethrough and access to the contents further characterized] in forming said blister by heating said first'mentioned sheet against a platen, withdrawing a section of the platen from said first mentioned sheet to provide an unsupported portion of sheet, and moving a forming die against the unsupported sheet portion and toward the withdrawn platen section to form said blister.
2. A method of packaging according to claim 1, further characterized in applying fluid pressure to hold said first mentioned sheet against said platen, for effective heating of said first-mentioned sheet.
3. A method of packaging according to claim 1, further characterized in applying fluid pressure to hold said first-mentioned sheet against said forming die to accurately form said first-mentioned sheet.
4. A method of packaging according to claim 1, said feeding of said additional sheet being further characterized in stepwise drawing of an additional web of sheeting from an additional roll for intermittent movement to said other location, forming frangible transverse regions in said additional web, and breaking said regions at said other location to define of said additional web said additional sheet in said facing relation.
5. Packaging apparatus comprising a forming station for blister-forming a sheet, conveying means for conveying a blister-formed sheet from said station, a filling station along said conveying means for filling the blisters, a scoring station spaced laterally from said conveyor for scoring a sheet to form cuts partially through the scored sheet, feeding means for feeding the scored sheet onto said conveyor means into facing relation with the blister formed sheet, and a sealing station along said conveyor means for sealing said blisterformed and scored sheets together in said facing relation, said forming station comprising a heating platen having a withdrawable section, and a mail die for entry into the space vacated by said withdrawable section when withdrawn.
6. Packaging apparatus according to claim 5, in combination with fluid pressure means for initially applying said first-mentioned sheet against said platen to heat the latter sheet and subsequently applying the latter sheet against said male die to form the sheet.
7. Packaging apparatus according to claim 1, in combination with bending means at said sealing station for bending adjacent scored sheets to break apart the same upon sealing. |
US-3874144-A | Apparatus for testing and emplacing flexible sealed packages | United States Patent [1 1 Feigel 1 1 APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND EMPLACING FLEXIBLE SEALED PACKAGES [75] Inventor: Harold J. Feigel, Teaneck, NJ.
[73] Assignee: Neo-Dyne Industries, Inc., Linden,
1221 Filed: Mar. 19, 1973 211 Appl. No.: 342,788
[52] US. Cl 53/53, 53/54, 53/165,
53/167 [51] Int. Cl B65b 57/00, B65b 5/06 [58] Field of Search 53/53, 54, 59 W, 78, 164,
[111 3,874,144 1 Apr. 1,1975
Primary ExaminerRobert L. Spruill Attorney, Agent, or FirmStefan .1. Klauber [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for testing and emplacing flexible packages provided thereto from a form, fill and seal machine. The apparatus includes conveyor means for advancing the incoming packages to a weighing and leak-seal test station. A weight check is performed at such station by examining the initial peak displacement of a weighing platen at such station. 1f the weight test yields a satisfactory result, a fluid pressure driven ram is brought down upon the package and stopped at a fixed reaction pressure, the movement of the ram beyond a pre-set limit point being taken as an indication of pressure leak in the package and providing a defect signal. Signals indicative of rejection for weight or gas leak causes are stored in an appropriate memory, and the thusidentified defective package pushed off the conveyor at a downstream point. Upon a predeter' mined number of acceptable packages being transferred and assembled at a collection area adjacent the main conveyor, the group of acceptable packages are transferred and layered into a shipping case.
11 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures IENTEDAPR 1 1975 Still] 1 [if 6 FIG- 1 44 =1 43 55 5; 5 s: 46 :5 I ii I 2 42 f W s 22 1| 3? w S ll s 52 TIT'Y'L 26 $2 Z54 Q "IHIII 53 54 FIG. 2 74 a, a FORM,FILL& CON$$OR REJECT SEAL MACHINE MOTOR CHUTE 8A6 66 68 69 63 64 z an L 'NPUT 'NPUT CONTROL LOGIC ACCUMULATOR 2 PHOTO CEL SIGNAL CONVEYOR VERT.
MOTOR A I rg P05. DETERM. /04 ON 96 WE|GHT PICK-UP HEAD SPEED CHECK VERT'CAL CONTROL MOTOR BOX CONVEYOR 6 l MoTgR SEAL PICK-UP HEAD CONT OL 77 CHECK HORTIZ MOTOR 88 IOZqOFF y 2 87 PHOTOCELL BOX 78 INTERCEPT nggg PIcmL AD 92 f V ENABLE M PHOTOCELL INTERCEPT DISRUPT mgmmm 119. 5 3.874.144
APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND EMPLACING FLEXIBLE SEALED PACKAGES BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates generally to packaging apparatus, and more specifically relates to apparatus adapted for testing flexible, food-containing packages, and emplacing packages determined to be acceptable in cartons for shipment thereof.
Within recent years an ever-increasing market for snack-type food items, such as potato chips, pretzels, pop corn or so forth, has stimulated a commensurate interest in methodology for packaging and purveying such items. Most commonly food items of the foregoing type are packaged in flexible sealed bags formed of eellophane or transparent thcrmo-plastics such as polyethylene film, etc. By packaging the food items in this manner, they are not only protected and rendered attractive for the consumer, but at the same time are provided in small enough portions as to be rapidly consumed when opened, thereby assuring the freshness thereof.
The flexible bags in question are typically provided in their ready-to-vend form, from a socalled form, fill and seal machine which forms individual bags from webs or tubes of the plastic material, fills the bags with a measured quantity of the food item in question, and then seals the said bags as, for example, by heating. In order, further, to assure that the food item will be in fully acceptable condition when opened by the consumer, the said bags prior to scaling may be filled with an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon, which excludes oxygen from the said bag, and thereby inhibits oxidation of the food product. Alternatively a fixed quantity of air is sealed in the bag; the oxygen in such air reacts with anti-oxidants in the food product, or packaging material, at which point an equilibrium is reached and little further oxidation occurs.
It will be apparent from the foregoing that two key defects may result from packaging of the cited food products by the foregoing techniques, either of which may impair the resultant product. In the first instance, it is readily possible for an inadequate amount, by weight, of the food product to be deposited in an individual bag. If a bag defective in this respect is provided to the consumer, not only is the reputation and good will of the seller adversely affected, but moreover increasingly stringent Federal and State consumer protection laws may be violated. From a viewpoint of the product itself, at least an equally serious problem is that the individually sealed packages may be defective in such respect that a gas leak occurs between the package and atmosphere. Where such condition obtains, oxidation of the food product can occur, which rapidly impairs the taste and texture characteristics of the product.
In accordance with the foregoing, various apparatus have been proposed in use in the packaging industry, which apparatus are intended to perform testing of the characteristics of packages of the type treated herein. With respect to the cited problem of gas leakage, for example, relatively sophisticated apparatus is known wherein a compressible food package such as the snack-type package dealt with herein, is placed within a chamber and subjected by application of a ramplatcn, to pressure causing gas to exude if an unsealed point is present. Apparatus of this type is, for example,
shown in US. Pat. No. 3,091.1 14, wherein the gas within the chamber is actually analyzed to determine if leakage has occurred, Similarly, in US. Pat. No. 3,] 17,441 the expansion ofa sealed flexible package in a negative pressure environment is utilized as a measure of the effectiveness of sealing. In all of these prior art systems, however, testing for gas leaks in said packages has been accomplished by exceedingly complex techniques which are indeed not adapted to rapid pro duction testing operations. Neither has the methodology of the prior art suitably combined leak-testing of such flexible packages with simple and rapid means for checking the weight of individual packages and providing for rejection of bags found to be defective, thereby assuring that defective bags are not packed in shipping cases and thus made available for the consumer.
In accordance with the foregoing, it may be regarded as an object of the present invention to provide apparatus which accepts flexible, scaled packages from form, fill and seal machine or the like, and rapidly and effectively tests such packages for weight and sealing status, rejecting those packages found to be defective in either of the said respects.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus which rapidly and effectively tests sealed, flexible packages presented thereto, for weight and sealing conditions, and after rejection of the defective packages acts to accumulate and emplacc acdeptable packages in a neat layered fashion in a packing case positioned at the said machine.
It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide method and apparatus, according to which a flexible, sealed package may be tested to determine the adequacy of sealing thereof, in a rapid and expeditious manner, without damage to the package, and without the use of sophisticated and expensive electronic or gas analysis techniques.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION Now in accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objects and others as will become apparent in the course of the ensuing specification are achieved in apparatus adapted to directly receive flexible packages discharged from a form, fill and seal machine. The apparatus includes a plurality of stations which enable testing of the packages presented thereto, from a viewpoint of both weight and sealing characteristics. The said apparatus includes conveyor means which receives the incoming packages and transfers same to a weight and seal testing station. An underlying weighing platen is present at such station and means are provided for performing a weight check by examining the initial peak displacement of the platen as the package is positioned thereon. If the weight test yields a satisfactory result, a fluid pressure-driven ram is brought down upon the package, which remains at the station. The ram is pre-set to stop at a fixed reaction pressure, and its movement beyond a pre-sct limit point is taken as an indication of pressure leak in the package.
Signals indicative of rejection for either weight or gas-leak causes are derived at the weight and seal testing station, and are stored in an appropriate memory, such as a relay or other latching means. The thus identified defective package is pushed off the conveyor by advancement of the same paddles which bring the said packages to the weight and seal check station. If the package passes said tests a push-off paddle is provided for transferring the acceptable package to an accumulator tray in proximity to the weighing and pressure check station. Means are provided for counting the number of acceptable packages accumulated, and when a pre-determined number have been thus arranged. a pickup head descends from an overhead point to the accumulator tray, and secures and lifts the accumulated packages. The said head is mounted for transverse movement on a cross member passing overhead between the accumulator tray and a box conveyor. The pickup head after transversing the said cross member, descends and deposits the accumulated several packages in a case positioned for receiving same on the box conveyor. Means are provided for enabling the pickup head to descend to varying and discrete levels within the said case in order to enable layering of the packages being deposited in the said box.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention is diagrammatically illustrated by way of example in the drawings appended hereto in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a testing and emplacing apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic block diagram, illustrating overall operation of the control system for the FIG. I apparatus;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of that portion of the apparatus including the weighing and pressure check station, and the adjoining accumulator tray;
FIG. 4 is a simplified sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating operation of the weighing platen portion of the present apparatus;
FIG. 6 is a view taken along the line 66 of FIG. 3, simplified to depict certain key elements of the weighing and pressure check station;
FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the accumulator conveyor motor housing, with the cover removed to show the motor elements;
FIG. 8 is an elevational view ofthe cross member and part of the box conveyor, and illustrates the manner in which the pickup head traverses between the accumulator tray station and the box conveyor station; and
FIGS, 9 and 10 are, respectively, a plan and elevational view of a portion of the box conveyor station.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. I herein a perspective view appears of a testing and emplacing apparatus 20 in accordance with the present invention, The apparatus 20 is seen to include at its input end, an input chute 22, which is oriented an angle of approximately 45 with respect to the vertical. This chute 22 is adapted to be placed in proximity to the output end ofa conventional form, fill and seal machine. The latter machines are well-known in the packaging art and typically are intended to firstly form a flexible bag as. for example, from a web or tube of thermoplastic materials, supplied to such machine; and thereupon fill the resultant bag with a comestible such as pop corn, potato chips, or other food product. The amount of filling of the said bag is determined by volume or weight in accordance with a prescribed control level set in the machine; and typically the machine. after providing an inert gas such as nitrogen or a predetermined quantity of air into the filled bag, seals the resulting package, as by heat sealing. Presumably the resultant packages discharged from the machine are then ready. subject to inspection and testing, for packaging into cartons for distribution to the consumer.
The individual bags descending upon input chute 22 impinge upon an input photocell 64, not explicitly apparent in FIG. 1. This serves, in a manner which will be discussed further in connection with FIG. 2, to initiate forward movement of the bag conveyor generally designated at 24. The latter includes the bag conveyor frame 26 and a conveying surface 25 over which a series of bag conveyor paddles 28 progress, moving the package to the weight and seal check station, generally indicated at 30. Upon the package reaching station 30, the bag conveyor stops, to permit the checking operations to be effected. At station 30 a weight check is first carried out, according to which it is determined whether the weight of the said package falls below a prescribed and pre-set minimum amount. If the pack age is defective in such respect the pressure check is not made, and upon bag conveyor 24 being activated for two further cycles of operation, the bag conveyor paddle 28 continues its forward progression to a point where it drives the defective package against reject chute deflector 50, which in turn forces the defective package on to reject chute 48, and off the machine. If the said package, however, meets the minimum weight requirement, a pressure testing platen (which will be discussed further hereinbelow) descends vertically within its mountings at station 30, and is brought to bear against the bag in order to perform a pressure check. Should the bag fail to perform satisfactorily in this respect, the bag conveyor upon its next two cycles of operation pushes the defective package onto the reject chute 48, as has been previously indicated.
If the package being tested at station 30 performs satisfactorily with respect to both weight and pressure characteristics, the package after advancement to the accumulator tray threshold 37 is acted upon by the accumulator paddle 34 driven by an accumulator conveyor motor contained within housing 32. Paddle 34, in particular, pushes the acceptable package across onto accumulator tray 36. Thereafter successive packages passing down input chute 22, are subjected to a similar sequence of events, until a pre-set number of acceptable packages are accumulated in side-by-side fashion at accumulator tray 36. Typically three such packages may be thus accumulated. but a greater or lesser number may be accumulated, as desired.
A transfer carrier frame 40 straddles the overhead space between accumulator tray 36 and a box conveyor, generally indicated at 53. The latter includes a frame 54 having a conveyor belt 56 mounted about rollers or the like, which are driven in conventional fashion, as by a motor 92 so as to advance a case such 70, along the conveyor belt 56. The case is positioned during operation of the machine in a loading position, as indicated, and in a manner which will be set forth. The transfer carrier frame includes a pair of uprights 42, 43, supporting thereacross the carrier frame cross member 44. A vacuum pickup head 46 is mounted for traversing movement between the uprights 42 and 43 upon suitable traversing rails 72. The pickup head 46 is also mounted for vertical movement. Upon the pre-set number of packages being thus accumulated the pickup head 46 descends, and upon reaching the packages to be lifted, effects engagement by means of suction headsv Thereupon the head, new carrying the packages, ascends vertically and thereupon traverses across member 44 to a position directly overhead the case 70. Thercupon head 46 descends onto case 70, and upon reaching a prescribed level in such case releases the conveyed packages into the case. This general process is repeated several times, during the course of which layers of packages are deposited in the case 70, the level to which the head descends being successively higher in order to effect such layering. A desired number of layers may be thus built up, as for example, three to six layers or more. It should also be appreciated that a layer" need not necessarily comprise one row of packages; arrays of multiple rows and colums of packages can be formed (e.g., a 4 X 3 layer) by depositing successive rows of packages adjacent to each other at a common level in the case.
Upon the loading of the case 70 being completed, the box conveyor motor 58 is enabled to remove the loaded case and and bring a second case to a loading position. Upon the second case being positioned, means are provided for disenabling the box conveyor motor, for stopping the case at the load position. It will be clear hereinbelow that with the exception of the box conveyor motor the various other motor elements present in the system are preferably pneumatic in nature, and for such purposes a pneumatic pump may be provided. Various pneumatic connection lines are seen generally at 62, connecting to various points of the apparatus.
in FIG. 2 a simplified schematic block diagram sets forth the overall operation of the control system for apparatus 20. All functions for the said apparatus are sequenced and controlled by control logic block 68. The latter includes the various memory elements for the system, and the switching elements which enables the several functions which will be set forth. The individual elements of block 68 are conventional, and are therefore not each set forth in specific detail. For example, since the bulk of the motor functions herein are pneumatically actuated, conventional solenoid-operated valves enabling pressurization of the various motor systems are contained within control logic block 68. The memory elements referred to, most commonly comprise simple electromechanical latches, such as relays; however, it is of course within the province of the invention for the electromechanical latches to be replaced by equivalent electronic means as, for example, SCRs.
Referring further to H0. 2 and as has been previously indicated, a bag in the form of a flexible container is provided from the form. fill and seal machine 65. A photocell 64 and light source are positioned so that the source light path traverses bag conveyor 24 at a point adjacent where the bag impinges. The resultant input signal is provided via a control line 66 to control logic 68. The latter then provides a control signal via line 69, enabling operation of bag conveyor motor 74 for a single cycle of operation. Such cycle of operation serves to advance the said bag to the testing position at station 30. Control logic 68 then provides a signal via line 71 to weight check means 76. if the latter determines the weight of the package to exceed a preset limit, such is reported via the line 73. If a signal is returned indicating the weight to be defective a seal check is not performed. If, however, the weight is satisfactory a signal is enabled via line 75 enabling performance of the seal check test by means 78. The results of this latter test are transferred to the control logic via line 77.
As previously indicated, if either the weight or seal check test determine the bag to be defective, 3 RE- JECT signal is transferred and stored within control logic 68. Upon the next cycle of operation of the machine ensuing (due to incidence of a further bag upon the photocell 64) bag conveyor motor 74 is operated for the further cycle of operation. Bag conveyor 28 previously referred to, moves the bag from test station 30 to accumulator tray threshold 37. If the cited REJECT signal has been stored in the control logic, upon the said next cycle of operation of the bag conveyor motor, the bag conveyor paddle at the threshold 37 will push the rejected bag to the reject chute 48- as suggested by the dotted line 81. If, on the other hand, the RE- JECT signal has not been associated with the package in question, the accumulator conveyor motor is activated via line 83, to displace the acceptable package onto accumulator tray 36. The position to which the said packages are displaced laterally is determined by control logic 68, via a series of microswitches which are tripped as the accumulator paddles traverse from threshold 37 toward accumulator tray 36. These also provide means for counting the number of bags thus accumulated.
Upon control logic 68 indicating that the desired number of bags have thus been accumulated at tray 36, signals are sequentially enabled via lines 85, 87 and 89 to vertical motor 82, to the vacuum (from source 52) enabling means for pickup head 46, and to horizontal motor 88. Assuming, in particular, that pickup head 46 has been returned to its position overlying the accumulator tray 36, vertical motor 82 is thus enabled, permitting the head to descend toward the packages to be transferred. A vertical position determining means 84 is associated with speed control means 86 for the pickup motor during this operation; in particular a series of microswitches are mounted along the linear path of progress of the carrier for the vacuum head, so that by successive tripping of the said switches the rate of descent of the head may be gauged and controlled. This is an important aspect of the present operation in that it is desired that the head be lowered at a relatively high rate of speed initially, so as to effect all operations with rapidity, and yet it is also desired that the speed of approach be sharply diminished as the head comes into proximity to the said bags. This decrease in rate of approach assures that the vacuum cups of the pickup head do not suddenly jar the surface of the bag, but rather permit such bag surface to be slowly drawn to the suction cups, thereby assuring positive engagement therewith. After the engagement occurs and the bags are lifted, horizontal motor 88 is actuated to effect transverse movement of the head, with the bags, across member 44.
Control logic 68 also is seen, via a control line 96, to activate box conveyor motor control 94, which in turn operates box conveyor motor 92. The latter serves to advance cases such as at 70 along box conveyor 53. Upon the box reaching its desired loading position, a photocell traversing the path of forward progression of the box at approximately the loading station (not explicitly shown), is intercepted so that photocell means I00 provides a signal through line 102, disenabling the motor. Thereupon the loading and layering functions are accomplished as previously set forth, until the box is completely packed. As such time a signal is provided via line 104 from logic 68 to photocell disrupt means 98. The latter means may typically include an arm at the box conveyor belt 56, which serves to slightly displace the box vertically out of the path of the photocelllight source combination, so that the box conveyor motor is again enabled to advance the loaded box, until the following box impinges across the photocell-light source to stop motor operation with box 70 stopped at the loading zone.
In FIG. 3 a top plan view appears of that portion of apparatus including the bottom of weighing and pressure check station 30, and the adjoining accumulator tray 36. The bag conveyor frame 26 is thus seen to include a pair of rollers 106 and 108 mounted for rotation at opposite ends of the said frame. In the sense of the present Figure, the bags to be tested enter from the right side of the drawing. The series of bag conveyor paddles 28 are seen to be secured to a continuous drive belt 110, which passes about the rollers; the said rollers are driven by any convenient means, such as the conveyor motor 74 previously referred to. A series of microswitches 112, 114 and 116 are positioned at frame 26 and spaced along the path of progression of the conveying paddles. Arms 112a, 114a and 116a are associated with each of the microswitches and project into the path of movement of the paddles by movement of the conveyed materials. The said switches, by providing indication of passage of the packages, serve to provide signals to logic control block 68 for enabling part of the functions previously referred-to.
Weighing and pressure check are, as previously indicated, accomplished at the station generally designated 30. A weighing platen I18 underlies this station and its mode of operation may be better appreciated by reference to the schematic perspective view of FIG. 5, and to the simplified in sectional view of FIG. 4. As seen therein, the platen is held at its far end against the pivot points 120 and 122 by a spring biasing means 124. The platen includes lateral portions 126 and 128, which diverge away from the pivot end 130 of the platen. A cylindrical tube 132 passes through the flaring ends 136 and 138 of portions 128 and 130, and a spring 134 biases platen 118 to a level equilibrium position. As the incoming package (pushed by paddles 28, which are carried by belts 110) passes onto platen 118, the end 136 thereof undergoes downward displacement to a degree dependent upon the weight of the said package. If the weight is suflicient to meet the bias-setable, by for example. varying the tension on spring 134, the projecting end 138 of tube 132 is displaced against the trip-arm 140 of a microswitch 142. When such event occurs, a signal is thereby enabled indicating that the package is satisfactory. On the other hand, the absence of such signal may be taken as an indication that the package in question is too light and therefore rejectable.
It may be noted in the foregoing connection, that it is, of course, not deemed to render the package defective should the weight be excessive to the limit of interest. In other words, the package that is "overweight" is not, from the viewpoint of a consumer, objectionable; rather only one which is beneath a prescribed minimum amount. It will further be appreciated that the mechanism set forth is particularly effective for the present purpose in that one does not seek by its operation to perform any precise weighing of the package. Hence one need not await an equilibrium position to be reached in platen 118. Rather, one merely examines the initial peak displacement of the platen as the package passes upon it. Since furthermore, the apparatus shown in FIG, 5 is very compact, and undergoes a minimal displacement during the weight operation, it will be clear that the functions of the weighing station are enabled with great rapidity, and with minimum space requirements.
The accumulator tray threshold area 37 is also seen in FIG. 3, and it is further noted that a pair of guide rails 144 and 146, extend from this threshold area to guide packages, which are in accordance with prior remarks displaced toward accumulator tray 36.
In FIG. 6 a view appears along a line 6-6, looking in the direction of the weight and seal check station 30 from a point somewhat downstream from the input end of apparatus 20. The view is considerably simplified, in order to depict certain key elements of the weighing and pressure check station. In this view the top surface of weight platen 118 is seen, as are pivot points and 122 previously referred to. The biasing spring 134 connecting to bar 132, is also seen in this view. For purposes of orientation, it will also be noted that the side guide elements and 152 abounding station 30 at the conveying surface are evident in the drawing.
Extending upwardly from the frame portion 148, is a vertical member 154, which serves to support the housing 156 for the motive elements driving pressure test platen 158. The latter is seen to preferably be a flat surfaced plate-like structure, although depending upon the packages to be tested the lower end thereof can in elude rounded projections as is schematically suggested in shadow at 160. Platen 158 is affixed to a vertically movable rod 162, which is mounted to a piston (not explicitly seen) pneumatically-driven within the cylinder 164. The cylinder 164 is of conventional design, a model of this type being, for example, available from the Bimba Corporation.
In accordance with the preferred mode of operating the present device, a fixed pneumatic pressure is applied to the back, or driving, side of the piston, through input line 166, when it is desired to perform a sealing test. At the same time a constant pressure is applied at the forward end of the cylinder, through the input line 168. The piston thus begins to descend, and it will be clear that its forward motion will cease at such time as the resistive pressure below the driven piston becomes equal to the fixed pressure atop the piston. This resistant pressure, in turn, is composed of two components, firstly, the input pressure at line 168, and secondly, the resistive pressure developed as the platen bears against the flexible bags during the test operation. In practice the pressure supplied to input line 166 is adjusted to a pre-set level, as by means of a controllable valve. Accordingly, it will be evident that the platen 158 will descend, and assuming that an acceptable, that is, gastight bag is located on the weighing platen, will stop at a particular point. On the other hand if the bag being tested is defective, that is to say, has a gas leak, the platen rather than stopping at the cited point, will continue to descend, stopping at some lower point at which the back pressure from the bag added to the pressure in line 168 equals that behind the piston, or assuming a continuing leak it will simply descend to some pre-set limit point and then stop. In either event, a projection 170 is secured to the upper portion of movable rod 162, which projection co-acts with an actuator arm 172 for a microswitch 174. If the descending rod passes the prescribed limit point the actuator arm is thus struck, closing microswitch 174 to provide a signal indication to logic block 68 that the package in question is defective.
In FIG. 7 an elevational view appears of a portion of the accumulator conveyor motor housing 22. The cover of housing 32 is removed in order to show the basic operation of the motive device. In particular it is seen that the accumulator paddle 34 is secured to a carrier block 184. The block 184, in turn rides upon a pair of parallel guide rails 186 and 188 which extend the length of the housing. Affixed atop carrier block 184 is a cable clamp 190 which engages the cable 192. The latter passes about a pair of rollers 194 and 196 at alternate ends of the housing, and is driven by a pneumatic cylinder and piston 198. The latter is of conventional design, pneumatic pressure being applied in sequence at both ends of the cylinder in order to displace the piston back and forth to reciprocate the carrier block 184 with the paddle 34. A series of microswitches 200, 202, 204 and 206 are spaced along the path of travel of carrier block 184 and include trip arms 200a, 202a, 204a and 206a, which are engageable by a projection 206 carried by block 184. Circuits are thereby enabled as the block traverses, which provide control signals into control logic 68. Such signals, as previously indicated, both enable counting of the accumulated packages, as well as positioning of the several packages on the accumulator tray in side-by-side fashion; that is to say, that the tripping of a given switch enables appropriate pressure outputs in the pneumatic system to terminate the movement of the paddle toward the accumulator tray at a point appropriate to positioning a given package.
In FIG. 8 an elevational, partial view appears, of the cross member 44 and part of the box conveyor 53. This view illustrates the manner in which pickup head 46 traverses between the accumulator tray 36 and the box conveyor station. In particular it is seen in this view that pickup head 46 is conveyed by a carrier block 208, which, in analogous fashion to the motive mechanism discussed in connection with FIG. 7, is mounted for movement along the pair of guide rails 210 and 212. Similarly, a pneumatic cylinder and piston 214 provide the driving force for moving a cable (not shown), secured to carrier block 208. Furthermore, in a similar fashion discussed in connection with FIG. 7, microswitches (not shown) are positioned along the path of travel of the carrier block 208, to enable signals indicative of the position of the position of the block along the rails. In the present instance mid-positions along the rail are not of particular interest, but rather the end points thereof; and accordingly only a pair of such microswitches and associated trip arms at opposite ends ofthe course of travel of the carrier block are required. Once again, the tripping of these microswitches provides input signals, enabling stoppage of the traversing path of the carrier block, and also may initiate the descent ofthe pickup head. It should be appreciated that in the case earlier mentioned where a rectangular array of packages is to form a layer, microswitches and associated trip arms may be provided at the vertical midpoints along the rail, in order to enable signals stopping block progression at the mid-points so as to then deposit the associated rows of packages. Shock absorbers 29 are seen at opposite ends of the path of block 184.
There are commercially available dashpot type units (available, e.g., from Ace Controls, Inc. of Farmington, Mich.) which serve to arrest movement of the block rapidly and safely.
FIGS. 9 and 10 are, respectively, plan and elevational views of a portion of the output end of box conveyor 53. As may be seen therein cartons progressing along conveyor belt 56 in the output direction indicated by arrow 216, normally intercept a photocell light-source pair which is oriented at the location 218, 220. This, in turn, provides an output signal to control logic means 68 (FIG. 2), which stops the box conveyor motor which is connected to shaft 58, bringing case 70 to rest at stop roller 222. At this point the box is in its normal load position, and loading and layering of packages may be carried out. In order to enable movement of a fully loaded box from the load position, and passage of a further empty box to such position, a pair of lift rollers 224 and 226 are provided upstream of stop roller 222. During the normal load operation, these lift rollers are vertically recessed below the plane of conveyor belt 56. As is best seen, however, in the elevational view of FIG. 10, each lift roller is carried by an arm 230 and 232, in turn interconnected through a linkage mechanism 234 to a pneumatically driven cylinder and piston 236. Upon the box being fully loaded, as indicated by a predetermined number of package deposits therein from pickup head 46, logic means 68 enables a pneumatic input to piston and cylinder 236 to raise the lift rollers 224 and 226 to the position shown in FIG. 10. This, in turn, raises the overlying end of the case 70 at the load zone, displacing the forward portion of the case above the light path of photocell lightsource pair 218, 220. Thereby, as has been discussed in connection with FIG. 2, disruption of the photocell intercept occurs, to permit box conveyor motor 92 to be activated and a case 70 to be advanced atop and over the stop roller 222. The bottom of arm 230, 232 also bears against the arm of a suitable switch 235 to provide control signals permitting pneumatic cylinder and piston 236 to return rollers 224, 226 to their recessed position after passage of a sufficient duration of time to permit removal from the load station of the old ease. Thereupon, as the next case impinges across the path of photocell-light source pair 218, 220, a signal is enabled in the manner previously indicated, to terminate operation of box conveyor motor 92, thereby permitting the new box to be retained at the load position. While the present invention has been particularly set forth in terms of specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood in view of the instant disclosure, that numerous variations upon the invention are now enabled to those skilled in the art, which variations yet reside within the scope of the instant teaching. Accordingly the invention is to be broadly construed, and limited only by the scope and spirit of the claims now appended hereto.
I claim: 1. Apparatus for testing flexible packages and emplacing acceptable packages in a receiving receptacle, comprising in combination:
sealing state testing means for determining presence of defects in the sealing state of said package;
weight testing means for determining whether said package exceeds a pre-selected minimum acceptable weight;
means for receiving said flexible package and conveying said package to said sealing state testing means; and to said weight testing means;
means responsive to the said determinations at said sealing state and at said weight testing means, for rejecting a package found by either such means to be defective, and displacing such package from the processing stream of said apparatus;
means for accumulating a pre-seiected number of packages determined to be acceptable by both said sealing state and said weight testing means, at a first location at said apparatus;
means for positioning a case to be loaded with a plurality of said acceptable packages, at a second location at said apparatus; and
means for transferring said accumulated packages from said first location to said second location, and depositing said packages in said case.
2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said sealing state testing means comprises a testing platen, moveable toward a package to be tested; means to advance said platen against such package; means to stop said advancement of said platen at a predetermined resistive force caused by the resultant compression of said bag; and means to indicate resultant displacement of said platen beyond a limit point, whereby to indicate an inadequate resistive force due to a leak at said package.
3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said platen is pneumatically activated by a constant pressure applied behind a piston by a pneumatic motor driving said platen.
4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein said constant pressure is adjustable to permit testing of packages with specified characteristics.
5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said weight testing means comprises a generally horizontally oriented platen positioned in the path of conveyance of said packages through said apparatus; said platen being pivoted at one end, with the opposite end thereof being elastically displaceable in a downward direction by said packages impinging thereon; said platen having actuating means moveable with the displaceable end; and switching means being positioned in the displacement path of said actuating means, said switching means being actuated by displacement of said platen beyond a selected point, to provide a signal indicating that said package exceeds a corresponding prescribed weight.
6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein said displaceable end of said platen is restrained by spring means biasing said end in an upward direction, said spring means being adjustable to vary the weight at which said switch is actuated.
7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said transferring means comprises a vacuum head, first motive means for displacing said head vertically toward and away from said accumulated packages and said carton, second motive means for displacing said head horizontally between said first and second locations, and means for actuating the vacuum to said head to ef feet pick-up of said packages, and to deactivate said vacuum to deposit said packages at said carton.
8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7, including means acting during the last portion of the descent of said head, to slow the vertical displacement rate of said head toward said packages, whereby said packages may be drawn to said head during said last portion of head descent.
9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7, including switching means located along the path of vertical and horizontal movement of said head, said head being movable with means interacting with said switch means to provide control signals indicative of the progressive movement of said head; and logic means responsive to said control signals and controlling said first and second motive means and said vacuum actuation means, for enabling control of said head movements.
10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein said switching means provide control signals during vertical descent of said head toward said carton, thereby allowing deposit of a set of said accumulated packages at a pre-set level in said carton to enable layering of said deposited packages.
11. Apparatus for testing flexible packages and emplacing acceptable packages in a receiving receptacle, comprising in combination:
sealing state testing means for determining presence of defects in the sealing state of said package; said means comprising a testing platen moveable toward said package; means to advance said platen against such package; means to stop said advancement of said platen at a predetermined resistive force caused by the resultant compression of said package; and means to indicate resultant displacement of said platen beyond a limit point, whereby to indicate an inadequate resistive force due to a leak at said package;
means for receiving said flexible package and conveying said package to said sealing state testing means;
means responsive to the said determination at said sealing state testing means, for rejecting a package found by such means to be defective, and displacing such package from the processing stream of said apparatus;
means for accumulating a pre-selected number of packages determined to be acceptable by said sealing state testing means, at a first location at said apparatus;
means for positioning a case to be loaded with a plurality of said acceptable packages, at a second location at said apparatus; and
means for transferring said accumulated packages from said first location to said second location, and depositing said packages in said case.
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US-3874145-A | Covering- or sealing-apparatus for food-containers which are filled, preferably, with frozen foods | Apr. 1 1975 United States Patent [:91
Schmidt COVERING- OR SEALING-APPARATUS sale food-trays or -bowls filled in particular with fro- FOR FOOD-CONTAINERS WHICH ARE zen foods, the apparatus being of the type which in- FILLED, PREFERABLY, WITH FR cludes a heating zone with a heatm FOODS g means, a sealing device and a punch-cutter device arranged serially so as to deliver sealed food packages, with any excess of the covering sheet trimmed off the packages. The sealing device and the punch-cutter device are each in [76] Inventor: Max Schmidt, Brauhausstrasse 17,
8800 Ansbach, Germany two complementary parts constituted by a stationary upper part, and a vertically movably mounted lower part. The lower parts are advantageously activated by piston mechanisms. The sealing device and the punchcutter device are both under the influence of vacuum means; they are both preferably provided with an edge of polytetrafluoroethylene at the mating edges of the stationary upper parts so as to prevent the operating edges from sticking to the edges of the containers being sealed and trimmed. The sealing and punchcutter devices advantageously incorporate secondary heating means in their upper parts. The apparatus ma include a means to collect the waste sheet issuin 222 7N7 m M u R 53 5 n 28 a ll m M M I 1/. D 5 l n o m 3 a 5 c H. 3 .l c 7 m m 9 pr! u l O n 4 A 3 .l 4 S g s .d u U m m m A 3 d r B n .a u 1 0 "8 o hfim MS N e ab I hf R M O L i C e p tl .M H D. k F A C Ul .F U rd HUN 2 2 6 555 g after ollecthanism with a slip clutch. The rack may be operated by a piston mechanism. The heating zone is advantageously adapted to span at least two containers the sealing and trimming operations, the waste c on a conveyor, and the arrangement minimizes wastages and escape of heat, at the same time providing a continuous, fast and efficient method of deliverin sealed and trimmed food packages.
Primary E.runziner'lravis S. McGehee Attorney, Agent, or FirmHolman 8L Stern [57] ABSTRACT The invention provides an apparatus for coverin 111' 71) F sealing with a sheet, food containers such as ready-for- C aims rawmg [gm-es COVERING- ()R SEALING-APPARATUS FOR FOOD-CONTAINERS WHICH ARE FILLED. PREFER ABLY, WITH FROZEN FOODS This application comprises a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. H0396. filed June 8. I97 I which was abandoned in favor of the present application.
FIELD OF INVENTION The instant invention concerns a covering or sealing apparatus for containers such as food-bowls, etc., to be sealed with a foil or thin sheet of thermoplastic material. the container being filled. preferably. with frozen foods.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART A device is known in prior art for conserving and sealing of a food-tray of a thermoplastic material which is filled especially with frozen foods. The sealing device comprises a heating unit. a sealing tool and a separator device all arranged in one assemblage. These tool units, which are each designed in two parts, are affixed one each to two piston rods. which are arranged so as to be vertically directed towards each other. and are synchronously and generally pneumatically operable. See. for example. US. Pat. No. 3.298.l58, to SCHMIDT. issued Jan. I7. I967.
It has now been proven that this combined arrangement of devices. i.e.. the concentration of tools in a comparatively narrow space is very detrimental for a smooth flow of production of the required sealed containers. For instance. the heat source is subjected to extreme detrimental influences by means of the synchronized opening and closing of the double-chamber with the escaping and re-entering air connected thereto, and further. the associated mechanism. since it has to comprise several synchronized components in a limited space. is complicated and expensive. particularly since each tool unit is provided with two cylinders which are vertically arranged above each other.
Heating devices for thin-sheet covers, and sealingpunching tools per se are known in packing machines. However. these represent in most cases a packing unit or packing container for the reception of filler-goods of insensitive contents such as small goods, candy. etc. whereby especially the high temperature during the plastitication of the covering sheet in no way affects the packing contents. In addition. in the known packing processes. mostly packing containers of smaller volumes are involved. which are sealed by means of sub stantially simple sealing tools. on conveyor means.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the object of the instant invention to provide an efficient coveringsealing-devicc for food-bowls or similar containers which are filled with frozen foods; the device comprises in general a sealing device which is arranged in a vacuum chamber for sealingly securing a covering sheet which is supplied from a supply-roll; and a punch-cutter device. Also provided is a heating device which is in series with a vacuum chamber, a convcyor means for covering sheet extending the entire length of travel through the working stages and a device for the rewinding of the sheet-waste. representing the amount of the sheet length less the amount which has been punched out as covers for the containers. The components are arranged so that the heating device.
(all
the sealing device and the punch-cutter device in com bination form a synchronously controlled working as sembly.
In one embodiment of the invention. the heating device is designed as a pro-heater and main-heater unit to be applied at least on two container-units simultaneously. The heating device may have a fixed thermal radiation device below which is arranged a heating mask with openings covered by a mesh-screen. The upper section of the sealing device and the upper section of a separator unit of the punchcutter may be sup' plied with a layer of polytctrafluoroethylene at the regions which come in contact with the respective lower sections of the tool. to enable easy separation of parts.
The apparatus may comprise a combined sealingand removal-device. fixedly arranged in the upper part while the lower part is vertically movably arranged to be actuated by means of a two-stage cylinder. Finally. the covering sheet-waste which issues during the manufacturing process may be collected by being rolled up by means of a rack and pinion arrangement provided with a slip clutch and actuated by a piston-cylinder unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING Details of the instant invention as well as its operation are described by means of an exemplary preferred embodiment which is illustrated and described with respect to the attached drawing in which:
FIG. I shows a schematic side view of the sealing apparatus'.
FIG. 2 shows a top view of a cover. which is referred to as a heating mask;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view looking at the side of the apparatus shown in FIG. I, with portions broken away and shown in section;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken substantially on the plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a vertical section taken substantially on the plane of line 55 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a vertical section taken substantially on the plane of line 66 of FIG. 3; and
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially on the plane of line 77 of FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The apparatus is a sealing device. especially for producing ready-for-sale food-package units which are filled and prepared Ilat bowls or trays. and which are covered with a sheet and sealed by means of a sealing device and then delivered out of the apparatus for preservation of the food.
Indicated at I is a conveyor belt on which the filled food-containers 2 are transported in sequence of the working-cycle of the individual devices. Indicated at 3 is a heating device whose longitudinal dimension covers at least two consecutively transported containers 2. Heat is supplied uniformly from the heat radiators 4. to the top of the containers and the covering portion of a scalable covering sheet 6.
In order to ensure an even distribution of heat on the covering sheet 6 which is provided from a supply roll 5, and to isolate the area to be plastified. a heating mask 7 is provided parallel. closely adjacent to the path of travel of the covering sheet 6. and of dimensions substantially underlying the heating device 3. The heating mask 7 is provided with openings 9. and with a meshscreen It]. for ensuring uniform application of heat on the sheet or film.
The covering sheet 6 is moved along the entire length of the conveyor through the working stations by means of continuous chains 1] which transversely spaced chains are supplied with gear-teeth or pins 4], which chains engage guide wheels I2, and whereby the waste or scrap portion of said band is remaining, after the punching prpcess, is wound up on a roller 13 as waste I4. this is accomplished by means of a rack and pinion mechanism 16. I7, actuated by a piston in a cylinder 15 and provided with a suitable slip clutch.
The sealing process is performed in a known manner. The upper part of sealing tool 18 and the lower part 19 of the sealing tool are positioned in a hollow space comprising a vacuum tank. The upper tool section 18 and upper tank section 20 are fixedly arranged, while the corresponding counterclements, namely, the lower tool section 19 and the lower vacuum tank section 21 are arranged to be raised vertically and lowered by the piston rod 22 which is activated by a two-stage cylinder 23.
For better durability of the sealing seam, and in order to prevent the sticking or adhering of the coveringsheet to a welding edge of the upper tool section 18, which might be caused by the welding heat, the welding edge is framed by a layer 24 consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene,
During the sealing process, the container 2 is moved from conveyor 1 onto a platform-shaped seat 25 which is supported by a central rod 26. At this position, the sealing tool functions under the influence of the vacuum tanks 20. 21, and attaching a container 2 to sheet 6 after a short distance of travel, the container is conveyed by sheet 6 at the same level and stopped at a punch-cutter device 27; this device in general consists of a stationary upper part 28 having an angular edge 29, and complementary movable arm brackets 30. The brackets 30 grippingly engage a hollow space 3| of the container 2, see FIG. 4, and press the periphery of the containers against the angular edge 29 which is moved over a heating band 32 and brought to the required working temperature. whereby a clean separation of the sealed container 2 from the punched or cut band of the covering sheet 6 is ensured. The heating ofthe band 32. and also the heating band 33 of the upper sealing tool section 24. is maintained continuously as long as the entire apparatus is in operation. The movements of the heater device 3 and the punch-cutter device 27 are actuated by cylinders 34 and 35, respectively Although the sheet 6 covering a container 2 is sev cred, the sheet 6 will still be disposed about the nowcovered container and as the scrap material I4 is collected on roller 13, the covered container is moved onto table 44.
As seen in FIGS. 3-6, the apparatus includes parallel guide tracks 42 extending longitudinally of the path of travel of web 6 over which the edges thereof overly. The pins 41 on chains penetrate the web 6 and move it along the track through the operation station; it will be noted that the pins project into an upwardly opening groove 41 formed with guide tracks 42.
As seen in FIG. 5, the endless chains 11 and tracks 40 are spaced sufficiently to accommodate for recipro eating movement of member 45 of heater 3 and elements ]9, 2] and 30 therebetween.
Further, the mask 7 is generally star-shaped as seen in FIGS. 2 and 7 whereby the converging angular corners cause the heat-scalable web at the corners of the trays 2 being covered to be pre-heated as well as the outer portion of the web covering the food-filled trays to insure proper sealing of the corners.
Briefly, in review, foodfilled trays 2 are first received on conveyor I. pass beyond roll 43; pass onto platformshaped supports 25 (the conveyor chains 11, 4] and web 6 are stopped at the heat sealing means l8, l9 and vacuumforming tank elements 20, 21 elements 20, 2] are moved together at their confronting edges and elements 18. 19 are engaged to form the peripheral seal above the web 6 now engaged on the food filled trays 2; thereafter, the food-filled containers with the web sealed thereto move to the puncher-cutter drive 27, conveying is stopped, and element 30 moves upwardly to engage edge 29 of the element 28 to sever the cov cred food tray from web 6, however, web 14 still embraces the covered container sufficiently to move the container and as scrap web portion I4 is salvaged on roller 13, the covered trays move onto output table 44.
As seen in FIG. 5, the heaters 4 are enclosed in a cap or housing 45 and are mounted in transverse down wardly opening elements 46.
Appreciating the complexity of the apparatus, it will be appreciated that specific supports for the various elemcnts and specific frame details are not shown as well as the conveyor indexing details and/or details of the vacuum system. These are all expedients conventional in this art and these mechanical details are known to those skilled in the art.
What is claim is:
1. In an apparatus for covering and sealing with a thin, thermoplastic sheet, food-containers such as ready-lor-sale food trays filled in particular with frozen foods, the apparatus being of the type comprising a serial-arrangement along a conveyor; a heating means and a heating zone for pre-hcating the sheet in a region of the container to be heat-sealed; a sealing device downstream of said heating means and zone including complementary parts including means to seal the container to the sheet; and a punch-cutter device for separating unused marginal portions of the sheet surrounding the area scaling to the container: the improvement comprised in that: the scaling device includes a stationary first half and a complementary movably mounted second half, means for subjecting both the halves to the influence of vacuum and comprising correspondingly stationary and movably mounted first and second halves for forming a vacuum tank when scaling is effected; and the punch-cutter device includes a stationary first half and a complementary movably mounted second half.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said heating means provides pre-heating for the thcrmoplas tic sheet and forms a primary heater including means adapted to cover at least two food-containers, the apparatus including secondary heating means provided in the sealing device and said punch-cutter device.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2. in which the primary heater includes stationary heat-emitters below which is arranged a fixed heat mask overlying the sheet to be heat sealed and having apertures covered by a mesh.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which said stationary first half components of the sealing device and punch-cutter device are each arranged vertically above their said complementary half and are provided with a covering of polytetrat'luoroethylene at their working edges, where they abut said complementary halves.
S. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which said complementary second halves of the scaling device and punch-cutter device are each arranged to be vertically movable by means of a piston in a cylinder.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim I. wherein a supply roll feeds the sheet continously into said heating zone.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, which further includes a mechanism to collect unused marginal portions of the sheet as waste. the mechanism comprising a roller adapted to be rotated by means of a rack and pinion arrangement actuated by a piston and provided with a slip clutch 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a supply source of theremoplastic material including a web extending transversely of the conveyor; parallel guide tracks flanking the path of travel of the containers for supporting the web at its longitudinal edges; endless conveyor chains flanking the longitudinal path of travel of said conveyor means and said web and including means for engaging the web and moving the web along said guide trackes, said sealing device being disposed between said guide tracks and between which said movable halves of said sealing punch-cutter devices are disposed.
9. The structure as claimed in claim 3 in which said fixed heat mask apertures are star-shaped and have converging margins for converging at corresponding corners of the containers being covered by the thermoplastic sheet whereby heat is concentrated at the center and corners of the containers being covered.
10. The structure as claimed in claim I in which said sealing device includes a support above the movable half for receiving a container thereon, and means supporting said movable hall for movement front beneath said support and movable vertically therebeyond for engagement with said stationary first half.
11. The structure as claimed in claim 8 in which said guide tracks, in conjunction with said web form conveyor means for the covered containers after a seal is effected whereby the web movement positions the container beneath said punch-cutter device. |
US-3874146-A | Packaging apparatus | United States Patent 11 1 Watkins 51 Apr. 1, 1975 1 1 PACKAGING APPARATUS 2.916.864 12/1959 Meissner 53/180 2.936.816 5/1960 La v.53/181) X 175] inventor: Luclus waikms, Hamand' 3,164,936 1/1965 toiiier 53/180 73 Assignee; per-mick, Inc" Naples m 3.282.020 11/1966 Smith 53/180 3,611,657 10/1971 Inoue et al 53/180 X [22] Filed: Oct. 23, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 408,811 Primary Examiner-Robert L. Spruill Related U S Applicaflon Data Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael, Best & Friedrich I62] Division of Scr. No. 169,439. Aug. 5, 1971. Pat. No.
3.785.556. [5 7] ABSTRACT [52] U S Cl 53/182 Apparatus and method of packaging liquids wherein [5]] 9/12 an elongated plastic envelope, sealed at one end, is {58] i M 182 R filled with liquid under predetermined static pressure 55/182 and a selected liquid-filled portion thereof is then heat-sealed and severed from the remainder of the en- {fil References and velope; the liquid being isolated from the heat-sealing and severing zone during such operations to prevent UNITED STATES PATENTS heating the liquid to boiling or gasifying temperatures. 2.113.658 4/1938 Lukso 53/180 2.828.591 4/1958 Vundcn Bossche 53/180 X 3 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures |r7 a i I 1 a 11 8473/6 55572 92 A g 1 5 1 130 131 V I I 50 11; m 132) I #3 112 m r 1 -121Ji 35 in. 9
2 ye i APPARATUS This is a division of application Ser. No. 169.439. filed Aug. 5. 1971 now U.S. Pat. No. 3.785.556.
This invention relates generally to packaging. and more particularly. is directed to improved means and method for encapsulating liquids within a beat-sealed plastic package to produce an improved product. particularly useful in disseminating vaporizablc liquids.
Various products for purifying. odorizing or deodorizing the atmosphere or for destroying or repelling insects are currently packaged in hermetically-sealed containers. Commonly used containers are either boxes. bottles. destructible plastic film enclosures or the like from which the products. usually in solid or paste form. are removed for use so that the active components thereof may sublimatc or vaporize into the atmosphere.
it has been recognized for some time that such a program of diffusing materials of this nature is inefficient and ineffective. particularly over extended periods of time, inasmuch as the relatively high degree of effectiveness thereof. experienced upon first exposing the same to the atmosphere. rapidly diminishes after a relatively short time due to the inability to regulate the rate of dispersion sublimation or vaporization. Attempts have been made to diffuse such materials with controlled rates of vaporization or sublimination. Generally speaking. howe\er. such efforts to date. particularly when dealing with solid materials. have been less than totally effective. in certain other instances. particularly with deodorants. release of liquid deodorizers through capillary wicking systems have proven somewhat more effective and acceptable in controlling the rate ofdisseminating the ingredients to the atmosphere. Yet. these systems too are incapable of sustaining constant rates of dispersion over extended periods.
It is known that liquid odorants. deodorants. repellents and insecticides. particularly in highly concentrated forms. are highly effective for their intended purposes. However. to date. there has been an absence of a simple. economical and efficient system for releasing the active ingredients of odori7ers. deodorizers. repellents. insecticides and the like over extended periods of time so as to benefit from the capabilities of concentrated forms thereof. Foremost in the problems confronting the utilization ofsuch liquids is the problem of diffusing or releasing the same to the atmosphere at a predetermined rate so that the active substances thereof produce their desired effects over extended time intervals. 'lypifying past efforts to overcome this problem is the invention described in U.S. Pat. No. 2.979.268 issued Apr. 1 l, l96l. or U.S. Pat. No. 3.216.882 issued Nov. 9. I965.
In brief. the present invention is directed to improvements in processs. apparatus and product whereby concentrated liquid odori7ers. deodorizers. insecticides. repellents and the like may be released to the atmosphere at substantially constant rates for extended time intervals. Essentially the basic scientific mechanism employed. according to this invention. for regulating the rate of release of liquids is that of permeation by which is meant diffusion by absorption not to be confused with porosity or capillarity. This phenomenon of permeability. as herein employed. relates to utilization of plastic films and fluid compounds which are permeant thereto whereby the vapor release of ingredients at (ill the outer surface of the plastic materials after migration of the liquid ingredients therethrough effectively produces an efficient and economical means for releasing the active ingredients of the liquids to the atmosphere. ln simplified terms. a body of permeant liquid is encapsulated within a hermetically sealed envelope of a homo-polymer plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene. When the packaged ingredients are exposed to atmosphere. the permeant liquid releases or vaporizes into the atmosphere at a substantially constant rate dependent primarily on the migration ability of the permeant through the plastic. This permeation rate generally is independent of pressure so that regard less of whether the liquid is pressurized or dcpressurized within the container it progresses or permeates through the plastic to produce a given quantity output per unit of area. Among other novel aspects of the present invention is the unique system of packaging such permeant liquids within the plastic containers, which preferably comprise an envelope of two superposed plastic layers. hermetically sealed around the borders or margins thereof; the liquid filling the interior of the envelope and disseminating across the interior walls of the package either by capillary activity or direct liquid flow. Essentially. the interior of the envelope is free of any gaseous atmosphere which could affect the output ofthe permeant liquid. ln order to avoid boiling or gasifying the liquid permeant during the heatscaling open ation. which takes place at temperatures in excess of the normal boiling temperatures for the liquids. means are provided for effectively isolating or remoting the liquid ingredients from the mac to be heat sealed and- /or thermally severed. Thus the liquids are effectively insulated from the undesirable effects created by heat sealing and severing temperatures during the scaling process.
Among the objects of this invention is the provision of an improved procedure for encapsulating liquids in plastic containers. preferably in envelope form.
Another object of this invention is to provide an im proved process for thermally sealing liquid-filled plastic containers without boiling or gasifying the liquid during the heat-sealing operation at temperatures in excess of the boiling point for the liquid.
Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved hermetically sealed package containing liquid permeant to the plastic walls of the container.
A still further object ofthis invention is to provide an improved packaged product of liquid odorant sealed within a plastic container permeable to the odorant. whereby the latter is released from the container at a substantially constant rate for an extended period of time.
Still another object of this invention is to provide improved apparatus for heat sealing a thermoplastic container about a body of liquid.
Having thus described this invention. the above and further objects. features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those familiar with the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof. illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
hi the drawings:
FIG. I is a side elevational view setting forth the features of apparatus for packaging liquids according to this invention:
FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view in top plan with portions thereof in section taken substantially from vantage line 22 of HQ. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows thereon;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially along vantage line 3--3 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows thereon;
HO. 4 is another enlarged cross sectional view taken substantially at vantage line 44 of FIG. 1. and looking in the direction of the arrows thereon;
FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are enlarged views in side elevation illustrating the sequential steps of heat sealing a plastic container about a body of liquid according to this in vention'.
H6. 8 is an enlarged view in side elevation taken substantially from vantage line 88 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows thereon; and
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a package produced according to this invention, showing the same broken open to illustrate capillary distribution means employed therein.
Turning now to the particulars of the particular embodiment set forth in the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustrating and describing the present invention so as to enable those skilled in this art to practice the same, initial reference is made to FIG. I. As therein shown, apparatus designated generally by numeral 10 is schematically represented for purposes of packaging liquid materials in accordance with the present invention. As set out in this figure, a package tube or blank H is formed preferably from two rolls of tape l2, 12' of polyethylene film suitably supported by means not shown, but well within the normal capabilities of one skilled in this art. The width of the tape rolls is generally selected to be just slightly in excess of the desired width for the end packaged product and the two rolls I2, 12' are mounted so as to oppose one another on opposite sides of a filler tube 13. Thus the two layers of plastic 14 and 14 from the respective rolls l2, 12' thereof meet in opposing registration on opposite sides of filler tube l3. The plastic layers extend downwardly along the tube 13 through a sealing and cutting assembly 15 to be described in greater detail presently. Assembly 15 functions both to heat-seal opposite lateral margins of the opposing plastic layers [4, l4 and to trim off excess materials beyond the welded margins; the scrap being removed by periodically actuated roller means 16 according to conventional practice.
The tubular package blank which exits from the seal ing and trimming assembly [5 extends below the latter through a fluid level control assembly I8, and into an under-disposed feeding assembly 19. Assembly 19 serves to periodically grip the opposite lateral margins of the tubular package and pull the same downwardly through the sealing and trimming assembly and level control assembly as will be described presently. Beneath the feeder assembly [9. the tubular package ll passes through a novel heat scaling and cut-off means 20 which serves to produce heat-sealed margins extending transversely between the sealed side margins of the tubular package 1]. Means 20 also optionally sev ers the tube 1] into selected lengths. in this manner, liquid-filled packages are formed from the elongated tubular envelope H as will be amplified later herein.
The lowermost end of the tubular package 11 abuts a vertically adjustable stop gauge 21 which by its positioning regulated the vertical dimensions of the liquidfilled packages severed from the tube 1].
With particular reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2. the details of the tube sealing and trimmming assembly 15 will now be described. As best shown in these figures, assembly 15 comprises a supporting bracket 25 having a central anvil portion 26 features by a concave face 27 against which one of the plastic films 14'. for example, is shaped during the side margin scaling and trimming operations. Extending laterally outwardly of opposite sides of the central anvil portion 26 are a pair of L- shaped arms 28 and 29. of which only 28 is shown in full plan in FIG. 2. The particulars of arm 28 and re lated elements will be described with the understanding that arm 29 and its arrangement with the mechanism are identical thereto.
Pivotally connected to the outer end of arm 28 is a knife actuator 30 mounted to pivot about pin means 31. Actuator 30 rocks about the pin 31 in response to periodic energization of a solenoid means 32: being joined to the latter by connector rod 33 which passes through an opening 34 in arm 28 and axially through a return spring means 35 mounted between arm 28 and the adjacent face of the actuator 30. A nut fastener means 36 is threaded over the outer end of the connector rod 33 on the opposite or outer side of actuator 30 to secure the latter to the rod 33 and provide a means for adjusting the arcuate throw of the actuator as deemed desirable. The non-pivotally supported or outer end of actuator 30 is attached by bolt and nut fastener means 37 to a movable hot scaling knife 38 hav ing an electrical heater element 39 near the tip end thereof. Knife 38 opposes a stationary knife 40 adjustably mounted on one side of the central anvil portion 26. as by bolt fastener means 41; the adjustability of knife 40 serving to accommodate varying thicknesses for superposed plastic material of the layers 14, I4.
As with the movable sealing knife 38, the stationary knife 40 is likewise equipped with a heater element 42 near the outer end thereof to elevate the temperature thereof. In operation, the movable knife 38 is normally at a temperature in excess of that required for sealing the plastic material while the stationary knife 40 is slightly below sealing temperature. For polyethylene, typical temperature for knife 38 are in the order of 320 F. and for the stationary knife 40 in the order of 280 F. As best shown in FIG. 2, a second set of sealing knives 38' and 40' are provided on the opposite side of anvil portion 26 with the movement of the knife 38' being effected by a solenoid operated actuator of the order above described, but not illustrated.
Supported opposite the central anvil portion 26 and located between the hot knives 38 and 38' is a movable anvil member 45 having an arcuatcly concave face 46 which is adapted to receive and support the second plastic film layer 14. Anvil member 45 is biased normally toward the stationary anvil portion 26 by spring means 47 affixed at one end to a stationary support 48.
in operation. the assembly 15 has the two plastic lay ers 14. 14' gripped between the anvil portion 26 and member 45 with the filler tube 13, preferably ofpliable material disposed therebetwcen. Periodically the two hot knife blades 38. 38' are moved toward abutting engagement with the stationary knife blades 40, 40'. This occurs upon actuation of solenoid means 32 and its counterpart (not shown) associated with the second set of knife blades 38' and 40'. The hot knife blades press through the two layers of plastic, melting the same until they abut against the stationary knife blades 40, 40'.
thereby effecting a thermal seal along the lateral margin of plastic layers l4 and 14' held in assembly 15. When the opposing knife blades contact one another they also sever the waste marginal portions 50. 50 of the plastic layers from the central sealed envelope formed between the margin seals. The scrap portions 50. 50' are pulled away by the roller assembly l6 across guide members 5]. 51' which are mounted alongside the stationary knife blade members 40, 40'.
In reponse to periodic actuation of the feeding assembly I). the tubular package member ll. laterally sealed by assembly 15. are periodically indexed or fed downwardly to bring unsealed portions of the plastic layers [4. l4 into assembly where the sealing and trimming operation above described are repeated. It will be appreciated that once the scaling and trimming operations take place. the heated knife elements 38. 38' are withdrawn in response to deenergization of the actuating solenoid means therefor. such as solenoid 32 associated with the illustrated actuator 30. Energization of the solenoid means takes place after each downfeed operation of the tubular member 11 as will appear in greater detail from the description which follows.
The tubular package 1] with its lateral margins now sealed, depends downwardly past the sealing and trimming assembly I5. as hereinabove described, through the level control assembly I8 which will be best understood by examination of FIGS. 1 and 3 of the drawings. From such figures. it will be recognized that a light source 55 is supported to one side of the tubular package member I I so as to shine toward a photocell 56 lo cated on the opposite side of the package and disposed between the spaced arms of a generally U-shapcd guide member 57. Such guide member is adjustably clamped to a support rod 58 depending vertically between upper and lower arm portions 59 and 60 of a C-shaped supporting bracket 6|. It will be noted that clamping connection of member 57 with support rod 58 is effected by bolt means 62 which permit adjustable positioning of the guide member 57 and the photocell 56 vertically. Rod 58 is also threadingly fastened at its upper end to arm portion 59 for adjustment purposes, although such adjustments are relatively minor in normal operation.
With the abovedescribed arrangement for the assembly I8. it will be appreciated that when the tube member ll. having the lower end thereof sealed as illustrated in FIG. I. is filled with liquid up to the level 63 indicated by dotted lines in FIG. I, the light energy from source 55 is focused by the liquid between the opposing walls I4. I4 of the tube II to energize photocell 56. Conversely. when the liquid level falls below level 63, the light rays from source 55 fail to focus on cell 56 and the latter is deencrgized. In its energized condition. cell 56. through suitable control circuitry, not shown. but well within the skill of those normally \ersed with this art. signals a liquid supply source (not shown) associated with filler tube 13 to shut off the supply of additional liquid to the interior of the tube member ll. Conversely when the cell 56 is deenergi'/ed. the liquid supply system is appropriately conditioned to supply liquid to filler tube 13. In this manner. the level of liquid within the tubular package member I I is maintained substantially constant at level 63 so as to provide a predetermined static head of liquid within the lower regions of the tubular package member 11.
It is to be noted from FIG. 3 in particular that the U- shaped member 57 associated with the liquid level control assembly is provided with a pair of guide elements 64. 64' having substantially V-shaped opposing faces 65. 6S maintained in a spaced opposing relationship and between which tubular member II is trained. the apex of each face 65. 65' engaging one of the marginal seals of the package tube ll. The lateral spacing between the V-shaped guide surfaces is by design just slightly less than the distance between the lateral margins of the unfilled tube portion there-above (depicted in FIG. 2 showing the configuration of the unfilled tube member II in assembly 15 As a consequence. the V- shaped guide surfaces 65. 65' serve to how the tubular member outwardly between the lateral sealed margins thereof. to bring about a generally predetermined spac ing and cross section between the opposing walls l4, l4. This assists in filling the lower portions of the tubu lar member with a uniform volume of liquid determinative of the desired static head but more importantly the bowed configuration accomplished provides the desired lens for the photocell of the level control assembly. lmportantly. of course. it is essential that the lens configuration be uniform for successful operation of the photocell for each downfeed of the package tube.
Located generally beneath the level control assembly 18 and spaced conveniently along the length of the tubular member ll is the feeding assembly 19 previously alluded to. Fora better understanding of this assembly, reference is particularly made to FIGS. 1 and 4. As therein shown, a feeder block is slidably mounted on a vertical cylindrical post 71 supported at its lower end on the lower arm portion 60 ofsupport bracket 61. The block member 70 is movable vertically up and down the post 70 against the action of intervening spring means 72. Normally, spring means 72 serves to bias block 70 to its upper position as illustrated in FIG. I which is limited by an enlarged upper end portion of the post 70. An actuator link 73., responsively movable downwardly with energization of a solenoid means 74, also supported on the outer end of the arm portion 60 on bracket means 6]. is connected to the feeder block 70 as by a pivot pin.
With this described arrangement. it will be understood that energization of solenoid means 74 serves to pull the block 70 downwardly against the action of spring 72 with the latter returning the block 70 upwardly upon deenergization of the solenoid means 74. It further will be appreciated that the guide rod 71 is located to one side ofthe rod 58 which supports the liquid level assembly 18.
A second solenoid gripper means 76 is carried in a central opening 77 of the block member 75. The core of the solenoid means 76 is coupled to an actuator rod 78 which extends through an opening in an intermediate wall portion 79 of the block member 70 and is coaxially surrounded by a spring means 80. The outer end of actuator rod 78 is fixed to a movable L-shaped gripper member 8] whereby the latter moves responsibly with the actuator rod 78. In operation. cnergization of solenoid means 76 serves to move the gripper member 8| to the right as viewed in FIG. 4 or, that is. toward block member 70 with the spring means 80 effecting return movement of the gripper member upon deenergization of the solenoid 76.
The gripper member St is slidably supported on the block member 70 by means of a connector pin or rivet 82 extending outwardly of one side 83 of the block member 70 and through a slotted opening 84 (see FIG.
1) formed in a base arm 85 of the L-shaped gripper member 81. The other arm 86 of the gripper member 81 extends at right angles to base arm 85 thereof and is fixed. as previously described. to the outer end of the actuator rod 78. The outermost end of the arm 86 opposes a stationary gripper finger 90 formed at one adja cent corner of the block member 70.
In operation. when it is desired to downfeed the package tube 11. the solenoid means 76 is energized. drawing the gripper member 86 inwardly toward the stationary gripper finger 90 to pinch the adjacent margin 91 of the package member 11 therebetween. Thereafter. solenoid means 74 is energized, drawing the en tire block 70 downwardly against spring 72 to feed the tubular member downwardly in accordance with the down-stroke of the solenoid-actuated link 73. .After completion of the down stroke. the gripper finger solenoid 76 is selectively decnergi7ed. releasing the margin of the tubular package member 1 1. following which solenoid means 74 is deenergized. permitting return spring 72 to raise the feeder block 70 to its uppermost position illustrated in FIG. 1.
In order to adjust the downfeed stroke of the assembly 19. block member 71 is fitted with an adjustable stop bolt 92 at the innermost end thereof which may be adjustably positioned to engage the head of a second adjustable stop 93 projecting upwardly from arm portion 60 of bracket 61.
As previously mentioned. the package tube 11 having its bottom end 95 sealed and the portion thereof below level 63 filled with liquid. is position with its lower end gauge means 21 which is adjustably mounted on a sup port means 96. As shown best in FIG. 1. the gauge 21 comprises a lower block portion 97 having a resilient spring finger 98 extending upwardly from one side thereof. Finger 98 is disposed in spaced relation to the support 96 to provide a uniform spacing receptive of the lower end of the package tube 11 and effectively determinative of the desired thickness. Adjustable positioning of the gauge 21 is coordinated with the downstroke of the feeder assembly 19 so that as successive packages are sealed and cut from the lower end of the package tube 11 by means 20. each down-stroke of the feeder assembly will reposition the lower sealed end of the tribe 11 in the gauge means. After the sealing and severing operation by the means 20. the liquid-filled packages held between the gauge 21 and support 96 may be removed by any comentional known means. unnecessary to describe herein.
The heat sealing and cutoff means 20 will be understood best from an inspection of FIGS. 1. -8 of the drawings. As particularly shown in FIG. 1. means comprises an actuating solenoid 100 having a coreresponsive actuator link 101 supported on an upwardly extending bracket means 102. The lower end of the actuator link 101 is pivotally joined at 103 to one end of a l shaped rocker arm 104 comprising a bottom cross arm portion 105 and a central stem portion 106. Pivotal connection 103 is at one end of the cross arm 105 while the opposite end thereof is pivotally joined to a pivot block 107 by pin means 108. A spring member 109 is coupled to and extends between the central stem portion 106 and the support bracket 102 to normally bias member 104 in a clockwise sense as viewed in FIG. 1. This action effects the return of member 104 to its upright position as illustrated in that figure upon deenergilation ofthe solenoid means 100. (onverselyg ener- Ill gization of the solenoid serves to actuate the coreactuated link 101 upwardly. rocking member 104 counterclockwise about pivot pin 108 for purposes to appear presently.
At the upper end of the stem portion 106 is a transversely related. horizontal knife support arm 110. The right hand outer end of arm 110 (see FIG, 1) is adapted to abut the upper end of bracket 102 to serve as a stop device for limiting clockwise movement of the '1'- shaped member 104. as urged by spring means 109. Affixed to one upper side of arm 110. as by spot-welds 111 (see FIG. 8 is a generally rectangular shaped sealing plate member 112 having a sealing knife portion 113 extending centrally outward of one front marginal edge 114 thereof (see FIG. 8]. The portion 113 is equipped with the usual heater wire 115 adjacent the outer tip end 116 thereof as best shown in FIG. 8.
Mounted on opposite sides of the sealing plate member 112 and intersecting substantially at right angles immediately in front ofthe outer tip end 116 of portion 113 are a pair of planar wiper blade members 118 and 1 19. each respectively associated with a pair of support brackets 120. 120 and 121. 121 secured to opposite faces of plate 112 as by rivet means 122. The connection between the wiper blades 118 and 119 and their brackets 120. 121 is by pairs of leaf spring means 125. 125. attached to the blades 118 and 119 and brackets 120. 121 by rivet means 126. It will be noted (FIG. 8) that such springs cross one another on opposite sides of knife portion 113.
It will he recognized from FIG. 1 of the drawings that the wiper blades 118 and 119. with portion 113 disposed therebetween. is located on one side of the package tube 11 directly opposite a stationary knife assenthly comprising a bracket 131 affixed to a support. a stationary heater blade 132 having heater wire 133 and a guard member 134 adjacent the blade means 132. Specifically. the guard member 134 and blade 132 are affixed to the support means 131 by mounting bolt 135. In operation. the movable blade 1 13 affixed to the upper end of the T-shaped member 104 moves toward and away from the stationary blade 132. with the liquid-filled package tube 11 disposed therebetween.
It will be recalled that one of the principal problems confronted in packaging liquids utilizing thermally sealed materials. such as plastic films. occurs when attempting to heat-seal the plastic films around the liquid at temperatures in excess of the normal boiling temperatures of the liquid being encapsulated. lt readily will be appreciated that if boiling or gasifieation of the liquid does occur within the package. there is great risk and danger of violently disrupting the package and this is even more so when. as in the present instance. it is intended to completely fill the package with liquid prior to sealing the same. In packaging liquids according to the present invention. it is preferred that there be no partial gaseous atmosphere within a package of the permeant liquids so that the effective area for permeation of the active liquid ingredients through the walls of the plastic package can be maintained at a predetermined constant. If the liquids should diffuse into a gaseous atmosphere within the package interior. the gaseous materials will permeate through the walls of the package. at a lower rate than the liquid and more importantly will reduce the area in contact with the liquid permeant. Consequently. if one is to maintain a rate of permeation at a known constant. it is essential that either all liquid state or gaseous state permeation take place. but not a combination of both.
In order to hermetically seal a completely liquidfilled plastic package utilizing heat sealing principles. particularly when packaging the more volatile materials. the present invention presents a unique method and means for effectively isolating the liquid contents of the package from the zone of thermal sealing. To this end. particular reference is now made to FIGS. I. 5. 6 and 7 of the drawings.
As illustrated in these figures. the operational sequence for effecting the desired heat sealing of the top margin of a packaged product filled with liquid is set forth. As initially illustrated in FIG. I of the drawings, the liquid-filled tube I I is in position ready for producing a thermal weld or seal across the top end of the selected bottom portion thereof to produce a liquid-filled packaged product [35 (see FIGS. 7 and 9). This sealing operation is brought about by the means 20. the elements of which have been described hereinabovc.
As shown in FIG. 5. cnergization of the solenoid means I serves to advance the scaling member H3 toward the liquid-filled package tube ll. Prior to engagement of the member 113 with the wall 14 of the tube I I. however. the wiper blades I18 and I I9 engage such wall well in advance of the sealing tip end and serve to pinch wall I4 tightly against the opposing wall or film layer l4 and the secondary heater blade 132. As with the sealing blades 38 and 40 of assembly IS. the movable sealing member I I3 is generally at an elevated temperature over that of the stationary blade 132 which for convenience sake herein may be termed hot and cold blades. respectively. Be that as it may. as shown in FIG. 5. initial contact and movement of the wiper blades I18 and H9 against the package tube II effectively pinches off the package tube between the two opposing blades H3 and I32. Continued advancement of the hot blade I13 toward the cold knife blade I32 causes the wiper blades H8 and 119 to move laterally away from one another bowing the springs I25. 125'. as illustrated in FIG. 6. and thereby maintaining resilient pressure contact with the plastic layer wall 14 of the tube. This effectively wipes the liquid u 'nvardly and downwardly away from the zone of thermal sealing designated 136 in FIG. 6. In this state. the two layers l4 and I4 ofthc plastic tube are pressed firmly together and stretched across the cold blade I32. with hack-up support therefor being provided by the adjacent platen ends of the support bracket 13] aml the shield member I34 associated with and located laterally adjacent the cold blade I32. Continued advancing movement of the hot blade I32 brings the saute into contact with the plastic walls of the tube member I I to produce a thermal weld barrier laterally thereaeross. At eventual contact of blade H3 with the cold blade I32. the tube II is severed and the bottom portion or tubular package I35. filled with liquid. is effectively separated therefrom.
Deenergiration of solenoid means I00 causes returning movement of the hot blade I13 toward the right as viewed in FIG. 7 along with returning movement of the wiper blades H8 and II). This frees the packaged product I35 for removal from the lower end ofthe tube member I I.
After the severing of the package 135 as hercinabove described. feeder assembly l9 releases the tube 11 and then is actuated to downfeed the tube I I into the gauge means 2! thereby pulling the tube material through the lateral margin sealing and trimming assembly [5. Inasmuch as the liquid level within tube ll lowers with the downfeeding thereof. the liquid level control assembly l8 will sense. as heretofore explained. the absence of fluid within tube 1] opposite the photocell S6. Consequently, appropriate circuitry is energized to signal for the inflow ofliquid via the filler tube 13. Sufficient liquid is then added to the tube I l to bring its level up to the desired static head control level 63 as previously explained.
From the foregoing description of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. I through 8 of the drawings and its operation. it will be readily understood that the fundamental operating steps for the improved procedure for packaging liquids according to this invention has been fully set forth. along with a preferred means for accomplishing the same. Nevertheless. it is to be recognized that exact means of the apparatus described is not essential to the accomplishment of the disclosed method and it is fully contemplated that various changes. modifications and substitutions can be made therein by those familiar with the art without departing from the teachings ofthis invention. For example. instead of two separate tapes for the formation of the tube package I], the same may be produced from a single tape. folded over into a double layer and then marginally scaled along one lateral edge. Additionally. the particular liquid supply system described is not necessarily essential to the accomplishment of the described method inasmuch as liquid may be supplied by any number of known systems. including pressurized control systems, gravity feed systems. pumps and so forth. Further. while the disclosed apparatus has basically been described as being actuated by solenoid means. the functions thereof may be accomplished by utilizing hydraulic. pneumatic. mechanical or other systems well within the skill of the art. Of like import is the removal of the packaged items from the forming equipment which may be done manually or by any number of known pick-off systems. Additionally. it is fully contemplated that the described photocell system for regulating the level of liquid within the tube It may be replaced by a variety of other devices including pressure-sensitive switch means located to sense the static head ofthc liquid in tube 11.
With respect to the packaged product I35 as herein described. it is not essential that the same be severed from the tube member II during the scaling operation of the means 20. To the contrary. it is fully contemplated that it may. in certain instances. be desirable to present an elongated product in which individual packets of liquid are separated by intervening thermal-weld seals. but not individually severed as hereinabove set forth. It is also fully contemplated that different package configurations and size may be employed. including the provision of hanging tabs at one end of the scaled packets.
It also is to be noted. as best shown in FIG. 9. that the interior surfaces ofthe plastic layers 14 and 14', for the package are preferably scored with a series of fine line scratches to provide a uniform capillary distribution system over the interior walls of the package. This feature is of particular importance in distributing the liquid permeants evenly over the interior of the package walls. especially when the package is in a near collapsed state. That is to say. as liquid permeates through the package walls the volume of liquid therein diminishes and the package walls gradually collapse inwardly under atmospheric pressure. When the liquid content is nearly exhausted, the capillary feed system takes over to evenly distribute the liquid over the entire interior surface area of the walls until all permeant has cscaped. In this manner, the effective area for permeation distribution of liquid through the package walls is maintained substantially uniform throughout the package life. Without such a capillary distribution system or its equivalent. as the package walls collapse toward one another. areas appear where the opposing walls contact one another without any liquid therebetween. Such contacting areas are then ineffective to the distribution of permcant through the package walls. For similar reasons, bubbles of air or gases in the package are to be avoided, since such act to keep the walls separated and effectively prevent distribution of liquid over the interior wall surfaces,
I claim:
1. Apparatus for hermetically sealing, between op posing walls of a thermoplastic package a gas-free body of liquid which is vaporizable at atmospheric conditions. said apparatus comprising means for forming a vertically elongated tubular package blank sealed along the bottom and lateral margins thereof, means for filling said blank with the liquid being packaged, means for controlling said filling means to maintain a predetermined head of liquid in said blank to control package size, means for heat-sealing said blank within an area spaced from the bottom margin of said blank and located in a part of said blank filled with liquid, means for severing said blank within said area. and means for avoiding vaporization of the liquid during heat-sealing by displacing the liquid in said blank from said area prior to heat-sealing and for maintaining the liquid in spaced relation from said area during heat-sealing said means for avoiding liquid vaporization comprising means for engaging the opposed surfaces of the Walls over a selected region which include said area and which extends above and below said area, and means for actuating said wall engaging means to press together opposing interior surfaces of said walls in said selected region with sufficient pressure so as to eliminate liquid thcrebetween, and to maintain together the interior surfaces of said walls in said selected region during heat-sealing so as to retain the liquid being packaged in spaced relation to said area.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said wall engaging means comprises a pair of wiper blade means engageable with one of said walls platen means opposite said blade means engageable with the opposing wall, and means for moving said blade means apart in the direction ot'the length of said package blank while main taining said walls pressed against said platen means thereby to wipe the liquid from the interior surfaces of said walls.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 and further including gauge means for regulating the volume of liquid within the lower end of said blank between said bottom margin and said region. |
US-3874147-A | Device for guiding and/or preliminary tightening of caps in an apparatus for closing jars or other containers with caps | United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,874,147 Zetterberg Apr. 1, 1975 DEVICE FOR GUIDING AND/0R 2,996,865 8/1961 IIOI'II et a1. 53/315 PRELIMINARY TIGHTENING 0F CAPS IN 3,054,234 9/1962 Stover 53/317 X 3,438,174- 4/1969 Foss et al 53/317 x AN APPARATUS FOR CLOSING JARS OR OTHER CONTAINERS WITH CAPS Einar Zetterberg, Professorsgatan 4B, 214 53 Malmoe, Sweden Filed: Jan. 24, 1973 Appl. No.: 326,504
Inventor:
Foreign Application Priority Data Jan. 24, 1972 Sweden 786/72 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Primary Examiner-Travis S. McGehee Assistant Examiner-Horace M. Culver Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Bums, Doane, Swecker & Mathis [5 7] ABSTRACT Apparatus for closing containers such as jars with caps with a device for guiding the caps from a cap supply compartment utilizing spring biased guide pins having cylindrical parts which cooperate with an upper cap portion and guide heads in helping the maintain the caps horizontal. The guide members are arranged relative to a cam surface so that the edges of the cap will be controlled to properly position the cap so that during further passage of the container, the cap will be preliminarily tightened. After preliminary tightening, the cap is firmly tightened at a subsequent station in the apparatus.
4 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures DEVICE FOR GUIDING AND/OR PRELIMINARY TIGHTENING OF CAPS IN AN APPARATUS FOR CLOSING JARS OR OTHER CONTAINERS WITH CAPS The present invention relates to an apparatus for closing jars or other containers with caps, said apparatus comprising partly a conveyor of the feeding of filled jars through the apparatus, partly a device for the sup ply of caps to the apparatus from a cap container, and partly a device for the guiding and/or preliminary tightening of the caps, and partly a device for firmly tightening or final pressing on caps, which are located on the ars.
According to the invention, the device for guiding and/or preliminary tightening of the caps is furnished with cylindrical and conically pointed resiliently mounted stop and guide pins which are mounted opposite to each other and so arranged that the caps can pass between them. Said pins are combined with a guide shoulder, on which the caps at first slide, but fall off, whereby the guide pins spring inwardly so that their cylindrical parts cooperate with the upper part of the caps. Further, in the transport direction guide heads are arranged, the lower guide surfaces of which are levelled with the undersides of the cylindrical mantle surfaces of the guide pins, and where said guide heads help in keeping the caps horizontal. Further, in the continuation of guide rails, which support the guide pins and guide heads, guide members are arranged, said which are vertically firm relative to a cam surface, and where said cam surface is firmly connected to a pin, which action is displaceable upwards into a guiding sleeve against the action of a spring.
The invention is illustrated by an embodiment shown on the enclosed drawings as an example.
FIG. 1 shows schematically a side view of the apparatus according to the invention.
FIG. 2 shows a side view of a device for guiding and preliminary tightening of caps.
FIG. 3 shows the device of FIG. 2 as seen from above.
The apparatus according to FIG. 1 comprises partly a conveyor, which is generally indicated with 1, for the conveyance of filled jars in a line through the apparatus, partly a device, which is generally indicated with 2, for the supply of caps, partly a device, which is generally indicated with 3, for the guiding and preliminary tightening of caps, and partly a device, which is generally indicated with 4, for the firmly tightening of caps located on the jars. The device for firmly tightening caps is more fully described in my copending US. application Ser. No. 326,505, filed Jan. 24, I973.
The device 2 for the supply of caps to the jars comprises a conventional cap container 41 and a cap chute 42, in which the caps, their bottom ends down, slide down, the mantle edges of which being downwards directed. According to FIGS. 2 and 3 the cap chute 42 is connected to a cap locating device comprising two parallel guide rails 45, having open guide grooves 46 facing each other, which guide the edges of the caps. The guide rails 45, accordingly, have a U-formed cross section, and are supported by a horizontal shaft pivot 47, which is journalled in bearings and within certain limits axially displaceable, for example 24 mm, in an attachment 48, being attached to a platform 18, which is vertically adjustable by a wheel 17. On the shaft pivot 47 a supporting arm 49 is also mounted with downwards projecting side flanges 50. The supporting arm 49 is further connected to the guide rails by a bolt 51, and on the supporting arm 49 a projecting arm 52 is mounted having a guide sleeve 53 for a pivot 54, which pivot is displaceable upwards against the action of a helical spring 55 in the guide sleeve 53. The pivot 54 can be made of a corrugated or in cross section polygon shaped material, the edges of which have been chamfered in order to reduce the contact surface against the surrounding guide sleeve 53. The inclination to stick or to bind, due to drying, calcareous deposits etc. will then be substantially reduced or wholly eliminated. At the lowerfree end of the pivot 54 an intermediate member 56 is arranged having an inclining cam surface 57 as shown in FIG. 3. The intermediate member 56 supports with bolts 58 a pair of guide members 59 and 60 being located in the continuation of the rails 45 and having a U-formed cross section, whereby the right guide member 60, as seen in the conveyance direction, is furnished with a friction member 61 for cooperation with the edge of each respective cap by the influence of helical springs 62, which are arranged on the bolts 58. The friction member 61 can be excluded if the apparatus is to be used for pressing on caps.
The guide rails 45, which are swingable around the shaft pivot 47 and the supporting arm 49, have an adjustable location in that the supporting arm on one side of the shaft pivot 47 rests on an adjusting screw 63 by the influence of a helical spring 64, which is arranged on the other side of said shaft pivot. At the part of the guide rails 45, which is adjacent to the guide members 59, 60, a guide plate 65 forms the underside of each respective rail 46 and the guide plate 65 is provided with a chamfered surface 65' at the end thereof adjacent guide members 59, 60. In the guide rails 45 at the top side of each respective groove 46 there is arranged a stop and guide pin 66 with a point and a cylindrical part, which pin is displaceable in the direction out of the groove 46 against the action of a helical spring 67. In level with each pin 66 there is arranged in each respective guide rail 45 a head 68, which in this case wholly is formed by the head of a screw. The stop and guide pins 66 and the heads 68 serve for keeping down the caps as will be closer described below.
The function of the device for guiding and preliminary tightening of caps is as follows. Filled jars are supplied preferably by some mechanical device to a conveyor 71, which is run by a motor 40 via a shaft 39, a sprocket 70 and the chain 69, on which conveyor the lined jars are moved in between and are seized by conventional side belts 72, which have the same speed and direction as the conveyor 71.
Caps are supplied from the cap container 41 through the cap chute 42 to the guide rails 45 and are stopped by the stop and guide pins 66 in the right position so that they with their downwards directed mantle edges are caught by a conveyed jar, 'whereafter the jar pulls the cap, which presses the pins 66 outwardly and after a movement of some millimeters ahead falls down in a horisontal position on the guide plates 65. Hereby the upper side of the cap will come in position under the cylindrical parts of the pins 66 and the heads 68, whereby the cap is prevented from raising. It occurs that there may be forces, among other things from the jar, which forces act as to bring the caps from their horisontal positions. A cap must not grip into a thread of the jar with any part of its edge, but the whole cap must be brought down on to the jar. Experience has shown, that the caps, with inadequate guidance, easily may come down obliquely on jars, which produces jars, which are not tight, and which must be rejected. During the continued movement ahead of the cap it will come into contact with the cam surface 57 and adjust the vertical position of said surface, and consequently also the vertical positions of the guide members 59, 60, so that the edges of the cap will move into the U-formed groove of the guide members 59, 60. As the cap enters the groove of the guide members 59, 60 the rear portion of the cap engages the chamfered surface 65' and allows the cap to be lowered during preliminary tightening resulting from the engagement of the cap with the friction member 61, which will slow down the speed of one side of the cap, so that the cap during the further passage of the jar will be preliminarily tightened.
Normally the spring 64 keeps the supporting arm 49 in a stable position, but in case an upside down turned cap appears, there will be a vertical strain, whereby the supporting arm 49 and thereto connected parts 45, 47, 51-68 will swing around the rotation axis of the shaft pivot 47 during the compression of the spring 64. In case the opening of a jar, being conveyed on the conveyor, is not located between the guide rails 45, these and thereto connected parts can be moved sidewards a bit through the sliding of the shaft pivot 47 in its attachment, so that an adjustment to the position of the opening of the jar will be provided.
Immediately after the preliminary tightening the jar will move under the device 4 for firmly tightening of the cap, which is located on the jar.
The lower parts of the guide rails 45 and the supporting arm 49 are vertically adjustable by the adjusting screw 63 and further the guide members 59, 60 are a little displaceable upwards against the action of the helical spring 55. Those parts of the apparatus, which for their proper function depend on a properly directed vertical position according to the height of the jars, will consequently be brought in the adequate vertical position in a very reliable and convenient way.
Although the invention has been illustrated in the drawings in only one embodiment, it is obvious that, especially the transmission means and other details, can be modified within the frame of the invention.
I claim:
1. Apparatus for guiding caps in a device for closing containers comprising:
a conveyor for feeding filled containers through said device;
means for supplying caps to the device from a supply of caps;
means including a pair of spaced guide rails including a shoulder for guiding the caps to a junction where the caps are positioned on the container; a pair of stop and guiding pins each having a cylindrical portion and a conical portion mounted opposite to and spring biased toward each other and arranged to stop the caps from the cap supply with the stopped cap aligned for engagement by the container to be enclosed by said cap;
said guide rail shoulders terminating at a position along the spaced guide rails upstream of said stop and guiding pins so that upon engagement of the leading edge of a cap by a container, upper sides of the caps drop below the pin centerline to be in engagement with the lower conical and cylindrical surfaces on said pins to thereby force the container top on said container;
a pair of guide members located along opposite side edges of the caps as the container and caps advance beyond said stop and guiding pins;
a cam surface mounted to move concomitantly with said guide members against the action of a spring about a horizontal pivot axis extending across the direction of travel of said containers with their respective caps;
means including said cam surface for adjusting the vertical position of said guide members relative to the vertical position of said caps; and
means for securing the caps which have been positioned on the containers.
2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising:
a friction member mounted on only one of said guide members, said friction member being spring biased to engage an outer surface of one side of said caps to rotate and preliminarily tighten said caps.
3. Apparatus for guiding caps in a device for closing containers comprising:
a conveyor for feeding filled containers through said device;
means for supplying caps to the device from a supply of caps;
means including a shoulder guiding the caps to a junction where the caps are positioned on the containers including a pair of stop and guiding pins mounted opposite to and spring biased toward each other and arranged so that the caps for the cap supply are caused to stop, said pins each having a conical point allowing the caps, when positioned on a container, to pass therebetween, said shoulder being arranged to slidingly support the caps until stopped by said pins whereupon the cap leading edge drops into engagement with a container top after which the conical surfaces and the lower cylindrical surfaces of said stop and guiding pins are brought into engagement with the upper sides of said cap;
a pair of guide surfaces mounted opposite each other and on opposite sides of said caps at a position closely adjacent to and downstream of said stop.
and guiding pins, the lower surfaces of said guide surfaces being on the same level as the lowermost cylindrical surfaces of said stop and guide pins, said guide surfaces being arranged to contribute to maintaining said caps in a horizontal position on said container; and
means for securing the caps which have been positioned on the containers.
4. Apparatus for guiding caps in a device for closing containers comprising:
a conveyor for feeding filled containers through said device;
means for supplying caps to the device from a supply of caps;
means including a shoulder guiding the caps to a junction where the caps are positioned on the containers including a pair of stop and guiding pins mounted opposite to and spring biased toward each other and arranged so that the caps from the cap supply are caused to stop, said pins each having a conical point allowing the caps, when positioned on a container, to pass therebetween, said shoulder being arranged to slidingly support the caps until stopped by said pins whereupon the cap leading edge drops into engagement with a container top after which the conical surfaces and the lower cylindrical surfaces of said stop and guiding pins are brought into engagement with the upper sides of said cap;
pair of guide members located along opposite side edges of the caps when advancing beyond said stop and guiding pin;
a cam surface mounted to move concomitantly with said guide members against the action of a spring about a horizontal pivot axis extending across the direction of travel of said containers with their respective caps;
means including -said cam surface for adjusting the vertical position of the guide members relative to the vertical position of said caps;
a guide plate located at the end of each said guide rails on opposite sides of said caps beneath said stop and guiding pins and beneath and downstream of said shoulder, said guide plates at the location near said guide members being provided with a chamfering which serves as a sliding surface for said caps and allows the caps to be lowered during preliminary tightening while the rear edge of the caps moves forwardly from the ends of the guide plates. |
US-3874148-A | Wall panel for prefabricated housing | , o Umted States Patent 1 1 11 1 3,874,148 Kato Apr. 1, 1975 [54] WALL PANEL FOR PREFABRICATED 2.628388 2/1953 Poth 52/753 D HOUSING [75] Inventor Yoshiya Kam Tokyo Japan Primary Examiner-Andrew V. Kundrat [73] Assignee: Misawa Homes Institute of Research [57 ABSTRACT & Development Tokyo Japan A wall panel for prefabricated housing comprises an [22] Filed: May 8, 1974 upper horizontal frame member, an outside vertical frame member, and a pair of wall plates. The upper [2]] Appl' 468263 horizontal frame member is arranged perpendicular to the outside vertical frame member with the upper end [30] Foreign Application Priority Data of the vertical frame member separated by a predeter- May 12, 1973 Japan 48-55729 "tilted Spacing from the end of the horizontal frame May 12, 1973 Japan 48-55732 member adjacent to Said upper These frame members are disposed between the two parallel wall 52 us. c1. 52/753 Y, 52/753 w P' At an PP comer of the Wall P there is 51 1m. (:1 E04b 2/00 formed that Joint for teceivihg hhtiwhtal member [58] Field of Search 52/753 w, 753 1), 753 Y, which is defined by the adjacent ends of the heme 52/752 210 234, 92 members or the upper end of the vertical frame member and a reinforcement disposed between said adja- [56] References Cited cent ends, and one or both of the wall plates, thereby UNITED STATES PATENTS eliminating the provision of the joint in the wall panel 1 157 655 9/1915 OH 9/75? Y in the construction location.
ara 2,280,687 4/1942 Connelly 52/753 w 7 C a 8 aw g gures mgm wa H575 3.874918 sum 2 n; 4
FIG.
FIG. 4
APR' 1 1925 WI? U? 4 WALL PANEL FOR PREFABRICATED HOUSING This invention relates to a wall panel for prefabricated housing and more particularly to a wall panel for receiving a horizontal member including a lintel with? out using any machining procedure in a construction location.
In the prior art wall panel for prefabricated housing, no joint is preformed to receive the corresponding end of a horizontal member. In order to fix the horizontal member to the conventional wall panel, a joint for receiving the horizontal member must be formed in the prescribed position of the wall panel in a construction location. However, such machining operation in the construction location will never meet such requisites for prefabricated housing as quickness and easiness in assembly.
Moreover, for the provision of the joint, it is necessary to cut away not only the connected end portions of the vertical and horizontal frame members but also the part of the wall plates adjacent to said connected end portions. The horizontal frame member is connected with the vertical frame member only through the wall plates, and therefore the part of the wall panel in which the joint is formed does not have enough strength to carry the load which the wall panel must withstand.
An object of this invention is to provide a wall panel for prefabricated housing, which has at an upper corner thereof a joint for receiving a horizontal member and which eliminates the necessity of cutting out the joint in the wall panel when a horizontal member is mounted on the wall panel in a construction location.
According to this invention there is provided a wall panel for prefabricated housing including a frame work comprising horizontal and vertical frame members, one of the outside vertical frame members and the top horizontal frame member being separated from each other at their adjacent ends; a pair of wall plates fixed to both lateral sides of the frame work; and a joint for receiving a horizontal member defined by said adjacent ends and one or both of the wall plates. With the wall panel so constructed, labor consumed in the formation of the joint in the construction location can be eliminated thoroughly.
To ensure the connection of the horizontal member with the wall panel, the end portion of the horizontal member inserted in the joint may be fastened with nails to the wall plate or plates.
Reinforcing means may be disposed between the adjacent ends of the top horizontal frame member and the outside vertical frame member for firm connection between both frame members. The reinforcing means may also comrpise a connecting member having the upper end fixed to the end of the top horizontal frame member and the lower end to a supporting member disposed parallel to and immediately beneath the top horizontal frame member, and a spacer or spacers disposed between the connecting member and the outside vertical frame member for their connection therethrough.
To establish a closer connection of the wall panel with the horizontal member, the end portion of the horizontal member inserted in the joint may also be fastened with nails to the top portion of the outside vertical frame member and those end portions of the top horizontal frame member and the supporting member which are adjacent to the outside vertical frame member.
This invention will be described by Way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of wall panels of this invention which are arranged in alignment with each other and support a horizontal member;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating the essential parts of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the essential parts of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view illustrating the essential parts of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the parallel wall panels according to the present invention which hold a horizontal member arranged perpendicular thereto;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating the essential parts of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a plan view-showing the essential parts of FIG. 5; and
FIG. 8 is a front view representing the essential parts of FIG. 5.
Throughout these figures, like numerals designate like parts. Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4, an embodiment of the invention will be described in detail. Wall panels 10, 11 each comprise a frame work 12 and a pair of parallel wall plates 15, 16 fixed to both lateral sides of the frame work 12. The frame work 12 includes a top horizontal frame member 13 and an outside vertical frame member 14 which is located adjacent to the opposed wall panel. The wall panels 10, 11 stand upright on a floor (not shown) in alignment with each other, leaving a predetermined spacing L therebetween. In each of the upper corners 17 of the wall panels 10, 11 which face each other, the top end 18 of the outside vertical frame member 14 is separated from the adjacent end 19 of the top horizontal frame member 13 (as best shown in FIG. 2). In the upper corner 17, a columnar joint 20 is defined by the wall plates 15, 16, the top end 18 of the outside vertical frame member 14,
r and the end 19 of the top horizontal frame member 13.
The horizontal member 21 such as a lintel has both ends or tenons 22 having same width, height and thickness as those of the joints 20. With the tenons 22 inserted in the corresponding joints 20, the horizontal member 21 is made flush with the wall panels 10, 11 as shown in FIG. 1.
The tenons 22 of the horizontal member 21 are inserted into the corresponding joints 20 and thereafter fastened with nails 23 to the wall panels l5, l6. Alternatively, the tenons 22 are fixed to the wall plates 15, 16, the ends 19 of the top horizontal frame member 13 and the top end 18 of the vertical frame member 14 by means of screws, adhesive, or the like instead of or together with the nails 23.
It is noted that the horizontal member 21 and the wall panels 10, 11 are substantially formed into a body by the use of the fixing means such as the nails 23, screws, adhesive, etc., and the tenons. Although there is a separation between the top end 18 of the outside vertical frame member 14 and the end 19 of the top horizontal frame member 13, the tenons 22 fill the separation and abut against the corresponding top ends 18 of the out- .side vertical frame members 1 4 and the ends 19 of the top horizontal frame members 13. Accordingly, the tenons 21 reinforce the upper corners 17 of the wall panels 10, 11. Moreover, if such joints 20 are preformed in the upper corners 17 of the wall panels 10, 11, it will no longer by necessary to form a joint for holding the horizontal member 21 in the construction location. It will therefore be well understood that the previously provided joints can improve the building efficiency ofprefabricated housing and reduce the manufacturing cost thereof.
FIGS. 5 through 8 show another embodiment of the present invention. The components are designated by same reference numerals as the corresponding components of the embodiment in FIGS. 1 through 4.
In this embodiment, a horizontal member 21A is disposed perpendicular to the wall panels 10, 11 which stand upright on a floor (not shown) and are arranged parallel to each other with a predetermined spacing L1. The adjacent ends 19, 18 of a top horizonal frame member 13 and an outside vertical frame member 14 which a frame work 12 of each of the wall panels 10, ll comprises are separated aa in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4. Within each of the wall panels 10, 11,21 supporting member 24 parallel to the top horizontal frame member 13 is fixed to a vertical frame member (not shown) with one end 25 fixed to the outside vertical frame member 14 and the other end fixed to a vertical frame member (not shown) on the opposite side of the wall to the frame member 14 or a vertical frame member (not shown) provided within the corresponding wall panels and 11.
In each of the wall panels 10 and II, a connecting member 26 is mounted with the upper end 27 and the lower end 28 respectively fixed to the end 19 of the top horizontal frame member 13 and the supporting member 24 so as to make right angles with the supporting member 24. A spacer or spacers 29 are interposed between the outside vertical frame member 14 and the connecting member 26 so as to adjust the distance therebetween. The rigid connection between the vertical frame member 14 and the spacer 29 adjacent thereto, between the connecting member 26 and the spacer 29 adjacent thereto and between the spacers 29 adjacent to each other is attained by fastening means such as nails, screws, adhesive. In this embodiment. reinforcing means 30 comprises the connecting member 26, spacer or spacers 29 and supporting member 24 and ensures the rigid connection of the top horizontal frame member 13 with the outside vertical frame member 14. However, when the horizontal member 21A has the equal thickness to that of the vertical frame member 14, the spacers 29 will no longer be necessary. and the connecting member 26 is directly coupled to the outside vertical frame member 14. If the rigidness of the upper corner 17 of each of the wall panels 10, 11 allows, the supporting member 24 may be omitted.
Each of the opposed wall plates 16 ofthe wall panels 10, 11 is provided with a rectangular cut-away portion 32, the edges of which are aligned with the outer surface 31 of the connecting member 26 and the top end 18 of the outside vertical member 14. In the upper corner 17, a joint A is defined by the outer surface 31 of the connecting members 26, the top end 18 of the outside vertical frame members 14, the inner surface of the wall plates 15, and the upper ends of spacers 29. The joint 20A receives the corresponding end portion 33 of the horizontal member 21A. The end portions 33 are fixedly fastened with nails 23A to the corresponding wall plates 15. The connecting member 26 is fixed to the wall plates 15 with nails 34. The spacers 29 are fastened with nails 37 to the wall plates 15.
In addition, the end portions 33 of the horizontal member 21A may also be fixed with nails 35, 36 to the corresponding outside vertical frame members 14 and top horizontal frame members 13.
Screws, bonding agents, etc. may be used instead or together with the nails 23A, 34, 35, 36 and 37. Despite the presence of the joint 20A, the provision of the reinforcing means 30 will not weaken the upper corner 17 of the wall panels 10, 11. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 through 8 the horizontal member 21A perpendicular to the wall panels 10, 11 is employed, but when the wall panels 10, 11 are arranged in alignment with each other, the horizontal member is made flush with the wall panels 10, 11 as shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 1 through 4.
What is claimed is:
l. A wall panel for prefabricated housing comprising:
a frame work comprising a top horizontal frame member and an outside vertical frame member with the top end thereof separated from the end of the top horizontal frame member adjacent to said top end;
a pair of wall plates fixed to both lateral sides of said frame work, and both frame member ends spaced from the corner of at least one of said wall plates;
a joint for receiving a horizontal member defined by said top end of the outside vertical frame member, said adjacent end of the top horizontal frame member and at least one of said wall plates.
2. A wall panel according to claim 1 further including nails for fastening said horizontal member to said wall plate.
3. A wall panel according to claim 1 wherein there is provided reinforcing means between said top horizontal frame member and outside vertical frame member for firm connection therebetween.
4. A wall panel according to claim 3 wherein said reinforcing means comprises a connecting member having the upper end fixed to said adjacent end of the top horizontal frame member and the lower end connected with said outside vertical frame member.
5. A wall panel according to claim 4 wherein said reinforcing means includes a supporting member arranged parallel to said top horizontal frame member so as to carry the lower end of said connecting member.
6. A wall panel according to claim 4 wherein said reinforcing means includes at least one spacer interposed between said outside vertical frame member and connecting member to adjust the distance therebetween.
7. A wall panel according to claim 3 further including nails for fastening said reinforcing means to said outside vertical frame member and top horizontal frame member. |
US-3874149-A | Self-propelled lawn mower | United States Patent [191 Seifert et al.
[ Apr. 1, 1975 SELF -PROPELLED LAWN MOWER [76] Inventors: Lester H. Seifert, R.R. No. 2 Park Ave., Kiel, Wis. 53042; Raymond P. Powers, 3515 N. 10th St., Sheboygan, Wis. 53081; William M. Schmidt, 35 Claireview Rd., Grosse Point Shores; Stanley E. Thorwaldsen, 286 Williams St., Grosse Point Farms, both of Mich. 48236; Frederick Smith, 247 Cambridge, Mt. Clemens, Mich. 48043; David McElroy, 22000 St. Gertrude, St. Clair Shores, Mich. 48081; Roy P. Dunton, 37446 Charter Oaks, Mt. Clemens, Mich. 48043 22 Filed: Feb. 1, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 438,590
Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 289,539, Sept. 15, 1972, Pat.
[52] US. Cl. 56/12.2, 56/3202 [51] Int. Cl A01d 69/00 [58] Field of Search 56/3201, 320.2, 175, 56/295, 12.2, 12.8
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,675,662 4/1954 Kroll 56/128 2,719,396 10/1955 Morris et al. 56/122 2,903,837 9/1959 Titzer 56/122 3,138,910 6/1964 Price et al 56/l2.2 3,420,042- 1/1969 Kaufman 56/3201 Primary Examiner-Russell R. Kinsey Attorney, Agent, or F inn-Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall [57] ABSTRACT A self-propelled rotary lawn mower. The drive shaft of the engine is operably connected through a clutch mechanism to the cutting blade and to a belt drive connected the front wheels to drive the mower across the terrain. By disengaging the clutch through manual action of a cable, the driving connection to both the blade and the wheels is stopped, so that the blade will not rotate when the mower is stationary. The housing of the mower includes inner and outer housing sections with the space between the housing sections defining a chamber. The exhaust gases from the engine are directed into the chamber and are discharged from the chamber adjacent the grass discharge outlet in the housing. Directing the exhaust: gases through the internal housing chamber substantially decreases the noise level of the mower. The four wheels of the mower are adapted to be raised and lowered in unison by single lever control to thereby vary the height of the blade above the ground. A handle assembly is utilized which is adapted to fold for storage so that the entire handle is located within the perimeter of the housing to facilitate handling and shipment of the mower.
3 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PM'ENTEU APR 1 I975 SHKU 1 GE 5 PHENTED APR 1 S'riEU 3 0? 5 Ew V PMEMEU APR 1 I975 sum 5 a? 5 SELF-PROPELLEI) LAWN MOWER This is a division of application Ser. No. 289,539, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,170, filed Sept. 15, 1972.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the conventional rotary lawn mower the engine is mounted on a housing and the drive shaft extends downwardly within the housing and is operably connected to one or more rotary blades. Larger sized rotary lawn mowers are frequently self-propelled in which an auxiliary drive connects the engine drive shaft with the wheels to drive the lawn mower across the ground. With the conventional self-propelled rotary mowers, the drive to the cutting blade is independent of the wheel drive so that if the forward motion of the mower is stopped, the blade will continue to operate, thereby presenting a potential hazard to the operator who may occasionally attempt to reach under the mower when the mower is stopped to remove objects from the housing.
Recently, there has been increased interest in controlling noise pollution of lawn mowers and many attempts have been made to reduce the noise level by use of more elaborate and effective muffler systems. The noise level controls have not been entirely successful, in that they have either been inefficient or exceedingly costly to incorporate with a conventional type mower.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an improved rotary lawn mower. The mower includes a housing which supports the engine and the drive shaft extends downwardly from the engine within the housing and carries a rotary cutting blade. In addition, a belt drive connects the engine drive shaft with the front wheels of the mower so that the mower can be driven across the ground.
In accordance with one feature of the invention, a clutch mechanism interconnects the drive shaft with both the cutting blade and the belt drive to the wheels so that when the clutch is manually disengaged through actuation of a cable, the wheel drive is stopped and the driving connection to the blade is simultaneously disengaged so that the blade will not rotate when the mower is not propelled.
As a further feature of the invention, the housing is composed of an outer housing member and an inner housing member with the space between the housing members defining a chamber. The exhaust gases of combustion from the engine are directed into the chamber, with or without having passed through a conventional muffler, and the exhaust gases are then discharged from the housing chamber through discharge ports positioned adjacent the grass discharge outlet in the housing. This construction provides an effective muffling system to reduce the level of noise of the mower.
The invention also includes a mechanism for raising and lowering all four wheels in unison with respect to the housing to thereby vary the cutting height by use of a single, manually controlled lever. The lever acts through linkages connected to all four wheels so that the height of the wheels can be adjusted relative to the housing to vary the cutting height of the blade.
The mower of the invention also includes a unique handle assembly which is adapted to be folded for storage so that the entire handle is within the confines or perimeter of the housing. This not only provides a more compact unit for storage and shipment, but also enables the handle to be attached to the mower at the factory, thereby resulting in faster showroom and customer set-up of the mower as no handle installation is required in the field.
A throw-away plastic grass catching bag is also adapted to be associated with the mower. The bag is attached to a frame located at the discharge end of a chute that is slidably mounted on the housing and communicates with the grass discharge outlet. The frame to which the bag is attached, includes a pair of vertically stacked openings, with the lower of the pair of openings being in communication with the chute and the upper opening being exposed to the atmosphere. The grass clippings exiting from the mower housing are discharged through the chute and through the lower frame opening into the bag. As the bag is impervious, the air will reverse its travel and be discharged through the upper opening in the frame to the atmosphere. With the use of the throw-away plastic bag it is not necessary to transfer grass clippings from the grasscatching bag into a receptacle, but instead the entire bag can be discarded and replaced with a new bag.
Other objects and advantages will appear in the course of the following description.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mower of the invention with the handle in the extended operating position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mower with the handle in the folded storage position;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the mower housing with the upper shroud removed and parts broken away in section;
FIG. 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a schematic perpective view of the wheel drive mechanism;
FIG. 7 is a section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3, and slowing the operating lever for raising and lowering the wheels and the locking mechanism for locking the wheels with respect to the housing;
FIG. 8 is a section taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an end view of a portion of the folding handle assembly;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing the locking mechanism for the handle assembly;
FIG. 11 is a front elevation of the deflector plate;
FIG. 12 is a section taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a side elevation of the mower of the invention incorporating a grass catclhing bag;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the outlet end of the chute of the grass catching attachment;
FIG. 15 is a view of the protective bag used in the grass catching attachment with the inner throw-away bag and the chute removed;
FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 and showing a modified form of the protective bag;
FIG. 17 is a vertical section with parts broken away showing the attachment of the shroud to the housing; and
FIG. 18 is an enlarged vertical section showing the clutch mechanism.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The drawings illustrate a rotary lawn mower including a housing 1 which carries a series of wheels 2. A standard gasoline engine 3 is mounted on the housing 1, and the drive shaft 4 of the engine extends downwardly within the housing and carries a rotary cutting blade 5. The mower is adapted to be directed over the ground by means of a handle assembly 6 which is connected to the rear end of the housing 1.
The housing 1 includes an outer housing section 7 and an inner housing section 8 with the space between the housing sections defining a closed compartment or chamber 9. The outer housing section 7 is provided with an upper flat deck 10 having a central opening 11, and the engine 3 is mounted on the deck 10 and the drive shaft 4 extends downwardly through the opening 11.
Outer housing section 7 also includes a peripheral skirt 12 which slopes downwardly and outwardly from deck 10. As best shown in FIG. 3, the housing section 7 includes generally rectangular front and rear end sections 13, and the central portion of housing section 7 is provided with a discharge outlet 14 through which the grass clippings are discharged from the housing.
The inner housing section 8 is shaped to complement the outer housing section 7 and is provided with a peeripheral flange 15 which is secured to the lower edge of skirt 12 by screws 16. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the inner housing section 8 includes a pair of rectangular deck sections 17 which are spaced beneath the end sections 13 of the outer housing section 7. The central portion of the inner housing section defines a torus 18 which terminates in a discharge outlet 19 that registers with the discharge outlet 14 of the outer housing section 7.
As shown in FIG. 4, the central portion of the inner housing section 8 is provided with an opening 20 which is bordered by a flange 21, and the flange 21 is secured by screws 22 to the peripheral edge of the outer housing section 7 bordering opening 11, as well as to the mounting plate 23 of the engine 3.
With this construction the inner housing section 8 complements and is secured to the outer housing section 7 so that the compartment 9 is a generally sealed chamber. The use of the two housing sections 7 and 8 enables the upper deck 10 of the outer housing section to be relatively flat, thereby facilitating cleaning and enhancing the appearance of the mower, and the torus 18, which is desirable for efficient discharge of grass, is located only in the lower housing section. Thus, the use of the pair of housing sections 7 and 8 provides a unit which can be readily cleaned and yet has the efficient discharge characteristics that accompany the use of a torus.
In accordance with a feature of the invention, the exhaust gases of the engine 3 are directed through a muffler 24 and the outlet of the muffler is connected by a conduit 25 to the chamber 9, as shown in FIG. 4. A series of louvered exhaust ports 26 (See FIG. 3) are provided in torus 18 of the inner housing section 8 adjacent the discharge outlet 19 so that the exhaust gases eminating from the engine and passing through the chamber 9 are discharged toward the outlet l9.
The chamber 9 serves as a sound deadening compartment and substantially reduces the noise level of the mower. While the drawings illustrate the exhaust gases passing through the muffler 24 before being introduced into the chamber 9, it is contemplated that the exhaust gases'can be conducted directly to the chamber 9 without the use of the muffler 24.
An upper shroud 27 can be connected to the outer housing section 7 and serves to provide a cleaner, more attractive appearance for the mower, as well as increasing the sound deadening characteristics. The shroud 27 is provided with a peripheral flange 28 and a pair of generally L-shaped clips 29 extend downwardly from the forward portion of the shroud and are adapted to be received within slots 30 formed in the upper outer housing section 7. The opposite end of the shroud is attached to the outer housing section 7 by means of a pair of ball-shaped projections 31 which extend upwardly from the upper deck 10 of housing section 7 and are received within cylindrical sleeves 32 carried by the shroud 27.
To attach the shroud 27 to the upper housing section 7, the shroud is tilted to a position where the clips 29 can be inserted within the slots 30, as generally shown in FIG. 17. The opposite end of the shroud is then pivoted downwardly until the projections 31 are clamped within the sleeves 32.
As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer housing section 7 is provided with a series of outwardly extending projections 33 which extend outwardly from the skirt l2 and serve as nesting stops during manufacture. As previously noted, the outer housing section and inner housing section have generally sloping walls thereby enabling the housing section to be stacked during manufacture. The projections 33 serve as stops to be engaged by the lower edge of an upper nesting housing section, thereby limiting the degreee of nesting and facilitating removal of the housing sections from the nested position. I
The drive mechanism for rotating the blade 5 is best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 18. A hub or rotatable member 34 is joumalled on the lower end of the drive shaft 4 by a bushing 35 and blade sections 36 of blade 5 are connected at diametrically opposite positions to hub 34. Each blade section 36 includes an inner, upwardly extending section 37 which terminates in a generally horizontal flange 38 that is connected to the undersurface of the hub 34 by bolts 39. The lower end of the hub 34 is frustoconical in shape and is provided with a clutch pad or element 41 which is adapted to engage a similar clutch pad or element 42 carried on the inner end of a conical cup 43 that is attached to the lower end of drive shaft 4 by bolt 44. The cup 43 is integral with the drive shaft 4 and rotates with the drive shaft. When the clutch elements 41 and 42 are in engagement, rotation of the shaft 4 and cup 43 will be transmitted to the hub 34 to thereby rotate the blade.
.The clutch elements 41 and 42 are biased into engagement by a coil spring 45 which is located within a recess in the hub. The upper end of the spring bears against the fixed bushing 35, while the lower end of the spring bears against the hub to urge the hub and the clutch element 42 downwardly into engagement with the clutch element 41.
The upper end of the hub 34 defines a pulley 46 which is connected by a belt 47 to a drive mechanism for propelling the front wheels of the mower, as will hereinafter be described.
As previously noted, the spring 45 acts to urge the clutch elements 41 and 42 into engagement to provide a direct driving connection between the drive shaft 4 and the blade 5. Disengagement of clutch elements 41 and 42 will act not only to disengage the drive to the wheels to stop movement of the mower, but will also stop rotation of the blade. This latter action is accomplished by means of a yoke 48 which is located within the opening 20 of the inner housing section 8, and the arms 49 of the yoke straddle the hub 34. Each arm 49 of the yoke is connected to a block 50 which is pivotally connected by a pin to the lower end of a bracket 51 that is attached to the upper deck of outer housing section 7. This connection permits the outer end of the yoke 48 to pivot vertically within a slot 52 formed in the inner housing section 8. Cable 53, which extends to the handle assembly 6, is attached to the end of the yoke. By pulling the cable 53 upwardly, the outer end of the yoke will be pivoted upwardly thereby bringing the arms 49 into engagement with the lower surface of the central disc-like section 54 of the hub 34 to raise the hub upwardly relative to the drive shaft 4 and disengage the clutch elements 41 and 42. With the clutch elements 41 and 42 disengaged, the drive connection through pulley 46 and belt 47 to the front wheels will be disengaged and the driving connection to the blade 5 will similarly be disengaged so that disengagement of the wheel drive will simultaneously stop rotation of the blade.
The belt 47 which is carried by pulley 46 acts to drive a pulley 55 located within the front portion of the outer housing 7. Pulley 55 is secured to a vertical shaft which constitutes the input shaft for a gear box 56 mounted on the outer housing section 7. The horizontal output shaft 57 of the gear box extends transversely of the housing and the ends of the shaft 57 carry pinions 58, as best shown in FIG. 6, which are engaged with internal gear rings 59 located on the hubs of the front wheels 2. Rotation of the shaft 57 will drive pinions 58 to thereby rotate the front wheels 2 and propel the mower over the ground.
Each of the front wheels 2 is mounted for rotation on a stub shaft 60 which is mounted axially of the wheel 2, and the inner end of each stub shaft 60 is pivotally connected to one end of a bell crank 61 that is pivotally mounted on the shaft 57. The opposite end of the bell crank 61 is connected to one end of a rod 62 which extends longitudinally of the housing to the corresponding rear wheel of the mower. The rear end of each rod 62 is pivotally connected to an arm 63 which is secured to the outer bent portion 64 of rear axle 65 that carries the rear wheels 2. The hub 66 of each of the rear wheels 2 is journalled on the horizontally projecting end of the axle 65. As best shown in FIG. 3, the central portion of the axle 65 is curved as indicated at 67 so that it can extend transversely across the housing between the inner housing section 8 and outer housing section 7.
The rods 62 serve to interconnect the front and rear wheels along each side of the mower so that the front and rear wheels can be raised or lowered in unison to change the cutting height of the blade.
To raise or lower the wheels with respect to the housing, an adjusting handle 68 is secured to the arm 63 which in turn is secured to the offset crank portion 64 of axle 65. By pivoting the handle 68 from the position shown by the solid lines in FIG. 7 to the position shown in the dashed lines, the axle 65 will pivot and rear wheels 2 will be raised with respect to the housing. As the front wheels are tied into the rear wheels through the rod 62, the position of the front wheels with respect to the housing will be corresponding changed. Thus, pivoting handle 68 from the solid line position in FIG. 7 to the dashed position will simultaneously lower all four wheels with respect to the housing to increase the cutting height. The driving connection between the pinions 58 and the gear rings 59 of the front wheels will not be disturbed by the raising and lowering of the front wheels.
To lock the wheels in position with respect to the housing, a spring locking arm 69 is secured to the lower portion of the adjusting handle 68 and extends upwardly from the handle. The upper end of the locking arm 69 carries a pin 70 that is adapted to be engaged in one of a series of holes 71 which are spaced along a radius in a plate 72 attached to the housing 1. As the adjusting handle 68 is pivoted, the locking arm 69 will correspondingly be pivoted so that the pin 70 can be inserted within the desired hole 71 to lock the wheels at any desired position. The locking arm 69 is a spring member designed so that the upper portion of the locking member is urged toward the plate 72 to maintain the locking engagement of the pin 70 with the hole 71. With this construction, the cutting height of the blade 5 can be readily varied by releasing the locking pin 70, pivoting the adjusting handle 68 and reinserting the pin within the desired hole 71. This action will automatically raise or lower all four of the wheels but will not disrupt the connection between the drive shaft 58 and the front wheels 2.
Another feature of the invention is a folding handle assembly 6 which can be folded to a storage position, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the entire handle is located within the periphery of the housing 1. As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 10, the handle assembly includes a pair of lower arms 73 having their lower ends pivotally connected at 74 to plates 72 which extend upwardly from the housing 1. The free ends of a U-shaped member 75 are also pivotally connected to plate 72 at pivots 76 spaced forwardly of the pivots 74. As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the ends of a U-shaped upper handle member 77 are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the lower arms 73 by bolts 78, and arms 73 are urged laterally inward toward the ends of the upper handle member 77 by springs 79 which are located around the bolts 78 and extend between the heads 80 of the bolts and the arms 73.
The central portion of the upper U-shaped member 77 is provided with a handle 81 and a pair of operating levers 82 and 83 are pivotally connected to the handle 81. Lever 82 is connected to the cable 53 and acts to operate the yoke 48 to thereby disengage the clutch, while lever 83 is connected to a standard throttle cable 84 which is connected to the throttle of the engine. Cables 54 and 84 extend through. suitable slots 85 in the shroud 27, as shown in FIG. 1.
The upper ends of the lower arms 73 are provided with hand grips 86.
To lock the handle assembly in the extended or operating position, a stud 87 extends through each arm of the lower U-shaped member 75, through an aligned opening in the corresponding end of the U-shaped upper member 77 and the head thereof is adapted to engage the respective lower arm 73. As best shown in FIG. 10, the head 88 of stud 87 acts as a detent and is engaged within a hole 89 in the respective arm 73 to lock the handle assembly in the extended position.
To fold the handle assembly to the storage position,
' the hand grips 86 are moved outwardly against the force of the springs 79 to thereby release the heads 88 from holes 89. The handle assembly can then be pivoted downwardly to the storage position, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the entire handle is located within the outer periphery of the housing 1. The unique folding arrangement is achieved throught the four-point connection comprising the pivots 74, 76, 78 and 87, which provides a parallelogram-shaped linkage when the handle assembly is in the folded position. As the handle assembly 6 can be folded to a storage position in which the entire handle is located within the perimeter of the housing, the mower can be shipped with the handle in the assembled position. This feature reduces showroom and customer set-up time as well as reducing the overall size of shipping containers. Because of the unique handle folding feature, it is contemplated that the shipping container, if desired, can be designed so that it can be used by the customer as a permanent storage facility for the mower.
A deflector unit 90 is normally attached to the grass discharge outlet 14 in the housing. Deflector unit 90 is provided with vertical guideways 91 in its vertical side edges which are adapted to receive slidably vertical flanges 92 bordering the discharge opening 14 in the housing. The guideway 91 and flanges 92 provide a sliding connection wherein the deflector unit can be readily engaged and disengaged from the housing.
The deflector unit 90 includes an upper outwardly extending curved deflector 93 which acts to deflect the grass clippings downwardly horizontal, and a toe-bar 94 extends between the vertical side edges of the deflcctorunit and serves to prevent objects from being accidentally inserted through the discharge opening into contact with the rotating blade.
The lawn mower of the invention also includes a grass catching unit 95, illustrated in FIG. 13, as an optional accessory that can be removably attached to the discharge opening 14 in the housing 1. The grass catching unit 95 includes an adapter or chute 96 and one end of the chute is provided with a pair of vertical guideways 97, similar to guideways 91 of the deflector unit, which are slidably engaged with the flanges 92 on the housing to connect the chute to the housing. The opposite end of the chute 96 defines an outlet 98 and a generally rectangular frame 99 is secured to the chute adjacent the outlet.
f The frame has a substantially greater cross sectional dimension than the outlet 98 and defines a central opening 100 and a pair of upper openings 101. Opening 100 receives the outlet end 98 of chute 96 while openin'gs 101 are located above and to the side of outlet 98.
The open end of an impervious, plastic throw-away bag 102 is adapted to be connected to the frame 99. To facilitate the connection, the frame 99 is provided with a circumferential groove 103 and the open end of the bag 102 is attached within the groove by means of an elastic cord 104. When the mower is operated, the grass clippings will be discharged from the housing through the chute 96 and outlet 98 into the bag 102.
Due to the impervious nature of the bag, the air within the bag will be discharged through the openings 101 which are located vertically above and to the side of the outlet 98 in the chute 96.
It is preferred to support the plastic bag 102 in an outer protective bag, as illustrated in FIG. 13. In this situation, the outer protective bag 105, as best shown in FIG. 15, can be formed of canvas or the like and is in the form of a sling. In this case, the neck 106 of the sling is provided with openings 107 which receive hooks 108 on the outlet end of the chute 96 to hold the neck against the chute. The opposite end of the sling 105 is provided with a pair of eyelets 109, and a wire support 110 connects the eyelets to the handle 6 to hold the sling in position. The sling serves to support the plastic bag 102 and as the upper end of the sling is open, the plastic bag can be readily removed from the sling. As the grass clippings are collected in the throwaway bag 102, the bag can merely be discarded when filled and replaced with a new bag, and it is not necessary to transfer or dump the clippings from the grasscatching bag to a storage container.
FIG. 16 illustrates a modified form of the bag arrangement in which the bag 102 is supported in a protective bag 111. In this embodiment, the bag 111 is closed and has a neck 112 which is secured to the chute 96 through the elastic cord 104 and the wire support 110, which is attached to handle member 77, extends through an opening 113 or eyelet in the closed end of the bag. A zipper 114 or other closure can be located in the upper surface of the bag to facilitate removal of the impervious plastic bag 102 therefrom.
Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.
' I claim:
1. A rotary lawn mower, comprising a housing having a discharge outlet for the discharge of grass clippings, an engine mounted on the housing, cutting means located within the housing and operably connected to the engine, said housing including an upper housing member and a lower housing member spaced beneath the outer housing member to provide a substantially closed chamber therebetween, conducting means for conducting exhaust combustion gases from the engine to the chamber, said lower housing member defining a torus connected to the discharge outlet, and outlet means connecting the chamber with the torus for discharging the exhaust gases from the chamber into the torus, said outlet means being located above said torus and adjacent said discharge outlet and being arranged to direct said exhaust gases downwardly toward said discharge outlet.
2. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein said conducting means includes a muffler disposed above the upper housing member.
3. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein said lower housing member is provided with an outer generally annular section defining said torus and has a second annular downwardly recessed portion located radially inward of said torus, said conducting means communicating with said chamber at a location in vertical alignment with said second section. |
US-3874150-A | Implement leveling system | United States Patent 1191 Boeck Apr. 1,1975
[ IMPLEMENT LEVELING SYSTEM Primary Examiner-Robert Peshock 75 l I a D B k, P t w Assistant Examiner-J. N. Eskovitz I 1 nven or J or ashmgton Attorney, Agent, or FirmA. -l. Moore; C. E. Tripp [73] Assignee: FMC Corporation, San Jose. Calif. [57] ABSTRACT [22] Filed; June 25, 1973 A system for easily leveling an implement attached to a vehicle and having uneven upper surfaces. The imlzl] App! 373584 plement, such as a rotary mower, is suspended from a garden tractor, includes a housing having longitudi- [52] U.S. Cl. 56/111, 56/159 n lly n l r lly p c l ling p f rm d in its [51] Int. Cl. ..H01d 35/26 pp rfa with th upp r surfa s f said pads [58] Field of Search 56/l7.l, 17.2, 14.7, 14.9, y ng n a common pl n par ll l to the plane of the 56/15 7 15 9 mower blades. A spirit level is selectively placed on different ones of the leveling pads, and adjustable lev- [56] References Cited eling devices are then manipulated to cause the hous- UNITED STATES PATENTS ing to pivot about a longitudinal axis and a transverse 3.077.7[8 2/l963 McLaughlin 56/17.! if? i f the pads and thus mower 3.483 682 12/[969 Rom 56117.2 a
2 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures NTEB APR 1 19??) SHEET 3 BF 4 IMPLEMENT LEV ELING SYSTEM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The garden tractor and structure for suspending the mower from the tractor is of the type disclosed in US. Federspiel patent applications Ser. No. 307.9l8 filed Nov. 20, I972 now US. Pat. No. 3,8l L338 which issued on May 2|, I974; Ser. No. 312.011 filed Dec. 4. I972 now US Pat. No. 3.796.028 which issued on Mar. l2. l9741and Ser. No. 304.173 filed Nov. 6. I972 now US. Pat. No. 3,840,253 which issued on Oct. 8, I974; and Bacon application Ser. No. 327.353 tiled Jan. 29. I973. All of the above mentioned applications are assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention This invention pertains to implement supporting garden tractors and more particularly relates to a method and apparatus for easily leveling such implements when suspended from the tractors.
2. Description of the Prior Art (iarden tractors of the type disclosed in the aforementioned applications which support large multibladed mowers are well known in the art. Since the housings of the mowers are quite large and since their upper walls or decks are uneven, with some decks being inclined upwardly a few degrees toward the grass discharge side thereof. it has become quite difficult to mount the mowers of the tractor so that the cutting planes of all of the cutters lie in a common horizontal plane.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the implement leveling system of the present invention, a plurality of upwardly projecting pads are extruded into the deck of the mower housing with the upper surface of all pads lying in a common reference plane. The tools for extruding these pads are adjustable to vary the heights of the extruded leveling pads so that the tools may he used with several different sizes and styles of mower housings and to take material thickness variations into consideration. The housings are stamped and extruded from sheet metal and include mower spindle mounting pads which are parallel to the reference plane. Mower spindles are bolted to the spindle mounting pads and their cutters are normal to the spindle axes and accordingly parallel to the reference plane. Thus. leveling of the reference plane will also level the cutting plane of the blades or cutters.
The implement leveling system also includes a pair of laterally spaced mower leveling devices which are adjusted equal amounts in opposite directions to cause the mower to pivot about a longitudinal axis until the mower is level transversely. and which are then adjusted equal amounts in the same direction to raise or lower the front of the mower about a transverse axis until the mower is leveled longitudinally of the direction of movement of the tractor.
It is. therefore. one object of the present invention to provide a method of easily leveling a large implement with uneven upper surfaces such as a mower.
Another object is to provide an apparatus for leveling a vehicle supported implement such as a mower or the like.
III)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side elevation of a garden tractor having a multi-hladc rotary mower connected thereto. certain parts being cut away.
FIG. 2 is a horizontal section taken substantially along the lines 2-2 of FIG. I illustrating the upper surface of the mower housing and a portion of the tractor s implement lift system.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical section taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2 illustrating one of the leveling devices.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal section taken along lines 44 of FIG. 2 illustrating a carpenters level positioned on two of the leveling pads.
FIG. 5 is a transverse section taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2 illustrating the mower housing with the upper cover removed and with a slight inclination toward the open right end as indicated by the height ofthe leveling pads, a spirit or carpenters level being positioned on two of the pads.
FIG. 6 is a diagramimitic operational view in vertical longitudinal section illustrating the mower housing and one of the leveling devices in phantom lines prior to being leveled and in solid lines after being leveled, the mower spindles and cutters being removed.
FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic operational view looking in the direction of arrow 7-7 of FIG. 6. illustrating the manner in which the two leveling devices may be adjusted to cause the mower to pivot in either direction about a longitudinally extending axis until it is transversely level.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The implement leveling system III (FIGS. I and 2) of the present invention is illustrated. described, and claimed in connection with a garden tractor I2 and a multibladed rotary mower I4 carried by the tractor. It will be understood. however that the scope of the invention is to be construed broadly enough to cover the other types of vehicles and implements.
In general. the implement leveling system 10 comprises a wide mower housing I6 which has its rear end supported on the tractor I2 by a hydraulically operated lift mechanism I8 and has its forward end supported by a pair of spaced drag links 20 connected between the tractor frame and a pair of transversely spaced leveling devices 22. The mower housing I6 is quite wide and is formed from sheet metal with a plurality of different shaped and levels by a stamping and extruding process. The uneven housing design is provided for accommodating belt drives. cutter spindles. grease fittings, and also for providing a pleasing appearance for customer acceptance. Because the upper surface or deck 24 of the housing is uneven and cannot be relied upon for providing reliable reference points for leveling, leveling pads 26 (FIGS. 2 and 5) are extruded into the housing in accordance with the present invention. The leveling pads are extruded into the housing when the housing is being formed. and the upper surfaces of the pads lie in a common plane parallel to the plane of the mower blades or cutters 28. Thus. by leveling the reference plane with the aid of the leveling devices 22 and a spirit or carpenters level 30, the cutters 28 will also be leveled thereby greatly reducing the tendency of one or more of the cutters from "scalping the area being mowed.
More particularly. the tractor 12 includes the usual pair ofdriven rear wheels 36 and front steerable wheels 38. and an engine 40 which supplied power to the rear wheels 36, to the mower blades 28, and to a hydraulic pump (not shown) which supplies fluid under pressure to a hydraulic ram 44 of the lift mechanism I8.
The lift mechanism I8 includes a pivot shaft 46 (FIGS. 1. 2 and 6) journalcd on the frame ofthe tractor and keyed to a lever 48. The lever 48 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is pivot-ally connected to the piston rod 50 of the by draulic ram 44 by a pin 52, and upon actuation of the ram pivots the shaft and two spaced pick-up arms 54 keyed thereto. The pick-up arms 54 engage abutment pins 56 secured to pairs of spaced parallel lift arms 58 which are pivotally supported on the shaft 46. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. each pair of arms 58 include a lift pin 60. having a pair of links 62 and 64 removably hooked thereto. The opposite ends of the links 62 and 64 are pivoted about cap screws 66 and 68 (FIGS. 2 and 6) that are rigidly secured to the housing of a right angle gear box 70 and to a pair of spaced mounting straps 72. respectively. The straps are rigidly secured to the mower housing 24. Thus, the rear end of a mower I4 is suspended by the lift mechanism I8 for transverse movement about the axis A (FIG. 6) of the lift pin 60. The axis A of the lift pin 60 is disposed horizontally when the tractor is supported on a horizontal surface and the tires are properly inflated.
The front end of the mower I4 is supported by the drag links each of which is pivoted at one end to the frame of the tractor by a pin 76 (FIGS. 1 and 6). and at the other end to the associated leveling device 22 by a pin 78. Each leveling device 22 (FIGS. 4 and 6) comprises a generally T-shaped body 80 which is threaded to receive cap screws 82 extending through horizontal slots 84 in the associated mounting strap 72. An elongated hori7ontal adjusting screw 86 is slidably received in an opening in the T-shaped body and is threaded into a stationary block 88 having a threaded portion 90 that extends through a hole in the associated straps 72 and is secured to the strap 72 by a nut 92 (FIG. 4). By loosening the cap screws 82 and a lock nut 94 on the adjusting screw 86, it will be apparent that the associated leveling device 22 may be moved a short distance longitudinally of the mounting strap 72.
It will be noted that the drag links 20 (FIG. 6) and the lift arms 58 cooperate to define a parallelogram linkage on each side of the tractor when in the solid line position illustrated in FIG. 6 since the arms and links are parallel and since their lengths between pivot points are equal. The mower I4 once leveled. will ramin level while supported by the lift mechanism I8 because of the parallelogram linkage support.v Although movement of the leveling devices 22 from the illustrated position in order to level the mower may move the drag links 20 slightly out of parallelism with the lift arms 58. the degree of misalignment will be so slight as to be in effective to significantly alter the level attitude of the mower as it is raised and lowered by the lift mechanism I8.
As mentioned previously and as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5. the mower housing I6 is of stamped and extruded construction and its upper surface or deck 24 does not present a reliable reference plane for supporting a spirit level or the like. A large portion ol'the upper surface 24 of the mower housing is extruded downwardly to provide a recess I00, partially defined by a lower deck I0], for receiving certain V-belt drives I02 and the upper portions of the mower spindles I04. The recess I00 is closed by a cover I06 bolted to the hous ing 24.
Each spindle I04, three being illustrated in the drawings, includes a vertical shaft I08 (FIG. 3) having a sheave I09 keyed to its upper end, and a cutter blade 28 bolted to the lower end. The shaft I08 is journaled by bearings (not shown) within a bearing housing II2 which is bolted to associated spindle mounting pads I I4 (FIG. 5) stamped and pressed into the lower deck I01. In many of the larger mower housings, the intended plane ofthe upper deck 24 and lower deck I01 are inclined upwardly. as indicated by the upper deck line I13 (FIG. 5), several degrees toward the discharge end I I6 of the mower. Thus, the spindle mounting pads I I4 and the upper surfaces of the leveling pads 26 likewise must be angled relative to the deck surface. Such inclination is indicated in FIG. 5 by the difference in height of the pads 26.
As is well known in the art. the height of the mower blades above the ground is controlled by a gauge wheel I20 (FIGS. I and 2) for most mowing operations. In the illustrated mower. the gauge wheels I20 are journaled on arms I22 secured to a transversely elongated gauge wheel shaft I24 that is journaled in the mower housing I6. A linkage I26 may be operated by a lever I28 to lock the wheel I20 at mower cutting heights of between about I and 5 inches. The mower may also be raised above the 5 Va inch level to a transport position by full extension of the hydraulic ram 44.
In operation of the implement leveling system I0 of the present invention, the tractor I2 is first driven onto level ground or a level floor with all of its tires properly inflated. The mower I4 is then connected to the drag links 20 and the lift mechanism I8, and the lift mechanism is then actuated to lift the mower completely off the floor.
The operator then places the spirit level 30 onto transversely aligned leveling pads 26 as indicated in FIG. 5. Assuming that the mower I4 is not transversely level, then the two capscrews 82 (FIG. 4) and the lock nut 94 (FIG. 6) on each leveling device are loosened to permit adjustment of the devices. In order to cause the front of the mower I4 to pivot about the centrally disposed, longitudinal axis B (FIG. 7) the adjusting screws 86 (FIG. 6) of the two adjusting devices 22 are turned equal amounts in opposite directions until the level 30 indicates that the mower housing I6 is transversely level.
In order to level the mower I4 longitudinally of the direction of movement of the tractor. the gauge wheels I20 are set at the three inch cutting height and the mower is then lowered by the lift mechanism I8 for support by the gauge wheels. The spirit level 30 is then placed across the two longitudinally aligned leveling pads 26 on either side of the mower is indicated in FIG. 4. The adjusting screws 86 of the leveling devices 22 are then screwed the same amount in the same directions to pivot the mower about transverse axis A of the pin (FIG. 6) thereby longitudinally leveling the mower I4 while not disturbing its transverse attitude. After the mower has been leveled. the capscrews 82 and lock nuts 94 are securely tightened. Since the upper surfaces of the leveling pads 26 and the plane of the rotary cutter blades 28 are parallel. it follows that the cutter blades also lie in the desired horizontal plane.
From the foregoing description it is apparent that the implement leveling system of the present invention includes the concept ofextruding leveling pads in a sheet metal housing during formation of the housing by stamping and extruding processes. Because the housing is quite large and has uneven upper surfaces which makes leveling quite difficult, the leveling pads provide a planar surface upon which a spirit level may be placed. A pair of adjusting devices are provided to easily adjust the housing so that it pivots about a central longitudinal axis to laterally level the implement, and pivots about a transverse axis to longitudinally level the implement.
Although the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been herein shown and described. it will be apparent that modification and variation may be made without departing from what is regarded to be the subject matter of the invention.
l claim:
I. In a vehicle supported mower provided with a housing having a deck to which a plurality of cutter spindles are secured with a cutter on each spindle and with all cutters mounted for rotation in a common cutter plane, and attachment means including a power operated lift mechanism connecting the mower to the vehicle for movement between a lowered mowing position and a raised transport position. the improvement which comprises; a plurality of longitudinally and transversely spaced leveling pads on the deck of said mower housing and having their upper surfaces lying in a common reference plane disposed parallel to said cutter plane. said leveling pads being adapted to removably receive and support a spirit level selectively placed on different ones of said pads for determining when the reference plane is longitudinally and transversely level. leveling means for pivoting the mower about longitudinal and transverse axes unitl longitudinally and transversely level as indicated by the spirit level, said attachment means including means defining a pair of transversely spaced parallelogram linkages each having a pair of parallel arms and wherein said leveling means includes a pair of transversely spaced leveling devices attached to associated ones of said linkages and arranged when adjusted to pivot one arm of each of said parallelogram linkages slightly out of parallelism with its other arm thereby causing the mower to pivot about at least one axis relative to the vehicle until the reference plane is determined to be level. longitudinally extending mounting straps rigidly secured to the mower housing. each leveling device being adjustably secured between an arm of said associated parallelogram linkage and an associated strap for longitudinal sliding movement relative to said associated strap. an adjusting screw connected between said straps and said leveling devices for adjusting said devices. and means for lock ing said devices in adjusted position.
2. ln a vehicle supported mower provided with a housing having a deck to which a cutter spindle is secured with a cutter on said spindle and with the cutter mounted for rotation in a cutter plane. and attachment means including a lift mechanism connecting the mower to the vehicle for movement between a lowered mowing position and a raised transport position. the improvement which comprises; a plurality of longitudinally and transversely spaced leveling pads on the deck of said mower housing and having their upper surfaces lying in a common reference plane disposed parallel to said cutter plane. said leveling pads being adapted to rcmovably receive and support level detecting means selectively placed on different ones of said pads for determining when the reference plane is longitudinally and transversely level. leveling means for pivoting the mower about longitudinal and transverse axes until longitudinally and transversely level as indicated by the level detecting means, said attachment means including means defining a pair of transversely spaced parallelogram linkages. each having a pair of normally parallel arms and wherein said leveling means includes a pair of transversely spaced leveling devices attached to associated ones of said linkages and arranged when adjusted to pivot one arm of each of said parallelogram linkages slightly out of parallelism with its other arm thereby causing the mower to ivot about at least one axis relative to the vehicle until the reference plane is determined to be level. longitudinally extending mounting straps rigidly secured to the mower housing. each leveling device being adjustably secured between an arm of said associated parallelogram linkage and an associated strap for longitudinal sliding movement relative to said associated strap. and adjusting screw connected between said straps and said leveling devices for adjusting said devices. and means for locking said devices in adjusted position. |
US-3874151-A | Self-propelled lawn mower | United States Patent 11 1 1 1 3,874,151 Seifert et al. Apr. 1, 1975 [5 SELF-PROPELLED LAWN MOWER 2,941,610 6/1960 Clemson 180/19 R ,09 47 6 1963 Wh't [76] Inventors: Lester H. Seifert, R.R. NO. 2, Park 1 22 611966 g ff Ave., Kiel, Wis. 53042; Raym R 3,677,574 7/1972 Cyr 280/4713 Powers, 3515 N. 10th St., Sheboygan, Wis. 53081; William M. Primar R 11 R y .\ammerusse insey q' 35 clal revlew Grosse Attorney, Agent, or FirmAn-drus, Sceales, Starke & Pomt Shores, M1ch. 48236; Stanley Sawan E. Thorwaldsen, 286 Williams St., Mt. Clemens, Mich. 48236; Frederick w. Smith, 247 [571 7 ABSTRACT Cambridge, Mt. Clemens, Mich. A self-propelled rotary lawn mower. The drive shaft of 48043; David C. McElroy, 22000 St. the engine is operably connected through a clutch Gertrude, St. Clair Shores, Mich. mechanism to the cutting blade and to a belt drive 48081; 3 Dullton, 37446 connected the front wheels to drive the mower across Charter Oaks, Mt. Clemens, Mich. the terrain. By disengaging the clutch through manual 48043 action of a cable, the driving connection to both the blade and the wheels is stopped, so that the blade will [22] Ffled' 1974 not rotate when the mower is stationary. The housing [21] Appl. No.: 438,588 of the mower includes inner and outer housing sections with the space between the housing sections de- .Related US. Application Data fining a chamber. The exhaust gases from the engine [62] g g 2895391 Sept' are directed into the chamber and are discharged from the chamber adjacent the grass discharge outlet in the housing. Directing the exhaust. gases through the intergi g ggjg nal housing chamber substantially decreases the noise 58 i l0 5 l0 8 level of the mower. The four wheels of the mower are 2 17 1 adapted to be raised and lowered in unison by single R. 280/4'3 47 37 lever control to thereby vary the height of the blade above the ground. A handle assembly is utilized which 56] R f Ct d is adapted to fold for storage so that the entire handle e erences e is located within the perimeter of the housing to facili- UNITED STATES PATENTS tate handling and shipment of the mower. 2,730,374 1/1956 Rogers et a] 280/44 2,760,589 8/1956 Rudman 180/19 R 2 Clam, 18 Drawmg F'gures SELF-PROPELLED LAWN MOWER This is a division of application Ser. No. 289,539, filed Sept. 15, 1972 and now U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,170.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the conventional rotary lawn mower the engine is mounted on a housing and the drive shaft extends downwardly within the housing and is operably connected to one or more rotary blades. Larger sized rotary lawn mowers are frequently self-propelled in which an auxiliary drive connects the engine drive shaft with the wheels to drive the lawn mower across the ground. With the conventional self-propelled rotary mowers, the drive to the cutting blade is independent of the wheel drive so that if the forward motion of the mower is stopped, the blade will continue to operate, thereby presenting a potential hazard to the operator who may occasionally attempt to reach under the mower when the mower is stopped to remove objects from the housing.
Recently, there has been increased interest in controlling noise pollution of lawn mowers and many attempts have been made to reduce the noise level by use of more elaborate and effective muffler systems. The noise level controls have not been entirely successful, in that they have either been inefficient or exceedingly costly to incorporate with a conventional type mower.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an improved rotary lawn mower. The mower includes a housing which supports the engine and the drive shaft extends downwardly from the engine within the housing and carries a rotary cutting blade. In addition, a belt drive connects the engine drive shaft with the front wheels of the mower so that the mower can be driven across the ground.
In accordance with one feature of the invention, a clutch mechanism interconnects the drive shaft with both the cutting blade and the belt drive to the wheels so that when the clutch is manually disengaged through actuation of a cable, the wheel drive is stopped and the driving connection to the blade is simultaneously disengaged so that the blade will not rotate when the mower is not propelled.
As a further feature of the invention, the housing is composed of an outer housing member and an inner housing member with the space between the housing members defining a chamber. The exhaust gases of combustion from the engine are directed into the chamber, with or without having passed through a conventional muffler, and the exhaust gases are then discharged from the housing chamber through discharge ports positioned adjacent the grass discharge outlet in the housing. This construction provides an effective muffling system to reduce the level of noise of the mower.
The invention also includes a mechanism for raising and lowering all four wheels in unison with respect to the housing to thereby vary the cutting height by use of a single, manually controlled lever. The lever acts through linkages connected to all four wheels so that the height of the wheels can be adjusted relative to the housing to vary the cutting height of the blade.
The mower of the invention also includes a unique handle assembly which is adapted to be folded for storage so that the entire handle is within the confines or perimeter of the housing. This not only provides a more compact unit for storage and shipment, but also enables the handle to be attached to the mower at the factory, thereby resulting in faster showroom and customer set-up of the mower as no handle installation is required in the field.
A throw-away plastic grass catching bag is also adapted to be associated with the mower. The bag is attached to a frame located at the discharge end of a chute that is slidably mounted on the housing and communicates with the grass discharge outlet. The frame to which the bag is attached, includes a pair of vertically stacked openings, with the lower of the pair of openings being in communication with the chute and the upper opening being exposed to the atmosphere. The grass clippings exiting from the mower housing are discharged through the chute and through the lower frame opening into the bag. As the bag is impervious, the air will reverse its travel and be discharged through the upper opening in the frame to the atmosphere. With the use of the throw-away plastic bag it is not necessary to transfer grass clippings from the grasscatching bag into a receptacle, but instead the entire bag can be discarded and replaced with a new bag.
Other objects and advantages will appear in the course of the following description.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mower of the invention with the handle in the extended operating position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mower with the handle in the folded storage position;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the mower housing with the upper shroud removed and parts broken away in section;
FIG. 4 is a section taken along line 44 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a section taken along line 55 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the wheel drive mechanism;
FIG. 7 is a section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3, and showing the operating lever for raising and lowering the wheels and the locking mechanism. for locking the wheels with respect to the housing;
FIG. 8 is a section taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an end view of a portion of the folding handle assembly;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing the locking mechanism for the handle assembly;
FIG. 11 is a front elevation of the deflector plate;
FIG. 12 is a section taken along line l2--12 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a side elevation of the mower of the invention incorporating a grass catching bag;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the outlet end of the chute of the grass catching attachment;
FIG. 15 is a view of the protective bag used in the grass catching attachment with the inner throw-away bag and the chute removed;
FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 and showing a modified form of the protective bag;
FIG. 17 is a vertical section with parts broken away showing the attachment of the shroud to the housing; and
FIG. 18 is an enlarged vertical section showing the clutch mechanism.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The drawing illustrate a rotary lawn mower including a housing 1 which carries a series of wheels 2. A standard gasoline engine 3 is mounted on the housing 1, and the drive shaft 4 of the engine extends downwardly within the housing and carries a rotary cutting blade 5. The mower is adapted to be directed over the ground by means of a handle assembly 6 which is connected to the rear end of the housing 1.
The housing 1 includes an outer housing section 7 and an inner housing section 8 with the space between the housing sections defining a closed compartment or chamber 9. The outer housing section 7 is provided with an upper flat deck 10 having a central opening 1 1, and the engine 3 is mounted on the deck 10 and the drive shaft 4 extends downwardly through the opening 1 1.
Outer housing section 7 also includes a peripheral skirt 12 which slopes downwardly and outwardly from deck 10. As best shown in FIG. 3, the housing section 7 includes generally rectangular front and rear end sections 13, and the central portion of housing section 7 is provided with a discharge outlet 14 through which the grass clippings are discharged from the housing.
The inner housing section 8 is shaped to complement the outer housing section 7 and is provided with a pcripheral flange .15 which is secured to the lower edge of skirt 12 by screws 16. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the inner housing section 8 includes a pair of rectangular deck sections 17 which are spaced beneath the end sections 13 of the outer housing section 7. The central portion of the inner housing section defines a torus 18 which terminates in a discharge outlet 19 that registers with the discharge outlet 14 of the outer housing section 7.
As shown in FIG. 4, the central portion of the inner housing section 8 is provided with an opening 20 which is bordered by a flange 21, and the flange 21 is secured by screws 22 to the peripheral edge of the outer housing section 7 bordering opening 11, as well as to the mounting plate 23 of the engine 3. With this construction the inner housing section 8 complements and is secured to the outer housing section 7 so that the compartment 9 is a generally sealed chamber. The use of the two housing sections 7 and 8 enables the upper deck 10 of the outer housing section to be relatively flat, thereby facilitating cleaning and enhancing the appearance of the mower, and the torus 18, which is desirable for efficient discharge of grass, is located only in the lower housing section. Thus, the use of the pair of housing sections 7 and 8 provides a unit which can be readily cleaned and yet has the efficient discharge characteristics that accompany the use of a torus.
In accordance with a feature of the invention, the exhaust gases of the engine 3 are directed through a muffler 24 and the outlet of the muffler is connected by a conduit 25 to the chamber 9, as shown in FIG. 4. A series of louvered exhaust ports 26 (See FIG. 3) are provided in torus 18 of the inner housing section 8 adjacent the discharge outlet 19 so that the exhaust gases eminating from the engine and passing through the chamber 9 are discharged toward the outlet l9.
The chamber 9 serves as a sound deadening compartment and substantially reduces the noise level of the mower. While the drawings illustrate the exhaust gases passing through the muffler 24 before being introduced into the chamber 9, it is contemplated that the exhaust gases can be conducted directly to the chamber 9 without the use of the muffler 24.
An upper shroud 27 can be connected to the outer housing section 7 and serves to provide a cleaner, more attractive appearance for the mower, as well as increasing the sound deadening characteristics. The shroud 27 is provided with a peripheral flange 28 and a pair of generally L-shaped clips 29 extend downwardly from the forward portion of the shroud and are adapted to be received within slots 30 formed in the upper outer housing section 7. The opposite end of the shroud is attached to the outer housing section 7 by means of a pair of ball-shaped projections 31 which extend upwardly from the upper deck 10 of housing section 7 and are received within cylindrical sleeves 32 carried by the shroud 27.
To attach the shroud 27 to the upper housing section 7, the shroud is tilted to a position where the clips 29 can be inserted within the slots 30, as generally shown in FIG. .17. The opposite end of the shroud is then pivoted downwardly until the projections 31 are clamped within the sleeves 32.
As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer housing section 7 is provided with a series of outwardly extending projections 33 which extend outwardly from the skirt 12 and serve as nesting stops during manufacture. As previously noted, the outer housing section and inner housing section have generally sloping walls thereby enabling the housing section to be stacked during manufacture. The projections 33 serve as stops to be engaged by the lower edge of an upper nesting housing section, thereby limiting the degree of nesting and facilitating removal of the housing sections from the nested position.
The drive mechanism for rotating the blade 5 is best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 18. A hub or rotatable member 34 is joumalled on the lower end of the drive shaft 4 by a bushing 35 and blade sections 36 of blade 5 are connected at diametrically opposite positions to the hub 34. Each blade section 36 includes an inner, upwardly extending section 37 which terminates in a generally horizontal flange 38 that is connected to the undersurface of the hub 34 by bolts 39. The lower end of the hub 34 is frustoconical in shape and is provided with a clutch pad or element 41 which is adapted to engage a similar clutch pad or element 42 carried on the inner end of a conical cup 43 that is attached to the lower end of drive shaft 4 by bolt 44. The cup 43 is integral with the drive shaft 4 and rotates with the drive shaft. When the clutch elements 41 and 42 are in engagement, rotation of the shaft 4 and cup 43 will be transmitted to the hub 34 to thereby rotate the blade.
The clutch elements 41 and 42 are biased into engagement by a coil spring 45 which is located within a recess in the hub. The upper end of the spring bears against the fixed bushing 35, while the lower end of the spring bears against the hub to urge the hub and the clutch element 42 downwardly into engagement with the clutch element 41.
is connected by a belt 47 to a drive mechanism for propelling the front wheels of the mower, as will hereinafter be described.
As previously noted, the spring 45 acts to urge the clutch elements 41 and 42 into engagement to provide a direct driving connection between the drive shaft 4 and the blade 5. Disengagement of clutch elements 41 and 42 will act not only to disengage the drive to the wheels to stop movement of the mower, but will also stop rotation of the blade. This latter action is accomplished by means of a yoke 48 which is located within the opening of the inner housing section 8, and the arms 49 of the yoke straddle the hub 34. Each arm 49 of the yoke is connected to a block 50 which is pivotally connected by a pin to the lower end of a bracket 51 that is attached to the upper deck 10 of outer housing section 7. This connection permits the outer end of the yoke 48 to pivot vertically within a slot 52 formed in the inner housing section 8. Cable 53, which extends to the handle assembly 6, is attached to the end of the yoke. By pulling the cable 53 upwardly, the outer end of the yoke will be pivoted upwardly thereby bringing the arms 49 into engagement with the lower surface of the central disc-like section 54 of the hub 34 to raise the hub upwardly relative to the drive shaft 4 and disengage the clutch elements 41 and 42. With the clutch elements 41 and 42 disengaged, the drive connection through pulley 46 and belt 47 to the front wheels will be disengaged and the driving connection to the blade 5 will similarly be disengaged so that disengagement of the wheel drive will simultaneously stop rotation of the blade.
The belt 47 which is carried by pulley 46 acts to drive a pulley 55 located within the front portion of the outer housing 7. Pulley 55 is secured to a vertical shaft which constitutes the input shaft for a gear box 56 mounted on the outer housing section 7. The horizontal output shaft 57 of the gear box extends transversely of the housing and the ends of the shaft 57 carry pinions 58, as best shown in FIG. 6, which are engaged with internal gear rings 59 located on the hubs of the front wheels 2. Rotation of the shaft 57 will drive pinions 58 to thereby rotate the front wheels 2 and propel the mower over the ground.
Each of the front wheels 2 is mounted for rotation on a stub shaft 60 which is mounted axially of the wheel 2, and the inner end of each stub shaft 60 is pivotally connected to one end of a bell crank 61 that is pivotally mounted on the shaft 57. The opposite end of the bell crank 61 is connected to one end of a rod 62 which extends longitudinally of the housing to the corresponding rear wheel of the mower. The rear end of each rod 62 is pivotally connected to an arm 63 which is secured to the outer bent portion 64 of rear axle 65 that carries the rear wheels 2. The hub 66 of each of the rear wheels 2 is journalled on the horizontally projecting end of the axle 65. As best shown in FIG. 3, the central portion of the axle 65 is curved as indicated at 67 so that it can extend transversely across the housing between the inner housing section 8 and outer housing section 7.
The rods 62 serve to interconnect the front and rear wheels along each side of the mower so that the front and rear wheels can be raised or lowered in unison to change the cutting height of the blade.
To raise or lower the wheels with respect to the housing, an adjusting handle 68 is secured to the arm 63 which in turn is secured to the offset crank portion 64 of axle 65. By pivoting the handle 68 from the position shown by the solid lines in FIG. 7 to the position shown in the dashed lines, the axle 65 will pivot and rear wheels 2 will be raised with respect to the housing. As the front wheels are tied into the rear wheels through the rod 62, the position of the front wheels with respect to the housing will be corresponding changed. Thus, pivoting handle 68 from the solid line position in FIG. 7 to the dashed position will simultaneously lower all four wheels with respect to the housing to increase the cutting height. The driving connection between the pinions 58 and the gear rings 59 of the front wheels will not be disturbed by the raising and lowering of the front wheels.
To lock the wheels in position with respect to the housing, a spring locking arm 69 is secured to the lower portion of the adjusting handle 68 and extends upwardly from the handle. The upper end ofth'e locking arm 69 carries a pin 70 that is adapted to be engaged in one of a series of holes 71 which are spaced along a radius in a plate 72 attached to the housing 1. Asthe adjusting handle 68 is pivoted, the locking arm 69 will correspondingly be pivoted so that the pin 70 can be inserted within the desired hole 71 to lock the wheels at any desired position. The locking arm 69 is a spring member designed so that the upper portion of the locking member is urged toward the plate 72 to maintain the locking engagement of the: pin 70 with the hole 71. With this construction, the cutting height of the blade 5 can be readily varied by releasing the locking pin 70, pivoting the adjusting handle 68 and reinserting the pin within the desired hole 71. This action will automatically raise or lower all four of the wheels but will not disrupt the connection between the drive shaft 58 and the front wheels 2.
Another feature of the invention is a folding handle assembly 6 which can be folded to a storage position, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the entire handle is located within the periphery of the housing 1. As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 10, the handle assembly includes a pair of lower arms 73 having their lower ends pivotally connected at 74 to plates 72 which extend upwardly fron the housing 1. The free ends of a U-shaped member 75 are also pivotally connected to plate 72 at pivots 76 spaced forwardly of the pivots 74. As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the ends of a U-shaped upper handle member 77 are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the lower arms 73 by bolts 78, and arms 73 are urged laterally inward toward the ends of the upper handle member 77 by springs 79 which are located around the bolts 78 and extend between the heads 80 of the bolts and the arms 73.
The central portion of the upper U-shaped member 77 is provided with a handle 81 and a pair of operating levers 82 and 83 are pivotally connected to the handle 81. Lever 82 is connected to the cable 53 and acts to operate the yoke 48 to thereby disengage the clutch, while lever 83 is connected to a standard throttle cable 84 which is connected to the throttle of the engine. Cables 54 and 84 extend through suitable slots 85 in the shroud 27, as shown in FIG. 1.
The upper ends of the lower arms 73 are provided with hand grips 86.
To lock the handle assembly in the extended or operating position, a stud 87 extends through each arm of the lower U-shaped member 75, through an aligned opening in the corresponding end of the U-shaped upper member 77 and the head thereof is adapted to engage the respective lower arm 73. As best shown in FIG. 10, the head 88 of stud 87 acts as a detent and is engaged within a hole 89 in the respective arm 73 to lock the handle assembly in the extended position.
To fold the handle assembly to the storage position, the hand grips 86 are moved outwardly against the force of the springs 79 to thereby release the heads 88 from holes 89. The handle assembly can then be pivoted downwardly to the storage position, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the entire handle is located within the outer periphery of the housing 1. The unique folding arrangement is achieved through the four-point connection comprising the pivots 74, 76, 78 and 87, which provides a parallelogram-shaped linkage when the handle assembly is in the folded position. As the handle assembly 6 can be folded to a storage position in which the entire handle is located within the perimeter of the housing, the mower can be shipped with the handle in the assembled position. This feature reduces showroom and customer set-up time as well as reducing the overall size of shipping containers. Because of the unique handle folding feature, it is contemplated that the shipping container, if desired, can be designed so that it can be used by the customer as a permanent storage facility for the mower.
A deflector unit 90 is normally attached to the grass discharge outlet 14 in the housing. Deflector unit 90 is provided with vertical guideways 91 in its vertical side edges which are adapted to receive slidably vertical flanges 92 bordering the discharge opening 14 in the housing. The guideway 91 and flanges 92 provide a sliding connection wherein the deflector unit can be readily engaged and disengaged from the housing.
The deflector unit 90 includes an upper outwardly extending curved deflector 93 which acts to deflect the grass clippings downwardly horizontal, and a toe-bar 94 extends between the vertical side edges of the deflector unit and serves to prevent objects from being accidentally inserted through the discharge opening into contact with the rotating blade.
The lawn mower of the invention also includes a grass catching unit 95, illustrated in FIG. 13, as an optional accessory that can be removably attached to the discharge opening 14 in the housing 1. The grass catching unit 95 includes an adapter or chute 96 and one end of the chute is provided with a pair of vertical guideways 97, similar to guideways 91 of the deflector unit, which are slidably engaged with the flanges 92 on the housing to connect the chute to the housing. The opposite end of the chute 96 defines an outlet 98 and a generally rectangular frame 99 is secured to the chute adjacent the outlet.
The frame has a substantially greater cross sectional dimension than the outlet 98 and defines a central opening 100 and a pair of upper openings 101. Opening 100 receives the outlet end 98 of chute 96 while openings 101 are located above and to the side of outlet 98.
The open end of an impervious, plastic throw-away bag 102 is adapted to be connected to the frame 99. To facilitate the connection, the frame 99 is provided with a circumferential groove 103 and the open end of the bag 102 is attached within the groove by means of an elastic cord 104. When the mower is operated, the grass clippings will be discharged from the housing through the chute 96 and outlet 98 into the bag 102. Due to the impervious nature of the bag, the air within the bag will be discharged through the openings 101 which are located vertically above and to the side of the outlet 98 in the chute 96.
It is preferred to support the plastic bag 102 in an outer protective bag, as illustrated in FIG. 13. In this situation, the outer protective bag 105, as best shown in FIG. 15, can be formed of canvas or the like and is in the form of a sling. In this case, the neck 106 of the sling 105 is provided with openings 107 which receive hooks 108 on the outlet end of the chute 96 to hold the neck against the chute. The opposite end of the sling 105 is provided with a pair of eyelets 109, and a wire support 110 connects the eyelets to the handle 6 to hold the sling in position. The sling serves to support the plastic bag 102 and as the upper end of the sling is open, the plastic bag can be readily removed from the sling. As the grass clippings are collected in the throwaway bag 102, the bag can merely be discarded when filled and replaced with a new bag, and it is not necessary to transfer or dump the clippings from the grasscatching bag to a storage container.
FIG. 16 illustrates a modified form of the bag arrangement in which the bag 102 is supported in a protective bag 111. In this embodiment, the bag 111 is closed and has a neck 112 which is secured to the chute 96 through the elastic cord 104 and the wire support 110, which is attached to handle member 77, extends through an opening 113 or eyelet in the closed end of the bag. A zipper 114 or other closure can be located in the upper surface of the bag to facilitate removal of the impervious plastic bag 102 therefrom.
Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.
I claim:
1. A self-propelled rotary lawn mower, comprising a housing having a discharge outlet for the discharge of grass clippings, engine means mounted on the housing, blade means located within the housing and operably connected to the engine means, a pair of first drive wheels, a horizontal first shaft carried by the housing and operably connected to said engine means, a pinion connected to an end of the first shaft, a gear mounted on one of said first drive wheels and engaged with the pinion whereby rotation of the shaft and pinion will rotate the first drive wheel, said pinion being spaced radially fron the axis of the first drive wheel, an axle to mount the first drive wheel for rotation about its axis, a crank arm pivotally connected to the shaft adjacent the first drive wheel, said axle being pivotally connected to one end of said crank arm, a pair of second wheels, a second shaft carried by the housing and connected to said second wheels, each end of the second shaft being provided with an offset crank portion terminating in a horizontal end that carries the respective second wheel, a connecting member interconnecting the second shaft and the opposite end of said crank arm, and actuating means for moving said connecting with respect to the housing. |
US-3874152-A | Grass catcher unit for rotary lawnmowers | [ Apr. 1, 1975 GRASS CATCHER UNIT FOR ROTARY LAWNMOWERS [75] Inventor: Einar S. Dahl, Galesburg, Ill.
[73] Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation,
Waukegan, Ill.
22 Filed: Oct. 12,1973
211 Appl, No.: 405,831
Primary ExaminerLouis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner-J. N. Eskovitz Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael, Best & Friedrich 57] ABSTRACT Disclosed herein is a grass catcher unit for a rotary mower including a flexible, non-self supporting, disposable collection bag for collecting the grass clippings and a carrier sack for carrying the collection bag and having a mouth which is adapted for connection to the mower discharge outlet. The disposable collection bag is removably mounted inside the carrier sack with the inlet thereof in communication with the discharge outlet. The air stream laden with grass clippings being discharged from the mower balloons the disposable collection bag inside the carrier bag so that grass clippings can be collected in the disposable collection bag. After the collection bag is filled or mowing has been completed, the full or partially full collection bag is removed from the carrier sack for disposal and a replacement collection bag is installed inside the carrier bag for the next mowing operation.
11 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures GRASS CATCHER UNIT FOR ROTARY LAWNMOWERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to rotary Iawnmowers and, more particularly, to grass catcher units for rotary lawnmowers.
Rotary lawnmowers are typically adapted for detachable connection of an attachable bag in which grass clippings and other comminuted debris are collected. When the collection bag becomes full, it is detached from the mower and the contents emptied into another container for disposal. Considerable handling is involved in transferring the grass clippings from the collection bag to a disposal container. Use of thin plastic bags as disposable containers has become widespread, particularly in areas where a curb side trash collection service is provided. These disposable plastic bags are quite flimsy, and accordingly, it is a rather cumbersome task to empty the grass clippings from the collection bag into the plastic bag without spilling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To eliminate transfer of the collected grass clippings from a collection bag to a disposable container, the invention provides a grass catcher unit which is arranged so that grass clippings and other debris are collected in a disposable bag made from an inexpensive, light weight material. In the broadest aspect, the invention provides a non self supporting disposable bag for collecting grass clippings discharged from the mower discharge outlet and having an inlet, means for removably locating the inlet of said disposable collection bag in communication with the mower discharge outlet, and means for supporting the disposable collection bag from the mower.
More specifically, the invention provides a grass catcher unit including a carrier sack which is connected to the outletof a discharge chute of a rotary mower housing and carries the disposable collection bag. The carrier sack includes means located in the vicinity of the mouth thereof for removably connecting the inlet of the disposable collection bag in communication with the discharge chute outlet and closure In ans for affording access to the disposable collection bag and for facilitating the installation and removal of the collection bag.
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection between the inlet of the disposahle collection bag and the carrier sack is provided by a collar assembly including a pair of axially spaced hoops over which the bag inlet is installed and an clastic band surrounding the bag inlet and located between the hoops. The carrier sack is arranged to define a compartment or cavity for accommodating and supporting the disposable collection ba when it is expanded or ballooned by the pressurized air stream generated by the mower cutter blade.
Witch the disposable bag becomes filled or mowing has been completed,- a side panel or tlap, provided on the ca r bag for affording access to the disposable bag, is opened and the disposable bag is removed from the carrier for disposal.- A replacement dis osable bag is then installed in the carrier sack for the next mowing operation. V I
A primary feature of the invention is the provision of a grass catcher unit for a rotary mower which unit is ar= ranged so that the grass clippings and other debris being discharged from the mower can be collected directly for disposal in an inexpensive disposable collection bag.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reviewing the following detailed description, the drawing, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grass catcher unit which embodies various of the features of the invention and which is attached to a rotary mower.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the grass catcher unit of FIG. 1, shown with a side panel or flap in a folded down position to permit access to the disposable collection bag.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the grass catcher unit of FIG. 1 shown with the side panel or flap in the closed position.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view, partially sectioned, showing the connection of the disposable bag inlet to the carrier sack.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before explaining the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrange ments of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawing. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Illustrated in the drawing is a rotary lawnmower 10 including a blade housing 12 which is supported for travel in spaced relation above the ground by a plurality of ground-engaging wheels 14 (two shown). Supported on the top deck 16 of the blade housing 12 is a prime mower 18, such as an internal combustion engine. The blade housing 12 includes a discharge chute 20 having an outlet 22. Inasmuch as the blade housing and the engine form no part of the invention, further detailed illustration or description is not necessary.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a grass catcher unit 24 including a carrier sack 26 which is connected to the discharge chute outlet 22 and a non-self supporting disposable collection bag 28 which has an inlet 29 and is supportingly carried inside the carrier sack 26 for collecting the grass clippings and other comminuted debris being discharged from the interior of the blade housing 12 through the discharge chute 20 by a rotating cutter blade 31 (shown fragmentarily and by dashed lines in FIG. 1).
The carrier sack 26 preferably is made from a relativcly flexible, durable material, such as a durable fabric, and has a mouth 30 adapted for communication with the discharge chute outlet 22. The carrier sack 26 is attached to the discharge chute outlet 22 by a releasable connection means, such as a spring latch 32, which engages a wire frame 34 surrounding the mouth 30 of l the carrier sack 26. The carrier sack 26 is supported by a support rod 36 which extends upwardly from the top deck 16 of the blade housing 12 and, at the outer end, fits into a support strap 38 provided on the top portion 40 of the carrier sack 26. Various alternate means can be used to attach and support the carrier sack 26. Such means form no part of the invention so illustration or detailed description thereof is not necessary for a full understanding of the invention.
When the carrier sack 26 is made from a flexible material, means are provided for maintaining the side walls 44 and 46 of the carrier sack 26 spaced apart so as to define a compartment or cavity for receiving and supporting the disposable collection bag 28 and for accommodating full expansion or ballooning of the collection bag 28 by the pressurized air stream from the discharge chute 20. While various arrangements can be used, in the specific construction illustrated, such means includes a rectangular wire spreader frame 42 which is sewn into or otherwise attached to the top portion 40 of the carrier sack 26 to maintain the side walls 44 and 46 in spaced relationship so as to define a cavity 47.
The side wall 46 of the carrier sack 26 is provided with a panel or flap 48 which folds downwardly, as shown in FIG. 2, to facilitate the installation and removal of the collection bag 28. The side flap 48 is detachably fastened in a closed position by suitable fastening means, such as by a plurality of snaps 50 spaced along the top portion 40 and the end portion 54 of the carrier sack (See FIGS. 1 and 3).
The carrier sack 26 includes means adapted for removably mounting the inlet 29 of the collection bag 28 so as to maintain the inlet 29 open and in communication with the mouth 30, and thus in communication with the discharge chute outlet 22, so that the air stream laden with gas clippings and'with other comminuted material being discharged through the discharge chute 'is directed into the disposable bag 28. While various arrangements can be used, in the specific construction illustrated, such means includes a collar assembly 58 having an annular skirt 60 which, at the forward end, is connected to the interior of the carrier sack 26 adjacent the mouth and extends rearwardly of the mouth 30.
The collar assembly 58 also includes a pair of axially spaced, circular wire hoops 62 located at the rear portion of the skirt 60. The skirt 60 is preferably made from the same type of material as the carrier sack 26 and is sewn or otherwise secured to the interior of the carrier sack 26. The hoops 62 are enclosed within a hem 64 formed from the skirt material and are maintained in axially spaced relationship by a seam 66 located in the hem 64 between the hoops 62. The inlet 29 of the disposable bag 28 encircles the hoops 62 and is securely held in place therebetween by an elastic band 68.
The disposable collection bag 28 is preferably fabricated from an inexpensive, light weight material, such as from a thin sheet plastic material, and is dimensioned such that when, fully expanded or ballooned by the pressurized air from the discharge chute 20, it roughly fills the cavity 47 defined inside the carrier sack 26. The disposable collection bag 28 preferably is sufficiently permeable to permit air to vent therefrom so it can be completely filled with grass clippings. When made from a plastic material or similar substantially impermeable material, the disposable collection bag 28 is provided with a plurality of small perforations 70 (See FIG. 2) through which the air can vent. The
perforations are sized to prevent passage of a substantial quantity of grass clippings or other debris.
When the disposable collection bag 28 becomes filled with grass clippings or mowing is completed, the side flap 48 of the carrier sack 26 is unfastened and folded down, the elastic band 68 is stretched and moved forwardly on the collar assembly 58 to permit the inlet 29 of the disposable collection bag 28 to be removed from the collar assembly 58, and the filled or partially filled disposable collection bag 28 is then removed from the carrier sack 26 for disposal. If desired, the inlet 29 of the collection bag 28 is tied shut with a cord or wire before removal of the bag from the carrier sack 26. A replacement disposable collection bag 28 is installed by placing the inlet 29 thereof over the collar assembly 58 and moving the elastic band 68 into place between the hoops 62. The side flap 48 is then closed and the mower is then ready for mowing. Once the mower is started, the pressurized air stream generated by the cutter blade expands or balloons the disposable bag 28 and the bag is ready to collect grass clippings or other debris.
From theabove detailed description it will be apparent that means, other than a carrier sack, can be used for removably locating the inlet 29 of the collection bag 28 in communication with the discharge chute outlet 22 and for supporting the collection bag 28. For example, there can be provided a coupling assembly including a discharge chute outlet connecting means which is arranged in the same general manner as the mouth portion of the carrier sack 26 and a collection bag inlet connecting means which is arranged in the same general manner as the collar assembly 58. The collection bag 28 can be supported by a sling assembly which is supported in a suitable manner from the mower and includes one or more straps or the like for cradling the collection bag 28.
Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
I claim:
1. A rotary mower comprising a blade housing carrying a rotary cutter blade and having a grass clipping discharge outlet, a disposable collection bag for collecting grass clippings discharged from said outlet and having an inlet, a flexible carrier sack having an interior for carrying said collection bag and having a mouth connected to said outlet, and means on said carrier sack in the vicinity of said mouth for engagement with said collection bag for maintaining said inlet open and for removably locating said collection bag in communication with said outlet.
2. A rotary mower according to claim 1 including closure means on said carrier sack for affording access to the interior of said carrier sack and for facilitating the installation of said collection bag into and the removal of said collection bag from said carrier sack.
3. A rotary mower according to claim 1 wherein said means for maintaining said inlet open and for locating said inlet includes an annular collar assembly which extends rearwardly from said mouth and over which the inlet of said collection bag fits, and means for removably holding the inlet of said collection bag on said collar assembly.
4. A rotary mower according to claim 3 wherein said collar assembly includes an annular skirt having a forward end portion connected to the interior of said carrier sack adjacent said mouth and a rear end portion and a pair of axially spaced hoops attached to the rear end portion of said skirt and surrounded by the inlet of said collection bag.
5. A rotary mower according to claim 4 wherein said holding means comprises an elastic band adapted to fit over said collection bag between said hoops.
6. A rotary mower according to claim 2 wherein said carrier sack is made from a flexible material, has side walls, and includes means for maintaining said side walls in spaced relationship so as to define a compartment for accommodating said collection bag.
7. A rotary mower according to claim 5 wherein said closure means comprises a closable flap in one of said carrier sack side walls.
8. A rotary mower according to claim 1 wherein said collection bag is made from a flexible, thin sheet material and includes a plurality of perforations for permitting said collection bag to be fully expanded within said carrier sack by a pressurized air stream generated by said cutter blade.
9. A rotary mower comprising a blade housing carrying a rotary blade and having a grass clipping discharge outlet, a disposable collection bag for collecting grass clippings discharged from said outlet and having an inlet, said collection bag being made from a flexible, thin sheet material and including a plurality of perforations for permitting said collection bag to be fully expanded by a pressurized air stream generated by said cutter blade, a carrier sack being made from a flexible material and having side walls, an annular collar assembly located inside said carrier sack in the vicinity of said mouth and extending rearwardly from said mouth for engagement with said collection bag to maintain said inlet open and to removably locate said inlet of said collection bag in communication with said outlet, the
inlet of said collection bag fitting over said collar assembly, means for removably holding the inlet of said collection bag on said collar assembly, and a closable flap in one of said carrier saclk side walls for affording access to the interior of said carrier sack and for facilitating the installation of said collection bag into and the removal of said collection bag from said carrier sack.
10. A grass catcher unit for a rotary lawn mower having a grass clipping discharge outlet comprising a disposable collection bag having an inlet, a flexible carrier sack having an interior for carrying said collection bag and a mouth adapted for connection to the mower discharge outlet, means on said carrier sack in the vicinity of said mouth for engagement. with said collection bag to maintain said inlet open and to removably locate said collection bag inlet in position for communication with the mower discharge outlet, and closure means on said carrier sack for affording access to the interior of said carrier sack and for facilitating the installation of said collection bag into and the removal of said collection bag from said carrier sack.
11. A rotary mower comprising a blade housing carrying a rotary cutter blade and having a grass clipping discharge outlet, a non-self supporting disposable bag for collecting grass clippings discharged from said outlet and having an inlet, and means for supporting said disposable collection bag from said blade housing and including an outer flexible container supported from said blade housing and housing said disposable bag, said outer container including a mouth communicating with said discharge outlet, said outer container also including means communicating with said mouth and engaging said disposable bag for maintaining said inlet 522 3 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent 1 874 152 Dated Aprill 1975 Inventor(s) Einar S. Dahl It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
Column 5, line 12, I delete "5", insert 6.
Column 4 line 51 after "bag" insert -inlet-- Signed and Scaled this eleventh Of November 1975 [SEAL Arrest:
RUTH C. MASON C. MARSH-ALL DANN X ffiv ('mnn|i.s'simwr 1 Pun'nu' um! 'l'rmlvmurkx |
US-3874153-A | Method of and apparatus for producing partially bulked yarn | United States Patent [191 Kawasaki et al.
Filed:
Appl. No.: 427,491
METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PARTIALLY BULKED YARN Inventors: Kentaro Kawasaki; Keizo Takizawa,
both of Osaka, Japan Assignee: Chori Company Limited, Osaka-shi,
.lapan Dec. 26, 1973 Field of Search 57/1 R, 34 R, 34 HS, 34 AT, 57/91,106,156,157 R, 157 TS, 157 MS Jacobs ct al.
[ Apr. 1, 1975 Neff 57/91 X Horvath 57/157 TS X Stoller ,1. 57/106 X Schroeder 57/91 X Sequin 57/91 X Nagel et a1 57/34 HS Braker 57/157 TS X Shah 57/34 AT Primary Examiner-Donald E. Watkins Attorney, Agent, or FirmWhittemore, Hulbert &
' Belknap Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 28, 1972 Japan 48-2550 US. Cl. 57/34 HS, 57/91, 57/157 TS Int. Cl. D02g 3/34 ABSTRACT A method of and an apparatus for producing partially bulked yarn from a twisting heat setting untwisting type process by alternately imparting uniform tension and non-uniform tension to more than two pieces of filaments, characterized in that said filaments are additionally subjected to pre-twisting of after-twisting.
3 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures FATENTEUAPR H975 3,874,153
sum 1 n5 2 FIG 'I FIG, 2
I METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PARTIALLY BULKED YARN BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for producing specific bulked yarn.
It is known to produce bulked yarn with varied bulkiness along its length by feeding more than two pieces of filaments to a single twisting spindle and then passing them through a series comprising steps of twisting, heat setting and untwisting while changing the tension between the filaments by suitable means capable of ad justing the feed tension.
In methods presently used, two (or more) pieces of filaments are first fed to the same twisting spindle of a false twister and then passed, while in a doubled state, through a series of steps comprising twisting, heat setting and untwisting. In the course of this process there is provided between the feed section and the suitable means for intermittently changing the tension between the two filaments so as to provide the respective filaments with different feed conditions. If the two filaments, differing in tension from each other, are supplied to the twisting spindle, the filament with the smaller tension is given sufficient twist while the filament with greater tension is afforded insufficient twist. As a result, the former receives sufficient crimping in the succeeding crimping step and is bulked, while the latter is provided insufficient crimping and little or no bulk. As these operations are performed intermittently, there is formed a partially bulked yarn, or a yarn with its bulkiness varied regularly along its length, such as shown in FIG. 1.
Such partially crimped yarn is generally lower in retractability and torque than the usual crimped yarn which has been prepared from an ordinary twisting heat setting untwisting process and which is uniformly crimped along its entire length.
The present invention removes such defects of the partially crimped yarn.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention envisages an improved bulked yarn having alternate bulked portions and non-bulked portions, with the difference between the bulked and non-bulked portions being made more conspicuous. so that this yarn can be used in a fabric, with resultant excellent creping effect.
More particularly, the present invention proposes a method of obtaining an improved partially bulked yarn from a twisting heat setting untwisting process by imparting uniform tension and non-uniform tension to more than two pieces of filaments and further adding an extra twisting step, thereby making more conspicuous the difference between the bulked and the nonbulked portions. The extra twisting step may be incorporated before the partial bulking work (that is, it may be incorporated as a pro-twisting step), or after the partial bulking has been completed (that is, it may be adapted as an after-twisting" step).
The present invention also features means for changing the tension of the filaments, said means comprising a roller provided around its periphery with a yarn guiding groove and designed to be capable of optionally controlling the working period, whereby it is possible to form the desired bulked and non-bulked portions at high speed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filament having the bulked and non-bulked portions;
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the change of twist and the bulked portions of a partially bulked yarn;
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of an apparatus of the present invention;
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are schematic drawings showing the change of filament tension;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a grooved roller with a filament fitted in a groove 17 therein; and
FIG. 8 is a developed view of the grooved roller.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The grey yarn which is to be twisted in the twisting step of the present invention is a gyratory (or torqueimparted) crimped yarn obtained from a common twisting heat setting untwisting process. Every bulked portion is well crimped and each filament therein presents a finely crimped configuration, providing a well crimped yarn portion, while every nonbulked portion is insufficiently crimped and each filament therein is much the same as a non-processed filament, providing a roughly crimped yarn portion. If extra twist, even ifslight in degree, is given to such yarn, such twist is concentrated in the non-bulked portions which are in an easily twistable state, and as a result of this, the filaments in each of said non-bulked portion are further bundled up, thus making the difference between the bulked and non-bulked portions more conspicuous. As the torsional torque built up by such locally concentrated twist is balanced, such torque works exclusively on the bulked portions and produces a synergistic effect with the inherent crimping torque of the bulked portions, thereby developing a high retracting ability.
Thus, if even slight twist is given to the yarn, such twist is concentrated locally in the non-bulked portions.
This performance is further described with reference to FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 is a model drawing showing the change in the lengths of a bulked portion 1 and of a non-bulked por tion 2 according to the number of twists given. In'the figure, references numeral 3 represents the case where the number of twist is zero, and 4 and 5 represent, respeetively, the cases where the number of twists has been gradually increased. It will be seen that as the number of twists increases, the length of the nonbulked portion 2 where the twist: is concentrated in proportionally increased as indicate-d by 2' and 2", and the apparent number of twists in the non-bulked portion also increases.
Also, the apparent diameter ratio signifying the difference in bulkiness between the bulked and nonbulked portions is naturally changed, that is, increased proportionally to the number of twist given.
Table 1 below shows the results of actual measurements conducted on denier-36 polyester filaments and 40 denier-l7 nylon filaments obtained according to the present invention. The number of twist given is expressed by twist/meter.
Table 1 number length of length of apparent apparent material of bulked non-bulked diameter ratio number of twist portion portion between bulked twist in and non-bulked non-bulked portion portion polyester t/m t/m 75d-36f 70 88.9 11.1 1.7 6306 100 85.2 14.8 2.1 675.7 160 81.3 18.7 2.2 855.6 nylon 40d-17f 70 85.3 14.7 1.4 476.2 100 82.7 17.3 1.6 578.0 160 74.8 25.2 1.62 634.9 300 85.1 34.9 1.5 859.6
Referring to FIG. 3, plural pieces of grey yarn 6, 6 are first bundled up by a fixed guide 7, then passed through feed rollers 8, grooved roller 9, fixed guides 10, 10, heater 11, false twisting spindle l2 and delivery roller 13, and then wound up on the respective take-up mechanisms 14, 14'. During this process, the grey yarns 6, 6' are moved reciprocatingly while engaged in the groove in said grooved roller 9 and are then separated into the individual yarns 6, 6' and further guided by the respective fixed guides 10, 10', so that tension of the yarns 6, 6' is changed periodically with the rotation of the grooved roller 9.
The groove formed in the grooved roller 9 for guiding the yarns while engaging them therein is formed in a zigzag in the surface, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, so as to let the yarns therein traverse in accordance with rotation of the roller. The two yarns guided into the groove are caught in a parallelled state at a point 15 and more successively from the position of FIG. 4 to the position of FIG. 5 and then to the position of FIG. 6 with every rotation of the roller in the same direction as the direction of advancement of the yarns. Numeral 16 indicates a doubling point for the yarns.
In the situation of FIG. 4, both yarns 6, 6 are under the same tension and undergo normal false twisting in a parallelled state, but in the situations of FIGS. 5 and 6, since the point 15 moves to the right or to the left in accordance with rotation of the roller 9, there is created a difference in tension between the two yarns 6, 6. In this situation of FIG. 5, the tension of the yarn 6 becomes greater than that of the yarn 6, so that when twisting occurs by the false twisting spindle under this condition, the yarn 6 with the smaller tension is given sufficient twist while the yarn 6 with the greater tension resists twisting, and as a result, though the yarn 6 is afforded sufficient crimping, the yarn 6 is not given sufficient crimping. Then, when the situation is changed into that of FIG. 6, the tension relation between the two yarns is reversed, and hence behavior occurs which is just the opposite of the case of FIG. 5. As the operations of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are performed repetitively with the advancement of the yarns and with the rotation of the grooved roller 9, there is consequently obtained a partially bulked yarn. The thus obtained bulked yarn is given extra twist by a twisting machine which is not shown. Instead of giving such extra twisting after the aforedescribed process, the material yarns 6, 6 may be given a similar twist before passing through the aforedescribed process.
According to the present invention, as described above, twist is accumulated predominantly in the easily twistable non-bulked portions of the yarn having the bulked and non-bulked portions arranged alternately along its length, so that the difference between both portions is very conspicuous and the latent torque in the filaments is increased. Therefore, when a texture is made by using such yarn, there is obtained a crimped fabric having a prominent creping effect and good feeling.
It is also possible in the present invention to optionally change the number of the bulked portions in unit length and to increase the yarn processing speed by changing the rotational frequency of the grooved roller 9.
Evaluation of the fabrics made by using the partially crimped yarn obtained from the method of the present invention showed that the number of twist including additional twist, given to the yarns should be within the limit of 500 twist/meter; if such limit is exceeded the feeling of the fabric is impaired and the creping effect is diminshed, producing a flattened texture. For obtain' ing the best results for both feeling and creping effect, the number of twists should be 50 to 200 twist/meter.
EXAMPLE Two pieces of grey yarns comprising denier24 polyester filaments twisted at twist/meter were fed to a false twisting process such as shown in FIG. 3 and processed under the following conditions: twisting spindle rotational frequency 95,000 turns/min; false twist number 100 twist/meter; heater temperature 220C; range of movement of point 15 in the grooved roller 10 mm; grooved roller rotational frequency 2,000 turns/- min; and yarn feed tension 14 grs. There was consequently obtained a partially bulked yarn having the following features: length of one unit of bulked and nonbulked portions 25 mm; rate of length of bulked portion to length of non-bulked portion 82 l8; apparent number of twist in non-bulked portion 835 twist/meter; and apparent diameter ratio between bulked and nonbulked portions 2.8.
What is claimed is:
1. A method of producing a partially bulked yarn comprising the steps of alternately giving uniform tension and non-uniform tension to more than two pieces of thermoplastic synthetic filaments, performing periodic changes of tension between said filaments. bundling said filaments, passing the bundled filaments through a heater and a false twisting spindle to form a partially bulked yarn having alternately arranged bulked and non-bulked portions, and then giving additional twist to said yarn at 50 to 500 twist/meter.
2. A method of producing a partially bulked yarn comprising the steps of giving twist to thermoplastic filaments at 50 to 500 twist/meter, alternately giving uniform tension and non-uniform tension to more than two pieces of the twisted thermoplastic synthetic filaments, performing periodic changes in tension between rollers, a filament guide roller having formed therearound a filament guide groove, fixed guides adapted to hold corresponding filaments emerging from said groove, a fixed guide for bundling said filaments, a
heater, a false twisting spindle, and twisting means. |
US-3874154-A | Fixedly disposed feeding and opening device for a spinning unit of an open-end spinning machine | United States Patent Stahlecker et a1. Apr. 1, 1975 [54] FIXEDLY DISPOSED FEEDING AND 3,756,007 9/1973 Battling 57/5891 OPENING V C FOR A SPINNING UNIT 3,760,577 7 9/1973 Kibara et al. 57/58.89 X OF AN OPEN-END SPINNING MACHINE P J h W H k rimar xami rn Iuc ert [75] Inventors: Fritz SStahlecker, Bad Uberkmgen; Asst-stair gf g Gorenstein Hans tahlecker Suessen both of Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Craig & Antonelli Germany [73] Assignee: William Stahlecker GmbH, [57] ABSTRACT Geislingen Strege, Germany A h t h I t b] spinning mac ine arrangemen avmg a pivo a e [22] Wed: 1972 cover for covering the spinning turbine as well as a [21] A N0 j 313,617 relatively fixed support member which houses the feed and openins rolls. Transmission means are provided between the cover and the drive and braking mecha- [30] Forelgn Apphcanon Pnomy Data nisms of the spinning turbine, the feed roll, and the Dec. 11, 1971 Germany 21616193 opening roll for controlling the drive and braking mechanisms in response to opening movement of the US. Cl. oven The cover is movable to a first open position Int. for access to the pi ning turbine with the cover sub- 0f Search tantially covering the feed and opening rolls and to a second open position providing access also to the feed and opening rolls. An insert member which forms part References Cited of a fiber duct leading to the turbine and part of a UNITED STATES PATENTS thread take-off duct is attached to the cover for move- 3,511,045 5/1970 Bures et al 57/5891 therewith- Tlle Cover may be Pivotally mounted 3,668,854 6/1972 LaChatelier 57/58.89 at a longitudinally extending Cleaning duct which 3,685,270 8/1972 Battling 57/58.95 tends over a plurality of spinning units. 3,695,021 10/1972 Ormerod et a1. 57/5891 3,724,194 4/1973 Greenwood et al. 57/5895 57 Clalms, 10 Drawmg Flgul'es PATENTEUAPR 11975 74154 v, SHEET 3 [IF PATENTEU APR 1 saw u [If 6 PATENTEU APR 1 i 75 sumsnr FIXEDLY DISPOSED FEEDING AND OPENING DEVICE FOR A SPINNING UNIT OF AN OPEN-END SPINNING MACHINE BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a cover arrangement for a feeding and opening device for a spinning unit of an open-end spinning machine. A fiber duct leads to a spinning turbine from a feed roll and an opening roll which duct is partially disposed in an element which can be moved away with a cover and which also contains a thread take-off duct.
It has been contemplated to arrange the feed and opening rolls of the individual spinning units in pivotable housings which can be swung away as a whole from the spinning turbine, so that thereafter the spinning turbine becomes accessible, for example for a cleaning operation or the like. This type of structure per se has the advantage that it is possible to utilize this pivoting motion for braking the spinning turbine and for interrupting the drive of the opening roll. However, there is the disadvantageous feature that relatively large masses must be moved during the opening and closing of the spinning unit. There is the danger that the relatively heavy housings can hit with corresponding force the fixed part of the spinning machine during closing, resulting especially for electrical inner compo nents in the danger of damage or displacements or the like.
With respect to the masses to be moved, another type of structure has been contemplated which is more advantageous, wherein the feeding and opening device, as well as the spinning turbine and its bearing, are fixedly arranged. In this construction, a foldable lid may be provided in front of the spinning turbine, containing part of the fiber duct and the fiber take-off duct. In this arrangement, however, it is difficult to put the feature into practice of utilizing the movement necessary for opening the spinning turbine also for the braking of the spinning turbine.
In both of the above-discussed types of construction, the opening movement only makes the spinning turbine accessible. However, one cause for the failure of such a spinning machine is frequently a disturbance in the zone of the fiber opening mechanism, particularly a clogging of the opening roll. In order to render this opening roll accessible, the above-discussed types of structure require additional, relatively complicated mechanism measures, by means of which the opening roll can only be uncovered. In this connection, it has been contemplated to provide an additional lid for the opening roll, which likewise requires additional manipulations for lifting same. Furthermore, this construction makes it impossible to impart to the feeding and opening device, as well as the entire machine, a pleasant external appearance.
The invention is based on the problem of providing a feeding and opening device of the aforementioned type which, without substantially increasing the movable masses, makes it possible to render the spinning turbine as well as further parts of the spinning unit accessible to a control or the like by means of one manipulation. The invention resides in part in that the cover member also covers the spinning turbine and carries an insert containing the zone of the fiber duct arranged in front of the spinning turbine and the fiber take-off duct.
By means of this arrangement of the feeding and opening device according to the present invention, the advantages of the above-discussed types of construction are simultaneously realized, without, however, having to include the disadvantages inherent in the individual types of structure. The masses to be moved are relatively small, so that the danger of damages during closing or opening is avoided. Besides, the advantages of a fixed disposition of the drives are exploited. Furthermore, it is possible, without using additional connecting conduits or the like, to fixedly arrange a common suction removal duct for impurities obtained during the opening of the fibers. In addition to the advantage ofgreat freedom in the aesthetic design of the cover, there is the special advantage that, by means of a single manipulation and only one opening motion, practically all parts of the opening and feeding device, including the drive elements thereof, as well as the spinning turbine, become accessible. This makes it possible to shorten the servicing operations to a minimum amount of time.
In one embodiment of this invention, the insert, in the closed position, covers part of the periphery of the opening roll and/or of the feed roll. Thus, opening the cover reveals at once part of the periphery of the opening roll, so that any presence of clogging or damage to the clothing or cot of the opening roll can be determined directly. In order to even further improve the possibility of monitoring the opening roll and/or the feed roll, the provision is made in another development of this invention to equip the insert with an extension covering, in the closed position, an end face of the opening roll and/or feed roll. This makes it possible to readily effect servicing operations on the opening roll or the feed roll immediately after removal of the cover, without any further assembly or disassembly.
In a further embodiment of this invention, the supporting member is provided with a guide track on which the insert can be moved with a sliding surface. This makes it possible to realize an exact alignment of the portions of the fiber duct. In order to provide lateral guidance as well, it is advantageous to arrange guide ribs and grooves on the guide track and on the sliding surface. In order to be sure, moreover, that the final position has been reached, it is advantageous to provide, between the supporting member and the insert, a mechanism for securing or locking in the operating position.
In order to be able to uncover the opening roll completely, the provision is made in a further development of the present invention to mount the opening roll in the supporting member to be axially displaceable. This makes it possible entirely reveal the opening roll after opening of its housing.
The stationary arrangement of the feeding and opening device enables one to mount a central cleaning duct in a simple manner. In an advantageous embodiment, a pipe extending over several spinning units is attached to the supporting member, this pipe constituting a cleaning duct. Thereby, the supporting member is utilized for a further function, namely for connecting an additional auxiliary device with the remainder of the spinning machine.
In a structurally very advantageous embodiment of the invention, respectively individual supporting mem bers are attached to the machine frame via mounting means, while the remaining supporting members are disposed on a pipe forming a cleaning channel. This makes it possible to realize a sectional mode of construction with respect to the feeding and opening devices, according to which these devices can be fashioned for a plurality of spinning units as a structural whole which can be preassembled. It is, moreover, structurally advantageous to have the pipe serve as a pivot axle for the pivotable cover and/or for a panel laterally covering the feed roll and/or the opening roll.
In a further development of the invention, the provision is made that the pivotable cover is equipped with transmission means which transmit the pivoting motion as a control movement for interrupting the drives and- /or switching on the brakes of the spinning turbine and- /or of the opening roll and/or of the feed roll. This construction makes the device highly convenient in operation, since this feature is connected with an automatic switching cycle which also essentially increases the safety in operation.
In another development of the invention, the cover is pivotably removable in two stages, wherein the pivotal motions of the two stages can be transmitted separately to the drive and braking mechanism of the spinning turbine and to the drive and braking mechanism of the opening roll. This makes it possible, for example, to effect that the first stage, which only serves for opening the spinning turbine, also interrupts only the drive of the spinning turbine and brakes the spinning turbine only. A further pivoting in the second stage arrests the opening roll, while the further provision can additionally be made that in this stage the drive of the spinning turbine is again set into operation. It is readily possible in these embodiments of the invention, to employ already present braking devices, or braking devices to be provided for other reasons, which are then operable selectively by a manual switch or automatically by pivoting the cover away.
Reference is hereby made to copending commonly assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 252,21 1, filed May 11, 1972, for further details of braking devices and the like which may be helpful in understanding the present invention.
Additional features and advantages of the invention can be seen from the following description of several embodiments illustrated in the drawings, in conjunction with the claims BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a spinning unit of a spinning machine equipped with a feeding and opening device according to this invention;
FIG. 2 shows a view of a spinning unit similar to FIG. 1, but partially broken away, in the direction of arrow II;
FIG. 3 shows a schematic view in the direction of arrow II of FIG. 1 of several spinning units of a spinning machine extensively corresponding to this embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a cross section through another embodiment of a spinning unit constructed according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a cross section corresponding to FIG. 4 wherein various parts have been omitted;
FIG. 6 is a cross section through the spinning unit according to FIG. 4 in a first opening stage;
FIG. 7 is a cross section through the spinning unit of FIGS. 4-6 in a second opening stage;
FIG. 8 is a cross section through another embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGS. 9 and 10 are further cross sections through a feeding and opening device of this invention in the closed condition (FIG. 9) and in the opened condition (FIG. 10).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a spinning unit with all essential details. A spinning machine consists of a plurality of such spinning units, disposed side-by-side at regular intervals. Each spinning unit has a spinning turbine l with a horizontally disposed turbine shaft 2. The turbine shaft 2 is supported in a V-slot formed by pairs of supporting disks 3. This shaft is driven by a driving belt 4 directly contacting the shaft; this driving belt is under the effect of a pressure roll 5. A force oriented away from the spinning turbine l is exerted on the turbine shaft 2 by the drive or the bearing or with the aid of an additional device, so that the axial position of the shaft can be secured with the aid of a thrust bearing 6. The turbine shaft 2, including the associated drive and supporting mechanism, is disposed within a closed duct extending over several series-arranged spinning units. The duct consists of a base member 7 formed by an extruded profile. The base member 7 forms the bottom, the rear .wall, and part of the ceiling of the duct. The front wall and the residual portion of the ceiling consist of a further extruded profile 8, constituting a common housing for the series-disposed spinning turbines l pertaining to one section. Within this common housing, individual chambers are provided for the single spinning turbines l by means of cup-shaped inserts 9, the latter being preferably manufactured of a synthetic resin.
A strand of silver 10 opened up into individual fibers is fed to the spinning turbine 1. For this purpose, a feeding and opening device is provided consisting essentially of a feed roll 11 and an opening roll 12. An inlet funnel 13 is arranged in front of the feed roll 11. A trough lever 14 is associated with the feed roll 11, this lever being pressed against the feed roll 11 by means of a spring 15. The opening roll 12 follows the feed roll 11; this opening roll rotates in the opposite direction and substantially faster than the feed roll and is provided with a sawtooth-like clothing on its periphery. This opening roll 12 breaks up the fibers of the silver strand 10 and entrains same approximately over half of its circumference. At that point, a fiber duct 16 starts which is oriented approximately tangentially with respect to the opening roll and terminates obliquely in the spinning turbine l. The broken-up fibers are conveyed essentially by sub-atmospheric pressure provided in the zone of the spinning turbine 1.
A thread spun from the fibers is withdrawn from the spinning turbine; for this purpose, a thread take-off duct 17 is provided which terminates axially in the spinning turbine l and subsequently extends upwardly in an inclined direction. A thread regulator (broken-end detector) 18 adjoins the thread take-off duct 17, which regulator monitors the presence of a thread. A signal lamp 19 is connected with the thread regulator 18.
The lower periphery of the opening roll 12 is partially covered by a cleaning lever 20 arranged to be pivotable about an axle 21, thus closing an opening 22 to a greater or lesser extent. The opening 22 is connected to a pipe 23 disposed therebelow; this pipe extends in the longitudinal direction of the spinning machine, and
the length of the pipe corresponds to the length of the duct with the drive and bearing means for the turbine shaft 2. The cleaning lever can be pivoted about its axle 21, in order to eliminate impurities in the opened fibers, for example husk residues, which can be removed by vacuum periodically applied to the pipe 23.
The feed roll 11 is connected to a gear wheel 24 for rotation therewith and is driven via a bilaterally serrated toothed belt 25. The toothed belt 25 is tensioned by a cogwheel 27 disposed on a pivotable lever 26 and pressed against a gear wheel 28 arranged on a shaft 29.
The opening roll 12 is connected to a whorl 30 for rotation therewith; the whorl is driven by a drive belt 21. The latter is looped around a tension roll 32 disposed on a spring-loaded pivot arm 33. The belt is pressed from the outside against a driving pulley 34 mounted on a shaft 35.
In practice, it is necessary to uncover the spinning turbine 1 for eliminating broken threads or for the possible automatic introduction of cleaning devices. In order to attain this objective and yet be able to dispose the opening and feeding device extensively in a fixed manner, the feed roll 11 and the opening roll 12 are ar ranged below the spinning turbine and at such a distance therefrom that directly in front of the spinning turbine 1 there are, in each case, only the fiber duct 16 and the fiber take-off duct 17. These two ducts 16 and 17 are formed, in the zone disposed in front of the spinning turbine 1, by an insert 36 extending with a cylindrical head 37 into the spinning turbine 1; the insert 9 surrounding the spinning turbine l is in sealing engagement with this head 37. The head 37 can optionally be attached to the insert 36 so that the former is exchangeable; in this way, the insert, by interchanging the head -37, can be adapted to spinning turbines 1 of varyingly large diameters.
The insert 36, in the illustrated embodiment, completely forms the thread take-off duct 17 and forms only part of the fiber duct 16. The remainder of the fiber duct 16 is arranged in a housing 38 surrounding the periphery of the opening roll 12. The housing 38 is a component of a supporting member 39 projecting toward the front beyond a vertical plane defining the turbine housing. The supporting member 39 is provided with mountings for the bearings of the feed roll 11 and of the opening roll 12 and simultaneously constitutes part of the housing 38 surrounding these rolls. The insert 36 is centered, with a sliding surface 40, on a guide track 41 of the supporting member in such a manner that the two parts of the fiber duct 16 are in exact alignment with each other in the operating position.
The supporting member 39 is protected toward the front by a cover 42 extended in the upward direction and likewise covering the profile 8 forming the turbine housing. This cover 42 which, in the horizontal direction, has an approximately U-shaped cross section, is pivotably mounted on the pipe 23. For this purpose, the two lateral legs of the cover are provided with bifurcate recesses encompassing the pipe 23 from above. The insert 36 is preferably adjustably threaded to the cover 42; thus, when the cover 42 is pivoted, this insert can be flipped away from the zone of the spinning turbine 1. For this reason, the sliding surface and the guide track 41 are fashioned as cylindrical surfaces, the axis of these surfaces extending concentrically with respect to the pipe 23. With the pivoting of the cover and the thus-effected opening of the spinning turbine 1, all details of the opening and feeding device, including their drive mechanisms, become simultaneously visible and accessible. In order to be able to determine also immediately any possible clogging of the opening roll 12 or any damage of its cot (clothing), or any clogging in the area of the feed roll 11, a part 43 is connected with the cover 42, which part covers part of the periphery of the feed roll 11 and especially of the opening roll 12 in the closed position and reveals same when the cover 42 is pivoted away. It is thus possible to uncover the spinning turbine 1 as well as, at least, the opening roll 12, by the pivoting of one component, namely the cover 42; consequently, any required servicing operations or the like can be effected without any difficulties. In this connection, the opening roll 12, for example, can be freed of cloggings or the like on its circumference in a simple manner by manually rotating, for example, the opening roll 12 at its whorl 30 so that its cot passes, piece by piece, along the uncovered location.
In most cases, it will be sufficient to uncover only the spinning turbine 1. For this purpose, the provision can be made that the cover is pivoted only to such an extent that the spinning turbine becomes accessible to a cleaning device operated manually or automatically. In contrast thereto, if it is desired to execute servicing operations, for example, on the opening roll 12 or another component, or to exchange the spinning turbine 1, or to open the duct, then the cover can be pivoted into the second stage wherein it is approximately horizontal. In certain cases it is also possible to completely remove the cover 42, held resiliently on the pipe 23 in a manner notshown in detail, after releasing the resilient lock or mounting. The opening roll 12 and its housing portion 38 are disposed at such a low level that it is readily possible also to detach the extruded profile 8 from the base member and remove this profile.
Each spinning unit is provided with a braking device containing a brake lever 44 which can be activated from the outside when the assembly is closed; this brake lever lifts the pressure roll 5 off and lowers a brake lining onto the spinning turbine shaft 2. It is advantageous to operate this braking device automaticallyalso when the cover 42 of a spinning unit has been pivoted and the spinning turbine 1 has thus been opened up. This is accomplished, in the illustrated embodiment, by arranging a stop pin 45 at the cover 42 which pin, when the cover 42 is pivoted, contacts an abutment edge of the brake lever 44 and pivots the latter into its braking position. The brake lever 44 is mounted to be pivotable about an axle 46 disposed underneath the bottom of the duct; the illustrated operating position of this lever is secured by means of a spring, not shown. The abutment edge of the brake lever is provided with a recess 47 engaged by the stop pin 45 as soon as the opening angle of the first stage has been reached. The abutment edge of the brake lever 44 is fashioned so that the brake lever 44 is returned into its illustrated operating position under the effect of its spring when the cover 42 is further pivoted, so that the stop pin 45 moves past the recess 47. This is advantageous to prevent during a longer period of inactivation of one of the spinning units, the drive belt 4 from sliding on the braked turbine shaft 2 during a longer inoperative period and, under certain circumstances, being subjected to increased wear and tear. The end of the abutment edge of the brake lever 44 can be provided with a further recess defining the end of the upward swinging motion of the cover 42.
In practice, it is advantageous to interrupt the drive of the opening roll 12 when the cover 42 is pivoted, thus revealing the opening roll 12, so that the opening roll is arrested or can optionally be braked by hand or by means of an additional brake. This is advantageously likewise done automatically together with the pivoting of the cover 42. For this reason, a lever 48 is hingedly connected to the rocking lever 33 carrying the tension roll 32 of the drive for the opening roll 12; this lever 48 can be pivoted with the upward swing of the cover 42 in such a manner that the drive belt 31 is loosened, so that the transmission of the driving movement from the driving pulley 34 to the whorl 30 of the opening roll 12 is interrupted. However, the arresting of the opening roll 12 is only necessary if the cover 42 is pivoted to such an extent that also the opening roll 12 becomes accessible. A bolt engages the lever 48; in the lateral view of FIG. 1, this bolt is disposed congruent with the abutment pin 45, or can be constituted by the stop pin 45. This bolt engages a slotted hole 49 of the lever 48, so that the first stage of the pivoting motion of the cover 42 is not transmitted thereto. Thereafter, the lever 48 and, via this lever, the rocker arm 33 are entrained, which latter moves the tension roller 32 toward the driving pulley 34 and thus loosens the drive belt 31. The movement of the rocking lever 33 is limited by a stop 50. This stop 50 thus also limits the pivoting motion of the cover 42, so that the further recess in the brake lever 44 can then be omitted.
It is suitable also to interrupt the drive of the feed roll 11 together with the pivoting of the cover 42, but at least upon the pivoting for revealing the opening roll 12. This interruption of the drive can be controlled in a simple manner by the thread regulator 18 which effects a switching operation when no thread is moving past any more, which must surely be the case after a pivoting of this cover 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the fiber feed is interrupted by the actuation of a magnetic element by the thread regulator 18; this magnetic element presses locking clamp 51 on the trough lever 14 closely in front of the feeding roll 11 and clamps the silver into position. In the illustrated construction, this trough lever is integral with the inlet funnel 13. In certain cases, it will also be sufficient to pivot only the trough lever 14, against the effect of the spring 15, by means of a magnetic element controlled by the thread regulator 18, so that the conveying operation is thus interrupted- By providing, in place of a toothed belt drive, a drive with a standing shaft for the feed roll 11, then it is possible to arrange a clutch within this fixed shaft which is shifted by the thread regulator.
The supporting member 39 is flanged to a holder 52 (FIG. 3) which, in turn, is flanged from below to the base member 7 of the duct. This holder 52 furthermore serves as the bearing block for the drive shafts 29 and 35 extending respectively over several spinning units. Moreover, the holder 52 carries continuous axles 46 and 53 on which the brake levers 44 and the rocker arms 33 are mounted. Furthermore, the holder 52 carries a continuous shaft 54 intended as the central control for the cleaning flap 20. This continuous shaft 54 is connected, via an eccentric 55, with a lever 56 which is directly coupled either with the axle 21 or with the cleaning lever 20. In this way, it is possible to pivot the cleaning flap, by rotating the longitudinal shaft 54, so that the opening 22 is opened to a greater or lesser extent. During this operation, the cleaning flap 20, in its closed position, is under the bias of a spring 57 which is substantially stronger than the spring 15.
The schematic lateral view of a spinning machine similar to FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 3 demonstrates that it is sufficient to provide two holders 52 for a section of a spinning machine consisting, for example, of ten spinning units; these holders are each attached to the base member 7 corresponding to the length of the section. The duct formed from the base member 7 and the profile 8 serves as the supporting part of the machine frame, so that, at the junction points, only intermediate frames 58 need to be provided which receive the ends of the ducts. The supporting members 39 are clamped onto the pipe 23, which latter corresponds in length preferably to the length of one duct section. The pipe 23 is held by the two supporting members 39 attached to the duct by means of the holders 52, while the pipe, in turn, serves for supporting the remaining supporting members 39. In this manner, excess components are avoided. It is possible basically to form all supporting members 39 to be identical, although in such a case, the flanges for connection to a holder 52 are not utilized in most members. However, the advantage of mass production is thus achieved. Moreover, it is, of course,- also possible to provide only the supporting members 39 which are to be connected to the holder 52 with a corresponding flange, or also to produce two supporting members 39 integrally with holders 52. Furthermore, the provision can also be made to dispose several supporting members 39, for example all supporting members of one section, on a pipe or a rod which is detachably mounted to the machine frame via independent holders. In this way, it is possible to provide preassembled sections for a spinning machine, which can be transported as an enclosed and particularly mutually aligned and adjusted unit. The necessary control and monitoring operations can then be extensively effected in the manufacturing plant.
As can further be seen from FIG. 3, the pipes 23 of the adjacent sections are joined together via sealing rings so that a duct extending over the entire length of the machine is produced which is utilized as a suction duct for impurities.
As can furthermore be derived from FIG. 3, the pivotable covers 42 extensively cover the supporting members 39, including the front wall of the duct formed by the profile 7 and 8. Respectively one brake lever 44 is provided on the front side, which is slightly modified with respect to the brake lever illustrated in FIG. 1.
The shafts 29, 35, and 54, shown in FIG. 1 but not visible in FIG. 3, as well as the axles 46 and 53, fashioned as rods, corespond with respect to their lengths preferably likewise to the length of one duct section, so that they also pertain to the prefabricated structural unit.
FIG. 2 shows a partial view, partially in section, of an embodiment corresponding to that of FIG. 1, except for a minor modification. In FIG. 2, the lateral covering of the opening roll 12 is constituted by a cover panel 60 integrally constructed with the insert 36. In contrast thereto, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cover panel illustrated in small dashed lines is formed integrally with part 43 threadedly connected to the cover 42. In
FIG. 2, the insert 36 is illustrated to be somewhat offset in the upward direction with respect to the supporting member 39, in order to enhance the clarity of the drawing. The panel 60 completely covers the lateral opening of the housing 38; a continuous sealing strip 61, for example a rubber band or gasket, is provided for this purpose. The insert 36 has abutment surfaces 62 contacting corresponding extensions of the cover 42 and provided with threaded bores 63 for the reception of screws. These abutment surfaces 62 and threaded bores 63 are disposed above and below the center of the turbine.
The insert furthermore comprises a shortened lateral shield 64 forming a sealing joint with a fixed lateral shield 65 of the housing 38. The guide tracks 41 and the slide surfaces 40 are curved cylindrically as in the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2. It is, of course, also possible to provide planar surfaces for these components. The sliding surface 40 and the guide track 41 extend past the width of the opening roll 12 toward one side. In this zone, a bore 66 is disposed in the supporting member 39; a locking pin of the insert 36, not visible in the drawing, is inserted in this bore during closing. This locking pin has a groove engaged by a locking lever 67 pivotable against the bias of a spring, not shown. The locking lever 67 is provided with an operating handle 68 penetrating the cover 42, not shown in FIG. 2, toward the outside. Moreover, ball locks 69 can effect locking in the operating position as well as in the pivoted position; these ball locks engage a rib 70 projecting from the insert 36.
In order to achieve a particularly reliable guidance of the insert 36 with respect to the housing 38, a groove 71 can be arranged in the guide track 41 and a profiled rib 72, likewise shown in dashed lines, can be provided in the corresponding sliding surface 40, which groove and rib interlock.
As can be seen from FIG. 1, part of the periphery of the opening roll 12 becomes accessible by pivoting the cover 42, so that the opening roll 12 can at least be examined to the effect whether its sawtooth-like cot is still functional. Moreover, it is possible to eliminate in this manner any clogging or the like on the periphery.
In order to be able to remove cloggage between the inner wall of the housing 38 and the opening roll 12, the additional provision is made that the opening roll 12 can be shifted axially after removal of the cover panel 60, i.e., after pivoting away the cover 42, so that the roll 12 is completely revealed along its circumference, and the interior of its housing 38 becomes likewise accessible. For this purpose, the bearing illustrated in FIG. 2 can be employed, for example. The supporting member 39 has a semicylindrical or prismatic mounting 73 for the bearing housing 74 of the bearing of the opening roll 12. The bearing box 74 is held in the mounting 73 by means of a clamping element 75 which also effects an axial mounting by means of a projection engaging an annular groove. The bear ing housing contains a ball bearing 77 and a roller bearing 78 for the shaft 76 of the opening roll 12, wherein the shaft 76 is fashioned directly as the race for the roll elements. For the ball bearing, a groove is worked into the shaft 76 to serve as a race, while the roller elements of the roller bearing 78 travel along the smooth outer surface of the shaft 76. A spring 79 is provided between the two outer rings of the bearings 77 and 78. The outer ring of the ball bearing 77 is dimensioned so that it can be relatively easily displaced axially within the bearing housing 74. The balls of this outer ring entrain the shaft 76 so that the opening roll 12 is pushed out of its housing 38.
FIGS. 4-7 show an embodiment wherein a supporting member 80 for the feeding and opening device is fashioned integrally with a holder attached to the bottom of the duct. The supporting member 80 receives the feed roll 11 and the opening roll 12 in a manner corresponding to FIGS. l-3. A toothed belt drive is provided for the feed roll 11, corresponding essentially to the toothed belt drive described in connection with FIG. 1. The opening roll 12 is driven via a belt drive which likewise corresponds essentially to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, wherein the clamping roll 32 is carried by a pivot arm 81 supported in the supporting member 80; the pivot arm, in a manner not shown in detail, is biased by means of a spring in the direction toward the driving pulley 34. In this embodiment, the insert 36 is fashioned integrally with a cover panel 60 laterally covering the feed roll 11 and especially the opening roll 12 in a way essentially corresponding to FIG. 2.
The insert 36, just as the thread regulator 18, is attached to the cover 42 mounted to be pivotable about a pipe 23 which latter is utilized as the cleaning duct and is attached to the supporting member 80. The pipe 23 is mounted by a leaf spring 83 threadedly connected to the supporting member 80; this spring is visible, for example, in FIG. 5, showing the spinning assembly without the cover 42 and insert 36. FIG. 5 illustrates furthermore that the cleaning flap 20 is connected fixedly with a rocker arm 84 for rotation therewith, this rocker arm being under the force of a spring 85. The rocker arm 84 contacts an eccentric 86 arranged on a continuous shaft, so that a central operation of the cleaning devices of several or all spinning units is possible.
FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 in a first opening stage wherein the spinning turbine l is accessible for the introduction of a cleaning device or the like, not shown. As can be seen from FIG. 6, in the first stage which can be locked into position in a manner not shown in detail (such as described in conjunction with FIG. 2), the opening roll 12 is still covered for the most part. It is furthermore indicated in FIG. 6 that the head 37 of the insert 36 can be adapted to spinning turbines 1 of different diameters with the aid of exchangeable rings 87, shown in dashed lines. In this connection, care must be taken that the fiber duct 16 does not cut through the adapter ring 87. In this half-open position, it is not yet necessary for the drive of the opening roll 12 to be arrested, since no work or the like is yet executed on this roll.
FIG. 7 shows an entirely opening spinning unit wherein the cover 42 has been pivoted into its final position. The zone of the spinning turbine 1 has been uncovered to such an extent that it can readily be pulled out toward the front. In this completely open position, the profile 8 forming the turbine housing can also be disassembled very simply, so that the duct can be opened. The feed roll 11, just as the opening roll 12, is extensively revealed, so that the path of the silver strand 10 within the feeding and opening device from the inlet funnel 13 to the fiber duct 16 becomes visible and accessible. Thus, any disturbance which may have occurred can readily be eliminated.
In this position, shown in FIG. 7, it is advantageous if the opening roll 12 is arrested. This can be done simply by pivoting the rocker arm 81 (see FIG. 9 for corresponding structure) away from the drive pulley 34 via a lever system connected to the cover 42 or via a drawstring, so that the tension of the drive belt 31 is lessened and thus the drive is interrupted. The fiber feed can be terminated by employing a magnetic switching element or the like, controlled by the thread regulator 18, for lifting the trough lever 15 off the feed roll 11. In all of these arrangements, the advantage is obtained that the continuous drive shafts 29 and 35 need not be set still, so that it is readily possible to arrest a single spinning unit.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7, the continuous longitudinal shafts 29 and 35, as well as any control shafts included in this arrangement, are supported in independent bearing blocks, so that also a single opening device can be disassembled by itself by loosening the supporting member 80 from the duct, without interfering with the adjacent spinning units.
In all embodiments, the feeding funnel 13 extends, in
the operating position, through an opening of the cover 42. The cover 42 is furthermore set back underneath this opening for the inlet funnel 13 so that the entering sliver strand 10 cannot be torn off or pinched during the pivoting step. FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein a supporting member 80 is simultaneously fashioned as a holder and is attached to a duct receiving a spinning turbine 1 including the drive and bearing mechanisms thereof. The holder 80 is provided, in the zone of its forward bottom edge, with a pivot axle 88 on which a cover 42 is swingably attached from above. In this embodiment, the cover has an insert 36 threadedly connected thereto and being adjustable with respect to height; this insert contains part of the fiber duct 16 and the thread take-off duct 17. At the top, the cover 42 has a latch 89 engaging a longitudinal groove of the profile 8 of the duct. After releasing this latch 89, the cover can be pivoted downwardly about the axle 88, entraining during this step a brake lever 91 via a stop 90, this lever being pivotable about an axle 92. The brake lever 91 is hingedly connected to a drawstring 93 introduced into the duct via a guide roll 94 and engaging, in a manner not illustrated in detail, a spring-loaded brake device. Therefore, this brake lever 91, optionally braking when the cover 42 is closed, automatically exerts a braking action when the cover 42 is opened.
In order to be able to open the cover 42 entirely, the brake lever 91 is lifted in its pivot axle 92 so that it disengages from the stop 90. If there is to be no possibility for braking when the cover is closed, then the brake 'lever 91 can be omitted. The drawstring 93 is then hung directly into a hook 95 of the cover 42, which then effects braking upon opening. In this case, the drawstring 93 would have to be removed from the hook 95 for purposes of opening the cover completely.
A tension spring 96 is provided in the zone of the pivot axle 88, this spring being hung into a pin 97 of the suppoting member 80 and into the pin 92 forming the pivot axis for the brake lever 91. This tension spring 96 tends to urge the cover 42 toward the duct, so that especially in case of small spinning units, a locking lever 89 can be omitted. Moreover, the tension spring 96, due to its location, has the effect of a dead-center spring in the completely pivoted position of the cover 42, which also secures the flipped-open condition.
In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the cover 42 is recessed in the zone of its sidewalls in such a manner that the feed rolls of the spinning units of one section of the spinning machine can be fashioned as a continuous shaft or cylinder. In this case, the bearings of these rolls are suitably arranged at the supporting member 39 to be detachable.
In FIGS. 9 and 10, another embodiment of the invention is shown wherein an insert receiving part of the fiber duct 16 and the thread take-off duct 17 is mounted to a pivotable cover 42. In this way, the insert is pivotable together with the cover 42. In this type of construction, a lateral cover panel 98 is provided which furthermore covers part of the periphery of the feed roll 11 and of the opening roll 12. This cover panel 98 is disposed to be pivotable concentrically with respect to the cover 42. The cover panel has an extension 99 pressed into the operating position by a spring 100 resting against the cover 42. The cover 42 has a driving stop 101 on the side opposite the spring 100; this driving stop, in the operating position according to FIG. 9, is disposed at a spacing from the extension 99. When the cover 42 is pivoted, only the insert 36 is first pivoted away from the spinning turbine 1. Only when the stop 101 rests against the extension 99 is the cover panel 98 entrained. This range can be dimensioned so that, in the first stage, the cover panel 98 is not opened, and only the spring 100 expands. Once the cover 42 is further pivoted, the cover panel 98 is entrained. Thereby, the opening roll 12 and the feed roll 11, as well as the associated inlet funnel 13, the trough lever 14, and the cleaning lever 20, are made accessible.
The cover panel 98, just as the cover 42, can be swung about a pipe 23 serving as the cleaning duct and attached to the supporting member 39. The cover panel 98 has a bifurcate opening which opens up in the downward direction and by means of which it is attached to the pipe 23.
In this embodiment, it is possible to remove the cover panel 98 entirely. For this purpose, the driving stop 10] is fashioned as a pivot lever which can be pivoted away from the extension 99 of the cover panel 98. Thereby, it is possible to open the cover 42 completely, without entraining the cover panel 98. The latter can then be simply pulled off at the top.
The cover panel is under the force of a leaf spring 102 in the operating position; this leaf spring is affixed to the supporting member 39 and presses against the panel in the axial direction toward the opening roll 12.
Also in this arrangement, the spinning turbine 1 is braked and the drive of the opening roll 12 is arrested together with the opening of the cover. The opening roll 12 is driven, in a manner corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 1, by a driving belt 31 looped around a whorl 30 of the opening roll 12. The drive belt 31 is tensioned by a tension roll 32 and pressed against the drive pulley 34 arranged on a continuous shaft 35. The lever 81 carrying the tension roll 32 has a hook-like extension in which a drawstring 103 is suspended, containing a tension spring 104. The drawstring 103 is hung on a pin 105 of the cover 42. This pin 105 is preferably disposed in the zone of a sidewall of the cover 42. Furthermore, a band 106 is hung into the hook-like extension of the arm 81, which band leads to a brake device of the spinning turbine 1, which brake device is not shown. In this way, with one pivoting of the cover 42, the spinning turbine l is arrested and also the drive of the opening roll 12 is interrupted.
In order to brake the opening roll 12, a brake pad 107 is arranged on the underside of the duct, against which pad the drive belt 31 is pressed when the cover 42 is pivoted. Additionally, the leaf spring 102 can be provided with a brake lining on the end contacting the cover panel 98, which lining presses against the opening roll 12 when the cover 42 is pivoted away together with the cover panel 98. In this connection, even in case of larger opening rolls 12, one of the two types of braking means will, of course, be sufficient whereas, in case of most of the smaller opening rolls, braking means can be omitted entirely, since it is readiy possible to arrest the opening roll 12 by hand after the drive has been interrupted.
In this embodiment, the feed roll 11 is driven via a standing shaft and worm gears, not shown, by a continuous longitudinal shaft 108. The standing shaft has a clutch 109 shifted by the thread regulator 18. Ths ensures that, when the cover 42 is pivoted, the drive of the feeding roll 11 is interrupted, since the thread automatically fails to appear. An interruption of the drive can also be effected by pivoting the trough lever 14, having a downwardly angled extension, away from the feed roll 11 by means of a push rod 111, via a magnetic switch 110 controlled by the thread regulator 18. Under certain circumstances, both measures can be provided simultaneously.
While we have shown and described only several embodiments of the present invention, it is obvious that the same is susceptible of numerous changes and modifications as known to those skilled in the art, and we therefore do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein but intend to cover all such changes and modifications as are within the scope of those skilled in the art.
We claim:
1. Spinning machine arrangement comprising:
stationary supporting means,
feed roll means and opening roll means disposed in said supporting means,
spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means,
a single removable cover member for covering the turbine means and the feed and opening roll means when in a closed position,
cover mounting means for accommodating movement of said covermember from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and said feed and opening roll means, and
fiber duct means for guiding the material to be spun from said opening roll means to said turbine means, at least a portion of said fiber duct means being disposed on said support means in a housing surrounding at leasta portion of said opening roll means.
2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said cover member is constructed as a relatively rigid member which in the closed position extends from above said turbine means to below said feed and opening roll means, and wherein said cover mounting means includes pivot means which support said cover means for pivotal movement about a relatively fixed pivot axis.
3. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein said turbine means is positioned above said feed and opening roll means, and wherein said pivot axis is located below said feed and opening roll means.
4. An arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising an insert member forming a portion of the fiber duct means which is disposed in front of the turbine means, wherein said insert member is attached to said cover member for movement along with said cover member.
5. An arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said insert member also forms a thread take-off duct for guiding thread away from said turbine means.
6. An arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said insert member includes means for covering part of the periphery of at least one of said feed and opening roll means when said cover member is in the closed position.
7. An arrangement according to claim 6, wherein said insert member includes means for covering part of the periphery of said opening roll means when said cover member is in the closed position.
8. Spinning machine arrangement comprising:
stationary support member means,
feed roll means and opening roll meansdisposed in said supporting member means, spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means,
removable cover means which covers the turbine means and the supporting member means in the area of the feed and opening roll means when in a closed position,
cover mounting means for accommodating movement of said cover means from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and said feed and opening roll means, fiber duct means for guiding the material to be spun from said opening roll means to said turbine means,
and an insert member forming a portion of the fiber duct means which is disposed in front of the turbine means, said insert member being attached to said cover means for movement along with said cover means, said insert member having an extension which covers an end face on at least one of said feed and opening roll means when said cover means is in the closed position.
9. An arrangement according to claim 4, wherein means are provided for removably and adjustably attaching said insert member to said cover member.
10. An arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said cover member is constructed as a relatively rigid member which in the closed position extends from above said turbine means to below said feed and opening roll means, and wherein said cover mounting means includes pivot means which support said cover member for pivotal movement about a relatively fixed pivot axis.
11. An arrangement. according to claim 10, wherein said insert member also forms a thread take-off duct for guiding thread away from said. turbine means.
12. An arrangement according to claim 10, wherein said insert member has an extension which covers an end face on at least one of said feed and opening roll means when said cover member is in the closed position.
13. An arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said insert member is constructed integrally with said cover member.
14. An arrangement according to claim 13, wherein said cover member is constructed as a relatively rigid member which in the closed position extends from above said turbine means to below said feed and opening roll means, and wherein said cover mounting means includes pivot means which support said cover member for pivotal movement about a relatively fixed pivot axis.
15. An arrangement according to claim 14, wherein said insert member also forms a thread take-off duct for guiding thread away from said turbine means.
16. Spinning machine arrangement comprising:
stationary supporting means,
feed roll means and opening roll means disposed in said supporting means,
spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means,
removable cover means which cover the turbine means and the supporting means in the area of the feed and opening roll means when in a closed position, said cover means being constructed as a single relatively rigid member which in the closed position extends from above said turbine means to below said feed and opening roll means,
' cover mounting means for accommodating movement of said cover means from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and said feed and opening roll means, said cover mounting means including pivot means which support said cover means for pivotal movement about a relatively fixed pivot axis,
fiber duct means for guiding the material to be spun I from said opening roll means to said turbine means,
a portion of said fiber duct means being disposed on said support means in a housing means surrounding at least a portion of said opening roll means,
and an insert member forming a portion of the fiber duct means which is disposed in front of the turbine means, said insert means being constructed integrally with said cover means for movement along with said cover means, said insert member having an extension which covers an end face on at least one of said feed and opening roll means when said cover means is in the closed position.
17. An arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said insert member has a cylindrical head portion which extends into the turbine means when said cover member is closed,'and wherein exchangeable means are provided at the outer diameter of said cylindrical head portion for accommodating turbine means of varying diameters.
18. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said cover member is constructed as a relatively rigid member which in the closed position extends from above said turbine means to below said feed and opening roll means, and wherein said cover mounting means includes pivot means which support said cover for pivotal movement about a relatively fixed pivot axis.
19. Spinning machine arrangement comprising:
supporting means,
feed roll means and opening roll means disposed in said supporting means,
spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means,
a single removable cover member for covering the turbine means and the feed and opening roll means when in a closed position,
cover mounting means for accommodating move ment of said cover member from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and said feed and opening roll means,
fiber duct means for guiding the material to be spun from said opening roll means to said turbine means, and
an insert member forming a portion of the fiber duct means which is disposed in front of the turbine means, said insert member being attached to said cover member for movement along with said cover member,
said supporting means being provided with a guide track, said insert member being provided with a corresponding sliding surface, said guide track guiding said sliding surface during opening and closing movements of said cover member.
20. An arrangement according to claim 19, wherein said covermember is constructed as a relatively rigid member which in the closed position extends from above said turbine means to below said feed and opening roll means, and wherein said cover mounting means includes pivot means which support said cover member for pivotal movement about a relatively fixed pivot axis.
21. An arrangement according to claim 20, wherein said guide track and said sliding surface extend concentrically with respect to said pivot axis.
22. An arrangement according to claim 19, wherein said guide track and sliding surface are, respectively, a guide groove and a guide rib.
23. An arrangement according to claim 21, wherein said guide track and sliding surface are, respectively, a guide groove and a guide rib.
24. An arrangement according to claim 4, further comprising locking means disposed between the supporting means and the insert member for releasably locking said cover member in the closed position.
25. Spinning machine arrangement comprising:
stationary supporting means,
feed roll means and opening roll means disposed in said supporting means,
spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means,
removable cover means which cover the turbine means and the supporting means in the area of the feed and opening roll means when in a closed position,
cover mounting means for accommodating movement of said cover means from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and said feed and opening roll means,
fiber duct means for guiding the material to be spun from said opening roll means to said turbine means, a portion of said fiber duct means being disposed on said support means in a housing means surrounding at least a portion of said opening roll means,
an insert member forming a portion of the fiber duct means which is disposed in front of the turbine means, said insert member being attached to said cover means for movement along with said cover means, said insert member having an extension which covers an end face on at least one of said feed and opening roll means when said cover means is in the closed position,
and locking means disposed between the supporting means and the insert member for releasably looking said cover means in the closed position.
26. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein means are provided for mounting said opening roll means in the supporting member means so as to be displaceable in the direction of the opening roll means axis.
27. An arrangement according to claim 8, wherein means are provided for mounting said opening roll means in the supporting member means so as to be displaceable in the direction of the opening roll means axis.
28. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a single supporting means is provided for each turbine means, each of said supporting means also accommodating feed and opening roll means for the respective turbine means, and wherein a plurality of said supporting means are mounted on a common longitudinally extending support member attached to a machine frame.
29. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein a single supporting means is provided for each turbine means, each of said supporting means also accommodating feed and opening roll means for the respective turbine means, and wherein a plurality of said supporting means are mounted on a common longitudinally extending support member attached to a machine frame.
30. An arrangement according to claim 28, further comprising fiber duct means-for guiding the material to be spun from said opening roll means to said turbine means, and an insert member forming a portion of the fiber duct means which is disposed in front of the turbine means, wherein said insert member is attached to said cover member for movement along with said cover member.
31. Spinning machine arrangement comprising:
supporting means,
a feed roll means and opening roll means disposed in said supporting means,
spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means,
a single removable cover member for covering the turbine means and the feed and opening roll means when in a closed position,
cover mounting means for accommodating movement of said cover member from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and said feed and opening roll means,
a single supporting means is provided for each turbine means, each of said supporting means also accommodating feed and opening roll means for the respective turbine means, a plurality of said supporting means being mounted on a common longitudinally extending support member attached to a feed roll means and opening roll meansdisposed in each of said supporting means, a plurality of spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means, each of said supporting means accommodating feed and opening rolll'means for a respective turbine means,
removable cover means which covers the turbine means and the supporting member means in the area of the feed and opening roll means when in a closed position, said cover means being constructed as a single relatively rigid member which in the closed position extends from abovesaid turbine means to below said feed and opening roll means,
cover mounting means for accommodating movement of said cover means from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and said feed and opening roll means, said cover mounting means including pivot means which support said cover means for pivotal movement about a relatively fixed pivot axis,
a common longitudinally extending support member attached to a machine frame for mounting said plurality of supporting means, said longitudinally extending support member being a pipe which forms a cleaning duct for the opening roll means.
33. Spinning machine arrangement comprising:
supporting means,
feed roll means and opening roll means disposed in said supporting means,
spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means,-
a single removable cover member for covering the turbine means and the feed and opening roll means when in a closed'position,
cover mounting means for accommodating movement of said cover member from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and saidfeed and opening roll means,
a single supporting means is provided for each turbine means, each of said supporting means also accommodating feed and opening roll means for the respective turbine means, a plurality of supporting means being mounted on a common longitudinally extending support member attached to a machine frame,
a common housing is provided for the turbine means associated with said plurality of supporting means,
and holder means are interposed between some-of said supporting means and said common housing for attaching said common housing to said supporting member, at least those supporting means not having holder means are arranged on a pipe which forms a cleaning duct for the opening roll means.
34. Spinning machine arrangement comprising:
supporting means,
feed roll means and opening roll means disposed in said supporting means,
spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means,
a single removable cover member for covering the turbine means and the feed and opening roll means when in a closed position,
cover mounting means for accommodating movement of said cover member from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and said feed and opening roll means,
a single supporting means is provided for each turbine means, each of said supporting means also accommodating feed and opening roll means for the a respective turbine means, a plurality of said supporting means being mounted on a common longitudinally extending support member attached to a machine frame,
fiber duct means for guiding the material to be spun from said opening roll means to said turbine means,
an insert member forming a portion of the fiber duct means which is disposed in front of the turbine means, said insert member being attached to said cover member for movement along with said cover member,
a common housing is provided for the turbine means associated with said plurality of supporting means, and
holder means are interposed between some of said supporting means and said common housing for attaching said common housing to said supporting means, at least those supporting means-not having holder means are arranged on a pipe which forms a cleaning duct for the opening roll means.
35. Spinning machine arrangement comprising:
supporting member means,
feed roll means and opening roll means disposed in said supporting member means,
spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means,
removable cover means which covers the turbine means and the supporting member means in the area of the feed and opening roll means when in a closed position, said cover means being constructed as a single relatively rigid member which in the closed position extends from above said turbine means to below said feed and opening roll means,
. and cover mounting means for accommodating movement of said cover means from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and said feed and opening roll means, said cover mounting means including pivot means which support said cover means for pivotal movement about a relatively fixed pivot axis, said pivot means being a longitudinally extending pipe which forms a cleaning duct for the opening roll means.
36. An arrangement according to claim 34, wherein a single cover member is provided for each turbine means, said pipe also serving as a pivot means for each of said cover members.
37. An arrangement according to claim 35, wherein means are provided for detachably attaching said cover member to the pipe.
38. An arrangement according to claim 36, wherein means are provided for detachably attaching each of said cover members to the pipe.
39. An arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising transmission means for controlling at least one of driving means and braking means of at least one of said turbine means, said opening roll means and said feed roll means in response to opening of said cover member.
40. An arrangement according to claim 2, further comprising transmission means for controlling at least one of driving means and braking means of at least one of said turbine means, said opening roll means and said feed roll means in response to opening of said cover member.
41. An arrangement according to claim 4, further comprising transmission means for controlling at least one of driving means and braking means of at least one of said turbine means, said opening roll means and said feed roll means in response to opening of said cover member.
42. Spinning machine arrangement comprising:
supporting member means,
feed roll means and opening roll means disposed in said supporting member means,
spinning turbine means for spinning material supplied from the feed and opening roll means,
removable cover means which covers the turbine means and the supporting member means in the area of the feed and opening roll means when in a closed position, said cover means being constructed as a single relatively rigid member which in the closed position extends from above said turbine means to below said feed and opening roll means,
cover mounting means for accommodating movement of said cover means from said closed position to an open position away from said turbine means and said feed and opening roll means, said cover mounting means including pivot means which support said cover means for pivotal movement about a relatively fixed pivot axis,
transmission means for controlling at least one of the driving means and braking means of at least one of said turbine means, said opening roll means and said feed roll means in response to the opening of said cover means, a rocker arm is provided which receives a tension roller of a belt for driving the opening roll means, and transmission means including means interconnected with said cover means and said rocker arm for causing said rocker arm to lift said tension roller off a drive pulley in response to opening of said cover means. 43. An arrangement according to claim 42, further comprising fiber duct means for guiding the material to be spun from said opening roll means to said turbine means, and an insert member forming a portion of the fiber duct means which is disposed in front of the turbine means, wherein said insert member is attached to said cover means for movement along with said cover means.
44. An arrangement according to claim 40, wherein means are provided for mounting said cover member on the spinning machine to be openable in two stages and displaced to first and second open positions, said transmission means including means for separately transmitting the displacement of said cover member to said two stages for controlling said at least one of driving means and braking means of the turbine means and the opening roll means.
45. An arrangement according to claim 41, wherein means are provided for mounting said cover member on the spinning machine to be openable in two stages and displaced to first and second open positions, said transmission means including means for separately transmitting the displacement of said cover member to said two stages for controlling said at least one of driving means and braking means of the turbine means and the opening roll means.
46. An arrangement according to claim 44, wherein said means for separately transmitting the displacement of said cover member includes means for selectively stopping the driving means and engaging the brake means of the turbine means whereby the opening movement of said cover member to said first open position is transmitted by said transmission means to stop the driving means and engage the braking means of the turbine means.
47. An arrangement according to claim 46, wherein said means for separately transmitting the displacement of said cover member includes means for selectively stopping the driving means of said opening roll means whereby the opening movement of said cover member to said second open position is transmitted by said transmission means to stop the driving means of said opening roll means.
48. An arrangement according to claim 44, wherein said turbine means is accessible for cleaning and repair purposes from the outside and means are provided for permitting only partial access to said opening roll means for observation purposes from the outside when said cover member is in said first position.
49. An arrangement according to claim 48, wherein means are provided for permitting complete access to both said turbine means and said opening roll means for cleaning and repair purposes from the outside when said cover member is in said second position.
50. An arrangement according to claim-48, wherein said means for separately transmitting the displacement of said cover member includes means for stopping the driving means and engaging the brake means of said turbine means whereby the opening movement of said cover member to said first open position is transmitted by said transmission means to stop the driving means and engage the braking means of the turbine means.
51. An arrangement according to claim 49, wherein said means for separately transmitting the displacement of said cover member includes means for stopping the driving means of said opening roll means whereby the opening movement of said cover member to said second open position is transmitted by said transmission means to stop the driving means of said open roll means.
52. An arrangement according to claim 39, wherein said supporting member means has a trough lever for controlling said feed roll means, said lever being controlled by a thread regulator arranged at a thread duct means leading from the turbine means.
53. An arrangement according to claim 40, wherein said supporting member means has a trough lever for controlling said feed roll means, said lever being controlled by a thread regulator arranged at a thread duct means leading from the turbine means.
54. An arrangement according to claim 3, wherein an inlet funnel and an opening for receiving said inlet funnel are provided, said pivot axis is arranged underneath said opening, said inlet funnel guides material to be spun to said feed roll means.
55. An arrangement according to claim 3, wherein means are provided for removably mounting said turbine means in the spinning machine, said cover member in a fully open position permitting said turbine means to be removed from said mounting means by displacement in the direction of the turbine means axis.
56. An arrangement according to claim 2, further comprising a lateral cover panel for laterally covering at least one end face of the feed roll means and opening roll means, said lateral cover panel being pivotable about the same axis as said pivot axis of the cover member, and cover connecting means for connecting said lateral cover panel to said cover member such that said cover panel remains stationary during initial opening movement of said cover member and moves with said cover member during final opening movement of said cover member.
57. An arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said supporting means is provided with a guide track, and wherein said insert member is provided with a corresponding guide surface, said guide track guiding said guide surface during opening and closing movement of said cover member. |
US-3874155-A | Flame-retardant fiber blend | United States Patent [191 Knopka Apr. 1,1975
[ F LAME-RETARDANT FIBER BLEND [75] Inventor: William N. Knopka, Wilmington,
Del.
[73] Assignee: FMC Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa.
[22] Filed: Jan. 30, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 328,043
[52] US. Cl 57/140 BY, 260/9, 260/47 R, 260/75 R, 260/75 H [51] Int. Cl D02G 3/04 [58] Field of Search 57/140 BY, 157 R, 140 R, 57/140 C, 153; 260/75 R, 75 H, 75 S, 47 R, 47 C, 45.75 R, 45.9 R, 49, 86 C, 9, l6
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,110,547 11/1963 Emmert 260/75 H 3,265,762 8/1966 Quisenberry 3,480,582 ll/1969 Brooks 57/140 BY 3,483,157 12/1969 Smith et a1 260/860 3,558,557 1/1971 3,572,397 3/1971 Austin 57/140 BY 3,732,683 5/1973 Feller 3,744,534 7/1973 Henry et a1 57/140 BY 3,763,644 10/1973 Jackson et al.
3,775,374 11/1973 Wolfe 260/75 H 3,794,617 2/1974 Mains et al. 260/47 C Primary Examiner-John Petrakes [57] ABSTRACT 10 Claims, No Drawings 1 FLAME-RETARDANT FIBER BLEND The most commercially important polyester textile fibers have been those prepared from polyethylene terephthalate resins. Because of their commercial importance and the great concern for flame-retardant textile fabrics, attempts have been made to provide flameretardant properties for these flammable polyester materials. One of the methods used required the physical incorporation of flame-retardant chemicals in the polymer composition. Organic halogen compounds and combinations of halogen compounds and metal compounds have been incorporated in polyester resins. However, in the case of textile fibers, the high amounts of flameretardant chemicals necessary to impart the degree of flameretardancy required by stringent federal regulations embrittles the fibers and detrimentally affects the physical properties thereof.
The need for a polyester fiber which has good physical properties and high flame-retardancy is most critical for yarn and fabric blends of polyester fibers and cellulosic fibers. Polyestercellulosic fiber blends provide textile fabrics having the highly desirable wear characteristics of polyester fabrics with highly desirable comfort characteristics of cellulosic fabrics. Polyester fibers are thermoplastic and when exposed to a flame, burn and melt away from the flame, thus extinguishing themselves. If polyester fibers are blended with flammable cellulosic fibers and exposed to a flame, the polyester is more likely to continue burning even when melting since the burning cellulose fiber continuously ignites it. If polyester fibers are blended with flameretardant cellulosic fibers and the blend ignited, the flame-retardant cellulosic fibers burn only in the area of flame contact. However. the flame-retardant cellu losic fiber prevents the polyester fiber from shrinking and dripping away from the flame and the polyester continues to burn.
It is a primary object of this invention to provide more useful flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of blends or combinations of polyester fibers and cellulosic fibers.
It is another object of this invention to provide yarns and fabrics of good physical properties from blends of flame-retardant polyester fibers and flame-retardant cellulosic fibers which yarns and fabrics will meet more stringent flame retardant requirements.
Polyesters as employed herein have reference to fiberforming polymers of glycols and dicarboxylic acids, hydroxycarboxylic acids, and combinations thereof.
These and other objects are attained in accordance with this invention which comprises flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of a combination of l) fibers of a polyester resin of at least 75 mol of ethylene-2,6- naphthalene dicarboxylate units and up to mol of other ester units, and at least one organic bromine or chlorine containing compound having a total content of bromine, chlorine or mixture thereof of at least 40% based on the weight of the compound, the halogen compound being present in an amount sufficient to improve the flame-retardant properties of the polyester resin, and (2) flame-retardant cellulosic fibers.
The organic halogen compound is heat stable up to a temperature of at least the melt temperature of the polyester resin and preferably to at least 300C. At the ignition temperature of the polyester resin, bromine or chlorine is liberated from the compound to provide flame-retardancy. If desired, more than one bromine or chlorine compound can be employed in combination as long as the total halogen content is at least 40% based on the weight of the total halogenated compounds employed. It is preferred that the organic halogen compound or compounds are present in the composition in an amount sufficient to provide from at least 5 up to about 25% halogen, more preferably from about 10 to about 20%, based on the weight of the polyester resin. Aromatic bromine compounds are preferred based on their generally better flame-retardant performance.
Examples of halogen compounds useful for this invention are included in the following formula:
where X is chlorine or bromine, Y is -R, -OR, or -OROR, where R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to l0 carbon atoms, an aryl radical having from 6 to 24 atoms, an aralkyl radical having from 6 to 16 atoms and the halides thereof, R is an alkylene radical having from l to 6 carbon atoms, n and m are positive integers satisfying the expression 6 m a l, 5 2 n z 0.
Examples of halogen compounds useful for this invention include polybrominated diphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polybrominated diphenyl carbonates, tetrabromophthalic anhydride, tetrabromophthalic-imide, tetrabromobisphenol A difatty acid ester, tetrabromobisphenol S di-fatty acid ester, hexabromobenzene, polybrominated poly (pentaerythritol) (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,700,625), polybrominated carbonates containing neopentyl groups (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,001), brominated polyethers (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,962), polybrominated terphenyls, polybrominated anthracenes, pentabromo toluene, pentabromo benzyl bromide, polybrominated diphenoxyalkanes, tetrabromobisphenol A dimethyl ether (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,658,634). The bromine radicals are replaced with chlorine radicals to provide corresponding chlorine containing compounds.
These compounds are used alone or in combination to supply the required amount of halogen for the composition. Preferably, the compounds contain at least by weight of bromine or chlorine in order to permit the incorporation of less of the organic halogenated compound in the polyester resin composition for optimum flame-retardancy and physical properties.
In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a metal compound, from the group including antimony oxides, e.g., antimony trioxide; antimony salts of a-hydroxycarboxylic or a, B-dicarboxylic acid, zinc oxide and alumina, is also included in the resin composition, if desired, in an amount sufficient to provide improved flame-retardancy, generally in amounts ranging from about 3% to about 60%, preferably 7 to 35% ofthe metal, based on the weight of the halogen present. Combinations of these compounds are also employed either alone or on supports, e.g., a mixture of antimony trioxide and alumina on silica gel. These metal compounds, as is well known, enhance the flame-retardant effectiveness of the organic halogen compounds. Antimony salts of a-hydroxycarboxylic or a,,8-dicarboxylic acids as flame-retardants is disclosed in Ger. Offen. No.
Likewise, other flame-retarding materials which will not detrimentally affect the polyester, can be used in conjunction with the halogen compound in amounts sufficient to improve the flame-retardant property of the fibers. Examples of flameretardant phosphorous compounds useful for this invention include polyphosphonates (see W. R. Sorenson and T. W. Campbell, Preparative Methods of Polymer Chemistry, 2nd Edition, Wiley Interscience, New York, pages U.S.), organic phosphine oxide- Lewis acid complexes (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,350), pentaerythritol phosphites (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,412,051), cyclic phosphites and phosphates (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,293,327, 3,281,381 and 3,310,609), phosphine oxides in combination with polyamides (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,629,365), and polymers such as poly (2,2-bis-4-hydroxy-3,5- dichlorophenyl propane pentaerythritol diphosphite) (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,224).
While fibers prepared from ethylene-2,6- naphthalene dicarboxylate homopolymer resin are preferred for this invention, up to 25 mol of other ester units are randomly placed in the polyester chain with ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate units to obtain thermoplastic resins for fibers having improved or varied characteristics. The other ester units are usually derived from other diacids and diols and include, for example, terephthalic acid, bibenzoic acid, sulfoisophthalic acid, diphenoxyalkane dicarboxylic acids, malonic acid, glutaric acid, and the like; hydroxyalkoxybenzoic acids, adipic acid, and alkylene glycols having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, gem-dialkyl glycols, bis(hydroxymethyl)cyc1ohexane, diethylene glycol and the like. The diacids and/or diols can be halogenated to provide additional flame-retardant properties for the resin.
There are various known methods for the preparation of filament-forming polyester resins. Of these, the two most commonly employed are the so-called transesterification method and the direct esterification method. In the former, a lower alkanol diester is reacted with a diol and the product polycondensed while in the latter, the diacid is reacted directly with a diol and the product polycondensed. Any method for preparing high molecular weight poly (ethylene-2,6- naphthalene dicarboxylate) is suitable for this invention.
The polyester and copolyester resins used for this invention are those having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 0.2 and preferably 0.4 (determined in a 60 weight phenol and 40 weight tetrachloroethane solution) at 30C.
The polyester resin of the fiber blend of this invention can have incorporated therein various additives for improving the resin properties including, for example, heat and ultraviolet light stabilizers, antioxidants, antistatic agents, plasticizers, dyes, pigments and the like along with the flame-retardant.
The physical mixture of polyester resin and flameretardant material is conventionally prepared by mixing the resin, the halogen containing organic compound and, preferably, a metal oxide to obtain a substantially homogeneous product. The constituents can be premixed by tumbling, rolling or other mixing means and when fibers are produced by melt extrusion, a more homogeneous mass results during the processing. Alternatively, the halogen containing compound, metal oxide or both can be injected into the polyester melt prior to spinning into fibers.
Polyester fibers or filaments are usually formed by melt extrusion of the resin composition through a multihole spinneret in a conventional manner. The as-spun yarn is then conventionally oriented to produce textile yarn of the continuous filament or staple fiber type.
Flame-retardant cellulosic fibers preferably include cotton, rayon or cellulose acetate fibers which have been combined, impregnated or coated with flameretardant chemicals which provide substantially permanent flame-retardant properties therefor without degrading the physical properties of the fiber. That is, the cellulosic fibers or fabrics produced therefrom should be capable of withstanding periodic washing or cleaning with conventional dry cleaning solvents without losing much of their flame-retardant properties. Many flame-retardant treatments for cellulosic fibers are known and several have been found to produce substantially permanent fiame-retardancy. It is preferred,
in the case of artificially prepared cellulosic fibers such as rayon and cellulose acetate, that the flame-retardant chemical be incorporated into the cellulosic spinning solution thereby providing cellulosic fibers having the flame-retardant locked inthe cellulosic matrix. Examples of the preparation of these types of cellulosic fibers are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,816,004, 3,266,918, 3,321,330, 3,455,713, 3,645,936 and 3,704,144.
One preferred form of this invention involves the use of the flame-retardant regenerated cellulose filaments or fibers described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,455,713. These fibers have been found to have excellent physical properties and permanent flame-retardancy. In brief, they are regenerated cellulose filaments having dispersed therein a substantially water-insoluble, liquid phosphonitrilate polymer having the general formula wherein R and R are the same or different alkyl or alkenyl radicals having from one to six carbon atoms and n is an integer of at least three.
These filaments are preferably prepared by incorporating a flame-retarding amount of the phosphonitrilate polymer in filament-forming viscose, and spinning and regenerating filaments.
In another aspect of the invention, the flameretardant cellulosic fibers are cellulose acetate fibers prepared by incorporating compounds such as tris- (2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate or similar compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,330 into the acetate spinning dope and wet or dry spinning the fibers.
The blended or combined flame-retardant polyester and cellulosic fibers are used in various fiber and fabric constructions including, for example, spun staple yarns,
mixed or tangled continuous filament yarns, novelty yarns, knit, woven and non-woven fabrics.
The flame-retardant polyester fibers and cellulose fibers described herein can also be blended with or combined in a fabric with normally flame-retardant fibers including, for example, glass fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, asbestos fibers, metal fibers, modacrylic fibers such as available under the trademark Dynel and Vere], and aromatic ring polyamide fibers such as available under the trademark Nomex. The yarn or fabrics of this invention will generally contain from about to about 90, preferably about 20 to about 80 weight of the flame-retardant polyester fibers and about 90 to about 10, preferably about 80 to about 20 weight of the flame-retardant cellulosic fibers.
The following examples are set forth to demonstrate this invention.
EXAMPLE A resin composition or mixture A was prepared by dry mixing 139.2 grams of poly(ethylene-2,6- naphthalene dicarboxylate) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.42 with 9.0 grams of octabromobiphenyl (6.5% based on the weight of the polyester, 5.0% bromine based on the weight of the resin) and 1.8 grams of anti mony trioxide (20% based on the weight of the octabromobiphenyl). This mixture was charged to a 150 cc. vertical cone reactor equipped with a 10 hole spinneret at the bottom. The mixture was heated at 290295C. with stirring for minutes, pressurized under p.s.i. of nitrogen and spun into a yarn of 254 denier per 10 filaments. The yarn was drawn at a ratio of 5.0 to 1.0 with the input godet and the platens at 121C. and the output godet at ambient temperature. The yarn was designated yarn A.
This drawn yarn was plied with a flame-retardant regenerated cellulose yarn to provide a yarn blend of 50 parts by weight of polyester and 50 parts by weight of flame-retardant regenerated cellulose (rayon). A knitted fabric of this yarn blend was designated Fabric A.
In the same manner, a polyethylene terephthalate yarn containing the same amount of octabromobiphenyl and antimony trioxide was prepared as mixture B. This mixture was charged to the same 150 cc. vertical cone reactors-spinning unit. The mixture was heated at 280C. with stirring for 15 minutes, pressurized under nitrogen and spun into a yarn of 258 denier per 10 filaments. The yarn was drawn at a temperature of 121C. and at a ratio of 3.96 to 1.0. (70% of breakdraw ratio). This yarn was designated yarn B.
A yarn blend of this polyester yarn B was prepared in the same manner as above to provide a yarn of 50 parts by weight of polyester and 50 parts by weight of flame-retardant rayon. A knitted fabric of this yarn blend was designated Fabric B.
The flame-retardant regenerated cellulose yarn referred to above in both cases was prepared in accordance with the teaching of US. Pat. No. 3,455,713 to Godfrey and provided regenerated cellulose filaments having about 15% of liquid polymer of di-n-propyl phosphonitrilate dispersed therein.
The yarn blends were each knitted to a fabric of the same construction on a Lawson knitting machine.
The flammability of the test fabrics were quantitatively determined using the flammability testing apparatus as defined by the United States Department of Commerce Standard FF 3-71. In addition, the fabrics Table l Fabric Vertical Flammability LOI Test (3 second bone dry) A 3 samples, I sec. AF, 25.7
2.381" CL I sample, 84 sec. AF, 24.4
AF after flame, meaning material continued to burn after flame source was removed CL =char length. original sample is 10, thus a l0" CL would indicate complete charring of the test fabric The above results indicate Fabric A to be clearly superior in flame-retardancy when compared with Fiber B.
The fact that only one burning evaluation was performed on Fabric B is quite significant. This was due to the limited quantity of yarn B that could be processed. This shows that mixture A is clearly superior in processability to that of mixture B, in spite of the higher operating temperatures for the former.
In order to demonstrate the excellent physical properties of yarn of poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) resin containing the high amount of flameretardant additive as described above, as compared to polyethylene terephthalate yarn containing these same amounts of flame-retardant additives, the data in the following tables are set forth:
" Milliequivalcnts per kilogram The above data indicate that fiber produced from mixture A, containing poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate), exhibits unexpectedly superior chemical properties when compared with mixture B, containing poly(ethylene terephthalate), in the presence of the same additive compounds.
Table III Yarn Composition Initial Modules, ./d.
Tenacity,
Elongation, g./d. 7:
l) Polyethylene terephthalate (no additive) 2) Yarn B (Polyethylene terephthalate Octabromobiphenyl 2 .1)
Table llI-Contmued Yarn Tenacity, Elongation. initial Composition g./d. /1 Modules.
3) Poly(ethylene- 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) (no additive) 3.3 28.l 108.9 4) Yarn A [Poly (ethylene-2,6- dicarboxylate) Octabromobiphenyl Sb O,,] 5.67 24.5 158.2
In the above table, the resins of the same chemical identification were obtained from the same resin batch and had the same initial intrinsic viscosity.
The data from the above tables indicate that fabrics prepared from blended yarn of this invention will meet stringent flame-retardant standards and maintain good physical properties. Yarn blends containing fibers of polyethylene terephthalate resin physically mixed with amounts of flame-retardant chemicals sufficient to provide flame-retardant properties are physically weaker and as a result will not give the wear performance typical of a polyester fiber.
Various changes and modifications may be made in practicing the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and, therefore, the invention is not to be limited except as defined in the appended claims.
I claim:
1. Flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of a combination of (1) fibers of a physical mixture of a polyester resin of at least 75 mol ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate units and up to 25 mo] of other ester units and at least one organic bromine or chlorine containing compound having a total content of bromine, chlorine or mixture thereof of at least 40% based on the weight of the compound, the halogen compound being present in an amount sufficient to improve the flameretardant properties of the mixture and (2) flameretardant cellulosic fibers, the polyester fibers being present in an amount of from about to 90 weight and the cellulosic fibers being present in an amount of from about 90 to 10 weight 2. The flame-retardant yarn and fabrics of claim 1 wherein the organic bromine or chlorine compound is an aromatic compound having a total bromine or chlorine content of at least 60 %.based on the weight of the compound.
3. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 1 wherein the fibers of the polyester resin are present in an amount of from about 20 to about by weight and the cellulosic fibers are present in an amount of from about 80 to about 204% by weight.
4. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 1 wherein the organic bromine compound is selected from the group consisting of polybromodiphenyl ether and polybromodiphenyl.
5. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 1 wherein the physical mixture of polyester resin and halogen compound also includes a metal compound selected from the group consisting of antimony oxides, antimony salts of a-hydroxycarboxylic or a,B-dicarboxylic acid, zinc oxide and alumina and mixtures thereof in an amount sufficient to further improve the flameretardant property of the polyester fiber.
6. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 1 wherein the polyester resin is the homopolymer of ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate.
7. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 1 wherein the flame-retardant cellulosic fibers are cotton.
8. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 1.
wherein the flame-retardant cellulosic fibers are cellulose acetate.
9. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 1 wherein the flame-retardant cellulosic fibers are regenerated cellulose.
10. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 9 wherein the regenerated cellulose fibers have dispersed therein a flame-retardant amount of a water-insoluble, liquid phosphonitrilate polymer having the general formula wherein R and R are the same or different alkyl or alkenyl radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and n is an integer of at least 3. |
US-3874156-A | Process for simultaneously edge-crimping and false-twisting yarn and yarn produced thereby | United States Patent [1 1 Hamby Apr. 1,1975
[ PROCESS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY EDGE-CRIMPING AND FALSE-TWISTING YARN AND YARN PRODUCED THEREBY [75] Inventor: Charles H. Hamby, Greenville, S.C.
[73] Assignee: Deering Milliken Research Corp.,
Spartanburg, S.C.
22 Filed: July 2,1973
21 App1.No.:375,806
[52] US. Cl 57/140 R, 28/1.3, 28/7211, 57/34 HS, 57/157 TS, 57/157 MS [51] Int. Cl. D02g 1/02, DO2g 1/10, D02g 1/20 8 Field of Search 57/34 HS, 157 TS, 157 MS, 57/140 R, 140 BY; 28/13, 72.13, 72.11,1.5
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,919,534 l/1960 Bolinger ct a1. 57/34 HS 2,987,869 6/1961 Klein 57/34 HS 3.078.542 2/1963 McFarrcn Ct :11 28/7211 3.154.835 1l/1964 Palm-a et a1. ..28/1.3 3,166,881 l/1965 Servagc 57/34 HS 3,178,795 4/1965 Warthen 28/1.3 X 3,360,838 l/l968 Comer et a1. 28/7213 3,423,924 l/1969 Comer et a1. 57/157 TS 3,460,336 8/1969 Collingwood et a1 28/7211 X 3,619,874 11/1971 Li et a1. 28/15 3,626,682 12/1971 Spurgeon 57/157 TS X 3,751,894 8/1973 Ruddell 57/34 HS Primary Examiner-John Petrakes Attorney, Agent, or Firm-H. William Petry; L. J. Wilburn [57] ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for texturing yarn is provided which combines the processes of edge-crimping and false-twisting. A continuous filament thermoplastic yarn is subjected to heat after which the heated yarn is drawn over an edge-crimping member at an acute angle. Immediately following the edge-crimping operation, the yarn is false-twisted so that the twist runs back in the yarn to the edge of the edge-crimping member. The yarn is then cooled, untwisted, and collected in a yarn package.
8 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PROCESS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY EDGE-CRIMPING AND FALSE-TWISTING YARN AND YARN PRODUCED THEREBY BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Many thermoplastic yarns are textured to give them improved characteristics of stretch recovery and/or appearance in the final yarn product. The achieved characteristics may vary widely according to the desired end use of the yarns and therefore a great variety of texturing processes have been developed to produce diversified types of yarn.
Generally, the mechanical texturing processes for thermoplastic yarns include the steps of heating the yarn to a point where the molecules thereof will flow or become capable of reorientation. applying a stress to the heated yarn to cause a molecular reorientation and deformation therein, and then cooling the molecularly reoriented yarn to set the molecules in their reoriented state. It is this molecular reorientation which gives the yarn the varied degree of stretch and/or bulk for various desired end uses.
Two of the most prevalent types of texturing thermoplastic yarns are the processes of edge-crimping and false-twisting. The process of edge-crimping basically comprises heating a thermoplastic yarn and subjecting it to a stress which is uneven across the yarns crosssection, This is accomplished by drawing the heated yarn over a sharp edge under tension so that the yarn path to and from the edge forms an acute angle therebetween. After cooling, the deformation created by the sharp edge-bending of the yarn causes the yarn to form in continuous helices which reverse periodically along the length of the yarn. The resultant yarn product has good stretch characteristics and has a balanced, or zero. resultant torque. The balanced torque nature of edge-crimped yarn makes it particularly useful for manufacture of fine denier woven and knitted fabrics, such as womens hosiery, as well as in permitting the knitting or weaving of fabrics made from such yarns without having to balance the torque effect of the yarns therein. Related prior art edge-crimping processes are described in US. Pat. Nos. 2,919,534 and 3,154,835.
The false-twist process involves the continuous steps of twisting a thermoplastic yarn, heating the twisted yarn, cooling the twisted yarn to set the twist therein and then untwisting the yarn. Although there is no actual twist left in the yarn at the end of this process, it does tend to twist about its axis because of the deformation produced during the texturing process. This type of yarn has greater stretch and is generally of a higher bulk than the edge-crimped yarn. It is not a balanced yarn in that it will have a resultant torque present in the textured state. In order to obtain a balanced fabric utilizing false-twist yarn, it is necessary that two strands of the yarn having opposite torque be knitted in alternate courses, or the yarns used as a single balanced plied yarn composed ofmultiple yarn ends of opposite twist. Related false-twisting processes are described in U.S, Pat. Nos. 2,987,869; 3,166,881; 3.435.603 and 3,626,682.
It has now been found that, as a result of combining the processes of edge-crimping and false-twisting in a single continuous operation, a yarn can be produced which has significantly improved stretch and modulus over conventional edge-crimped yarns. In addition, the new yarn so produced has an improved high level of crimp, or stretch, without the undesirable high torque levels heretofore present in conventional stretch falsetwist yarns. Thus, fabrics produced from such yarns are found to possess high stretch recovery with much improved snag resistance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Thermoplastic yarn is taken off a supply package and passed over a heater. The heated yarn is then drawn under tension and at an acute angle around an edgecrimping member. Immediately following the edgecrimping member a multiple number of turns of twist are inserted in the yarn and the twist allowed to run back to the edge of the crimping member. In this manner, the heated yarn is edge-crimped and false-twisted simultaneously, thereby producing a yarn having a high degree of stretch recovery and particularly suited for the production of light weight, fine denier fabrics, such as hosiery.
Any yarns which have thermoplastic characteristics and are capable of being texturized under application of heat and external stress to cause deformation or mo lecular reorientation may be employed in the present invention. Typical of such yarns which are well known to be textured in such a manner are nylon and polyester. The thermoplastic yarns are heated to a sufficient temperature to permit the molecules thereof to flow" or reorient themselves when subjected to stressing forces; thus the particular temperatures employed may vary, depending on the chemical and physical nature of the particular yarns being texturized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The instant invention is more fully described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawing:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the yarn path and simultaneous treatment of two yarn strands in the texturing apparatus of the present invention; and
FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing a portion of the yarn path of a single yarn strand being processed in accordance with the present invention as it would be seen at the false-twist position 12 in the path of FIG. 1, as the yarn is wrapped about itself to provide a false-twist to the yarn.
THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The apparatus of this invention is arranged as follows. A strand of thermoplastic yarn l is drawn from a supply package 2 by a driven delivery roll 6 about which it is wrapped. Roll 6 is driven by suitable means, not shown. Guides 3, tension gates 4 and a guide 5 provide the necessary direction and tension between supply package 2 and the delivery roll 6. For economy, and to minimize variations in treating conditions as will be explained hereinafter, a second yarn strand 1a from package 2a is shown and, as will be described, is simultaneously processed with yarn strand 1 in the apparatus of the drawings; however, it should be understood that only a single yarn strand could be processed in accordance with and on the apparatus of the present invention, if desired.
Yarns 1 and 1a are passed over a heater 8 where they are heated to a temperature sufficient to allow molecular reorientation to occur. The heated yarns are then drawn under tension at an acute angle about an edgecrimping member or blade 9 located adjacent the heater.
After leaving the crimping blade 9, the yarns are passed, as shown by arrow 13, through respective guide 10 and 10a, and then through suitable guides, such as rollers 11 and as indicated by arrow 14. Rollers l1 and 15 are positioned so that the yarns wrap about each other to form twisting points 12 and 12a. As can be seen, the yarn directions 14 downstream of twist points 12, 12a are substantially perpendicular to yarn directions 13 upstream of the twisting points. As the two yarns pass through twisting points 12, 12a they are wrapped one turn about each other, so that as the strands longitudinally move through the wrapping points in directions 14, they effectively rotate their yarn sections moving in directions 13 to impart twist to the yarn sections upstream of the twist points 12, 12a.
If desired, and as shown in FIG. 2, a single yarn may be processed in accordance with the invention. In such case, the single yarn strand 1c crosses its own path at point 12 and is wrapped about itself one complete turn so that, as yarn 10 moves through point 12, it effectively twists its own yarn section upstream of twist point 12. This twist travels back along the yarns to the edge of crimping blade 9. Thus, the molecular reorientation and the deformation occurring in the heated yarns adjacent the crimping blade is produced by a unique combination of false-twisting and edge-crimping forces acting on the yarns.
The yarns are then drawn under the influence of driven output roll 18 through guides 16 and 17, and are subsequently passed over an oil roll 19 through guides 20, 20a to be taken up by ring twisters on packages 21, Zlu.
When utilizing a yarn-over-yarn, false-twist procedure wherein a running yarn is wrapped about itself to impart the twist to the yarn, it has been found highly desirable to utilize two yarns, as described herein, to minimize variations or fluctuations which occur in both single yarns along their running length, and to minimize tension variations which occur between different yarn ends in a multiple yarn process.
Specific Example Utilizing the apparatus and yarn path arrangement shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, a pair of 18 denier 3 filament nylon 66 yarn strands having a producers twist of approximately A TPI in Z direction are drawn from supply packages through the appropriate guides and tensioning devices by driven feed roll 6. The yarn strands are passed about rotatably driven heater roll 8 which is maintained at a temperature of approximately 400F. The yarns contact the surface of the heater roll for a distance of approximately 2 /2 inches and then are passed in an acute angle of approximately 15 about stainless steel chrome-coated blade 9.
The yarns leaving the blade are guided by elements 10, 10a, 11, and 15 to cause the paths 13, 14 of the yarns to be at substantially right angles to each other. The yarns are wrapped a single turn of approximately 360 each about the other at 12, 12a to produce an S direction twist in each yarn which passes back along the yarns to the edge of the blade 9. The two yarns are thus subjected to a substantially simultaneous edgecrimping and false-twisting effect. The thus textured yarns are fed by driven delivery roll 18 over oiling roll 19 to be collected on ring twister take-up packages 21 with an inserted true twist of 1.7 TPI in S direction. The
amount of shrinkage and/or contraction in the yarns is determined by the ratio of the surface speeds of the driven rolls 6, 18. In the present case the yarns are overfed 7.4% through the texturing apparatus to permit shrinkage.
The collected texturized yarns, when knitted with similarly texturized yarns in alternating S and Z arrangement, produce knitted fabrics having significant improved stretch over conventional edge-crimped yarns and without the undesirable high torque levels found in false-twisted yarns.
The twist applied to the yarns at the crimping blade caused by wrapping the yarns about themselves at twisting points 12, 12a is believed to cause the yarns to be drawn from the crimping edge 9 continually in the same helical coil direction instead of with the periodic reversal of coil direction that occurs in a conventional edge-crimping operation. This results in an unbalanced, high-crimp yarn possessing lower torque than that found in yarns of equivalent crimp produced by a conventional false-twist operation. Since the yarn immediately leaving edge 9 is still in the heated state, the false twist imparted to the yarn reinforces the crimp imparted by the edge-crimping blade, thereby providing a double texturing process.
In cases where the untextured raw yarn received from the supplier contains a small amount of true twist, or producers twist," it has been found that such producers twist can have a significant effect on the quality of the textured yarn product. It has been found quite important in obtaining highest crimp level in the textured yarn product to ascertain the direction of the producers twist and to then apply twist at the crimping edge in a direction which is opposite thereto.
Although the molecular orientation and resultant properties of the yarn produced by the present dual texturing processes are difficult to precisely define, it has been found essential that the two texturing steps be done in tandem, i.e., edge-crimping followed by falsetwisting wherein the twist in the yarn flows back to the edge-crimping member, in order to produce the unique yarn product desired. If the texturing operation is done in a different sequence or in separate stages, for example, false-twisting followed by edge-crimping, or edgecrimping the yarn and subsequently taking the edgecrimped yarn and false-twisting it, the characteristics of the yarn so produced are not only quite different but the yarn can generally be classified as noncommercial because of the unsatisfactory crimp levels, uniformity, or other properties. Thus, the tandem dual texturing steps of the present invention are believed to produce additive crimp factors not available heretofore in textured yarn products.
Although the present invention has been specifically described herein in relation to the passage of yarn over an edge-crimping blade, followed by false-twisting by a yarn over yarn" twisting arrangement, it is obvious that other apparatus may be employed to provide the dual edge-crimping/false-twist texturing effect than those disclosed.
For example, other means, such as wires, rods or the like, may be employed as the crimping edge, provided they permit the passage of the yarn thereabout under tension and at an acute angle. Similarly, other falsetwisting means, such as the conventional rotating cross pin spindles, friction spindles, or the like, may be em- 3 ployed to impart false twist to the yarn on the downstream side of the crimping edge.
That which is claimed is:
l. A method for texturing a thermoplastic yarn to produce a textured torque yarn product consisting essentially of the steps of a. heating a strand of the thermoplastic yarn;
b. passing the heated yarn in an acute angle and under tension about a single sharp edge;
e. inserting multiple turns of twist in the moving yarn downstream of the edge to a degree such that the twist applied to the yarn backs up in the yarn strand to the sharp edge;
(1. allowing the yarn to cool;
e. removing the inserted twist from the yarn; and
f. thereafter collecting the textured torque yarn prod uct.
2. A textured yarn which is produced according to the process described in claim 1.
3. A method for texturing yarn as defined in claim 1 wherein raw yarn having a true twist in a specific direction is utilized and wherein the yarn is twisted in twisting step (c) in a direction which is opposite to the direction of the true twist of the raw yarn.
4. A method for texturing yarn as defined in claim 1 wherein twist is inserted in the yarn by passing the yarn at least one complete turn about itself.
5. A method for texturing yarn comprising the steps of:
a. heating yarn;
b. passing the heated yarn in an acute angle and under tension about a sharp edge;
c. passing the yarn at least one complete turn about itself with the directions of movement of the yarn as it passes about itself being substantially perpendicular to insert multiple turns of twist in the moving yarn downstream of the edge to a degree such that the twist applied to the yarn backs up in the yarn to the sharp edge;
d. allowing the yarn to cool;
e. removing the inserted twist from the yarn; and
f. collecting the textured yarn.
6. A method for texturing first and second strands of yarn comprising the steps of a. heating the yarn strands;
b. passing the heated yarn strands in side-by-side relation in an acute angle and under tension about a sharp edge;
e. passing the moving first strand one complete turn about the second strand and passing the moving second strand one complete turn about the first strand to insert multiple turns of twist in the moving yarns downstream of the edge to a degree such that the twists applied to the yarns backs up in the yarn strands to the sharp edge;
(1. allowing the yarn to cool;
e. removing the inserted twist from the yarn strands;
and
f. collecting the textured yarn strands.
7. A method for texturing yarn as defined in claim 6 wherein the directions of movement of the strands of yarn as they pass over each other are substantially perpendicular.
8. A method for texturing yarn as defined in claim 6 wherein yarns having true twist therein are employed in the texturing method and the twist inserted in the twisting step is in an opposite direction to the true twist |
US-3874157-A | Flame-retardant fiber blend | United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,874,157 Knopka Apr. 1, 1975 [5 FLAME-RETARDANT FIBER BLEND 3,265,762 8/1966 Quisenberry 260/860 1 1 5222522 11/122: 2111116. 3,558,557 1/1971 Hrach et al. 260/47 0 1 3,572,397 3/l97l 57/140 BY [73] Ass1gnee. FMC Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa. 3,732,683 5,1973 SW40 R [22] Filed: Aug. 3, 1973 3,744,534 7/1973 Henry et al 57/140 BY 3,763,644 10/1973 Jackson et a1. 260/75 R 1 PP 385,573 3.775,374 11/1973 Wolfe 260/75 H Related U.S. Application Daa 3,794,617 2/1974 M81115 6! iii]. 260/47 C [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 328,043, Jan. 30,
1973, and a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 328,044. Primary Examiner-John Petrakes Jan. 30, I973.
52 us. c1 57/140 BY, 260/9, 260/47 R, [57] ABSTRACT 260/75 260/75 260/860 Flameq'etardant yarns and fabrics of a combination of [51] Int. Cl D02g 3/04 1 fibers of a polyester resin of at least 75 m0] [58] held of Search 57/140 140 140 cent of ethylene-2, -naphthalene dicarboxylate units 57/157, 157 R; 260/9, 16, 45.75 R, 45.9 nd at least 3 up to 25 mol percent of randomly co- 260/47 R, 47 C, 49, 75 R, 75 H, 75 S, 860 polymerized ester units having bromine or chlorine chemically united with the diol residue of said ester [56] References C'ted units and (2) flame-retardant cellulosic fibers.
UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,1 l0,547 ll/l963 Emmett 260/75 H 11 Claims, No Drawings FLAME-RETARDANT FIBER BLEND This application is a continuation-in-part of copending applications Ser. Nos. 328,043 and 328,044, both filed Jan. 30, 1973.
It is known that polyester resins have a high carbon content and are quite flammable. They can be rendered flame-retardant by incorporating inorganic and organic materials therein, especially those containing bromine, chlorine, phosphorous, antimony, zinc and alumina. The main drawback of these systems is the adverse effects they have on fibers produced therefrom, since appreciable quantities of flame-retardant agents are required to promote the required level for flameretardance. As a result, these materials can render the fiber brittle or, in other ways, affect the usually outstanding physical properties of the polyester. Another disadvantage to the additive approach is the fact that such additives can be easily leached out or removed during normal laundering and dry cleaning, causing an adverse effect on the flame-retardancy of the fabric.
An alternate method to improve the flameretardancy of a polyester resin is the incorporation of a comonomer which contains one or more of the elements that are known to impart flame-retardancy. The major disadvantage of this approach is that the molar concentration of the comonomer, which is required to achieve the desired level of flame-retardance, is generally so high that the resultant resin manifests physical properties not usually associated with polyester. For example, a large proportion of comonomers would lower the melting point and, as a result, limit the utility of the polyester. Likewise, certain comonomers lower the crystallinity of the polymer, producing amorphous polymers which are incapable of producing commercially suitable textile fibers. lfa flame-retardant copoly ester could be produced'with good physical and thermal properties, it would receive widespread acceptance for the manufacture of shaped articles.
The need for a polyester fiber which has good physical properties and high flame-retardancy is most critical for yarn and fabric blends of polyester fibers and cellulosic fibers. Polyester fibers are thermoplastic and when exposed to a flame, burn and melt away from the flame, thus extinguishing themselves. If polyester fibers are blended with flammable cellulosic fibers and exposed to a flame, the polyester is more likely to continue burning even when melting since the burning cellulose fiber continuously ignites it. If polyester fibers are blended with flame-retardant cellulosic fibers and the blend ignited, the flame-retardant cellulosic fibers burn only in the area of flame contact. However, the flame-retardant cellulosic fiber acts as a scaffold or support and prevents the polyester fiber from dripping away from the flame and the polyester continues to burn.
It is a primary object of this invention to provide a flame-retardant polyester resin suitable for the formation of fibers which will meet more stringent flameretardant test requirements while maintaining good fiber physical properties.
It is another object of this invention to provide a flame-retardant fiber blend of a flame-retardant polyester fiber and a flame-retardant cellulose fiber which fiber blend has good physical properties.
It is still another object of this invention to provide fabrics having good permanent flame-retardancy and good physical properties which fabrics are prepared from polyester fibers and cellulosic fibers.
These and other objects are accomplished in accordance with this invention which comprises a linear, filament-forming random copolyester resin of at least mol percent of ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate units and at least 3 mol percent up to 25 mol percent of a copolymerized ester unit having bromine or chlorine chemically united with the diol residue of said ester units in an amount sufficient to provide at least 3.5 percent of the halogen, based on the weight of the copolyester resin.
The ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate unit of this invention has the following structural formula:
0 0 OCH CH 0- i 2 The halogenated ester unit for this invention has the following general formula:
where G is the residue of a saturated diol or functional equivalent thereof, A is the residue of a saturated dicarboxylic acid or functional equivalent thereof and G is substituted with one or more halogen atoms including either bromine, chlorine or both. The functional equivalents of the diol include, for example, epoxides or lower acid esters, e.g., acetic acid esters, and the functional equivalents of the dicarboxylic acid include, for example, carbonyl halides, anhydrides, salts and esters of lower alcohols. These functional equivalents for diols and dicarboxylic acids and their reactivity in forming ester units, as generally described above, are well-known and need not be described in further detail.
At least G is a polyvalent organic radical depending principally on the number of halogen atoms attached thereto. These radicals are preferably hydrocarbon and more preferably aromatic hydrocarbon radicals but generally include aliphatic, substituted aliphatic, cycloaliphatic including heterocyclic radicals, aromatic and substituted aromatic radicals. These radicals may have various atomsmther than carbon, as an integral link in the radical chain or as substituents including, for example, chalcogens, nitrogen and phosphorus. In addition, various substituent and linking groups may be present in the organic radical including, for example, sulfonic acid groups, sulfinic acid groups, phosphonic acid groups, phosphinic acid groups, salts of these acid groups, imide groups, amide groups, amine groups and the like. In a preferred aspect of this invention the diol portion of the halogenated ester unit is derived from a diol having the following general formula:
X r Ho-oHzoH20-@- .@-o orrzomon wherein X is bromine or chlorine, Q is SO O,
or a
wherein R and R are the same or different radicals including hydrogen, and alkyl radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an aromatic radical, and n is zero or one; and the dicarboxylic acid portion contains a phenylene or naphthalene base radical.
Examples of compounds which may be used to provide the diol portion of the halogenated ester units are set forth below: 2,2-dimethyll ,3-propandiol 2,2,3 ,3-tetramethyll ,4-butandiol 2-butenl ,4-diol 2-hexenl ,6-diol 3-octen-l ,8-diol 2,2,5 ,5-tetramethyl-3-hexenel ,6-diol diethylene glycol triethylene glycol tetraethylene glycol dipropylene glycol 4,4'-dihydroxy-dibutyl ether 2,2-sulfonyl diethanol 4,4-su'lfonyl dibutanol 3,3'-[sulfonyl bis-(3-propyl sulfonyl)]dipropanol 4,4'-[ 1,4-butylene disulfonyl bis-(4-butyl sulfonyl)]- dibutanol 6,6-( 1,6-hexylene disulfonyl)dihexanol sulfonyl bis-[3-(2,2-dimethyl)propanol] hydroquinone p-xylylene glycol 3,6-bis-(hydroxymethyl)durene 4,4'-bis(hydroxymethyl)biphenyl 2,6-bis-(hydroxyme'thyl)naphthalene l,5-bis(y-hydroxypropyl )naphthalene l,4-bis-(B-hydroxyethyl )benzene 2,2-(p-phenylenedioxy)diethanol 3,3-(p-phenylenedioxy)dipropanol 3,3'-(p-xylylenedioxy)dipropanol 4,4'-(p-phenylenedisulfonyl)dibutanol 1,5-naphthalene disulfonyl)dimethanol 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol l,4-cyclohexane-B,B'-diethanol l,4-cyclohexane-86-dibutanol 1,4-cyclohexanedioxy-B, B'-diethanol l,4-cyclohexane disulfonyl-B,Bdiethanol B, B,B'B'-tetramethyl-2,4,8,l0-tetraoxaspiro-(5.5)- undecane-3, 9-diethanol bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane l,l-bis-( p-hydroxyphenyl )ethane 2,2-bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)propane l,l-bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)phenylmethane bis-(o-carboxyphenyl )-l ,2-dioxyethane bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone l,4-bis-( B-hydroxyethoxy)-2,5-ditertiary-butyl zene The diol compounds may also be used in the form of functional equivalents of diols, as previously stated, and are halogenated with bromine or chlorine to provide the halogenated portion of the ester units. Where compounds having olefin unsaturation are mentioned, such as 2-buten-l,4-diol, halogenation provides saturated compounds.
ben-
Some preferred examples of halogenated diols or functional equivalents include:
2,2-bis [4-(B-hydroxyethoxy)-3,5- dichlorophenyHpropane 2,2-bis [4-(B-hydroxyethoxy)-3 ,5- dichlorophenyl1butane 3 ,3-bis [4-(B-hydroxyethoxy)-3 ,5- dibromophenyl1pentane 5 ,S-bis [4-(B-hydroxyethoxy)-3 ,5-
wherein X is bromine or chlorine and w is l-4; Q is a divalent saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a divalent saturated cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radical of 5 to 7 carbon atoms, O-, -CO, S-, S-S or SO m is zero or one and R is O C-Rg wherein R is an alkyl or aromatic group, or -O(Cl-I CH O-)- l-l wherein b is l, 2, 3 or 4.
wherein R is OCH Cl-l OH or wherein R is a lower alkyl radical, c is l or 2, preferably 2, X is bromine or chlorine and d is 1-4, preferably 2 or 4.
wherein X is bromine or chlorine and R is -H, -(CH CH O-)- H wherein e is l or 2 or wherein R is a lower alkyl radical and Q is SO wherein R is H, -(-CH CH O-),H wherein f is l or 2, or
wherein R is a lower alkyl radical, and X is bromine or chlorine.
XHz C CHzX & ii HO CHZ- 0 CH2- CH2OH XHz zX wherein X is bromine or chlorine.
The use of trifunctional or higher polyfunctional hydroxy compounds such as glycerine, pentaerythritol and trimethylol propane as ester components must be avoided or limited to very small amounts to prevent or minimize cross-linking of the polymer chains.
Examples of compounds which may be used to provide the dicarboxylic acid portion of the halogenated ester units are set forth below: oxalic acid adipic acid pimelic acid suberic acid azelaic acid sebacic acid succinic acid malonic acid brassylic acid glutaric acid 2,3-dimethyl glutaric acid methyl succinic acid methyl malonic acid p-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid p-l,4-endomethylene cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid terephthalic acid isophthalic acid orthophthalic acid 2-methyl terephthalic acid 4,4-methylene dibenzoic acid 4,4-benzophenone dicarboxylic acid 4,4-diphenic acid 4,4-dicarboxy diphenyl ether 1,2-di(p-carboxyphenyl)-ethane 1,2-di(p-carboxyphenoxy)-ethane 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid 2,7-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid 2,5-norcamphane dicarboxylic acid 2,7-spiro(4.4)nonane dicarboxylic acid 2,6-spiro(3.3)heptane dicarboxylic acid 2,4,8,l0-tetraoxaspiro(5.5)undecane dicarboxylic acid p,p-sulfonyl dibenzoic acid p-carboxycarbanilic acid bis-(p-carboxyphenyl)phosphinic acid salt These dicarboxylic acid compounds may be used as their functional equivalents, as previously mentioned. The dicarboxylic acids may be reacted directly with the diols to form the ester unit or low polymer thereof or the dicarboxylic acid may be used in the form of its lower dialkyl ester and reacted with the diol to provide the halogenated ester by :means of an esterinterchange, as is well-known in this art.
In addition to the diacid and diol compounds which are used to form the halogenated ester units, monofunctional organic acids and alcohols may be used as end groups for the copolyester chains. The monofunc tional halogenated alcohols are generally used in combination with difunctional halogenated comonomers in order to obtain the desired halogen content in the copolyester resin.
Still further, difunctional compounds which contain both a single carboxyl group and a single hydroxyl group may be employed as ester linking compounds. Examples of this type of compound are illustrated in the following general formula:
wherein R is -H,
0 Jim wherein R is a lower alkyl radical, or CH CH OH, R is --H or lower alkyl radical.
The halogenated ester unit of this invention is randomly situated in the copolyester molecule chain. For the purpose of this invention, the term random includes those copolyesters which have small blocks of halogenated ester units randomly positioned in the chain. Thus, up -to about 5 halogenated ester units of the same or similar structure can be linked together and positioned in the high molecule chain. As previously stated, the halogenated copolyester of this invention contains bromine or chlorine chemically united therewith in an amount sufficient to provide at least 3.5 percent of the halogen, based on the weight of the copolyester. Preferably, there is at least 5 percent of the stated halogen present. The amount of halogen which can be present depends on the number of halogen atoms attached to the halogenated ester unit and the number of ester units up to 25 mol percent, in the copolyester chain. The percent of halogen present will also relate to the molecular weight of the halogenated ester unit.
The copolyester resin can contain up to 10 mol percent of other interpolymerized, non-halogenated, ester units as is well-known in this art to vary the properties of the resin as desired without deleteriously affecting the flame-retardant properties of the resin. It should be understood that, in any case, the amount of ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate units should not be less than mol percent of the copolyester. Other ester units, which may be interpolymerized constituents of the copolyester chain in an amount up to 10 mol percent are well-known in the art and are usually derived from other diacids and diols such as previously described. Some specific examples of these nonhalogenated diacids and diols include terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, bibenzoic acid, sodium sulfoisophthalic acid, sodium sulfoalkoxyisophthalic acid, diphenyl sulphone dicarboxylic acid, malonic acid, glutaric acid and the like; alkylene glycols having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, gem-dialkyl glycols, bis(hydroxymethyl) cyclohexane, diethylene glycol and the like.
The copolyester resins of this invention are conventionally prepared by reacting the major diacid and diol components with a halogenated diol to obtain a high molecular weight polycondensation product. The transesterification method is a preferred technique for obtaining the copolyesters. This employs the lower alkyl diesters of the diacids with one or more diols in an ester interchange reaction. The glycol diester or low molecular weight polymer thereof is then polycondensed to a filament-forming copolyester resin.Transesterification and/or polycondensation catalysts along with elevated temperature and varied pressure conditions are employed, as is well-known in this art. In the direct method for preparing copolyester resins, the diacid and diol components are reacted directly in the first stage and thereafter the product is polycondensed to provide the high molecular weight resin. Suitable catalysts along with elevated temperature and varied pressure are employed, as is well-known in the art.
As an alternative procedure, a functional halogenated diol can be reacted (polycondensed) 'witha low molecular weight polymer or prepolymer of ethylene- 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate prior to completion of the polyester synthesis to provide the filament-forming resin.
The copolyester resins of this invention are those having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.15 and preferably at least about 0.35 as determined in a 60 weight percent phenol and 40 weight percent tetrachloroethane solution at 30C.
The copolyester resin described herein can have various additives incorporated therein to improve the resin properties. For example, heat, oxidation and ultraviolet light stabilizers, antistatic agents, plasticizers, dyes, pigments and the like can be employed.
Additionally, a metal compound from the group consisting of antimony oxides, e.g., antimony trioxide; antimony salts of a-hydroxycarboxylic or a, B-dicarboxylic acid (see Ger.Off. 2121186), zinc oxide, alumina and mixtures thereof can be mixed into the copolyester resin to provide additional improvement in flameretardant properties. The metal compound is present in an amount such that the metal is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 5 percent, based on the weight of the resin.
While the resin of this invention can be formed into various shaped articles including filaments, bands, sheets and molded articles, it is especially useful when formed into textile fibers and yarns. These fibers are used, for example, to prepare flame-retardant clothing, carpets and draperies.
Fibers or filaments are usually formed by melt extrusion of the resin composition through a multihole spinneret in a conventional manner. The as-spun yarn is then conventionally oriented to produce textile yarn of the continuous filament or staple fiber type.
This invention comprises a mixture of fibers of the flame-retardant copolyester resin described herein and flame-retardant cellulosic fibers, especially those having permanent flame-retardant properties. Mixtures or blends of these flame-retardant copolyester fibers and flame-retardant cellulosic fibers provide textile fabrics having the highly desirable wear characteristics of polyester textiles with the highly desirable comfort characteristics of cellulosic material.
Flame-retardant cellulosic fibers preferably include cotton, rayon or cellulose acetate fibers which have been combined, impregnated or coated with flameretardant chemicals which provide substantially permanent flame-retardant properties therefor without degrading the physical properties of the fiber. That is, the cellulosic fibers or fabrics produced therefrom should be capable of withstanding periodic washing or cleaning with conventional dry cleaning solvents without losing much of their flame-retardant properties. Many flame-retardant treatments for cellulosic fibers are known and several have been found to produce substantially permanent flame-retardancy. It is preferred, in the case of artificially prepared cellulosic fibers such as rayon and cellulose acetate, that the flame-retardant chemical be incorporated into the cellulosic spinning solution thereby providing cellulosic fibers having the -flame-retardant locked in the cellulosic matrix. Ex-
amples of the preparation of these types of cellulosic fibers are found in US. Pat. Nos. 2,816,004, 3,266,918, 3,321,330, 3,455,713, 3,556,825, 3,645,936 and 3,704,144.
One preferred form of this invention involves the use of the flame-retardant regenerated cellulose filaments or fibers described in US. Pat. No. 3,455,713. These fibers have been found to have excellent physical properties and permanent flame-retardancy. In brief, they are regenerated cellulose filaments having dispersed therein a substantially water-insoluble, liquid phosphonitrilate polymer having the general formula:
wherein R and R are the same or different alkyl or alkenyl radicals having from one to six carbon atoms and n is an integer of at least three.
These filaments are preferably prepared by incorporating a flame-retarding amount of the phosphonitrilate polymer in filament-forming viscose, and spinning and regenerating filaments.
In another aspect of the invention, the flameretardant cellulosic fibers are cellulose acetate fibers prepared by incorporating flame-retardant amounts of compounds such as tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl) phos phate or similar compounds as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,321,330 into the acetate spinning dope and wet or dry spinning the fibers. Preferably, such compounds are used in amounts ranging from about 2 to about 15 percent, based on the weight of the cellulose acetate.
In general, fiber blends of this invention will contain from about 10 to 90, preferably 20 to weight percent copolyester fibers and 90 to 10, preferably 80 to 20 weight percent of cellulosic fibers.
The blended or combined flame-retardant copolyester and cellulosic fibers are used in various fiber and fabric constructions including, for example, spun staple yarns, mixed or tangled continuous filament yarns, novelty yarns, knit, woven and non-woven fabrics.
The flame-retardant fibers described herein can also be blended with or combined in a fabric with normally flame-retardant fibers including, for example, glass fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, asbestos fibers, metal fibers, modacrylic fibers such as those having the trademark DYNEL and VEREL, and aromatic ring polyamide fibers such as that having the trademark NOMEX. Fiber and fabric blends can, of course, comprise more than one of the other known flame-retardant fibers with the flame-retardant fibers of this invention.
It is realized that blends of copolyester fibers and cellulosic fibers have been treated, usually in the form of a fabric, with flame-retardant chemicals to provide flame-retardant material. However, this approach does not usually provide fabrics which will retain their flame-retardant properties after many washings or dry cleaning treatments. Furthermore, such aftertreatments tend to stiffen the fabrics to an undesirable extent.
The following examples are set forth to demonstrate this invention.
EXAMPLE I Filament-forming random copolyester resins were prepared by first reacting varying amounts of 2,2-bis[4- (,B-hydroxy-ethoxy)-3,5-dibromophenyl] propane with dimethyl-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate and ethylene glycol under transesterifying conditions to form prepolymers. The prepolymers were polycondensed sufficiently to form resins. In one of the resin preparations, antimony trioxide was mixed into the melt before cool ing to further enhance the flame-retardant properties of the resin.
The copolyester resins were first evaluated for flameretardancy by grinding the resin sufficiently for the resulting particulate to pass through a 10 mesh screen and pressed into plaques 1/32 inch X /2 inch X 5 /2 inch. The plaques were prepared as follows: A chrome plated brass plate is placed in a Carver Press; a sheet of 6 /2 inch X 6 /2 inch Teflon coated aluminum foil is placed on the brass plate, followed by a 6 inch X 6 inch 1/32 inch spacer with inside dimensions of 5 /2 inch X 5 /2 inch. A 6 gram sample of the polymer to be evaluated is spread evenly inside the spacer. Next, a 5 A; inch X 5 /2 inch square of fiberglass fabric is placed on the resin powder. Another 6 grams of resin is spread on the top surface of the fiberglass, followed by another sheet of Teflon coated foil and a second chrome plated brass plate. The press platens (previously heated at 270C.) are slowly closed to the point where they just begin to touch the top chrome plate. After 3 minutes, the platens are tightly closed and the pressure raised to l0,000l2,000 p.s.i.g. After 1 minute, the pressure was released and the laminate quenched in a cold bath. The resultant plaques were cut into /2 inch X 5 /2 inch strips and evaluated in the Standard Method of Test for Flammability of Plastics using the Oxygen Index Method, ASTM-D-2863-70, commonly called the LOI test. The higher the LOI number, the better the flameretardant property of the resin.
Results of testing the various resins with this test procedure are reported in the following Table:
Percent bromine (from brominated comonomer) based on the weight of the I'CSln.
** Percent antimony (from antimony trioxide) based on the weight of the resin.
Plastic articles having an LOI number of at least 30 are generally regarded as highly flame-resistant and self-extinguishing. Sample No. l of TABLE I was a homopolymer of ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate units. It can be seen from the above table that the copolyester resins disclosed herein have excellent flameretardant properties. The increase in the LOI from Sample No. l to Sample No. 2 is unexpectably high. As the amount of the comonomer :is increased, the amount of bromine in the polymer also increases and provides an additional flame-retardancy. The addition of antimony to the copolyester resin provides even greater flame-retardancy as seen in Sample No. 5 of TABLE I.
EXAMPLE II Copolyester resins of terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol and 2,2-bis[4--(B-hydroxyethoxy)-3,5- dibromophenyUpropane, were prepared with varying amounts of the halogenated comonomer for flameretardant testing as described in EXAMPLE I. The results of these LOI tests and polymer properties are set forth in the following table:
TABLE .II
Sample No. Bromine, 7r LOI Sample No. 1 of TABLE II is a homopolymer of ethylene terephthalate units. It can be seen from the table that the LOI rating for the homopolymer is quite low. When a copolyester resin of ethylene terephthalate units and brominated comonomer units was tested, it also had a relatively low and only slightly improved LOI rating. Higher amounts of brominated comonomer continued to improve the LOI rating but still did not produce results comparable to those shown in TABLE I.
EXAMPLE III per denier; breaking elongation, 31.8 percent; and initial modulus of 63.4 grams per denier. The yarn resin had a glass transition temperature of l C., a melting point of 235C, an intrinsic viscosity of 0.38 and a free carboxyl content of 72 meq./kg. It can be seen from the example that fibers possessing excellent physical properties can be obtained from the copolyester resins of this invention.
EXAMPLE IV Twenty-four grams (8.6 mol percent) of 2,2-bis[4- (B-hydroxyethoxy)-3,5-dibromophenyl]propane, l 12 grams of bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate, 0.039 gram of antimony trioxide and 0.06 gram of triphenyl phosphite were successively charged into a vertical cone-shaped reactor. The mixture was heated from 220C. to 225C. in 60 minutes, while lowering the pressure to 10 mm. of Hg. The pressure was further lowered to 0.6 mm. over an additional minute period. After 2 hours, the polycondensation was finished. The resulting resin was spun into a 10 filament yarn through a spinneret affixed to the reactor bottom. The resulting yarn was drawn at a temperature of 150C. and at a 6.15:1 draw ratio, and then combined in a conventional manner with a permanent flameretardant rayon to provide a 50/50 blended yarn. The rayon was prepared in accordance with US Pat. No. 3,455,713 and contained about 15 percent by weight of a water-insoluble, liquid polymer of di-n-propyl phosphonitrilate. The resulting yarn was knit on a Lawson knitting machine into a sleeve weighing 5.69 oz. per square yard. The blended fabric was evaluated in a vertical flammability test as defined by the United States Department of Commerce FF 3-71 (37 FR. 146424), Standard for the Flammability of Childrens Sleepwear. The test results are shown in the following Table.
TABLE 11] Vertical Flammability Test (3 second bone dry) Burns (1) 1 sec. AF. 3.75" CL (2-5) NAF. 3.53" CL AF after flame. time indicates sample continued to burn after flame was removed.
CL char length. the original length oleuch sleeve was 10''.
NAF= no after flame. material failed to burn after the flame was removed.
An analysis of the polyester fiber of this example, before blending, revealed that it contained 10.6 percent bromine, had an intrinsic viscosity of 0.36 and a free carboxyl content of 25 meq./kg.
EXAMPLE V In a manner similar to that described in EXAMPLE 1V 2,2-bis[4-(B-hydroxyethoxy)-3,5- dibromophenyl]propane (6.9 mol percent) was reacted with previously prepared prepolymer made by condensing 2.1 mols of ethylene glycol with 1.0 mol of dimethyl terephthalate. The resultant mixture was polymerized and then spun into a 10 filament yarn. The yarn was drawn at a temperature of 121C. and at a 3.64:1 draw ratio and then combined in a conventional manner with the flame-retardant rayon described in EXAMPLE 1V to provide a 50/50 yarn blend. This yarn was knit on a Lawson knitter and weighed 7.00 oz. per square yard. The fabric blend was evaluated in the vertical flame test in the same manner as described in EX- AMPLE IV. The flame-retardant evaluation is shown in the following table.
TABLE IV Vertical Flammability Test (3 second bone dry) Burn (1) NAF 2.89" CL (2) NAF 3.19CL (3) NAF 2.81CL (4) NAF 3.19CL
NAF no after flame material failed to burn after the flame was removed. "CL char length; the original length of each sleeve was 10 An analysis of the polyester fiber of this Example, before blending, revealed that it contained 10.1 percent bromine, had an intrinsic viscosity of 0.47, a free carboxyl content of 15 meq./kg. and contained 0.25 percent diethylene glycol.
TABLE V summarizes the physical properties obtained from the polyester yarns prior to blending as prepared in EXAMPLES III-V. The yarns were processed in each case to obtain the best physical properties.
TABLE V Example Tenacity Elon ation PET control 3.42 39.2 pen-26 control 5.08 34.8 111 3.08 31.8 1V 4.03 23.0 V 1.28 21.2
PET Po1y( ethylene terephthalate) PEN-26 Poly(ethylene-2.6-naphthalene dicarboxylate dibromophenyl]propane although sufficient to impart.
flame-retardance will be physically weaker and the result will not be the outstanding wear performance typically associated with the non-flame-retardant yarn blend.
EXAMPLE v1 The diacetate of 3,3',5,5'-tetrabromo bis-phenol S having the following formula:
was prepared as follows:
(0.2 mol) 113.18 grams of tetrabromobisphenol S and 10 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid were added to 800 m1. of acetic anhydride. The reaction mixture was refluxed for two hours and filtered hot. The precip- TABLE VI Sample No. Br.'71' 51557. L01 1V Percent bromine from brominated comonomer based on the weight of the resin.
Percent antimony based on the weight of the resin.
Antimony source is an antimony oxide-silica gel complex containing 2571 Sb O commercially known as 58-25. offered by NL Industries.
Antimony oxide is 0 EXAMPLE Vll Bis-[4-(B-hydroxyethoxy)-3,5- dibromophenyl]sulfone was prepared as follows:
Sodium metal (9.2 g, 0.4 gatom) was reacted with 1 liter of absolute ethanol. After all the sodium metal had reacted, 113.18 g. (0.2 mol) tetrabromobisphenol S was added. The solid dissolved and then reprecipitated. The entire reaction mixture was stripped to dryness upon a rotary evaporator at water aspirator pressure. To the dried residue was added 644.08 g. (8.0 mol) 2- chloroethanol. The reaction mixture was stirred and heated for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was then filtered hot and the precipitate was dried in the oven. The filtrate was cooled and the precipitate which formed was filtered off and dried. A yield of 84.58 g. (77.2 percent) was obtained; m.p. l81195C. Two recrystallizations raised the m.p. to 228230C.
The copolyester of ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate and 8.2 mol percent of bis[4-(B- hydroxyethoxy)-3,5-dibromophenyl] sulfone was preparedand evaluated as a flame-retardant composition. The copolyester had an intrinsic viscosity of 0.31; melting point, 249C; contained 8.07 percent bromine and 0.71 percent antimony (Sb O was source). Its LOI was 43.0.
Other copolyester resins of at least 75 mol percent ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate units and either brominated or chlorinated ester units are prepared and tested in accordance with the procedures of the foregoing examples and are found to have unexpectedly high flame-retardant properties and, in the form of fibers and fabrics, have excellent physical properties. Brominated ester units'are preferred halogenated units because of their ability to provide higher flameretardancy at lower use levels.
Various changes and modifications may be made in practicing the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and, therefore, the invention is not to be limited except as defined in the appended claims.
I claim:. r
1. Flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of a combination of 1) fibers of a linear, random copolyester resin of at least mol percent of ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate units and at least 3 mol percent up to 25 mol percent of a copolymerized ester unit having bromine or chlorine chemically united with the diol residue of said ester units in an amount sufficient to provide at least 3.5 percent of the halogen, based on the weight of the copolyester resin and (2) flame-retardant cellulosic fibers, the copolyester fibers being present in an amount of from 10 to weight percent and the cellulosic fibers being present in an amount of 90 to 10 weight percent.
2. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 1 wherein the copolyester resin is represented by the general formula:
wherein R and R are the same or different radicals including hydrogen, an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an aromatic radical, and n is zero or one.
wherein X is bromine, Q is and n is one.
5. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 3 wherein X is bromine, Q is SO and n is one.
6. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 2 wherein G is represented by the formula:
7. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 1 wherein the flame-retardant cellulosic fibers are regenerated cellulose.
4. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 3 8. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 7 wherein the regenerated cellulose fibers contain a.
flame-retardant amount of a water-insoluble, liquid polymer of di-n-propyl phosphonitrilate.
9. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 1 wherein the flame-retardant cellulosic fibers are cellulose acetate fibers.
10. The flame-retardant yarns and fabrics of claim 9 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3 7 157 DATED April 1, 1975 INVENTOR(S) William Knopka It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
Column 3. line 50. "B, B,B'B' sBould read --B.B,BB'--'.
Column 12 line 31. TABLE V. "pen-26 control" should read --PEN 26 contro1--- Signed and Scaled this seventh Day of October l975 [SEAL] A ttest:
RUTH C. MASON I C. MARSHALL DANN' Arresting Officer Commissioner ofPatenrs and Trademarks |
US-3874158-A | Wire rope with plastic impregnated lubricated core | United States Patent 1 1 [111 3,874,158
Chiappetta et a1; Apr. 1, 1975 [541 WIRE ROPE WITH PLASTIC 3,195,299 7/1965 Dietz 57/149 IMPREGNATED LUBRICATED CORE 3,318,082 5/1967 Rlggs 57/149 3,705,489 12/1972 Smolhnger 57/149 1 Inventors: Ferdinand pp Fred ga 3,778,994 12/1973 Humphries 57/149 Dykeman, both of Kenosha, Wis. 3,800,522 4/1974 Hughes et a1. 57/149 [73] Assignee: Amsted Industries Incorporated,
Chlcago Primary E.raminerDona1d E. Watkins [22] Filed: Oct. 29, 1973 [21] App1.No.:410,812
{57] ABSTRACT [52] US. C1. 57/149, 57/153 [51] Int. Cl. D07b 1/06, D07b 1/16 A wire rope with a standard-size independent wire Field Of Search 57/139, 144, 145, 149, rope core and a standard outer diameter, the core 57/153, 162, 164 being filled with a heavy viscous lubricant and impregnated with a thermoplastic material to entrap the 1u- [56] References Cited bricant in the core.
UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.485.019 10/1949 Somcrville .1 57/153 3 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure 2 a K a i 9 O4 1 4 v A f" 17 17/7, 3t WAY/1" v; 4/ V g WIRE ROPE WITH PLASTIC IMPREGNATED LUBRICATED CORE This invention relates to wire rope and particularly to a wire rope having a plastic impregnated, lubricated, independent wire rope core.
There are many known types of plastic impregnated wire rope made for the purpose of improving fatigue life, reducing stresses, and inhibiting corrosion. In the case of ropes having strands surrounding a core, some benefit has been obtained by plastic impregnating or coating the outer strands. Even greater benefits have been achieved by first lubricating the rope and then coating the outer periphery to entrap the lubricant therein.
In attempts to achieve greater flexibility while simultaneously decreasing the quantity of plastic required, it has been suggested to apply a plastic coating to a lubricated independent wire rope core. The theory behind these attempts was that the plastic coating over the core would entrap the lubricant therein, thereby eliminating the difficult job of trying to relubricate the core during the service life of the rope. The outer strands, on the other hand, can be periodically relubricated by external means as the need arises. Such prior art attempts, however, have not been entirely satisfactory. For example, either the outer diameters of such ropes are greater than the outer diameters of the same classification of rope without the coated core, or the core is smaller than normal thereby decreasing the load carrying ability of such ropes. Still further, the outer diameter of such ropes tend to change during service.
It is a primary object of the present invention to produce a standard stock, heavily lubricated wire rope having an independent wire rope core which is impregnated with a load bearing thermoplastic such that the viscous lubricant of the core is entrapped therein, the rope having an outer diameter which is the same as that of a standard stock rope without any coating.
Another object is to provide a lubricated standard stock wire rope having a plastic impregnated independent wire rope core, the plastic outer diameter being substantially the same as the core diameter, and the strands of the core being equally spaced.
These and other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawing wherein:
The single FIGURE is a cross-sectional view ofa typical wire rope formed in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.
The present invention utilizes a conventional wire rope wherein individual wires 12 are wound into strands 14, and a plurality of strands are wound about a core 16 which is also preferably formed of a central strand l7 and a plurality of outer core strands 18 wound around strand 17. It should be understood that the central strand 17 of the core 16 may be formed of a fiber material such as hemp instead of metallic wires as indicated in the drawing. The particular rope shown in the drawing is given by way of example because the teaching of this invention may be applied to any of the various rope configurations utilizing an independent wire rope core.
During fabrication of the wire rope core 16, a heavy viscous lubricant 20 is pumped around each wire as it is formed into strands 17 and 18 and once again around each strand in forming the core. Conventional lubricants suitable for this purpose are, for example, petrolatum, which has a melting point of about F. and is applied cold, or an asphaltic based lubricant which has a melting point of about F. and is applied hot. The manner of fabricating such a lubricated wire rope is, of course, conventional and well known in the wire rope making art.
A flexible thermoplastic 22 is preferably extruded, under a pressure in the range of about 2000 to 4000 PSI and while holding the strands 18 spaced from each other, into the interstices between the strands 16 of the rope core, but not extending outwardly beyond the outer diametrical limits of the core 16 as indicated at 26. The thermoplastic can be any of those capable of being extruded such as polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, nylon or tetrafluoroethylene. The outer strands 14 are then wound around the core in a conventional manner. It should be noted that dimensions of the individual strands, the core, and the finished wire rope are the same as the corresponding dimensions of a standard rope without any coating.
impregnation of the lubricated independent wire rope core with plastic as described above prevents entrance of foreign abrasive particles into the core while sealing lubricant therein, thereby increasing the rope service life. Another advantage is a reduction in wire notching effect and internal friction because the loads placed on the core strands are shared substantially equally by the spaced internal wires. Furthermore, a lubricated wire rope having a core impregnated with plastic, will have extremely good resistance to fatigue and an increased ultimate breaking strength because of a reduction in internal wire contact, all while maintaining flexibility.
I claim:
1. A wire rope comprising: a lubricated core including a central strand and a plurality of outer core strands wound therearound; a flexible thermoplastic material filling the spaces between the outer core strands to retain the lubricant in the core, the thermoplastic material extending outwardly only to the outer diametrical limits of the core; and a plurality of strands wound around the core.
2. A wire rope according to claim 1, wherein the outer core strands are substantially equally spaced.
3. A wire rope comprising: an independent wire rope core including a central strand and a plurality of outer core strands wound therearound and substantially equally spaced from each other; a heavy, viscous lubricant filling the interstices between the central strand and the outer core strands; a flexible, thermoplastic material filling the spaces between the outer core strands to hold the lubricant in the interstices, the thermoplastic material extending radially outward only to the outer periphery of the core; and a plurality of strands wound around the core. |
US-3874159-A | Yarn process | United States Patent MacFarlane *Apr. 1, 1975 YARN PROCESS [56] References Cited [75] Inventor: Iain Mackay MacFarlane, Shelby, UNITED S TES ENTS 3,022,565 2/1962 Fitzgerald 57/157 5 4 3,404,525 10/1968 Tompkins 57/157 TS [731 Asslgnee' a lndustr'es Chdrlmte 3,435,603 l/1969 Rice 57/34 HS 3,708,970 l/l973 MacFarlane. 57/140 R =l 1 Notice; The portion of the term of this 3,733,801 5/1973 Jones 57/157 TS patent subsequent to Jan. 9, 1990. has been disclaimed. Primary E.\'ammer-.lohn Petrakes 1 Flledi p 1972 Attorney, Agent, or FirmHerlbert M. Adrian, Jr. 21] Appl. No.1 290,675
Related US. Application Data 57 ABSTRACT [63] 32 110985 Textile denier, multifilament, false twist crimped, heat set stabilized synthetic yarn and a simultaneous draw- 52 0.5. CI. 57/157 TS 57/157 3 texturing Pmcess for Pmdw [51] Int. Cl. D02g 1/02 [58] Field of Search 57/34 HS, 34 R, 157 TS, 6 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure YARN PROCESS This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 110,985 filed Jan. 29, 1971, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,708,970.
The present invention relates to a process to produce draw-textured, and stabilized synthetic multifilament yarns, particularly polyester and nylon yarns. The preferred polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.
Undrawn yarn of textile denier can be fed into a false twist zone consisting sequentially of a heater, a false twister and a draw roll, the latter operating at a speed sufficient to draw the yarn at the desired draw ratio. The false twist backs up into the heated zone to a draw neck point located therein, wherein the twist is set into the yarn. A yarn snubbing device, such as a snubbing pin, can be positioned between the yarn feeding means and the heater, in which case the yarn draws at a draw neck point located on or adjacent the snubbing device. The yarn, where desired, is then sequentially, and in a continuous manner, overfed through a heated zone and packaged.
Filamentation during the draw texturing process is most prone to occur between the spindle and the draw roll. This is because the highest tensions to which the yarn is subjected during draw texturing occur in that region of the operation wherein drawing tension is compounded by tension imposed by the spindle. In the usual lagged operation sequence, wherein the yarn is not being simultaneously drawn and false twist textured, the yarn is not under drawing tension. Thus, the yarn has been drawn at its optimised draw ratio, say about 3.65 for polyethylene terephthalate yarn, of spun birefringence about 5.8 X and spun I.V. about 0.63 and then separately false twist textured. However, when these conditions are combined in simultaneous draw texturing, tenacity usually drops slightly, but often filamentation of the yarn significantly increases at the conventional lagged operation twist insertion levels. Filamentation can be eliminated by significant draw ratio reduction, but with corresponding deterioration in tenacity. However, it has been quite unexpectedly found that in the simultaneous draw texturing operation, actual tension as measured along the yarn longitudinally decreases with increase in twist level which results in improved tensile properties, particularly tenacity, by enabling the use of a higher draw ratio and reduced filamentation. In fact, filamentation value without deleteriously influencing tenacity and elongation, can be decreased from about 10 to 30 at about 55 tpi; to about 0 to 0.4 at the higher twist frequency levels based on 150 to 170 denier yarn.
In fact, yarn filamentation decreases to where it is below that of the lagged operation yarn as determined by filamentation value, disclosed more fully hereinafter. Although not entirely understood, it is believed that higher twist translates a greater proportion of the total drawing and spindle induced tension into a force vector perpendicular or tangential to the longitudinal axis of the yarn, thereby reducing the tension component which the yarn must bear in the lengthwise direction. Thus, higher draw ratios corresponding to higher filament tensions can be employed, i.e., draw ratios approaching the optimised draw ratio of about 3.60 to 3.70 can be employed, i.e., 3.40 to 3.55. Heretofore, to avoid excessive filamentation, draw ratios in the simultaneous draw texturing process of the order of about 3.2 were believed to be about the highest useable in practice.
Filamentation value characterizes the yarn not only in a physical sense but is indicative of its improved performance properties, as will be apparent. This is because the characteristic relates directly to the number of times a fabric construction machine, in this case a knitting machine, will be stopped per unit length of fabric due to yarn filamentation. In other words, the theoretical and visual improvement by selection of yarn processing conditions translates into improved fabric construction efficiency.
Filamentation value is based. on knot free yarn and is the actual number of machine stops due to filamentation (most usually a loose filament caught underneath adjacent layers of yarn on the feed package) per 30 feeds (30 feed packages) per 10 fabric yards on a Fouquet Interlock Knitter. The knitting machine is set to 15 to 18 rotations per minute with the machine stop mechanism being set at medium sensitivity.
EXAMPLE An as spun 510/36 yarn oflinear fiber-formable polyethylene terephthalate (having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.63, a birefringence of about 5.7 X 10*, polymerized from polyester monomer produced by the direct esterification of terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol, such polymer having a free glycol content of less than about 2.25 mol percent) is draw textured in a continuous operation in accordance with the following process conditions and with reference to the Drawing.
The undrawn yarn having a producer twist of about 0 turns per inch, is supplied from supply package 3 to the draw texturing operation. The yarn is pulled off of the supply cheese by positively controlled feed roll 5. Draw roll 7 is operated at a peripheral speed so that the yarn is drawn 3.45 times, based on feed and draw roll surface linear speeds in the drawing zone between feed roll 5 and draw roll 7. Hot plate 9, heated by internal steam generating means and 3.25 feet long, is maintained at about 230C. False twist spindle 11, being of the tube type having a centrally-located sapphire pin about which the yarn is wrapped once, is rotated by means not shown at about 370,000 rotations per minute. Yarn speed around the draw roll is about 440 feet per minute, so that about tpi (turns per inch) of twist is put into the yarn upstream of spindle 11 while the same amount of twist is taken out of the yarn downstream of the spindle, in accordance with conventional false twisting principles. The 70 tpi runs back from the spindle, along the yarn as it passes across the heater to the draw point, which is located about 2.5 inches below the top of the heater plate 9, thus setting the yarn in the twisted configuration. The draw point is precisely located without the use of external means such as a draw pin by the dynamic conditions of the draw texturing process. Because of the change in yarn denier at the draw point, tpi above the draw point is no more than about 15 to 20 and gradually dissipates as it runs back toward the feed roll 5. From the draw texturing zone, the yarn, now about /36, passes immediately and sequentially into a 3 foot long hot air chamber 13 maintained at about C at a 16 percent overfeed as measured between draw roll 7 and relax roll 17. In the re laxation zone, the drawn, crimped, torque lively yarn is stabilized for subsequent use in knit and woven fabric constructions requiring dimensional stability, stitch definition and the like properties not obtainable with stretch yarns" that have not been stabilized. The yarn is then fed to package at about 7 percent underfeed to form a firm package construction suitable as a feed package for knitting and weaving processes.
What is claimed is:
1. In a process for simultaneously drawing and texturing by false twist crimping a synthetic multifilament yarn wherein undrawn or partially drawn yarn is fed into a simultaneous drawing and false twist crimping zone comprising a heated zone and false twist spindle positioned between a yarn feed means and a yarn draw means and wherein the false twist backs upstream into the heated zone and wherein the yarn necks at a draw point between the feed means and the false twist spindle, the improvement to reduce threadline tension along the longitudinal axis of the yarn between the false twist spindle and the draw means and thereby prevent or reduce filamentation caused by too high a threadline tension between said spindle and said drawing means when said yarn would be false twist crimped at the draw ratio and false twist insertion level used to conventionally flat draw said undrawn or partially drawn yarn at its optimum draw ratio and then false twist crimp said drawn yarn, which comprises reducing the draw ratio, as determined by the peripheral speeds of the feed means and draw means, to a value allowing draw, false twist crimping production of a yarn of acceptable tenacity and dyeability, and then increasing the turns per inch of false twist inserted into said yarn to reduce said threadline tension until filamentation is reduced to an acceptable level.
2. In a process for simultaneously drawing and texturing by false twist crimping a synthetic multifilament yarn wherein undrawn or partially drawn yarn is fed into a simultaneous drawing and false twist crimping zone comprising a heated zone and false twist spindle positioned between a yarn feed means and a yarn draw means and wherein the false twist backs upstream into the heated zone and wherein the yarn necks at a draw point between the feed means and the false twist spindle, the improvement to reduce threadline tension along the longitudinal axis of the yarn between the false twist spindle and the draw means and thereby prevent or reduce filamentation caused by too high a threadline tension between said spindle and said drawing means when said yarn would be false twist crimped at the draw ratio and false twist insertion level used to conventionally flat draw said undrawn or partially drawn yarn at its optimum draw ratio and then false twist crimp said drawn yarn, which comprises increasing the turns of false twist inserted into said yarn to reduce said threadline tension.
3. The process of claim 1 wherein the yarn is a polyester yarn and the yarn necks at a draw point in the heated zone without the presence of yarn snubbing means.
4. The process of claim 2 wherein the yarn is a polyester yarn and the yarn necks at a draw point in the heated zone without the presence of yarn snubbing means.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the yarn is a polyethylene terephthalate yarn of to denier.
6. The process of claim 1 wherein about 60 to 80 turns per inch of false twist are inserted into the yarn while drawing the yarn about 3.40 to 3.55 times to produce a yarn having a tenacity of at least 3.0 grams per |
US-3874160-A | Process for producing high bulky yarn by false-twisting system | United States Patent Kitazawa et al.
nu 3,874,160 1 Apr. 1,1975
PROCESS FOR PRODUCING HIGH BULKY YARN BY FALSE-TWISTING SYSTEM lnventors: Shin-lch Kitazawa, Kyoto; Takao Negishi; Kozo Susami, both of Otsu,
all of Japan Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc., Tokyo, Japan Filed: Jan. 14, 1974 Appl. No.: 433,137
Related US. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 239,462, March 30, I972, abandoned.
Foreign Application Priority Data June 17, l97l Japan 4642947 US. Cl. 57/157 TS, 28/62, 28/76 T,
57/34 HS, 57/140 BY, 57/157 R Int. Cl DOZg 1/02, D02g 3/04 Field of Search 57/34 HS, 140 BY, 157 R, 57/l57 TS; 28/62, 76 T [56] Y References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,067,563 12/1962 Van Dijk 57/34 3.6l6.167 l0/197l Gosden..... 57/140 BY X 3,745,757 7/1973 Selwood 57/I57 R Primary Examiner-John W. Huckert Assistant Examiner-Charles Gorenstein 4 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PROCESS FOR PRODUCING HIGH BULKY YARN BY FALSE-TWISTING SYSTEM This is a division of application Scr. No. 139.462. filed Mar. 30. 1972. now abandoned.
The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for producing spun-like yarns by a false-twisting system. more particularly this invention relates to a process and apparatus for producing spun-like yarns of substantially twistless configuration from a fibrous strand composed of fibers having different melting point temperatures by the application of heat during the false-twisting operation.
As a technique for producing spun-like yarns. the art of false-twisting of fibrous strands issuing from spinning machines is known to persons skilled in the art. In this connection. the conventional false-twisting processes are roughly classified into two groups.
In the false-twisting process of the first group. a tibrous strand issuing from the spinning machine is composed of a fibrous component having a high meltingpoint temperature and a fibrous component having a low melting-point temperature. In this case. the first mentioned component neither melts nor decomposes at the melting-point temperature of the secondmentioned component. After the issue from the spinning machine. the fibrous strand is subjected to the false-twisting action under heat at temperatures whereat the second-mentioned component melts so as to bind the first-mentioned component fibers to each other. After this false-twisting action under heat. the fibrous strand is wound up in the usual manner in a substantially twistlcss condition.
Although the process of the above-described type has its own merits. it is accompanied by serious drawbacks as hereinafter described. especially in the actual practice of the process. in this process. the lihrous strand is heated during the false-twisting. For this purpose. especially when a fibrous strand of a relatively large thickness has to be processed at high speed. it is necessary to provide a long heater surface. Further. for high efficiency in the heating. the fibrous strand is generally processed while in direct contact with the heater surface during the heating. The thicker the fibrous strand. the longer the heater surface. This direct running contact of the fibrous strand with the long heater surface considerably hinders the smooth propagation of the twists along the fibrous strand and the twists imparted by the false-twisting spindle do not smoothly develop to the strand portion near the front rollers nip. This poor twist impartation results in the fibrous strand in a less twisted disposition which then comes into running contact with the heater surface and the fibrous component of the low melting point temperature tends to adhere to the heater surface in a fused condition. The above-mentioned poor twist impartation and thermal fusion of the fibrous material to the heater surface tends to cause frequent breakages of the fibrous strand during the processing and. partly due to such hreakages of the strand. the quality of the yarn produced is considerably degraded.
In the case of the false-twisting process of the second group. adhesive agents in the liquid state are applied to the fibrous strand concurrently with the false-twisting action and the adhesive agents are solidified by a subsequent heating action before the winding up action in the usual way.
This process also is accompanied by drawbacks as hereinafter described. Because the adhesive agent or agents are brought into contact with the fibrous strand in the liquid state. the solvent or solvents used must be removed front the strand in a later stage of the operation and such essential removal of the solvent requires corresponding provision of arrangementls) for such a removal. Further. the necessary drying of the adhesive agentts) tends to limit the processing speed of the strand so treated. in the process of this type. the heating must be performed without direct contact of the fibrous strand with the heater surface. Such indirect heating causes lowering of the heating efficiency and troublesome handling of the strand during the processing. When the adhesive agenttsl are applied to the strand in the liquid the binding of the component fibers takes place along the entire length of the fibers resulting in increased restriction of the free movement of the component fibers in the end products. Such restricted movement of the component fibers brings about a degraded appearance. poor hand and poor stretchability of the products obtained.
The object of the present invention is to provide a process and apparatus for producing spun-like yarn of a substantially twistless configuration but having excellent coherency by a false-twisting system while eliminating the drawbacks encountered in the prior art of similar systems.
in the art of the present invention. first a fibrous strand containing at least some short fibers is prepared from two or more kinds of fibers having different melting point temperatures. The fibrous strand so prepared is processed through a heater of the non-contact type in a vibrating condition before arrival at the falsetwisting spindle. which heater has a heater surface spacedly facing the running fibrous strand and has a temperature between the highest and the lowest melting point temperatures of the component fibers.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be made clear in the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings. wherein.
FIG. I is a schematic sketch of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic sketch of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
FIGS. 3A to 3D are schematic sketches for showing various transverse profiles of the heater surface of the heater used in the apparatus of the present invention.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic sketches for explaining the dimension of the heater surface of the heater used in the apparatus of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1. an embodiment of the arrangement for carrying out the method of the present invention is illustrated. In the arrangement. a roving l which is made up of fibers of different melting point temperaturcs and including. at least some short fibers is fed to a draft zone 2 from a supply bobbin 3. In the case of the example shown. a draft zone of the so-called three lines type including apron rollers is used. After completion of the drafting. the drafted fibrous strand 4 is advanced through a heater 6 of the non-contact type and is false twisted by a false-twisting spindle 7. Subsequent to the false-twisting, the fibrous strand 4 is taken up by takeup rollers 8 and wound on a take-up package 9. The fibrous strand 4 is advanced through the heater 6 in a vibrating condition. the vibration being caused by the ballooning due to the high speed false-twisting action of the spindle 7.
Another embodiment of the arrangement for carry ing out the method of the present invention is illustrated in l-'l(i. 2. wherein a multifilamentary yarn ll from a supply bobbin [2 is consolidated with a sliver 13 of spun fibers front a separate supply bobbin l4 when they are introduced into a draft zone 16 ofthe so-ealled two lines type. The spun fibers composing the sliver l3 are different from the filaments composing the yarn l I in the melting point temperature. After drafting. the consolidated fibrous strand 17 is heated by the heater 6. false twisted by the spindle 7. taken up by the takeup rollers 8 and wound up onto the take-up package 9. During the travel through the heater 6. the fibrous strand 1? is placed in a vibrating disposition due to the ballooning caused by the high speed false-twisting ac tion of the spindle 7.
As briefly mentioned above, the material fibrous strand to be subjected to the process of the present invention should be made up of two or more kinds of fibers of different melting point temperatures and. further. should contain. at least partly. a certain amount of short fibers such as spun fibers. Such fibers as polyesters. polyamides. polypropylene. rayon. acetate. silk and wool can be used in suitably designed combination. This combination should be so designed that at least one kind of fiber can be given coil-shaped crimps by the false-twisting operation. For example. a combination of polyester fibers containing 5 to 20 percent by weight of polypropylene fibers is favourably used in the process of the present invention. the heating temperature by the heater 6 ranging from l ltl to l8tlC That is. the heating is carried out at temperatures so that no melting of the polyester fibers takes place.
It is also necessary that the material fibrous strand should contain at least some short fibers. For example. the material fibrous strand may be composed of two or more kinds of short fibers of different melting point temperatures. The fibrous strand may be provided in the form of a filamentary yarn or yarns doubled with one or more short fiber strands. the melting point temperature of the former being different from that of the latter. Further. filamentary yarns of different melting point temperatures may be combined with one or more short fiber strands.
The material fibrous strand so prepared must be subjected to heating by the heater 6 of the non-contact type. This heating must he carried out at temperatures so that at least one kind of fibers of low melting point temperature melt but the fibers of the highest melting point temperature do not melt at all. By the melting of the fibers of low melting point temperaturcts), the remaining non-melted fibers are bound to each other at random points. This binding by melting takes place uniformly at every point of contact within the configuration ofthe material fibrous strand resulting in the build ing of uniformly scattered points of inter-fiber binding. Owing to the presence of such inter-fiber binding points. the yarn so produced is provided with a desir' able bulkiness caused by the false-twisting together with stable internal configuration caused by this binding by melting.
For the heating of the fibrous strand according to the present invention. a heater 6 of the non-contact type is used. This non-contact type heater is desirably so constructed that the heater surface spacedly surrounds the (ill running fibrous strand so that the strand is uniformly heated from outside. In this sense. an internally hollow heater is desirably used for the heating purpose. Because the strand does not contact the heater surface ditectl). the heater surface is not soiled by the molten fibers of low melting point temperaturets) and the falling of fibers from their associated fibrous strand can be minimized. Further. non contact of the fibrous strand with the heater surface assures enhanced development of the twists along the strand during the false-twisting operation. A further detailed explanation of the design of such heater will be given in the later part ofthis specification.
It is another important feature of the present inven tion that the fibrous strand passes through the heater in a vibrating condition. Provision of such vibration to the fibrous strand is effected by utilizing the ballooning of the strand caused by the high speed false-twisting action of the spindle 7 or by equipping the heater with a suitable vibrator mechanism for compulsively vibrating the fibrous strand. such mechanism being located near the inlet or outlet terminal of the heater 6. The fibrous strand may be vibrated either vertically or horizontally. lf ballooning is utilized for this purpose. false-twist spindles of relatively large diameter are desirably used so as to result in the ballooning of larger extent.
After heating. the strand is successively subjected to the falsetwisting operation, which is carried out using conventional spindles of the peg-type, friction type or pneumatic vortex type. Among these. spindles of the inside contact type and pneumatic vortex type are desirably employed.
In the case of the conventional false-twisting operation. the fibrous strand is usually overfed into the falsetwist zone. In contrast. the fibrous strand is somewhat underfed into the false-twist zone according to the present invention. This is because. when a fibrous strand of rather thick construction such as a roving is directly subjected to the false-twisting as in the case of the present invention, the conventional overfccd system results in insufficient irnpartation of twists due to lowering of the strand tension and such poor twist impartation induces frequent brcakagcs of the strand during the processing.
Experiments were carried out by the inventors of the present invention for determination of the optimum strand feed rates into the false-twisting zone and the results so obtained are shown in Table 1 below. the feed rate being given in the form of the ratio of the surface speed V, of the feed rollers to the surface speed V,, of the delivery rollers of the false twist zone.
From these results. it is deduced that the feed rate of the fibrous strand into the false-twisting zone in the present invention is desirably in a range from (1.88 to I .00.
As already described. a heater of the non-contact type is used for heating of the fibrous strand in the present invention and such heater is desirably so constructed that the heater surface spacedly surrounds the running fibrous strand so that the strand is uniformly heated from the outside. i.e. a hollow heater is desirably used in the present invention. In other words. the heater surface is desirably provided in the form of a heating tunnel through the heater body. the internal wall surface of the heating tunnel forming the heater surface which spacedly encircles the fibrous strand in such a disposition so that. when the transverse cross sectional profile of the heating tunnel is considered. the path of the fibrous strand coincides substantially with the center of the profile. Some examples of the tunnel profile are shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, i.e.. the profile may be round as shown in FIG. 3A. elliptical as shown in FIG. 3B, oblong as shown in FIG. 3C or rectangular as shown in FIG. 3D. In the case where the strand vibrates due to ballooning. the profile shown in FIG. 3A is advantageous whereas. when the strand vibrates horizontally. the profiles shown in FIGS. 38 to 30 are advantageously employed. Vertically elongated modifictb tions of the profiles shown in FIGS. 38 to 3D are desirably adopted when the strand vibrates vertically. That is. various modifications of the profile can be utilized in accordance with the processing condition of the strand during the heating operation.
In order to fix the optimum dimensions of the heating tunnel. an imaginary inscribed circle P of the tunnel profile is considered as shown in FIG. 4 with its center 0 coinciding with the designed path of the fibrous strand. The dimensions of the heating tunnel were considered in terms of the diameter of this circle P by the inventors of the present invention.
In the experiment, polyethylene-terephthalate staple fibers of 2 denier fineness and 51 mm length were used as the first component. Staple fibers of 2 denier tineness and St mm length made up of a copolymer compound of 80 percent by weight of polyethyleneterephthalate and 20 percent by weight of polyethylene-adipate were used as the second component. An ordinary blended roving of one-third grams per meter thickness was spun from 9!) percent by weight of the first component and It) percent by weight of the second component. The roving so obtained was processed through the arrangement shown in FIG. I under the following processing conditions.
Draft ratio: It] Spindle rotation; S Ill RPM Surface speed of the front drafl rollers 5.0 X ltl MIM The results obtained by changing the diameter of the circle P are shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2 Diameter of the Variation in Strand breakage per Table Z-Continued \arialion in strength Diameter of the circle P in nnn Strand breakage pel ltllltl spindles per hour 13 Z-t ll till From this result. it was confirmed that the strand breakage increases when the diameter of the circle P becomes smaller than It) unit. This is considered to be caused by the accidental contact of the running fibrous strand with the heating tunnel internal wall. Further. there is a considerable increase in the variation in the yarn tensile strength when the diameter of the circle exceeds 50 mm. This is considered to be caused by the poor heating effect of the heating tunnel wall which is too far from the running fibrous strand. From this analysis, it is considered that the diameter of the circle P lies desirably in a range from 12 to 50 mm.
As already described the heater used in the present invention is desirably provided with a heating tunnel whose internal wall spacedly encircles the fibrous strand passing therethrough. However. from the viewpoint of the yarn (fibrous strand) handling by the operators during the process. it is desirable that the heater is provided with a longitudinal slit which communicates the interior of the heating tunnel with the outside. If the heater is provided with such a longitudinal slit, the yarn can be easily handled from the outside by the operators at the time of a malfunction such as a yarn breakage. However. when considered from the viewpoint of the heating effect of the heater. it is desirable that the dimensions of such a longitudinal slit should be minimized as far as possible in order to prevent the possible invasion of the external atmosphere.
So as to fix the optimum dimension of the longitudinal slit. the imaginary inscribed circle P used in relation to the tunnel profile 0 (see FIG. 4) is used also, reference being made to FIG. 5. In the illustrated structure, the heater is provided with a longitudinal slit IS on one side thereof. An included angle 0 between lines eonnccting the upper and lower fringes 18a. 18b of the slit 18 with the yarn path R is considered as an index of the slit dimension and is hereinafter referred to as the slit center angle."
Experiments similar to that employed in the determination of the optimum heating tunnel dimensions were carried out by the inventors of the present invention, wherein the diameter of the circle was selected at 20 mm and the value ofthe slit center angle 6 was varied.
The experimental results so obtained are shown in Table 3 below. It is widely known to persons skilled in the art that. in the actual use of the yarns. the employable value of the variation in the yarn strength should be (H7 or smaller. From this point of view. it is concluded that the adoptable value of the slit center angle 6 is 90 or less.
Table 3 Slit center angle I! in degrees arialion |n strenglh Isl) 0,2231) I5!) 0.232 I20 0.: l a an t). I no no 0. l 53 in (M55 See l'able I As already explained. vibration of the fibrous strand in the present invention is most simply realized by making use of the ballooning thereof caused by the falsetwisting action. in this case. ballooning of the strand generates a vortex pneumatic flow within the heating tunnel resulting in a uniform heating effect on the librous strand. Further. due to the centrifugal force of As is clear from these results. no rich thermal binding effect can be expected when the ballooning diameter is below l mm whereas an increase in the yarn breakage is observed when the diameter exceeds 20 mm. Further. when we consider the fact that the actually acceptable yarn strength, which is the product of the yarn count and the single yarn strength. should be larger than 8.000 gr and the fact that the industrially allowable yarn breakages should be less than 50. it is consid ered that the desirable employ-able ballooning diameter is in a range of from 2 to 20 mm.
A method for obtaining the ballooning diameter in the above-determined range will hereinafter be described in detail. For this purpose, a series of experiments were conducted by the inventors of the present invention and the results obtained thereby are shown in Table 5 below.
Table 5 Material Ballooning diameter in mm ning speed MPM Y arn Void count ratio Feed ratio Twists in TPM C rise Tetron staple (2 d x 51 mm) Copolymerized Tetron staple Blend ratio Tetron staple (3 d X 8) mm) Copolymerized 'letron staple Blend ratio l 5% ditto ditto 'letron staple (L5 d X 44 mm) Copolymerizcd Tetron staple (L5 d x 44 mm) Blend ratio This value was obtained in the following manner:
the ballooning, the air contained in the core part of the strand configuration is forced out therefrom resulting in increased binding of fibers by melt fusing. In this connection. the influence of the ballooning diameter on the yarn strength and the yarn breakage was experimentally confirmed by the inventors of the present invention. The experiment was conducted in the same manner as that in the determination of the heating tunnel dimensions. The diameter of the circle P was selected at mm and the heating temperature was 225C. The results so obtained are shown in Table 4 below.
Table 4 D: Apparent cross sectional area of the yarn. n; Number of l'iheni per the area. d; Average cross sectional area of individual fibers.
From this analysis, it was confirmed that the desirable ballooning diameter can be obtained when the twist is in a range from 50 VFlto I50 m (N; metric system count). the feed ratio is in a range from 0.88 to l .00 and the void ratio is in a range from 0. l 5 to 0.50.
The following examples are illustrative of the present invention. but are not to be construed as limiting same.
EXAMPLE I Polyethylene-terephthalate staple fibers of 2 denier fineness and 5| mm length were prepared (the first component). Staple fibers of 2 denier fineness and 5l mm length were prepared from a copolymer composed of R percent by weight of polyethylene-terephthalate and 20 percent by weight of polyethylene-adipate (the second component). A blended roving was produced from 90 percent by eight of the first component libers and 10 percent by weight of the second component fibers. This roving was processed through the arrangement shown in Fl(i. I. wherein the draft ratio was 20. the diameter of the circle P was mm. the length of the heater was I cm. the heater was heated at the temperature of ZIPC and the remaining conditions were adjusted as in case No. l in fable 5. From the process so conducted. the following meritorious features were observed by the inventors regarding the art of the present invention.
1. The yarn so produced possessed desirable bulkiness and stretchahility. each componental fibers having coil-shaped crimps Despite its substantially non-twisted configuration. the yarn so produced possessed sufficient strength.
3. The fibrous strand could be processed at very high processing speed.
4. There was no need to positively recollect the solvents.
. The yarn so produced was provided with a span yarn like hand. resulting in the production of fabrics therefrom having a soft hand. crisp touch and a strong resistance against pill formation.
A more detailed explanation will hereinafter he made as to the above-recited meritorious feature (5) of the art of the present invention.
As a measure for enhancing the resistance ofthe fabric against pill formation. it is conventional to bind componental fibers of the yarn by melting some of the componental fibers. However. when the internal configuration of the yarn is almost full of the molten substance. the resultant hand and touch of the fabrics made up of such yarns are unsuitable for wearing use. In order to obviate such trouble. the technique was devclopcd of binding componental fibers to each other at points uniformly scattered within the yarn configuration by thermal melting of some componental fibers, i.e.. to build uniformly scattered points of inter-fiber binding by thermal melting of some componental fibers in the yarn configuration. However. in the case of the conventional processes of this sort. the polymeric ori entation of the fibers tends to be badly disturbed by the thermal melting phenomenon resulting in considerable lowering of the yarn strength.
From this analysis of the conventional techniques, the inventors of the present invention have confirmed that. in order to obtain the yarns accompanied with the above-described meritorious feature (5 the yarn must be of a substantially twistless configuration and the componental fibers must he melt fused to each other to a prescribed extent. in this connection, the inventors have used a value L called the melt-fusion index" as a measure for designating the extent of the thermal fusion of the fibers composing the yarn. It was confirmed by the inventors of the present invention that the meltfusion index should desirably be in a range from 0.02 to 0.40.
Determination of the value of this melt-fusion indev L is carried out in the following manner.
The specimen is immersed in a mixed solution of paraffin and ethylene cellulose. .-\fter solidification of the paraffin. extremely thin laminae are formed by slicing the solidified body in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the specimen yarn. By using an optical microscope. the number NM of the fibers in the cross section is counted. in this case. when two or more fibers are melt-fused together forming a single continuous body. the body is counted as a liber. Further. the converted cross sectional area is designated as ST and the average cross sectional area of a fiber before melt fusion is designated as S0. The converted cross sectional area ST is equal to SM X I'llu. where I is the mean tensile strength of the yarn. This is the mean value of 50 measurements taken on an Instron tensile tester with a test length of 0.5 cm and an elongation rate ot'0.5 cm/min. lo is the mean tensile strength of the yarn obtained in a similar way but after melt fusion. L' sing the above-defined values. the melt-fusion index I. is calculated as follows;
It will be understood that the valve ST/Sn corresponds to the number of fibers per cross section if no amalgamation by melt fusion takes place. When there is no actual melt fusion. NM is nearly equal to ST/Su and. accordingly. I. is nearly equal to zero.
The value of the melt fusion index I. is greatly intluenced by the processing conditions in the production of the yarn. For example. when the percent blend of the fibers of the lower melting point temperature is IS. the heating time is 30 minutes and the heating is carried out at a temperature higher by l0C than the melting point temperature of the fibers of the lower melting point temperature. the resultant value of I. is 0.5 l The fabrics made up of yarns of such melt-fusion index possess undesirable hand and touch. When the heating is carried out at temperatures near the melting point of the major componental fibers. the resultant value of L is in most cases 0.02 or smaller and the produced fabrics possesses very poor hand and touch. A similar result is obtained when the percent blend of the fibers of the lower melting point temperature is 2 or less.
EXAMPLE 2 Polyethylene-terephthalatc staple fibers of 2 denier fineness and 51 mm length were prepared (the first component). Staple fibers of 2 denier and SI mm length were prepared from a copolymer of 2 l 2C melting point temperature composed of polyethyleneterephthalate and 20 mol percent of isophthalic acid (the second component). Further, rayon staple fibers of 2 denier fineness and SI mm length were prepared (the third component). The three components were blended in a ratio of 514:! so as to produce a roving of 77 grain thickness on the usual spinning system. The roving so prepared was processed through the arrangement shown in FIG. 1. wherein the draft ratio was l8. the number of the false twists was 800 TPM. the heating temperature was 230C and the take-up speed was 20 MPM. The resultant value of L of the yarn so produced was 0.045 and a in en fabric of 70 (3K densities made thereof had desirable hand. escellent crisp ness and enhanced resistance against pill formation ((irade 4. lCl-method l Hr).
[EXAMPLF 3 Polycth lenc-terephthalate staple fibers of I. denier fineness and SI mm length were prepared (the first component). Staple fibers of Z denier fineness and 51 mm length were prepared from a copolymer of 234C m.p. temperature composed of mo] percent of isophthalic acid and polyethylenederephthalate (the second component). A common type of sliver having a thickness of one-half gram per meter was produced from parts by weight of the first component and l part by weight of the second component. Separately from this. a polyethyleneterephthalate multifilamentary yarn of 75 denier containing 36 filaments was prepared. The sliver and the multifilamentary yarn so prepared were processed in the arrangement shown in Fl(i. 2. wherein the draft ratio was In. the number of the false twists was 620 TPM. the heater was kept at 240C. the length of the heating zone was l.' nt and the yarn take-up speed was I52 MPM.
The yarn so produced possessed soft hand and good crispness. with a meltfusion index L of 0.06. A plain knitted fabric thereof had a desirable hand and enhanced resistance agaisnt pill formation (Grade 4. lCl method 5 Hr).
EXAMPLE 4 A worsted roving of one-third gram per meter was prepared from acrylic staple fibers of 3 d fineness and 8 mm length. Separately from this. a nylon 6 multifilamentary yarn of denier containing l0 filaments was doubled with a multi-filamentary yarn of 20 denier containing 7 filaments. the latter being made up of a copolymer composed of 70 percent of nylon 6 and percent of nylon l2. Both the roving and the doubled multi-tilamentary yarn were processed in the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 wherein the draft ratio was 20, the false-twisting spindle was rotated at a speed of l 31,000 RPM. the diameter of the circle P of the heater was 18 mm. the heating temperature was 150C and the yarn processing speed was 98 MPM. The yarn so produced had excellent hand with a melt-fusion index of 0.25.
EXAMPLE 5 Side-by-side type composite staple fibers of 3 denier fineness and 76 mm length were prepared from polyethylene-terephthalate and a polyethylenetcrephthalate copolymer containing l0 mol percent of isophthalic acid (the first component). Polyethyleneterephthalate staple fibers of 3 denier fineness and 76 mm length were prepared also (the second component). A sliver of one-half gram per meter thickness was produced from 3 parts by weight of the first component and l part by weight of the second component. The sliver so produced was processed in the arrangement shown in FIG. I under conditions the same as those in Example l. A woven fabric was produced from the yarns so produced. the value of L being 0.37. The fabric had a soft hand and rich crispness. with a resistance against pill formation ofGrade 5 (lCl-method l0 Hr).
The number of the false twists to be imparted to the fibrous strand in the present invention must be suitably selected in consideration of the hulkiness and/or stretchahilit required for the yarn produced. thickness and composition of the fibrous strand to be processed and content of the fibers of low m.p. temperature. The smaller the number of the false twists. the poorer the bulkiness and the stretchability. Use of a thermoplastic filamentary yarn in combination with optimum number of the false twists results in a yarn having excellent stretchability and recovery from torque. in the case where non-thermoplastic filamentary yarns or yarns already thermally treated at temperatures higher than the false-twisting temperature are used. yarns having poor stretchability but rich bulkiness are obtainable. Further, in the system shown in FIG. 2. the sliver 13 may be supplied in an intermittent mode.
ln case the fibrous strand to be processed is composed of short fibers only. it is desirable that. in the arrangement shown in FIG. I, the distance between the untwisting point and the nip by the take-up rollers 8 in shorter than the average length of the fibers composing the fibrous strand.
A process for producing knitted or woven fabrics from the yarn produced according to the present invention will hereinafter be briefly described.
Blending of the material fibers must be carefully designed in consideration of the treatments to be applied to the fabric in the later production stages. For exam ple. when polyamide fibers of different melting point temperatures are blended together and the fabric is treated later on with solvents of phenol type. all fibers composing the fabric are melted away by the treatment.
EXAMPLE 6 Polyethylene-terephthalate staple fibers of 3 denier fineness and 89 mm length were prepared (the first component). Staple fibers of 2 denier fineness and 89 mm length were prepared from a eopolymer containing percent of polyethylene-terephthalate and 20 percent of polyethylene-iso-phthalate (the second component). A worsted roving of one-third gram per meter thickness was prepared from 95 percent by weight of the first component and 5 percent by weight of the second component. The roving so prepared was processed in the arrangement shown in HO. 1, wherein the draft ratio was 20. After steaming the yarns so obtained at l00C for 20 minutes. the yarn so prepared were woven into a fabric of'-)2 X densities. After setting in a grey state. the fabric was treated in a dioxane bath at C for 20 minutes so as to remove the low m.p. temperature component by melting. The fabric so obtained possessed a velvet-like soft hand, bulkiness, resiliency and an elegant touch.
EXAMPLE 7 Spun yarns obtained in Example 6 were doubled together. provided with twist of 200 TPM in the direction opposite to the false twisting direction and treated by pressured steam at l05C for setting. A fabric woven from the yarns so prepared was treated in a water solution of formic acid at 40C for 20 minutes for removal of poly-e-caprolactam. The fabric so obtained had a wool-like hand, comfortable touch. softness and resilience.
EXAMPLE 8 Polyethylene staple fibers of 3 denier fineness and 89 mm length were prepared (the first component). Polyethylene staple fibers of 3 denier fineness and 87 mm length having the mp. temperature of 120C were prepared from a copolymer containing 10 parts of polyethylcne-iso-phthalate and it parts of polyethyleneterephthalate (the second component it A worsted roying one-third gram per meter thickness was prepared from 93 percent of the first component and 7 percent ofthe second component. Separately from this. a polyester multifilamentary yarn of 40 denier thickness containing 24 filaments was prepared.
They were both processed in an arrangement substantially equal to that shown in H0. 2. But in this case. only the roving was drafted at a draft ratio of 25 and the multifilamentary yarn was amalgamated with the roying at a position just upstream of the front rollers of the draft zone. The false-twisting spindle was rotated at a speed of l40,000 RPM, the strand was fed at a speed of lSZ MPM, the temperature of the heater was 235C and the heating zone was 1.2 m long. A double jersey fabric, which was made of yarns so prepared. was treated in the dioxanc hath at 80C for 20 min for removal of the low m.p. temperature component. The fabric so produced possessed desirable bulkiness, softness. uniform loop structure and an elegant touch and appearance.
The sul'istantially twistless configuration of the yarn manufactured according to the present invention is desirably utiliyed in the production of pile fabrics which possess excellent covering effect and resilience against compression. in accordance with the requirement of the end Lise, only the point portion of the piles may be removed by melting in the later treatment of the pile fabrics, This removal may also be performed by mechanically shearing the point portions of the piles.
EXAMPLE 9 Polyacrylonitrile staple fibers of It) denier fineness and 76 mm length were prepared (the first component). Staple fibers of 7 denier fineness and 76 mm length were prepared from a eopolymer containing 45 mol percent of nylon 6, 10 mol percent of nylon 66 and 45 mol percent of nylon l2 (the second component). A worsted roving of 4 g/m thickness was prepared from )5 percent by weight of the first component and 5 percent by weight of the second component.
The roving so prepared was processed in the arrangement shown in FIG. I, wherein the draft ratio was 20, the spindle was rotated at 4400 RPM. the heater was kept at l80C, the heating zone was 1.5 m long and the strand was fed to the heater at a speed of 20 MPM.
Three substantially twistless yarns so produced were doubled together and twisted at I20 TPM and a fabric of the yarns so twisted was produced. Tufting was applied to the fabric on a tufting machine of five thirtyseconds gauge and stitches per 1 inch so as to develop piles of 7 mm height. The tufted fabric was coated on its reverse side with ordinary latex and, after drying. treated in a 70 percent formic acid bath for It) min. for removal of the low m.p. temperature component. The velvet thus obtained had a good covering effect and resilience against compression.
It is also possible in the present invention fora third component to be added to the composition of the material fibrous strand. For example, the material fibrous strand may be composed of the first component A, the second component B which melts at temperatures whereat the first component A is not melted. and the third component C which melts at temperatures whercat the first component A does not melt and is dissolved by a solvent which does not fully melt the first and second components A. B. in this case. the strand is heated firstly so as to cause the melting of the second component B and melting of at least some of the third component C. Secondly. in the fabric state. the third component C is at least partly removed from the fabric by treatment with the aboveanentioned solvent. B the presence of the third component C. the yarn is provided with a strongly bound configuration during the processes preceding the removal of same and. after the removal of same by dissolution. the end product fabric possesses desirable hand and crispness.
EXAMPLE l0 Polyethylene-terephthalate staple fibers of 3 denier fineness and 89 mm length were prepared (the first component). Staple fibers of 3 denier fineness and 89 mm length were prepared by blend spinning of parts of polyethylene-terephthalate with 1 part of polyethylene-glycol (the second component). Polyethylenesebacate staple fibers of 3 denier fineness and R9 nun length were prepared also (the third component)v A worsted roving of one-half gram per meter thickness was prepared front 65 percent by weight of the first component. 15 percent by weight of the second component and 20 percent by weight of the third component. The roving so prepared was processed in the arrangement shown in FIG. I. wherein the draft ratio was 15, the spindle was rotated at 45,000 RPM, the heater was kept at 235C and the yarn processing speed was 28 MPM. The yarn so produced had a strength of 2.5 gram per denier. A plain fabric of 55 X 50 densities was woven using the yarns. This fabric was treated in a 5 percent NaOH bath at 98C for 1 hr. The resultant fabric had an elegant luster, soft hand and bulkincss.
What we claim is:
I. A process for producing spun-like yarns by a falsetwisting system comprising, in combination, forming a fibrous strand from at least two kinds of fibers having different melting point temperatures including adding to the fibrous strand a kind of fibers having a melting point temperature lower than a given temperature and which is dissolvable by a solvent that does not fully dissolve the fibers of the highest melting point temperature of said fibrous strand, said fibrous strand containing at least some short fibers, concurrently falsetwisting, vibrating and heating said strand at said given temperature. said given temperature being between the highest and lowest melting point temperatures of said fibers, carrying out said step of heating without direct contact bctween said fibrous strand and any heating element, and, following said false twisting, removing at least some of said added kind of fibers by treatment with said solvent.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the fibrous strand is fed to a false-twisting zone for effecting said step of false-twisting, comprising underfeeding said fibrous strand to said false-twisting zone.
3. The process of claim 2 wherein the feed ratio of said fibrous strand to said false twisting zone is in a range of from 0.88 to L00.
4. The process of claim 1 wherein the number of false twists produced in said step of false twisting is in a range from SON to ISON, wherein N is a metric system count of a yarn produced by said process. |
US-3874161-A | Device for indicating used parking time | United States Patent 1191 Asla i 1 DEVICE FOR INDICATING USEI) PARKING TIME [75] Inventor: Kristoffer Asla, Hamar, Norway [73] Assignee: Brodrene Asia A/S, Hamar, Norway [22] Filed: Nov. 28, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 419,545
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data i [11] 3,874,161 145 Apr. 1, 1975- 2,144,857 1/1939 Schultz 58/144 2,870,735 1/1959 Hunt., 116/28 R 2,942,375 6/1960 Bucic, 58/1 R 3,103,099 9/1963 Hanks... 58/143 X 3,125,849 3/1964 Wachtel,.,, 58/144 3,192,771 7/1965 Stearris 73/358 Primary Examiner-Richard Queisser Assistant Examiner-Daniel M. Yasich Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Holman & Stern [57] ABSTRACT For indicating used parking time a device is provided which-comprises a container adapted to be attached behind a car window and sub-divided into two superposed chambers, the upper chamber containing visible flowable material, such as sand. The chambers are interconnected by a throttled passage which is opened for starting non-reversible flow of the material at a rate such that the upper chamber is emptied at the expiry of the parking time.
11 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures DEVICE FOR INDICATING USED PARKING TIME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for indicating used parking time.
For determining and collecting fees for time limited car parking it is known to place so-called parking meters along streets and sidewalks. The provision and mounting of such parking meters are, however, very costly, and the expenses for maintenance and repair are very high since the parking meters are very often subjected to violence. Further, the parking meters may be of considerable inconvenience to the pedestrians, and they also interfere with snow removal and cleaning of the sidewalks on which they are mounted. In addition, they may be a disfiguring feature in the look of the town. Parking meters of known type must also'be emptied individually for the coins fed thereinto, and considerable time and manpower are required for this.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION .The object ofthe present invention is to provide a device for indicating used parking time which permits parking meters to be dispensed with, whereby payment of the praking fee does not necessarily have to be made at the parking area.
According to the invention this is achieved by providing a device for indicating used parking time, which consists of a closed and at least partly transparent container for once-for-all use, suited for being placed behind a window ofa vehicle and accomplished in accordance with the hour-glass principle in so far as it is divided by a throttled flow passage into an upper and a lower chamber, said upper chamber originally containing a quantity of flowable material, but the passage being originally closed and adapted to be opened for downward flow from the upper to the lower chamber at the initial point of a predetermined time, although without the possibility of later reverse flow.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The invention will be further explained with reference to the drawings, which illustrate various embodiments of the device of the invention as well as the use of the same in car parking, and in which FIG. I shows an embodiment of the device before use:
FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the device during use:
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the device of the invention;
FIGS. 4 and 5 show the device of the invention used in car parking.
In the embodiment in FIG. 1 the device according to the invention consists of a container 1 divided into an upper chamber 2 and a lower chamber 3 by a tubular throttle passage 4. The container 1 is made of a transparent material, such as transparent plastic, which may have various colours. In the embodiment shown the throttle passage 4 is constituted by a thin tube with a small inner diameter. The upper chamber 2 is filled with a Ilowable material 5, such as finely grained sand. In the tube 4 there is provided stop means comprising a thread 6 which bars or normally prevents flowing of the sand 5 from the upper chamber 2 to the lower chamber 3, and which extends along the longitudinal axis of the container and out through the top portion of the upper chamber via a sleeve 8. The sleeve 8 tightly embraces the thread 6 and prevents the sand 5 from leaking out from the container 1. The thread 6 carries an abutment means 7 and is equipped with a hook 9 at the top.
FIG. 1 shows the container 1 before use; in this attitude thread 6 then closes the tube 4, and all the sand 5 remains in the upper chamber 2.
FIG. 2 shows the device after the stop means or thread has been pulled out of the tube 4. The thread 6 is pulled so far out of the container 1 that the abutment means 7 will abut against the sleeve 8. When the tread is pulled out from the tube 4, the latter is opened for flow of sand 5 down from the upper chamber 2 to the lower chamber 3. The container 1 may be attached behind the window of the vehicle by means of the hook 9, and a vertical position of the container 1 is achieved due to the fact that the container 1 is suspended from the thread 6, thereby securing an even and optimum flow of the sand 5 through the tube 4. By giving the upper chamber 2 a colour differing from that of the sand 5, it is clearly indicated how far down the sand 5 in the chamber 2 has sunk. When the upper chamber 2 has run completely empty of sand 5, this will indicate that the permissible parking time has lapsed. By providing e.g. the upper chamber 2 with a graduated scale 5' based on the quantity of flow per time unit through the tube 4, an indication is obtained with respect to how long the vehicle has been parked after the container 1 was placed into use. By placing the container 1 right 7 behind the window of the vehicle, the parking time may also be checked by a person outside the vehicle.
With a shape of the tube 4 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 1 is suited for being used only, i.e., one time once-for-all. When the given parking time has lapsed, all the sand 5 from the upper chamber 2 will have flowed down into the chamber 3. Even if the container 1 is thereafter inverted and turned upside-down, the sand 5 will not be able to flow back to the upper chamber 2 because the throttle passage will project up into chamber 3 (filled with sand) and sand will be impacted thereabout.
The allotted time which the container 1 will indicate depends on the degree of fineness of the sand 5, the diameter of the tube 4, and of the taper of the tube 4 and the transition from the same to the upper chamber 2. By varying these parameters it is possible to establish the allotted time to e.g. Ia hour, V2 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc., and devices with various lapsing times may be provided with various colours and with inscription of the parking time permitted. By electing a fixed standard flow capacity for the tube4, it is possible to use containers of various sizes to cover the various parking times. A large container will allow for a long parking time, such as 2 hours, whereas a small container will give e.g. A hour.
In FIG. 3 another embodiment is shown, where the container 1 is equipped with a mounting means 10 operable to secure the container 1 to a plane surface, which in this instance will be the inside of a window of the parked vehicle. Also in this Figure there is shown a thread 6 which functions to open the passage 4, but in this embodiment the thread 6 depends from the tube 4 through the lower chamber 3 and out through the lower wall portion thereof. The use of the container 1 in FIG. 3 is approximately the same as described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The container 1 is affixed to the inside of a window of the parked vehicle by thefastenihg means 10, which may comprise a suction cup or a self-adhesive tape, and the thread 6 is pulled down through the lower chamber 3 until it is stopped by engagement of the abutment means 7 with the sleeve 8. When thedevice isin use, a round plate or ,ball 9 attached to the outer end of the thread 6,
hangs below the device, showing that the passage 4.is open, and that the allotted parking time is running. The plate or ball 9' further serves to facilitate the pulling of the thread 6 out from the tube 4. I
FIG. 4 shows thedevice according to the invention when used in car parking. Through the front window ,of a parked car 11 there is seen a container or indicator cartridge 1 which has been put into operation. In this connection the indicator cartridge 1 is of the type described in connection with FIGS..1 and 2 and is by the thread 6, suspended from the rear-view mirror l2-of the car. The dark area 2 on the upper chamber 2 of the container 1 indicates lapsed parking time and indication that the-container is in operation is indicated by its hanging on the thread 6. a
In FIG. 5 an indicator cartridge 1 of the type shown in FIG. 3 is shown to be affixed to the inside of a side window of the parked vehicle 11'; indication that the container is, in operation is in this case indicated by the fact that, the ball 6 has been pulled out of the container 1 and is hanging stright under it due to the plate or ball 9.
A parking supervisor can easily check whether the allotted parking time has expired. When the thread 6 has to be pulled out, vhe can also easily check whether the parking time indicator has been put into operation. If the thread 6 has not yet been pulled out from the container 1, the parking is unlawful.
When the container 1 is graduated with a time scale, the supervisor can also see how long time the vehicle has been parked and how much time of the allotted parking time is left. I
The illustrated embodiments of the device of the invention may be varied within wide limits in so far as the idea of the once-for-all, i.e., discardable or single use of the container can be provided.
For instance, the tube 4 in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be helically shaped or otherwise curved, so that the outlet opening thereof lies in-a plane which is not horizontal. By such a construction of the tube there will be achieved a further insurance that the sand flows in one direction only.
Instead of the thread 6 shown in FIGS. 1 to ,3, it is possible to place a thin film F at the transition portion between the filled and the empty chambers to prevent the sand .fromflowing from the filled to the empty chamber. This film F may be stretched across the lower wall portion of the filled chamber and placed immediately above the inlet to the tube 4 see phantom line in FIG. '2, for example. Further, the film may be of such a material that it breaks or, is ruptured when the container 'is flexed around the middle. When the. film breaks, the sand may flow through the tube to the lower chamber.
When using the present invention in connection with time limited and dutiable parking, parking meters of the known type are made superfluous. Containers according to the invention may be purchased in coin slot machines at the parking areas, or also at the gas stations or in kiosks. The containers may be marketed in an appropriate number in boxes or packages. As the containers may be purchased in advance, no coins are required for making use of the parking area. One takes one of the containers corresponding to the parking time estimated to be sufficient, puts it into operation and places it in a clearly visible position on the inside of the front window. I
If the allotted parking time is not completely .consumed, the same container may be used for another parking, possibly in a different place. Thereby the present invention provides a flexible and convenient parking system. It is of advantage to the car drivers, who get the full value of their parking expenses, and for the granting authorities, who will save the expenses in connection with the purchase and maintenance of parking meters.
What I claim is:
1. An irreversible-flow, hour-glass type timing device for measuring an elapsed time interval, comprising in combination:
a closed and at least partially transparent container;
said container comprising upper and lower chambers;
a quantity offlowable material in the upper chamber;
and
a transition portion between the chambers for permitting communication therebetween and flow of the material from the upper to the lower chamber, the improvement comprising the transition portion including a one-way throttle flow passage means connecting the upper and lower chambers, said throttle flow passage means including means for preventing reverse flow of the-material between said chambers when the chambers are inverted; and manually operable stop means operatively connected to said one-way throttle flow passage means for initially preventing the flowable material from flowing from the upper to the lower chambers and manually manipulated to initiate one-way flow of the material between the chambers when an elapsed interval of time is to be measured, whereby complete emptying of the flowable material from the upper to the lower chamber renders the device exhausted to subsequently measure elapsed time.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the flow passage means comprises a thin tube with a small inner diameter, the tube depending from the transition portion between the two chambers and substantially into the lower chamber and being constructed so that the flowable material after flowing through the tube from the upper to the lower chamber cannot flow back to the first chamber if the container is inverted.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said manually operable stop means comprises a thread extending into the central portion of the tube, said thread initially closing the tube and the flow of flowable material and extending substantially along the longitudinal axis of the container and through one end portion thereof.
4. The device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the thread has a portion accessible exteriorally of the container whereby the flow passage is capable of being opened from outside the container by pulling the thread out of the passage and indicates that the timing device is in operation.
5. The device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the thread includes an outer end exteriorally of the container and including means for suspending the container.
6. The device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the thread includes means indicating that the compartments are in communication and material is flowing between the compartments.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the stop means comprises a rupturable film which normally prevents the material from flowing, said film being disposed in the transition portion between the filled upper chamber and the empty lower chamber.
8. The device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the container is flexible for rupturing the film by deformation of the container to thereby allow the material to flow between the chambers.
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the container includes means for mounting the container on a plane surface.
10. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the upper chamber to be emptied, and the flowable material have different colours so as to clearly indicate the difference between the full and empty upper chamber.
11. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the chambers includes a graduated time scale, which is calibrated in relation to the quantity of flow per unit of time for indicating an increment of the total elapsed time as the material flows through the flow passage. |
US-3874162-A | Solid state watch stem detent and switch assembly | United States Patent [191 Boxberger et al.
[ Apr. 1,1975
[ SOLID STATE WATCH STEM DETENT AND SWITCH ASSEMBLY [75] Inventors: Raymond Robert Boxberger, South Nyack, N.Y.; Jack Schwartzschild, Stamford, Conn.
[73] Assignee: Timex Corporation, Waterbury,
Conn.
[22] Filed: July 22, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 488,366
[52] US. Cl. 58/34, 58/855, 200/6 BA [51] Int. Cl.... G04c 9/00, G04b 27/00, H0lh 19/00 [58] Field of Search 58/23 R, 23 BA, 34, 67, 58/855; 200/6 BA [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,359,392 12/1967 Heath 200/6 BA 3,733,803 5/1973 Hiraga et al. 58/34 X 3.756.011 9/1973 Nishimura ct al. 58/855 X 3,841,081 10/1974 Komaki 58/34 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,071,192 9/1955 Germany.. 200/6 BA Primary Examiner-George H. Miller, Jr.
[57] ABSTRACT A solid state digital watch comprises a stem detent and switch assembly which includes a crown portion on the outside of the watch case and a shaft portion extending therethrough. The shaft portion includes an intermediate rectangular section on the inside of the case which cooperates with a single stamped spring to provide a four position rotary detent action.
In addition to permitting detent holding of the stem in the proper contact position, this arrangement also provides electrical contact to ground the stem to the case. The internal end of the shaft includes an eccentric tab which contacts one of three precisely positioned blades when the stem is rotated to advance the minutes or hours counters, to reset the seconds "ounter or to shut down the watch.
7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures SOLID STATE WATCH STEM DETENT AND SWITCH ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to solid state watches and particularly to a stem detent and switch assembly for solid state digital watches.
One of the main problems encountered by the prior art in solid digital watches is the provision of means to set and reset the watch. A typical switch arrangement for accomplishing such operations is disclosed in the pending application, Ser. No. 462,151, filed Apr. 18, 1974, by the present inventors. Preferably, the switch arrangement would involve a single stem and a minimum of associated parts. In a number of prior art designs, however, it has been necessary to provide at least two stem arrangements in order to obtain the necessary flexibility in setting the watch.
In the digital watch of U.S. Pat. No. 3,756,01 l to Nishimura et al, filed Sept. 7, 1972, the correction of each display element is achieved through the use of a single winding crown. A square portion of the crown is coupled to the mating aperture of a wiper element which engages one of a plurality of fixed contacts in order to set and reset the watch. The end portion of the crown also comprises a switch which opens or closes the circuit when the crown is moved axially.
In further prior art references, U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,803 to I-liraga, et al, issued May 22, 1973, discloses a rotary switch which permits adjustment in the time of an electronic watch and which includes a projection engaging a particular printed board contact structure. U.S. Pat. No. 3,659,067 to Wilkinson, issued Apr. 27, I972 discloses a U-shaped spring detent but the surface of the spigot is different from the surface of the cutaway shaft of the present invention and the caming surface of Wilkinsons member 18 has a cutaway V-shaped section differing from the straight section of the present invention.
In contrast to the prior art, the present invention provides a relatively simple and inexpensive arrangement which fulfills the necessary watch functions with a single stem assembly and provides a four position rotary detent action with reliable electrical connection between the stem and the case. The stem shaft of the invention includes a rectangular section which cooperates with a peculiarly shaped spring for detenting and axial biasing purposes while a tab portion on the internal end of the shaft selectively engages spaced watch blades.
Other prior art patents of interest include U.S. Pat. No. 2,616,994 to Luhn, issued Nov. 4, I952, U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,763 to Zeph issued Oct. 24, I972, U.S. Pat. No. 2,545,548 to Gouffon issued Mar. 20, 1951 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,133 to Tillack et al, issued Mar. 3, I970. These prior art patents are merely typical of the art and are not in any way intended to be an allinclusive list of pertinent patents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a stem assembly for solid state digital watches which comprises a stem having a shaft portion with a knurled knob or crown mounted on the end thereof protruding from the bezel and an elongated cylindrical shaft portion having an intermediate rectangular section of lesser diameter in the portion immediately inside the bezel and an eccentric tab at the internal end thereof.
The rectangular portion engages a unitary stamped spring having two spaced arm portions engaging opposite sides of the rectangular section. The stem is locked axially in one of four positions by the cooperating action of the spring arms and the rectangular section which is smaller than the diameter of the shaft portion. The spring also includes outwardly extending base portions at each end which are biased against the case so that this preformed arrangement provides high simultaneous contact pressure between both the stem and detent and between the detent and case. In the embodiment described above, good electrical connection is further enhanced by the wiping action of the stem when rotated.
As a further feature, the eccentric tab on the end of the stem is designed to engage one of three switch blades. Two of the blades are positioned on opposite sides of the shaft and the third blade is positioned intermediate the opposing blades and in a plane below said blades. This arrangement permits setting and resetting the watch or shutting down the watch in a unique and expeditious manner by merely rotating the single stem to control the watch circuit.
Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a new and improved stem assembly for a solid state digital watch.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved detent arrangement for a solid state digital watch which also provides reliable electrical connection between the stem and detent and between the detent and case.
A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved single stem assembly means for setting, resetting, and shutting down a solid state digital watch.
A more specific object of this invention is to provide a new and improved stem assembly for a solid state digital watch which includes a multi-position stem detent arrangement and an internal switch arrangement in a rather advantageous and economical design.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of this invention may be seen more clearly from the following description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the stem assembly and cooperating portions of the solid state watch,
FIG. 2 is a view taken along the lines of 2-2 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a portion of the stem assembly cooperating with the spring member in the vicinity of the watch case,
FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3 showing the detent contact pressure,
FIG. 5 is a view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4, and,
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the stem and particularly the rectangular portion under rotation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, the invention comprises a solid state watch stem assembly 10 which includes an eccentric tab 11 at one end, a main shaft portion 12, an intermediate rectangular section 13 of lesser diameter than the shaft 12, and another end portion 14 having the watch crown 16 affixed thereto outside the case or bezel 17. As may be seen from FIG. 1, the eccentric tab 11 cooperates with the cantilevered switch blades 18 and 19 and 21 to effect an electrical connection with predetermined portions of the watch circuit.
The switch blades 18, 19, and 21 are thin beryllium copper stampings riveted or soldered to the substrate 22 at points 23 and 24 and 26 respectively. The switch blade 18 is connected to an integrated circuit chip (not shown) through printed circuit lead 27. Printed circuit leads 28 and 29 similarly connect switch blades 19 and 21 to the aforementioned chip which is located within the plastic dam 31. A plurality of contact terminals 32 and their respective leads 33 are shown in FIG. 1 but since they are not pertinent to the present invention, reference must be made to the co-pending application of the inventors Ser. No. 462,151 filed Apr. 18, 1974.
The switch blade 18 which is engaged by the tab 11 when the stem assembly 10 is turned in that particular direction is designated as the setting switch blade and is coupled to logic circuits (not shown) to provide a capability off selectively advancing the minutes or hours counters at lHz rate and/or to reset the seconds counters to zero by manipulation of switch blades 18 and 21. Switch blade 21 is characterized as the mode switch blade. Switch blade 19 is engaged by tab 11 when it is desired to shut down the watch.
The stem assembly 10 also permits detent holding of the stem in a proper contact position and provides electrical contact to ground the stem to the case. This is effected through the rectangular section 13 which is smaller than the diameter of the shaft portion 12. The rectangular portion 13 engages a single stamped spring 34 to provide a four position rotary detent action. The spring 34 comprises a pair of spaced, substantially U- shaped arms extending upwardly from the preformed base 36 of the spring 34. The opposing legs 37 and 38 of the protruding contact members 39 and 41 are spring biased into engagement with the rectangular section 13. As can be noted from the drawings, particularly FIGS. 3-6, the spring 34 is preformed so as to exert a high simultaneous radial contact pressure between the stem portion 13 and the arms 37 and 38 and axial contact pressure between the base 36 of spring 34 and the case 17. This electrical connection is further enhanced by the wiping action of the stem when rotated.
FIG. shows the rectangular section 13 of the stem and particularly edges 41 and 42 thereof in contact with the arms 38 and 37 with corner portions 43 and 44. It is to be noted that the distance across the corners of the rectangular portion 13 is smaller than the shaft diameter in order to provide a shoulder for the arms 38 and 37 to bias the stem axially regardless of its rotational position. The stem is prevented from moving axially inward by the crown 16 against bezel 17, thus creating good contact pressure between spring base 36 and case 17.
While the invention has been explained by a detailed description of certain embodiments, it is understood that various modifications and substitutions can be made in any of them within the scope of the appended claims which are intended also to include equivalents of such embodiments.
What is claimed is:
1. A stem detent and switch assembly for a solid state digital watch with a circuit inside a case which comprises:
an elongated shaft, an eccentric tab at the interior end thereof, an intermediate rectangular section and an end portion projecting outwardly from the case,
a plurality of switch blades mounted for selective engagement with the eccentric tab to provide predetermined setting functions for the watch in cooperation with the watchcircuit and,
a spring member engaging the rectangular section to provide a detent action and having a base portion biased against the case to provide electrical contact therewith.
2. A stem detent and switch assembly for a solid state digital watch in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plurality of switch blades comprise a pair of spaced apart cantilevered blades mounted opposite each other in the same plane and a third cantilever blade mounted in the space between the opposed blades and in a plane parallel to the plane of the first two blades.
3. A stem detent and switch assembly for a solid state digital watch in accordance with claim 1 wherein:
the diameter of the rectangular section is less than the diameter of the shaft portion to provide a shoulder for engagement by the spring member to bias the stem axially regardless of its rotational position during detenting 4.'A stern detent and switch assembly for a solid state digital watch in accordance with claim 1 wherein:
the cooperating spring member comprises an elongated base portion in biased engagement with the watch case, and, a pair of protruding substantially U-shaped arms extending therefrom with the juxtaposed arms being free at the ends thereof to exert radial locking pressure on the rectangular section of the shaft which is located therebetween and to exert axial biasing of the stem.
5. A stem detent and switch assembly for a solid state digital watch in accordance with claim 1 wherein:
the rectangular section cooperates with the spring to provide a four position rotary detent action.
6. A stem detent and switch assembly for a solid state digital watch in accordance with claim 1 wherein:
the switch blades comprise thin beryllium copper stampings.
7. A stem detent and switch assembly for a solid state digital watch in accordance with claim 1 wherein:
the end portion of the shaft projecting outwardly from the case includes a crown mounted thereon, and,
the cantilevered switch blades are connected at one end thereof to the solid state circuit of the watch. |
US-3874163-A | Liquid crystal display timepiece with variable contrast | 350-337 1 W 1 l M. Z "-2, 8197A KR 355141163 1 1 l a l iUlIiiiQQl Mates Pat, 1 3 -9 'illreno 14 1 A r. 1, 1975 LlQUlD CRYSTAL DlSiLAY TTMElPllECE [56] References Cited 1 d WlTH VARIABLE (IONTRAST UNITED STATES PATENTS [75] Inventor; ()samju Hkeno, Suwa' Japan 3,l99,285 8/l965 Caruso 61: al 58/9l X r I 3,321,905 5/1967 Krebs 58/50 R Asslgneer ,Kabushllfl Kamila guwa sellwslw, 3,722,206 3 1973 Bergey .4 58/50 R 1 Tokyo, Japan 3,732,793 5/1973 Tague 350 159 [22] Flled: Oct 1973 Primary Examiner-Edith Simmons Jackmon [2 1] Appl. No.1 402,664 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Blum Moscovitz Friedman I & Kaplan [30] 0 F203??? Aprjrlrcatron Priority Data 47 H4261 ABSTRACT CL Variable contrast in a watch using a liquid crystal dis- [52] U 5 Cl 58/50 R 350/159 play panel for showing the time is achieved by the use [5]] 5/30 6 27/28 of polarizer sheets proximate both surfaces of said [58] Fie'ld 58/50 R C 127 panel. The outer of said sheets is mounted for rotation at the discretion of the wearer.
6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures QILIQIUID CRYSTAL DISILAY TIMEFIECE WETH VARIABLE CONTRAST BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION the eye of a possible purchaser or if it can give an appearance of superiority with respect to some characteristic. With such considerations in view, watch cases in general and dials in particular were metamorphosed through a myriad of variations.
Recently, a number of types ofilluminated digital displays have been incorporated into watches to take the place of the usual dials. Of particular interest are those displays using light-emitting diodes and liquid crystals. In general, the latter type of display is preferred because of the fact that it uses less energy. This problem is sufficiently serious so that most, but not all, electronic timepieces featuring illuminated digital displays actually show the time only when deliberately switched into actuation.
A type of liquid crystal display which has already become part of the art features a pair of polarizing sheets such as those sold under the tradename of Polaroid. The amount of light transmitted by such sheets depends on the angle between the axes of polarization of the two polarizing sheets incorporated in a watch. However, in the prior art constructions the angle between the planes of polarization of the two sheets has been fixed so that it is not possible to vary the degree of contrast obtainable by means of such a device in accordance with the desire or whim of the wearer. Particularly, it is not possible to adapt the combination of the two sheets to the level and angle of illumination where the watch is being used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a timepiece featuring a'liquid crystal display panel, polarizing plates of the plane-polarizing type are placed proximate the inner and outer surfaces of the liquid crystal display panel. The polarizing sheet proximate the outer face of the panel is mounted for rotation, making it possible to vary the contrast with which the display is shown.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is a timepiece in which the time is displayed by a liquid crystal display panel wherein plane-polarizing sheets are disposed at the inner and outer faces of the display panel and the outermost sheet is mounted for rotation.
Another object of the present invention is a timepiece in which a liquid crystal display panel is used for the display of time wherein plane-polarizing sheets are mounted proximate the inner and outer faces of said display panel and the outer sheet can be rotated for the purpose of varying the degree of contrast ofthe display.
A further object of the present invention is a timepiece in which the time is displayed by a liquid crystal display panel wherein a pair of plane-polarizing sheets are mounted at the inner and Outer faces of said display panel, the outer most sheet of said pair being mounted for rotation in its own plane and at the interior face of a watch crystal, means being provided for rotating said outermost sheet from the exterior of said watch.
The invention accordingly comprises the features fv construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. I is a sectional view of a timepiece in accordance with the prior art wherein a pair of planepolarizing sheets are mounted at the interior and exterior faces of a liquid crystal panel, the angle between the axes of said sheets being fixed;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a timepiece in accordance with the present invention wherein the outermost of the two polarizing sheets is internal to the timepiece and is rotatable by means operable from the exterior of said timepiece;
FIG. 3 represents the appearance of the display panel when the planes of polarization of said polarization sheets make an angle of with each other;
FIG. 4 represents the appearance of the display panel when the planes of polarization of the polarization sheets coincide;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a timepiece wherein the outermost of a pair of polarizing sheets is mounted exterior to the crystal of said timepiece; and
FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a timepiece in accordance with the present invention wherein the outermost of the pair of polarizing sheets is mounted at the interior surface of the crystal of said timepiece.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a conventional field effect liquid crystal display timepiece as shown in FIG. ll, plane-polarizing sheets 2 are secured to the inner and outer faces of display panel 1 by adhesive or the like. In such a construction, once the angle between the planes of polarization of the two polarizing sheets is established as is done during construction, it becomes difficult if not impossible to vary the contrast of the display by varying the angle between the planes of polarization of the two sheets. Consequently, design interest obtainable from such an arrangement is minimal.
To increase the design interest of such an array, it is desirable that at least one of the polarizing sheets be mounted in such a way as to be rotatable in its own plane. An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 wherein polarizing sheets. 4a and 4b are mounted on either side of a liquid crystal display panel 3. The outermost sheet 4a is joined to a rotatable memher 6 within watchcase 5. The join can be made by adhesive or by a snap fit or similar means. Rotatable member 6 is in the form of a crown gear which can be rotated around its axis by rotating crown 7 exterior to the watch and thereby rotating spur gear 8. By this means, the angle between the planes of polarization of the outer polarizing sheet 4a and the inner polarizing sheet 4b can be altered. When the planes of polarization of the two sheets differ by 90 the appearance of the display is as shown in FIG. 3. When the planes coin- X I 3 cide, the level of illumination of the background and the digits is reversed so that the appearance of the display is as represented in FIG. 4. Moreover, variation of the angle between the planes of polarization, especially when near and 90 makes it possible to vary the degree of contrast between the background and the digits.
In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the outermost polarizing sheet 4a is affixed to a rotatable member 9, such as a bezel, which is on the outside of case 5. In such an arrangement, the sheet 4a is exterior to crystal 10. The method of attachment of rotatable member 9 to watchcase 5 may vary; a snap fit (not shown) is desirable in that member 9 and sheet 4a may readily be removed from the watch if desired.
A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6 wherein a polarizing sheet 4a is joined to the interior of the timepiece crystal '10 as by adhesive. As a general rule, crystal 10 cannot readily be rotated so that when a particularly desirable orientation is found by the wearer, it can be maintained. However, crystal it) is generally made to be removable with relative ease so that it is possible without serious difficulty to alter the plane of polarization of polarizing sheet 4a when the glass is circular, and even when it is square.
In the embodiments of FlGS. 2, 5 and 6 a projection may beaffixed to one or the other of the rotatable members so that a desirable location may be restablished if an accidental displacement occurs. Alternatively, detents may be used to assure exact location and to prevent accidental displacement.
In summary, the combination of the pair of polarizing sheets with a field effect liquid crystal display panel where one of the polarizing sheets is rotatable makes it possible to vary the appearance of the display and to provide novel effects, thereby making timepieces incorporating such a construction relatively attractive.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
What is claimed is:
1. In an electronic timepiece including a field effect liquid crystal panel for display of the time, the improvement comprising a liquid crystal display panel having inner and outer faces, an inner fixed plane-polarizer sheet proximate the inner face of said panel and an outer plane-polarizer sheet proximate the outer face of said panel, said outer sheet being mounted for manual rotation within its plane whereby the contrast of said liquid crystal display may be altered.
2. An electronic timepiece including a field effect liquid crystal panel for display of the time, as defined in claim 1, wherein said timepiece has an outer transparent crystal, said rotatable outer sheet is mounted between said crystal and said outer face and further comprising means for manually rotating said outer sheet from the exterior of said timepiece.
3. An electronic timepiece including a field effect liquid crystal panel for display of the time, as defined in claim 1, wherein said timepiece has an outer transparent-crystal and a manually rotatable bezel and said outer sheet is mounted in said rotatable bezel for rotation therewith cxteriorly of saidcrystal.
4. An electronic timepiece including a field effect liquid crystal panel for display of the time, as defined in claim 1, wherein said timepiece has a manually displaceable transparent outer crystal and said outer sheet is affixed to said displaceable crystal for displacement therewith.
5. An electronic timepiece including a field effect liquid crystal panel for display of the time, as defined in claim 4, wherein said outer sheet is affixed to the inner face of said crystal.
6. An electronic timepiece including a field effect liquid crystal panel for display of the time, as defined in claim 2, wherein said timepiece has a crystal and said outer sheet is mounted for manual rotation on said timepiece exteriorly' of said crystal. |
US-3874164-A | Day-date-time dial | United States Patent 191 'Bell Apr. 1, 1975 DAY-DATE-TIME DIAL [76] Inventor: Eugene Bell, Rt. No. 1, Box 144,
New Braunfels, Tex. 78130 [22] Filed: Oct. 9, 1973 [2]] Appl. No.: 404,252
[52] US. Cl 58/152 T, 58/145 K [51] Int. Cl. G04b 37/12, G04b 37/20 [58] Field of Search 58/145 R, 145 K, 152 R,
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1963 Dahl 58/145 K 8/l97l Rudolph 58/152 R l2/l97l McDuffee 58/4 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Switzerland 58/152 T Primary Examiner-Edith Simmons Jackmon Attorney, Agent, or Firm-John R. Powell; Eugene Bell [57] ABSTRACT A time-piece for use in conjunction with telephone calls so that a person can conveniently observe the time while making a long distance telephone call so that he gets a full benefit of a time limit without going overtime so that the telephone call does not become expensive, the device consisting of a clock mounted centrally upon a pivotable dial of a telephone receiver set, the clock having a dial face graduated in minutes, and the mechanism including an hour hand and a minute hand that sweeps across the dial face.
3 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures DAY-DATE-TIME DIAL,
This invention relates generally to telephone accessories. More'specifically the present invention relates to time pieces. I
Practically all persons are aware that long distance telephone calls are expensive when compared to telephone calls that are local. It is also well known that when a person makes a long distance telephone call, he can very easily become absorbed in the conversation so that he disregards the length of time that he is talking on the telephone so that the call takes up a considerable time. Long distance telephone calls are billed according to the length of time consumed so that when such person finally receives his bill from a telephone company, he may be surprised that the long distance call was of a longer duration than he had anticipated so that it is rather expensive. This is an objectionable situation and persons are therefore becoming more and more concerned in keeping long distance telephone calls at a minimum length of time. A clock may not be always handy near a telephone and even if there be one, it may be difficult to keep track of time upon the clock that indicates the length of time of the call. This situation is of course objectionable and therefore in want of an improvement.
It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a device that is mountable upon a telephone receiver set and which is designed particularly for aiding a person in timing a long distance telephone call.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that consists of a time piece cnveniently located upon a dial of a telephone receiver set so that it is directly in front of a person while speaking on a telephone and where it can be easily seen.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a day-date-time dial which is in one form of the invention designed so that it can be pre-set to limit a length of a long distance telephone conversation.
Other objects are to provide a day-date-time dial which is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, easy to use and efficient in operation.
These and other objects will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification together with the accompanying drawing wherein:
FIG. I is a side elevation view ofa telephone receiver set and shown with the present invention mounted upon the dial thereof;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the present invention as viewed on line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a bezel watch and dial in relative position to each other for assembly together;
FIG. 4 is a top view of a modified design of the invention in which an indicator arrow can be manually rotated to a position ahead for reminding a person when a time limit for a long distance telephone call should be terminated so that it is within a perscribed number of minutes;
FIG. 5 is a side view thereof, shown partly in crosssection;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an indicator arrow element that is utilized in the structures illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
Reference is now made to the drawings in detail, and more particularly at this time to FIGS. 1 through 3 thereof, wherein the reference numeral 10 represents a day-date-time dial, according to the present invention, that essentially constitutes a time-piece such as a watch, such watch shown at 11 includes a case 12, containing a time piece mechanism, not shown, a dial 13 under a transparent cover glass 14, and a conventional hour, minute and second hands that sweep around in front of the dial face so that a person can read a time.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, such watch 11 may include a calendar mechanism for indicating the day of a week and a date of a month. The movement of such calendar mechanism and the movement of the hands are derived from the time piece mechanism, which in the present invention can be powered either by a small battery or which can be electrically operated by means of wires 15 connected to the electrical wiring within the telephone receiver set 16. The watch 11 is placed upon a telephone dial l7 and is retained thereupon by means of a bezel 18 that is snapped upon the dial.
Accordingly, in use, such time piece is conveniently located so that a person can see the time while telephoning. such telephone receiver set is usually placed nearby in front of a person so that he can readily look down and see the passing of time upon the watch. Thus the person can recognize when a 3-minute long distance conversation should be ended so that he is not obliged to run up a high telephone bill. An advantage of the present invention is that a person can continue a telephone conversation for a full 3 minutes and not get off ahead of time in case he is obliged to pay for the entire minimum time.
Thus there is provided a day-date-time dial that serves a useful purpose.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 through 6 wherein a modified design of day-date-time dial l9 incorporates all of the above described features and which additionally includes an indicator arrow 20 that can be manually pushed so that it can be set for a particular minute upon the dial face 13 in order that it automatically reminds an observer of a time limit when a minute hand 21 reaches the same. Thus in this form of the invention it is easier for a person to concentrate on his conversation without making mental calculations with a particular time being due. Thus a person is visually notified when a time limit is up.
The indicator arrow 20 is formed integrally on a ring 22 that is fitted rotatably within an annular groove 23 around the case 24 of the time piece 25. To reset the indicator arrow, a person merely pushes the arrow forwardly or rearwardly, as shown in FIG. 4 to a point where it is aimed directly at a specific minute of time at which a telephone conversation is intended to be concluded, and which will occur when the minute hand moves by the clock mechanism so that it aligns with the indicator arrow. Thus a person can gain a full use of the time for conversation without going overtime.
Thus a modified design of the invention has been provided.
What I now claim is:
1. In a day date time dial, the combination of a telephone receiver set that includes a rotatable dial for dialing telephone numbers, a center of said dial having a time piece mounted there upon, said time piece including a case enclosing a clock mechanism, a dial being located upon a front side of said case and enclosed by a wherein an electrical connection is made between said clock mechanism and the telephone receiver set electrical wiring so that said clock mechanism moves to indicate a day of a week, and a date of a month.
3. The combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein said means comprises a ring rotatable around said case and fixedly carrying said arrow head so that said arrow head can be pre-set to point at any particular calibration on said dial face. |
US-3874165-A | Horseshoe shaping apparatus | United States Patent Dawson 5] Apr. 1, 1975 [54] HORSESHOE SHAPING APPARATUS 572,870 1241896 Crow 6l4,527 ll 1898 Allwood 2 [76] Inventor: wllllam Dawsml, 1888 Catalpa 960,910 6/1910 Hazen 72/519 Trall, Vegas, 89108 l,269,8l3 6/1918 Hindley 59/56 [22] Filed, AP 15 1974 3,400,532 9/1968 Smith 59/36 [2]] Appl- N04 460,761 Primary E.\'aminerC. W. Lanham Assistant Examiner-Gene P. Crosby 52 us. (:1 59/56, 59/61, 72/319, Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Edward J. Quirk 72/458 [51] hit. Cl. B21k 15/02 ABSTRACT [58] Field of Search 59/56, 36, 52, 54, 56, I
59 0 1 4 70 2; 72 5 79 3 297 A devlce for shapmg prefabrlcated horseshoes to f1t a 310, 319, 218 5 horses foot comprises a base, a toe clamp attached to the base for holding the shoe in place, and bending el- 5 References Cited ements eccentrically mountable in the base on the in- UNITED STATES PATENTS side and outside of the shoe.
306,285 10/1884 Ri by 59/56 7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 6 3 l 26 l4 l2 8 32 l Q 151111111!!!" WK l HORSESHOE SHAPING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many types of apparatus for the manufacture of horseshoes from bar stock are well-known and are used for the rapid manufacture of different standard sizes of shoes. Most of these machines involve devices for bending a straightpiece of steel bar around a fixed die. For example, Hindley et al., US. Pat. No. 1,269,813, issued June 18, 1918, shows a machine having a springmounted sawtooth clamp for holding one end of heated bar stock to a horseshoe-shaped die, and a manually operated roller which urges against the outside of the steel bar as the roller is turned around the periphery of the die, thereby conforming the bar to the shape of the die. Similar devices for bending a steel bar around a horseshoe-shaped die are shown in Crow, US. Pat. No. 572,870, issued Dec. 8, 1896, and Barton, US. Pat. No. 163,841, issued June 1, 1875.
A more modern apparatus is shown in Smith, US. Pat. No. 3,400,532, issued Sept. 10, 1968, wherein the die for shaping the bar stock is mounted on a track. The die is moved along the track past a series of forming rollers which bend the bar to the elliptical shape of the die. All of these machines described in the art have as their purpose the manufacture of a reproducible, uniform-sized horseshoe.
As shown in the art, the manufacture of horseshoes of standard shapes and sizes is a reasonably simply task. Fitting the standard shoe to the horses hoof is the job of the farrier, and is a more difficult and timeconsuming art. Because of growth of the horses foot, the old shoes must be removed every 4-6 weeks and refitted to the foot; in general, the old shoes must be replaced every two or three refittings because of wear. After the old shoe is removed, the farrier trims the inside part of the bottom of the foot with a knife, and clips the edges of the foot with hoof clippers and smoothes the bottom of the foot with a hoof rasp. An excellent summary of the proper care of horses feet, including the best methods of preparing a horses foot for shoeing and the best known methods of fitting the shoe to the foot, is found in a booklet entitled Horseslwing and Hoof Care, published by The Western Horseman, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1960.
After preparing the hoof for shoeing, if a new shoe is needed, the farrier selects a shoe of the proper style, size, and weight. He then must fit the shoe to the horse's foot. For a proper fit of a normal shoe, the outer edge of the shoe should closely follow the outline of the trimmed hoof at the toe to the bend of the quarter, or midsection of the foot. From this point back to the rear of the shoe, the shoe should become gradually wider than the foot, extending laterally a maximum of about one-eighth inch beyond the foot wall at the rear of the heel of the shoe. This extension allows for growth of the hoof, which spreads laterally at the heel, and provides room for expansion of the hoof when weight is placed on the foot.
Because the contour of the horses foot rarely conforms to the standard shoe shape, the shoe must be reshaped to fit the foot. After selecting the proper shoe, the farrier places the shoe adjacent to the foot to see where changes must be made in the shape of the shoe. He then carries the shoe to an anvil, and hammers the shoe until the shape is modified. He then returns to the horse and again places the shoe adjacent to the foot to see if further changes are needed. The reshaping/fitting process is repeated until the proper fit is obtained. It is not uncommon for a farrier to make 25-50 trips from the horse to the anvil and back again before the correct shoe fit is obtained. Ultimately, most fittings are a compromise, being finished by filing the shoe to fit the foot, or the foot to fit the shoe. Typically, fitting one shoe to a horses foot requires about 15 minutes, and also necessitates multiple lifting of the horses foot, resulting in some danger to the farrier of being kicked by a recalcitrant horse. Repeated hammering of the metal weakens the shoe, and often creates a torque in one of the branches of the shoe, causing a twisting of the metal which is difficult to completely remove by further hammering. This problem is particularly acute with Nature Plates, which are a shoe design wherein the angle and contour of the hoof are continued to the shoe. The shoe is thin and lighweight, and is also slightly concave on the inside of the bottom, giving the shoe a tendency to flex when hammered.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for shaping horseshoes to fit a horses foot quickly and without protracted hammermg.
Another object is to provide a method of contouring a horseshoe to a particular foot without repeated lifting of the horses foot.
Another object is to provide an inexpensive apparatus which is easily adjustable to hold any size or style of horseshoe, and which can shape the shoe to fit any horses foot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides an apparatus for shaping horseshoes to fit a horses foot comprising a solid base member, a toe clamp for holding the shoe in a fixed position relative to the base, and eccentrically mounted bending elements mountable in the base such that the bending elements can simultaneously provide bending forces to the inside and outside of one branch of the horseshoe. In operation, a tracing is made of the horses hoof prior to shoeing, and the tracing is placed on the bending apparatus immediately below where the shoe will be clamped in place. The shoe is then fixed to the base, and the bending elements are placed in the base in the suitable location to make the desired adjustments to conform the shoe to the tracing. The inner and outer bending elements are then cooperatively operated to make the appropriate adjustments. With a little practice, the complete operation of shaping the shoe to the foot can be completed in less than five minutes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bending apparatus with a horseshoe and bending elements in place.
FIG. 2 shows a side and top view of one of the bending elements.
FIG. 3 is a view of a portion of the apparatus showing normal operation of the bending elements on a horseshoe branch.
FIG. 4 is a section view showing details of the clamp locking adjustment mechanism.
FIG. 5 shows details of the fixed and movable jaws of the toe clamp.
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the apparatus with the foot tracing in place, and a sectioned view of the toe clamp locking mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, the base member 1 of the horseshoe shaping apparatus comprises a rigid platform fabricated from seven-eighths inch thick hot-rolled steel, and is approximately 10 inches square. Horseshoe 2 is shown clamped in place by toe clamps 3 and 4. Front clamp 3 has a fixed position, whereas rear clamp 4 is slidably mounted along track 5 (as shown in FIG. 6), to urge against the inside of the toe portion of the shoe and lock the shoe into place. Rear clamp 4 is operated by locking mechanism 6, which is seen in FIGS. 1 and 6. The locking mechanism is operated manually by lever 7 which, when moved backward from the position shown in FIG. 1, cinches the movable jaw 4 of the shoe clamp firmly into place against the shoe.
A plurality of holes are drilled through the base plate around the periphery of the shoe to receive the dowels of bending devices 11 and 12. The holes labelled 8 are located on the outside of the shoe when it is locked in place and are used for making narrowing bends of the shoe, whereas those labelled 9 are on the inside of the shoe and are used to make widening bends of the shoe. In FIG. 1, bending elements 11 and 12 are both located in holes 8 outside the shoe, and would be operated to narrow the width of the shoe by rotating both handles inwardly.
The bending elements are shown in detail in FIG. 2. Bending element 11 consists of a central base element 15 adapted to receive threaded handle 13, and two opposing concentrically mounted bending discs 16 and 17. Dowel 10 is fixably mounted through the bending discs and base element, extending axially but eccentrically from the discs. The eccentric positioning of the dowel relative to the bending disc center is important for providing bending force to the shoe when the dowel is inserted in one of the receiving holes and the bending element is rotated. The dowel is slidably mounted in the holes and the bending element can be easily rotated by hand. The bending element is reversible in that either bending disc 16 of smaller diameter or disc 17, of larger diameter, may be used simply by turning the element over and inserting the other end of dowel 10 into the apropriate hole in the base. The thickness of discs 16 and 17 is slightly greater than the thickness of a horseshoe, such that base element 15 will not contact the horseshoe during operation. The diameter of the base element is slightly greater than that of either bending disc, thereby helping to confine the shoe during bending, and to resist any twisting or raising of the shoe. Selection of the proper disc and proper hole around the periphery of the shoe depends on the type and severity of the bend required and is a skill easily learned with a little practice.
As illustrated in the drawings, the bending element dowels are round, and fit in round holes in the base. Many modifications are possible, however; for example, the dowels and holes could be square in crosssection, and the bending element could have a built in swivel similar to a rachet-operated wrench.
The horseshoe is locked into place prior to bending with clamp members 3 and 4 which are shown in detail in FIG. 5. Fixed jaw 3 can be inserted in place by dropping the jaw into orifice 18 (shown in FIG. 6) and sliding the jaw forward over draw bar 20 toward the locking mechanism 6. The under surface 19 of the jaw rests on the upper surface of base 1 when the jaw is in place. The upper surface of lip 21 slides along the under surface of track 5, thereby preventing upward movement of the jaw when it is in operating position. The front surface 22 of the jaw is slightly concave in shape to adapt to the shape of the outside surface of the horseshoe toe, and has a knurled surface to prevent slippage of the shoe during bending. A slit 23 in the jaw is provided to allow the drawbar 20 to pass through the jaw without engaging it.
Movable jaw 4 is the counterpart to jaw 3, and urges against the inside surface of the horseshoe toe. After the fixed jaw is in place, with locking mechanism 6 in the unlocked position, extending the drawbar to the front of orifice 18, the movable jaw is placed in the orifice with convex knurled surface 41 opposing surface 22. The catch 24 on drawbar 20 then engages the rear of walls 25 in the jaw, enabling the movable jaw to be drawn back toward the fixed jaw by operation of locking mechanism 6. The horseshoe is placed on base 1 with the jaws open, and is clamped in place by pushing the handle 7 on the locking mechanism away from the jaws, thereby moving the jaw 4 backward until the toe of the shoe is firmly locked in place between jaws 3 and 4. Thumbscrew 26 is used to adjust the locked position of the movable jaw, which will depend upon the width of the horseshoe at the toe. Ledges 26 and 27 at the top of the knurled surface prevent the shoe from raising up from the jaws when bending force is being applied to the shoe. Jaws 3 and 4, being easily removable, can be quickly replaced with other pairs of jaws of differing sizes to handle different shoe sizes and styles.
The clamp locking system, best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, comprises the drawbar catch 24, which engages the movable jaw, and the drawbar 20 which is pivotally mounted at pin 27 to adjustable link 28. Adjustable link block 29 is slidably mounted inside adjustable link 28 on screw mechanism 30, with screw threads on the inside of the adjustable link block engaging threads on screw 30. Dowel bar 31, which is fixed by press fitting into bearing 32 and 33, is inserted through orifice 34 in the adjustable link block and can freely rotate in said orifice. The dowel bar is eccentrically mounted in the bearings as best shown in phantom in FIGS. 4 and 6.
The bearing surfaces and bearing races are made from hardened hot rolled steel, and machined such that a smooth fit is obtained which does not require lubrication after initial application of a dry powered molybdenum lubricant to the surfaces. Accordingly, as thumbscrew 26 is turned, the adjustable link/drawbar assembly moves relative to base 1, thus adjusting the locked position of the movable jaw. The locking assembly and bearings are held in place by fixed braces 39 and 40 which are fastened to base 1 by bolts or welds; these braces are fixed and do not move as the bearings are rotated. As handle 7 is pushed backward from the base, bearings 32 and 33 rotate with the handle. Dowel bar 31 follows a semicircular are caused by its eccentric mounting, lifting and pulling back the adjustable link and adjustable link block, which pivot about pin 27, and accordingly drawing back the drawbar to lock the jaws. The proper locked position of the movable jaw can then be adjusted with thumbscrew 26.
Because of the stresses placed on a number of the components of the bending apparatus, it is important that the apparatus be constructed of properly resistant materials. The base is made from hot-rolled hardened steel or other suitable hard metal; fabrication from a softer material may result in stretching of the holes in the plate after continued use. Drawbar is also subjected to substantial tensile stress, and may be made from a very hard material such as aluminum bronze or 4140 steel.
In general, when shaping a horseshoe on the apparatus of the invention, it is desirable to have a print of the shape of the shoe at hand. In a preferred method of using the machine, a tracing is first made of the horses hoof after the hoof has been prepared for shoeing. The tracing can be made simply by placing the foot on a solid surface having a piece of paper, cardboard, plastic, or other material which can be easily marked with an instrument such as a pen or pencil, and moving the instrument about the outside periphery of the foot. The outline of the foot is then transferred to the surface of the base by any of a number of means. For example, the paper can be cut to the shape of the outline and taped to the base, or the image can be transferred to the base by means of carbon paper, or by tracing the edge of the cut outline with a felt pen. If the paper or plastic having the outline of the hoof is fixed to the base, it is important that the holes 8 and 9 not be covered, since the holes must be open to receive the bending elements.
When the outline of the hoof is transferred to the base, it is important that the outline be correctly placed on the base to coincide with the periphery of the shoe. The image should be placed with the fixed toe clamp jaw in place, and the toe of the image should fit the curve of the fixed jaw as shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, when the shoe is in place above the outline, it will be quite simple to determine what type and degree of bends must be made in the shoe in order to conform to the hoof outline. In FIG. 6, the toe portion of hoof outline 35, which has been traced on the satin finish surface of base 2 with a felt-tip pen, conforms to the knurled surface of fixed jaw 3.
After the hoof outline image is placed on the plate, the moveable jaw is inserted, and the horseshoe is clamped in place as shown in FIG. 1. The operator can then easily see what changes in the shape of the shoe are necessary, and can position bending elements 11 and 12 in the appropriate holes for operation. FIG. 3 shows operation of the bending devices to bend shoe 2 to conform to outline 35.
When placing the hoof outline and the shoe on the bending apparatus, it is of course essential that the left and right branches of the shoe coincide with the left and right sides, respectively, of the hoof outline. Accordingly, if the outline of the hoof is made while the horse is standing, it will be necessary to invert the outline prior to placing it on the base of the forming device if the top side of the shoe (i.e., the side which is in contact with the ground when in place on the horses hoof) is facing upward when clamped in the bending apparatus. Good results have been obtained by making the hoof tracing with a pen or pencil on a piece of transparent plastic sheet, which can then be inverted on the machine but still visible from above.
Although in the preferred embodiment disclosed herein specific types of locking devices and bending mechanisms have been described, many modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, any type of clamping device which will hold the shoe in place while the bending elements exert force on the shoe would be operable. In addition, the bending elements need not be cam-operated and movable from one hole to another on the base, but may be trackmounted and movable continuously around the periphery of the shoe. It is essential however that the elements be locatable at a plurality of locations around the shoe.
I claim:
1. Apparatus for bending a prefabricated horseshoe to conform to the contour of a horse s hoof comprising:
a rigid base,
holding means to mount a horseshoe in a fixed position relative to said base, and
bending means movable to a plurality of points around the inner and outer periphery of the horseshoe to exert bending force on the horseshoe.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bending means comprises at least two bending elements whereby bending forces can be simultaneously applied to at least two points around the peripheral surface of the horseshoe.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base contains a plurality of means for removably mounting the bending means, and the bending means comprises at least one manually operated cam which urges against the periphery of the horseshoe during a portion of its rotation.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bending means comprises a cam having a mounting pin extending perpendicularly from the cam surface and a radially extending handle, and the rigid base contains a plurality of receiving means for the mounting pin.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the holding means comprises a clamp having two removable jaws, movable with respect to each other and having opposing concave and convex holding surfaces adapted to receive the toe portion of a horseshoe.
6. A method of shaping a prefabricated horseshoe to fit the hoof of a horse which comprises preparing an outline of the hoof to be shod, clamping the shoe to be shaped in a fixed position relative to the outline, and applying sufficient bending force to the shoe to conform the outer periphery of the shoe to the shape of the outline.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein bending forces are applied simultaneously to the inside and outside peripheries of the shoe. |
US-3874166-A | Method of and apparatus for reducing harmful emissions from internal combustion engines | United States Patent Kirchhofer et a1.
[ 1 Apr. 1, 1975 1 1 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING HARMFUL EMISSIONS FROM INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES [76] Inventors: Hubert Kirchhofer,
General-Guisanstr. 47, Nussbaumen; Josef Perevuznik, Hagelerstr. 71; Alfred Wunsch, 1m Eichtal 4. both of Baden, all of [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,848,871 8/1956 .lcndrassik 417/64 2.957.304 10/1960 Bcrchtoltl 60/3945 3.074.620 1/1963 Spalding 60/3945 3.120.920 2/1964 Waleffe ct al. 417/64 3,221,981 12/1965 Spalding 417/64 3.234.736 2/1966 Spalding 60/3945 3,802,801 4/1974 Wunsch 417/64 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,162,631 2/1964 Germany 417/64 Primary Examiner-Freeh Wiiliam L. Assistant Examiner-Warren Olsen Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Pierce, Scheffier & Parker [57] ABSTRACT Combustion air for an internal combustion engine is compressed in a dynamic pressure-wave machine by utilization of heat remaining in the engine exhaust gases. A reduction in harmful emissions from the engine is effected within the'rotor of the pressure-wave machine due to a primary recirculation of the exhaust gas into the air at the interface between the exhaust gas and the air, the amount of the recirculation being at its lowest value at full load on the engine and being increased sharply with decreasing load. The change in the amount of exhaust gas being recirculated is made more uniform over the whole load range by means of a secondary recirculation. increasing at full load, and which is brought about by introducing exhaust gas directly into the machine in at least one place at which the cells of the rotor are filled with air by means of a crossover pipe.
11 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures saw 3 or 4 PATENTEU APR 1 I975 PATENTED 3,874, 166
sum u o g METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING HARMFUL EMISSIONS FROM INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES The present invention concerns a method of reducing harmful emissions from internal combustion engines the combustion air for which is compressed in a gasdynamic pressure-wave machine by utilising energy still contained in the engine exhaust gases, a primary recirculation of exhaust gas into the air taking place in the rotor of the pressure-wave machine at the interface between the exhaust gas and the air, and further concerns apparatus for effecting this method.
Viewed from the overall economic standpoint there is at present no real alternative to the diesel engine for road vehicles. If, as to the future, the diesel engine is to continue to fulfil its objective, namely increased output with the highest possible power/weight ratio and lowest possible specific fuel consumption, then particular attention must be paid to the exhaust-gas behaviour of the diesel engine owing to the worldwide interest in environmental pollution.
It is known that the recirculation of exhaust gases into the combustion air of an internal combustion engine reduces the emission of harmful substances such nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons. This recirculation, which with the diesel engine has proved especially effective for reducing nitrous oxide emission, consists in returning exhaust gas into the intake air, or in the case of a pressure-charged engine into the charge air.
Exhaust gas recirculation lowers the oxygen content of the combustion air and hence the effective excess air of the intake gases. By way of the concentration of the cylinder contents, therefore, influence is exerted on the kinetics of the combustion reaction. which in turn influences the combustion procedure and the exhaustgas composition. Reducing the 0 concentration by means of exhaust-gas recirculation means slower combustion, under certain circumstances also accompanied by a lowering of the maximum combustion temperature, on which the speed of reaction in the formation of nitrous oxide to a large degree depends. For this reason, reducing the maximum temperature of combustion is the most appropriate way of decreasing nitrous oxides in the exhaust gases. For the same reason, as regards nitrous oxide emission it is more effective to recirculatc cooled exhaust gas.
Another very important aspect of exhaust-gas recirculation is the reduction of the ignition lag, i.e. the time from the commencement of fuel injection until the commencement of combustion. It is due to the higher final compression temperature resulting from the higher fresh gas inlet temperature. Apart from other advantages, e.g. reduction of ignition noise, shortening the ignition lag has the effect of improving combustion, which in turn reduces harmful emissions.
With a diesel engine, because load is regulated in terms of the calorific value of the mixture, the excess air coefficient rises as load decreases. At small loads, therefore, more exhaust gas can be recirculated without immediately causing an air deficiency because the combustion-air excess is then very large. Thus in the range of low and medium loads, nitrous oxide emission can he reduced particularly effectively by recirculating exhaust gas into the intake air. In the region of full load, on the other hand, heavy recirculation of exhaust gases would lower the attainable power output of the engine.
But it is desirable to recirculate more exhaust gas at partial load than at full load not only from the standpoint of the engine, but also in view of legal emission requirements, which take into account practical operation of the vehicle. The optimum quantity of exhaust gas to be recirculated is thus not constant: it depends on the duty point of the engine when in service.
The gas-dynamic pressure-wave machine is very well suited to pressure-charging internal combustion engines, and particularly vehicle diesel engines, for which rapid response of the charging device and high charging in the lower and middle speed range are desired. Since in the pressurewave machine exhaust gas and intake air are in direct contact, a certain degree of mixing takes place at the interface between these two gases.
At full load the passage of exhaust gas into the air, in the following termed primary recirculation, can be largely prevented by ensuring in the design of the pressure-wave machine that the gas/air interface does not reach the high-pressure air outlet. A buffer zone of air then prevents the exhaust gas from passing into the combustion air. In addition, at full load the lowpressure section is greatly over-scavenged, i.e. the pressure-wave machine draws in more air than it compresses and feeds to the engine on the high-pressure side. This extra scavenging air is used to flush the mixing zone. However, it is not possible to maintain this over-scavenging of the pressure-wave machine at operating points in the region of partial engine loads. As load falls, it decreases progressively until finally, at low partial loads, it becomes underscavenging, i.e. the pressure-wave machine draws in less air than it supplies compressed gas to the engine being charged.
These features of the pressure-wave machine thus al ready meet the requirements made of an exhaust-gas recirculation system for internal combustion engines with the purpose of reducing harmful emissions, in that gas recirculation increases as engine load falls. It is sufficient for certain engines which, in order to satisfy the California 13-point test, require exhaust-gas recirculation only at partial load.
Thus with the usual design of the pressure-wave machine for pressure-charging purposes, the quality of the engine exhaust gas is scarcely affected at full load because thcn practically no gas is recirculated. It is quite possible to increase gas recirculation over the whole operating range of the pressure-wave machine, but it is difficult to influence parts of the range. If gas recirculation is increased at full load, the engine soon begins to smoke as load decreases, and there is a danger that at the bottom of the load range it receives too much exhaust gas and stops. Recirculating very hot exhaust gas direct into the combustion air at full load would also be less effective because it is known that hot exhaust gas does not reduce the harmful components so greatly. Also, by diminishing the combustion air ratio, hot exhaust gas in the combustion air would cause a reduction in engine output.
The object of the present invention is to reduce emissions of harmful substances from an internal combustion engine pressured-charged by a gas-dynamic pressure-wave machine, particularly in the full-load region, to values below those resulting from primary exhaustgas recirculation, without thus disturbing operation of the engine and as far as possible without forfeiting engine power.
This object is achieved in that primary exhaust-gas recirculation, which is least at full load and increases sharply with decreasing load, is made more uniform over the whole load range by secondary recirculation, which increases at full load, by introducing exhaust gas direct into the pressure-wave process in at least one place at which the cells of the rotor are filled with air.
Apparatus for effecting this method comprises at least one crossover duct for secondary recirculation from a space filled with exhaust gas to an opening, facing the cells, in one side of the pressure-wave machine.
An improvement can be achieved by means of a cooling device in the crossover duct for secondary exhaustgas recirculation.
In another version of the invention the crossover duct is in the form of a return-flow pipe, the inlet opening of which, viewed in the direction of rotation of the rotor, lies within the first half, preferably immediately after the front edge of the low-pressure gas outlet port, and its outlet opening lies within the second half, preferably immediately before the rear edge of the lowpressure air inlet port.
Another version employs a return-flow pipe as the crossover duct which branches off the high-pressure gas inlet and, viewed in the direction of rotation of the rotor, emerges in the web before the high-pressure air outlet port.
If the pressure-wave machine incorporates a compression pocket, the crossover duet can be a returnflow pipe which branches off the high-pressure gas inlet and emerges in the compression pocket.
A further possibility comprises a connecting pipe as the crossover duct which branches off the highpressure gas inlet and, viewed in the direction of rotation of the rotor, emerges in the web before the highpressure gas inlet port.
An improvement is then achieved if the termination of the connecting pipe comprises at least one nozzle.
Such devices can easily be adapted to the motor in question by means of a throttle device in the crossover duct for secondary gas recirculation, and this can be further improved if the flow cross-section of the throttle is adjustable.
With the method described it is possible, by influencing the pressure-wave process, to alter the characteristic of primary exhaust-gas recirculation in a gasdynamic pressure-wave machine with the aid of secondary gas recirculation in such a way that it is approximately optimum at all duty points of the engine. Comparable methods which operate with exhaust-gas turbochargers require a separate control system for this purpose.
Recirculated exhaust gas, especially when cooled, is particularly effective where it is most needed within the operating range of the internal combustion engine to reduce severe harmful emission, namely at high loads and high speeds. Cooling the recirculated gas improves the reduction of harmful substances in the ranges of engine operation with the greatest emission of such substances, and decreases the unavoidable drop in engine output which is caused by the lowering of the combustion air density but can be reduced by suitable cooling.
When an engine is charged with a pressure-wave machine, it is easy in this way to improve the quality of the exhaust gas by recirculating exhaust gas into the combustion air to be compressed.
The method described is also superior to comparable methods operating with exhaust-gas tubochargers in that the gas-dynamic pressure-wave machine, which even in its known form exhibits considerable exhaustgas recirculation, is to a large extent insensitive to contamination. The quantity of soot entrained into the pressure-wave machine with the secondary recirculated gas does not therefore impair the performance of the machine, whereas with a turbocompressor the consequences can be very serious. It is practically impossible to operate a turbocompressor for any length of time while introducing exhaust gases containing solid matter on the intake side. With the method described, the contamination problem is restricted to the cooler, but this can be so designed that it can easily be cleaned periodically.
Several examples of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a gas-dynamic pressure-wave machine in longitudinal section;
FIG. 2 is a side section of the housing at line II II of FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 3 is the other side section of the housing at line IIIIII in FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the rotor at line IVIV in FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrows;
FIG. 5 is part of a developed projection of a cylindrical section at half the cell height through the rotor and through the adjacent portions of the side sections of the housing with a gas recirculation system according to the invention;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the effect achieved by the invention; and
FIG. 7 and 8 are alternative versions to FIG. 5;
In all the drawings, the same parts are identified by the same reference symbols.
FIG. 1 to 4 show a known construction of a gasdynamic pressure-wave machine. The rotor 1 turns between fixed side sections of the housing, namely air housing 2 and gas housing 3, which are joined by the middle portion 4 of the housing, which encloses the rotor in the manner of a jacket. The high-energy, highpressure gas, here the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, enters gas housing 3 at 5 and flows through inlet ports 9 into rotor l, where it surrenders part of its energy to the air in the pressure-wave process. It leaves the rotor again as low-pressure gas through outlet ports 10 in gas housing 3, and flows out of the gas housing at 6, e.g. towards the exhaust pipe. Air normally at atmospheric pressure, termed lowpressure air, enters the air housing 2 at 7 and flows through inlet ports 11 into the rotor, where it is compressed. It leaves the rotor again as high-pressure air through the outlet ports 12 in air housing 2 and flows out of the air housing. This cannot be seen in these drawings because in the present case the direction of the outlet flow is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
A compression pocket 13, for pre-compressing the air, can be provided in the side of the air housing 2 facing the rotor before the high-pressure air outlet port 12, when viewed in the direction of rotation of the rotor.
The rotor l is overhung in air housing 2, is driven at 8 and in that portion in which the pressure-wave process takes place comprises hub 14 and shroud 15 between which cell walls 16 extend radially, enclosing cells 17 which are open in the directions of the air housing and gas housing. Since there are two inlet and outlet ports each in the air housing and gas housing, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotor passes through the gas-dynamic cycle twice per revolution.
FIG. 5 shows a developed projection of approximately half the rotor and of the adjacent parts of the side sections of the housing. The high-pressure gas entering at 5 only partially fills the cells 17, the direction of movement of which is indicated by the arrow 20, since a residue of air remains in the cells. The hatched area 21 is the space filled with engine exhaust gas, and the ideal interface between gas and air is denoted 22. 18 designates the high-pressure air outlet. The pressure-wave process taking place in the rotor is indicated by the sequence of lines 23.
The circumstances illustrated in FIG. 5 relate to full engine load. If the mixing zone of gas and air, as occurs in practice, is separated from the high-pressure air outlet port 12 by a sufficiently wide air buffer zone, exhaust gas cannot leave together with the compressed air. The buffer zone containing gas is completely scavenged in the low-pressure section so that in the following cycle impurities cannot be carried into the engine with the charge air. It can be seen that the interface 22 leaves the cells well before the end of the low-pressure gas outlet port 10. The cells are then purged with fresh air. This configuration of the pressure-wave machine is necessary in order to avoid excessive under-scavenging at very low engine load. When over-scavenging at full load is 30 percent, under-scavenging at no-load is of the same order of magnitude. Since at low loads the pressure differences betweeen low-pressure air and low-pressure gas become very small, and consequently the pressure-wave effect in the low-pressure section is very weak, at low loads the interface 22 does not leave the rotor 1 before the end of the low-pressure pressure gas outlet port 10. The proportion of primary recirculated exhaust gas over the whole load range is determined by selecting one point. If the design chosen is such that at full load 5 to per cent by volume of exhaust gas is recirculated, the quantity recirculated at no-load can become so great that the engine no longer runs stably.
Curve A of FIG. 6, for example, shows the quantity of primary recirculated exhaust gas at rated engine speed with a pressure-wave machine of the usual construction, plotted as degree of recirculation R, in per cent volume against mean effective piston pressure p,,,,., where 100 P corresponds to the piston pressure at full load. It can been seen from this diagram that at full load the quantity of recirculated exhaust gas is very small, but rises sharply with decreasing load, corresponding to decreasing p,,,,.. However, a flatter recirculation characteristic is desirable, and therefore to be aimed at: at full engine load the quantity of exhaust gas recirculated in the pressure-wave machine should be up to 10 per cent by volume, while at low partial loads it should not be greater than with a machine of the usual construction.
This is the purpose ofthc invention. A crossover duct which joins a space filled with engine exhaust gas to an opening facing the cells in one of the two end sections of the pressure-wave machine, is used to introduce a secondary flow of exhaust gas direct into the pressurewave process at a place where the cells of the rotor are filled with air.
In FIG. 5 the crossover duct comprises return-flow pipe 24. It begins in the low-pressure gas outlet port 10 immediately after its leading edge 27 when viewed in the direction of rotation of the rotor, its inlet 25 faces the cells of the rotor and it ends in the low-pressure air inlet port 11 immediately before its rear edge 28, the outlet 26 of the return-flow pipe also facing the cells. At some arbitrary point along the return-flow pipe 24 is a throttle valve 29, and before it, viewed in the flow direction, is the exhaust-gas cooler 30.
The scavenging process ends as soon as the cells reach the end of the low-pressure gas outlet port 10. The gas flowing out of the return'flow pipe 24 into the rotor has no opportunity to flow straight out again through outlet port 10, but takes part in the next pressure-wave cycle, whereupon it. is compressed together with the air flowing in through low-pressure air inlet port 11, is expelled through the next high-pressure air outlet port 12 and passed to the engine.
This secondary recirculation of exhaust gas is not simply superimposed on the primary recirculation, but has the effect of influencing and changing the whole pressure-wave process in such a way that the sum of primary and secondary recirculated gas flows corresponds to curve B in FIG. 6. The degree of recirculation can be raised to 10 percent by volume at full load, without causing a corresponding increase at partial load as well. Curve B is flatter than curve A over the whole load range, and in this example even shows smaller values at low partial loads than does curve A, which represents primary recirculation alone.
The shape of curve B is by its nature subject to certain variations, depending on the point at which the secondary recirculated exhaust gas is introduced into the pressure-wave process (see the examples described below) and how the process is arranged. A criterion, however, is that the exhaust gas is introduced at a point where the cells of the rotor are filled with air. The configuration shown in FIG. 5, for example, can be varied in that the inlet 25 of the return-flow pipe 24 is located within the first half of the low-pressure gas outlet port 10 and its outlet 26 lies within the second half of the low-pressure air inlet port 11.
The dimensions of return-flow pipe 24 depends on the required degree of recirculation, while account must also be taken of the available pressure drop. A simplification is achieved by fitting a throttle device so that the pipe cross-section does not have to be matched to each individual case. By providing the throttle with a variable flow cross-section, better optimisation is possible and fine adjustment of the secondary recirculated gas flow is made easier. It is of course also possible to regulate the flow cross-section in relation to duty point, for example, in which case curve B of FIG. 6 could be made even more uniform, if this is desired.
The recirculated exhaust gas is cooled in cooler 30 before being introduced into the pressure-wave process. In this way excessive density loss of the compressed air due to heating of the low-pressure air intake is avoided, and the flow rate of this secondary recirculated gas can be influenced. Cooling the recirculated gas, however, also further reduces the emission of nitrous oxides, as has already been mentioned. But the exhaust-gas cooler 30 cannot replace cooling of the entire high-pressure air on its way to the engine. This cooling is well known in connection with turbocharging, and is particularly effective when pressurecharging with a pressure-wave machine.
An example with recirculation of high-pressure gas is shown in FIG. 7. Exhaust gas coming from the engine is bled off supply duct 32 and fed to the air housing 2 by way of return-flow pipe 31. The return-flow pipe ends in the compression pocket 13, from where the gas is introduced into the pressure-wave process. The compression pocket is incorporated in the web 33 before the high-pressure air outlet port 12, when viewed in the direction of rotation of the rotor. The throttling device consists of an interchangeable holed diaphragm 34 located in the return-flow pipe at its junction with the supply duct 32.
The action of the compression pocket is dependent on speed. At high speeds the pocket has no influence on the pressure-wave process, while at low speeds it has the effect of pre-compressing the ingested fresh air. Throughout the whole speed range, however, the pressure relationships are such that at full load the pressure drop from the high-pressure gas supply duct 32 to the compression pocket is greater than at partial load so that a correspondingly larger quantity of exhaust gas is recirculated at full load.
A similar configuration is possible even when there is no compression pocket. The return-flow pipe 31 then terminates in web 33, with its opening facing the cells of the rotor.
The curves of the degree of recirculation resulting from primary and secondary recirculation are in both cases similar to curve B in FIG. 6.
An example of high-pressure gas recirculation with the inlet flow on the gas side is shown in FIG. 8. The connecting pipe 35 contained within gas housing 3 branches from the high-pressure gas supply duct 32 and terminated in web 36 before the high-pressure gas inlet port 9, when viewed in the direction of rotation of the rotor, i.e. once again at a point where the cells of the rotor are filled with air. This advance inlet flow not only influences the pressure-wave process, but at the same time also displaces the mixing zone further towards the air side. The result is that principally at full load, and especially at high speeds, part of the mixing zone discharges with the compressed air into the highpressure air outlet port 12. The effect can be intensified in the termination of the connecting pipe 35 is fitted with a nozzle 37, which also replaces the throttle.
This version is of great advantage because no external piping is required. Incorporating a cooler would necessarily be difficult, and it would therefore be more convenient to cool the recirculated exhaust together with the compressed on its way to the engine.
In all the examples the crossover duct is so arranged that a pressure difference exists between its inlet and outlet. It is also possible in principle to include a means of propelling the gas in order to raise the flow velocity of the recirculating gas if the pressure difference is small, or even to overcome a negative pressure difference, but this would make the whole apparatus more complicated and, moreover, requires additional energy.
Also included in the invention is the possibility of providing in a given case a number of crossover ducts in parallel, or one or more for each pressure-wave cycle. Furthermore, the various possibilities can be combined.
It should also be noted that the method described for reducing harmful emissions from internal combustion engines is equally applicable to diesel and Otto-cycle engines.
We claim:
1. In the method of providing combustion air for an internal combustion engine by compressing the air in a gas-dynamic pressure-wave machine by utilization of heat still contained in the engine exhaust gases and wherein harmful emissions from the engine are reduced as a result of a primary recirculation of exhaust gas into the air at the interface between the exhaust gas and the air in the celled rotor of the machine, the amount of the exhaust-gas recirculation being at its lowest value at full load and increasing sharply with decreasing load, the improvement which comprises the step of introducing exhaust gas directly into the machine in at least one place at which the cells of the rotor are filled with air thereby effecting a secondary recirculation of the exhaust gas which increases at full load and which serves to render recirculation of the exhaust gas more uniform over the whole load range.
2. Apparatus for providing combustion air for an internal combustion engine comprising a gas-dynamic pressure-wave machine in which the air is compressed by utilization of heat still contained in the exhaust gases from the engine, harmful emissions from the engine being reduced as a result of primary recirculation of exhaust gas into the air at the interface between the exhaust gas and the air in the celled rotor of the machine, said gas recirculation being at its lowest value at full load and increasing sharply with decreasing load, and means for rendering said recirculation of exhaust gas more uniform over the whole load range of the engine comprising a crossover duct for effecting secondary exhaust-gas recirculation extending from a space filled with exhaust gas to an opening facing air filled cells in the rotor in one side of the machine.
3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 and which further includes a cooling device located in said crossover duct.
4. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said crossover duct is constituted by a return-flow pipe, the inlet opening of which as viewed in the rotational direction of the rotor lies within the first half of the low-pressure gas outlet port from the rotor and the outlet opening of which lies within the second half of the low-pressure air inlet port to the rotor.
5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the inlet opening of said return-flow pipe is located immediately after the front edge of said low-pressure gas outlet port, and wherein the outlet opening of said return-flow pipe is located immediately in front of the rear edge of said low-pressure air inlet port.
6. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said crossover duct is constituted by a return-flow pipe which branches off the high-pressure gas inlet pipe and which viewed in the rotational direction of the rotor emerges in a web located before the high-pressure air outlet port.
7. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said pressure-wave machine includes a compression pocket located adjacent one end of the rotor and wherein said crossover duct is constituted by a return-flow pipe which branches off the high-pressure gas inlet duct and emerges in said compression pocket.
10. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 and which further includes a throttling device in said crossover duct provided for the secondary exhaust-gas recirculation.
11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 and wherein the flow cross-section of said throttling device is adjustable.
UNITED STATES PATENT @TTTQE @ERTTTTQATT @T QQRRECTTQN PATENT NO. 3 ,874,166 DATED April 9 975 INVENTOMS) 1 Hubert Kirchhover Josef Perevuznik, Alfred Wunsch It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below;
and Seaied (2H5 twen ty-second 3y 0? July 1 975 [SEAL] A new:
RUTH C MASON (I. MARSHALL DANNt Arresting Officer Commissioner of Parenrs and Trademarks |
US-3874167-A | Gas turbine control with fuel shut-off and ignition upon deceleration | United States Patent Katsume et al. 1 5] Apr. 1, 1975 GAS TURBINE CONTROL WITH FUEL [56] References Cited SHUT-OFF AND IGNITION UPON UNITED STATES PATENTS DECELERATION 3,765,176 10/1973 Nelson et a] 60/223 [75] Inventors; Tetsuo Katsume; Toghihiro 3,777,480 12/1973 Stoltman.. 60/3928 R Horiuchi both of Yokosuka, Japan 3,805,517 4/1974 Sewell et a1 r 60/3928 R 3,830,055 8/1974 Erlund 60/3928 R [73] Assignee: Nissan Motor Company Limited,
yokohamajapan Primary ExaminerC. .I. Husar 22 Filed; Jam 1 1974 Assistant Examiner-Warren Olsen [21] Appl. No.: 433,790 [57] ABSTRACT A fuel shut-off signal is generated if the rotational [30] Forelgn Apphcatmn Pnomy Data speed of a gas producer shaft is above a certain value Jan. 17, Japan and an accelerator pedal is not depressed beyond a certain point, indicating a deceleration demand condi- 603909 R, 60/223 tion. An ignition signal to restart the engine is also CI. generated and the fuel hut off ignal is terminated Field of Search 60/3909 1 when the deceleration demand condition is removed.
' 2 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures LOGICAL ONE H 2 SIGNAL GENERATOR GAS PRODUCER Q F FLEREN SPEED SENSOR p FUEL SUPPLY CONTROLLER 8 /31 I2 34 AC CELERATOR 32 ONESHOT 33 29 IGNI TIOM Svv NULT'V'BRATOR CONTROLLER |8 3O l LOGICAL ONE SIGNAL 25 GENERETOR 27 PATENTEBAPR 1 ms sum 2 0F 2 mic.
GEEIdS L-JVHS HEDHOOHCI SVE) GAS TURBINE CONTROL WITH FUEL SHUT-OFF AND IGNITION UPON DECELERATION This present invention relates to a control device for a two-shaft gas turbine engine for a motor vehicle.
conventionally, when a gas turbine engine is started, fuel in the combustor is ignited by sparks provided by an ignition system until combustion is initiated, and during operation, combustion within the combustor is sustained by a continuous supply of fuel without supplementary ignition.
Hence, it has been common practice in a conventional control device to supply fuel throughout all operating conditions of the engine and to deenergize the ignition system except when starting the engine. There is a drawback in such a conventional control device in that fuel must be supplied into the combustor of the engine even during deceleration to sustain combustion within the combustor causing sluggish response of the engine to a deceleration demand. The fact that fuel is supplied during deceleration is also unfavourable because of more toxic compounds in exhaust gas and lower fuel economy as compared with conventional motor vehicle piston internal combustion engines.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a control device for a two-shaft gas turbine engine for a motor vehicle which improves the response of the gas turbine engine to a deceleration demand without affecting the performance of the engine during other operating conditions.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a control device for a two-shaft gas turbine engine for a motor vehicle which shuts off the supply of fuel to the combustor of the engine during deceleration and energizes an ignition system to provide sparks to ignite fuel in the combustor to resume combustion within the combustor after termination of the deceleration condition.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electric control device for a two-shaft gas turbine engine for a motor vehicle.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a control device of the present invention;
FIG. 2a is a graphical representation of the deceleration characteristics of the invention; and
FIG. 2b illustrates the timing of signals used in the control device shown in FIG. 1.
Referring to the accompanying drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a control device of the present invention. The control device senses the rotational speed of a gas producer shaft (not shown) of a two-shaft gas turbine engine by means of a gas producer speed sensor and the engine speed demand of a vehicle operator with an accelerator switch 12. It is to be understood that the gas producer speed sensor 10 feeds through a line 11 a signal representing the speed of a gas producer shaft, or a gas producer speed signal. The accelerator switch 12 is operatively connected with a manual engine speed control member such as an accelerator pedal (not shown) of the gas turbine engine, is normally open, and closes to feed a logical one level signal through a line 13 if the position of the accelerator pedal corresponds to an engine speed above a second predetermined value. The gas producer speed signal from the line 11 is fed into a differential amplifier 14 which is utilized to compare the gas producer speed signal with a predetermined speed signal to provide an output through a line 15. The output of the differential amplifier 14 is normally logical zero and switches to logical one if the gas producer speed is above a first predetermined value. Preferably, the first predetermined value should be 25,000 rpm, with'a gas producer having a maximum shaft speed of 40,000 rpm and an idling speed of 20,000 rpm. On the other hand, the output from the accelerator switch 12 is inverted by an inverter 16. The output signal from the inverter 16 and the output signal from the differential amplifiler 14 are fed into an input of a logical comparator 2, here shown as a NAND gate 17.
The NAND gate 17 procuces a logical zero output signal if both input signals are logical one, and a logical one output signal otherwise. The output signal from the NAND gate 17 is fed through a line 18 to a NAND gate 21, the other input of which is at all times a logical one signal from a signal generator 19 fed through a line 20. The output of the NAND gate 21 fed through a line 22 is inverted by an inverter 23. The signal on the line 22 is. normally logical zero and switches to logical one if the gas producer shaft speed is above the first predetermined value and the accelerator pedal is moved to a position corresponding to an engine speed below the second predetermined value, since the signal on the line 18 switches to logical zero. It will be understood that the signal on the line 24, which is called a fuel shutoff signal, is normally logical one and switches to logical zero when the gas turbine engine has entered a deceleration demand condition.
A control device of the present invention is adapted to be utilized with a fuel supply controller 25 which is designed to shut off the fuel supply to the combustor (not shown) of the gas turbine engine if a logical zero signal is fed thereinto through the line 24. A fuel supply controller 25 with the above characteristics may be easily designed by those skilled in the art and does not form a part of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.
From the foregoing description it will be understood that the supply of fuel to the combustor will be shut off during decelerationof the gas turbine engine. The fuel shut-off condition is maintained as long as the accelerator pedal is in a position coresponding to a speed below the second predetermined value and the gas producer shaft speed is above the first predetermined value. It will also be understood that this condition ends when the gas producer shaft speed drops below the first predetermined value or the accelerator pedal is depressed to demand an engine speed above the second predetermined value, and supply of fuel to the combustor is resumed. Referring also to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the gas producer shaft speed falls more sharply from an initial deceleration demand time A (as shown by a curve D) using a device of the invention than with a conventional gas turbine engine (curve B).
Referring again to the NAND gate 17, its output is inverted by an inverter 30 and fed to a one-shot multivibrator 31 through a line 32. The multivibrator 31 is designed to produce a logical one signal for a predetermined period of time T (determined by a time constant circuit comprising a resistor R and capacitor C) after the signal on the line 32 switches from logical zero to logical one. The time T should extend beyond a point E (see FIGS. 2a and 2b) by a sufficient duration enabling the ignition system to restore combustion within the combustor. The output signal on the line 33 is fed to a NAND gate 28, the other input of which is at all times fed a logical one signal from a signal generator 26 through a line 27. It is to be noted that the input signal to the multivibrator 31 switches from logical zero to logical one upon release of the accelerator pedal to demand a speed below the second predetermined value with the gas producer shaft speed above the first predetermined value to trigger the multivibrator 31.
Referring to the NAND gate 28, a logical one input signal will create a logical zero output signal, and other conditions will create a logical one output signal. It will be understood that the output signal from the NAND gate 28, which is called an ignition signal, lasts for the time T as shown in FlG. 2b. The ignition signal is fed through a line 29 to an ignition controller 34.
The ingition controller 34 is designed to cause sparks to be generated to ignite fuel in the combustor in response to a logical zero input. A detailed description of the ignition controller 34 is omitted since it may be easily designed by those skilled in the art and does not form any part of the present invention. 7
It will be appreciated from the preceding description that with a control device of the invention, upon deceleration, the supply of fuel to the combustor is shut off during a period between points A and E (see FIGS. 2a
and 2b), and ignition is initiated at the point A for the time T.
It will be noted that initiation of the ignition signal does not have to correspond to the point A, but may be delayed if desired using a suitable delay circuit disposed in the line 32.
What is claimed is:
l. A control device for a two-shaft gas turbine engine responsive to the rotational speed of an engine gas producer shaft and the position of a manual engine speed control member;
said control device being operative to generate a fuel shut-off signal when said rotational speed is above a first predetermined value and said position corresponds to an engine speed below a second predetermined value indicating a deceleration demand condition of the engine;
said control device being further operative to generate an ignition signal for a predetermined period of time after at least one of said rotational speed drops below said first predetermined value and said position is manually changed to correspond to an engine speed above said second predetermined value after said deceleration demand condition.
2. A control device as claimed in claim 1, which comprises a logical comparator to determine when the engine is in said deceleration demand condition and a one-shot multivibrator to generate said-ignition signal for said predetermined period of time.
* l l l= |
US-3874168-A | Means for the in-flight cooling of the fuel carried by an aircraft | Toure United States Patent 0 1-,
[5 1 MEANS FOR THE lN-FLIGHT- COOLING "on THE FUEL CARRIED BY-AN AlRCRAFT [75] Inventor: Klber Toure, Paris.France [73] Assignee :Societe Nationale d'Etudeet'de Construction de Moteurs dAviation,
Paris. France [22] Filed: Jan. 29, 1974 [211 App]. No.: 437.645
[30] Foreign Application Priorityi Data Feb. 5. 1973 France 7s.oa9e2- [52] us. Cl 60139.28 miss/39.244151 511 int. Cl. F02: 9/10 Field of Search 244157.117 A. 135 R;
l37/334. 335.336.3138. 339. 340; 417/408. 4171409.?55:l65/39;60l39.i5.39.18 R.
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.483.045 9/1949 Harby 60/39.! R X 2.73l.239 1/1956 Andersen 244/57 UX 3.390.528 7/l'968 Howell et al 60/3918 R X 3.779.007 12/1973 Lavash 60/3928 R P ri mdry Examiner-Trygve M. Blix Assistant Examiner-Paul E. Sauberer Attorney. Agent, or Firm-Watson. Cole. Grindle &
Watson i571; nsmncr, St'rueture' for thein fflight eooiing' ofthe fueic'orried by anlaircraftwhich hasa fuel feed pump forl supplyin; fuel to the engine and a return line through which at ieastpartof the fuel is rec'ycledto the suction side of the punrp.:A-heat exchanger is 'provided: through whichacoolant-flowsin thermal contact with the fuel und'a fan is operable toaccelerate the flow of coolant fluid'through the-heat exchanger. The fan is driven by a hydraulicmotor which is supplied with part at least of the fuel flow passing through the return line.
8 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures I .coolingcrneanslofthe aforesaid kindthus comprises a; hydraulic flgrnoton for; driving: the flow-acceleratin g r an sy'au'd-meansfor 'supplying said hydraulic motor [.fwith part .at'least ofl-the fuel flow passing through .the 'retu'rn j a sua e skill na e anw n pp e e-ta ;-range m tis particular]ysignificant because it-exploits.
The present inventionre tes tdm e ans or flight cooling of the.fuel i'carriedby;a rc'raf q mi with i'f. d iivmn; dizzsai l iiastf l the engine and a return linesueh that iunderlcefrtain; gine operating marti n;atxteasrjpan-er-.meme [deliv-l ered by said feedpurnp a rec cledtoth'e'fsuction arallelismj(whichI:was Y not-self-evi'dent) which beside of the pur 'np., l locomeskap'parent whenrithe altitu'de of thefaireraft in- The in-ilight cooling m'e'ansi comprises a heatexcreases. This relationship occurs between thelincrease changer through .whichqai; coolant t flows ;in thermal in thevolumetric flow rate of the airrequired totflow contact with the fuelto be cooled and means operable ,lthrou'gh the exchangerin order to compensate for the to accelerate the flowof coolant fluid through said heat reduction in specificgravity of the air with altitude and exchanger. i l5. the inereas'e in the flowrate of therecyeled fuel due to in calculating the charaeteristics'ofa heat'exchanger thelfactthatfthefeffective,rateof consumptionpof fuel and in determining the parameters which govern its op fi by the enginefd'ininishes"withaltitude; a :1" eration (dimension, shape, materials. nature and veloct ln 'othehwords. the .energy requirements fordriving ity of circulation of thejfluidsinvolved.-pressure losses. the'flow-accelerating means .,which may be}in the form etcetera.). account is generally taken of a certainnumof a fanor, rotor. and the free" energy available (in the ber of criteria or conditions which must be met. such a t form .ofhighpressurefuelwhich isgbeing recycled) to as the heat exchange'efficien'cy. period of operation of meettheserequirements will vary in the same-sense. the heat exchanger. weight and sizeof the exchanger. The aforesaidhydraulic motor is preferably ahydraulic manufacturing andoperating costs. etcetera. The final turbine.for example a fPelton." turbine. a 1:. choice is therefore normally a compromise between y The floweaccelerating means andthe; hydraulicturthese various conditionswhichare often in conflict; in 'bine' preferablyfcomprise one and thefsanieqrotor the case of a heat exchanger'designedfor installation equipped .with two radially sp'acedarrays of-bladesnein an aircraft. two of the aforesaid criteria are particuspectively traverseclby the cooling fluidand bylthe fuel larly important. namelythe size and the weight of the flowing fromthe return line. Means maygbegprovided heat exchanger which must both be. reduced to, the to regulate the fuel supplied to thehydraulicmotor or greatest possible extent. The fluid utilised for cooling turbineas a. functionof the temperatureof'ithe fuel 'n an1. economical-and advantageous manner. acertain the fuel may be air or oil. y w a being cooled. a 1
in the case of a pump whose delivery "rate is depen- The invention will now be described bylway ofexamdent on the pump operating speed (a gear pump for expie with reference to oneiembodimentof in-flight coolample). the delivery rate required for operation'of the ing means for the fuelof an aircraft which is illustrated engine is achieved by variation of the amount-of fuel in the accompanying drawings. in} which: recycled as controlled byythe engine fuel control-sys- FlG. lis aschematic view of the cooling means,-and tem. One of the effectsof recycling the fuel is to raise FIG. 2 is a schematic view of certain parts of said the temperature of the fuel. However. at highaltitudes. cooling means. e such recycling is very important because .the fuel flow 7 illFiGyl the referencel-signifies an engine such as rate to the injectors. which'is' necessary for the operaa turbojetengine.installed'inan aircraft (not shown) tion of the engine. has to be reduced. The result is a for. propulsion purposes The engine-l. comprises at substantial increase in the fuel temperature-which is leastone burner 2 supplied with fuel from afuel tank added to the temperature rise brought about by the re- Rinstalledin-the aircraft. The tank R is connected to duction in the specific mass of theairjtsothat.' for a, theburner,2 by'meansofa low-pressure line 3, a fuel given heat exchanger. the air cooling efficiency is much pump4 and a high-pressure line 5. The' latter line conless at high altitudes than it is at low altitudesi e tains athrottle and metering device 6.which. depending Thus. if it is required to retain anacceptable aircool- .upon the fuel1requirements, permitlvariation of the efing efficiency at all altitudes. it-isjnec essary to' design fective fuelflow rateQ. q nj en ine. the heat exchanger for operation"athighgaltitudes. ,The pump 4,is pf the fixedidelivei'y;kind-sothat. for Being thus designed toperform efiicientlytheiri-func a-given speed ofrotationtof the pump. the rate'o f delivtion under the most unfavourable conditions. the fuel VeryofJfuel-is constant; Undercertainengineoperating cooling systems contained on board an aircraft are genconditions.- at least a certain fraction Qi'of theflow deerally of substantial size and weightwhich, as pointed ,livered by; the pump 4.must therefore bee-recycled to the sitctionsideof'thepump; .:Accordingly. s 'd-fractionQ, issupplied 'through a out above. is undesirable because of payload and other considerations.
An object of the invention is 'toimprove theeffireturn iin'el7lconimunicating with the tanltl Rby way of ciency of cooling of the fuel carried by the aircraft. The a line 8, which contains a spring-loadedvalve9 serving invention is particularly concerned with the casein also as'an'energy dissipatingdevice. This valve. is open which the cooling fluid. is constituted t by an atmoas soon as the pressure-inthereturn line:7 exceeds a spheric air flow. and has as an object'the reduction at givenlevel and enables-the recycled fuel fraction Q, to least in part of the drawbacksof size and weight hereinreturn. after its'energy has beendissipated. to the reserbefore referred to, by controlling the volumetric-flow .voirgk lnoperation.thecondition Q =.Q, Q, always rate of the air cooling the fuel in order to compensate holds.-This"means that if the effective rate ofwconsumpfor variations in the specific. gravityof the air with altitionQ; of;the.,en'g'ine'isreduced (andthisis particularly tude. Another object is toincrease the overall effi= thecaseas the aircraft'faltitude increases),the.recycled ciency of the aircraft. t flow rateQ,increases.'
The temperature .ofthe fuel containedjin-the tank R tends to rise during a flight.;flrstly because of-the proxjomity of the heat source constituted bythe engine; l to J the tank arid thelines throughiwhichthe fuellflovvsand secondly because of thejdiss' ipation of energyfromi the recycled fuel. For safety reasons. the fuel must therefore be cooled and the fuel} is therefore placedin' heat exchange relationship with a coolantfluidofappropriate kind. such as air. l t a FIG. 1 illustrates a heat exchanger comprising a The ro'dl 26:61: the pas valve 21 is thus displaced towardsfthelleft' so thatfi-the cross&sectional area of the assage 30 is reduced.- C onsequently."the pressure prevailing in tlie line 35 is reduced and the restrictor 22 is displacedtowardsthe left, i.e., in such a' direction as to increase thejrate of fuel delivery to'the turbine 14. The 1 latter aecelerates so {that the ,volume of cooling airflow delivered by'the'1blower1l3"tothefheatexchanger is increased and-yams the" efficiency ofeooling of the .fuel contained in th fmnkgp A screw' 36;bearing"againstthe capsules 25, is provided for adjustment of the operating threshold of the control system. For example. it is possible to adjust the system sothat. below a certain fuel temperature. the turbine 14 does not receive any drive fluid. The blower 13 then simply windmills under the action of the air- Means are provided to accelerate the flow of cooling fluid through the heat'exchanger tubes 10. As shown in FIG. I the flow-accelerating means comprises.'a fan or blower 13. preferably of the helical centrifugal kind. arranged in the intake fairing 11 and driven by a hydraulic motor l4 such as a Pelton" hydraulic turbine. The blower l3 and the turbine 14 have a common rotor journalled in a bearing 40 carried by streamlined arms 41. The rotor has two radially superimposed rings of blades. namely a ring 15 of blower blades and a ring 16 of turbine blades.
The ring 16 of turbine blades rotates inside a casing 17 having an inlet 18 and an outlet 19. The inlet 18 of the turbine casing contains a tangential Pelton" injector and is connected to the fuel return line 7 by a line 20. The outlet 19 of the casing i7 is connected to the" tank R through a line 21. The fluid driving the hydraulic turbine 14 is thus constituted by part at least of the fuel flow O, passing through the return line 7.
The blower 13 is operable to deliver a substantial airflow through the heat exchange tubes 10. The speed of rotation of the hydraulic turbine 14 (and. consequently. the airflow rate delivered by the blower 13) can be regulated by means of a restrictor 22, which thereby permits modification of the flow of highpressure fuel arriving at the turbine. The restrictor 22 can be operated automatically in dependence on the temperature of the fuel in the tank R. this temperature being sensed by a detector 23.
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the means for controlling operation of the restrictor 22. The detector 23 comprises a hermetically sealed housing 24' immersed in the fuel tank R. The housing contains a set of deformable capsules 25 immersed in an expansible fluid. These capsules are connected. by a rod 26, to a pivot valve 27 arranged for movement within a housing 28 and cooperating with a port 29 formedin said housing in order todeflne a passage 30 of variable crosssectional area. in association with the housing 28, the pilot valve 27 defines a chamber 31 permanently connected to the return line 7 by a line 32.. The chamber 31 likewise communicates. by the variable-section passage 30. a line 33 and a restriction 34, with the fuel tank R. The pressure prevailing in the line 33 upstream of the restriction 34 is tapped through a line 35 and applied to a servo-piston which constitutes the restrictor 22 referred to above.
As the temperature of the fuel in the tank R rises, the volume and pressure of the expansible fluid in the housflow A due to the dynamic pressure consequent upon the aircraft's motion. a
The present invention enables various advantages to be secured. A first of these is constituted by the facility to regulate automatically. as requirements dictate, the efficiency of cooling'ofthe fuel. even though one is using a heat exchanger 10 of reduced'size and weight.
A second advantage resides in theincrease in the general efficiency of the cooling means by the use of the free energy contained'in the recycled fuel flow passing back to the pump 4.
It should be pointedoutthat the exploitation of this free" energy is all the .more timely since it is achieved when the aircraft is flying at very high altitudes. in other words, a favourable'com bination is then obtained between the requirement for increasing the volumetric flow rate of the cooling air inorder to compensate for a the reduction in the specific gravity of the air with increasing altitudes, and a response to this requirement (namely the existence of a larger energy source. constituted by the recycled fuel flow). it should be borne in mind in this context that the effective rate of fuel consumption Q of the engine 1 is reduced as the altitude increases so that the rateof fuel flow Q, available to operate the' turbine is increased and with it the volumetric flow rateof cooling air delivered by the blower 13 to the heat exchanger 10.
in a modified arrangement. the heat exchanger 10. is located outside the tank-R.' to whichit is then connected through fuel flow lines. in addition, thehydraulic motor 14, instead of being located at the periphery of the blower. 13, could be arranged at the blower hub.
I claim: g t
1. Means for the by an aircraft which is equipped with a fuel feed pump for supplying fuel to the engine and a return line so that undercertain engine operating conditionsat least part of the fuel delivered by saidfeed pump can be recycled to the suction side of the ump. said cooling means comprising a heat exchanger through which a coolant flowsin thermal'contact withithe fuel to be cooled,
ing 24 increase. so that the capsules 25 are compressed.
means operable ,to accelerate theflowf of coolant fluid through said heat exchanger. a hydraulic motor for driving said accelerating means and means for supplying saidhydraulic-motor' with at least part of the fuel flow passing through the return line.
2. Cooling means according to claim 1, wherein said hydraulic motor is a hydraulic turbine.
3. Cooling means according' to claim-2, wherein said hydraulic turbine is a Pelton' turbine.
in-flight cooling of the fuel carried- 4. Cooling means according to claim 2, wherein said spaced rings of blades respectively itrayersed,by the cooling fluid and from the fluid flowing from the return line. I J
5. Cooling means accordingto claim I, wherein means are provided for regulating the flow of fuel to 1 said hydraulic motor.
6. Cooling means according to claim 5, wherein means are provided for detecting the temperature of 6 i the fuel andrfor controlling the fuel flow regulating means in dependence on said detected temperature.
7. Cooling means according to claim-l, wherein the cooling fluid is air and-the flowaccelerating means 5 comprisesablower 8: Cooling means-according to claim 6, wherein said \temperature detecting means comprise a chamber contraining an expansible fluid deformable capsules connected to a'pilot yalve.
i l i |
US-3874169-A | Combustion chamber for gas turbines | I United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,874,169
Andersson et al. 5] Apr. 1, 1975 [5 COMBUSTION CHAMBER FOR GAS 2.742.762 4/1956 Kuhring 60/39.65 TURBINES 2.930.194 3/1960 Perkins 4 60/39.65 3 O99l34 7/1963 Calder ct al. r t 60/39115 X Inventors: Lelf Anderssen; Laszlo y u 3.280.555 10/1966 Charpentier ct al. 60/3923 both Swede FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1 Assigns/=1 stal-Laval Turbi" Finsptme 512723 1/1921 France 60/3965 Sweden [22} Filed: Sept. 27, 1973 Primary Etamincr-Carlton R. Croyle Assistant Etaminer-Robert E. Garrett [21] APPI- N05 4011440 Attorney, Agent. or Firm-Eric Y. Munson Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation of Scr. No. l97,345. Nov. l0, 1971. [57] ABSTRACT abandoned. An axial flow combustion chamber for gas turbines and the like comprising an outer shell surrounding an Foreign Application Priority Data open-ended flame tube and defining an annular jacket. Jan. 14, 1971 Sweden 383/7 a portion of the air introduced through a forward end of the combustion chamber flowing into an up-stream 521 U.S. c1. 60/39.65, 431/352 eembustien Zone in the flame tube to Sustain the 51 Int. Cl. F02C 7/00 bustitm 9f the fuel charge. the ether Pttrtitm being 5 Field f Search H 0 39 5 3923 395 verted into the annular jacket and introduced into the 43 453; 239/41 5 430 431; 2 1/113 flame tube at a predetermined distance downstream from the combustion zone to cool and dilute the com- 5 References Ci bustion gases prior to their discharge at the other end UNITED STATES PATENTS flame tube- 2,601,390 6/1952 Hague 6. /3965 2 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures COMBUSTION CHAMBER FORGAS TURBINES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a combustionchamber for a gas turbine and is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. l97.345. now abandoned, filed Nov. 10, l97l.
Such a combustion chamber comprises the combustion chamber proper or flame tube and a shell surrounding the flame tube into which combustion chamber air for sustaining the combustion process and for diluting the hot combustion gases is blown. The diluting air is blown in through holes in the surface of the flame tube at a certain predetermined distance downstream from the ignition zone.
Heretofore, it has been considered most expeditious to drill the holes for admitting the dilution air. straight in radial direction towards the centrum of the flame tube. However. according to the invention it is proposed instead to arrange some of the holes obliquely in relation to the central axis of the flamp tube so that the combustion gases and diluting air are more thoroughly mixed and thus a more even temperature distribution is obtained.
In accordance with the invention the aggregate crossscctions of the holes in various directions is adjusted in relation to each other partly by the choice of the number of holes in the various groups and partly by providing the holes with replaceable sleeves having different diameters so that a suitable distribution of hole crosssections can be achieved in the various directions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIG. I shows how the combustion chamber according to the invention is arranged in a gas turbine; FIG. 2 shows a cross-section through the flame tube and the distribution and direction of the holes in the wall of the tube. FIG. 3 shows a section through a hole according to a more detailed view of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows purely schematically a gas turbine plant comprising an axial compressor 1, a combustion chamber 2 according to the invention, a turbine 3 for driving the compressor 1 and a power turbine 4 which drives an electric generator 5.
The combustion chamber 2 comprises an outer shell 6 surrounding a flame tube 7 defining an annular chamber orjacket 7a terminating in a nozzle 7h. Compressed air from the compressor 1 is blown into the lefthand or upstream end of the combustion chamber 2 and a portion of the air flows into the ignition zone 8 of the flame tube where fuel introduced from a source not shown is ignited. In order to dilute the hot combustion gases and to cool them before they are supplied to the turbines 3 and 4, the other portion of the pressurized air which is diverted into the jacket 7a is introduced into the flame tube through holes 9. This air portion does not take part in or sustain the combustion process but in order to produce the desired effect it must be thoroughly mixed with the combustion gases.
For this purpose, the holes or apertures are arranged according to the invention as seen in FIG. 2, which shows a section I-l through the flame tube 7, the lines with arrows indicating the flow pattern of diluting air from the apertures). It will be noted that some of the apertures 9a are directed radially towards the central axis of the flame tube, whereas other apertures 9/2 are directed obliquely in relation to the center line of the tube 7. The apertures 9lr are preferably arranged in pairs so that the corresponding two air streams will be symmetrical in relation to the: center line of the tube. This pattern of air currents produces more thorough mixing ofthe combustion gases and the diluting air. and thus a more uniform temperature distribution across the entire cross-section of the flame tube. If all the apertures and consequently all the air streams had been directed radially. the mixture would only be effective towards the centrum of the flame tube and the temperature near the wall of the flame tube would be considerably higher than at its centrum.
The number of apertures in different directions should be more or less the same in order to achieve uniform air distribution around the entire circumference of the tube. This air distribution can be further modified by varying the cross-section of the various aperturcs 9. This can be done as seen in FIG. 3 which shows one'of the holes 9/; in the same section as in FIG. 2.
In the modification shown in FIG. 3, the aperture has been formed by means of a fixed sleeve 10 which is welded into the wall of the flame tube 7. Inside the sleeve 10 is a replaceable sleeve 11 and by using sleeves 11 having different diameters in the radially and obliquely directed apertures, the desired crossscctional distribution with consequent improved air distribution can be achieved. Behind the permanent sleeve 10 in FIG. 3. a second sleeve 12 is provided which is symmetrical with the sleeve 10 in relation to the corresponding radius in the flame tube.
We claim:
1. An axial flow combustion chamber for gas turbines and the like comprising:
a. a longitudinal flame tube having a circumferential wall, an air inlet opening at one end and a discharge opening at the other end;
b. a shell surrounding said flame tube at a spaced distance from said circumferential wall to define an annular jacket having an air inlet opening and joined at one end to said circumferential wall adjacent the discharge opening thereof;
c. means for introducing air into the combustion chamber;
d. means for admitting a portion of said air into an upstream fuel combustion zone in said flame tube;
e. means for conducting another portion of said air into said jacket;
f. a plurality of apertures spaced circumferentially in the wall of said flame tube;
g. said apertures being located downstream from said fuel combustion zone for introducing air from said jacket into said flame tube to cool and dilute the combustion gases prior to their discharge through said discharge opening;
h. a first group of said apertures being effective to direct streams of air in a direction radially towards the center line of the flame tube, and being spaced alternately between s second group of apertures. said second group of apertures comprising first and second apertures disposed at an essentially common circumferential location, and directed to effect a pair of oppositely circumferentially diverging streams with respect to a radius of the flame tube passing through said common circumferential location to intercept said radial streams at a spaced distance from the center line of the flame tube.
. said pair of diverging streams having a relatively equal angle of divergence to produce a symmetrical flow pattern jointly with said radial streams at |
US-3874170-A | Fuel control apparatus for gas turbine engine reheat systems | United States Patent 1 [111 3,874,170 Lewis Apr. 1, 1975 FUEL CONTROL APPARATUS FOR GAS 3.591.968 7/1971 Arnett .1 60/243 TURBINE ENGINE REHEAT SYSTEMS 3.630.029 l2/l97l Smith. 60/243 75] Inventor Geoffre Arthur Lewis 80mm" 3.714.784 2/l973 Glaze 60/24l I Englang FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 905.754 919 2 U d .46 241 [73] Assignee: Lucas Aerospace Limited, 6 med King om 0/ B'rmmgham' England Primary ExaminerClarence R. Gordon [22] Filed: Apr. 6, 1973 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Holman 8L Stern l I A fuel control apparatus for a gas turbine engine rel l Foreign Appllcalloll Prlorlty Data heat system has a variable metering arrangement re- June 21,1972 United Kingdom 28998172 sponsive to engine operating parameters to control fuel flow to the reheat burners, and a distributor valve [52] US. Cl. 60/241, 60/243 arrangement between the metering arrangement and [51] Int. Cl. F0214 3/10 the burners. The distributor arrangement is operable [58] Field 01' Search 60/241, 243, 261, 233 in one mode to connect the metering arrangement to the burners, and in another mode to shut off fuel from [56] References Cited the metering arrangement and to connect the burners UMTED STATES PATENTS to a low pressure dram. 3.197.958 8/1965 Davies 60/243 7 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures P571 i ll i .1 I55 156] I 154 J O 0Q 19s 445 3 PF3 152 fi I47 /|AO w 1116 131 [j PFZ I i5| |33 j PFI PATEHTIW H975 3.874.170
SHiU 2 BF 8 l Q LL.
PATENTEU APR 1 75 SHEET 3 OF 8 FATENTEDAPR usvs 3 874,170
snmsnra HATENTEBAPR 11% 3,874,170 sum 7 or a 2 4 zea 260 E66 212 as FIG. IO.
FEEL CONTROL APPARATUS FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINE REHEAT SYSTEMS This invention relates to a fuel control apparatus for a gas turbine engine reheat system.
According to the invention a fuel control apparatus for a gas turbine engine reheat system includes a variable metering arrangement for controlling fuel flow to the engine reheat burners a low pressure drain and a valve arrangement operable in one position thereof to connect said metering arrangement to said burners in another position to connect said burners to said low pressure drain, said valve arrangement comprising first, second and third ports respectively communicating with said metering arrangement, said burners and said drain. valve seats between said first and second ports and between said second and third ports. a closure member movable to selectively engage said valve seats. means for biasing said closure member towards engagement with one of the seats. and means responsive to a control signal to move said closure member against said biasing means into engagement with the other of said seats.
An example of a fuel control apparatus according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings:
FIG. I is a block diagram ot'the apparatus as a whole,
FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a variable metering assembly forming part of the apparatus.
FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a servo pressure control arrangement forming part of the apparatus.
FIG. 4 shows a selector valve arrangement forming part of the apparatus,
FIG. 5 shows diagrannnatically a distributor arrangement forming part of the apparatus.
FIG. 6 shows diagrammatically a relay valve arrangement forming part of the apparatus,
FIG. 7 shows diagrammatically a priming arrangement forming part of the apparatus,
FIG. 8 shows an alternative form of priming arrangement,
FIG. 9 shows a further form of priming arrangement. and
FIG. 10 shows yet another form of printing arrangement.
Referring firstly to FIG. I the apparatus has a centrifugal vapour core fuel pump l0 driven by the engine. Pump [0 is of the kind which includes a throttle II responsive to a servo pressure signal PS1 applied via a passage I2 to increase pump delivery. This servo pressure signal PSI is derived in a manner later to be described. Throttle II is also responsive to a further servo pressure signal PS2 in a passage 13 which opposes the pressure in passage 12.
A fuel metering assembly 14 includes an electrical control arrangement I411. The hydraulic parts ofassembly I4 are shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. Assembly I4 has an inlet 15 connected to the outlet of pump I0. Inlet l5 communicates via a non-return valve [6 with three variable metering devices 17. I8. I9 arranged in parallel to regulate fuel tlow to a primary burner 20. a gutter 21 and a collandcr 22 respectively ot'the engine reheat system (FIG. I).
The metering assembly 14 includes a first control means in the form of a three-dimensional cam 23 which is fixedly secured to the rod 24 of a piston 25. Cam 23 l is formed with a series of profiles which correspond to functions of compressor intake temperature T, for a (ill number of values of compressor delivery pressure P- Piston 25 is subjected on opposite sides to servo pressures derived from the pressure at the inlet 15. One side of piston 25 communicates via a valve 26 with a chamber 27 and also via a restrictor 28 with the downstream side of valve I6. Restrictor 28 and valve 26 thus provide a variable fluid pressure potentiometer arrangement.
The other side of piston 25 communicates via a valve 29 with chamber 27 and also via a resistor 30 with the downstream side of valve 16. valve 29 and restrictor 30 providing a further variable fluid pressure potentiometer. Closure members for valves 26. 29 are provided by a single lever 31 movable in opposite directions by bellows 32. 33 respectively.
Bellows 32 is responsive to an air pressure intermediate a pair of restrictors 34. and derived from the intake pressure P. of the engine compressor. Bellows 33 is responsive to an air pressure intermediate restrictor 35 and a further restrictor 36. and derived from the engine compressor delivery pressure P A spring 37 is engaged between lever 31 and an adjacent end of piston stem 24. A further spring 38 is engaged between lever 3] and an adjustable stop 39 on assmcbly I4. Chamber 27 communicates via an axial passage 40 in stem 24 with a further chamber 4] in which cam 23 is located. In use. for a given difference of pressure P; and P there will be a corresponding equilibrium position 25. and hence a corresponding axial position of cam 23.
Cam 23 is mounted on a pinion 42 so as to be axially slidable but non-rotatable relative to pinion 42. Pinion 42 meshes with a rack 43 which forms part of a piston 44. Piston 44 is responsive to the operation of an electrically operated servo-control valve arrangement 45 having a pair of interconnected inlet ports 46. 47. and a pair of outlet ports 48. 49. and an exhaust port 50. Valve arrangement 45 includes electrical linear transducer 44a which is responsive to the position of piston 44.
A valve spool SI is axially movable in response to pressure signals at its opposite ends. these signals being derived from the pressure at port 47 by a nozzle 52 pivotally movable by a torque motor 53 so as to be alignable with either of a pair of passages 54. 55 through which pressure signals are applied to the respective ends of valve spool 51.
The electrical signals from arrangement l4u which are applied to torque motor 53 are derived from the engine compressor intake temperature T and the output from transducer 441: The angular position of cam 23 is thus dependent on temperature T Variable metering devices l7. l8. 19 are angularly spaced about the axis of cam 23. In order that this arrangement may be portrayed diagrammatically in FIG. 2, a part of cam 23 is shown repeated adjacent the device 17.
Device 17 has a sleeve with a port 6] which communicates with inlet 15. A piston control element 62 is slidable in sleeve 6" and includes a port 63 which cooperates with port 6l to provide a variable metering orifice. Control element 62 defines within sleeve 60 a chamber 64 which communicates with inlet 15 through a restrictor 65. Element 62 includes a stem 66 having a bore 67 which communicates with chamber 64. A ball closure member 68 is captive on stem 66 and is operable to shut off bore 67.
A cam follower 69 is pivotally mounted on sleeve 60 and engages cam 23. Control element 62 is urged to the right. as seen in FIG. 2. by the pressure downstream of ports 61. 63. This rightward movement is resisted by the pressure in chamber 64. If ball 68 is allowed to open by cam follower 69, the pressure in chamber 64 falls and element 62 moves to reduce fuel flow through device 17. With ball 68 shut the pressure in chamber 64 exceeds that downstream of ports 6|. 63 and arrests element 62. Control element 62 thus acts as a follow-up servo piston responsive to the position of cam follower 69. which is in turn responsive to pressure P. and temperature T,.
Devices [8 and 19 are generally similar to device 17 and include respective piston control elements 70. 71. Elements 70. 7] are, however, also rotatable within their associated sleeves. An edge cam 72 is secured to a shaft 73 which extends into chamber 4]. Cam follow ers 7211 are keyed to elements 70. 7] and are biased into engagement with cam 72. Shaft 73 is rotatable by a rack and pinion arrangement, 74 controlled by an electrically operated servo-valve arrangement 75. identical with valve arrangement 45 described above. Electrical signals applied to servo-valve 75 are dependent on the position H of a power demand control for the engine. Control elements 70, 7] are thus responsive to pressure P temperature T, and control position 0.
The fuel pressure DP immediately downstream of device 17 communicates via a passage 8" with a servo pressure control arrangement 8| (FIG. 1) shown in detail in FIG. 3. The downstream side of device 17 also communicates with a throttle valve 82 which has a spring-loaded piston control element 83 responsive to pressure DP and to a servo pressure S1 to regulate fuel flow from device l7 to an outlet passage 84. Servo pressure Si is obtained in a manner later to be described and is applied to element 83 via a passage 85.
Downstream of device 18 is a throttle valve 76 having an outlet 76:: and a piston control element biased against the pressure DP2 downstream of device 18 by a spring and by a servo pressure signal S2. derived in a manner to be described and applied via a passage 77. Downstream of device I9 is a throttle valve 78 identical with valve 77 and having an outlet 78a. The piston control element of valve 78 is responsive to the pressure DP3 downstream of device 19 and also to a servo pressure S3 derived in a manner to be described and applied via a passage 79.
Arrangement 8! has a valve spool 86 urged in one direction by the delivery pressure P, of pump and in the opposite direction by the pressure DH and by a governor mechanism 87 responsive to the engine speed. Valve spool 86 is coupled by a torsionally stiff spring 88 to an auxiliary piston 89 whose side remote from spool 86 communicates via a sequence valve arrangement 90 (later to be described) and via passage l3 with the pressure PS2 on pump throttle ll. Auxiliary piston 89 and spool 86 slide in a sleeve 91 provided with ports 92, 93 which respectively communicate with pressure PS2 and with pump delivery pressure P,,. The ports 92. 93 are axially spaced by less than the length of piston 89 so that at the rightward end ofits travel (as seen in FIG. 3) piston 89 is subjected on both sides to pressure PS2. and the leftward end ofits travel to pressure P,, on both sides. The force due to the difference between pressures P,, and PS2, and applied via spring 88 to spool 86. is thus limited.
(ill
Sleeve 91 also has a port 94 communicating with pressure PS1 via passage 12. a port 95 communicating with a servo pressure PS3. derived via valve arrangement 90. a port 96 communicating with a low pressure LP. which is conveniently the output pressure of a boost pump, not shown. in a fuel tank associated with the engine. Port 94 communicates with the bore of sleeve 91 via a pair of restricted passages. The arrangement is such that in a mid-position of spool 86 both port 95 and port 96 communicate with port 94 via the respective restricted passage, which thus act as a fluid potentiometer.
An increase in pump delivery pressure P,, urges spool 86 to the left, permitting increased flow between ports 94. 96 and decreased flow between ports 94, 95. If servo pressure PS3 is high, servo pressure PSI falls and throttle ll in pump [0 moves to reduce fuel flow. This movement causes a fall in pressure PS2 which is transmitted via valve arrangement 90 to urge piston 89 to the right to oppose movement of spool 86. Piston 89 thus provides a position feedback until pump delivery pressure P,, has risen sufficiently to restore an equilibrium condition. An increase in engine speed N or in pressure DPl similarly causes pump delivery pressure P,, to be increased. Pump delivery pressure P, at inlet 15 of metering assembly 14 is thus varied to maintain the difference between the pressures DPl and P,, substantially constant for a given engine speed, this pressure difference being variable with engine speed. The weights 87a of the governor mechanism 87 have a relativcly low specific gravity, whereby, when a denser fuel is used. the effect of engine speed on spool 86 is reduced.
Sleeve 91 includes a further port 97 which is normally in communication with port 96, but which is shut off by the valve spool 86 when the latter has moved sufficiently to the right to shut off port 96 from port 94.
Arrangement 81 also includes a spool valve 100 having a spool 10] responsive to pressure DH, and to pressure DP2 which is obtained, as above described, from metering assembly 14 and opposes pressure DP]. Surrounding spool 10! is a sleeve 102 having a port 103 communicating with pump delivery pressure P,,, a port 104 communicating via passage 77 with throttle valve 76 in metering assembly [4. to apply servo pressure S2 thereto, and a port 105 communicating with port 97 and hence normally with low pressure.
A piston element 106 is coupled to spool 10] by a torsionally stiff spring 107. By virtue of leakage around piston element 106 the latter acts as a dashpot to slow movement of spool 10] A further spool valve H0 is substantially identical with valve 100 and has a spool I ll movable in response to pressure DP] and to a pressure DP3 obtained, as above, described from the downstream side of metering device 19 in arrangement 14, to control the value of servo pressure S3 at a port 112. Port 112 communicates via passage 79 with throttle valve 78 in arrangement l4.
Spools 86, 101, Ill and governor 87 are rotated via a gear train by a shaft I13 driven by the engine.
Associated with metering assembly 14 is a shuttle valve arrangement 120, shown diagrammatically in detail in FIG. 4. Arrangement comprises a pair of shuttle valves 12], 122 having respective ball control members 123, 124. Valve 12] is connected by passages [25. 126 to pressures PF2, PF3 on the downstream sides of the respective throttle valves 76. 78 in assembly 14. Valve I23 has been an outlet I27 which forms one inlet of valve I22. The other inlet of valve I22 communicates via a passage I28 with the pressure PR in chamber 4I in assembly I4. The outlet of valve I22 communicates via a passage I29 with throttle valve 82 in assembly I4. The pressure in passage I29 provides servo pressure SI. Pressure SI is thus equal to which ever of pressures PR. PF2 or PF3 is the largest.
When the engine reheat system is in use. fuel is supplied by the pump to the assembly I4 and passes via a device I7 and throttle valve 82 to passage 84. and thence via a distributor arrangement I30. later to be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. to the pri mary burners of the reheat system.
The output pressure P of pump I0 is controlled as above described to maintain pressure DPI substantially constant for a given engine speed and fuel density. A rise in pressure DPI urges spool IOI. in arrangement 8]. to the right. causing the value of pressure S2 to rise towards pump delivery pressure P,,. Throttle valve 76 progressively closes until pressure DP2 has risen to equal DPI. restoring equilibrium conditions. Similarly. a rise in pressure DP2 moves spool IOI to the left and throttle valve 76 opens until equilibrium is restored. Spool valve IIO in arrangement 8I operates similarly to maintain pressure DP3 equal to pressure DPI.
Valve 82 in metering assembly 14 acts as a pressurising valve. The springs in valves 76. 78 provide only light preloads to ensure that these valves are shut when the system is closed down. The spring in valve 82 is such that. in the absence of servo pressure SI. pressure DPI is just sufficient to operate the spools 86. "II. I l l in the servo pressure control arrangement 8|. At low flows. therefore. the system pressure is low and pumping power loss is a minimum.
At higher rates of reheat fuel llow. pressure PF2. PF3. increase. and the highest of these pressures is applied via the shuttle valve arrangement I to provide servo pressure SI. Servo pressure SI assists the spring in valve 82 to raise the system pressure. The consequent rise in pressure DPI increases the values of servo pressures S2 and S3 to enable throttle valves 76. 78 to maintain the increased system pressure.
At a low value of reheat fuel flow. i.e. at low values of compressor delivery pressure P2 and of angle 0 of the power demand control the pressure in chamber 64 of valve I7 may become equal to the pressure P in chamber 41 and. if in excess of pressure DPI will urge valve I7 fully shut. Pressures PFZ and PF3 are also low. In these circumstances servo pressure SI becomes equal to pressure PR in chamber 41 of arrangement 14. The system pressure is thereby maintained high enough to prevent pressure PR from urging control elements 62. 70. 7I in the respective metering devices I7. I8. I9 to positions in which reheat fuel flow is shut off.
The distributor arrangement I30. shown in FIG. 5 has a housing I3] with inlet ports I32. I33. I34 respectively connected with the outlet passages 84. 76a and 7811 respectively of throttle valves 82. 76. 78. Associated with the respective inlet ports I32. I33. I34 are outlet passages I35. I36. I37 which respectively com municate with the primary burner 20. gutter 21 and collander 22 of the engine reheat system.
Between the inlet ports and their associated outlet passages are respective valve arrangements I38. I39. I which are operable to connect outlet passages I35.
(all
I36. I37 either to their associated inlet ports or to a gallery 141 which communicates via a fourth valve arrangement I42 with a lovv pressure drain outlet I43.
Valve arrangement 140 comprises a pair of frustoconical seats I44. 145 in the housing I3I. A dumb-bellshaped control member 146 has part spherical end portions I47. I48 respectively engageable with seats I44. I45. Member I46 is biased by a spring I49 in a direc tion to engage portion I47 with seat I44 and thereby to isolate inlet port I34 from outlet passage I37. In this position of control member I46 outlet passage I37 communicates with gallery MI.
Member I46 is movable against spring I49 by an axially aligned piston I50 responsive to servo pressure PS3 in a further gallery 15] within the housing I3]. Supply of pressure PS3 to gallery I5] is controlled. in a manner to be described. by sequence valve arrangement 90. and by a relay valve I (FIG. I) to be de scribed with reference to FIG. 6. Pressure PS3 is of sufficient magnitude that control element I46 is readily movable against spring 149 and the pressure in inlet port I34. Valve arrangement I40 thus has a bangbang" action.
Portion I47 is slid-able with clearance in a sleeve I52 forming part of housing I3]. Portion I48 is radially movable with respect to piston I50. Control element I46 is thus self aligned with the valve seats I44. I45.
Valve arrangements I38. I39 are substantially identical to valve arrangement I40. differing only in their di mensions. Arrangements I38. I39 are also responsive to servo pressure PS3 in gallery 15].
Valve arrangement I42 has a frusto-conical seat I53 with which a part-spherical closure member I54 is engageable. Valve arrangement I42 is biased shut by a spring I55 and is movable against spring I55 by a piston I56 in response to a servo pressure PS4. also derived via sequence valve arrangement 90.
Sequence valve 90 is shown diagramnuitically in FIG. I and comprises a sleeve having a plurality of ports. Within the sleeve is a control element rotatable by the shaft 73 (FIGS. I and 2) to selectively interconnect the ports. As shown in FIG. I the control element has a number of metering edges which co-operate with the associated ports so as to interconnect only those ports shown associated with a particular metering location on the control element. Rotation ofthe control element is best considered as being in live anticlockwise steps. B to F. from an initial position A as seen in FIG. I. Four metering locations I70. I7I. I72. I73 are shown.
A high pressure source. conveniently the delivery pressure of the engine main fuel pump. is connected to ports I74. I75 at metering locations I70. I7I respectively. Ports I76. I77 at location I are respectively connected to passage I3 of pump I0 and to the PS2 connection of pressure control arrangement 8]. Thus in positions A and B ports I74. I are interconnected and in positions C to F ports I76. I77 are interconnected.
At metering location I7I port I75 is connected to a port I78 in position A onlyfand to a port I79 in positions C to F. The pressure at port I79 provides servo pressure PS3. and that at port I78 provides servo pressure PS4. The low pressure LP referred to above is connected to ports I80. I8] at metering locations I72. I73 respectively. A further port I82. at location 172. is connected to port I78. the arrangement being such that pressure PS4 is at high pressure in position A and at low pressure in positions I3 to F. A port I84 at location I72 is connected to port I79 at location I70. so that pressure PS3 is a low pressure in positions A and B. A port I83 at location I73 is connected to the outlet of the pump I0. so that the pump outlet is connected to low pressure in position A only of the control element. The chamber 4I in metering arrangement I4 is permanently connected to a low pressure via a passage 185 in the sequence valve 90. The reference pressure PR is thus substantially equal to this low pressure.
The positions A to F of the shaft 73. and hence of the sequence valve control element. correspond to positions of a pilots control lever (not shown) for the engine. Positions A and B correspond to an inoperative condition of the reheat system. movement between positions B and C corresponds to light-up or shut down of the reheat system. depending on the direction of movement. and positions D to F corresponds to different lev els of reheat flow as controlled by cam 72 (FIG. 2).
Relay valve I60 is shown in FIG. 6 and comprises a housing 190 within which are a pair of axially aligned nozzles I9I. I92. whose respective bores communicate via passages I93. I94 with pressures PS3 and with the gallery MI in distributor arrangement I30. A lever I95 is pivoted in housing I90 and carries a selt'aligning closure I96. Lever I95 is biased by a spring I97 so that closure I96 shuts off nozzle I9I. Lever I95 is movable against spring I97 by the pressure PS3 to open nozzle I9I and shut nozzle I92. A passage I98 interconnects the inside of housing 190 with gallery I51 in arrangement I30. When pressure PS3 is sufficiently high to overcome spring 197. passages I93. 198 are interconnected and the valves in the distributor arrangement I30 are operated to supply fuel to the engine reheat system. If pressure PS3 is low gallery II is connected via passage I98. I94 to gallery I4]. and valve arrangements I38. I39. I40 operate to shut off fuel supply to the reheat burners. It pressure PS4 falls to a low value. valve I42 opens to dump l'uel within those burners via passage I43 to a drain I99.
The fuel control apparatus also includes a priming valve arrangement 200. shown in detail in FIG. 7. Arrangement 200 is connected in parallel with metering assembly I4. between the outlet of pump 10 and the inlet ports of the distributor arrangement I30. Valve arrangement 200 includes a piston-like control member slidable in a cylinder 202 and biased by a spring 203 towards a stop 204. The bore of cylinder 202 communicates via a passage 205 with the inlet of pump I0.
Piston 201 has an enlarged head 206 which is subjected. via a filter 207 and a flow restrictor 208 to the pump delivery pressure P,, in passage 205 to urge piston 20I against spring 203. Surrounding piston 20! within cylinder 202 are annular passages 209. 210. 2l 1. which communicate. via respective nonreturn valves 2I2. 2 l3. 2 l4. and passages 215. 216. 2I7 with the respective inlet ports I32. I33. I34 of distributor arrangement I30. Passage 2I I communicates with a side of the piston head 206 which is remote from that subjected to pressure P,,.
Piston 20] has an internal blind bore which communicates with ports 2I8. 2I9. 220 in the wall of piston 20]. In the extreme rightward position of piston 20] as seen in FIG. 7. ports 2l8. 219. 220 are clear of the respective annular passages 209. 210. 21 l. The permitted travel oi piston 20] is such that ports 218. 2I9. 220
communicate with respective passages 209. 210. 2] I to supply fuel to the distributor arrangement I30. In the extreme leftward position of piston 20! the ports 2I8. 219. 220 are again clear of the respective annular passages. In this leftward position pump delivery pressure P,, communicates with a passage 22] connected to a "hot-shot ignition device 222 (FIG. I) of a known typev The rate at which piston 201 moves leftward. and hence the quantity of fuel delivered to each reheat burner is dependent on the size of restrictor 208. The piston 20I is maintained in its leftward position by pump delivery pressure P,, so long as the reheat system remains operative. When the reheat system is shut down pressure P,, becomes effectively equal to the pressure at the pump inlet. and the piston 20] is returned to its initial position by spring 203.
Device 222 is of a known type and is responsive to pressure P,, in passage 221. when servo pressure PS3 in passage I93 is high. to supply a measured quantity of fuel to nozzles 223. 224. which are respectively in the engine combustion chamber and downstream of the engine turbine. thereby applying a flame jet to the reheat burners 20. 21. 22 to ignite the reheat system.
In use, with sequence valve in position A high pressure will be applied to passage I3 of pump I0 and throttle II will be urged fully shut. Pressure PS4 will be high. opening gallery in distributor I30 to the drain I99. PS3 will also be low. allowing fluid in passages I35. I36. I37 to be dumped to drain 199. via valves I38. I39. I40 in distributor 130. The low value of PS3 ensures. via pressure control arrangement 81. that servo pressure PS1 is also low, and movement of throttle II to reduce pump delivery is not therefore opposed. The pump outlet is connected to low pressure via sequence valve 90. The reheat system is thus shut down.
When sequence valve is moved to position B, pump passage I3 remains at high pressure and PS3 remains at low pressure. PS4 however, falls to a low pressure, shutting off the dump valve I42. in distributor 130. The pump outlet is also isolated from low pressure. Position. B of valve 90 is thus a position prior to lighting the reheat system. Valves I38. I39. I40 and I42 are shut. and this condition may be maintained as long as required in readiness for operation of the reheat system.
When valve 90 is moved to position C. pump passage [3 is isolated from high pressure and connected to pressure control arrangement 81 to provide servo pressure PS2. Pressure PS3 becomes high. enabling pressure PSI to rise to increase pump output pressure. Relay valve I60 is energised to apply PS3 to distributor I30 and open valves I38. I39. I40 to permit fuel flow to the reheat system. Fuel from pump 10 is delivered via passage 205 to priming device 200. from which measured quantities of fuel are discharged via passages 215. 2I6. 217 and distributor I30 to the respective burners 20. 21. 22.
When the priming valve arrangement 200 completes its priming operation. hot-shot device 222 is enabled. by virtue ofpressure PS3 to ignite the reheat system via nozzles 223. 224. Priming arrangement 200 completes its operation during the time in which metering assembly I4 starts to deliver fuel to the reheat system.
Subsequent rotation of shaft 73 to position F by rack and pinion 74 (FIG. 2) in response the position 60f the engine power demand control. does not affect the operation of valve )0. but causes metering arrangement 14 to increase fuel llow to the engine.
FIG. 8 shows a form of priming valve arrangement, which is an alternative to that shown in FIG. 7. This alternative form has a piston control member 236 which is movable within a bore 231 against a spring 232 by pump delivery pressure P,,. applied via passage 205. Annular passages 233. 234. 235 surround piston 2311 within bore 231 and respectively communicate. via non-return valves 212. 213. 214. with the passages 215. 216. 217. Valves 212. 213. 214 are identical to the correspondingly numbered valves described with reference to FIG. 7. Ports 236. 237. 238 extend through the wall of piston 230. as before. A chamber 241 on the side of piston 230 remote from passage 205 communicates via a llow restrictor 239 and a non-return valve 240 with low pressure. Chamber 241 also communicates with passage 233 via a restrictor 242.
In use piston 230 is moved. as before. against spring 232 by pressure P,, so that ports 236. 237. 238 move past passages 233. 234. 235 to delivery measured quantities of fuel to the reheat system. At the rightward extent of its travel piston 230 uncovers passage 221 which communicates. as before, with the "hot-shot" device 222. The rate at which piston 230 moves. and hence the quantity of fuel delivered to each burner. is dependent on the size of restrictor 242. Piston 230 is maintained in its rightward position, while pressure P,, is applied to passage 205. by the low pressure in chamber 24] resulting from leakage to low pressure via nonreturn valve 240 and restrictor 239.
The further form of priming arrangement shown in FIG. 9 has a piston 250 movable against spring 251 by pressure P,,. The rate of movement of piston 250 is dependent on the rate of flow through a restrictor 252. An annular passage 253 communciates with passage 205 and piston 250 has a single port 254 which cooperates with passage 253 to deliver a measured amount of priming fuel to the reheat burners. as before. Delivery of fuel to the burners is via the non-return valves 212. 213. 214 and respective passages 215. 216. 217 described above.
A fuel control apparatus which includes the device of FIG. 9 does not include a hot-shot ignition device 221. Instead. piston 250 includes a pair of passages 255. 256 which are respectively operable, aftcr piston 250 has moved to complete its priming function. to connect the high pressure source to nozzle 223 in the engine. and to connect passage 205 to nozzle 224 in the engine. Connections to nozzles 223 and 224 are made via respective spring-loaded valves 257. 258. Valves 257. 258 are also biased shut by the low pressure LP.
In use after piston 250 has moved sufficiently to the right to complete the priming operation, passage 255 permits high pressure flow to nozzle 223. Piston 250 continues to move to the right. shutting off the above high pressure How after approximately 0.25 seconds. Shortly after the high pressure flow has begun. passage 256 permits fuel at pump delivery pressure P,, to flow to nozzle 224. At the extreme rightward position of piston 250 both the passages 255. 256 are clear of their associated ports and flow to nozzles 223. 224 ceases. Piston 250 is maintained in its rightward position as a result of fuel via a restrictor 258.
The alternative form of priming valve arrangement shown in FIG. 10 includes a piston-like control member 260 slidable in a cylinder 261 and biased by an extension spring 262 towards a stop 263. Pump outlet 15 communicates with cylinder 261 via passage 205 and a restrictor 264 so that the delivery pressure of pump 10 opposes spring 262. Outlet 15 also communicates with an annular passage 265 communicating with the bore of cylinder 26] and closed by member 260 when the latter is against stop 263. Member 260 has ports 266 which can communicate with passage 265 as member 2611 is moved against the bias of spring 262. The permitted travel of member 261] is such that in its extreme rightward position. as seen in the drawing. ports 266 are again clear of passage 265. In this position member 260 uncovers the passage 221 which in this case interconnects cylinder 261 and the ignition device 222.
Downstream of control member 260 cylinder 261 communicates via non-return valves 212. 213. 214 with passages 215. 216. 217. The upstream side of valves 212. 213. 214 communicate. via a restrictor 267 and a further non-return valve 268. with the inlet of the pump 10. Valve 268 is such that it lifts off at a relatively low pressure.
In use. piston member 261) is moved. as before. against spring 262. Ports 266 first move into alignment. and subsequently out of alignment. with passage 265. As ports 266 move past passage 265 fuel flows via nonrcturn valves 212. 213. 214 and respective passages 215. 216. 217 to the distributor 130. As this fuel flow increases the consequent reduction in pressure at pump oulet 15 causes throttle l l to be moved to maintain the output ilow. As ports 266 move past their mid-position relative to passage 29 the pump output pressure tends to increase and is again corrected. A small amount of fuel flows back to the pump inlet via restrictor 267 and relief valve 268.
With member 260 in its rightward position. flow through passages 215. 216. 217 ceases and passage 221 is uncovered to cause device 222 to ignite the reheat system. Since there is now no flow through ports 266. the pressure immediately upstream of valves 212. 213. 214 falls to a low value. Control member 260 is thus maintained in its rightward position so long as the delivery pressure of pump 10 is sufficient to overcome spring 262. Pump delivery pressure is. in fact, maintained by the servo pressure signal in passage 12 in response to engine operating parameters as above described.
When the reheat system is shut down. the pump delivery pressure becomes effectively equal to pump inlet pressure and the member 260 is returned to its initial position by spring 262.
The arrangement shown in FIG. 10 enables a priming fuel charge to be supplied to the reheat burners substantially immediately reheat is selected. the time taken being typically less than one second. this time being ef fectively dependent on the size of restrictor 264.
I claim:
1. A fuel control apparatus for a gas turbine engine reheat system. including a variable metering arrangement for controlling fuel flow to the engine reheat burners. a low pressure drain and a valve arrangement operable in one position thereof to connect said metering arrangement to said burners and in another position to connect said burners to said low pressure drain. said valve arrangement comprising first. second and third ports respectively communicating with said metering arrangement. said burners and said drain, valve seats between said first and second ports and between said second and third ports a closure member movable to selectively engage said valve seats. means for biasing said closure member towards engagement with one ot the seats. means responsive to a control pressure signal to move said closure member against said biasing means into engagement with the other of said seats a dump valve between said third port and said low pressure drain, and means responsive to a further control pressure signal to open said dump valve.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim I in which said closure member is responsive to said control signal to connect said metering arrangement to said burners, and which includes means, responsive to a requirement to light the reheat system. tor providing said control signal.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the means for providing said signal comprises a selector valve responsive to the position of an engine power demand control.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said selector valve is operative to remove said further controi pressure signaL'and thereby to close said dump valve before providing the first-mentioned control signal to connect said metering arrangement to said burncrs.
S. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 which includes a relay valve operable to apply the first-mentioned pressure signal to said third port. whereby when said dump valve is moved by said biasing means to connect said burners to said low pressure drain 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim I in which said metering arrangement includes first second and third metering orifices responsive to engine operating parameters to control t'uel tlow to respective ones of the engine reheat burners.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which said valve arrangement comprises a plurality of first ports respectively communicating with said first, second and third metering orifices. a plurality of second ports re spectively associated with said first ports and communicating with respective ones of said reheat burners. a plurality of third ports associated with respective groups of first and second ports and commonly connected to said low pressure drain and a plurality ofclo- |
US-3874171-A | Exhaust gas composition control with after-burner for use with internal combustion engines | United States Patent 1191 Schmidt et a1.
1 1 EXHAUST GAS (IOMPOSITION CONTROL WITH AF TIER-BURNER FOR USE WITH INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES [75] Inventors: Peter Schmidt; I-Iarald'Kizler;
Wolfgang Maisch, all of Schwieberdingen; Berrid Peter, Kornwestheim; Josef Wahl, Stuttgart; Ernst Linder, Mullacker; Horst Neidhard, Korntal, all of Germany [73] Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbI-I,
Gerlingen-Schiller'hohe, Germany [22] Filed: June 2, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 259,157
130] Foreign Application Priority Data Apr. 1, 1975 3,442,773 5/1969 Wilson 204/195 S 3,464,801 9/1969 Barstow 60/301 3,544,264 12/1970 Hardi spn...,. 60/301 3,599,427 8/1971 Jones 60/274 3,616,274 10/1971 Eddy.'... 60/276 3,626,915 12/1971 Nakajima. 123/119 D 3,680,318 8/1972 Nakajiina. 60/288 3,696,618 10/1972 Boyd., 60/276 3,730,157 5/1973 Gerhold 60/285 3,738,341 6/1973 Loos 60/285 3,768,259 10/1973 Carnahan.... 60/285 3,803,839 4/1974 Santiago 60/274 Primary Examiner-Douglas Hart Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Flynn & Frishauf [57] ABSTRACT A thermo reactor is formed as an after-burner to receive the exhaust gases and burn CO and unburned hydrocarbons; connected in series therewith, downstream, is a catalytic reactor to reduce nitrogen oxides. An oxygen sensor is exposed to the exhaust gas stream between the thermo reactor and the catalytic reactor and supplies a control signal to an amplifier which, in turn, controls one or both of the components air and fuel of the fuel-air mixture to the engine in such relative proportions of mass that the exhaust sensed by the sensor is just slightly below the stoichiometric ratio of air and fuel ()1 1.0).
17 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures SALU 1 [IF 3 FATEHTEDAPR i 5 saw 3 of 3 Fig.7
EXHAUST GAS COMPOSITION CONTROL WITH AFTER-BURNER FOR USE WITH INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS US. Pat. No. 3,483,851, Reichardt, Dec. 16, 1969.
US. Pat. No. 3.745,?68, Zechnall et al., July 17, 1973.
US Ser. No. 265,547, filed June 23, 1972 US. Ser. No. 259,134, filed June 2, 1972 US. Ser. No. 259,254, filed June 2, 1972 now US. Pat. No. 3,782,347
US. Ser. No. 298,108, filed Oct. 16, 1972 The present invention relates to a control system for controlling the composition of exhaust gas, including an after-burner, for use with internal combustion engines and more particularly to a system which includes a thermo reactor to burn carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons, and a second, catalytic reactor to reduce nitrogen oxides, so that the final exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine will be as free from polluting substances as possible.
It has previously been proposed to clean the exhaust gases from internal combustion engines by located two serially connected reactors, the first one (with respect to flow of the exhaust gases) removing unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, and the second reactor reducing nitrogen oxides by means of added ammonia. Such systems require a fair amount of equipment, since two separate catalysts are required, that is, so-called two-bed catalysts, and further since ammonia must be available which, in a vehicle, would have to be carried with it.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an exhaust pollution eliminating system which is greatly simplified, and in which the reactors for the different polluting substances are separated. Nevertheless, the exhaust gas should not contain any more or other polluting substances than known devices.
Subject matter of the present invention: Briefly, the first reactor is a thermo reactor to burn carbon monoxide and still remaining hydrocarbons. It is followed by a second, catalytic reactor. An oxygen-sensing device is located to be exposed to the stream of gas derived from the first thermo reactor which, preferably connected over a control amplifier, controls the mixture of fuel and air in such a manner that the ratio of fuel to air is controlled to be just slightly below the stoichiometric value.
Reference in the specification will be made to the air number, denoted lambda (A). This air number A is a measure of the composition of the air-fuel mixture. The number A is proportional to the mass of air and fuel, and the value of this number A is one (A 1.0) ifa stoichiometric mixture is present. Under stoichiometric conditions, the mixture has such a composition that, in view of the chemical reactions, all hydrocarbons in the fuel can theoretically combine with the oxygen in the air to provide complete combustion to carbon dioxide and water. In actual practice, even with a stoichiometric mixture. unburned noncombusted hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are contained in the exhaust gases.
By controlling the air number A to a value in the order of, preferably, about 0.98, the basic emission of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon will have a very low value. A simple thermo reactor can be used for after-burning of these components. Nevertheless, a slight excess of carbon monoxide will remain, that is, the exhaust gases when entering the second, catalytic reactor, will be slightly reducing. Such slightly reducing characteristics of the exhaust gases provide for optimum reducing effect of the catalytic reactor.
The air number A can be accurately controlled when, in accordance with a feature of the invention, the oxygen sensor includes an oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte which is exposed both to the exhaust stream between the two reactors and, additionally, to ambient air. The electrical output signal of such a sensing element jumps at the exact value of )t 1 since, even at only slightly greater air numbers, unburned oxygen is all of a sudden present within the exhaust gases. In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the oxygen sensor is located between the two reactors since, even with air numbers which are less than one, the exhaust gases contain not only unburned hydrocarbons but also additionally oxygen which, however, is largely used within the thermo reactor.
The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic arrangement of one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the relative contents of the components in the exhaust gas with respect to the air number (abscissa);
FIG. 3a is a longitudinal schematic cross-sectional view of an ion oxygen gauge;
FIG. 3b is an operating characteristic of the output voltage U (ordinate) with respect to air number (abscissa);
FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of a control amplifier;
FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of a transistorized switching system;
FIG. 6. is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the present invention;
and FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of another embodiment of a control amplifier.
An internal combustion engine 11, for purposes of illustration shown as a four-cylinder engine, takes in air for combustion over an air filter 12 into an inlet duct 13. A throttle 15 is located within the inlet duct, the throttle position being changeable under control of an accelerator pedal. An air sensor 14, sensing the quantity of air passing through the inlet duct 13 is located ahead of the throttle 15. Air quantity sensor 14 may be a deflectable disk, which provides an electrical output depending on disk deflection against a spring, or the like, in accordance with the air flow through the duct 13. The cylinders, or selected cylinders of the internal combustion engine have fuel injection valves 16 associated therewith, only one of which is shown in the drawing. Fuel is supplied to the injection valves 16 over a fuel inlet line 17.
An exhaust manifold 18 is connected to the exhaust valves of the engine, the exhaust manifold 18 terminating in a thermo reactor 19. The thermo reactor 19, forming an afterburner, has its output connected to a catalytic reactor 20, so that the catalytic reactor is downstream from thermo reactor 19. An exhaust pipe 21, to which a muffler can be connected, as well known in the art is then connected to the catalytic reactor to exhaust the remaining CO to ambient atmosphere.
An oxygen sensor 22 is located in the wall of the ducting leading from the thermo reactor 19 to the catalytic reactor 20. The output of the oxygen sensor 22 is connected to a control amplifier 24. The shaft of en gine- 11 is connected to a pulse source 23 which provides control pulses, in synchronism with rotation of the crankshaft of the engine, which are connected to a transistorized switching circuit 25. Switching circuit 25 provides pulses which determine the duration of the opening period of the fuel injection valve 16 (see crossreferenced U.S. Pat. No. 3,483,851). The pulse duration is influenced by the amount of air passing to the engine, that is, by the output signal from air sensor 14, as well as by the output of control amplifier 24, applied to inputs B and A, of the switching circuit 25, respectively. The injection valve 16 is operated by means of a magnet winding, connected to the output of the circuit 25.
FIG. 2 illustrates the variation in composition of exhaust gases with respect to air number k. If excess air is present, A has a value greater than 11.0, the value being determinedby the relationship of air to fuel.
Solid line 26 illustrates the relationship of carbon monoxide (CO); as a value of )t 1.0 is approached, the CO value decreases steadily. Above A 1.0, the CO value remains essentially constant and is very low.
Curve 27 illustrates the relationship of unburned hydrocarbons CH with respect to )t; up to about )t 1.3, the shape of the curve 27 is close to that of curve 26, representing CO. Above about )1 1.3, the value of hydrocarbons rises rapidly. This is due to the increasing misfires which result if the mixture becomes very lean, so that the exhaust will again contain unburned hydrocarbons.
Curve 28 illustrates the relationship of nitrogen oxides, NOx with respect to A; this curve is opposite the two curves as, 27. A maximum value of nitrogen oxides arises at about )t 1.05. At air numbers above and below 1.05, the nitrogen oxide compound curve decreases rapidly. This is due to fact that nitrogen oxygen compounds arise only at high combustion temperatures by combustion of nitrogen in the air. Combustion temperatures reach their maximum value when the mixture is roughly stoichiometric, that is, about 1. Curve 28 is the curve which represents the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust of the exhaust, manifold 18. Curve 29, however, illustrates the contents of nitrogen oxides at the output of the catalytic reactor 20. When the gases applied to the reactor are slightly reducing, that is, at air numbers at or just below A 1.0, the nitrogen oxides will react in the catalytic reactor with carbon monoxide and hydrogen from the unburned hydrocarbons CH. Thus, at low air numbers, there are practically no nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas.
As). 1.0 is exceeded, the exhaust gases change their composition from reducing to oxidizing, that is, there will be more oxygen in the exhaust gases, and the nitrogen oxides NOx no longer can be reduced in the catalytic reactor 20, so that for larger air'numbers,
above 1.0, the two curves 28 and 29 coincide.
FIG. 3a illustrates the construction of an ion gauge or sensor. A solid, sintered electrolyte is formed into a tube 34, closed at one end. The solid electrolyte 34 has a platinum layer 35 vapor-deposited thereon, which platinum layer is microporous, or has micro fissures therein. The two platinum layers 35 are provided with contacts connected to electrical terminals 36, 37. A socket 32 holds the solid electrolyte tube 34 in the wall of the exhaust gas. Socket 32 is formed with a bore 33 through which ambient air from the outside can penetrate within the interior of the tube 34. The outer surface of tube 34 is exposed to the stream of exhaust gas flowing between the two reactors 19 and 20.
At the high temperatures, which are present in the exhaust gas stream, the solid electrolyte of the sensor 22 becomes oxygen ion conductive. The solid electrolyte may, for example, be zirconium dioxide. When the oxygen partial pressure within the exhaust gases deviates from the oxygen partial pressure in ambient air, a voltage will arise between terminals 36, 37, as illustrated in curve 30, FIG. 3b, with respect to A. This voltage depends, logarithmetically, of the quotient of oxygen partial pressure at both sides of the solid electrolyte 34. Thus, the output voltage of sensor 22 jumps at the vicinity of A 1.0. This substantial and reliable dependence of the output voltage on the air number is used to control the control amplifier by the sensor of FIG. 3a.
The circuit of the control amplifier 24 is illustrated in FIG. 4. A first operational amplifier 40 amplifies the output signals of the oxygen sensor 22. Its output, appearing at junction 89, is connected to a second operational amplifier 47, connected as an integral controller. The oxygen sensor 22 is connected to an input resistance 41 and then to the inverting input of operational amplifier 40; the other terminal of sensor 22 is grounded, or connected to chassis. The non-inverting input of the operational amplifier 40 is connected over an input terminal 42 to the tap point of a voltage divider formed of resistors 38, 39. A feedback resistance 44 is connected between output junction and the inverting input terminal of operational amplifier 40, the value of feedback resistance 44 determining the amplification factor. A resistance 43 connects junction 80 to the positive bus 52 of the supply.
The output junction 80 of operational amplifier 40 is connected over an input resistance 48 to the inverting input of operational amplifier 47. The non-inverting input of operational amplifier 47 is connected over a resistance 49 to the tap point of a voltage divider formed of resistors 45, 46. Additionally, the tap point is connected to a controllable resistance 53 and then to an input terminal 54. The operational amplifier 47 has a capacitor 50 in its feedback path, and is connected with a resistance 51 to positive bus 52. The capacitor 50 acts as an integrating capacitor. The output terminal of operational amplifier 47 forms terminal A.
The transistorized switching circuit 25 is shown in highly simplified form in FIG. 5. An input stage 55 which, in the present example, is a monostable multivirator, changes state in synchronism with engine rotation, as schematically shown by switch 23 providing pulses under control of a cam. Switch 23 closes in synchronism with rotation of the crankshaft, so that each fuel injection valve 16 will have an injection pulse applied thereto at each second full rotation of the crankshaft (assuming a four-cycle engine). Correction input B controls the unstable pulse duration of the monostable state 55 in dependence on air mass being applied to the engine, that is, in the present example if greater airflow is measured, more fuel is to be injected, so that the air number can be held constant.
The output of monostable trigger stage 55 is connected to a pulse extending stage which includes astorage capacitor 60. The capacitor 60 has one of its electrodes connected to the collector of a transistor 58. The emitter of transistor 58 is connected over resistance 59 to positive bus 52. The base of transistor 58 is connected to the output of the monostable trigger stage 55 and, further, to the inputterminal A which, further, forms the output terminal of the circuit of FIG. 4. A base resistance 57 connects to chassis.
The second terminal of the storage capacitor6t) is connected to the collector of a discharge transistor 61, which has its base connected to the tap point of a voltage divider formed of resistances 62 and 63, in which resistance 63 is variable. The emitter of the discharge transistor 61 is connected over resistance 64 to positive bus 52. A diode 65 is connected between the other terminal of capacitor 60, the collector of transistor 61, and the base of an inverter transistor 67, the diode being so poled that the collector current of the discharge transistor 61 is passed thereby. The base of inverter transistor 67 is connected to ground over resistance 66, and its collector over resistance 68 to positive supply bus 52. z
The output of monostable trigger stage 55, as well as the collector of inverter transistor 67 is connected, each, with one of two inputs of an OR-gate 56, which has its output connected to a switching amplifier 69. Switching amplifier 69 controls a solenoid winding 70 which, in turn, controls the injection valve 16.
Operation (with reference to FIGS. l-S): Basically, the operation of the circuit of FIG. 5 is similar to that referred to in the cross referenced U.S. Pat. No. 3,483,851 and will be referred to only briefly. The duration of the output pulses of the monostable multivibrator 55 depends on the quantity of air being passed to the input manifold, as above referred to. The output pulse of the monostable stage 55 is applied directly to the switching amplifier 69 over the OR-gate 56. The pulse from stage 55 is followed by an extension pulse derived fromthe stage formed by transistors SS'and 61. The duration of the extension pulse is proportional to the duration of the output pulses of the monostable stage 55 and, further, can be influenced by other operating parameters of the engine. Thus, the duration of the extension pulse is influenced by the valueof the resistance of resistor 63; this resistor may, for example, be a negative temperature coefficient resistor, used to measure engine temperature, and influence the overall duration of the pulse in accordance therewith. The duration of the extension pulse can additionally be influenced by the voltage applied to input A. Voltage applied to this input A influences the charge current to the capacitor 60, applied over transistor 58, during the pulse duration of the monostable stage 55. This, then, influences the amplitude of the jump in voltage which is transferred at the end of the output pulsecof the monostable stage 55 to the capacitor 60. Change in the resistance 63, however, affects the discharge current of condenser 60 through the resistor 63 and thus the period of time after which the inverter transistor 67 again becomes conductive after it first has been changed to blocked condition.
Further correction voltages can be applied to the base electrodes of the two transistors 58, 61. As an example, the mixture can be made richer during the startup time of the internal combustion engine and as it signal, that is, it corresponds to the voltage of the posi-" tive bus 52. The OR-gate 56 provides a ONEsignal at its output, when one of its inputs has a ONE signal thereon. Thus, the output pulse of the pulse extension stage is added, in time, to the output pulse of the mono stable trigger stage 55.
A special operating condition can now be described; let it be assumed that the output duration of the output pulse of the transistor switching circuit 25 is slightly too low. Too much fuel is injected and the mixture becomes too rich. As seen from FIG. 3b, the air number A which is smaller than 1 corresponds to a relatively high output voltage from the sensing element 22, shown in FIG. 3a.
The output voltage of the sensor 22 is amplified in operational amplifier 40. Since the operational amplifier40 is connected as an inverter amplifier, the output voltage will have a negative value which is connected over input resistor 48 to the inverting input of the operational amplifier 47. This operational amplifier is connected as an integrator and thus integrates the negative input voltage in a positive direction. The output potential at terminal A slowly shifts in positive direction. This shift in positi ve direction of the input voltage at point A to the circuit of FIG. 5 will cause the charge current flowing through transistor 58 for condenser 60 to decrease. The pulse duration of the pulse extending stage is thus decreased so that the output of the OR-gate will have an overall pulse which is slightly shorter, since the extension pulse, added to that from the trigger stage 55, will be shorter. Thesolenoid winding is energized for a shorter period of time, less fuel is injected and the air-fuel mixture becomes leaner, until the airnumber A; 1.0. At that point, the output voltage of the oxygen sensor 22 switches to a very low value, that is, the voltage jumps rapidly to a low value and operational amplifier 47 then integrates in opposite direction to' that above described Integrating in negative direction causes more charge current to flow through transistor 58 to capacitor 60, so that the output pulses of the pulse extending stage increase again in time.
The outputvoltage of the oxygen sensor 22 thus corrects deviation from the air number A 1.0. By suitable dimensioning of the voltage dividers 38, 39 and 45, 46 (FIG. 4), the air number can be adjusted to a desired value, for example to an air number A 0.98. This is better than controlling the air number to a value of 1.0, exactly, since the catalytic reactor 20 is better able to decompose nitrogen oxides in a slightly reducing atmosphere. At such a value of an air number, that is, A 0.98, approximately, the increase in CO and unburned hydrocarbons is negligible.
The catalytic reactor 20 includes a ceramic catalyst which has active substances, preferably barium chromate and'copper chromate. These substances are particularly suitable for catalytic reduction and oxidation reactions, since the chromates change their oxidation stage comparatively easily. The catalytic reactor is thus of the single bed, or single catalyst type. Reduction of nitrogen oxide compounds, which are usually present as NO and N0 is carried out primarily by carbon monoxide and the hydrogen from the unburned hydrocarbons. The ratio of effective mass of CO/l-l is roughly 3 l.
The catalytic reactor 20 thus reduces not only the nitrogen oxygen compounds but, in the same process, further reduces the hydrocarbons and the carbon monoxide. The overall noxious substances in the exhaust gas and conducted by exhaust pipe 21 are extremely low.
Practical experiments have shown it to be particularly advantageous to utilize a control amplifier 24 which has an integrating control characteristic, so that remaining deviations from commanded values can be avoided reliably. Such remaining and permanent deviations could occur for example by changes in the sensing output voltage due to aging of the sensor.
Referring now to the example of FIG. 6: The internal combustion engine 11 has fuel applied over a carburetor, shown only schematically. A throttle 15 is placed in the air stream, in advance of which a carburetor nozzle, shown schematically only at 71, is located. A fuel supply 73 supplies fuel to the carburetor nozzle 71. Nozzle 71 has a controllable valve 72 located therein, which is electrically operable, that is, the through-put of which can be electrically controlled. A bypass tube 75 is placed around the combination of fuel inlet 71 throttle 15, to provide air downstream of the throttle to the inlet manifold of engine 11. The through-put of air through the bypass line 75 can be controlled by a bypass throttle 76, which is likewise electrically controllable. Additional air for combustion can thus be applied to the input of the engine, downstream of throttle 15, through the bypass 75, so that the air number of the fuel-air mixture being applied to the engine can be additionally controlled.
FIG. 6 illustrates another example of the thermo reactor, which is simplified, and can be used in this embodiment or that described in connection with FIGS. 1-5. The output manifold 18 is insulated thermally with respect to ambient air, as schematically indicated at 18'. Due to the thermal insulation of the output manifold, the walls of the output manifold will become hot and will reach temperatures of about 600 to 800 C. These temperatures are sufficient to provide for afterburning of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, which have not been completely burned within the engine itself.
As in the first example, a catalytic reactor is connected to the output manifold 18, the outlet of the catalytic reactor being connected to the exhaust pipes 21. The oxygen sensor 22 is located in advance of the catalytic reactor 20 in the wall of the duct leading thereto. The electrical output of the oxygen sensor 22 is connected to the input of a control amplifier 74, the output of which is connected to control the electrically operated valve 72 (solid line connection) and the additional bypass air throttle 76 (dashed line connection), or either one or the other. The choice whether both air and fuel, or only fuel, or only air, are to be controlled will be up to the eventual power output of the engine, and the designer of the overall system, and may be influenced by cost considerations of the various components involved.
The circuit of the control amplifier 74 is illustrated in part in FIG. 7. The input side of the control amplifier 74 is exactly the same as amplifier 24 of FIG. 4, and only that portion to the right of terminal 80 is shown. The oxygen sensor 22 is connected to operational amplifier 40, as before, for proportional amplification of the output signal from sensor 22. The subsequent integrating controller, connected to junction (FIG. 4; FIG. 7) includes an operational amplifier 77, having an inverting input connected over a resistor 78.
The non-inverting input of the operation amplifier 77 is connected over resistor 79 to the tap point of a voltage divider formed of resistors 81, 82. The tap point of the resistor 81, 82 is further connected to an adjustable resistor 83 which is connected with input terminal 84. Input terminal 84 is connected, as input terminal 54 in FIG. 4, to apply correction voltages, which may, for example, be representative of the warming-up of the engine in operation. The output of operational amplifier 77 is connected over an integrating condenser 85 back to the inverting input and further over a resistance 86 to positive bus 52.
The output of operational amplifier 77 is connected to a voltage divider which is formed in each branch of a pair of resistances, forming sub-voltage dividers. Resistors 87, 88 connect the output of the operational amplifier to positive bus 52 and resistors 89, 90 connect the output of operational amplifier 77 to chassis or ground. The tap points of the voltage dividers 87, 88, and 89, 90, respectively, are connected, each, over a diode 91, 92 with the inverting output of the operational amplifier 77. Diode 91 is connected with its anode to the inverting input; diode 92 is connected with its cathode to the inverting input. The operational amplifier 77 is connected to a power amplifier 93 which controls the solenoid coil 94, acting as a positioning coil, which can be used to operate either the controlled valve 72 in the fuel supply, the controlled valve 76 in the air supply or both.
The control amplifier 74 accordingn to FIGS. 6 and 7 differs from the amplifier 24 of FIGS. 1 and 4 by the two diodes 91, 92 and the voltage dividers 87, 88 and 89, 90. The function of the diodes 91, 92 connected into the voltage dividers is to limit the charge voltage of the integrating condenser 85 in the feedback path of operational amplifier 77. The integrating condenser 50 of FIG. 4 may be charged to the full operating voltage, for example, if the oxygen sensor 22 provides maximum output voltage due to low air number for an appreciable period of time. In this case, the output of operational amplifier 40 is at ground voltage, and the output of operational amplifier 47 gradually shifts to the output voltage of the positive bus 52 which, in an automotive vehicle, will usually approach 14 V. If the air number suddenly increases, integrating condenser 50 must be first discharged from the full operating voltage, which may take some time, and thus delay response.
The control amplifier 74 of FIG. 7 avoids this difficulty; if the input voltage 80 is close to chassis potential, the output voltage of operational amplifier 77 can shift in positive direction only to the voltage at which diode 92 becomes conductive. This voltage value is given by the voltage division ratio of resistors 89, 90. As soon as diode 92 becomes conductive, the voltage at the inverting input is driven to positive direction, so that the integrating condenser 85 cannot charge any further.
Diode 91 becomes active when the input terminal 80 is driven to positive voltage. The two diodes 91, 92 thus limit to some extent the control range of the amplifier unit 74 but provide for much faster response thereof, since the capacitor 85 need not change charge to such a great extent. Changes in output voltage of the sensor 22 thus are reflected faster to the positioning magnet winding 94. The integral controller of FIG. 7 can be used as the controller of FIG. 4 if the fuel is controlled by a fuel injection system in accordance with FIG. 1.
In general operation, the embodiment of FIG. 6 is similar to that of FIGS. 1-5. If the air number A is too low, as sensed by sensor 22, which, therefore, provides high output voltage, operational amplifier 77 will provide a higher output voltage and the solenoid winding 94 is energized to a greater extent. The valve 72 is so constructed that, upon greater energization of solenoid winding 94, less fuel can be passed to the carburetor nozzle 71 in the inlet to the internal combustion engine. This increases the air number and the output voltage of the sensor 22 will decrease.
The controllable throttle 72 is so made that, as the energization of its control winding 94 increases, it opens wider. Thus, if the air number is too low, the bypass path is increased so that more air can be applied to the engine below the throttle l5, and the air number will increase.
If the controllable valve 72 for the fuel has sufficient control range, then bypass 75 could, in some instances, be omitted completely; conversely, the controllable valve 72 can be omitted if the bypass 75, with its controllable valve 76 is adequate to completely control the air flow to the engine.
The combination of a thermo reactor with a catalytic reactor, and a control arrangment for the air number A provides effective after-burning of exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine and cleaning of these exhaust gases. The control characteristics of the control amplifiers 24, or 74, respectively, should include an integrating portion in order to reliably correct for remaining control deviations, or for drift. It is not critical for the operation of the system whether the fuel quantity is controlled by means of a fuel injection arrangement, or a controllable fuel supply through a carburetor, or by additional air supply to the inlet manifold of the engine, for example by a bypass from the main air filter. In any case, the exhaust gases can be effectively cleaned with little expense for the reactors.
Various changes and modifications may be made within the inventive concept.
What is claimed is:
1. Exhaust gas composition control system to reduce the emission of noxious gases, for use with an internal combustion engine comprising the combination of a thermo reactor (19, 18') forming an after-burner to burn carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons, connected to directly receive the exhaust from the engine and a single catalyst catalytic reactor (20) of the reducing catalyst type connected downstream from the thermo reactor to receive the exhaust which has passed through the after-burner to reduce nitrogen oxides;
said system further comprising an oxygen sensor (22) located between the afterburner and the catalytic reactor and to be exposed to the exhaust gas stream after having passed the after-burner, the sensor (22) providing an output signal exhibiting a sharp transition jump when the sensed gases change from oxydizing to reducing state, to provide a signal representative of presence, or absence of oxygen in the exhaust stream to which the sensor is exposed;
means (25, 16, 72, 75, 76) controlling the application of at least one component of the fuel-air mixture to the engine, connected to and controlled by the output signal from the sensor (22) and regulating the relative proportions of mass of air and fuel of the mixture applied to the engine such that the proportion is just slightly below the stoichiometric ratio of air and fuel;
and an integrating control amplifier (24, 74) having its input connected to the sensor (22) and its output connected to the control means 25, 16, 72, 75, 76), said control amplifier including an operational amplifier (FIG. 7: 77) connected as an integrating amplifier, and having its input connected to the sensor, circuit means (87, 88, 91; 89, 90, 92) forming a reference, and connection means connecting the reference to the input of the operational amplifier to clamp the maximum integrating level of the operational amplifier to the level of the reference.
2. System according to claim 1, wherein the oxygen sensor (22) comprises a solid body (34) which conducts oxygen ions and which has two opposite faces, one face being exposed to the exhaust gases and the other to ambient air.
3. System according to claim I, wherein the thermo reactor comprises at least a portion of the exhaust manifold (18), which portion is thermally insulated (18') with respect to ambient air to raise the temperature of the exhaust gases therein and provide for oxidation of CO and unburned hydrocarbons therein.
4. System according to claim 1, wherein the operational amplifier has feedback capacitor means (50, in the feedback path between the input and output circuit thereof.
5. System according to claim 4, wherein the reference circuit means (FIG. 7) comprises a voltage divider (87, 88; 89, 90) having one terminal connected to the output of the operational amplifier and another to a reference source (52); and a diode (91; 92) interconnecting the tap point of the voltage divider and the control input of the operational amplifier to clamp the maximum input of the operational amplifier to the voltage level of the tap point.
6. System according to claim 1, wherein the control amplifier is connected to the sensor (22) and wherein the fuel-air mixture control means comprises a carburetor nozzle (71) and controllable fuel supply means (72) connected to the carburetor nozzle and applying .fuel to the nozzle, said controllable fuel supply means being controlled by the control amplifier (74).
7. System according to claim 1', wherein the fuel-air mixture control means comprises an air inlet duct (13) and a controllable valve means (15) therein; an air duct (75) applying air to the inlet of the engine downstream of the controllable valve (15);
and means controlling air flow through the air duct under control of the output signal from said control amplifier.
8. System according to claim 7, wherein the air flow control means in the duct comprises an electrically operable throttle valve connected to the output of the control amplifier.
9. System according to claim 1, wherein the control means (25, 16, 72, 75, 76) is set to regulate the fuel-air mixture to provide anair number of about 0.98.
ill
10. Exhaust emission control system for an internal combustion engine having means admitting air and fuel, respectively, comprising two serially connected reactors, one reactor being a thermo reactor (l9, 18') connected directly to the exhaust of the engine to oxidize unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and the other reactor being a single catalyst catalytic reactor of the reducing catalyst type to reduce nitrogenoxygen compounds, the catalytic reactor (20), connected to the thermo reactor (18, 19) downstream therefrom; duct means connecting the thermo reactor (18, 19)
and, downstream, the catalytic reactor (20);
an oxygen ion sensitive oxygen gauge (22) located in said interconnecting duct means to be exposed on one side thereof to the exhaust gases which have passed through the thermo reactor (19, 18) and before being applied to the catalytic reactor (20), and the other side thereof being exposed to ambi ent air, said gauge providing an output signal exhibiting a sharp transition jump upon change of exhaust composition containing oxygen, or not containing oxygen;
and means controlling the fuel-air ratio of the fuelair mixture being applied to the engine under control of said oxygen gauge including a control loop from said gauge to the means admitting air and fuel, respectively, said loop being preset to control the fuel-air mixture to provide an air number of about 0.98 so as to be just under the stoichiometric ratio to permit after-burning of exhaust gases in the thermo reactor (19, 18) to remove oxygen from the exhaust and permit the catalytic reactor to operate under reducing conditions and to thereby remove nitrogen-oxygen compounds from the exhaust gases so that the gases exhausted from the catalytic reactor will be essentially free of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen-oxygen compounds;
wherein the fuel-air mixture control means comprises an electronically controlled fuel injection system i which includes a controllable switching circuit having control inputs (A, B), at least one fuel injection .valve (16) supplied with fuel and opening for predetermined time periods under control of the switching circuit;
one control input (B) to the switching circuit having a signal applied thereto representative of air supply to the engine, and the other control input (A) having a signal applied thereto representative of the output of the oxygen gauge;
the switching circuit (25) comprises a monostable flip-flop stage (55) triggered in synchronism with the rotation of the engine and having a pulse duration controlled by the control input (B) representative of air being supplied to the engine; and
wherein the switching circuit (25) further comprises a pulse extending stage connected to the monostable flipflop stage (55), and providing an extension pulse;
an OR-gate (56) having the outputs of the monostable flip-flop stage (55) and the pulse extending stage applied thereto to obtain a composite output pulse;
and a switching amplifier (69) controlled by the out put of the OR-gate (56) connected to at least one injection valve (16) to energize the injection valve.
11. System according to claim 10, wherein the thermoireactor comprises at least a portion of the exhaust manifold (18) of the engine, said portion being thermally insulated (18') with respect to ambient air to provide a temperature range therein at which exhaust gases from the engine including CO and unburned hydrocarbons are oxidized.
12. System according to claim it), further comprising an integrating control amplifier (24, 74) having its input connected to the sensor (22) and its output connected to the control means (25, 16, 72, 75, 76), said control amplifier including an operational amplifier (FIG. 7: 77) connected as an integrating amplifier, and having its input connected to the sensor, circuit means (87, 88, 91; 89, 90, 92) forming a reference, and connection means connecting the reference to the input of the operational amplifier to clamp the maximum integrating level of the operational amplifier to the level of the reference.
13. System according to claim 12, wherein the reference circuit means (FIG. 7) comprises a voltage divider (87, 88; 89, 90) having one terminal connected to the output of the operational amplifier and another to a reference source (52); and a diode (91; 92) interconnecting the tap point of the voltage divider and the control input of the operational amplifier to clamp the maximum input of the operational amplifier to the voltage level of the tap point.
M. Exhaust gas composition control system to reduce the emission of noxious gases, for use with an internal combustion engine comprising the combination of a thermo reactor (19, 18) forming an after-burner to burn carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons, connected to directly receive the exhaust from the engine and a single catalyst catalytic reactor (20) of the reducing catalyst type connected downstream from the thermo reactor to receive the exhaust which has passed through the after-burner to reduce nitrogen oxides;
said system further comprising an oxygen sensor (22) located between the afterburner and the catalytic reactor and to be exposed to the exhaust gas stream after having passed the afterburner, the sensor (22) providing an output signal exhibiting a sharp transition jump when the sensed gases change from oxydizing to reducing state, to provide a signal representative of presence, or absence of oxygen in the exhaust stream to which the sensor is exposed;
means (25, i6, 72, 75, 76) controlling the application of at least one component of the fuel-air mixture to the engine, connected to and controlled by the output signal from the sensor (22) and regulating the relative proportions of mass of air and fuel of the mixture applied to the engine such that the proportion is just slightly below the stoichiometric ratio of air and fuel;
wherein the fuel-air mixture control means comprises an electronically controlled fuel injection system which includes a controllable, transistorized switching circuit (25), having control inputs (A, B), at least one fuel injection valve (16) supplied with fuel and opening for predetermined time periods under control of the switching circuit;
one control input (B) to the switching circuit having a signal applied thereto representative of air being supplied to the engine, and another control input (A) having the output of the sensor (22) applied thereto;
the switching circuit (25) comprises a monostable flip-flop stage (55) triggered in synchronism with the rotation of the engine and having a pulse duration controlled by the control input (B representative of air being supplied to the engine; and
wherein the switching circuit (25) further comprises a pulse extending stage connected to the monostable flip-flop stage (55), and providing an extension pulse;
an OR-gate (56) having the outputs of the monostable flip-flop stage (55) and the pulse extending stage applied thereto to obtain a composite output pulse;
and a switching amplifier (69) controlled by the output of the OR-gate (56) connected to at least one injection valve (16) to energize the injection valve.
15. System according to claim 14, comprising a control amplifier connected to the sensor, and wherein the other control input (A) is connected to the pulse extending stage, the duration of the extension pulse being controllable by the output of the control amplifier (24).
16. System according to claim 14, further comprising an integrating control amplifier (24, 74) having its input connected to the sensor (22) and its output connected to the control means (25, 16, 72, 75, 76), said control amplifier including an operational amplifier (FIG. 7: 77) connected as an integrating amplifier, and having its input connected to the sensor, circuit means (87, 88, 91; 89, 90, 92) forming a reference, and connection means connecting the reference to the input of the operational amplifier to clamp the maximum integrating level of the operational amplifier to the level of the reference. 17. System according to claim 16, wherein the reference circuit means (FIG. 7) comprises a voltage divider (87, 88; 89, 90) having one terminal connected to the output of the operational amplifier and another to a reference source (52); and a diode (91; 92) interconnecting the tap point of the voltage divider and the control input of the operational amplifier to clamp the maximum input of the operational amplifier to the voltage level of the tap point.
v =l =l l= |
US-3874172-A | Fluid pressure regulator valve and safety valve assembly | United States Patent 1 3,874,172 Masuda Apr. 1, 1975 1 FLUID PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE AND SAFETY VALVE ASSEMBLY [75] Inventor: Naosuke Masuda,
Higashi-Matsuyamashi, Japan [73] Assignee: .lidosha Kiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokyo. Japan [22] Filed: June 14, 1973 [2]] Appl. No.: 370,187
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data June 14, 1972 Japan 47-0592l9 [52] US. Cl 60/403, 60/405, 60/416, 60/418 [51] Int. Cl. F15b 20/00, F1515 1/02 [58] Field of Search 60/403, 405, 416, 418
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.396.984 3/1946 Broadston ct a1 60/416 X 2.478.210 8/1949 Spraguc ct al. 60/403 X 2.544997 3/195] Keim ct a1. 60/405 X Primary Examiner-Edgar W. Geoghegan Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Sughrue, Rothwell, Mion, Zinn and Macpeak [57] ABSTRACT A fluid pressure regulator assembly for pressure accumulators used in a dual pressure hydraulic brake system for vehicles. The regulator valve assembly is connected between an engine driven hydraulic pump and the accumulators to regulate the maximum pressure stored in the accumulators. The regulator valve assembly also includes an emergency shut-off valve and a one-way check valve for ech separate hydraulic brak ing circuit and is responsive to a pressure difference between the two accumulators caused by a pressure drop due to the damage in one of the braking circuits to actuate the shut-off valve in the damaged circuit for preventing loss of hydraulic fluid from the braking system. The shut-off valves and one-way check vahes allow the remaining operational brake circuit to oper ate at full capacity without interruption.
7 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure FLUID PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE AND SAFETY VALVE ASSEMBLY,
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a fluid pressure regulator valve assembly, and more particularly to a regulator valve assembly for pressure accumulators used in a dual full power hydraulic brake system for vehicles.
2. Description of the Prior Art In full power hydraulic brack systems, the hydraulic pressure supplied from an engine driven pump is generally accumulated in a pressure accumulator so that any application of a brake pedal connected to a brake control valve will cause introduction of pressurized fluid to the wheel cylinders for stopping the rotation of the wheels. Accordingly, it is neessary that an amount of fluid pressure sufficient to provide the desired braking action but insufficient to cause impairment of durability of the brake system is accumulated and retained in the accumulators at all times.
In the conventional hydraulic brake systems having a single braking fluid conduit, however, a mechanical failure at any point necessarily causes escape of the braking fluid. thus resulting in complete loss of control of the brake system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is intended to provide an improved pressure regulator valve assembly to be used in a dual full power hydraulic brake system which is actuated reliably and safely through two independent braking fluid conduits branching from a common supply passage connected to a source of pressurized fluid, so that mechanical failure in either brake conduit will not prevent the normal actuation of the other brake system.
The fluid pressure regulator valve assembly of this invention comprises a pressure regulated valve connected in said common supply passage each of said independent conduits being connected through an emergency valve to an accumulator, a check valve connected in each independent conduit and a slide valve common to both of said independent conduits and operatively connected to each of said emergency valves, said slide valve being operable to urge said emergency valves to their open position during normal operating condition, wherein fluid pressure from each of said accumulators is normally applied to a respective one of the opposite sides of said slide valve in order to retain the corresponding emergency valve in its open position, a loss of pressure within either of said accumulators causing movement of said slide valve in the direction to close the emergency valve connected to the accumulator having the loss in pressure.
According to this fluid pressure regulator valve assembly in the normally actuated state, the accumulation of the braking fluid is carried out simultaneously in both of said accumulators during the normal operating period until the pressure of the accumulated fluid reaches the desired level sufficient to actuate the braking system; then a stop valve is released to form a feed back circuit, to stop the accumulation of the braking fluid from the pump which is actuated to a no-lead condition and to close simultaneously the check valve for is reduced by the braking operations, the stop valve is returned to its initial position, thereby again starting the accumulation of the braking fluid by releasing the check valve; these operations are repeated.
If one of said braking systems is damaged, a difference between the fluid pressure in the damaged braking system and that in the normal braking system is de tected by the slide valve and the circuit of the damaged braking system is closed to prevent the leakage of the braking fluid from the damaged system, and to assure the normal braking operation of the other braking system. As the leakage of the braking fluid is fully prevented, the sticking of the piston pump can be eliminated.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING The lone FIGURE is a diagram of a fluid circuit of a dual full power hydraulic brake system including a preferred embodiment of the pressure regulator valve assembly, shown in cross section, in accordance with this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawing, a fluid reservoir 1 is provided for supplying hydraulic fluid through a low pressure flexible hose to an engine driven piston pump 2. The output from the piston pump 2 is conducted through a high pressure conduit 16 to a pressure regu Iator valve assembly 3. From the pressure regulator valve assembly 3, the high pressure fluid is distributed to a pair of independent accumulators 4 and 5 through conduits l7 and 18 connected to the branching outlets 126 and 116, respectively. 7
When the accumulator pressure has reached a predetermined maximum value, a pressure releasing means provided in the valve assembly 3 will be operated to allow the recirculation of hydraulic fluid from the conduit 16 through conduits 26 and 27 connected to discharge port 49 opening at the upper part of the pressure regulator valve assembly 3 to the reservoir 1.
Pressure outlet conduits l9 and 20 are provided bctween accumulators 4 and 5 and a brake control valve 8 for supplying the hydraulic fluid from the respective accumulators 4 and 5 to the brake control valve 8. Upon operation of a brake pedal 8 on the brake control valve 8, the pressurized hydraulic fluid is supplied through conduits 21 and 22 to the front wheel brake cylinders 9, 9' and the rear. wlhecl brake cylinders l0, 10' respectively, of a running vehicle.
A return conduit 25 is connected between the discharge port of the control valve 8 and the conduit 27 which, as previously stated, is connected in turn to the reservoir 1 for the recovery of the used hydraulic fluid.
Pressure sensitive switches 6 and 7 are located in the accumulators 4 and 5, respectively, and are operable to energize an alarm device in response to a drop in pressure in either of the accumulators 4 or 5 below a predetermined value due to a mechanical fault or other adverse conditions.
The pressure regulator valve assembly 3 includes a valve housing 29 having an inlet port 30 located in the top of the housing and connected to the conduit 16 leading from the pressure pump 2. The inlet port 30 communicates with a penetrating hole 32 of a shut off plug 42 threaded into the valve housing 29 from one side thereof and a vertical passage 31. This vertical passage 31 is communicated further with a passage 33 extending laterally in the center zone of the housing 29 through a check valve 67 in a plug 68 which is threaded into the valve housing 29.
Emergency valves 74 and 82 are located at an intermediate point and at the terminus of the passage 33, respectively. Each valve 74 and 82 includes a valve element 77 and 86 positioned in a valve chamber 75 and 84, respectively, and urged against a valve seat 78 and 87 by a spring 76 and 85. The valve seats 78 and 87 are provided to surround apertures communicating with branch passages 80 and 89, respectively.
Each of the branching passages has a sliding rod 79 and 88 positioned therein. A longitudinal cut-off or slot is formed along the longitudinal length of each sliding rod 79 and 88.
A slide valve 100 is fitted slidably in a bore 97, formed through the lower portion of the valve housing 29 perpendicular to passages 80 and 89 for urging each of the emergency valves 74 and 82 to its open position during nomal operating conditions. The slide valve 100 includes large diameter central portions 101 and small diameter portions 109 and 110.
The opposite sides of the central portions 101 of the slide valve 100 are normally maintained in contact with the lower ends of the sliding rods 79 and 88 so that each of the valve elements 77 and 86 is retained in its open position away from the corresponding valve seat 78 and 87 against the action of spring 76 and 85. In this embodiment, the small diameter portions 109 and 110 of the slide valve 100 are located such that valve chambers 99 and 118, which are defined between small diameter portions 109 and 110 and the bore 97, are in communication with the valve chambers 75 and 84 of the emergency valves 74 and 82 through the cut-outs or slots in the sliding rods 79 and 88. Seals 98, 102 and 104 are provided on each side of the chambers 99 and 118 to prevent leakage of fluid therefrom.
Plugs 93 and 107 are threaded into the opposite ends of the bore 97. Inlet chambers 94 and 106 are defined between the plugs 93, 107 and the slide valve 100. The inlet chambers 94 and 106 contain springs 95 and 105 extending between the inner ends of plugs 93 and 107 and the opposite ends of the slide valve 100 for locating and holding the slide valve 100 in the neutral position.
Check valve assemblies 119 and 129 are located in the valve housing 29 at the ends of passages 111 and 121. The passages 111 and 121 communicate with the valve chambers 99 and 118 in the bore 97.
The check valve 119 and 129 include plugs 117 and 127, which are threaded into valve chambers 115 and 125 in communication with the passages 111 and 121.
Valve elements 113 and 123 are movably retained in chambers 115 and 125, respectively, by plugs 117 and 127, and are biassed by springs 114 and 124 against valve seats 112 and 122 formed at the lower ends of the passages 111 and 121.
Each of the valve chambers 115 and 125 is communicated with inlet chambers 106 and 94 located at mutually opposite positions of the slide valve 100 via passages 70 and 90, respectively.
Outlet ports 116 and 126 are formed in the plugs 117 and 127 and are connected to the respective accumulators and 4 through the conduits 18 and 17. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention shown in the lone drawing, pressurized fluid delivered from the pump 2 to the inlet port '30 of the valve assembly 3 will pass through the passage 33, the emergency valves 74 and 82, the branching passages 80 and 89, and the valve chambers 99 and 118, will then open the check valves 113 and 123, and will be accumulated in the accumulators 5 and 4, respectively.
The resultant accumulated pressure will be applied to the inlet chambers 106 and 94 of the slide valve 100 via the passages 70 and 90, respectively.
The pressure regulation and recirculation circuit which may be completed and established when pressure accumulation in both the accumulators 4 and 5 has reached a maximum value will now be described.
An orifice 41 is formed axially in plug 42 and is connected with the penetrating hole 32 extending through the plug 42. The orifice 41 opens into a valve chamber 47 defined within a cylindrical member 42' fixedly secured to the inner end of the plug 42. Located in and opening through member 42 at the other end of the valve chamber 47 is an outlet port 43 for permitting a return flow of the pressurized fluid to the reservoir 1. The outlet port 43 contains a valve element normally urged against a valve seat 44, formed on the inner wall of the port 43, by the action of a spring 46.
The outlet port 43 is connected to an internal passage which, in turn, is connected by a longitudinal pas sage 48 through the discharge port 49 to the return conduits 26 and 27 leading to the reservoir 1 to form a recirculation circuit for excess fluid in conjunction with the orifice 41, the valve chamber 47, and the outlet port 43.
A large diameter cylindrical bore is formed as an axial extension of the internal passage 50. A shut off plug is fitted into an open end of the cylindrical bore 55 on the left side thereofin the FIGURE, and a sealing member 72 is interposed adjacent to the plug 65 for sealing the bore 55.
The large diameter cylindrical bore 55 sealed by the shut off plug 65 is communicated with the passage 33 via a passage 69 and the valve chamber 84 of the emergency valve 82, so that the supply pressure accumulated in each of the accumulators 4 and 5 by opening the check valve 67 is applied to the cylindrical bore 55.
Sealingly fitted to the inner end of the cylindrical bore 55 is an outer shell 61 which contains a releasing means 63 slidably fitted in an interior bore of the outer shell 61. The releasing means 63 has an inner end portion extending through the internal passage 50 and the outlet port 43 and abutting the valve element 45. Au inner spring seat 57 is positioned over the releasing means 63 and tightly fitted onto the projection of the shell 61.
An outer spring seat 56 is mounted on the releasing means 63 near the outer end thereof, and a spring 58 is confined between the inner spring seat 57 and the outer spring seat 56. The inner end of the releasing means 63 is kept thrusted away from the valve element 45 by force of the spring 58 which is adjusted by an adjusting nut 60. An axial passage 66 is provided in the outer valve seat 56.
When the pressure within one accumulator 4, 5 has reached a predetermined maximum value, the internal pressure in the cylindrical bore 55 communicates with the supply passage 33 through the passage 69 and over comes the opposing force of spring 58, thus causing the releasing means 63 to move toward the right, thereby moving the valve'element 45 away from the valve seat 44 to complete the above-mentioned recirculation circuit between inlet port and discharge port 49.
Meanwhile, the check valve 67 is closed by the pressure reduction in the passage 31.
Operation of a dual full power hydraulic brake system utilizing the pressure regulator valve assembly of the present invention will now be described. When the operation of the brake system is initiated, no pressure is accumulated in either of the accumulators 4 or 5. Accordingly, as no pressure is supplied from the accumulators 4 and 5 to the inlet chambers 94 and 106 of the slide valve assembly, the slide valve 100 is maintained in its neutral balanced position by the action of the springs 95 and 105, in the FIGURE, and the emergency valves 74 and 82 are held in their open positions by the sliding rods 79 and 88 resting on the opposite ends of the large diameter portion 101 of the slide valve 100.
The releasing means 63 is retained in a spaced position away from the valve element by the action of the spring 58.
The valve element 45 is retained against the valve seat 44 so as to block the return passage leading to the discharge port 49 through the orifice 41 so that pressurized fluid delivered from the piston pump 2 passes through the conduit 16 and through the inlet port 30, the penetrating hole 32 and the vertical passage 31 of the regulator valve assembly 3.
The pressurized fluid proceeds through the cut-out passages of the sliding rods 79 and 88, the valve chambers 99 and 118, the passages 111 and 121, thereby forcing the check valve elements 113 and 123 to their open positions, and through the outlet ports 116 and 126, conduits 18 and 17 to the accumulators 5 and 4, respectively.
The pressure accumulated in a respective one of the accumulators 4 and 5 is communicated through the passages 70 and 90 to the inlet chambers 94 and 106. The supply pressure from the pump 2 is applied both against the accumulated pressure in the accumulators 4 and 5 and to the large diameter cylindrical bore via the passage 69.
During normal operation of the hydraulic brake system, the pressure of the accumulators 4 and 5 will be equal and balanced and the slide valve 100 will continue to be maintained in its neutral position due to the equal pressures realized in the inlet chambers 94 and 106.
As the inner pressure of the large diameter cylindrical bore 55 is gradually increased, the releasing means 63 is forced to move rightwards but valve element 45 is not opened yet.
When the inner pressure of the large diameter cylindrical bore 55 is reached to the predetermined level by continuing the pressure accumulation, the releasing means 63 forces the valve element 45 to disengage from the valve seat 44 against the force of the spring 58, and accordingly a recirculation circuit will be formed which allows the pressurized fluid to pass from the pump 2 to the inlet port 30, the penetrating hole 32, the orifice 41, the valve chamber 47, the outlet port 43, the internal passage 50, the vertical passage 48, the discharge port 49, the return conduits 26 and 27, and to the reservoir 1. Meanwhile, the pump 2 is operated without load, and the fluid pressure in the vertical passage 31 becomes substantially zero. However, as the check valve 67 is closed, the internal pressures in the passage 33 at the downflow side, the emergency valves 74, 82, the valve chambers 99, 118 and the cylindrical bore 55 are kept at the maximum value. Besides, the pressure in the accumulators 4 and 5 is kept at the accumulated pressure by the check valve assemblies 119 and 129.
When the pedal 8' of the brake control valve 8 is depressed, some of the pressurized fluid within the accumulators 4 and 5 is released and is supplied through the conduits 21 and 22 to the respective front and rear brake cylinders 9 and 10 to provide a braking force in proportion to the pressure applied to the pedal. Upon release of the pedal, pressurized fluid is returned from the front and rear brake cylindlers 9 and 10 through the discharge port of the brake control valve 8 and through the conduits 25 and 27 to the reservoir 1.
In this manner, the braking action can be repeatedly applied, as desired, until the pressure within the accumulators 4 and 5, hence, the pressure within the large diameter cylindrical bore 55 has decreased to a lower predetermined value, whereby the releasing means 63 is forced to move leftwards by the action of the spring 58, causing the valve element 45 to return to its initial seating position. When the valve element 45 has been seated against valve seat 44, the recirculation circuit through the orifice 41 is shut off and the pressurized fluid supplied from the pump 2 to the inlet port 30 is supplied to the accumulators 4 and 5 in the manner previously described hereinabove with reference to the FIGURE.
Repeated operations, including shut-down and restarting of the pressure accumulating operation, assure a properly functioning brake control capability which will proceed without interruption during the engine operating process.
The hydraulic pressure acting against the releasing means 63 to cause a seating or release of the valve element 45 against the valve seat 44 is obtained by pressure of whichever of the accumulators 4 or 5 has attained the predetermined pressure value earlier than the other.
If a mechanical failure should occur at any point in the front wheel brake system including the accumulator 4 and the brake cylinder 9, an abrupt decrease of pressure within the accmuulator 4 will cause an immediate and rapid pressure drop in the valve chamber 125, in the passage and in the inlet chamber 94.
This results in destruction of the pressure balance on the slide valve 100, thereby causing the rightward movement of the slide valve 100. This movement causes the sliding rod 88 to be moved away from the left side of the large diameter section 101 of the slide valve and drop onto the small diameter section 110.
As a result, the valve element 86 on the top end of the sliding rod 88 is caused to seat against the valve seat 87, thus closing the emergency valve 82. Accordingly, no pressurized fluid is supplied from the pump 2 to the accumulator 4, thus avoiding the leakage of any pressurized fluid through the broken part of the front wheel brake system, and the consequent reduction of the internal pressure in the cylindrical bore 55.
On the other hand, when the mechanical failure is caused in the rear braking system including the accumulator 5 and the brake cylinder 10 and the pressure in the accumulator 5 is rapidly reduced, the pressures in the valve chamber 115, the passage 70 and the inlet chamber 106 are duly reduced to move the slide valve 100 leftwards and to close the emergency valve 74. Thus, the pressure accumulation of the pressurized fluid from the pump to the accumulator is stopped to prevent the leakage of the braking fluid from the damaged portions in the rear wheel braking system.
It should be pointed out that, although the twodimensional structure shown in the drawing is used for convenience sake to explain the present invention. it does not make it clear how the slide valve 100 is returned to its normal position shown in the drawing after one of the sliding rods 79 and 88 has dropped onto the corresponding one of the small diameter portions 109 and 110. in actual practice, the emergency valves 74 and 82 are disposed perpendicularly to the drawing and include plugs for sealing the valve chambers 75 and 84 disposed thereabove. Once one of the sliding rods 79 and 88 has dropped onto the corresponding one of the small diameter portions 109 and 110, the sliding rod is drawn up and the slide valve 100 returned to its normal position by means of the springs 95 and 105 after repeated operation of the brake control valve 8 has equalized the accumulated pressure in the accumulators 4 and 5 with the pressure in the reservoir I.
it will be seen that ifeither of the two braking systems becomes damaged and impossible to operate due to the reduction of the fluid pressure, a pressure difference is caused between the inlet chambers 94 and l06 of the slide valve 100, thus moving the slide valve 100 in either direction for closing .the appropriate one of the emergency valves 74 and 82 and thereby keeping the normal pressure in the braking system. Accordingly, since the fluid pressure is kept at the normal pressure throughout the passage 33 due to the check valve 67 at the downflow side the pressure in passage 69 and the cylindrical bore 55, and the opening and closing motions of the valve element by the releasing means 63 are always controlled by the fluid pressure in the cylindrical bore to keep the fluid pressure in the braking system at the normal value and to ensure the normal braking motions, even if one of the braking systems is damaged.
The pressure difference between the inlet chambers 94 and 106 caused while the slide valve 100 is actuated either leftwards or rightwards can be determined to the desired value by selecting the elastic force of the springs 95 and 105. As previously described, when the pressure in the accumulators 4 and 5 is reduced below the predetermined value, the pressure sensitive switches 6 and 7 are actuated to signal that the running of the ear is dangerous.
As particularly described above, the pressure regulating valve assembly of the present invention assures and maintains the braking capacity of the total dual braking system notwithstanding a mechanical fault in either of the two conduits of the system and also substantially eliminates the occurrence of braking fluid leakage therefrom.
While this invention has been described with refer ence to particular embodiments thcreof,'it will be understood that the numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without actually departing from the scope of the invention.
Therefore the appended claims are intended to cover all such equivalent variations as coining .within the true spirit and scope of the inventi In.
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid pressure regulator valve assembly for a dual pressure hydraulic brake system having two independent brakd fluid conduits branching from a common supply passage connected to a source of pressurized fluid, said valve assembly comprising a pressure regulated valve connected to said common supply passage. each of said independent conduits being connected through an emergency valve to an accumulator, a check valve provided in said common supply passage, a one way check valve connected in each independent conduit, a slide valve common to both of said independent conduits and operatively connected to each of said emergency valves, said slide valve being operable to urge said emergency valves to their open position during normal operating condition and a return passage in communication with said common supply passage at a point upstream of the dividing point of said two branching independent conduits, said return passage having a stop valve therein, said stop valve including a releasing means facing said stop valve and communicating with each of said accumulators, said releasing means being adapted to release and open said stop valve in response to a predetermined amount of pressure in either of said accumulators, wherein fluid pressure from each of said accumulators is normally applied to a respective one of the opposite sides of said slide valve through a respective one of fluid pressure introducing passages to retain the corresponding emergcncy valve in its open position and, when a loss of pressure is caused within either of said accumulators, said slide valve is moved in the direction to close the emergency valve connected to the accumulator having the loss in pressure, simultaneously fluid pressure from the other accumulator is applied to said releasing means, whereby a full pressure hydraulic braking operation is obtained utilizing the other accumulator maintained in normal operating condition.
2. A fluid pressure regulator valve assembly for a dual pressure hydraulic brake system comprising:
1. a housing having a. an inlet port adapted to be connected to a source of hydraulic fluid,
b. a first outlet port adapted to be connected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir,
c. second and third outlet ports adapted to be connected to first and second independent hydraulic fluid accumulators, respectively (1. a common supply passage located therein,
e. a first conduit therein connecting said inlet port to said common supply passage,
f. a second conduit therein connecting said common supply passage to said second outlet port,
g. a third conduit therein connecting said common supply passage to said third outlet port, and
h. a fourth conduit therein connecting said first conduit to said first outlet port;
27 a first valve means located in said fourth conduit for blocking passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough when the fluid pressure in both said second and said third outlet ports is less than a first preselected value, but allowing passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough when the fluid pressure in either of said second and third outlet ports is greater than a second preselected value;
3. a second valve means located in said first conduit for blocking passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough when the fluid pressure in either of said second and third outlet ports is greater than said first preselected value, but allowing passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough when the fluid pressure in both said second and said third outlet ports is less than said second preselected value;
4. a third valve means located in said second conduit for blocking passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough when the fluid pressure in said third outlet port substantially exceeds the fluid pressure in said second outlet port, but allowing passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough when the fluid pressure in said third outlet port is substantially equal to or less than the fluid pressure in said second outlet port; and
5. a fourth valve means located in said third conduit for blocking passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough when the fluid pressure in said second outlet port substantially exceeds the fluid pressure in said third outlet port, but allowing passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough when the fluid pressure in said second outlet port is substantially equal to or less than the fluid pressure in said third outlet port.
3. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first valve means is designed so that said first and second preselected values are equal.
4. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the V movement of said second valve means is responsive to the movement of said first valve means.
5. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said third valve means comprises:
1. a sliding piston having a head portion of one diameter and a tail portion of another diameter;
2. means for biasing said slidling piston in a first position when the fluid pressure in said outlet port is substantially equal to the fluid pressure in said third outlet port, but allowing said sliding piston to slide to a second position when the fluid pressure in said third outlet port substantially exceeds the fluid pressure in said second outlet port;
. a sliding rod urged to abut against the head portion ofsaid sliding piston in a direction perpendicular to its motion when said sliding piston is in its first position and to abut against the tail portion of said sliding piston in a direction perpendicular to its motion when said sliding piston is in its second position; and
4. a blocking element located in a flared portion of said second conduit and operatively connected to said sliding rod so that it is drawn into the narrower part of said flared portion, blocking said second conduit, when said sliding piston is in its second position, but is in the wider part of said flared portion, not blocking said second conduit, when said sliding piston is in its first position.
6. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein said fourth valve means is the mirror image of said third valve means and the sliding piston in said third valve means is operatively connected to the sliding piston in said fourth valve means so that they move together.
7. A valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first valve means is designed so that said first and second preselected values are different from each other. |
US-3874173-A | Hydrostatic power transmission system | 0 United States Patent 1 1 3,874,173
Wilkins 1 Apr. 1, 1975 1 HYDROSTATIC POWER TRANSMISSION 2,526,835 10/1950 Tucker 60/452 x SYSTEM 2,944,400 7/1960 Ashton 3,371,479 3/1968 Yapp et a1. 60/431 [76] Inventor: Bernard Charles Wilkins, Henshaw Farm, Todmorden, Lancashire, OL146QR, England Primary E.raminerEdgar W. Geoghegan 122] Filed: June 4, 1973 1211 Appl. No.: 366,669
[57] ABSTRACT [52] US. Cl 60/420, 60/431, 60/452,
60/484, 60/445 A hydrostatic power transmission system with co- [51] Int. Cl. Fl5b 18/00 ordinated control of prime mover and pump, supply- [58] Field of Search 60/19, 413, 416, 420, 431, ing any number of rotary and. linear hydrostatic mo- 60/432, 445, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 484 tors controlled integrally and by power transformers respectively. [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures 1,711,967 5/1929 Robson 60/452 X HYDROSTATIC POWER TRANSMISSION'SYSTEM This invention relates to the generation, transmis sion, and utilisation of power. Hitherto, hydrostatic power transmission. despite many advantages in comparison with electric and mechanical transmissions, has been limited in application by the high cost of the present designs of hydrostatic systems.
It is the object of this invention to provide a power transmission system of reduced cost that will extend the advantages of hydrostatic drives to new fields.
According to this invention a hydrostatic power transmission system comprises one or more reservoirs containing liquid at lower pressure, one or more primemover-driven pumps controlled to deliver the liquid from the reservoir or reservoirs at constant higher pressure, two or more linear or rotary hydrostatic motors or groups of motors. independently controlled by feedback mechanisms directly, or via one or more hydrostatic power transformers, a system of interconnected higher pressure conduits to connect the pump or pumps to the motor or motors. and a system of interconnected lower pressure conduits to connect the motor or motors to the lower pressure reservoir or reservoirs.
If energy is consumed by a prime mover, motive power is produced which is generally in a form and location different from that required by the driving elements of a machine or system of machines, and it is necessary to transmit the power produced from the prime mover to the points of utilisation and to transform this power to meet the specific requirements of torque and angular velocity or force and linear velocity of the utilising elements. By employing the prime motive power to drive a pump or pumps which take liquid from a reservoir at lower pressure and deliver liquid into a conduit at higher pressure. the motive power takes the form of a liquid at pressure which can be conveyed in the higher pressure conduit to points of utilisation. At these points hydrostatic motors are able to transform the higher pressure liquid into the required form of motive power by employing feedback controls to vary the displacement, or more precisely, the torque to conduit pressure ratios of the hydrostatic motors, or
by employing a hydrostatic power transformer to raise or lower the pressure in the relevant hydrostatic motor above or below the pressure existing in the higher pressure conduit. A lower pressure conduit connects the hydrostatic motors and hydrostatic power transformers to a lower pressure liquid reservoir.
One construction of a hydrostatic power transmission system in accordance with this invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIG. 1 shows in diagrammatic form a hydrostatic power transmission system and FIG. 2 shows in diagrammatic form a section view of part of an alternative prime mover/pump combination.
Referring to the drawing FIG. I, the system shown is intended to provide motive power for a machine, or groups of machines. not shown. A prime mover running at constant rotational speed drives a variabledisplacement pump 11 to pump liquid from a low pressure reservoir 12 into a high-pressure conduit 13. The pump 11 is fitted with a displacement member 14 which is adjusted by a pressure-sensing servo 15, the output of which is a function of the difference between a pressure P0 in the high-pressure conduit 13 and a reference pressure Pi. Accordingly, as the demand for liquid increases, pressure P0 falls, the displacement of pump 11 and therefore the flow from the reservoir 12 to the high-pressure conduit 13 increase, until the system demand is met and pressure P0 re-attained.
Additionally, a pressure-sensing servo 16 can act to vary the speed of the prime mover 10, or start and stop the motion of the prime mover 10, as maintenance of pressure P0 requires. The prime mover 10 and the pump 11, as a further alternative, share a common piston member 17 as shown in FIG. 2, to transmit linear motion directly from expanding gases in a cylinder 18 to liquid in a hydraulic cylinder 19. The relative areas of the opposing faces of the piston member 17 are in accordance with the ratio between average working pressure in the cylinder 18 and pressure in a highpressure conduit 20. i
The utilisation of hydrostatic power in the form of a supply of liquid maintained at constant pressure may be achieved in several ways depending upon the power input requirements of the driven machines. Referring back to FIG. 1, a variable-displacement hydrostatic motor 21 with a displacement control 22 and output shaft 23 is required to provide a sensibly constant torque To irrespective of speed. Accordingly the motor displacement control 22 is set to Ti so that, with system pressure Po, the required torque To appears at the motor output shaft 23.
A variable-displacement hydrostatic motor 24 with a displacement control 25 and output shaft 26 is required to provide a sensibly constant power output W0. Accordingly the displacement control 25 is automatically controlled by a pressure servo 27. The pressure servo 27 has an output which is a function of the difference between a flow signal Q0 and a reference Wi. The flow signal O0 is generated by a pressure drop across a constriction 28 in a conduit 29 which is individual to the motor 24. The flow in the conduit 29 is approximately proportional to the power output W0 of the motor 24. Thus, if flow signal 00 maintains a constant relationship to input Wi, then output W0 and input Wi will remain correspondingly related.
A variable-displacement hydrostatic motor 30 with a displacement control 31 and output shaft 32 is required to provide a constant speed output So. Accordingly, the displacement control 31 is automatically controlled by a pressure servo 33. The pressure servo 33 has an output which is a function of the difference between a pressure signal Ps and a reference input Si. The pressure signal Ps is generated by a pressure drop across a variable constriction 34 with a control member 35, the constriction 34 being located in an indivial conduit 36 of the motor 30. The displacement control 31 is coupled by a means 37 to the constriction control 35, in such a way that the displacement of the motor 30 is proportional to the area of the constriction 34. The pressure signal Ps will then maintain a constant relationship with the output speed S0. Thus, if pressure signal Ps maintains a constant relationship to input Si, then So and Si will remain related.
A power transformer 38, comprising a pair of variable-displacement hydrostatic pump/motor units 39a and 3912, with input/output shafts 40a and 40b mechanically coupled, displacement controls 41a and 41b, and ports 42a and 42b and 43a and 43b, is required to supply a linear hydrostatic motor 44 with power in any required form, i.e. any pressure or any flow. Accordingly. with the port 42a connected to the high-pressure conduit 13, the port 43b connected to an individual lowpressure conduit 45, the port 43a connected to the port 42b by an output pressure conduit 46, to which also is connected the linear motor 44, automatic actuation of the displacement controls 41a and 41b. in accordance with the required power demands. allows a pressure P! in conduit 46 to assume any desired value. depending upon the ratio of the displacements of the pump/motor units 39a and 39b. With the requisite ratio the pressure Pr will remain sensibly constant over a range of flow into or out of the linear motor 44. the power transformer shafts 40a and 40b driving one way or the other until equilibrium is maintained. It may be necessary to prevent overspeed by independently controlling the displacement control 410 in a manner similar to that described for the control of the hydrostatic motor 30. lf it is required to maintain a constant flow Or into or out of the hydrostatic motor 44, irrespective of its pressure requirements. then this may be achieved by setting the displacement control 411; at a value consistent with maximum permitted pressure (for unit 39a at maximum displacement) and controlling the displacement control 41a in accordance with required flow into the hydrostatic motor 44 in a similar manner to that described for motor 24. Constant power operation of the hydrostatic motor 44 can be achieved by setting displacement control 41b to the value necessary for maximum required pressure (for unit 390 at maximum displacement) and controlling displacement control 41a so as to maintain constant flow into port 42a.
The individual low-pressure conduits such as 29. 36. and 45, may be connected directly to the reservoir 12, or via a common low-pressure conduit 47.
To cater for rapid variations in demand for flow. a liquid accumulator (or accumulators) 48 may be connected into the high-pressure conduit 13 (as shown in FIG. 1). or the low-pressure conduit 47. or at any point in the system that flow conditions require.
For the sake of simplicity various components such as relief valves. coolers. filters. etc. have not been shown in the drawings FIG. 1 and H6. 2. nor mentioned in the description. but it is hereby stated that such elements as are normally necessary in existing current practice. are to be presumed to be incorporated.
By employing the above principles of power distribution and control. combining them. and by employing other known methods of control individually and in combination. it will become evident to practitioners that almost any type of machine drive. rotary or linear. can be effected whether the original power source is in the form of a fuel or in the form of electricity.
What I claim is:
LII
l. A hydrostatic power transmission system comprising in combination a reservoir containing liquid at low pressure. a prime-mover-driven pump controlled to deliver the liquid from the reservoir at sensibly constant higher pressure. a plurality of independent rotary variable-displacement hydrostatic motors controlled by integral feedback mechanisms, any number of independent linear hydrostatic motors controlled by power transformers. interconnected high-pressure conduits connecting said pump to said motors and said power transformers. and interconnected low-pressure conduits connecting said motors and said power transformers to said reservoir.
2. The hydrostatic power transmission system as defined in claim 1, in which the prime-mover-driven pump is characterised by an expanding gas cylinder. a common piston member, and a hydraulic cylinder, so combined that the linear motion of the prime mover is transmitted directly to the liquid in the hydraulic cylinder.
3. The hydrostatic power transmission system as defined in claim 1, in which a pressure-sensing servo system acts upon the pump and the prime mover to start and stop motion of the prime mover and to vary prime mover speed and pump displacement in any desired relationship.
4. The hydrostatic power transmission system as defined in claim 1. in which at least one hydrostatic power transformer comprises in combination a pair of variable-displacement hydrostatic pump/motor units. each with two liquid ports and one shaft. so arranged that one port of one pump/motor unit is connected to a higher pressure conduit. and one port of the other pump/motor unit is connected to a lower pressure conduit. the two remaining ports connected to an output pressure conduit. and the shafts mechanically coupled. with the displacement controls automatically actuated to control pressure and flow.
5. The hydrostatic power transmission system as defined in claim 4. in which at least one linear hydrostatic motor is supplied with power in any required form by one of the hydrostatic power transformers.
6. The hydrostatic power transmission system as defined in claim 1. in which at least one variabledisplacement hydrostatic motor incorporates pressuresensing servo means for varying motor displacement. so as to maintain a sensibly constant pressure drop across a constriction in an individual conduit of the motor.
7. The hydrostatic power transmission system as defined in claim 6. in which the constriction is variable in area and coupled to the motor displacement control. so that the displacement of the motor is proportional to the area of the constriction. |
US-3874174-A | Geothermal heat exchange method and apparatus | United States Patent 1 1 [11] 3,874,174 Greene Apr. 1, 1975 GEOTHERMAL HEAT EXCHANGE Primary E.\'aminer-Martin P. Schwadron METHOD AND APPARATUS Assistant Examiner-Allen M. Ostrager Attorney, Agent, or Firml-lerbert C. Schulze [57] ABSTRACT This is a method and apparatus for utilizing hot brine existing beneath the Earths surface as a source of power, wherein the hot brine is utilized to volatilize a liquid substance in order to provide a gaseous flow under pressure for the creation of power. The method and apparatus is characterized by the utilization of hot brine from beneath the Earths surface in contact with an enclosed conduit into which a liquid is placed, which liquid volatilizes and expands in contact with sufficient heat, and in which a unique driver system is utilized to eliminate scale frequently occurring from an operation of this type arrangement.
8 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures GEOTHERMAL HEAT EXCHANGE METHOD AND APPARATUS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS There are no patent applications filed by me which are related to this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention is in the general field of heat exchange. and more particularly in the field of heat ex change wherein hot brines within the Earth are utilized to create power at the Earths surface.
This invention is more particularly in the lield ofsuch method and apparatus wherein the hot brine is utilized to vaporize another liquid in a closed circuit and to utilize this liquid to drive a turbine or otherwise create a source of energy.
2. Description of the Prior Art It is known that there are pools of hot brine and the like beneath the Earths surface. Generally these pools are at considerable depth. and it has heretofore been known to pump such hot brines to the surface and utilize them for running turbines or other such devices in order to create power on the surface. After initial extraction of power from the hot brine. it is customary to return the same to the brine pool through appropriate conduit or the like.
In tny invention. I utilize the hot brine in conjunction with an impervious easing into which a liquid to be vaporized is inserted so as to create vapor under pressure which rises and delivers the energy desired. I further use a driver system to eliminate scaling. and I utilize a further and similar device to recover residual energy from the brine being returned to the depths of the brine pool. There is no art anticipating such arrangement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has been known to those in the art for many years. that there are vast pools of extremely hot brine at various locations beneath the Earths surface. In general these pools are deep beneath the surface and have been difficult to utilize for the production of energy on the Earths surface.
In recent years. however. advances have been made. and the most promising advance seemed to be the method of utilizing such hot brines by drilling pairs of deep wells. and pumping the hot brine front one well. utilizing it to attempt to turn a turbine or the like. and returning it to the basic brine pool through the second well of the pair. Such systems have worked to one degree or another of success. but have been beset with many problents. Among the chief problems is the highly corrosive condition of the brine and its effect upon the equipment which is used. as well as a tendency of the brine to cake upon the well casings and other parts. particularly in pipes above the surface. in such manner as to inhibit the effective use of the heat stored within the brine. These problems. have in fact. made most such operations uneconomical.
l have given a good deal of attention to this problem and have devised a new and unique method together with an apparatus for practicing such method, by which the heat of the brine can be utilized economically and without the deleterious effects upon the equipment. Additionally. as a part of my method. I am able to incorporate a means for removing the scale and the like which has a tendency to accumulate within the well casings.
l have accomplished this by inserting within the hot brine wells a closed casing which casing is enclosed both at the top and the bottom and is impervious, and has a conduit leading out of the well adjacent its upper end. Within this casing. l have inserted a smaller pipe extending to the bottom of the inner casing which is perforated appropriately at various places over its length. This inner pipe may carry water, or any other liquid desired. If it is carrying water. the water may be absolutely pure and thus not have substances which will be corrosive to the equipment. and there will be no sealing.
In my system. I continue to pump hot brine from one well and down through the other well. However. each well utilizes the heat of the hot brine in heating thoroughly the interior casing. The pipe within the interior easing discharges water which is vaporized by this heat and travels up within the confined interior casing wherein still retained in confinement, it goes into a turbine or the like to create power. After the steam vapor has been utilized for the creation of power. it condenses. as is known to those skilled in the art. and it now returns and becomes the water returning within the pipe inside of the center casing. Thus. there is a constant recirculation of the water wherein it con denses into water is dropped into the interior casing. is vaporized by the heat of the brine around the interior easing. returns to the equipment being operated. and once again is condensed to continue the cycle.
E-tch well is equipped with a like arrangement. and thus. the heat in the returning brine. which has not been used totally in the first well. is further utilized for a second and identical operation.
The second operation is. in some respects. a more efficient operation. since the maximum heat in the second operation is at the top of the well and it will be clear to those skilled in the art that for an operation of this type. wherein steam is being generated in an interior casing. it is desirable that the highest heat be adjacent the outlet of the steam generating unit.
I solved the problem of scaling within the main well casing and about the interior casing in an unusual and effective manner. At the top of the casing I have mounted a plate. which plate has mounted thereon a driver. being a driver of the nature of a loud speaker driver or the like. the construction of which will be known to those skilled in the art. This driver will be of large size. and will be creating a frequency which can be adjusted, on the upper plate to which it is attached. Thus the entire unit is exposed constantly. or at inter vals as may be desired, to appropriate sonic vibrations in order to loosen and remove scale which would otherwise form.
With this operation, a most effective and clean continuing heat exchange is accomplished with the extraction of large amounts of power and with no customary corrosive problems with the equipment.
It is an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for effectively utilizing the heat of hot brine pools beneath the Earths surface;
Another object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for utilizing the heat of the hot brine pools beneath the Earths surface wherein the hot brine is utilized to vaporize another liquid;
Another object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for utilizing hot brine from hot brine pools beneath the Earths surface for the generation of energy, wherein the problems of corrosion and scaling are eliminated.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages will be clear to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description of a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective of a power plant utilizing the method and apparatus of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned schematic view of the flow of brine and other materials utilized to practice the method of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of an apparatus for practicing the method of this invention is shown graphically in FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 is a general representation ofa power producing plant having a pair of turbine generators 11 and 12 or the like, and utilizing hot brine wells 30 and 40.
FIG. 2 illustrates, diagramatically, the elements of this invention.
In FIG. 2, the well 30 is shown to consist of an outer casing 31 terminating in an open-ended lower portion in a sub-surface hot brine 100. At the upper end of casing 31 there is a plate 34 completely enclosing the top, and plate 34 has a suitable driver or vibrator 35, having a hole in its center, through which passes fluid pipe 36. This pipe will be welded, or otherwise sealed, so that the hot brine casing 31 is effectively sealed at its top. The hot brine casing 31 has an opening to which a pipe 32 is welded or otherwise solidly connected without leakage approximately as indicated, and has another opening through which pipe 53 passes adjacent its upper end, and pipe 53 is again sealed by welding or the like about said pipe 53. Pipe 53 interconnects with and is solidly and imperviously connected to an inner casing 51 forming the main elongated heat exchange chamber. Casing 51 is sealed at its lower end at approximately the brine level by a plate or the like 52 appropriately welded or otherwise fixed imperviously to the lower end of the casing 51. Casing 51 is likewise welded or otherwise imperviously sealed at itsupper end to plate 34.
It will be noted that a chamber 50 is provided between casing 31 and casing 51 which chamber 50 sur rounding casing 51 becomes the passageway for hot brine passing upward through the chamber 50 in the direction of the arrows indicating such passage. The general area 33 indicates the general intake area of the brine between casings 31 and 51.
The pipe 36 extending within the casing 51 is normally closed at its end 71, although some opening may be left there if desired. The pipe 36 will be provided with a plurality of perforations 72 at desired intervals on its length, generally most of the openings will be in the lower portion thereof. Pure water or the like will flow through the pipe 36 and out through the opening 72 into the chamber 70 where it will be heated, generally to the point of vaporization, by the effect of the hot brine about the exterior casing 51. The heated vapor will pass in the direction of the arrow within the pipe 53 to a turbine or the like 11 where it will generate power. As it is expended and utilized in the turbine it will normally condense into liquid and will flow through pipe 37 back to pipe 36. No connection has been shown between these pipes, but connections of various types are known to those skilled in the art and need not be explained. It is also possible that a pumping arrangement may be utilized here for the purpose of moving the condensed water back from pipe 37 to pipe 36.
The hot brine 100 will be caused to flow upward in casing 31 by means of a pump or the like 50 and from this casing it will be moved back to well 40 and will flow down within casing 41. It will be noted that the structure of the well 40 is essentially the same as the well 30 wherein the hot brine returns through pipe 42 imperviously connected to casing 41 and flows downward through chamber 60 between casing 41 and innercasing 61. The innercasing 61 is sealed at its lower end by plate 62, and both of these casings are sealed at plate 44 as indicated. A fluid return pipe 46 having perforations 82 and a lower end 81 sealed as desired extends through the driver 45 and is imperviously connected to the plate 44. Perforations 82 are provided for the release of fluid flowing through 46 into the heat exchange chamber wherein it will be vaporized in the same manner as in the unit 30 as previously described.
The vaporized material will flow in the direction of the arrow through pipe 63 which is imperviously connected around casing 41. The vapor enters turbine generator unit 12 and after condensation returns through connections between pipes 47 and 46 in a similar manner to that of the well 30.
It will be noted that the position of the pump 50 might be at some other location within well 30, as for instance, on the surface of the earth, and numeroud other arrangements may be utilized for passing the brine up in this manner. It will also be noted that the drivers 35 and 45 may be sonic type elements to provide sonic waves or could be of other vibratory nature so as to provide a constant sonic cleaning effect to the interior casings and other elements. It will be particularly noted that with the closed end 52 and 62 on the casing 51 and 61 that an excellent sounding arrangement is provided for the propagation and utilization of the sound waves being generated for cleaning.
It should be especially noted that this system is unique as compared to other systems for utilizing hot brine in that the heat exchange now takes place within the well casing and underground, where maximum efficiency and maintenance of heat within the heat exchange unit is accomplished. This extremely large surface for heat exchange is unusual and can result in great generation of vapor under controlled conditions.
The same situation exists in both wells, except, that as is known in the art, it is more effective to have the highest heat of the heat exchange unit near the actual vapor discharge. In this case, this has been accomplished, in a manner which has not previously been possible with the hot brine exchange units.
The fluid being utilized for vaporization, as previously indicated, may be water or any other suitable fluid, but in general iso-butane will be considered extremely desirable because of its low boiling point and will thus extract more of the heat and utilization thereof from the hot brine.
While the embodiment of this invention specifically described and illustrated is fully capable of achieving the object and advantages desired, it is to be understood that the particular embodiment shown has been for purposes of illustration only, and not for purposes of limitation.
I claim:
1. The method of generating power including: establishing two deep wells adjacent each other into a pool of hot brine beneath the earths surface; enclosing an heat exchange apparatus within each of said wells; circulating hot brine upward within one of said wells and thence downward within the other of said wells: causing vapor to be created within each of said heat exchange units by reason of heat from said hot brine; causing the said vapor so generated to be utilized to produce power by appropriate power generating means; condensing said vapor during and after said power generation; and returning said condensed vapor to said heat exchange unit.
2. The method ofclaim 1 in which sonic energy is directed into each of said wells so as to constantly agitate the interior thereof so as to dispel any scale which may tend to form on either the interior of the well casing or the heat exchange apparatus.
3. The method of claim 2 in which said sonic energy is generated by a sonic generator affixed to the upper extremity of the well casings.
4. An apparatus for obtaining energy from hot brine beneath the surface of the earth comprising: two wells adjacent one another having casings therein open at their lower extremities and in which the lower extremities extend into hot brine: means connecting said two wells so as to permit flow of water adjacent their upper extremities from one to the other; pump means associated with at least one of said wells so as to pump the brine through the casing and up in the well and so as to move it through the interconnecting means to the other well in such manner that it may flow down into the earth; heat exchange apparatus extending substantially the full length of each of said wells and within each of said wells so as to be contacted by hot brine flowing through said wells; means associated with said heat exchange means to vaporize a liquid by reason of said heat exchange; means to transport said vapor to energy producing means operated by vapor; means to condense said vapor during the production of energy or thereafter; means to transport said condensed material to said heat exchanger; and means to utilize or store the energy produced by said energy producing means StThe apparatus of claim 4 in which sonic energy producing means are associated with each of said wells so as to introduce sonic energy into each of said wells in said manner as to inhibit the formation of scale upon the interior of the well casings and upon the heat exchange means.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which each of said heat exchange means comprises an elongated chamber within at lease one of said pair of wells, which chamber is wholly sealed from passage of brine into its interior from said well.
7. The device of claim 6 in which each of said chambers contains means to carry a liquid essentially the length of such chamber and release said liquid into said chamber.
8. The device of claim 7 in which said chamber has a conduit extending therefrom interconnected with an energy producing device utilizing vapor and in which each of said fluid carrying means is connected to such energy producing means in such manner as to reconvey condensed vapor into said chamber. |
US-3874175-A | Apparatus for containing waste materials | United States Patent 1191 Winters 1 APPARATUS FOR CONTAINING WASTE MATERIALS [75] Inventor:
[73 Assignee: Environetics, Inc., Worth, 11].
Raymond S. Winters, LaGrange, Ill.
[22 Filed: Sept. 5, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 286,566
[52] US. Cl 6l/.5, 61/1 R, 61/35, 220/26 R, 220/85 A [51] Int. Cl B65g 5/00, C020 3/00 [58] Field of Search 61/35, .5, 1 R; 52/63,
52/169; 220/26 R, 85 A; 210/170, 513; 23/259.l; 71/8, 9, l0
Primary Examiner-Paul R. Gilliam Assistant Examiner-Alex Grosz Attorney, Agent, or Firm-al-lume, Clement, Brinks, Willian, Olds & Cook, Ltd, 1
57 ABSTRACT A unique waste materials containment apparatus is provided for use in collecting and containing waste materials, such as livestock and animal waste. The apparatus includes a pit area that is typically lined with a resistant, liquid imprevious membrane, a floating cover assembly which covers the pit area and at the same time provides a unique gas inlet trap at the pit area inlet, an assembly to secure the pit liner and cover and a waste materials removal system, and in some instances agitation system, for maintaining the waste materials in a slurry condition and for removing the materials from the pit area.
A method is also provided for collecting and containing waste materials in a covered pit area and utilizing the cooling effect of water evaporating from the cover surface to reduce the waste material temperature and discourage the growth of odor producing micro-organisms;
16 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PAIEMED 1 ms sum 1 q; 2
PATENIEM 1 EMU 2 I)? 2 APPARATUS FOR CONTAINING WASTE MATERIALS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for containing waste materials, and specifically, to a method and apparatus for reducing the pollution capability of animal and livestock waste through the low cost and efficient containment of such waste.
It has become known that areas of livestock concentration, such as feedlots and barnyards, are the direct cause of serious and ever increasing environmental problems. Animal waste materials generated in such areas, for example, not only contribute significantly to the pollution of streams and underground water supplies, but, in addition, produce noxious and undesirable odors that reduce livestock efficiency and are objectionable to humans. Moreover, the magnitude of the problem increases as the demand for meat and related animal products increases. The average cow, for example, produces ten times the waste of a human and a feeder hog nearly three times that of a human. In addition, such livestock waste has a high B.O.D. (biological oxygen demand) and high suspended solids content, and is, therefore, especially difficult to treat once it has been permitted to become a pollutant material in fresh water supplies.
Prior to the enactment of more stringent water and air pollution codes, it was not unusual for farmers to avoid the problem simply by locating livestock feeding areas down-wind of their immediate living areas and at high points where waste materials would not directly contaminate existing fresh water wells. Nonetheless, such feedlot waste was still dispersed into other fresh water resources, either through surface run-off directly into lakes, rivers and streams or through seepage into the porous soil that is usually found in feedlot areas and ultimately from the porous soil into underground water reserves.
With the enactment of more demanding air and water pollution legislation, however, initial measures, such as the construction of large, expensive, open lagoons, holding facilities and settling basins, have been taken in the larger feedlots in an attempt to solve the waste pollution problem. Such initial measures, however, have proven to be far too costly for owners of smaller feedlots, and inadequate to fully meet all the pollution problems of even the largest feedlot owners. On the one hand, such lagoons, holding facilities and settling tanks are expensive because of the basic steel and concrete construction materials used for such facilities, and also because of the expensive treatment and removal equipment needed to efficiently operate such facilities. On the other hand, such facilities have proven to be inadequate because they are open to the air and, therefore, result in l large quantities of airborne waste contaminants from diseased animals that infect other animals, and (2) the development of undesirable and noxious odors in the general area of the waste recovery facility. This latter deficiency, e.g., odor pollution, has become particularly important since the advent of large confinement feeding installations in which animals are kept in a highly controlled environment in facilities located near large urban areas.
As a consequence of the increased demand for meat and related animal products, the resultant increase in livestock waste and pollution potential, and the highly expensive and relatively inefficient existing waste recovery systems, an urgent need has developed for low cost and efficient waste containment systems and apparatus that are compatible with existing livestock feeding facilities and yet are effective in containing livestock waste pollution.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a low cost, but effective, waste material containment means is provided for use in collecting and containing waste materials. The waste material containment means generally includes: means for defining a pit area for containing liquid and solid waste materials having an inlet section that is adapted to receive such materials; cover means associated with and covering the pit area, a portion of which acts in conjunction with the inlet section of the pit area to freely permit the passage of waste materials into the pit area, but to restrain escape of gases from the pit area; means to secure the cover means above the pit area and to suspend at least that portion of the cover means that acts in conjunction with the inlet section of the pit area above the pit area; and removal means to remove waste material from the pit area.
According to the method of this invention, waste material is collected and contained in a covered waste ma terial collection means, the material is held for a time and at a temperature sufficient to inhibit the generation of odor producing micro-organisms, the material is agitated to maintain it in a slurry condition, and the material is removed from the covered waste material collection means for further treatment or disposal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The method and apparatus of this invention will be better understood through reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of the embodiments of the invention showing a typical feedlot area and adjacent lined pit and cover means for containing livestock waste;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the waste containment apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 further illustrating the cover and cover floation means for the apparatus;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the waste containment apparatus shown in FIG. .2 taken across 3-3 and further illustrating the pit liner and cover assembly;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken across 44 of FIG. 2 and further illustrating an anchor trench around the pit,perimeter being used to secure the pit liner and cover; and
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of waste containment apparatus inlet, showing suspension means for the pit cover and an inlet trap for preventing the escape of noxious odors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The waste containment means of this invention generally comprises a sloped-walled pit area, which is desirably, although not necessarily, lined with a strong, inert, but relatively lowcost synthetic membrane, a floating cover means associated with the pit and typically having a suspended inlet assembly capable of freely permitting the entry of liquid and solid waste, but restricting the passage of noxious gases from inside the pit, and a waste agitation and pumping means capable of agitating the slurryof waste materials contained in the pit area from time to time and of removing such materials when desired.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, one of the unique features of the waste containment means of the present invention is that it is compatible with'and can be constructed directly adjacent an existing feedlot or barnyard facility. One embodiment of the waste containment means of this invention is shown generally at in FIG. 1. For purposes of illustration, waste containment means 10 is shown in a position directlyadjacent the sloped floor 11 of a feedlot. As shown generally in FIG. 1, and more specifically in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sloped-walled pit area 12 is surrounded by an anchor trench which is dug around the pit perimeter. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the anchor trench 20 is used as a securing means to firmly'secure pit liner 21 and three edges of cover means 22in place. When a pit liner 21 is used in the practice of this invention, for example, it is first evenly spread throughout the pit area 12 until all four of its outer-edges 23 -are placed inside anchor trench 20. Typically, mounds of dirt 24 or other securing means are then placed on top of outer edges 23 at various points along the periphery of the anchor trench 20 in order to firmly secure the pit liner 21 inside the anchor trench. Again, as shown in FIG. 4, cover means 22 is spread throughout pit area 12 directly above pit liner 21. Outer edges 25,26 and 27 of cover means 22, as is the case for pit liner edges 23, are extended into anchor'trench 20, placed overtop of pit liner edges 23, and secured in place by means of back-fill 28. In this manner, allfour outer edges 23 of the pit liner are secured in anchor trench 20 as are the three outer edges 25, 26 .and 27 of the cover means.
The anchor trench 20 is dug to a sufficient depth and width so that backfill 28 will hold the pit liner and cover means firmly in place. It has been determined that a trench having a depth of about 1 to 2 feet and a width of 4 to 12 inches is generally'sufficie'nt to meet this objective, although larger trenches can be employed as the pit area size is increased.
As mentioned above, the waste containment means of this invention need not use pit liner 21, especially when the soil conditions in the pit area 12 are such that the soil'itself is hard and nonporous. In such instances, waste containment means 10 can be constructed with only cover means 22 being used. It is preferred inthe practice of this invention, however, that the pit area 12 be covered with a pit liner. It has been determined, for example, thatthe use of a pit'lin er gives complete assurance against waste seepage into surrounding soil. In addition, the use of a pit liner provides a slippery surface for t he waste materials, improves the ability of waste to flow freely into the waste containment means, and simplifies waste removal, since it eliminates the chances of loose soil and other foreign objects blocking waste removal equipment.
Preferably, pit liner 21 is constructed from a strong, inert synthetic membrane, suchas. a thermoplastic. Although a numberof materialscan be used for such pit liners, it has been determined that at a minimum the liner material must resist acids, alkalis, salts, fungi and soil and waste micro-organisms; and, in addition, should be strong and durable, should be liquid impervious, should be effective at low temperatures and should have effective elongation, tear strength and cold crack characteristics. One especially preferred pit liner material is a polyvinyl chloride having the following mechanical properties:
TABLE I PROPERTIES OF PIT LINER MATERIAL Physical Values Test Methods ASTM D-l239 It has also been determined that an acceptable thickness for pit liner 21 (assuming that the liner material has the above-listed properties) is about 10 to 30 mils.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the dirt areas 30 immediately adjacent the pit area perimeter 31 are sloped away from the pit area. This type of drop-back grading for dirt areas 30 is desirable so that surface water from the surrounding land area cannot wash into pit area 12 and carry organic soil micro-organisms either onto cover means 22 or into pit area .12.
One example of a suitable inlet portion for cover means 22 is shown specifically in FIG. 5. Pit liner 21 is shown in FIG. 5 in its secured position in anchor trench 20 being held in place by back-fill 28. Inlet apron 32 is secured to sloped feedlot floor 11 by means of bracket assembly 32a. As shown in FIG. 5, inlet apron 32 extendsinto pit area 12 along the side of pit liner 21. This inlet apron serves two purposes: it prevents erosion of the anchor trench 20 by waste materials flowing into the pit area, and. it provides a liquid impervious junction between the feedlot floor 11 and pit liner 21.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the leading outer edgeof cover means 22 can be formed into a unique gas inlet trap that prevents the escape of noxious gases from pit area 12, but at the same time freely permits the entry of waste materials into the pit area. Specifically, leading outer edge 33 of cover means 22 is suspended along the entire length of waste containment means inlet by means ofa suspension cable 34. Cable 34 in turn is secured at its opposite ends 35 and 36 to the dirt area adjacent pit area 12 and is suspended across the width of the waste containment means inlet by posts 37 and 38, disposed at opposite ends of the inlet. The leading outer edge 33 of cover means 22 is draped over suspension cable 34 as shown in FIG. 5 and terminates in a sealed loop 39 that rests along the width of inlet apron 32.
In order to assure that the leading outer edge 33 of cover means 22 provides a gas tight seal for the pit area 12, a .weighting means such as chain 40 is disposed in side loop 39 and extends along the length of the waste containment means inlet. In this manner, waste material can be made to flow down the sloped feedlot floor 11, onto inlet apron 32 and into pit area 12. As waste material flows into the area, either by gravity flow or force feeding, the loosely draped leading outer edge 33 of cover means 22 is lifted to permit the entry of waste material into the pit area. At the same time, the weighted loop 39 of the cover means 22 returns to its original position and precludes the undesirable escape of noxious gases from the pit area.
A closure panel 41, as shown in FIG. 1, is also provided on opposite sides of cover means 22 to provide further protection against the escape of noxious gases from vpit area 12.
Cover means 22, shown specifically in FIGS. 1 and 2, is provided with a seriesof floatation means 42 secured thereto, which provide a self-supporting buoyant effect to the cover means. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, floatation means 42 comprises a series of buoyant pillows that are secured by a mechanical or heat seal to the inside surface of cover means 22. Typically, the hollow buoyant pillows are filled with a buoyant material such as pelletized polystyrene. A sufficient number of, such floatation means. 42 are placed along the inside surface of cover means 22 to make it completely buoyant and to permit it to float on the surface of the waste material accumulated in the pit area 12.
Cover means 22, of course, serves a number of very useful and highly desirable purposes in the practice of this invention. Specifically, cover means 22 eliminates the noxious and highly undesirable odors which have become an almost traditional part of waste recovery and treatment facilities. In addition, however, the use of a cover means eliminates the problem of airborne contamination and infection of healthy animals from airborne micro-organisms resulting from the waste materials of diseased animals. Moreover, it is intended that rain water collecton the surface of cover means 22 to form agfresh waterjreservoir useful, for example, for fire protection, and as a source of water for cleaning the livestock area. As shown in FIG. 1, an overflow flap 43 is provided on cover means22 to allow excess surface water collected on the cover means to be automatically removed.
Since useful gases are being collected under cover means 22 and in the pit area, the cover means serves the additional purpose of providing a potential source of fuel. Cover means 22 also serves to maintain waste material collected in pit area 12in an easily removed slurry condition. It has been found, for example, that the surface waste in open waste collection systems such as.waste lagoons, become dry over short periods of time from liquid evaporation and as a consequence, a solid. crust or layer is formed that must be brokendown, chipped or liqified before removal. Use of a cover means, however, prevents the undesirablecrusting of waste material and greatly simplifies the materials handling problemsassociated with waste material treatment and removal. a
It is further. intended that the natural cooling effect resulting from evaporationof surface water collected on the cover means 22, will reduce the temperature of waste material collected and contained in pit area 12. The advantage of such cooling, of, course, is that the level of the-waste materialmicro-organisms that produce noxious gases is. greatlyreducedwhen the waste material temperatures are lowered. Thus, through use of the cover means 22, contained waste materialtemperatures are lowered, and the level of objectionable micro-organisms is reduced. Accordingly, it is desirable in some parts of the country where rainfall levels are low to actually maintain a level of water on cover means 22'to assure liquid evaporation. I
Although a number of suitable materials have been found for cover means 22, it has been determined that a fabric reinforced synthetic membrane, such as nylon reinforced polyvinyl chloride, is especially useful in the practice of this invention. Generally, the material used for cover means 22 should have the same acid, alkali and micro-organism resistant properties as the material used for pit liner 21, but in addition, should have somewhat better tensile properties in order to adequately support the weight of collected fresh water without failure. Although the thickness of the cover material is dependent on the properties of the material used, it has been found that 10 to 18 oz./yd. nylon or polyester re? inforced polyvinyl chloride sheet material (10 to 30 mils thick) is sufficient. v
After the waste material is collected and contained in pit area 12, it is,.of course, desirable to remove it from the pit areaifrom time to time. It has been observed that the typical waste materials accumulated in pit area 12 are about m percent by weight liquid with the remaining portion being made up of floating solids and settling solidsAs noted above, a portion of the .waste material solids float to the top of the liquid contained in pit area 12, while another portion settles to the bottom of the pit area. The liquid 1ayer,'of course,- assumes a position between the upper and lower solid layers,
It has been found desirable, 'therfore, to maintain the waste materials collected in pit area 12 in a homogeneous slurry condition so that upon removal both solids and liquids are removed from the pit area. In order to assure such slurry conditions, the embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIG. 1 is equipped with apermanently installed agitation and pumpingmeans ,44. Although a number of agitation and pumping means would be suitable in the practice of this invention, the agitation and pumping means 44, shown in FIG. 1,.contains a pumping assembly 45 and a two-way valve 46. Two-way valve 46, in turn, is connected to a recirculation line 47 which recirculates waste materialback into pit area 12 to maintain agitated conditions and an outlet line 48 that is used to remove the agitated slurry of waste material from pit area 1.2. Outlet line 48 can be connected to a tank wagon, which is adapted to collect waste material removed from pit area 12 and transport it to treatment facilities or to the farmers fields foruse as fertilizer material. When used in this latter fashion, the waste material collected by the waste containment means of this invention, reduces the farmers need for purchased fertilizer. v
As shown specifically in FIG. 1, outlet line 48 projects through the surface of cover means22 and, accordingly, should desirably be sealed by means of flexible connection boot 50 or the like. Since cover means 22 moves upward and downward, depending. upon the level of waste material contained in pit area 12 excess cover material 51 is disposed in a suri ounding relationship with outlet line 48 and issecured to line 48 by means of clamp 52, located above the surfaceofthe high water point for the cover means 22. This, of course, prevents surface water seepage into the pit area 12.
It should be understood thatthe illustrated agitation and pumping means 44 is only one of a number of agitation and removal systems that can be used in the practice of this invention. For example, a vacuum line can be placed beneath sealed loop 39 and into the pit area 12 in order to remove waste material by vacuum.
Alternatively, either temporary or permanent waste removal and agitation lines can be placed around the base perimeter of pit area 12. In either event, however, the flexible connection boot 50 is not required when such removal and agitation lines are placed around the pit area perimeter or at the waste containment means inlet.
As an alternative to locating the pit area 12 directly adjacent an existing feedlot or confinement area, the pit area can be located in any area away from the confinement area 11 and inlet lines can be run above or below ground directly to the waste containment means. In such situations, the inlet line is run directly into the pit area 12 at some point below cover means 22.
Although virtually any size pit area 12 can be used in the practice of this invention, it has been observed that a pit depth of about 6 to 8 feet is especially desirable. In addition, since ice may tend to accumulate on the cover means 22 in cold climates, it is further preferred to have the sloped-walls of pit area 12 sloped at a ratio of 2 feet of slope for every 1 foot of height. This particular angle has been found to be particularly desirable in preventing tearing of cover means 22 by the ice formed on the cover means. In other words, at a slope of 2 to l or less, the ice formed on the cover means tends to move up the sloped walls of pit area 12 rather than tearing cover means 22.
It should be noted that the unique waste containment means of this invention offers a number of heretofore unrealized advantages. It eliminates livestock waste material pollution by containing and collecting potential pollutants. It can be easily assembled without a skilled labor force and is relatively inexpensive in comparison to steel or concrete lagoons and the like. It can be easily constructed near existing feedlot or barnyard facilities or, if desirable, in the least significant and useful land area available. In addition, the waste containment means of this invention can, by collecting waste material, provide a useful and low-cost fertilizer source for farmers and feedlot owners, and reduce the need for purchased fertilizers. Moreover, since the waste material containment means of this invention collects and contains waste material, it further provides an excellent holding and treatment tank. For example, biological micro-organisms or chemical agents can be injected into the waste containment means in order to treat or break-down the waste material into a less objectionable or perhaps useful form.
The waste material containment means of this invention can also be used in conjunction with the method of this invention as an intermediate buffer or hold-tank. In open waste collection systems, for example, rain water or sudden surges in the level of waste material have a tendency to over or underload existing treatment facilities. Thus, through the use of the covered waste material containment means of this invention, rain water and other dilutants which would overload existing treating facilities are kept out of the waste material. In addition, the waste containment means provide a buffer zone in which the amount of waste material sent to a treating facility can be closely regulated, less being sent at peak periods and more being sent at slack periods. It should also be noted that the use of the waste containment means of this invention permits waste material to be concentrated, through partial liquid removal, to make it more easily treated by existing treatment facilities.
Both the cover means 22 and pit liner 21 are fabricated in a one piece construction typically from 4 feet wide strips of material that are bonded together by mechanical or heat sealing techniques. A further advantage of the synthetic membrane materials used in the practice of this invention is that they can be readily sealed and fabricated into a one-piece structure.
The method of this invention involves the steps of collecting and containing of waste materials in a cov ered waste material collection means, holding the waste materials for a time and at a temperature sufficient to cool the waste materials to a level below that at which large quantities of odor producing microorganisms are generated (typically at least below F.), agitating the waste materials to maintain them in a slurry or homogeneous condition and removing quantities of such material for further treatment or disposal. After containment, of course, the waste materials can be concentrated to remove liquid and to increase the solids content, can be treated by injecting chemical or biological treating agents, or for that matter, can be held for a time sufficient to permit accompanying waste treatment facilities to reach normal, rather than overload, operating conditions.
It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative of the claimed invention and can be modified, altered or changed without in any way departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.
I claim:
l. A waste containment means for collecting and containing waste materials comprising:
means defining a pit area for containing liquid and solid waste materials having an inlet section adapted to receive said materials;
cover means associated with and covering said pit area and acting in conjunction with the inlet section of said pit area to permit the entry of waste materials into said pit area and to restrain the escape of gases therefrom said cover means comprising a flexible membrane extending over the pit, in contact with the waste materials, said cover means being liquid and gas impervious;
a layer of water overlying said cover means, said layer of water holding said cover means in contact with the waste materials thus cooling the waste materials;
means to secure and suspend said cover means above said pit area; and
waste material removal means associated with said pit area to remove waste materials therefrom.
2. The waste material containment means of claim 1 in which said pit area is lined with a synthetic membrane, said membrane being liquid impervious and resistant to soil and livestock waste material microorganisms.
3. The waste material containment means of claim 2 in which said synthetic membrane is a thermoplastic.
4. The waste material containment means of claim 2 wherein said synthetic membrane is polyvinyl chloride and the thickness of said membrane is in the range of about 10 to 30 mils.
5. The waste material containment means of claim 1 wherein said cover means has a leading outer edge portion corresponding to the inlet section of said pit area, being suspended above the inlet section of said pit area and acting in conjunction with said inlet section to permit the entry of waste materials into said pit area and to restrain the escape of gases from said pit area.
6. The waste material containment means of claim wherein the leading outer edge portion of said cover means is suspended above the inlet section of said pit area by suspension means extending across said inlet section, and wherein said leading outer edge of said cover means terminates and rests against the surface of said inlet section.
7. The waste material containment means of claim 6 wherein said leading outer edge of said cover means terminates in a sealed loop adjacent said inlet section, and wherein weighting means are disposed within said loop to hold the leading outer edge of said cover means in contact with the inlet section of said pit area.
8. The waste material containment means of claim 6 wherein said suspension means is a cable secured at 0pposite ends of said inlet section.
9. The waste material containment means of claim 1 wherein said cover means has associated therewith, floatation means to permit said cover means to float on said waste material contained in said pit area.
10. The waste material containment means of claim 9 wherein said floatation means are a plurality of buoyant pillows secured to said cover means.
11. The waste material containment means of claim 1 wherein said cover means is a fiber reinforced thermoplastic.
12. The waste material containment means of claim 1 which isfurther characterized by having means for agitating said waste materials associated with said pit area.
13. A waste containment means for collecting and containing waste materials comprising:
means defining a sloped-walled pit area for containing liquid and solid waste materials, said pit area being lined with a liquid impervious liner means and having an inlet section adapted to receive said materials;
liquid and gas impervious cover means associated with and covering said pit area and acting in conjunction with the inlet section of said pit area to permit the entry of waste materials and to restrain the escape of gases from said pit area, a portion of said cover means corresponding to and being suspended above said inlet section;
a layer of water overlying said cover means, said layer of water holding said cover means in contact with the waste materials thus cooling the waste materials;
means to secure said cover means above said pit area and to secure liner means within said pit area; and
waste material agitation and removal means associated with said pit area means to agitate and remove waste materials from said 'pit area means.
14. The waste material containment means of claim 13 wherein said means to secure said cover means and said liner means is an anchor trench disposed around the perimeter of said pit area means.
15. The waste material containment means of claim 13 wherein the portion of said cover means corresponding to and suspending above said inlet section is supported by a suspension cable disposed along the length of said inlet section, said portion of said cover means engaging the surface of said inner section to form a movable trap means therewith.
16. The waste material containment means of claim 13 wherein said cover means has associated therewith, floatation means to permit said. cover means to float on said waste material contained in said pit area. |
US-3874176-A | Irrigation control | O United States Patent 1 [111 3,874,176 Shettel [1 Apr. 1, 1975 IRRIGATION CONTROL FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [76] Inventor; Ralph E, Shettel, Rt 1, Twin Fall 43,122 7/1910 Austria 61/25 Idaho 83301 358,386 12/1961 Switzerland 61/25 [22] plied: 1971 Primary Examiner-Mervin Stein [21] Appl. No.: 108,434 Assistant Examiner-David H, Corbin [52] US. Cl 61/25, 61/29 [57] ABSTRACT [51] Int. Cl E02b 7/42 An irrigation apparatus for gravity systems having [58] Field of Search 61/12, 22 A, 25, 29 a control means balancing a diversion in combination with an opening and closing spill segment means for [56] References cued the stabilization of a checked water line disposed to UNITED STATES PATENTS complement ditch valve preset for the identification 1,054,986 3/1913 Proctor 61/12 X and maintenance of diverse flow volumes to the land. 1,275,499 8/1918 Thorsby.... 1,330,957 2/1920 Shaw 61/29 3,168,814 2/1965 Hurlburt 61/25 13 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures 3,693,357 9/1972 Shettel 61/29 APR 11.975 3,874,176
sum 1. UP 4.
INVENTOIL WENTEDAPR H975 3,874,176
SHEET 3 :15 g
INVEN OR mgmgwa 11915 3,874,176
saaezwum IN ENTOR IRRIGATION CONTROL The invention relates to equipment and structures sophisticating practices common to open channel irrigation systems, and more particularly, it relates to controlling waters for distribution over farm and ranch lands.
It is becoming increasingly necessary to achieve efficiency in the use of allotted waters. Too often, the irrigation exercise tends to be haphazard and wasteful in this respect, and reflects the human desire to minimize labor, even at the expense of waters wasted and a continuing erosion. Since depletion is fast becoming the word by strength of numbers, abuse of any resource must become an ignorance of the past and give way to alternative incorporating appropriate innovation, even though the better implementation waits on the disciplined irrigator.
Therefore, it would be the first object of the invention to innovate irrigation technique. Another object follows in that water regulation be progressed toward automation, as an effective labor saving means. Still another object of the invention is to produce mechanism installation and storage method.
Briefly, the above objects of the invention are best met through check and gravity conduit parts which work well together in lifting diverse head waters to feed preset metering that can selectively deliver known and reproduced volumes attentive to crop need, be the preset diverse or matched.
The basic embodiment of the invention will be revealed as the specification is applied to the cooperate drawing in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stilted balancing check installation;
FIG. IA is a side elevational view thereof, check at rest;
FIG. 1B is a repeat view, check cracked for balancing;
FIG. 1C is also a repeat view, check closed;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 2, of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view ofa segmented balancing check installation;
FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of the spill actuator at rest;
FIG. 3B is a repeat view thereof, trip initiated;
FIG. 3C is also a repeat view, actuation initiated;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ditch valve assembl FIG. 4A is an end view thereof showing rotation metering;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a levered balancing check installation;
FIG. 5A is a side elevational view thereof, check cracked for balancing;
FIG. 5B is a repeat view, control reversed;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the segment balancing check incorporating spill trough activation and counterbalance;
FIG. 6A is a side elevational view thereof, segment closed for high spill; and
FIG. 6B is a repeat view, segment open for low spill.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the check pivot means;
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 1C of the drawing, the balancing check installation depicted includes dam 10, control 15 and ditch valve 60. Dam 10 is slanting in its position within ditch 9 to thereby become stabilized by overriding waters, while progressing the function of control 15 for the regulation thereof. The check is transportable to any location in the ditch, and its use can be extended to include any of the related take out or turnout structures. It may be preferred, however, that the installation be spotted by pivot 70,, FIG. 7, and positioned by bearing nodes 80, FIG. 2, to thereby fix its location relative to the conduit line. While this will be hereinafter more fully discussed, their use will be immediately seen as the better approach. Bead configuration 12b reinforces the perimeter structure of dam 10 to carry between the bearing nodes 80. Dam 10 is closed against channel 9 by seal 12 facing the perimeter thereof to escape being wedged between the structures by a closing. Reducing seal exposure through the use of overlay 12a minimizes the binding effect by water pressure. Seal 12 is brought against overlay 12a by a closing with the channel wall, and the check opening is thereby eased in anticipation of a coming automation. An alternate seal exists in a preferably bonded plastic or rubber adhesive depending the perimeter surface of dam 10 as a substantial outward welt extension stopped in a position of bearing with the pitch wall by the just before described nodes 80. Such an approach is allowed since the seal is spared the deterioration and distruction from excess shear and abrasion coming with a wedged closing.
A depression 14 is given the top surface of dam 10, which is more effective depending from extremity downward slant 14a, to thereby centralize water spill 13 and current 11, which is indicated typically throughout the drawing by an arrow. Checked water is given numeral 16 and passing water numeral 16a. The control exists as a telescoping actuation. Control tube 15 superimposes a perforation in dam 10 and is suitably attached thereto. Support stilt 17 is inserted therethrough and fixed with a flexible pad extremity 19 to selectively bear the channel floor. Both control and stilt extend uprightly to clear checked waters 16 with affixed grip portions 18 for manual operation. Stilt 17 is given extension for the travel of tube 15 to thereby selectively crack an opening for the control and balancing of water. To regulate the check, control 15 is pushed or pulled against down pressure on stilt l7. Stilt 17, in turn, drifts over pad 19, which remains stationary, to compensate for the movement of dam 10. The tube itself provides a leak free operation. The check is removed from the irrigation channel by rolling it over extremity swiveled bearing glides a to clear any remaining water for transport and relocation. Or it is held suspended in place at rest, or storage, above passing waters 16a by stilt 17a, as seen in FIG. 1A. Ifa seasonal storage need arises, the control portion would best be removable for stacking.
An alternate balancing check installation is shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B and 3C with dam 20 including the configuration and seal just described for dam 10. Dam 20, however, has near vertical position in channel 9 to thereby minimize the effect of overriding waters. This further eases an opening in anticipation of a coming automation. The inclusion of pivot 70 and bearing node 80, in this case, is required to prevent check dislocation and shift as responding an overpowering water pressure. The check balancing means in lower segment 24 is included under US. Pat. No. to Shettel 3,693,357. Control 22, shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, is laying over in its position to present knob 29 to the working ditch bank for easy use. An opposite extremity is permitted travel in its attachments to lower segment 24 and is tipped with pad 19 to selectively bear the channel floor for the positioning thereof. Pad 19 is deliberately located off center to cam variety in bearing elevation following the rotation of control 22. A fulcrum is provided at 22a as depending from dam reinforcements for the support of control 22, while permitting travel. In operation, the control arm levers segment 24 selectively to a first opening for the control and balancing of a water diversion.
Spill segment 26 exists out of and filling the top configuration of dam 20 and pivotly depends therefrom at 25. Whatever the configuration of spill segment 26, it will always be an upper portion acting against the dam to selectively change the structural height thereof and function to alter the spill of water. Specifically, this means the stabilizing of pressure head 65 over the conduits, or checked water line 16, in response to diverse head water volumes. The segment is closed to raise the spill line and check waters, 13a of FIG. 3B, or it is opened to lower the spill line and pass waters, 13b of FIG. 3C. As an upward acting panel, it is seen to fluxuate between the two extremes, with the closing against the dam sealed water tight 27. Segment 26 can be frictionally levered for manual operation, or modified to include solenoids timed by remote control or clock. A catch can be included to maintain segment closing while cooperating with a float or spill bucket activator means to time an opening to high water. Its automation, then, is an obvious and natural development benefitted by the passage of excessive water volumes through the check balancing manipulations.
Actuation of spill segment 26 is made automatic by the inclusion of actuator 30 and holding mechanism 40. Actuator 30 comprises lever arm 32, in mechanical advantage, interconnecting pivotal attachments to spill segment 26 at 31 and to support 34 at 33, with the rearward extension thereof 38 selectively locating counterweight 35 therealong. Support 34 depends rearwardly from the face of dam 20. Weight 35 works to counterbalance and thereby lighten the actuation load for float 36 attaching lever arm 32 apart from support pivot 33. The dual floats shown level the actuation through balanced buoyancy and have a common stud connection that is allowed limited vertical travel within elongate hole 37. The dual float means relates particularly to holding mechanism 40.
As waters raise to high spill 13a, a premature opening is prevented by holding mechanism 40, which pivotly depends from actuator support 34 in its entirety. A follower 42 has a clevis extremity 41 which cages the float travel to thereby activate opposite extremity upper 43 and lower 45 finger portions. Catch 46 is seen to selectively engage spill segment bar 21, more easily seen in FIG. 3C. Its opposite extremity is selectively held by trip 48. Spring 44 interconnects lower finger 45 and catch 46 to thereby slow the travel of float 36 causing submergence for its loading. Extreme float travel is timed to high water spill when upper finger 43 impacts trip 48 for the release of catch 46. The resulting release of spill segment 26 is simultaneous with the escape of float 36 which kicks finger 43 past the trip lobe to thereby hold the mechanism for a recycling coming with a closing. Float submergence not only aids the overcoming of segment water seal but the bobbing-up effect excellerates the opening in response to initial spill requirements. The float is free to follow the changing water line for the relative positioning of spill segment 26.
The before named stabilizing duties of spill segment 26 can be specialized to time the cut-back of water volumes being sent through the field, because of its particular ability to automatically adjust the checked water line or pressure head. It is known that the larger volumes used to wet the ground can be later reduced, or cut-back, and still suffice the irrigation need. This, of course, further sophisticates the irrigation practice while extending water resource. Surely, soils are eroded sideways as well as down by water volume, and with less water it follows that there can be less erosion. The cut-back approach, though not widely used, apparently exists as a refinement biding its time.
Still another alternate check installation includes dam 50, control 52 and ditch valve 60, together locating in channel 9, as depicted in FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B. Dam 50 enjoys the installation, configuration and seal described for dam 10, but may be positioned upright. Control 52 interconnects a grab 51 for manual operation and an opposite extremity swivel attachment with dam 50 at 53 spaced apart therefrom to suffice its function. A curving or angled extension beyond swivel 53 is manipulated and locked to selectively bear the channel floor and thereby crack an opening for the control and balancing of waters. Increasing extremity surface area 19 eases bearing wear and tear on the channel floor extension 54 drifts over the ditch floor for the selective elevation of dam 50. Pad 19 is flexible and provides the required bearing. Extension 54 is also seen to be equally effective operating from two directions.
In operation, grab 51 can idle against the face of dam 50 or is held erect under load. In place rest or storage above passing waters can be provided by the control which is inverted to form a supporting leg. Control 52 can be positioned flat for seasonal stacking and storage.
The basic embodiment of the invention has been shown to encompass check structures that systematically raise waters for diversion, irregardless of diverse cropping demands, head volumes and checking sequence, or irrigation moxie, and produce and reproduce identity for conduit metering. With the changing of the irrigation set, the check structure has the second duty in controlling the release of accumulated waters.
The primary duty of the conduits is preset metering directed at the automation of the diversion itself. Conduit 62, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 4A, is a section of stock tubing capped with an adjustable and removable head 64. Any set of ditch valves is alined level and, preferably, equally spaced behind the check to thereby effect a uniform distribution of waters. The lowest conduit clears passing waters 16a to thereby eliminate between irrigation dribble, 67 of FIG. 1A. Head 64 curves or is angled to clear the ditch wall while finding selective position through 360 about the axis of conduit 62. Reference marks 69 aid identity in ditch valve preset. A slanted inlet can be seen to break water for relative metering which is continued through relative submersion 63a, locate deep to minimize the siphoning of surface trash 63b, utilize water current pressure to increase volume 630 or act as shutoff 63d. Flange 66 can be mastic set to seal the installation against seepage. To meet field conditions, one extremity of the conduit is coupled 68 to selectively join an appropriate length of stock tubing 62a to thereby surface irrigate the land at 6212, FIG. 5.
Ball and socket 70 is an example of the selective engagement desired. Obviously, only one of the pivots is required to include this provision. Since it has been shown that the position of the check structure is best fixed against dislocation and shift, while spotting the location relative to the conduit line, it is desirable, too, that removal and easy relocation be a consideration. In FIG. 7, bearing node 80, later described, is seated, as at 80a, on an appropriately tapered spacer 72 and hard nailed or ram set 71 to the channel wall to form a socket. The check beam 76 is cut away 74 to slip over node 800, out of position as shown, and turned to be caught by tab override 73. Any upward thrust is thereby contained. By substantially increasing the proportions of spacer 72, for both pivots, tab 73 would then be able to carry the check structure on key 77, shown in dotted line, through an alignment rotation permitting its selective engagement in slot 78. The suspension of the check above passing waters as a cantilever has a certain convenience. Tab 75 would be added to hold the check from dropping away while in the position of rest.
It is better that the check structure be spaced from the channel to thereby eliminate excessive frictional involvement with the channel wall. The inclusion of bearing node 80, of FIGS. 2 and 5A, to stop the check short will accomplish this purpose and can depend from either check or channehwith the check node existing as a structural spacer. The channel mounted node is preferred, however, since both bearing surfaces are metal. Node 80 has a rounded configuration that sheds trash and is punched for hard nailing or installation set 71 to the channel wall. The installation of dam seal 12, as before described, is already minimizing seal wedging, and the nodes eliminate structural wedging to further ease an opening in anticipation ofa coming automation. It may prove advantageous to rest the check while in the closed position. Swiveling the node could cause a depending lobe to force the dam seal clear of the channel wall. It is offered as a possible alternative.
The innovation of the concrete ditch to a plastic one will be a welcome change as far as the installation of the conduits is concerned. The earth ditch bank is augered with the conduits finally installed and shimmed 61 tight to the channel perforation 96, of FIG. 4A, to trim and fix conduit elevation while lining-up the final installation.
Numerous alternatives, modifications and adaptations will easily come to those familiar to the art defined by the revealed structures and mechanisms. By way of example, it may be preferred that spill segment 26 be triggered to open, while innovating counterbalance, by the weight of waters directed to accumulate in trough 100, as seen in FIGS. 6, 6A and 6B of the drawing. With perforations 101 providing leak, the dissipation of that weight is allowed by a segment opening which lowers the spill. Float 36a follows the Water line to manipulate segment panel 26 for its position and a final closing. In more detail, lever arms 102 depend outwardly from float 36a and forwardly to work, in mechanical advantage, over supports 103 for the actuation of spill segment 26. The lever arm extremity exists as a reflex bend to enhance the counterbalance of trough affixed therebetween. Trough 100 locates under and alines segment lip 28 to catch high spill 13a. Lip 28 increases the separation between trough 100 and low spill 13b. Spaced apart, segment extension members 104 are given limited travel in their attachments to lever arm 102, with segment arm pivot coincident with the spill segment pivot at 25. This approach enjoys considerable efficiency and further progresses the novelty and function of spill manipulation.
While the before described and shown devices are considered a preferred form of the invention, it is by way of illustration only, with the broad principle of the invention being defined by the appended claims.
I claim: 1. A balancing assembly for controlling the diversion of water in a channel comprising;
dam means positioned in a channel means, the top surface of said dam means including a depression adapted to receive an opening spill segment,
pivot means permitting pivotal movement of said dam relative to said channel means,
seal means depending from the perimeter of said dam means for bearing against said channel means when said dam means is in the closed position,
control means for pivoting said dam means, attachment means secured to said dam means for attaching said controlmeans thereto, said attachment means permitting relative movement between said control means and said dam, one extremity of said control means extending downwardly from said attachment means to bear against the channel means for support and another extremity of said control means extending upwardly from said attachment means to permit the actuation of said control means to selectively space said dam means apart from the channel means.
2. The balancing assembly of claim 1 wherein said pivot means includes a cutaway socket means secured to said dam means and disposed for selective engagement with a corresponding ball means depending from the channel.
3. the balancing assembly of claim 1 with said dam disposed to stop against a node means depending from the channel to prevent wedging of said dam means in the closed position.
4. The structure of claim 3 wherein said seal means is bonded to the perimeter surface of said dam means.
5. The balancing assembly of claim 1 with said control means extends through a perforation in said dam means, said control means and said attachment means having frictional telescoping movement selectively spacing said darn apart from the channel.
6. The structure of claim 5 wherein said attachment means is a tube means superimposing a dam perforate means and said control means extends therethrough bearing against the channel for support and in frictional telescoping movement therewith selectively spacing said dam apart from the channel.
7. The balancing assembly of claim 1 wherein said attachment means is a swivel means and the downward extension of said control means being an offset means bearing the channel for support while in selective position spacing said dam apart from the channel.
8. The balancing assembly of claim 1 including a spill segment being in pawled pivotal engagement with said dam and including intermediate catch means maintaining the closing thereof, catch linkage means cooperating with a float activator means for the release of said spill segment.
9. The structure of claim 8 wherein the float activator means is a bucket activator means cooperating with the spill of water for the release of said spill segment.
10. The structure of claim 8 wherein the float activator means is a solenoid activator means.
11. The balancing assembly of claim 1 including spill segment and spill segment actuation means comprising;
a support member depending from the face of the dam,
movable lever arm means in mechanical advantage interconnecting said spill segment and said support while including rearward extension,
a counterweight selectively locating along said rearward extension,
a float means attaching said lever arm disposed to buoy the actuation of said spill segment.
12. The structure of claim 11 including dual float means and being further characterized by a holding means cooperating with said dual float means for leveling the actuation of said spill segment comprising;
elongate perforate means in said lever arm means permitting said dual float means limited vertical travel,
a follower means depending from said support member to cage float travel and including opposite extremity upper and lower finger portions depending from said follower means,
movable catch means depending from said support member to selectively hold said spill segment closed,
a spring means interconnecting said catch means and said lower finger, said spring means becoming loaded by the movement of said float,
movable trip means depending from said support member to hold said catch means and maintaining spill segment closure until impacted by said upper finger for the release thereof buoyed by said float.
13. The balancing assembly of claim 1 including a spill segment and spill segment actuation means comprising;
float means disposed upstream of said dam means,
a trough means aligned with the spill segment lip to thereby become weighted by water to initiate the opening thereof, trough perforate means being provided to leak and dissipate the weight of water,
upstream support members depending from the face of said dam,
movable lever arm means in mechanical advantage having intermediate engagement with said upstream support members while interconnecting said trough means and said float means,
downstream support members depending from said dam,
segment extension means in mechanical advantage having intermediate pivotal engagement with said downstream supports while interconnecting said spill segment and said lever arm for the actuation |
US-3874177-A | Pocket mat | lJnied States Patent De Winter Apr. 1, 1975 1 POCKET MAT [75] Inventor: Jan Gerrit De Winter, Enschede, W Lesmes Netherlands Assistant Exammer-S. S. S11verman Attorney, Agent, or FirmStrauch, Nolan, Neale, Nies [73] Assignee: Nicolon B.V., Richtersweg, & Kurz Enschede, Netherlands [22] Filed: June 11, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 369,063
[52] US. Cl 61/38, 161/70, 161/79, 161/145 [51] Int. Cl E02b 3/12 [58] Field of Search 139/384, 410; 61/38, 12, 61/3, 37; 161/88, 89, 49, 90, 70, 79, 145
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 503,373 8/1893 Reiwmuth 161/49 2,357,164 8/1944 Berg 139/410 3,090,406 5/1963 Koppelman ct a1 139/410 3,561,219 2/1971 Nishizawa ct a1 61/38 3,565,125 2/1971 Hayes 139/410 3,602,964 9/1971 139/410 3,699,686 10/1972 De Winter 61/38 5 7] ABSTRACT A mat for use in covering a slope or bank of a waterway, and comprising a web of synthetic yarn, said fabric being permeable to water, but impermeable to sand and earth, and a plurality of pockets succeeding one another in the longitudinal direction of the web and each extending over a transverse portion of said web, said pockets having rear walls constituted by said web of fabric, and in use being in contact with the ground, and said pockets being further constituted by a second web of fabric, which is interwoven with the web first-mentioned to form a double cloth, both in transverse narrow strips extending between each adjacent pair of pockets substantially throughout said transverse portion, and in a continuous longitudinal narrow strip interconnecting a marginal portion of said second web with the web first-mentioned.
5 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures POCKET MAT This invention relates to a mat for use in covering slopes or banks of waterways, and comprising a web of fabric of synthetic material provided with pockets for receiving ballast material therein, commonly in the form of flat stones or tiles, to keep the mat in position in use.
Known mats of this kind are made by sewing together a web of such textile and a second, narrower web of textile along one longitudinal edge and additionally at longitudinally spaced positions breadthwise of the webs to form the pockets. Hereinafter the broader web, to be laid in direct contact with the ground, will be referred to as the filtering web and the narrower web, forming the front walls of the pockets, as the pocket strip. The sewing together of the materials is a cumbersome and time-consuming procedure, and represents a considerable cost item in the manufacture of the product.
It is one important object of the present invention to provide a mat of the kind referred to, which avoids the necessity of sewing the two component webs together.
According to the invention, there is provided a mat for use in covering a slope or bank of a waterway, and comprising a filtering web of water-resistant fabric of synthetic yarn, said fabric being permeable to water, but impermeable to soil particles, such as sand and earth, and provided with pockets succeeding one another in the longitudinal direction of said web, said pockets having rear walls constituted by said web of fabric, which in use are in contact with the ground, and said pockets being further constituted by a pocket strip consisting of a strip of material narrower than said web, said strip being interwoven with said web as a double cloth in one longitudinal marginal portion of said strip and in narrow transverse strips at positions spaced apart along the length of said strip.
The manufacture of such a mat on a loom of the conventional kind, in which the fabric is formed a double cloth over a portion of the webs width only, requires some additional provisions for the loom, it is true, but this is more than off-set by the great advantage that the loom is productive of a ready mat formed with pockets in one pass, i.e. without the necessity of cumbersome sewing work for attaching a separate web of material to the mat.
In use, the mat is laid on the slope or bank with the pockets facing upwards and the open ends of the pockets in the upper position.
In known mats, in which the pockets are made by sewing, the pocket strip is made longer than the filtering web, and in being sewn to the latter along its one longitudinal edge, is laid in folds extending transversely of the web. As a result the pockets become bulged and can receive ballast material, particularly in the form of flat stones or tiles, without the filtering web, i.e. the rear walls of the pockets, being locally lifted off the ground, so that the mat can lie in substantially flat and taut condition on the ground.
In a further elaboration of the principle according to the present invention, this effect, resulting from a pocket strip which is longer than a filtering web, can also be achieved when the pocket strip and the filtering web constitute component parts of a double cloth by having the pocket strip comprise a smaller number of weft threads than the filtering web.
Preferably the portion of the mat which is formed as a double cloth is restricted to the width occupied by the pockets, whereas the portion not formed as a double cloth and the web portion forming the rear walls of the pockets is a uniform fabric, referred to as the filtering web of the mat. The advantage of this is that a fabric of uniform construction lies in contact with the ground, except in the connecting zones where the filtering web and the pocket strip are interwoven, resulting in the ground being covered with an equally fine mesh virtually throughout.
Accordingly, the advantage of known pocket mats, namely, that ballast material can be easily introduced into the pockets without interfering with the proper bedding of the mat against the ground, is achieved with the present invention in a simple manner without the pocket strip being sewn to the filtering web.
According to another advantageous feature of the present invention the filtering web and the pocket strip have a plurality of additional warp threads, preferably of contrasting colour, in the vicinity of the open ends of the pockets, which additional warp threads have longitudinally spaced portions not interwoven with the mat, known in the textile industry as floats or floating portions. These floating portions form tags or loops, through which rope or like material can be inserted to tie up the pockets in a simple and sturdy manner and without the risk of tearing either the filtering web or the pocket strip of the mat, so thatthe ballast material, once placed in position, cannot be washed away by the water, or otherwise displaced or removed without more ado.
According to another feature of the invention at the open ends of the pockets, the pocket strip is interwoven with the filtering web over longer portions, longitudinally of the mat, than in the areas between the pockets, thereby to form a restricted entrance or opening to the space provided by the pockets, which will help in retaining ballast material therein, and thus avoid separate provisions for tying up or otherwise closing the pockets.
In a particular embodiment of the present invention, in which the pocket portions of the pocket strip have a smaller number of weft threads per unit length of warp than the filtering web, the double-cloth bindings between the pockets are slidable in the longitudinal direction of the mat over some distance in both directions. This creates the possibility of cumulating the greater length obtained by using a lesser number of weft threads into two or more adjacent pockets, thereby to provide more spacious pockets at certain places for receiving thicker and heavier ballast material. In that case the adjacent pocket or pockets would be lost pockets unable to accommodate ballast material.
The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In said drawings,
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of a mat according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the showing of FIG.
FIG. 3 shows a mat similar to FIG. 1, but having extended doublecloth binding portions adjacent to the open ends of the pockets;
FIG. 4 illustrates a mat with slidable bindings between the pocket strip and the filtering web of the mat and between every otherpair of adjacent pockets;
FIGS. 5a and 5b are cross-sectional views of the showing of FIG. 4.
Referring to FIG. 1, the mat 1 according to the invention comprises a web of fabric of synthetic yarn, such as nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene, with a mesh width of, for example, 0.15 to 0.4 mm, and a yarn thickness of, say, 0.2-0.7 mm. The water permeability of such fabrics at about cm water column is from 40 to far exceeding 150 l/mlsec.
Over a portion b of the overall width B of the mat, the latter is formed as a double cloth, that is to say, over the width b the mat consists of layers which are interwoven into one layer at certain positions. One layer 2, hereinafter referred to as the filtering web, consists of the ter referred to as the pocket strip of the mat, contains a considerably smaller number of weft threads than the remainder of the mat, i.e. the filtering web 2.
The pocket strip 3 and the filtering web 2 are interwoven in the areas hatched in FIG. 1. The hatched areas are the so-called binding portions between the pocket strip 3 and the filtering web 2 of the mat, and are constituted by binding strips extending over the width b and spaced longitudinally of the mat, and a narrow binding strip adjacent the lower edge (in FIG. 1) of the pocket strip and the filtering web. Accordingly, in the binding areas the warp and weft threads of both 1 layers 2 and 3 are present in combination, but interwoven, resulting in a particularly intimate connection betweenthe two components parts of the mat. Owing to the fact that the pocket strip 3 is not secured to the filteringweb between successive binding areas 4, pockets 6 are formed between each pair of adjacent binding areas, which are best shown in cross-section in FIG. 2. It also follows from FIG. 2 that the length of the pocket strip, measured longitudinally of the mat, is larger than that of the filtering web of the mat. As described above, this is achieved by using a lesser number of weft threads per unit length for the pocket strip than for the filtering web. As a consequence, the number of times that the warp threads are deformed or deflected by the weft threads is less than in the filtering web, which results in a somewhat greater length of the pocket strip lengthwise of the .warp threads, so that ballast material can be accommodated in pockets 6 without the filtering web being lifted off the ground on which it has been laid.
,In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the mat has additional, relatively short and narrow binding areas 7 between the pocket strip and the filtering web at the upper edge (in that figure) of the pocket strip. As a consequence the open ends of the pockets are reduced in size from length a in FIG. 1 to length a' in FIG. 3. This gives the pockets the character of a mouse-trap, that is to say, ballast material, in the form of concrete tiles or other relatively heavy slabs of ballast material, once introduced into the pockets, cannot so easily be removed. 7
FIG. 3 further shows, merely diagrammatically, a number of warp threads 8 of a colour contrasting with that of the remainder of the mat 1. These warp threads are woven-in in areas in the vicinity of the upper edge 7 of the pockets, namely, in the filtering web and in the pocket strip of the mat, respectively. In the areas between the binding areas 4, succeeding one another in the longitudinal direction of the mat, the additional, woven-in threads of contrasting colour have a portion 8 in which they are not interwoven with the mat. In combination, the floating thread portions form tags or loops, through which rope or like binding material can be inserted for tying up the pockets. The ballast material contained in the pockets is then confined therein.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, finally, normal binding zones 4 between adjacent pockets alternate with binding areas 4 through which the binding warp is slidable longitudinally of the mat. As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, this creates the possibility, with pockets 6 of equal basic size, to form enlarged pockets 6 altemating with lost pockets 6", in which the pocket strip portion lies in substantially flat taut condition upon the filtering web. The enlarged pockets 6' can receive heavier bodies of ballast material, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, and as contrasted with the situation shown in FIG. 5a, in which all of the pockets 6 are of equal size, and consequently relatively flatter ballast material must be used.
In a practical case, there was used a fabric having 20 threads/cm of 0.2 mm diameter polyethylene yarn in the warp of the filtering web, the latter being I m wide.
In the strip portion the warp may be decreased, for example, to 5 threads/cm of the same thickness, using, instead of polyethylene yarn, for example, polypropylene yarn.
The filtering web has a weft of 20 threads/cm and the pocket strip a weft of 16 threads/cm laterally of the pockets, decreasing towards the middle of the pockets to 5 threads/cm.
The width of the pocket strip is, for example, 40 cm, which with an interwoven edge connecting the strip portion and the filtering web together, results in pockets of about 40 X 44 cm. Such pockets, with the ratios of weft threads as specified above, provide sufficient space for tiles of 30 X 30 X 4 cm to he slid into the pockets. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5b, under otherwise equal conditions, thicker tiles can he slid into the pockets.
It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Variations and modification will readily occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
I claim:
1. A mat for use in covering a slope or bank of a waterway comprising: a filtering web of woven, waterresistant, synthetic fabric, said fabric being permeable to water but impermeable to soil particles such as sand and earth, and a second web of woven synthetic fabric spanning said filtering web, said second web being narrower than said filtering web whereby one edge of said filtering web lies beyond the corresponding one edge of the second web across the span of the mat, the opposite edge of the second web being interwoven with the filtering web in a strip extending across the span of the mat, said second web also being interwoven with said filtering web in strips spaced across the span of the mat and extending from the first-mentioned strip to said one edge of said second web, thereby forming a series of pockets across the span of the mat which have open.
ends facing said one edge of the filtering web, whereby said mat can be disposed on a surface to be covered with the filtering web in contact therewith and with said pockets accessible from the exposed side of said mat and from locations intermediate the edges of said filtering web, and the unit number of those threads extending from edge to edge of the second web being lower than the like oriented threads of the filtering web whereby, with said webs interwoven as aforesaid, said second web will be bulged away from said filtering web to thereby increase the capacity of said pockets.
2. A mat according to claim 1 wherein, in locations corresponding to the open ends of said pockets, there are unwoven strips extending lengthwise of and in both said filtering web and said second web and forming looplike means through which closure members for the open ends of said pockets can be introduced.
3. A mat according to claim 1 wherein, at the edge of said second web coincident with the open ends of 6 said pockets, the threads extending in the'direction of said edge are of a different color than those employed elsewhere in the mat and thereby visually identify the open ends of the pockets.
4. A mat according to claim 1 wherein said second web is interwoven with said filtering web at locations corresponding to the sides of said pockets and at the open ends thereof, thereby inhibiting the removal of material introduced into said pockets.
5. A mat according to claim 1 wherein, in alternate ones of the spaced strips in which the filtering web and the second web are interwoven, provision is made for movement of said second web relative to said filtering web, whereby the size of one of the two pockets bounding each said strip can be increased at the expense of the other pocket bounding the strip. |
US-3874178-A | Support for mine roofs and the like | tates Watent 11 1 Manner Apr. 1, 1975 SUPPORT FOR MINE ROOFS AND THE LIKE [75] Inventor:
122 Filed: $6 11.21, 1973 21 Appl.No.:399,504
Heinz'Kunzer, Herne, Germany [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Sept. 22, 1972 Germany 2246745 [52] US. Cl. ..61/45D [51] Int. Cl. E21d 15/44 [58] Field of Search ..61/45 D,63;291/11,3l,
Germany 61/45 D 3/1970 Germany 61/45 D Primary Examiner-Dennis L. Taylor Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael S. Striker [57] ABSTRACT A base has a side which is to face the mine face and another side which is to be remote therefrom. An upwardly inclined shield is connected at one edge region to the other side of the base for pivotal movement about a first axis. A roof member is connected to the opposite edge region of the shield, also pivotable but about a second axis. A fluid-operated cylinder and piston unit is connected articulately at its opposite ends to the base and to the shield, respectively, so that the shield can turn about a third axis. A rigid element is provided which can be selectively connected to the l l References Cited shield and to the base at the third and first axis, re-
UNITED STATES PATENTS spectively, to thereby change the distance between the 3.779.023 12/1973 Koppers 61/45 1) fi and Sficond ages, g l theddistance t t FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS e ween 6 S660 an axes um ange 1,503.990 10/1967 France 61/45 D 9 Claims, 4 Drawing Flgures i i 1 t l l l, 1 1 i 1 1 SUPPORT FOR MINE ROOFS AND THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Supports for mine roofs and the like are already well known. Basically, they use a base from which a shield extends upwardly, being articulated to the base and serving to support the overhead roof material of the mine or other excavation, wherein the support is to be used. The problem with the prior-art constructions has been that it is extremely difficult to support roofs of different weights with a standard supporting apparatus. It is, of course, desirable that apparatus be used which has standardized components, in view of considerations of economy which cannot be disregarded. On the other hand, the greater the downward pressure of this soil and, consequently, the greater must be the force with which the supporting apparatus resists this downward pressure to prevent collapse of the excavation. This requirement has heretofore been capable of being met only by replacing at least the fluid-operated cylinder and piston units which hold the shield upwardly against the roof of the excavation, and also replacing the shield itself, substituting larger dimensioned units and stronger shields, the need for stronger upward force increases. This meant, of course, that the components involved could not be produced in large series and were, correspondingly, more expensive. In turn, the overall expense of such a support apparatus was therefore also greater than is economically desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, accordingly, a general object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
More particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide a support apparatus for mine roofs and the like which is not possessed of these disadvantages.
Still more particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide such a support apparatus wherein the upwardly directed force with which the apparatus is capable of supporting the roof of the excavation can be varied within wide limits without having for this purpose to replace either the cylinder and piston units or the shield.
In keeping with these objects and with others which will become apparent hereafter, one feature of the invention resides, briefly stated, in a support for mine roofs or the like which comprises a base having a first side adapted to be closer towards and a second side farther from la mine face. An upwardly inclined shield is provided, having one edge region articulated to the base at the aforementioned second side for pivotal movement about a first axis, and a spaced opposite free edge region for movement about a second axis. A fluidoperated cylinder-and-piston unit has one end articulated to the base intermediate the sides thereof, and another end articulated to the shield intermediate the edge regions of the same for pivotal movement about a third axis. Means is provided for varying the distance between the first and second axes, while maintaining unchanged the distance between the second and third axes.
In accordance with the present invention, I utilize as the means for varying the aforementioned distance a rigid element which can be connected with the base and the shield for pivotal movement about the first and third axes, respectively, thus making it possible for the point at which the force of the cylinder and piston unit (or units) acts upon the roof of the excavation via the shield, to be changed and to thereby increase the force acting upon the roof and supporting the same. Thus, variations of this force can be selected by merely selecting a rigid element of the desired size, so that the only component which need be exchanged is the rigid element itself. Moreover, this change can be carried out rapidly, because the rigid elements can be readily exchanged one for another, so that the apparatus can be very quickly adapted to changing conditions.
The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a vertical section through an excavation, showing one embodiment of the apparatus in a side view, located in the excavation;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing the apparatus of FIG. 1 modified in accordance with another feature of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the apparatus in a further modified embodiment; and
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 3 in another modified embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Discussing the drawing now in detail, and referring firstly to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the support apparatus illustrated herein is designated in toto with reference numeral 1. Basically it is composed of a base 2, a shield 3, a roof member 4, and one or more cylinder and piston units 5. The cylinder and piston unit may, but need not be, a hydraulically operated unit. It can also be a mechanical unit. The excavation is shown as a mine gallery, but of course could be any other type of excavation. The part which is the mine face or the equivalent thereof, is designated with reference numeral 6, the floor with reference numeral 7, and the overhanging roof which is to be supported is designated with reference numeral 8.
ln dependence upon the length of the face 6, that is the dimension in direction normal to the plane of the drawing in FIG. .1, as many of the apparatuses l as necessary are employed and are arranged along this face 6. Of course, only one is shown and the invention can be fully described with respect to only a single one. Each of the apparatuses 1 has a moving unit 9 which may utilize a hydraulically operated cylinder and piston unit, by means of which the apparatus 1 is connected to a conveyor or the like, which is designated with reference numeral 10 and which extends along the face 6. The conveyor serves to carry away material which has been removed from the mine face 6. Of course, appropriate tools will be utilized for such removal but have not been illustrated because they are not necessary for an understanding of the invention. In any case, the unit 9 can be used to shift the apparatuses l 6, if and when necessary.
Base 2 is provided at a side thereof which is remote from the face 6 with upwardly extending portion 1 I, to which shield 3 is articulated at 12 for movement about a horizontal pivot axis. The free end 13 of the shield 3 has the roof member 4 articulated to it, again for movement about a horizontal pivot axis 14. The cylinder and piston unit 5 which advantageously is hydraulically operated, has an upper portion which engages the shield 3 approximately midwayd intermediate the forward and rearward edges thereof. Its lower portion is connected to the base 2 at 17 and its upper portion 15 is pivoted to the shield 3, but forwardly of (to the left of in FIG. 1) the location 17. Thus, the unit 5 is slightly forwardly inclined towards the face 6 and this inclination assures that sufficient space is available for move ment of tools and the like, and that an adequate flow of air can be maintained along the mine face even if the distance between the roof 8 and the floor 7 is relatively small.
In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the arrangement of the apparatus is such that a sufficient supporting force for the roof 8 is transmitted to the same, via the roof member 4 and via the articulation 14, by the unit or units 5. This apparatus is capable of being accommodated within a certain range to different roof heights, that is to different heights of the roof 8 which must be supported. If the height of the roof is beyond the upper limit of this range, however, the forward edge 19 of the roof member 4 would move too far away from the face 6, due to the arcuate movement of the articulation 14 about the articulation l2, and would not longer provide for sufficient support for the roof.
This is, however, reliably avoided in accordance with the present invention by providing a rigid element which is shown in FIG. 2, and which is connected rigidly but releasably with the shield 3. The length of the element 20, that is its dimension between the left and right-hand side of FIG. 1, is selected in dependence upon the height and weight of the roof 8 which must be supported. The utilization of the element 20, and its articulation at 12 to the base, assures that the roof member 4 will move vertically within a certain range without being capable of receding from the face 6 too far. The essential point is that the distance between the point 21 where the portion 15 of the unit 5 engages the shield 3, and the articulation 12 is increased with respect to the same distance in FIG. 1, when the element 20 is utilized. On the other hand, the distance between the point 21 and the articulation 14 remains unchanged. This results in a change of the lever arm relationships which assures that the supporting force acting upon the roof 8 will be increased, depending upon the length of the element 20. Thus, the same units 5 which have previously been used to support the lower weight in FIG. 1, can now support a greater weight in FIG. 2. Moreover, none of the other components of the apparatus need be replaced in order to support this greater weight in FIG. 2.
The element 20 may be of one piece or it may be so constructed that its length can be varied. It could, for instance, be of telescopable components which can be telescoped together or pulled apart and arrested in respective positions, when it is desired to change its length. In that case, one element20 could be utilized for many different applications. The element 20 may be along the face provided on at least a substantial part of its length with deflectors 22 which prevent material of the soil in the region 16 from falling down between the base and the shield and onto the conveyor or even the path I8. Thus, the element 20 itself can be of shield-like nature or the components 22 can be of such nature, acting as shields or baffles.
It is also possible to provide the element 20 in its region facing the face 6 with a nose-like extension, having one or more bearing supports for the unit or units 5. Such bearing supports would then be located below the shield 3, and extend coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the respective unit 5. This ensures that a vertical displacement of the upper portion of the unit 5 makes it possible to use the same unit which is capable of supporting lower roof weights also for supporting greater roof weights, without having to change the lever arm relationships involved between the shield 3 and the element 20.
Coming now to the embodiment of FIG. 3 it will be seen that here a rockable element 23 is provided which is pivotably mounted on the portion 11 of the base 2. The element 23 has an articulate connection 24 on its side facing towards the soil 16, where the element 20 may be connected with it. It is further provided with a plurality of openings 26, located on an arcuate line surrounding the axis 25. These cooperate with similar openings 27 in the part 11 of the base 2, with respective ones of which they can be made to register. Bolts or similar elements (not illustrated) can be extended through the respective registering apertures 26, 27 to arrest the element 23 in a selected position.
By appropriate pivoting of the element 23 the articulate connection 24 will move in a curved path in which it can move closer to and farther away from the face 6. This assures that independently of the distance between the roof 8 and the floor 7, the front edge of the roof member 4 will always be located closely adjacent to the face 6 and the roof is properly supported.
It will be appreciated that a single or more than one of the bolts or similar elements can be utilized.
FIG. 3, as well as FIG. 4, also show that when the element 23 is ppivoted in the manner outlined earlier, the articulate connection 24 will perform a movement in the aforementioned curved path in direction both towards the face 6 and the roof 8. This assures the constant close proximity of the leading edge 19 of the roof member 4 to the face 6. In this manner it is possible to properly support the roof 8 at all times, even when it has just been freshly undercut by removal of material from the face 6.
It is also possible to provide the portion 11 of the base 2 with several vertically spaced pivots 25 so that a furtheradjustment is provided, making it possible to connect the element 23 with the portion 11 at different vertical levels and to compensate for variations in the distance between the floor 7 and the roof 8.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions, differing from the types described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a support for mine roofs and the like, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by letters patent is set forth in the appended claims.
I claim:
l. A support for mine roofs and the like, comprising a base having a first side adapted to be closer toward and a second side farther from a mine face; an upwardly inclined shield having an edge region articulated to said base at said second side for pivotal movement about a first axis, and a spaced opposite free edge region; a roof member connected to said free edge region for movement about a second axis; a cylinder-andpiston unit having one end articulated to said base intermediate said sides, and an other end articulated to said shield intermediate said edge regions for pivotal movement about a third axis; means comprising a rigid element for varying the distance between said first and third axes, while maintaining unchanged the distance between said second and third axes; and means releasably connecting said element with said edge region of said shield so that said varying means may be used whenever required but can be removed when not needed.
2. A support as defined in claim 1; further comprising a rockable connecting element adjustably and pivotably mounted on said base for movement about said first axis, said connecting element having connecting portions which are releasably engageable with said shield and said rigid element, respectively.
3. A support as defined in claim 2, said connecting portions being located at a side of said first axis which is remote from said third axis.
4. A support as defined in claim 2, said base and said connecting element having respective openings, different ones of which can be brought into registry in dependence upon the position of said rocking element; and further comprising bolt means insertable through the respectively registering openings for arresting said connecting element.
5. A support as defined in claim 2; further comprising mounting means mounting said connecting element on said base in such a manner that said connecting element can be raised and lowered.
6. A support as defined in claim 1, said rigid element being elongated in direction intermediate said first and third axes, and being provided over at least a substantial part of its length with soil and rock deflecting portions.
7. A support as defined in claim 1, said rigid element being elongated in direction intermediate said first and third axes; and further comprising adjusting means for adjusting said elongation.
8. A support as defined in claim 1, said rigid element having in the region of said third axis an extension provided with a bearing portion for said other end of said unit.
9. A support as defined in claim 1, said unit being expansible and retractable; and wherein said unit is inclined towards said mine face: at least when it is re- |
US-3874179-A | Submarine oil storage tank system | [' Apr. 1,1975
[ SUBMARINE OIL STORAGE TANK SYSTEM [75] Inventor:
[73] Assignee: Sumitomo Shipbuilding &
Machinery Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan 221 Filed: Mar. 6, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 338,478
Nobuo Higashihara, Tokyo, Japan [30] Foreign Application Priority Data 3,535,884 10/1970 Chaney 6l/46.5 3,552,131 l/1971 Mott et a1.
3,605,774 9/1971 Launay et a1.
3,769,803 11/1973 Finney v3,791,152 2/1974 Davis 61/46 Primary Examiner-Jacob Shapiro Attorney, Agent, or Firm--Sughrue, Rothwell, Mion, Zinn and Macpeak [57] ABSTRACT An undersea oil storage tank system and method of constructing same, which has a plurality of steel tubes driven into the ocean bottom adjacent one another. A jet lifter pipe is placed in the upper open end of the pipe to evacuate the soil or mud from the interior of the pipe. After the pipe interior has been evacuated, the bottom thereof is closed with concrete and a metal cover is welded onto the upper end of pipe. Suitable water evacuation and oil :supply conduits are connected to the pipe with a control station for selectively removing the sea water from the pipes and supplying oil for storage in the undersea storage tanks.
3 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures FU-ETENYEU APR 1 i975 FIG. 5
saw 2 ur 5 FIG. 2
I3' FILTER p gEmfgAPfi H91 5 3,874,179
SHEET 3 BF 5 FIG. 3
16 CLEANIN AGENT SUPPLYING T N '5 6L-WATER SEPARATING 6 DEVICE PATENTEU I975 3,874 l 79 SHEET 5 8F 5 FIG. 7
SUBMARINE OIL STORAGE TANK SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to oil storage tanks, and more particularly to a submarine tank system made of steel tubes, and a construction method thereof.
According to the progress of modern civilization, demands for petroleum are evermore increasing year by year, and the reserved amount required in both production site and consuming areas are becoming astounding quantities.
Heretofore, crude oil has been stored in oil storage tanks provided on land. However, these tanks occupy vast spaces and are dangerous for neighbouring buildings, and to find out suitable places overcoming the security problem is becoming more and more difficult. Furthermore, it is required that the locations of these storage tanks must be selected in the proximity of harbors allowing the entrance oflarge tonnage tankers and in the neighborhood of the consumption areas. To find out and acquire such enormously wide spaces in the locations fulfilling the above described conditions are now quite difficult.
For overcoming these difficulties, various plans have been proposed for utilizing sea areas for the installation of the coil storage tanks, most of the proposals featuring in that the tanks of enormous capacities are initially built on land, towed to the required site after completion, and moored or sunk into the sea for constituting submarine tanks.
However, such towing and mooring procedures are susceptible to tidal current or stormy waves causing the installation works to be utterly unstable, and frequently the vast tanks towed or moored constitute hindrance for cruising ships.
In addition, such procedures have required largescaled operations when the tanks are towed and moored, and also in the readjustment of the sea bed on which the tanks are to be installed, whereby no submarine oil storage tanks in industrial scale have yet been installed so far as we are aware.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved construction of submarine oil storage tanks wherein all of the above described drawbacks of the conventional constructions of the tanks can be substantially overcome.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved submarine oil storage tank system wherein the construction cost is substantially economized.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved submarine oil storage tank system which does not require towing or mooring operation.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved submarine oil storage tank system which does not cause any hindrance in the sea.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved submarine oil storage tank system which does not cause any pollution problem.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved submarine oil storage tank system wherein the problem of corrosion is substantially overcome.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved submarine oil storage tank system wherein handling of oil is comparatively facilitated.
A further object of the invention is to provide a submarine oil storage tank system wherein the pipings for oil reception, delivery, and tank cleaning can be bundied together in an advantageous manner.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for constructing such a submarine oil storage tank system in the site of the installation.
These and other objects of the present invention can be achieved by a steel tube type submarine oil storage tank system according to the invention, which comprises a number of tank elements driven into the sea bed at positions closely adjacent with each other, each tank element comprising a tank body made of a length of steel tube with the upper end closed with a steel lid and the lower end closed by concrete, the upper ends of a majority of the tank elements located outwardly of the tank system being located substantially in the same level with the sea bottom while the upper ends of a minor part of the tank elements located at the central portion of the system being extended above the surface of the sea water, a control platform provided near the upper ends of said minor part of the tank elements exposed in the air, an oil handling system, and a sea water piping system, both extended from said platform to each of said tank elements, whereby oil received in said oil handling system is introduced into said tank elements under a suction caused in said sea water piping system to be stored therein.
In another aspect, the platform may be provided, for instance, ashore, with both oil handling system and the sea water piping system extened from the platform to each of the tank elements which have the upper ends now substantially aligned with the surface of the sea bottom.
In still another aspect, there is provided a method for constructing the submarine oil storage tank system comprising the steps of driving a length of steel tube into the bottom of the sea until only a length is left exposed above the sea level, welding an upper lid having holes to the upper end of the steel tube, connecting an aiding tube to the upper end of the steel tube, passing ajet lifter pipe through said lid into the steel tube, driving thus extended steel tube further into the bottom of the sea with the jet lifter operated simultaneously, replace the jet lifter with a concrete placing pipe so that a concrete bottom is formed at the lower end of the steel tube, removing the aiding tube and fixing an oil pipe and a sea water pipe to said holes in the lid, and repeating the above described procedure for all of the tank elements of the oil storage tank system.
The nature, principle, and utility of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like parts are designated like reference numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view, in a longitudinal section, of a steel tube tank constituting an element of the oil storage tank system according to the present invention;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are general views schematically showing preferred embodiments of the submarine oil storage tank system according to the invention;
FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing a steel tube tank under construction;
FIG. is a sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. 4 for indicating a construction of ajet lifter pipe used for boring the bottom of the sea;
FIGS. 6A through 6E are explanatory elevational views showing the processes of the construction of the steel tube tank element, sequentially; and
FIG. 7 is a schematical elevational view of a work ship for piling the steel tube into the bottom of the sea.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to FIG. 1, there is indicated a steel tube tank constituting an element of the submarine oil storage tank system according to the present invention, which comprises a piece of steel tube 1 of, for instance,
' 3 m in diameter and from to m in length, easily available in the market. If required, several of such steel tubes may be joined together to obtain a steel tube 1 ofa length ranging from 50 to 60 m for increasing the capacity. A required number of such steel tube tanks are provided in the sea bed in a manner closely adjacent with each other. A lid 2 made of a steel plate having two holes to be used as hereinafter described is attached, for instance, by welding to the upper end of the steel tube 1. An oil inlet and outlet pipe 3 is connected to one of the two holes in the lid 2 so that it opens at the upper part of the steel tube 1. A sea water replacing pipe 4 is passed through another hole of the lid 2 to be extended to a lower portion of the steel tube 1 Although the oil inlet and outlet pipe 3 and the sea water replacing pipe 4 are provided for each of the steel tube 1, a desired number of such oil pipes 3 and sea water pipes 4 are respectively assembled together into a heavier pipe leading to a control station 5 as hereinafter described.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, there are indicated preferred embodiments of the oil storage tank system according to the invention. In either one of the embodiments, a major part of the tank elements 1 are driven into the sea bottom until the upper ends of the tank elements align with the surface of the bottom of the sea. However, a minor part of centrally located tank elements 1 are extended upward so that the upper ends thereof are exposed into the air, and the above mentioned control platform 5 is constructed based on the upper portions ofthe tank elements. In the control platform 5, various operations such as storage and deliver of crude oil and cleaning of each of the tanks are carried out collectively.
It should be noted, however, that the control platform 5 is not necessarily provided on the upper part of the tank assembly, but it may also be provided ashore. In that case, the above described centrally located tank elements 1 need not be extended upward, and the upper ends of all tank elements 1 are substantially aligned with the bottom of the sea, so that any hindrance caused against ships cruising can be further eliminated.
In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, there are provided oil pipe lines 6 and sea water pipe lines 7. Each of the oil pipe lines 6 corresponds to the abovementioned heavier pipe line divided into oil pipe 3 in FIG. 1, and each of the sea water pipe lines 7 corresponds to the above-mentioned heavier pipe line divided into individual sea water pipe 4 in FIG. 1.
The oil pipe lines 6 are connected through corresponding valves to an oil inlet pipe 8 and an oil delivery pipe 9 provided with an oil pump 10. On the other hand, the sea-water pipe lines 7 are connected to a seawater replacing pipe 11 which is further connected in series with a sea water pump 12 and a filter 13.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, all of the steel tube tank elements 1 and oil and sea water pipe lines 6 and 7 are installed as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 except a cleaning pipe line 14 is installed between the sea-water replacing pipe 11 and the joined portion of the oil pipe lines 6 through a valve provided at each end of the cleaning pipe line 14. A pump 15 is further provided in the cleaning pipe line 14, and a cleaning agent supplying tank 16 is connected through a valve to an end connected to the sea-water replacing pipe 11 at a portion between the pump 15 and the valve provided at this end. A cleaning water exhaust pipe 17 is connected to the sea-water replacing pipe 11 at a portion thereof between the sea water pump 12 and a joining portion of the seawater pipe lines 7 through a valve, and an oil-water separating device 18 is provided in the cleaning water exhaust pipe 17 one end of which is opened in the sea.
When it is desired to store oil in the oil tanks 1, the
pump 12 is operated thereby to exhaust sea water filled in these tanks 1 through the sea-water replacing pipes 4, sea water pipe lines 7, sea-water replacing pipe 11 into the sea outside of the steel tube tank elements 1. Simultaneous therewith, the oil inlet pipe 8 is connected with a deliver pipe of, for instance, a tanker (not shown), and oil is drawn through the pipe 8, oil pipe lines 6, and oil inlet and outlet pipes 3 in the steel tube tank elements 1, into these tank elements 1.
When the oil is delivered from the tank system, the oil delivery pipe 9 is connected with an oil supply line, and the pump 10 is operated so that the oil stored in the tank elements 1 is picked up through the oil inlet and outlet pipes 3 in these tank elements 1, oil pipe lines 6, and the oil delivery pipe 9, to the oil supply line. Simultaneous therewith, the pump 12 is operated in the opposite direction to the above described oil storing case, whereby sea water is pumped back from the sea-water replacing pipe 11, through sea water pipe lines 7, and sea water pipes 4 in the tank elements 1, to the lower portions of the steel tube tank elements 1 to push up the oil in these tank elements.
It should be noted that, in the case of the oil being stored, the exhaust of the sea water in the tank elements must be terminated at an instant when the level of the sea water in the tank element is maintained above the opening of the sea water pipe 4 extended downwardly toward the bottom of the tank elements 1.
During the above described oil storing or oil delivering cases, all of the valves provided in the oil pipe lines and sea water pipe lines are suitably controlled so that oil is stored in or delivered out of desired blocks of the steel tube tank elements.
As described above, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 has a cleaning pipe line. When oil is delivered after a long period of storage, deposition of sludge will be found on the bottom of the tank elements. Furthermore, a little amount of oil is contained in the replacing sea water supplied into the lower portion of the tank elements. Thus, if the replacing sea water is exhausted into the sea when the oil issubsequently stored, the sludge and the oil contained in the replacing sea water are also exhausted into the sea together with the replacing sea water, whereby the problem of sea pollution will arise.
To eliminate the above described disadvantage, whenever the interior of the steel tube oil storage tank elements is replaced by sea water, the cleaning pipe line 14 is communicated with the sea-water replacing pipe 11 and the oil pipe lines 6 by operating related valves. Simultaneously, the pumps 12 and 15 are operated so that sea water is sent from the sea-water replacing pipe 11 through the cleaning pipe line 14, oil pipe lines 6, oil inlet and outlet pipes 3 to the interiors of the tank elements 1. On the other hand, the sea water which has replaced the interior of the tank elements is exhausted from the tank elements through sea-water replacing pipes 4, sea water pipe lines 7, and the cleaning water exhausting pipe 17 to the sea. In this case, since the oil-water separating device 18 is provided in the cleaning water exhausting pipe 17, the sludge and oil contained in the cleaning sea water and the replacing sea water are separated, and purified sea water is exhausted through the device 18 into the sea. Furthermore, a cleaning agent may be supplied from the cleaning agent supplying tank 16 suitably so that the interior of the pipe lines 6 and 7 and the tank elements 1 can be cleaned effectively.
The submarine oil storage tank system according to the present invention is constructed as described above, and a method for constructing the oil storage tank will now be described.
Referring to FIG. 4 showing a steel tube tank under construction, there is indicated an auxiliary steel tube 19 is placed on the top of the steel tube 1 with the aid of a plurality of projecting members 20 provided circumferentially along the upper end of the steel tube 1, and by the aid of the auxiliary tube 1, the steel tube 1 is further driven into the bottom of the sea. When the steel tube 1 is sufficiently driven into the bottom of the sea, the auxiliary tube 19 is removed from the upper end of the steel tube 1. At the upper end of the steel tube 1, there is provided the lid 2 having two holes, and the sea water replacing pipe 4 is extended downwardly from one of the two holes. Flexible pipes 3' and 4' are connected through connectors 21 and 22, respectively, to the upper side of the two holes, and a jet lifter pipe made of a flexible hose is passed through the flexible pipe 3. The jet lifter pipe 23 has a sectional configuration as shown in FIG. 5 having a centrally located suction pipe 24 for removing the soil and circumferentially arranged jet holes 25 for digging the bottom of the sea. The lower end portion 23 of the jet lifter pipe 23 is made of a metal having a cross-sectional configuration similar to that indicated in FIG. 5. The metal end portion 23 is allowed to act as a pendulum tensioning the entire jet lifter pipe 23 vertically. After completion of the driving operation, the jet lifter pipe 23 is removed, and concrete is placed into the bottom of the steel tube 1 as indicated at 26.
The method of construction of the steel tube tank element will now be described in more details with reference to FIGS. 6A through 6E. Firstly, a steel tube 1 of a required length for the final oil storage tank element is prepared, and driven into the sea bottom by means of, for instance, a vibration driver, until about two or three meters of the tube 1 is left above the sea water so that all of the operations required at that time can be carried out from the position above the surface of the sea. At this moment, the jet lifter pipe 23 is also set into the steel tube 1 as indicated in FIG. 6A, and the inside of the steel tube 1 is further dredged by the jet streams ejected from the jet holes 25 with the soil or mud thus dredged being exhausted through the central suction pipe 24 to outside of the steel tube 1 together with the sea water. Then, the jet lifter pipe 23 is removed from the steel tube 1, and a lid 2 is attached to the upper end of the steel tube 1. Through one hole of the lid 2, a sea water replacing pipe 4 is extended downwardly so that it is fixed through a connector 22 to the hole of the lid 2. A flexible pipe 4 is further connected to the upper end of the sea-water replacing pipe 4 through the connector 22, and another flexible pipe 3 is connected through a connector 21 to the other hole of the lid 2, as clearly indicated in FIG. 68. Then an auxiliary tube 19 is applied to the upper end of the steel tube 1 under guidance of a plurality of projecting members 20 provided circumferentially of the upper end. The jet lifter pipe 23 is again descended through the flexible pipe 3' to the bottom of the sea. and the steel tube 1 is again drived into the bottom of the sea by the aid of the auxiliary tube 19 and with the jet lifter pipe 23 being operated as described above (see FIG. 6C). Upon the completion of the driving and dredging operations inside of the steel tube l, the jet lifter pipe 23 is removed, and a concrete placing nozzle is inserted into the steel tube 1 through the flexible pipe 3. Concrete is thus placed at the bottom of the steel tube 1 so that a lid 26 at the bottom of the oil storage tank element is thereby formed. The concrete placing nozzle and the auxiliary tube 19 are then removed (see FIG. 6D).
In a similar manner, a large number of steel tubes 1 are driven into the sea bottom at adjacent positions with each other so that the assembly of the steel tube oil storage tank is thereby constructed. At this time, the flexible pipes 3 and 4 are attached with buoys to be left floating on the surface of the sea. After completion of the entire oil tank elements and the oil and sea-water pipe lines 6 and 7, the flexible pipes 3' and 4 are connected to the oil pipe line 6 and the sea-water pipe line 7, respectively, and the construction of the oil storage tank is completed (see FIG. 6E). It should be noted that each of the oil pipe lines 6 and the sea-water pipe lines 7 are connected to a plurality of oil pipes 3 and the sea-water replacing pipes 4, respectively, belonging to a block of the steel tube tank elements.
Furthermore, the lower end portion 23' of the jet lifter pipe 23 is made of metal as described before, and a plurality of jet holes 25 are arranged circumferentially of the jet lifter pipe 23. For this reason, if jet water is sent through these jet holes 25 sequentially by means of, for instance, a rotary valve or the like, or if the jet water is sent intermittedly, the lower end portion 23 of the jet lifter pipe 23 is moved inside of the steel tube 1 around its center, whereby the soil inside of the steel tube 1 can be dredged out of the steel tube substantially uniformly, and merely digging the central part of the soil is thereby prevented.
In FIG. 7, there is indicated schematically a work ship to be used for constructing the oil storage tank according to this invention. The work ship 27 is carrying thereon steel tube racks 28, a piling tower 29, a foundation 30 of the piling tower, and a device 31 for driving the steel tubes into the sea bottom. The driving device 31 is composed of a chuck for holding the steel tube 1 and a driving jack made of. for instance, a cylinder or a vibrator. Numeral 32 designates a welder for welding the steel tubes into a desired length, and also for welding the lid 2 and the projecting members 20 to the steel tube 1. On the work ship 27, there are further provided a winch 33 for hoisting the steel tubes 1, the jet lifter pipe 23 and the like, a high pressure pump 34 for ejecting jet water, a low pressure pump 35 for dredging the soil, and a concrete pump 36.
According to the present invention, since a great number of steel tubes are driven into the sea bottom in a closely adjacent relationship for obtaining a submarine oil storage tank of a required capacity, a submarine tank of not suffered by stormy waves and tidal current and operable in a stable manner can be obtained. Furthermore, since the oil storage tank according to the invention is ofa buried type into the sea bottom, no hindrance is presented for cruising ships.
In addition, steel tube piles available in the market can be used for construction of the oil storage tank, and
since the steel tubes are driven into the sea bottom by the aid of the auxiliary steel tubes, no under-water construction work is required. As a result, the construction cost of the oil storage tank according to the present invention is far cheaper than that of the conventional submarine oil storage tanks. When the position of the oil storage tank is so selected, the central part of the steel tubes rising up into the air may be used for constructing piers or auto road.
What is claimed is:
1. In a submarine oil storage tank system for a sea water installation of the type wherein underwater storage tank means receive and deliver oil to a surface vessel under pressure to replace sea water within the storage means which is pumped to and from said tank means under pressure, and said surface vessel includes respectively, oil and sea water pump means for effecting this movement, the improvement wherein:
said storage means comprises a plurality of hollow,
elongated axially driven steel tubes extending downwardly in closely adjacent positions from the bottom of the sea within the earth formation lying therebelow with their upper ends generally flush with the sea bottom, each tube including an in situ concrete bottom sealing the lower end of the tubes within the earth formation and a metal lid sealingly overlying the upper end of each tube and forming with said tube and said in situ concrete bottom, an oil storage tank,
and wherein each tank is further provided with a sea water replacing pipe extending through said lid and terminating near the bottom of said tube to permit said sea water to enter and leave the lower end of said tank and having an oil inlet and outlet connection to said lid to permit oil to enter and leave the top of said tank, and means for fluid connecting said inlet and outlet connection and said sea water replacing pipe to said surface vessel,
whereby; by controlled operation of said pumping means, oil is delivered to each tank as sea water is removed therefrom, and vice versa,
and wherein said fluid connecting means comprises an oil pipeline and a sea water pipeline extending from said lid for each tank to said vessel, and each line is provided with a valve, and connection means commonly couples respective lines to said oil and sea water pump means, and a filter is connected between said sea water pump means and the source of sea water,
whereby; sea water replaces oil within a given tank only after passing through said filter.
2. The submarine oil storage tank system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a cleaning agent supply tank, means for fluid coupling said cleaning agent supply tank to said oil inlet and outlet connection for each tank, and an oil-water separating device fluid coupled to said sea water replacing pipe downstream of said tanks such that sea water in passing to said oil inlet and outlet connection forces said cleaning agent to enter said tank, while the sludge and oil contained in the cleaning sea water is separated therefrom prior to being returned to the sea.
3. The submarine oil storage tank system as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said sea water replacing pipe is fluid coupled in series with said oil-water separating device at a point intermediate of said tanks and said pump, said cleaning agent supply tank is fluid coupled to said oil pipeline by means of a cleaning pipe line connected at one end to said oil pipe line and at the other end to said sea water replacing pipe and valves are operatively provided within said cleaning pipeline, said oil pipeline and said sea water pipeline, such that by operation of said valves and said pumps, said oil pipeline may receive sea water after passage through said filter and after receiving cleaning agent from said cleaning agent supply tank, and wherein sea water after oilwater separation may be delivered back to the sea water, from each tank after passage through said oil-water separating device. |
US-3874180-A | Modular offshore structure system | United States Patent 1191 1111 3,874,180 Sumner 5] Apr. 1, 1975 [54] MODULAR OFFSHORE STRUCTURE 2,913,880 11/1959 1266111111 et a1. 61/46.5 SYSTEM 2,941,370 6/1960 Walker 61/46.5 2,967,400 1/1961 Grant et. a1.... 61/465 Inventor: Maurice Sumner, 1718 Lubbock 3,385,464 5/1968 Courbon 61/46 St, Houston, TEX. 77007 3,390,531 7/1968 Johnston et a1 61/46.5 X 3,429,133 2/1969 Hauber 61/46.5 [22] 1972 3,466,878 9/1969 Esquillan et a1. 6l/46.5 2 A 1 N 243 790 3,593,529 7/1971 Smulders 61/46.5 1 PP R 9 S D 3,645,104 2 1972 Hogan 61/46.5
elated U. Application ata [60] Division of Ser. No. 107,288, Jan. 18, 1971, Pat. No. FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 3,716,993, which is a continuation-inart of S N 188,414 3/1967 U.S.S.R.. 6l/46.5 649,889, June 29, 1967, Pat. No. 3,575,005.
Primary ExaminerJacob Shapiro [52] US. Cl 61/46.5, 61/50, 114/.5 D, Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kenneth H. Johnson 114/435 [51] It ll. C1. E021) 17/04, EOZC 5/00 [57 ABSTRACT [58] Fleld of Search 61/46.5, 46, 65, 67;
114/5 D 435; 9/8; 52/224, 648, 653; 175/7 A modular-hke system of offshore structures for 1m- 8 9 partlng flexibility to the offshore exploration and production and transportation industries so that explora- [56] References Cited tion, production and development work can take place over a large range of marine depths and opera- UNITED STATES PATENTS tional circumstances with one or more marine vessels. 2,592,448 4/1952 MCMCnimfZn 61/46.5 0 2,908,141 10/1959 Marsh, Jr 61/46.5 X 20 Claims, 102 aw g Flgures PATENTEDAPR' 1197s 3.874.180
SHEET C 1 BF 1 8 L139) K "b PATENTEDAPR m 3.874.180 SHEEI 030F 18 PATENTEDAPR 11975 3.874.180
sum 07m 18 FIG. 34
PATENTEUAPR 1 ms 3.874.180
sum OSUF 1s PATENTED APR 1 I975 SHEET lUUF 18 PATENTEnAPR'Hma I 3,874 180 SHEET 13m 18 FIG G9 PATENTEUAPR 119. 5 7874 1851 SHEET 18UF 18 P--- 225 FIG. 69
PATENTEUAPR 1197s 3.874.180
sum 170F 1a F/G. QZ
MODULAR OFFSHORE STRUCTURE SYSTEM CROSS REFERENCES This application is a division of my earlier application, Ser. No. lO7,288,filed Jan. 18,1971 U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,993, which is a continuation-in-part of my earlier application Ser. No. 649,889, filed June 29, 1967, now US. Pat. No. 3,575,005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is in the offshore drilling, production, and transportation industry a variety of structures for supporting men and machinery at stations offshore. The structures are similar in basic function, namely to support the men and machinery in accomplishing their assigned functions. Otherwise the structures are significantly different in that some are mobile while others are stationary; and some are founded on the marine floor while others float. The mobile structures are commonly called mobile rigs while the fixed ones are fixed platforms. These rigs and platforms are generally classified as either drill ships, semi-submersibles, submersibles, jackups, pile jackets, or one of a few other hybrid designs. Each is peculiarly designed and adapted for a fairly limited set of operational condi tions. As a result, there is restrictive flexibility of use. For example, the fixed frame design, commonly known as the aforementioned pile jacket, is best suited for permanent stations in water of a few hundred feet or less. All other current types are mobile and more expensive as a result, and therefore they are well suited for exploration work, but not so well suited for long duration stationary production work. However, even production work is not truly permanent and reusability would be a significant consideration in the design ofa rig for pro duction purposes. Fixed platforms are seldom used in exploration work because the cost of building a new platform for each exploratory hole is almost prohibi tive, except in shallow, protected waters. Thus fixed platforms are primarily production type structures.
In contrast to the permanent station characterizing the fixed frame design, the most mobile type of offshore platform is the drill ship with its appropriate stabilizing and stationing apparatus such as thrusters, anchors, and winches. The ship certainly is not best suited for permanent stationing because it is particularly sensitive to wave action by reason of the wide surface area of structure exposed to the water, and the use of thrusters to maintain stationing for long periods of time, as would be necessary for production activities, is economically unfeasible because of fuel consumption and the necessarily continuous human monitoring which is required. Also, of course, the ship is vulnerable to storms and generally adverse conditions.
Intermediate the permanent station characterizing the fixed frame and the high mobility of the drill ship are the family of rigs known as jackups. The jackup rig has some of the advantages of both the fixed frame and the drill ship. It is analogous to the former in that it is supported on the marine floor, and therefore is quite stable and requires no continuous operation or monitoring to maintain position. And, when the legs are raised, it can be towed from place to place so as to thereby provide a degree of mobility analogous to the drill ship. The legs can, of course, be lowered to varying elevations so as to provide the jackup with an adaptability to a variety of depths.
The aforementioned submersibles are also an intermediate form of rig. The submersibles and also the semi-submersibles have good stability, each is suited to its depth, the semi-submersible to deep water, the submersible bottom-founded frame to shallow water. Both are more stable but less mobile than the drill ship. They cannot be moved in heavy weather without jeopardy to themselves, their crew, and the towing vessel; and indeed some have even been lost while being moved in calm waters.
It thus becomes evident without further elaboration that each of the various types of offshore drilling rigs commonly used is well suited only to a relatively narrow range of operation. As a result, a company or firm which chooses to operate offshore must elect the particular type of rig best suited for its contemplated initial endeavor and thereafter be committed to the limitations of that rig when it is used in subsequent drilling operatlons.
The limitations inherent in the state of the art are best illustrated by a brief examination of one of the more common types of mobile rig. The jackup rig, as previously noted, has certain of the advantageous characteristics of the pile jacket in that it is founded on the bottom in a stable way while the apparatus it carries is supported clear of the highest anticipated waves so that the whole is a fairly stable semi-permanent, albeit expensive, station. Mobility is achieved by lowering its bouyant platform to the water, and raising the legs from the marine floor, so that the whole can then be floatably moved to another location. Although jackup rigs in general are adapted to a relatively wide range of operating depths, namely about 20 to perhaps 500 feet, any single jackup is adapted, as a practical matter, to a very limited subrange within this range. For example, if ajackup of the prior art were to be designed for work in the Gulf of Mexico in water of 200 foot depth, it certainly could not work in depths of 400 feet because its legs would not reach the bottom. Likewise, it could not work competitively, that is economically, in water depths of say 60 feet because other less expensive jackup rigs would be available for that work. So, although in a physical sense jackup rigs can work in a wide range of depths, they cannot in an individual and in an economic sense encompass a very large range of usefulness.
Therefore, it might be concluded from the above brief discussion that the offshore operator is restricted to a fixed location rig which represents a substantial investment, or to a mobile rig which represents a very substantial investment but which is adapted only to a relatively narrow range of operational depths which may represent a certain class of locations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention endeavors to broaden the flexibility in use for offshore rnobile rigs and ancillary structures, and to allow a wider variety of choices than presently exist. This is accomplished not be a specific modification to a particular type of existing rig, but by presenting the concept of an entire new family of modular elements which are adapted to cooperate with one another in order to provide a plurality of alternative structures which enable the user to operate an offshore drilling platform in a much broader range of depts and |
US-3874181-A | High load carrying capacity, freeze and crack-proof concrete metal pile | United States Patent Pogonowski 1451 Apr. 1, 1975 METAL PILE Primary Examiner-Jacob Shapiro Attorney, Agent, or Firm-T. H. Whaley; C. G. Ries ABSTRACT [75] Inventor: Ivo C. Pogonowski, Houston, Tex. [57] [73] Assigneez Texaco Inc. New York, NY. At least two methods for swagmg one vertical smaller tubular member internally .of a larger tubular member [22] Filed: Sept. 28, 1973 are disclosed. One device for practicing the method comprises a cylindrical swage block for loosely fitting [2]] Appl' 401778 in the large tubular member and resting on the upper Related U.S. Application Data edge of the inner smaller tubular member. A plurality [62] Division of Ser. No. 247,584, April 26, 1972, Par. (P y pistons and cylinders are Suspended No. $795,035. from the swage block a precise distance below the upper edge and actuatable radially from the longitudi- [52] U.S. Cl 61/53, 61/1, 6l/53.6, nal axis of the smaller tubular member for deforming 61/53.68, 138/28 the upper edge portion thereof against the larger tubu- [51] Int. Cl E02d'5/48, E02d 31/12 lar member for providing more working space inter- [58] Field of Search 61/1, 53, 54, 56; 138/28; nally of the tubular members. A modification com- 220/85 B prises a plurality as seven axially spaced apart, parallel layers of swaging pistons and cylinders suspended [56] References Cited from the swage block.
UNITED STATES PATENTS Other new devices utilizing the multiple piston and 2.409.304 10/1946 Morrison 138/28 Cylinder swage are a mechanisms for Cold-Work 1629.402 2/1953 Cook connecting two telescopic pipe ends together, and a 2948.432 8/1960 Bodlcy ct al. 220/85 B mechanism for making a new pile with anchor knobs for increased 103d carrying capacity and pull-out 1119,4547 12/1959 France 138/28 reslstance' 6 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures x 5 N f I l i .1 T 1 2/ PJJENTED APR 1 5 SHEET 1 OF 6 FEJENTED APR 1 SHEET 2 BF 6 Aia PATENTEUAPR NW5 874, 1 81 susnanre snmunys fllflltlifll.
PHENTEU 1 195 PATENTED APR 1 975 sum 5 o g 50R wukmk $06k 1 HIGH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY, FREEZE AND CRACK-PROOF CONCRETE METAL PILE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the swage joining of two oil well casings by hydraulic expanding devices, a permanent deformation often results in two overlapping casings, depending on the type ofjoint formed. Where six hydraulic swaging rams are utilized in joining a smaller upper end of one casing to a larger bottom end of an upper casing, as by dimpling as illustrated in my U.S. Pat. No. 3,555,831, the free upper edge of the smaller inner casing end often distorts into a hexagonal shape with six straight sides spaced from the wall of the larger upper casing. These straight sides accordingly leave less working space in the casings for drill bits, drill stems, etc., for example.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide at least one method for eliminating protuberances internally of tubular joints for producing more operating space therein.
Another primary object of this invention is to provide at least two embodiments for carrying out or practicing the disclosed method.
Another object of this invention is to provide a device for swaging or deforming one tubular member inside of another which is easy to operate, is of simple configuration, is economical to build and assemble, and is of greater efficiency for providing more working space internally of the tubular members.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method for joining two horizontal telescopic pipe ends together.
A further object of this invention is to provide a swaging mechanism for carrying out the method of joining two horizontal pipes together.
A still further object of this invention is to provide an insert for water immersed pipes for preventing cracking thereof.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method and mechanism for increasing the load capacity and pull-out resistance of piling driven in the ground.
Other objects and various advantages of the disclosed method and devices for swaging one tubular member inside another tubular member will be apparent from the following detailed description, together with accompanying drawings, submitted for purposes of illustration only and not intended to define the scope of the invention, reference being had for that purpose to the subjoined claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings diagrammatically illustrate by way of example, not by way of limitation, two forms or mechanisms for carrying out the method of the invention wherein like reference numerals have been employed to indicate similar parts in the several views in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of the new tubular swaging device;
FIG. 2 is a section at 2-2 on FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a section at 3-3 on FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a schematic section at 44 on FIG. 1;
FIG 5 is a vertical sectional view of another modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of another modi fied swaging device for joining two tubes together illustrating the deforming tips in retracted position;
FIG. 7 is a section at 77 on FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a section of the truck and swage of FIG. 6 with the deforming tips illustrated in extended position for swaging the two tubes together;
FIG. 8a is a detailed sectional view of the depressions of FIG. 8;
FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a composite steel-concrete pile immersed in freezing water with an insert therein;
FIG. 10 is a section at 10l0 on FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a section at 11-11 on FIG. 10; and
FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the increased load carrying capacity and pull-out resistance added to the pile by the anchor knobs.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION fore set forth will occur to those skilled in the art. 7
Therefore, all such modifications and variations which are within the spirit and scope of the invention herein are included and only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODS This invention comprises a few methods for eliminating the shelf formed on the inner surface of a well casing larger end by a non-round upper end portion of a well casing smaller end secured therein comprising the steps of,
l. swaging the non-round portions of the upper edge of the inner well casing outwardly firmly against the larger well casing inner surface, and
2. simultaneously swaging the non-round portions spaced below the upper edge of the smaller well casing firmly against the larger well casing inner surface.
A second method comprises,
l. positioning a plurality of pistons and cylinders in a horizontal plane and a precise distance below the upper edge of the smaller well casing, and
2. deforming the upper edge of the well casing smaller end firmly against the well casing larger end surface by simultaneous actuation of at least two pistons and cylinders directly opposite from each other for providing more operating room internally of the well casings.
Another method for deforming a smaller-end of a first pipe internally of a larger end of a second pipe comprises,
1. positioning a plurality of pistons and cylinders in several planes, each plane being normal to the longitudinal axis of the first pipe at a precise distance from the first pipe smaller end, and
2. deforming the first pipe smaller end against the second pipe larger end by actuation of all pistons and cylinders outwardly in a radial direction opposite from each other for providing more operating room internally of the pipes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFORMING DEVICES Two embodiments are disclosed in FIGS. 1 4 and FIG. 5, respectively, for practicing or carrying out the above methods of the invention.
FIG. 1, a plan view of a swage 10, illustrates hydraulicoil lines for supplying pressure fluid to swaging actuators disclosed hereinafter.
FIG. 2, a schematic sectional view taken at 22 on FIG. 1 of one of the swaging devices for carrying out at least one of the methods of the invention comprises a cylindrical swage block 11 supporting a deforming means 12, such as a plurality of pistons and cylinders, pistons 12a, 12d and their respective cylinders 13a, 13d being illustrated in this figure.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cylindrical swage block 11 is small enough to loosely fit internally of the enlarged lower end of. a tube, as av well casing 14, and large enough to rest on the upper deformed edge a of the upper end of a second well casing 15. While the lattercasing is secured to the upper well casing 14 a little below the illustrated section of FIG. 2, the upper deformed edge 15a has straight portions which extend inwardly from the inner wall or are spaced from the inner wall of the casing 14 to accordingly form a shelf on which all items being lowered in the well tend to hand up on.
FIG. 3, a sectional view at 3-3 on FIG. 2, with parts in section illustrates a swage comprising six pistons and cylinders for swedging or deforming into the cylindrical casing wall 14, FIG. 2, any section of the cylindrical casing wall 15 spaced from the wall of casing 14, as straight sections particularly. In FIG. 3, cylinders 13b to 13f are illustrated with their pistons 12b to 12f removed for clarity of disclosure, as well as cylinders 13a and 13d on FIG. 2. These straight sections occur when an inner casing or tube is attached to an outer casing or tube by riveting or swaging as by the forming of dimples through the walls of both tubes, as shown in my above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,555,831. When an inner tube or casing is thus secured, the result is sometimes inward flaring or warping of the upper free edge of the inner casing. Thus when equally spaced dimples are utilized, the upper edge 15a of casing 15 forms a rough hexagon in plan view and accordingly six pistons and cylinders are required to reshape the hexagon back into its original cylindrical shape. If eight dimples are utilized as illustrated in inventors above identified patent, to secure an inner casing upper end to an outer casing lower end, then an octagon shaped free upper edge is formed immediately above the dimples on the inner casing upper end.
FIG. 4, a sectional view at 44 on FIG. 1, illustrates more details of the supply and return hydraulic ducts for the pistons and cylinders shown in FIG. 3. Piston and cylinders, 12a, 13a, respectively, are typical. Actuating fluid under high pressure from a high pressure source (not shown) on top of the cylinder block 11, FIGS. 1 and 4, is supplied through passages 16 and 17 to a central reservoir 18. The high pressure, fluid from central reservoir 18 passes to cylinder 13a, FIG. 3, for example, and behind piston 12a through ducts (not shown) and also directly to the inner end 19 of piston rod 20 for actuating piston 12a radially outwardly.
Piston 12a, FIG. 3 has a case-hardened deforming or coldworking tip 21 secured-thereto with screws 22 for swaging or deforming inner casing 15, FIG. 2, against casing 14. End 19, FIG. 3, of the piston rod 20 is enlarged to form a return stroke piston. The return stroke of piston 12a is accomplished by depressurizing conduits 16 and 17, FIG. 4, and pressurizing conduits 23, 24a, and 25a leading to conduit 26, FIG. 3, and to small cylinder 17 to actuate return stroke piston 19 radially inwardly to the position illustrated. Three vertical ducts 25a, 25b, and 250 are utilized, each duct supplying piston-return-movement-pressure fluid for a pair of pistons. With inward return movement of piston 19, reverse flow occurs in reservoir 18, FIG. 4, and conduits 17 and 16. Pistons 12b 12f, FIG. 3, are actuated similarly and simultaneously with piston 12a in their respective cylinders to deform the casing edge 15a, FIG. 2, against outer casing 14.
MODIFICATION .1
FIG. 5 illustrates schematically, in a vertical section, another embodiment for practicing the aforementioned method of the invention. This swage 10a comprises a swage block 11a supporting seven rows of pistons 28 34, each row being similar to the row of the first modification of FIG. 3, with six equally spaced pistons in each row operable in their respective seven rows of cylinders 28 41. Similarly, reservoir 18a supplies high pressure fluid to the pistons for actuatingall pistons for deforming inner casing 15 against outer casing 14. Likewise, this swage includes return stroke pistons and their accompanying pressure conduits similar to those of the first embodiment for retracting the pistons within the swage after the swaging or deforming operation.
The swage of each of the above disclosed embodiments have either a self-contained unit mounted thereon including a pump and reservoir of hydraulic fluid with control cables running up the swage support wire, or they have long pressure hoses extending up the swage support wire to the pumps and reservoirs.
MODIFICATION II A method is disclosed for sealing together two telescopic pipe ends comprising the steps of,
l. positioning a sheet of elastic material or cementing the material which requires an undisturbed curing period, i.e. 2 hours, between the two telescopic pipe ends,
2. deforming a circular first row of dimples through both pipes in a plane normal to the pipe longitudinal axis, and
3. deforming a plurality of rows of dimples simultaneously and parallel to the first row of dimples for forming an efficient, quick, and high strength pipe ]OII11L.
FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 disclose a swage cold working pipe connector for practicing one of the methods described above for permanently connecting or sealing two telescopic horiiontal pipes together, as for cargo pipe lines, particularly, in addition to air cargo lines (air in the pipe being the vehicle), oil lin'es, gas lines, and water lines. 1
FIG. 6 is a schematic view, with parts in section, of a swaging mechanism 10b for joining together two horizontal external and internal pipe ends, 14b and 15b, respectively. Here, the truck 50 supporting the swage 10b centrally of the pipes is rolled internally of the pipes by expanding of telescopic arm 51 from-a hydraulic actuator as tractor 52 having hydraulic fluid hose 53.
FIG. 7, a sectional view at 7-7 on FIG. 6, illustrates centering wheels 55a, 55b, and 550 for supporting truck 50 for longitudinal movement internally of the pipes.
FIG. 8,.a sectional view at 8-8 on FIG. 7, illustrates the case-hardened tips 21b of the pistons (not shown) of the swage 10b being extended for deforming and dimpling the pipe ends 14a and b.- The actuating mechanism comprising the pistons for operating in cylinders of this modified. swage 10b are very similar to those illustrated in FIG. 3 of swage '10. All dimples or deformations are swaged beyond the yield point to prevent springback.
FIG. 8A illustrates the flow of the elastic material between the two telescopic pipes in the area-ofthe dimples throughthe walls of the two pipes.
FIG. 6 illustrates the sealing swage 10b for sealing the two horizontal (or vertical like well casing) pipes together comprising a swage block 11b having five parallel rows of six pistons and cylinders veach for forming five rows of dimples or depressions in the two joining ends of the horizontal cargo pipes. While the outer and inner pipes, 14b and 15b, respectively, are shown as alternating slightly smaller and larger diameter pipes, they may all be formed alike with one enlarged end each to slide over the smaller end, if so required and desired for providing constant inside diameter for laminar flow. An annular lining 54 of rubber-like material, such as but not limited to silicon rubber having a working temperature resistance range ofl 30F. to +500F. circumscribes the inner end 15b prior to swaging or cold working in the dimples.
This swage 10b is used to form rows of continuous dimples almost touching ,each other. To accomplish this extraordinary seal, the swage is actuated by first moving outwardly all pistons from their respective hydraulic cylinders to form with their case-hardened tips parallel rows of six evenly spaced deep dimples 60 apart around the internal peripheral pipe surface. The pistons are retracted, the telescopic rod 51 and when using a sleeve gasket or lining 54, the swedge 1012 are rotated 12 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the rod, and the pistons are actuated outwardly again to form a second set of dimples adjacent to the first. This process is repeated by the swage 4 times after the initial actuation to provide another set of six dimples spaced radially by l2. This radial spacing may be decreased to 6 with nine additional actuations by the swage, the greater the pipe diameter, the greater the number of swage operations is preferred.
Quick field connections may be made on an oil or gas line with the above swage deformations for providing a very good fluid-tight seal orjoint without time taking, slow. expensive welding.
Use of the insulating fluid-tight gasket 54 provides a pipe line cathodic corrosive protection system. This cold working process generates less tendency and susceptibility of the pile to galvantic corrosion than does the welding process. as the latter process results in uninterrupted electrical conductivity throughout the length ofthe pipe line, thereby enhancing the corrosion damage and increasing the cost of preventative measures. Accordingly a more economical and faster pipe connection results. particularly in areas inaccessible to welding.
Particularly, this cold-working pipe connection provides quick field assembly in a hostile environment. Further, a constant internal diameter pipeline may be constructed without field welding using prefabrication, prepositioned seal, and cold working by the hydraulic swage. a
MODIFICATION in FIG. 9, a schematic sectional view ,of a water immersed composite concrete and'steel pile 60 with the new insert 61 protruding therein deeper'than the freezing'depth of the water around and inside the pile for preventing cracking due to the water freezing internally of the pile. Insert 61 is a long flexible, soft,and resilient element. It is formed of a soft plastic material as silicon foam rubber, for example. While the cylindrical shape filled with air is preferred, it may alsocomprise instead, a multiplicity of interconnected spheres, if so'desired and required.
Insert 61 is weighted at the bottom with a suitable inert weight-62, such as but not limited to the resistant mineral barite, it also may be concrete.'Thus the insert would be squeezed and contracted as the water freezes internally of thepile and cracking thereof is obivated for the full length of formation of the resultant ice block in the pile. I
MODIFICATION IV Anew method for'increasing the load carrying capacity and pull-out resistance of a hollow pile comprises the steps of,
portion into the ground to the desired and required depth, and
2. forming protrusions or anchor bumps outwardly on the pile external surface. I
A method step intermediate: the above steps (1) and (2) may include:
1a. evacuating any earth inside the pile.
Also, in greater detail, the second step maycomprise swaging recesses outwardly from internally of the pile to form the anchor bumps on the pile external surface.
FIGS. 10 and 11 disclose at least one new pile for car rying out or practicing the above method. This pile 60, which has greatly increased load capacity and pull-out resistance, is disclosed in FIG. 10, a section at 10-10 on FIG. 9 and in FIG. 11, a section at 1111 on FIG. 10.
This composite pile 60 comprises a 54 inch outside diameter concrete pipe portion 63 joined to a 3 foot outside diameter metal pipe portion 64, the latter pipe portion having metal gussets 65 joined to the former pipe portion with grout 66.
The lower end of the metal pipe portion 64 has defor- I mations or anchor bumps 67 formed therein by a swage like 10b, FIGS. 6-8, to protrude outwardly a distance of at least the thickness of the pile wall after the pile is driven in the marsh, tundra, lake, or ocean bottom, for example.
These anchor bumps 67 greatly increase the load carrying capacity and pull-out resistance of the pile 60 as evidenced by the graph of FIG. 12 from the inventors report Test of Skin Friction With and Without Swaging-Comparison of Smooth Pipe vs. Anchor Pattern by Hydraulic Swage. Here the test specimen had a 7 inch ID, 7 %inch OD, and 9 inch length imbedded to a depth of 7 inches in a container of lead having an 1 1 inch ID, 11 /2inch OD, and a inch height.
Accordingly, from FIG. 12, with a total force required to pull out the smooth test pile being less than 30,000 pounds and a total force required to pull out the test pile with 36 indentations being greater than 160,000 pounds, the increase in pull-out resistance was over 5 times greater with the disclosed anchor bumps.
Thus an efficient, high strength, elongated pile is disclosed having increased load carrying capacity and pull-out resistance which is especially critical in sandy soils.
Accordingly, it will be seen that the disclosed methods and swages for practicing the methods for producing more working space internally of two interconnected tubes for connecting two telescopic pipes together, and for increasing the load carrying capability and pull-out resistance of piles operate in a manner which meets each of the objects set forth hereinbefore by the use of various combinations of the disclosed multiple piston and cylinder swage.
While a few methods of the invention and two swages for carrying out the methods have been disclosed, it will be evident that various other methods and modifications are possible in the arrangement and construction of the disclosed methods and swages without departing from the scope of the invention and it is accordingly desired to comprehend within the purview of this invention such modifications as may be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.
I claim:
1. A composite steel-concrete pile for resisting freezing water internally thereof comprising,
a. a pile'comprising an upper concrete portion connected to a lower steel portion, and
b. a longitudinal resilient element extending internally of the concrete portion of the pile for the length required to be protected from the formation of ice blocks therein said pile concrete portion.
2. A composite steel-concrete pile as recited in claim 1 wherein,
a. said concrete pile internally mounted longitudinal resilient element is an air filled resilient element.
3.- A tubular member as recited in claim 1 wherein,
a. said concrete pile internally mounted longitudinal resilient element is a multiplicity of interconnected spheres 4. A composite concrete-metal pile for being driven downwardly through the freezing level of the medium surrounding and internally of the pile comprising,
a. a pile lower hollow metallic end portion having a malleable wall for being driven into the ground,
b. a pile upper hollow concrete portion fixedly secured to said pile lower portion and protruding down through the freezing depth of the surrounding medium,
c. deformed anchor bumps in said malleable pile lower hollow end portion protruding outwardly a distance of at least the thickness of said pile malleable wall for increasing the pull-out resistance of the pile, and I d. an elongated resilient element centered in said pile upper hollow concrete portion and extending downwardly from the top of the pile to a distance at least as great as the freezing depth of the medium surrounding and internally of the pile for providing a high load carrying capacity, freeze and crack-proof concrete-metal pile.
5. A concrete-metal pile as recited in claim 4 wherein,
a. said pile centered elongated resilient element is an air filled resilient cylinder.
6. A concrete-metal pile as recited in claim 4 wherein,
. a. said pile centered elongated resilient element is a multiplicity of interconnected spheres. |
US-3874182-A | Method of laying drainage tubing | Uited States Patent [191 Potter et a1.
[ METHOD OF LAYING DRAINAGE TUBING [75] lnventors: Ernest William Potter, Stansted;
William Ratcliffe; Ronald Noel Allen, both of London, all of England [73] Assignee: Henry Sykes Limited, London,
England [22] Filed: Nov. 22, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 308,872
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Nov. 26, 1971 United Kingdom 55101/71 [52] US. Cl. 61/72.5 [51] Int. Cl B02f 5/06, F161 1/00 [58] Field of Search 61/72.6, 11, 72.1, 72.5, 61/727, 41 A [56] References Cited 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS 259,248 6/1882 Wasson 61/72.5 332,126 12/1985 White 61/72.5 1,287,781 12/1918 Steenrod 61/41.A 2,089,115 8/1937 Dimick 61/11 2,830,548 4/1958 McElvanym 61/72.1 3,203,188 8/1965 Evans 61/72.6 3,292,379 12/1966 McElvany 61/72.5 3,309,875 3/1967 Niederwemmer 61/72.6 3,313,115 4/1967 Kniefel 6l/72.6 3,332,249 7/1967 ldoinc 6l/72. 6 3,354,661 11/1967 Russell 61/11 11 Apr. 1, 1975 3,429,134 2/1969 Coffey 61/72.6 3,438,206 4/1969 Stark..... 61/11 3,528,255 9/1970 Blinne 61/72.6 R 3,611,730 10/1971 Brettrager 6l/72.1 3,664,137 5/1972 Lett 61/72.1 3,706,207 12/1972 Cornelius et a1 61/72.6
FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,910,641 9/1970 Germany 61/11 Primary Examiner-Pau1 R. Gilliam Assistant Examiner-Alexander Grosz Attorney, Agent, or FirmElliott I. Pollock [5 7] ABSTRACT A method of laying generally horizontal wellpoint/- drainage tubing, comprising excavating a trench by mechanically digging out spoil which is then directed away from said trench, laying wellpoint/drainage tubing at the bottom of said trench, and backfilling the trench wholly or partially with water-pervious material other than said spoil, so as to promote a flow of ground water to the tubing.
A mobile machine for digging and backfilling trenches comprises digging means for excavating spoil to form a trench along a predetermined route at a predetermined depth, directing means arranged to direct the spoil excavated by said digging means away from the trench, and backfilling means associated with the digging means for backfilling the trench with material different from the spoil.
2 Claims, 2. Drawing Figures METHOD OF LAYING DRAINAGE TUBING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the forming of trenches, particularly for use in dewatering or drainage of ground.
2. Description of the Prior Art It is already well known to dewater ground by means of vertical wellpoints which are, essentially, perforated tubes inserted at a suitable depth into the ground and then connected to a suction pump to extract water from the ground. It has also been proposed to lay horizontal wellpoint tubing at the bottom of a trench, the wellpoint tubing being covered by the soil or the like produced in the excavation ofthe trench. Known methods of drainage usually involve non-continuous excavation and back-fill either by mechanical means or manually.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION point/drainage tubing comprising excavating a more or less continuous trench by mechanically digging out soil or the like which is then directed away from said trench, laying a length of flexible or semi-rigid wellpoint/drainage tubing at the bottom of said trench, and back-filling the trench either wholly or partially with suitably pervious material which promotes flow of water to the tubing. An open end of the length of wellpoint/drainage tubing may then be connected to a suction pump to draw water from the ground. Alternatively, if the trench is constructed to a suitable fall, gravity drainage may be achievable.
Said suitably pervious material may be gravel, aggregate, or other material with similar properties.
Further according to the present invention there is provided a mobile machine for forming trenches, comprising a cutter or digger arm arranged to excavate a relatively narrow trench along a predetermined route at a predetermined depth, means to direct the excavated soil or the like away from the trench, and means for back-filling the trench with material other than said excavated soil or the like or a minor proportion thereof. The machine may also be provided with means for laying a length of wellpoint/drainage tubing in the trench as the machine excavates and back-fills.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which FlGil is a perspective schematic view showing a mobile machine for forming trenches, and
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1, with some modifications, in operation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawing, the machine comprises a digger arm which is formed with a series of selfcleaning cutters 11 mounted on an endless chain. The machine may be mounted on self-laying tracks 12 of well-known form so that, when advancing along the line ofthe trench to be dug, the cutter arm 10 operates as a chain saw to excavate a. slot-like trench of the order of one foot wide and up to I5 or possibly 20 feet deep.
As the chain rotates at relatively high speed, the excavated spoil 21 is thrown upwardly and a deflector plate 13 or similar device may be provided to direct the flying spoil to one side of the trench being dug. Alternatively or additionally, a conveyor (20 FIG.2) may be provided to carry the spoil to other means of disposal.
The machine may also carry a coil of flexible or semirigid plastics tubing 14 which is preferably corrugated and is formed with suction openings along its length. The suction openings may be formed as a series of axial slits which also operate as filter openings, but an additional filter, for example in the form of a woven nylon sleeve, may also be provided around the tubing. The tubing is fed through a guide 23 into the newly excavated trench to lie along the bottom of the trench.
The machine is also provided with a hopper 15 containing suitably pervious material such as gravel or aggregate 22, and a chute 16 extends into the trench so that, as the tubing is being laid at the bottom of the trench, the trench is back-filled over the tubing with the gravel, aggregate or the like, which is pervious to water. The chute 16 is provided with removable plates at the rear so that the level to which back-filling is effec'ted can be varied.
A pair of metal tongues 17 may be provided along the working length of the digger arm 10 to hold the possibly unstable trench walls apart during laying of the tubing and also during the subsequent back-filling.
The machine described above can be employed to lay horizontal tubing at relatively high speeds, and the back-fill of gravel or aggregate accelerates draining of ground water towards the tubing and may also act as a wick to carry water past any lenses of lower permeability (e.g. of clay) which might be present in the area in question. The tubing may be connected to a pump to act as horizontal wellpoint tubing or may feed to a suitable lower-level outlet to act as drainage tubing.
In a modification of the machine described above, for use in the formation of drainage channels, the trench is back-filled as described above but the wellpoint/- drainage tubing 14 will not be laid.
We claim:
1. A method of laying generally horizontal wellpoint/drainage tubing for use in the dewatering of ground, comprising progressively excavating a slot-like trench having a width which is small in comparison with the depth of said trench by advancing a digging mechanism along a predetermined route to mechanically dig out spoil, said digging mechanism including a substantially vertically oriented endless chain having a series of cutters thereon, said endless chain and its cutters being driven along a closed. path while said digging mechanism is advanced along said predetermined route thereby to bring said spoil to the top of said trench, said closed path having a length along said trench which is substantially smaller than the depth of said trench, supporting the sides of said trench as said excavating step proceeds by positioning a pair of vertically oriented horizontally spaced plates adjacent the sides of said trench and by advancing said plates along said trench together with said digging mechanism, directing the spoil brought to the top of said trench in a lateral direction away from and to one side of the trench being dug to prevent at least the majority of the spoil removed from the trench from being returned to the trench, laysaid tubing along said predetermined route together with said digging mechanism and supporting plates and by progressively feeding said continuous length off said coil and through a substantially vertically oriented guide structure which is located between said supporting plates at a position rearward of said digging mechanism, said guide structure extending into said trench to a position adjacent to but spaced from the bottom of said trench and said guide structure being advanced along said trench together with said supporting plates to direct said tubing in a substantially vertical direction toward the bottom of said trench whereafter, at a location between said supporting plates and adjacent the bottom of said trench, the tubing bends to lie along the bottom of said trench, thereafter immediately and substantially completely backfilling the region of the trench between said supporting plates with a waterpervious material different from the spoil, said backfilling step being effected concurrent with the laying of I said tubing by advancing a hopper containing said water-pervious material along said predetermined route together with said digging mechanism, supporting plates, coil of tubing, and guide structure and by discharging said water-pervious material from said hopper, into said trench and over and around the length of tubing emerging from said guide structure, through a |
US-3874183-A | Cooling device for fluid of a motor vehicle transmission | Unlted States Patent 1 1111 3,874,183 Tabet Apr. 1, 1975 [54] COOLING DEVICE FOR FLUID OF A 1,639,680 8/1927 Acker 74/606 A TOR V T 2,063,783 12/1936 Barnes 123/196 AB M0 EIZHCLE RANSMISSION 3,054,840- 9/1962 Alsing [75] Inventor: Michael A. Tabet, Norfolk, Va. 3,238,944 3/1966 l-li hh Assigneez Hughes D. Burton, Norfolk, Va. a 3,800,913 4/1974 Schmltt 74/606 R part interest FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 22 Filed; 21 1974 1,037 4/1912 United Kingdom 74/606 A [21] Appl' 444679 Primary Examiner-William J. Wye
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Clelle W. Upchurch [52] US. Cl. 62/3, 74/606 A, 123/196 AB,
62/323, 62/239 A [51] Int. Cl. F25b 21/02 [57] i f T 5 Field f Search 74 0 A, 0 2/3; A motor veh1c1e transmission is associated in fluid 123/19 AB connection with a reservoir for the fluid, means for circulating the fluid between the transmission and the 5 References Cited reservoir and a thermoelectric cooling device in heat UNITED STATES PATENTS conducting association with the reservoir.
1,564,742 12/1925 Acker 74/606 A 6 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure COOLING DEVICE FOR FLUII) OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TRANSMISSION This invention relates generally to transmissions for motor vehicles and more particularly to a means for cooling the fluid used in the transmission.
The components of motor vehicle transmissions or change-gear boxes are submerged in a cooling fluid to avoid excessive temperatures in the gear box and rapid wear of the components. The transmission fluid is usually capable of maintaining the temperature at a safe level by transfer of heat through the metal gear box housing. However, the fluid sometimes becomes too hot to adequately protect the components from wear when the vehicle is pulling a heavy load, particularly on a roadway which is inclined upwardly. This is particularly true of large trucks or tractor-trailer rigs carrying heavy loads up long bills or mountains.
Various devices have been proposed for cooling the fluid used in the transmissions of large trucks but none of them is entirely suitable. In one such device, the fluid is circulated from the transmission through the vehicle's radiator. However, the water in the radiator usually becomes heated too during long hard climbs when cooling of the transmission fluid is needed the most. It has also been proposed to provide fins on the housing of the transmission to improve the dissipation of the heat absorbed by the fluid into the surrounding atmosphere. Heat removal by the fms is inadequate, however. when the truck is under heavy load for an extended period of time.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a novel and improved device for removing heat from the cooling fluid of a motor vehicle transmission or change-speed gear box. Another object of the invention is to provide means for removing heat absorbed by the fluid in a change-speed gear box of a motor vehicle which is capable of removing heat as rapidly as it develops while the vehicle is under a heavy load. Still another object of the invention is to provide a device ca pable of spot cooling and close temperature control of the fluid used in a transmission of a motor vehicle.
Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein one embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
The foregoing objects and others are accomplished in accordance with this invention, generally speaking, by providing a system for circulating the cooling fluid of a motor vehicle change-speed gear box or transmission between the gear box and a reservoir equipped with a thermoelectric cooling device for withdrawing heat from the fluid while it is in the reservoir. The gear box may be either a manually or automatically actuated change-speed gear box.
Referring now to the drawing a conventional engine 10 for a motor vehicle is shown in combination with a conventional manual shift gear box 11. The various components of the gear box 11 are cooled by a conventional fluid 12 such ethylene glycol. Fluid 12 is circulated from gear box 11 through conduit 13 to a reservoir l4 and from reservoir 14 through pipe 15 by pump 16 to gear box 11.
Fluid 12 is cooled in reservoir 14 by Peltier-type thermoelectric heat pumps 17, 17a, 17b and 17c mounted on the walls of reservoir 14. As shown in the drawing, four heat pumps are used in the illustrated embodiment but in some embodiments one or two may be sufficient while in other embodiments more than four may be required. Moreover, the size of the heat pump may be varied to cover more or less ofthe wall of the reservoir.
Peltier-type thermoelectric heat pumps are commercially available. The Peltier effect is the absorption or generation of heat at the junction of dissimilar metals or semiconductors when a direct current flows through the junction. A Peltier heat pump withdraws heat from a fluid to a heat sink which removes both the pumped heat and the Joule heating which occurs in the device due to its finite electrical resistance.
Heat pumps 17, 17a, 17b and 170 are identical so only one is described in detail. Heat pump 17 is provided with a heat sink 19 having fins 20 to facilitate the conduction of heat from fluid 12 to the surrounding atmosphere. A mica sheet 21 or other heat conductor but electrical insulator coated on both sides with a thermal grease is disposed between heat sink l9 and heat pump 17. A sheet of mica l8 coated with thermal grease or a sheet of some other heat conductor and electrical insulator may be disposed between the heat pump 17 and the wall of reservoir 14. Because strip 21 is a good electrical insulator, chances of grounding of the heat pump 17 through heat sink [9 are reduced.
Heat pumps 17, 17a. 17b and 170 are electrically connected to the vehicles storage battery 23 through lead wire 24 and, through wire 25, to a conventional semiconductor switch composed of transistors 26 and 27. The semiconductor switch is connected to battery 23 between battery 23 and the vehicle ignition switch 28.
A temperature sensitive resistor 22 is mounted in reservoir l4 and is electrically connected to the semiconductor switch. A biasing resistor 29 biases PNP transistor 26 with the temperature of fluid 12. As the temperature of fluid 12 increases above a preselected safe temperature, the resistance of temperature sensitive resistor 22 decreases and causes current flow through resistor 30. The current flow biases on NPN transistor 27 which draws sufficient current through resistor 29 to turn on transistor 26 and permit current flow through heat pumps 17, 17a, 17b and 170. Heat is withdrawn from fluid 12 through the wall of reservoir 14 and through heat sink 19 to fins 20. The various components of the circuit are chosen to provide cooling of fluid 12 anytime it rises above a safe temperature. Any other means for automatically actuating the heat pump may be used instead of the one illustrated.
In an alternate embodiment, one or more heat pumps can be connected to battery 23 through a circuit having a manual switch disposed where the driver of the vehicle has access thereto instead of to the automatic control circuit illustrated in the drawing. The driver can manually start the heat pump as he enters a long hard pull and turn it off after it is no longer needed. A thermocouple can be disposed in reservoir 14 to measure the temperature and can be connected to a suitable guage or light on the dashboard or other convenient place to alert the driver to turn on the manual switch when the temperature of the fluid rises above a safe temperature. 7
The wall of the reservoir should of course be a heat conductor such as iron, steel, copper or aluminum. The heat sink and fins are preferably copper, aluminum or other good heat conducting metal.
The embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawing is shown in combination with a standard or manual transmission because such transmissions are frequently used on tractortrailers and large trucks. The invention, however, is also applicable to automatic transmissions.
Although the invention is described in detail for the purpose of illustration it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be limited by the claims.
What I claim is:
1. Means for cooling a fluid in a change-speed gear box comprising a reservoir for storage of a supply of said fluid, means for circulating fluid between the gear box and the reservoir, and means for withdrawing heat from the fluid in the reservoir comprising a thermoelectric heat pump.
' 2. The cooling means of claim 1 wherein said means for withdrawing heat from the fluid comprises a thermoelectric cooling device, a heat sink and a sheet of heat conductive electrical insulation thcrebctween.
3. The cooling means of claim 1 comprising means responsive to temperature change of the fluid for automatically connecting the heat pump electrically to an electrical power source.
4. The cooling means of claim 1 having means for connecting the heat pump to a power source when the temperature of the fluid rises.
5. A means for cooling a fluid used in a change-speed gear box comprising a reservoir, a conduit leading from the reservoir to a gear box for flow of fluid from the gear box to the reservoir, a conduit for flow of fluid from the reservoir to the gear box, a pump for moving fluid through said conduits, a thermoelectric heat pump disposed against a wall of the reservoir, a heat sink associated with the said heat pump, and means for actuating the heat pump.
6. The device of claim 5 comprising means for sensing the temperature of fluid in the reservoir and a semiconductive switch responsive to the temperature sensing means for turning the heat pump on and off. |
US-3874184-A | Removing nitrogen from and subsequently liquefying natural gas stream | Harper et a1.
Apr. 1, 1975 1 REMOVING NITROGEN FROM AND SUBSEQUENTLY LIQUEFYING NATURAL GAS STREAM [75] Inventors: Ernest A. Harper; Martin R. Reber,
both of Bartlesville, Okla. [73] Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company,
Bartlesville, Okla.
[22] Filed: May 24, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 363,484
[52] US. Cl 62/28, 62/23, 62/9 [51] Int. Cl F25j 3/02 [58] Field of Search 62/23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 62/43, 40
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,557,171 6/1951 Bodle 62/23 2,677,945 5/1954 Miller 62/23 3,158,010 11/1964 Kuerston 62/29 3,160,489 12/1964 Brocoff 62/23 3,212,278 10/1965 Huddleston 62/23 3,274,787 9/1966 Grenier 62/23 3,323,316 6/1967 Harmens 62/28 3,407,614 10/1968 Poska 62/23 3,596,473 8/1971 Strcich et al 62/28 3,702,063 11/1972 Fizbach et a1. 62/23 3,763,658 10/1973 Gaumer ct a1. 62/40 Primary Examiner-A. Louis Monacell Assistant Examiner-Frank Se'ver Attorney, Agent, or Firnz-Quigg & Oberlin [57] ABSTRACT A natural gas containing substantial nitrogen is refrigerated to below minus 120F in usual propaneethylene refrigeration system using a cascade arrangement. Vapor and liquid thus obtained are separated and the liquid passed into the tubes of a refrigeration heat exchanger. The vapor and liquid, which has been further refrigerated, as a liquid, are recombined to ef-' fect uniform distribution of the vapors into the further refrigerated liquid for a flow through the heat exchanger tubes. Thus, admixed liquid and vapor streams are further refrigerated by heat interchange with bottoms from a fractionation Zone into which the feed has been flashed, thus reboiling the fractionation zone bottoms. The nitrogen to be separated and some hydrocarbon, e.g., methane, are taken as overhead from the fractionation zone. Also, the overhead is used to refrigerate the liquid first obtained when refrigerating the feed after separation of vapors there from. Further, refrigeration of the recombined vapor and liquid is effected by flashing the natural gas containing fractionation zone bottoms in several stages, using liquid obtained upon a first flashing of said bottoms to refrigerate the recombined vapor and liquid streams described and using vapors from each flashing step practiced upon the fractionation zone bottoms to further refrigerate in order to the liquid first separated from the feed after separation of vapors therefrom and the incoming feed gas resulting in a fuel gas containing some nitrogen. The remainder of the several times flashed fractionation bottoms is now"substantially at atmospheric pressure and constitutes liquefied natural gas substantially free from nitrogen which isthe product of the process. 1
A controls system designed to render the system essentially automatic and to keep it in balance operation is described.
4 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure SET J I V K1;- POINT FRC 36 I 2 1 I B-PRQPANE PRC l'- A 1f 1 REFRIGERATION STAGES LIC J 2 N21 soMEcI-I 4 2s 2s 5 e FI AsHINc J 2 NE I I B 5/ t f 39 NI'l'ROGEN l I I l REMOVAL I I I '2 2| I FRACT I I l l IONATOR 4 1 SEPARATOR l i FUEL GAS 1 l I 7 v 27 N2+CH4 Q I Ic I Ic y I 10 To'B+I-I' 5 33 H 23 T0'B'+'H' km 22 W l FLASHING LlC 5 ZONE TOPIPELINE i OROTHER I9 MEANS 20 REMOVING NITROGEN FROM AND SUBSEQUENTLY LIQUEFYING NATURAL GAS STREAM REMOVING NITROGEN FROM AND LIQUEFYING NATURAL GAS This invention relates to the production of liquefied natural gas substantially freed of nitrogen which is orginally contained. It also relates to a combination of steps wherewith to remove nitrogen from a natural gas containing same in substantial quantities.
In one of its concepts, the invention provides a process wherein a natural gas containing methane and nitrogen is fractionated in steps including refrigerating the natural gas to liquefy at least a substantial portion or all of the gas, separating the refrigerated gas into a liquid stream and a gas stream, refrigerating the separated liquid stream combining the refrigerated liquid stream and the separated gas stream, further refrigerating the combined streams, the natural gas being fed to the system at a suitable elevated pressure of the order of several hundred pounds per square inch, flashing the thus refrigerated stream into a fractionation zone, in said zone separating nitrogen as a vapor stream and a natural gas from which substantial nitrogen has been removed as a liquid stream and recovering from lastmentioned liquid stream a natural gas product substantially freed from nitrogen.
In a further, concept of the invention, it provides a process as described wherein the overhead from the fractionation zone is used to cool the first separated liquid stream.
In a further concept of the invention, there is provided a process as described wherein a portion of the liquid from the fractionation zone is heat interchanged with the feed to the fractionation zone before said feed is flashed thereinto and the thus warmed fractionation zone liquid returned to said fractionation zone to warm the bottom thereof.
In a still further concept of the invention, it provides steps in combination as described herein wherein bottoms from the fractionation zone are flashed to a lower pressure and separated into a vapor which can also be used to cool said first separated liquid and into a liquid which is used to refrigerate the combined liquid and vapor streams, the thus warmed and thus used liquid thereby being partially vaporized and passed as a cold vapor into heat interchange with said first obtained separated liquid stream.
In still another concept of the invention, the fractionation bottoms after flashing and separation into vapor and liquid which are used as described and some of which constitute a liquid still are now passed as said liquid through at least one pressure reduction step generating vapor and liquid at a reduced temperature which is useful as a refrigerant in the process and a remaining product which is liquefied natural gas substantially freed from nitrogen.
At a time of impending natural gas shortages some of which have been experienced already and which have resulted in layoffs and other undesirable situations, we have conceived a combination of steps as described herein which permit processing certain kinds of natural gases, particularly gases containing substantial quantities of nitrogen which must be removed from the said gases to accomplish anacceptable product.
It is an object of this invention to produce a purified liquefied natural gas. It is another object of this invention to provide a process with which to purify a natural gas. It is another object of the invention to provide a process for the removal of nitrogen from a natural gas containing the same in substantial quantity. It is a further object of the invention to remove nitrogen from a natural gas. It is a further object still to provide a combination of steps wherewith to process a natural gas to remove an undesired impurity therefrom in an economical and convenient manner.
Other aspects, concepts, objects and the several advantages of this invention are apparent from a study of this disclosure, the drawing and the appended claims.
According to the present invention, a combination of steps are provided for removing nitrogen from a natural gas containing the same wherein the natural gas is compressed to an elevated temperature of the order of several hundred pounds per square inch, is refrigerated, a vapor and a liquid stream are obtained following said refrigeration, a liquid stream is further refrigerated and then combined with the vapors for further refrigeration whereupon the thus refrigerated combined streams are flashed into a fractionation zone so operated as to obtain therefrom as overhead substantially all of the nitrogen and as bottoms therefrom a liquid stream substantially reduced in nitrogen which upon further flashing will yield a liquid residue which is a natural gas liquid substantially free from nitrogen and a fuel gas containing nitrogen and some methane.
Also according to the present invention, the liquid from the bottoms from the fractionation zone is heat interchanged with the feed coming into said fractionation zone and before it is flashed thereinto and thus to refrigerate the feed while warming a fractionation zone bottoms.liquid.
Also according to the invention, vapors obtained upon flashing the fractionation zone bottoms are used to refrigerate a first separated liquid-obtained upon refrigerating the incoming feed natural gas while liquid obtained upon flashing said fractionation zone bottoms is used to refrigerate the feed to the fractionation zone before it is flashed thereinto, yielding vapors which are also used to refrigerate said first separated liquid.
Other features and advantages of the combination of steps according to the invention are evident from the following description of the drawing which illustrates the now contemplated best mode for combining the steps of the invention and the operating conditions involved.
Referring now to the drawing, there is shown in diagrammatic form a flow plan according to the invention which provides the economy of equipment and operational costs which characterize the novel combination of steps or arrangement of the invention.
A nitrogen containing natural gas feed, as can be obtained in the gas fields in Algeria, enters by l at about 589 psia and atmospheric temperature and is cooled to about l27F at 547 psia passing through heat exchangers at 2 in which the entering fluid is heat exchanged with several stages of ethylene and propane refrigerants in the case of the design here described three of each in the order stated. Cascade arrangement,
.not shown, is employed. Such arrangements are well known and are omitted for sake of clarity of the drawing. The substantially condensed gas is passed by 3 into vapor separator A which is at about l27F and 547 psia. The overhead from A is largely nitrogen but does contain some hydrocarbon. A is maintained partly full of liquefied gas and on a level control 31 which is connected to operate valve 4 in pipe 5 which passes into and through heat exchanger zone B in which it is heat exchanged with streams later identified. According to the invention, a liquid from A is further cooled in B and then is combined with overhead stream 6 from A, the combined steams passing through 7 in heat exchanger zone G. The thus cooled vapors and liquid combined stream is passed by 8 through flash valve 9 into fractionator C from which overhead 25 is nitrogen and some methane at about l 73F. The bottoms from the fractionator at 355 psia are passed by 10 through flash zone 11 and to vapor separator D at about l 84F and at about 179 psia. Overhead from D is passed by 12 into B and therein is heat inter-changed with liquid feed passing through E in 5 and later with the feed stream in H.
Liquid in D is passed by 14 into heat interchange in G with the combined vapors and liquid from A in 7 and then back into the vapor space in D. D is maintained on the liquid level control 15 connected to liquid drawoff flash valve 16 in 17, the flashed liquid and vapors generated being passed to E. also a vapor-liquid separator at about 224F and at about 59 psia. The liquid from E which is maintained on liquid level control 18 is passed by 19 through release valve 20 into F from which the final liquefied natural gas product is passed at about atmospheric pressure to a pipeline or storage as desired by 21.
The vapors taken off from F at 22 and from E at 23 are heatinterchanged in B with the liquid in 5 and in H with the feed stream.
.The overhead 25 from fractionator C is passed through flow control valve 38 into B into heat interchange with the liquid portion of the feed in 5 and thence by 26 into heat interchange with the feed in H and is then taken from the system at 27 as fuel gas.
Residual gas flow from the top of separator A is controlled by valve 30 in pipe 6 also manipulated by level controller 31. In normal operation, valve 30 is wide open and valve 4 is opened and closed by controller 31 to maintain the liquid in tank A at a desired level. However, when valve 4 is wide open and the liquid level in tank A continues to rise, valve 30 is partially closed by controller 31 thereby increasing the pressure in tank A and forcing liquid out the bottom through pipe 5. Valve positions according to the output signal pressure from controller 31 are as follows:
Valve Position Controller Output Pressure, psig 4 3O 3 Closed Wide open +opening 9 Wide open Wide open 11 closing 15 Wide open Closed mixture among several passageways in a heat exchanger so as to insure equal amounts of liquid and vapor in each passageway are'known.
The combination of such a'system of control of vapor and liquid flows, according to the invention, permits an efficient utilization of the separated components of the stream in 3.
The natural gas in passageways 7 is additionally liquefied and subcooled in passing through exchanger G by indirect heat exchange with bottoms from fractionator C in two steps. In the first step cold bottoms from the fractionator are passed through exchanger G via pipe 33 countercurrently to the feedstream in passageways 7 thereby cooling said feedstream while warming and vaporizing part of the liquid in pipe 33. The now partially vaporized bottoms from fractionator C is returned to the fractionator via pipe 34. Thus fractionator G is reboiled by heat exchanging bottoms with feedstream in passageways 7.
Additional cooling of the stream in passageways 7 is obtained in a second step wherein bottoms from fractionator C are flashed by passage through valve 11 from 355 psia to 179 psia and l84F and then conducted via pipe 10 to flash drum D. Liquid circulates from drum D via pipe 14 through exchanger G by the the thermosiphon principle and flows back into drum D. The natural gas feedstream in passageways 7 is thereby cooled by countercurrent heat exchange with the cold liquid in pipe 14.
The cold feedstream exits exchanger G at 540 psia via pipe 8 and is flashed into the top of nitrogen removal fractionator C by passage through flash valve 9. By flashing from 540 psia to 355 psia, some of the liquid evaporates with a reduction in temperature to 1 73F in the top of fractionator C. Flash valve 9 is manipulated by pressure controller 35 in response to the pressure in pipe 8. The set point of controller 35 is manipulated by flow controller 36 in response to its primary set point and to a measurement of the rate of flow of gas entering the plant.
Fractionator C effects a separation between nitrogen and other low boiling impurities such as hydrogemhelium, etc. and methane and heavier hydrocarbons. The nitrogen product together with some methane exits the fractionator in the gaseous state at the top and passes via pipe 25 to exchanger B wherein it cools the feedstream in pipe 5. The nitrogen product then passes through exchanger I-l via pipe 26 wherein it cools a refrigerant stream and exits via pipe 27 as fuel gas. Flow rate of nitrogen product in pipe 25 is controlled by valve 38 which is manipulated by flow controller 39 in response to the measured flow in pipe 26. The set point of controller 39 is in turn manipulated by flow controller 36 in response to its applied set point and measurement of the flow rate of gas entering the plant.
Thus, according to the invention there has been provided a more efficient process for the liquefaction of natural gas, with an integrated'nitrogen removal fractionator, wherein the natural gas is heat exchanged with the fractionator bottoms in two steps thereby reboiling the fractionator while cooling the natural gas feedstream. Refrigeration costs are substantially reduced as are equipment costs with our integrated liquefaction-nitrogen removal process. The following is an example given to illustrate the-invention. It is based partly on knowledge of the-art, including feed streams available and their-composition, engineering and related knowledge which have been incorporated together.
EXAMPLE Flow rate and composition of a typical nitrogencontaining natural gas entering the plant via pipe 1 is as follows:
Flow Rate Composition,
Component Mols/Day M01 /2 Helium 1742 0.2 Nitrogen 52951 6.3 Methane 745766 87.1 Ethane 46719 5.6 Propane 6214 0.7 lsobutane 462 0.05 n-Butane 429 0.04
Total 854384 100.00
Temp. 100 F.
Press. 589 psia Flow rate and composition of the gas as it exits exchanger 2 is, of course, the same as the feed gas to the plant but the gas has now been cooled to 127F at a pressure of 547 psia. The gas has now been partially liquefied and consists of 382,065 mols/day of vapor and 472,319 mols/day of liquid. This mixture of vapor and liquid is passed to phase separator A from which the vapor passes overhead via pipe 6 and the liquid passes from the bottom through pipe 5. The liquid is subcooled in exchanger B from l27F to about -l35F and it is then remixed with the gas in pipes 7 before passage of the mixture through exchanger G. The mixture still has the same composition and flow rate as in pipe I and now has a temperature of about 129F and a pressure of 544 psia. The gas-liquid mixture is equally distributed about among the several passageways in exchanger G using a device known in the art.
The gas-liquid mixture is completely liquefied in exchanger G and issues therefrom at a temperature of -176F and a pressure of 541 psia. This liquid is then passed via pipe 8 to nitrogen-removal fractionator C wherein a portion of the liquid feed flashes into vapor passing through valve 9 which reduces the pressure from 540 psia to 355 psia. Valve 9 is manipulated by PRC-35 in response to the pressure of the liquid passing to valve 9, i.e., the pressure in pipe 8. the set-point of PRC-35 is in turn manipulated by PRC-36 in response to the flow of feed gas entering the plant. The primary set point is applied to FRC-36. A flow rate of 855,000 moles per day, for example, is applied as set point to controller FRC-36. 1f the flow entering the plant as measured by flow element F-l decreases below 855,000 moles per day, PRC-36 manipulates the set point of PRC-35 in such a way that valve 9 must open, i.e., the set point of PRC-35 is decreased. PRC-35 thus opens valve 9 until the measured pressure in pipe 8 equals that applied as set point.
Fractionator C separates most of the nitrogen from the liquefied gas and rejects it as the overhead product. Compositions of overhead and bottoms are as follows:
Overhead, Bottoms. Component Mols/day Mols/day Helium 1.742 0 Nitrogen 52.831 Methane 91,325 654,441 Ethane 335 46,384 Propane 3 6,21 l lsobutane 0 462 n-Butanc 0 429 C 0 101 Temp.. F 173 l5l Press, psia 343 343 Bottoms product from the fractionator is passed via pipe 10 through pressure reduction valve 11 which reduces the pressure from about 360 psia to about 179 psia. This causes a portion of the liquid to flash and a reduction in temperature of from about 151F to about 1 85F. The resultant mixture of liquid and vapor is discharged into separator D from which vapor is discharged overhead. Liquid in separator D circulates by thermo-siphon action through pipe 14 and into exchanger G wherein it refrigerates the incoming feedstream. Stream 14 is thereby partially vaporized while stream 7 is totaly condensed and subcooled. Stream 14 amounts to 775,448 mols per day of liquid entering exchanger G and has the following composition:
Stream 14 is partially vaporized in passing through exchanger G and discharges back into tank D in the amount of 579,949 moles/day of liquid and 195,498 moles/day of vapor. Temperature is about l82.5F and pressure is about 179 psia.
Feedstream 7 was thus refrigerated by exchange with stream 14. Feedstream 7 is additionally cooled by heat exchange with recycle stream 33 taken from the bottom of fractionator C. The fractionator is reboiled by thermo-siphon circulation of liquid stream 33 through exchanger G and back into the fractionator via pipe 34. Stream 33 circulates at the rate of 1,014,470 moles per day and enters exchanger G at about l53F. Stream 34 exits the exchanger at a temperature of l5l.5F and consists of 723,860 moles per day of liquid and 290,610 moles per day of vapor.
Stream 17 is removed from the bottom of separator D at about F and about 179 psia, and comprises the bulk of the liquefied natural gas, now essentially free of nitrogen. It is reduced to atmospheric pressure. This is accomplished by letting the pressure down to atmospheric in two (or more) steps as shown by passage through valves 16 and 20. Flashed gases 22 and 23 are used to help cool the incoming feed gas and then recycled. The final LNG product in pipe 21 has the following flow rate:
Flow, Component Moles per Day Helium Nitrogen 3 l 7 Methane 669.700 Ethane 64,767 Propane 20,628 lsobutanc 3,666 n-Butane 5,484 C I29 Temp. F 257 Press, psia l Whie preferred operating conditions of temperature, pressure, compositions, etc. have been given for the practice of our invention, it should be understood that we may operate ouside the previously specified conditions at some decrease in operating efficiency depending on the extend of departure from the optimum conditions. The nitrogen content of the feed gas passed to the plant via pipe 1 may, for example, vary from about 1 mol percent to about 50 mol percent although it will usually be in the range of from about 2 mol percent to about 25 mol percent. The other components in the natural gas feedstock may also vary somewhat in concentration as no two natural gaes from different gas fields have percisely the same composition. Our invention lies in the separation of nitrogen from a natural gas and is relatively immune to, say the concentration of propane or butane in the feed gas.
Operating conditions for the nitrogen removal fractionator C will vary somewhat depending on the nitrogen content of the feed gas. Fractionator C will generally be operated at higher pressures and lower temperatures as the nitrogen content of the feed gas increases. For example, fractionator C may be operated in the range of from I00 to 1,000 psig, preferably in the range of from 200 to 500 psig. Fractionator C may be operated with a temperature in the top ranging from about l0OF to about 300F, preferably in the range of from about l50F to about 225F. Temperature at the bottom of fractionator C may range from about 50F to about "250F, preferably from about l00F to about 200F.
Temperature of stream 8 passing to fractionator C will vary depending on its nitrogen content, said stream being lower in temperature as its nitrogen content increases. Temperature of stream 8 may range from about 50F to about 225F, preferably from about 100F to about 200F. To reduce the temperature of stream 8 to a lower level, it is necessary to flash stream 10 to a lower pressure in separator D in order to obtain a colder refrigerating stream 14 for use in cooling said stream 8 in exchanger G. Pressure in separator D may range from about 50 psia to about 300 psia. preferably from about 100 psia to about 200 psia. Temperature of stream 10 may vary from about 75F to about 300F, preferably from about lF to about 250F.
With the pressure in flash separator D ranging from 50 psia to about 300 psia, the pressure in flash separator E will range from atmospheric (separator F not needed) to about 200 psia, preferably from about atmospheric to about 250 psia. Pressure in separator F, if needed, will be atmospheric preferably but can be maintained at slightly elevated pressure of up to about 50 psig.
Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure, the drawing and the appended claims to the invention the essence of which is that there has been provided a process for the removal of an impurity, e.g., nitrogen, from a natural gas containing the same in substantial proportion which comprises compressing the gas, refrigerating the gas, separating the gas into a liquid and vapor component, refrigerating the liquid component, combining the gas and liquid component, further refrigerating the combined gas and liquid component and flashing the same into a fractionation zone wherefrom an overhead containing nitrogen is obtained and used as a heat exchange medium for further refrigerating said liquid component, bottoms from the fractionation zone are used at least in part to refrigerate the feed thereto thus to heat said portion of bottoms wherewith to reboil the fractionation zone and another portion of said bottoms are flashed in several stages to obtain vapor which can be used to further refrigerate said liquid component and a liquid which can be used and is used to further refrigerate the feed coming to the fractionation zone generating vapors which vapors can be used to further refrigerate said liquid component and a remaining portion of said fractionation zone bottoms which have been flashed or further processed to recover the natural gas substantially free from nitrogen.
We claim:
1. In a process for removing nitrogen as an impurity from natural gas comprising refrigerating said gas, generating a liquid portion and a vapor portion, separating the vapor and liquid portions from each other and further refrigerating the separated liquid portion in a first refrigeration zone, the improvement comprising the steps of l. combining the thus refrigerated liquid portion with said vapor portion and cooling the combined portion in a second refrigeration zone under conditions to substantially liquefy the combined portion,
2. reducting the pressure of said substantially liquefied mixture obtained in step (1) to flash the liquefied combined portion into a vapor portion and a liquid portion and introducing the flashed mixture into a fractionation zone,
3. subjecting said flashed mixture to temperature and pressure conditions in said fractionation zone sufficient to separate substantially all of the nitrogen as a vapor overhead stream and a bottoms liquid stream substantially free of nitrogen,
4. passing said vapor overhead stream obtained in step (3) in heat exchange relationship with said separated liquid portion in said first refrigeration zone to cool and refrigerate said liquid portion,
5. passing a portion of said bottoms liquid stream obtained in step (3) in heat exchange relationship with said combined portion in said second refrigeration zone and returning same to a lower portion of said fractionation zone as a source of reboiling heat,
6. reducing the pressure of the remainder of said bottoms liquid stream obtained in step (3) to flash same into a vapor portion and a liquid portion and introducing the flashed stream into a separation zone,
7. removing a liquid stream from said separation zone and passing a portion of said stream in heat exchange relationship with said combined portions in said second refrigeration zone and returning same to an upper portion of said separation zone as reflux and 8. removing a vapor stream from said separation zone and passing same in heat exchange relationship with said liquid portion in said first refrigeration zone.
2. A process according to claim 1 wherein the remaining portion of said liquid stream removed from said separation zone is further flashed to obtain nitrogen-containing gas therefrom and a final liquefied natural gas substantially free from nitrogen, and further wherein said vapor stream obtained from said separation zone upon use as a refrigerant in said first refrigeration zone is removed as a fuel gas containing nitrogen.
3. A process according to claim 1 wherein said fractionation zone is operated under conditions in which the upper portion of the fractionation zone is at a temperature in the range of 1 00 to300F and the bottom portion of the fractionation zone is at a temperature in the range of 50 to 250F, and the temperature of the combined vapor and liquid stream after refrigeration in said second refrigeration zone is at a temperature in the range of 50 to 225F.
4. A process according to claim 1 wherein the temperature of the liquid bottoms stream separated from said fractionation zone in step (3) is in the range of to -300F and the stream is flashed by reducing the pressure sufficiently to a pressure in the range of 50 to 300 psia to form a vapor portion and liquid portion. =l l= l |
US-3874185-A | Process for a more efficient liquefaction of a low-boiling gaseous mixture by closely matching the refrigerant warming curve to the gaseous mixture cooling curve | United States Patent 11 1 [111 3,874,185
Etzbach 5] Apr. 1, 1975 PROCESS FOR A MORE EFFICIENT 3,271,965 9/1966 Maher 62/40 LIQUEFACTION OF A LOW-BOILING 3,364,685 g f GASEOUS MIXTURE BY CLOSELY L058 3,541,802 111970 s MATCHING THE REFRIGERANTWARMING 3,616,652 [197] CURVE TO THE GASEOUS MIXTURE 3,657,898 4/1972 Ness COOLING CURVE 3,677,019 7/1972 Olszewski 62/9 [75] Inventor: Volker Etzbach, Munich, Germany FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1 1 Assigneei Linde Aktiengesellschaft, 930,682 7/1963 UnitedKingdom 62/11 Wiesbaden, Germany [22] Filed: 1973 Primary E.raminerA. Louis Monacell [21] Appl. No; 393,331 Assistant Examiner-Frank Sever Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Millen, Raptes & White [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 18, 1972 Germany 2261886 Apr. 18, 1973 Germany 2319803 [57] ABSTRACT Gases volatilizing from liquefied nitrogen-containing [52] U.S. Cl 62/40, 62/54, 62/38, natural gas are condensed efficiently employing a 62/ 9 closed nitrogen refrigeration cycle by first cooling the [51] hit. CI F25] 1/02 natural g with nitrogen which has been at least p [58] Fleld of Search 62/9 39 tially condensed by isenthalpic expansion and further cooling the natural gas with gaseous nitrogen which [56] References C'ted has been isentropically expanded.
UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,180,709 4/1965 Yendall 62/9 9 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PMENTEQ APR 1 191 5 PROCESS FOR A MORE EFFICIENT LIQUEFACTION OF A LOW-BOILING GASEOUS MIXTURE BY CLOSELY MATCHING THE REFRIGERANT WARMING CURVE TO THE GASEOUS MIXTURE COOLING CURVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a process for the liquefaction of low-boiling gaseous mixtures with the aid of a closed refrigeration cycle wherein a cycle gas is compressed, cooled, expanded, and reheated in indirect heat exchange with the gaseous mixture to be liquefied and the cycle medium.
A process is known for the recondensation of nitrogen-containing natural gas vaporized from a storage tank by external heat effect, wherein the required refrigeration is produced by compression, cooling, and isentropic expansion of a refrigerant into the liquidvapor region, in a closed cycle. This simple process has the disadvantage that the isentropically expanded cycle fraction transmits its peak cold essentially at a constant temperature, but the natural gas to be liquefied, due to the nitrogen enrichment, can absorb the peak cold only at a falling temperature. Thus, the refrigeration is available in the conventional process at a lower temperature level than is required for actual cooling purposes, so that necessarily larger temperature differences occur in the heat exchangers, thereby increasing the energy requirements of the system.
The invention is directed to the problem of developing a simple and energy-conserving process for the liquefaction of low-boiling gaseous mixtures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the abovedescribed problem is solved by a process wherein the peak cold required for the liquefaction of the gaseous mixture is provided by warming an isentropically expanded partial stream of the cycle gas and the residual cold is provided by vaporization of the residual stream of the cycle gas which has been at least partially condensed by isenthalpic expansion.
DETAILED DISCUSSION The cooling curves of low-boiling gaseous mixtures, especially gaseous mixtures whose individual components have widely spaced-apart boiling points, such as, for example, nitrogen-containing natural gas, are relatively flat, with a small dQ/dT in the low-temperature range, i.e., in the range of the peak cold, i.e., the lowest portion of its liquefaction zone, when the proportion of the lower-boiling component is relatively small compared to the other components, whereas in the zone of higher temperatures, the dQ/dT first increases markedly dut to vaporization of the main component, and then decreases again due to gas warming. The closer the warming curve of the cycle gas can be adapted to the curve path of such gaseous mixtures, the lower is the energy requirements to achieve liquefaction. This adaptation is maximally provided by the process of the present invention by employing, for producing the peak cold i.e., the lowest temperatures of the gaseous mixture, an isentropically expanded first fraction of the cycle gas which, after the expansion, is entirely in the gaseous phase, i.e., which is not expanded into the liquid-vapor region. The warming-up curve of such a gaseous fraction has only a minor dQ/dT in the low temperature zones at which the heat exchange with the gaseous mixture takes place. so that a good adaptation of the courses of the cooling curve of the gaseous mixture and the warming curve of the isentropically expanded refrigerant, i.e., cycle gas, is achieved. In the higher temperature area of heat exchange, where the cooling curve of the gaseous mixture has a relatively high dQ/dT, the heat exchange is effected with an isenthalpically expanded residual second fraction of the cycle gas, the pressure of which can be higher than the final pressure resulting from the isentropic expansion. This residual fraction, which is largely in the liquid phase after its expansion, but prior to heat exchange, possesses a warming curve, due to the varporization dQ/dT, so that good adaptation is possible to the likewise large dQ/dT of the cooling curve of the gaseous mixture in this temperature range.
In total, a maximum adaptation to the cooling curve of a gaseous mixture to be liquefied is thus obtained by the combination according to this invention of cold production by both isentropic and isenthalpic expansion of the cycle medium. The temperature differences at which the heat exchange takes place are small, and consequently, the amound of energy which must be expended is likewise low.
Since the equipment for performing the process of this invention is constructionally particularly simple, the process is especially well suitable for the reliquefaction of evaporated nitrogen-containing natural gas in tanker ships.
When the amount of the gaseous mixture to be liquefied is not constant per unit time but instead is subject to chronological fluctuations, the cold production by the process can be simply and readily adapted to the resulting fluctuating cold requirements in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, by subjecting the residual second fraction to a bar phase separation after its isenthalpic expansion but prior to heat exchange. In this process, during periods of lowest refrigeration requirements, a portion of the liquid fraction obtained by this phase separation is stored instead of being conveyed to the heat exchange zone and, during periods of highest refrigeration requirements, at least a portion of the thus-stored liquid fraction of the cycle gas is again fed into the cycle to the heat exchange zone.
As soon as the refrigeration requirements of the process drops, i.e., the amount of the gaseous mixture fed to the liquefaction stage per unit of time is reduced and a part of the liquid fraction obtained during the phase separation is then stored. By this technique, the amount of circulated cycle gas is decreased and, consequently, the cycle compressor achieves a correspondingly lower compression of the cycle gas, so that the total refrigeration output of the cycle is reduced. For storage purposes, if the phase separation takes place in a separator, the latter itself and/or a separate storage tank can be utilized.
As soon as the refrigeration requirements of the process increases again, i.e., the amount of gaseous mixture to be liquefied which is fed to the cycle per unit time is again increased, then at least a portion of the liquid cycle gas stored, for example, in the separator proper and/or in a separate storage tank, is again fed to the refrigeration cycle.
This measure provides two essential advantages. First, it is possible to make immediately available to the cycle refrigeration in the form of liquid cycle gas and, on the other hand, the feeding of the liquid cycle gas into the cycle causes an increase in the total circulated amount of cycle gas, which enables the cycle compressor to achieve higher compression of the cycle gas, so that the cycle itself now additionally produces a larger amount of refrigeration.
The use of this simple cold production control of the cycle of dependence on the available amounts of the gas to be liquefied, e.g., natural gas, is especially advantageous in the re-liquefaction of vaporized, nitrogencontaining natural gas while being conveyed in a tanker ship. The evaporation losses of natural gas, i.e., the amounts of natural gas available for re-liquefaction, vary constantly, especially when transporting liquid natural gas over large distances, since the liquid lowboiling storage material is exposed to constantly changing surroundings, such as, for example, a continuously varying atmospheric pressure, constantly varying ambient temperatures, as well as constant movements of the ship. In other words, the stored liquified gas is subjected to influences which contribute very importantly toward a constantly changing rate of vaporization.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the cold gaseous fraction ofthe cycle gas obtained during the phase separation is again amixed with the portion of the condensed fraction utilized for the heat exchange with the gaseous mixture to be liquefied, directly after the complete evaporation of this condensed fraction, so that the refrigeration capability of the gaseous fraction produced during the phase separation can also be made available to the system.
The energy liberated during the isentropic expansion of the partial fraction of the cyclegas can conventionally be utilized for the compression of the cycle gas.
An additional understanding of the invention can be derived from the embodiments schematically illustrated in the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic flow sheet of an embodiment of the process of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a graphic representation of the cooling and warming curves, respectively, based on the embodiment of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the process of this invention.
In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, natural gas to be liquefied is withdrawn via conduit 1 from a storage tank 2 by a blower l5, liquefied in heat exchange with cycle gas in heat exchangers 3 and 4, and recycled into storage tank 2. The portion of the natural gas which cannot be liquefied or can be liquefied only with great difficulty, i.e., at very low temperatures, is separated in separator 16 and either combusted in a steam boiler or exhausted into the atmosphere.
The refrigeration required for liquefying the natural gas is produced by a closed nitrogen cycle wherein nitrogen is compressed in compressors 5 and 6 and in a high-pressure compression blower 7 to the required cycle pressure of about 45 atmospheres absolute. Water coolers 8, 9, and 10, respectively, are connected after each compression stage.
In a first heat exchanger 11, the compressed nitrogen is cooled in heat exchange with colder nitrogen to about 166 K and then divided into two first and second fractions. The first fraction is expanded isentropically in the turbine 12 to about 4.5 atm. abs. and fed at the resultant temperature of about 93 K to the heat exchanger 4, wherein this fraction is warmed to about 105 K by heat exchange with the natural gas while giving up the peak cold required for the liquefaction of the natural gas. The fraction then flows at this temperature to a heat exchanger 13, where it is warmed by heat exchange with the second residual fraction, to about 146 K. The second residual fraction is partially liquefied in this step. The first fraction then flows to heat exchanger 1 1 where it provides the colder nitrogen and, after further warming in heat exchanger 11, the first fraction is fed to the inlet of the low-pressure compressor 5 and, after passing through heat exchanger 8, is introduced into the inlet of intermediate-pressure compressor 6.
The second residual fraction is partially liquefied in heat exchanger 13 and is isenthalpically expanded in a throttle valve 14 to about 10 atm. abs. and is then fed to heat exchanger 3 at a temperature of about 103 K, wherein it is vaporized by heat exchange with the natural gas and warmed to about 146 K. This second residual fraction then flows through heat exchanger 11 with further warming and is then introduced into the inlet of intermediate-pressure compressor 6, where it is further compressed as a mixture with the first fraction.
As a result of the fact that the cooling of the natural gas in heat exchanger 4 being conducted with the first fraction of cycle gas, which has not yet been expanded isentropically into the liquid-vapor region, and the cooling in heat exchanger 3 being effected with the partially liquid second residual fraction of cycle gas, a good adaptation of the warming and cooling curves of the cycle gas to the natural gas can be attained in these heat exchangers, so that the heat exchange can be accomplished with small temperature differences and thus in an energy-conserving operation.
FIG. 2 shows the course of the cooling and warming curves in heat exchangers 3 and 4, wherein the heat exchange zone of heat exchanger 3 is indicated by A and the zone heat exchange of heat exchanger 4 is denoted by B.
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the process of this invention which makes it possible to adapt the cold production of the cycle to a gaseous mixture to be liquefied which is available in varying amounts per unit time.
As shown in FIG. 3, the gas which evaporates from liquid, nitrogen-containing natural gas in storage tank 20 is withdrawn via conduit 21 and compressed to about 1.3 atm. abs. by a blower 22, at least partially liquefied in heat exchanger 24 in heat exchange with a isenthalpically and isentropically expanded cycle gas, and then fed to a separator 25, where a partial fraction, enriched in nitrogen and not liquefied during this heat exchange at an adjustable low temperature of, for example, K, is withdrawn via conduit 26, and vented or used, for example as fuel gas, while the residual liquid fraction is recycled to storage tank 20 via conduit 27.
The refrigeration required for the liquefaction of the volatilized natural gas is produced in a closed nitrogen cycle, wherein nitrogen is compressed in compressors 28 and 29, as well as in compression blower 30, to the cycle pressure of about 45 atm. abs. required during normal operation. In order to carry away the heats of compression, these three compressors are associated with water coolers 31, 32, and 33, respectively.
In a heat exchanger 34, the compressed nitrogen is further cooled in heat exchange with itself to about 167 K and then divided into first and second streams.
The first stream is isentropically expanded to about 4.5 atm. abs. by turbine 35 and then fed at the temperature of about 93 K resulting from the expansion to the heat exchanger 24, wherein it is warmed by heat exchange with the natural gas to about 103 K while providing the peak cold, i.e., lowest heat exchange temperature, required for the liquefaction of the gaseous natural gas.
From the central zone of the heat exchanger 24, the now partially warmed first stream of nitrogen is withdrawn, further warmed by heat exchange with the second stream of nitrogen in heat exchanger 36, and finally fed to the inlet of low-pressure compressor 28 where, after being cooled in heat exchanger 31, is fed to the inlet of intermediate pressure compressor 29.
The second stream of nitrogen, after being cooled in heat exchanger 36 by heat exchange with the first stream of nitrogen, is expanded in throttle valve 37 to about atm. abs. and thereafter subjected to a phase separation in separator 38.
The liquid portion obtained by the phase separation of the second stream is completely withdrawn via conduit 39, in normal operation, and fed to the upper section ofthe heat exchanger 24 at a temperature of about 103 K, wherein it is first completely vaporized by heat exchange with the natural gas and then combined with the gaseous portion of the second stream obtained in separator 38, and withdrawn therefrom via conduit 40. The resulting mixture is warmed to ambient temperature in heat exchanger 34 and finally fed to the inlet of the intermediate-pressure compressor 29, where it is further compressed as a mixture with the first stream.
When the amount of volatilized natural gas becomes smaller, thereby reducing the refrigerating requirements to liquify it, a portion of the liquid portion of the second stream obtained in separator 38 is stored therein by partially or completely closing valve 41, thereby decreasing the amount of nitrogen circulated in the closed cycle. As a result of the reduced amount of nitrogen in the closed cycle, the pressure produced by the cycle compressors is reduced thereby reducing the total refrigeration output of the cycle and, accordingly, is thus adapted to the reduced refrigeration requirements.
Conversely, when the refrigeration requirements increases, i.e., the volume of natural gas to be liquefied increases, liquid nitrogen stored in separator 38 is fed into the cycle by opening wider valve 41. In so doing, additional refrigeration in the form ofliquid nitrogen is made immediately available to the refrigeration cycle, and, as a result of the increased amount of cycle gas being circulated, a higher compression ofthe cycle gas is achieved in the cycle compressors, thereby increasing the total refrigeration capacity of the system.
From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.
What is claimed is:
1. In a process for the liquefaction of a low-boiling gaseous mixture employing a closed refrigeration cycle wherein a cycle gas is compressed, cooled, expanded, and rewarmed by indirect heat exchange with the gaseous mixture to be liquefied, the improvement which comprises providing the lowest temperature required for the liquefaction of the gaseous mixture by warming in a heat exchange zone an isentropically expanded wholly gaseous first fraction of the cooled cycle gas and providing the remaining cold at a higher temperature level by vaporization in a heat exchange zone of the residual second fraction of the cycle gas which has been at least partially condensed by isenthalpic expansion.
2. A process according to claim 1 wherein the gaseous mixture is nitrogen-containing natural gas volatilized from stored liquid natural gas, and the cycle gas is nitrogen.
3. A process according to claim 1, wherein the isentropic expansion of the first fraction of the cycle medium is carried out to a lower pressure level than the isenthalpic expansion of the residual second fraction and the first fraction is thereafter combined with the second fraction only after recompression to the pressure of the second fraction.
4. A process according to claim 1 wherein the resid ual second fraction, after its isenthalpic expansion, is subjected to a phase separation in a separation zone into a liquid fraction and a gaseous fraction and. during periods of lower refrigeration requirements, a portion of the liquid fraction obtained in the phase separation is stored, and, during periods of higher refrigeration requirements, at least a portion of the stored liquid fraction is recycled into the refrigeration cycle.
5. A process according to claim 4, wherein the gaseous mixture is nitrogen-containing natural gas volatil-. ized from stored liquid natural gas, and the cycle gas is nitrogen.
6. A process according to claim 4, wherein a portion of the liquid fraction obtained during the phase separation is stored in the separation zone during the periods of lower refrigeration requirement.
7. A process according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the liquid fraction obtained during the phase separation is stored in a storage zone separate from the separation zone.
8. A process according to claim 4, wherein the gaseous fraction obtained during the phase separation is thereafter admixed with the liquid fraction obtained during the phase separation after the latter has completely vaporized by heat exchange with the gas to be liquefied.
9. A process according to claim 8, wherein the gaseous mixture is nitrogen-containing natural gas volatilized from stored liquid natural gas, and the cycle gas is |
US-3874186-A | Product chilling in a fluid conveyor | tates atent Bonuchi et al. Apr. 1, 1975 PRODUCT CHILLING IN A FLUID [57] ABSTRACT CONVEYOR A chilling system advances products through a con- [75] Inventors: James A. Bonuchi, Merriam, Kans; y g tube and Simultaneously chills the Products J l) H th Independence, M using the fluid-conveying medium itself, Conveyance is effected through hydraulic pressure without the ap- [73] Asslgneei Gordon Johnson Company Kansas plication of direct mechanical forces to the products whereby to minimize the instances of damage thereto, 22 Filed; Oct. 3 1973 and product advancement is carried out on a continuous, first-in, first-out basis with a uniform, readily pre- [21] Appl' 408,862 dictable rate of discharge. One embodiment passes the conveying tube through a chilling tank containing a [52] U.S. Cl 62/63, 62/332 Coolant Within which the tube is immersed; another [51] Int. Cl. F26d 13/06 embodiment p y a plurality of Separate Conveying [58] Field 61 Search 62/63, 64, 332, 374, 375; tubes p g through a common chilling tank to p 165/105 vent comingling of different product types that may be advanced through the respective tubes; and a further [5 References Ci d embodiment precools the conveying fluid before its UNITED STATES PATENTS introduction to the conveying tube with the products so that the products are chilled without the necessity a b et a] of passing the conveying tube through a chilling tank, 176633379 9/1971 1cZIlf;d,1;:':3:"i3:33:31111131551105 X the option being P Q F to the Products with 3,623,331 11/1971 Buyens 62/63 a Slurry Oflce and hqwd- Primary E.\aminerMeyer Perlin Assistant Examiner-Ronald C. Capossela Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Schmidt, Johnson, l-lovey & Williams 10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Chiller Pump System Product Input PRODUCT CHILLING IN A FLUID CONVEYOR This invention relates to a revolutionary concept in the chilling of food products that are otherwise subject to rapid spoilage. The method and apparatus hereinafter described are particularly conducive to use with poultry products such as giblets, including the neck, gizzard, heart and liver, but it will be clear that the principles of this invention may be applied to a vast assortment of product types requiring rapid chilling. Therefore, it is to be understood that while the concepts of this invention are often described in terms of poultry products of the aforementioned character, such is done by way of illustration only and should not be considered limiting to the scope of this invention.
In the processing of poultry products such as giblets, it is important that after evisceration has taken place and the giblets have been properly washed, the giblets be rapidly cooled from body temperature down to approximately 40 F. before the giblets can then be wrapped and stuffed into the carcass of a similarly chilled bird. Various and sundry methods and machines have been developed and utilized over the years in an effort to carry out such chilling in a rapid, sanitary manner, but these developments have suffered from a variety of different shortcomings. For example, several prior arrangements have utilized the concept of advancing a line of products through a stationary chilling bath in order to lower the temperature of the products to the desired level. In several of these machines, product advancement through the bath was carried out solely by a swift current created in the bath rather than by physical contact between a moving mechanical device and the products. Accordingly, in the case of giblets. for example, which tended to bunch together in rather cohesive masses when introduced into the bath, there was considerable resistance to continuous advancement through the bath at a uniform rate. Instead of issuing from the bath at a steady, reliable rate, the giblets thus tended to leave in surges or bunches at sporadic intervals and created a substantial bottleneck in the otherwise streamlined processing method of the poultry products. Without the giblets being supplied at a steady predictable rate, further operations subsequent to the chilling. such as giblet wrapping and packing of the wrapped giblets into the poultry carcass, could not occur at a steady pace.
Other shortcomings with the previous bath type of chilling systems for poultry products included the difficulty in maintaining the bath equipment properly sanitizcd at the end of each days production run and the tendency for the products to be overwashed" while passing through the chilling bath. Typically, the products were washed before introducing the same to the chilling step, and therefore the prolonged exposure to the coolant, the agitation, and the scrubbing-like action often imparted to the products led to leaching or discoloring of the products. This, of course, detracted from their appearance, and lessened their sales appeal.
Further, a considerable number of moving parts were involved with previous systems, such as belts, chains, pulleys, conveyor linkages, shackles and motors, all of which were inherently susceptible to damage, wear, and malfunction requiring considerable attention from a maintenance standpoint. Substantial time and expense could be wasted in repairing and maintaining such equipment, not to mention the losses accruing as a result of the downtime involved.
LII
Another consideration is the excessive amount of coolant, such as water, which was required with earlier systems. For example, where the open top vats were used and poultry giblets were being processed through the vats, a large enough volume of water was needed in the vats to completely submerge the giblets and maintain them fully covered during their entire trip through the vats. For sanitation reasons, the water in the vats had to be continuously overflowed and replenished so that substantial extra expense was presented not only in obtaining the large supply of water, but also in equipment designed to handle the inflow and overflow of the water.
Briefly described, the present invention relates to the concept of chilling food products, such as poultry products, by pumping the same through a conveying tube having a suitable conveying medium therein and utilizing the conveying medium itself to simultaneously lower the temperature of the products during their transfer through the'tube. lnstead of passing the products into and through a vat having suitable coolant such as water, the products are advanced through a tube wherein chilling thereof is effected by the medium that conveys them. Instead of passing through the coolant as in previous systems, the products move with the conveying medium so that each incremental volume or mass of the products is constantly enveloped by its own pocket of medium and is exposed only to such pocket during the complete chilling process.
Pursuant to the foregoing, it is an important object of the present invention to provide a revolutionary, relatively non-complex product-chilling system which substantially eliminates the problems and disadvantages of previous systems including bottleneck operations, time-consuming and arduous cleanup procedures, excessive moving parts subject to maintenance and repair, damaged and destroyed products, and large volumes of coolant.
Another important object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for product chilling which substantially decrease the amount of floor space heretofore required with previous chilling concepts.
An additional important object of the instant invention is to provide chilling apparatus as aforesaid which is highly conducive to visual inspection thereof for sanitation purposes by virtue of its adaptability to quickly detachable couplings and the like for joining assorted components of the apparatus.
Other objects of the invention include the provision of a chilling system which is highly flexible in the sense that it can be customized to fit the floor space and layout of a particular plant; the provision of a system wherein the conveying medium may be cooled indirectly through an external body of coolant exposed to the tube through which the medium and products pass or wherein the medium may be precooled prior to introduction into the conveying tube with the products so that the tube need not be exposed to such an external source of refrigeration; the provision of a special reciprocating pump system that is operable to advance the products and conveying medium in an optimum manner without direct physical impact with the products; the provision of a chilling system wherein a number of different types of products can be chilled in a sanitary, rapid, continuous flow process without comingling of the different product types and in a minimum of floor space; and the provision of a chilling system that positively assures chilling of the products on a first-in, firstout basis.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a schematic, elevational illustration of a chilling system that embodies the concepts of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan illustration of a chilling system wherein multiple product types are chilled without co-mingling thereof;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, schematic, vertical crosssectional view of a chilling tank constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is a schematic, elevational illustration of a chilling system wherein the conveying medium is precooled by a heat exchanger prior to introduction into the conveying tube.
One form of the chilling system that is constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. A worker (not shown) may be stationed adjacent a water flush trough for dropping therein inedible products that may have been separated from other edible parts or products. The edible products may then be placed into the product hopper 12 which is coupled with a conveying tube 14 leading ultimately to an output receiver 16. A supply line 18, preferably but not necessarily carrying fresh water, leads from a source of supply to the hopper 12 for introduction into tube 14 along with the products at substantially the same point. If desired, a suitable screen member or the like may be utilized at the output end of tube 14 to separate the products emanating from tube 14 from the conveying medium.
Between the input and output ends of tube 14 is disposed a special pump system 22 that is utilized to advance the products and the medium or fluid simultaneously through tube 14. The pump system 22 includes an elongated pump cylinder 24 communicating with tube 14 and projecting laterally therefrom, and a piston 26 that reciprocates within cylinder 24 between the lower open end 28 of the latter and the upper closed end 30. Suitable operating means (not shown) may be provided for actuating the piston 26. System 22 further includes a pair oppositely operating check valve units 32 and 34 disposed on opposite sides of pump cylinder 24 within tube 14. The check valves 32 and 34 are of the type wherein a valve ball (not shown) is movable into a laterally offset section 36 when the valve 32 or 34 is open whereby to completely clear that portion of the tube 14 for product movement. Although the valves 32 and 34 are identical to one another they do, in fact,
operate oppositely in response to reciprocation of the piston 26, because when the latter moves in its suction stroke toward end 30, the valve 32 opens and the valve 34 closes whereby to draw products into the region between valves 32 and 34. On the other hand, when piston 26 moves in its compression stroke toward end 28, valve 32 closes and valve 34 opens so that the products within the region between valves 32 and 34 are forced outwardly from such region beyond valve 34.
A chilling tank 38 or other suitable heat exchanger is coupled with the tube 14 between the input and output ends thereof for exposing the tube 14 to coolant in order to lower the temperature of the conveying fluid within tube 14 which, in turn, chills the products. By virtue of the continuous operation of the pump system 22, the products are continuously moving through tube 14 except during the short interval that piston 26 is completing its suction stroke so that it may be necessary to provide tube 14 with a number of coils 40 in order to provide sufficient retention time in chilling tank 38 to lower the products to the desired temperature.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the tank 38 may be of relatively simple construction in the nature of transversely U-shaped, open top vat having an inner wall 42, a dimple sheet 43 held in spaced relationship to wall 42 by dimples 43a, an outer jacket 44 separated from sheet 43 by insulation 45, and a pair of opposed end walls 47 (only one end wall 47 being illustrated). With this construction, the tank 38 is suited for carrying water as the coolant for coils 40, and refrigerant, such as Freon or ammonia, may be passed through the passages surrounding dimples 43a to lower the temperature of the water. As an alternative, tank 38 may be constructed in single-wall fashion, whereupon ice chunks are added to the water to reduce its temperature. In certain situations the former arrangement is to be preferred, while in others, the simple expedient of adding ice to the body of the coolant within tank 38 is more desirable.
Although FIG. 3 illustrates an arrangement of coils which is utilized with the special system of FIG. 2 that is yet to be described, it is important to note in FIG. 3 that the coils within tank 38 are located fully within the confines of the latter so as to be completely immersed within the coolant when such is added. The entire surface areas of the coils are thus exposed to the coolant, and yet the interiors of the coils remain totally isolated from the coolant. Thus, the products within the coils are similarly isolated, obtaining their refrigeration indirectly from the coolant through the walls of the coils and the conveying medium therewithin, rather than directly from the coolant itself.
By virtue of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1, when the pump system 22 is actuated the products are then advanced through tube 14 on a first-in, first-out basis with each individual product or incremental group thereof being enveloped by its own pocket of conveying fluid. There is very little, if any, displacement of the fluid relative to the products, the products actually moving with, rather than through, the conveying fluid. Thus, if the products are poultry carcasses, for example, each individual carcass is exposed only to its own pocket of fluid and its own juices, not to those associated with any of the other carcasses. Those carcasses entering the tube 14 at the inlet end thereof are always supplied with fresh fluid from line 18, and such fluid accompanies the carcasses throughout their travel through line 14 without exposure to the fluid that has accompanied previous carcasses.
As the products pass through the coils 40 within tank 38 the conveying fluid moving through coils 40 is cooled by conduction because of the exposure of the coils 40 to the coolant within tank 38. The coolant cools the coils 40 which, in turn, absorb heat from the conveying fluid and from the products moving therewith to thereby lower the temperature of such products. In this manner, the products are chilled without any direct exposure to the coolant within tank 38; thus the coolant need not be continuously replenished, but can remain without change throughout a days operation.
It is to be noted that the nature of the chilling system, as illustrated in FIG. 1, with its majority of components being basically tubular, gives rise to the maintenance of excellent sanitation procedures and techniques. The smooth tubular walls of tube 14, including those of its coils 40, make cleaning thereof extremely rapid, with little effort required inasmuch as the tube 14 can be simply flushed with an appropriate cleansing and disinfecting solution to remove any and all particles and bacteria that may be within tube 14. At each change in direction of the tube 14 appropriate, manually operable, quick-release fittings may be utilized that clamp the tube sections in place, thus permitting these sections of tube 14 to be removed without the use of tools in order to facilitate cleaning and visual inspection. Such removed sections need only be quickly replaced following inspection, whereupon the system is again in condition for operation.
This rapid sanitizing and inspecting procedure is in distinct contrast to that required in prior chilling systems wherein difficulty was encountered in properly cleaning the chilling tank with its associated mechanical elevators and conveyors. By virtue of the present chilling system, therefore, a substantially increased amount of time can be devoted over the long run to the actual production of chilled products as distinguished from wasting such time as downtime.
The use of a reciprocating piston type pump in lieu of a rotary pump or a diaphragm pump is significant in that by virtue of such an arrangement, a substantially less amount of conveying fluid is required to properly advance the products through tube 14. It was found that in order to move the same mass of products, such as poultry giblets, with rotary or diaphragm pumps, 21 significantly greater amount of fluid was necessary than is required with a reciprocating piston pump such as used in pump system 22. Accordingly, the refrigeration characteristics of the chilling system are greatly improved because there is less conveying fluid per product that must be cooled before the product itself can be chilled. This means that the retention time of the products within chilling tanks 38 can be reduced, thus decreasing the necessary size of tank 38 and making more floor space available to other processing functions.
An additional advantage to the reciprocable piston type of pump system 22 is that the damage to the products themselves is significantly reduced over that encountered with other pumping arrangements, particularly those employing rotary pumps. In the latter pumping arrangements, the products passed through the rotor of the pump, requiring the same to have flexible vanes in order to avoid battering the products and severely damaging the same. Even with such flexible vanes, however, significant damage to the products could occur, thus lowering their sales appeal. ln pumping system 22, however, the piston 26 is disposed to one side of the path of advancement of the products through tube 14, and the products need not pass through piston 26, thus avoiding any damage to the products.
In fact, throughout the entire chilling system of the present invention, there is no application of direct mechanical force to the products to advance the same. Instead of impacting the products with structures such as paddles, elevators, and rotating drums and the like, the products are simply gently, although forcefully, moved along by the conveying fluid within their protective confines of the tube 14. Even during the actual chilling step when the products pass through coils 40 within tank 38, no mechanical bruising action is imparted thereto.
The chilling system illustrated in FIG. 2 is especially adapted for the chilling of poultry giblets normally consisting of livers, gizzards, hearts and necks. The basic chilling principles of this system are the same as those discussed with regard to the system of FIG. 1, but the important distinction with the system of FIG. 2 is that it allows the four types of giblets to remain totally separate from one another without comingling thereof during the chilling process. Such separation is desirable inasmuch as the giblet package, which is inserted into the chilled carcass of a bird, should contain only one each of the four types of giblets rather than a random assortment thereof. If the giblets are allowed to mix with one another during chilling, an additional processing step of separating the giblets from one another after chilling is required, and such is highly undesirable from an economic standpoint.
Thus, the system of FIG. 2- employs four separate input hoppers 112, four separate conveying tubes 114, four separate pumping systems 122, four separate output screen members 120, and a single chilling tank 138 common to all four of the conveying tubes 114. Because each type of giblet moving through its corresponding conveying tube 114 is maintained positively isolated from the giblets of the other tubes 114, all of the giblets can be cooled in a common tank 138 rather than requiring four separate chilling tanks. Manifestly, considerable expense, both in terms of actual purchased components and available floor space. is thereby avoided with the system illustrated in FIG. 2, in contrast to the prior vat systems wherein it was necessary to employ four different. vats if separation of the four types of giblets was to be maintained.
FIG. 3 illustrates one manner in which a single chilling tank may be employed to handle all four types of giblets 114, such as in the FIG. 2 procedure. Although the tank illustrated in FIG. 3 is designated by the numeral 38, which numeral was utilized to designate the chilling tank used in the system of FIG. 1, it is to be understood that the system of FIGS. 1 and 2 employ chilling tanks of substantially the same construction and manner of operation. When the system of FIG. 1 is utilized, coils 40 (illustrated only in FIG. 1) are used, but when the system of FIG. 2 is employed, four different sets of coils 140a, 140b, 1401 and 140d are utilized to carry the livers, hearts, gizzards and necks respectively. With this arrangement, it has been found that coils 140 should be 3 inches in diameter and approximately 10 feet in length in order to properly chill the giblets. In the case of coils 140a, 140a and 140d, eight separate tube sections are required, while in the case of coils 140b, which carry the smaller hearts, only four separate tube sections are required.
Preferably, the tubes 114 and their coils 140a, 140b, 14% and 140d are constructed of stainless steel which has thermodynamic properties well-suited for this type of use. Water has been quite successfully used as the conveying fluid, and preferably its temperature is approximately 35 F. when introduced into the hoppers 112 at a rate of about 3 gallons per minute for each hopper 112. The giblets spend. approximately 10 minutes passing through coils 140a, 1410b, 1400 and 140d, and such retention time lowers their temperature from approximately or F. to approximately 40 F.
The benefits derived from the system of FIG. 2 are precisely the same as those available from FIG. 1, with the additional result that comingling of the various giblet types is avoided.
As in the FIG. 1 system, the shortcomings of previous arrangements are overcome because chilling of the giblets is rapidly and efficiently carried out without exposure of the incoming giblets to the conveying fluid of previous giblets. Moreover, the advancement of the giblets through the chilling tank 38 is an essentially continuous procedure with a highly predictable output rate so that subsequent processing operations can run smoothly and efficiently.
The chilling system of FIG. 4 relates to an arrangement for precooling the conveying medium to such an extent that the need for passing the products through a chilling tank such as required in the arrangements of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be eliminated. A step in this direction is illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the water supply line 18 passes through the chilling tank 38. Thus, the fresh water in line 18 can be initially cooled to 40 F. or even lower before entering tube 14 in order to reduce the retention time of the products within chilling tank 38. This can also be used in the FIG. 2 system.
However. the arrangement of FIG. 4 goes beyond the step of partially reducing the temperature of the fresh conveying fluid prior to introducing the same into the conveying system and, instead, contemplates completely reducing the temperature of the fluid to its lowest level first by passing the conveying fluid supply line 218 through a heat exchanger 246. The chilled fluid is then introduced into the input hopper 212 along with the products to be chilled, whereupon the products and chilled conveying fluid move through a continuous tube 214, powered by pump system 222, without a chilling tank. The coils 240 in tube 214 are utilized only to retain the products in contact with the chilled conveying fluid a sufficient amount of time to reduce the temperature of the warm products to the desired level. Thus, by the time the products issue from the outlet end of tube 214 into the screen member 220, they have been chilled by the precooled conveying fluid without passing such products through a chilling tank.
The precise lengths of the coils 240 and thus the retention time of the products within tube 214 depend upon the thermodynamic properties of the products being chilled and the temperature to which they are to be lowered. In some instances, such as where water is utilized to convey the products, it may be desirable to introduce finely cracked or flaked ice into the hopper 212 along with the cold water to produce a cold slurry as the conveying and chilling medium. The presence of the ice chips in direct contact with the products moving through tube 214 is especially beneficial because of the increased amount of heat which ice at 32 F. is able to absorb as compared to water at 33 F. Although no specific means has been illustrated for introducing the ice chips into hopper 212, it is to be understood that such introduction may be manually carried out or, in order to more accurately control the addition of such ice, the ice may be supplied thereto through an auger tube or the like.
It is to be pointed out that, while the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4 does not have lower refrigeration requirements than those of FIGS. 1 and 2, since the conveying fluid must still be cooled and the same amount of work is required to effect such cooling whether before or after mixing the fluid with the products, the FIG. 4 arrangement does decrease the amount of floor space required because of the reduced amount of retention time of the products being chilled. Inasmuch as chilling of the products is instituted immediately upon introducing the same into hopper 212, the total length of tube 214 can be substantially less than the lengths of tubes 14 and 114 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In a high volume production facility such as a poultry processing plant, floor space is at a premium and thus the system of FIG. 4 is highly attractive.
From the preceding description, it should be apparent that all three of the chilling systems contemplated by the present invention provide vast improvements over previous systems. The numerous shortcomings of such earlier systems are completely avoided in the chilling concept of the present invention, and a major breakthrough in the chilling of perishable products, such as poultry and poultry parts, has been provided.
Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
1. In a method of processing food products, the steps of:
introducing the products into a conveying tube for transfer of the products therethrough;
introducing a fluid conveying medium into said tube for association with the products during their transfer;
applying a pumping force against the products and the medium simultaneously to advance the same on a first-in, first-out basis during said transfer with each product moving with its own pocket of the medium;
chilling the products with said medium while they are being transferred through the tube tube; continuing to transfer and chill the products within said tube until the temperature of the products first introduced into the tube has been lowered to a predetermined level;
discharging chilled products and medium from the tube;
precluding recirculation of discharged medium back into the tube with new products,
said pumping force application including moving all regions of a rigid surface against the medium through the same displacement and in reciprocal strokes; and
preventing transfer of medium and products in other than one direction through the tube during application of the pumping force.
2. In a processing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said medium is cooled during its passage through the tube with-the products.
3. In a processing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said medium is precooled prior to being introduced into the tube with the products.
4. In a processing method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said medium comprises a slurry of ice and water.
5. In a processing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tube is passed through a body of liquid coolant to cool the medium and thereby chill the products.
6. In a processing method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the moving products are retained within said coolant body a sufficient amount of time to lower their temperature to said predetermined level.
processed in different tubes, each type of product having its own tube in order to prei/ent comingling of the various product types during chilling.
10. In a processing method as claimed in claim 9, wherein all tubes are passed through a common body of coolant liquid to cool the medium of the tubes and thereby chill the products. |
US-3874187-A | Refrigerant compressor with overload protector | United States Patent [191 Anderson [11] 3,874,187 451 Apr. 1, 1975 REF RIGERANT COMPRESSOR WITH OVERLOAD PROTECTOR [75] Inventor: Thomas J. Anderson, North Brunswick, NJ.
[73] Assignee: Fedders Corporation, Edison, NJ.
Primary Examiner-Meyer Perlin Anorney, Agent, or FirmRyder, McAulay, Fields, Fisher & Goldstein [57] ABSTRACT A compressor having a sealed housing provided with a bottom compressor unit compartment and an upper motor compartment. A compressor unit is received in the bottom compartment and a motor is received in the motor compartment for driving the unit. The motor comprises a rotor and a stator having a winding the bottom portion of which is positioned adjacent to the bottom of the motor compartment. Connected to the compressor unit is an inlet for the flow of low pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the refrigerator system. A desuperheating coil provides a conduit for the flow of compressed refrigerant gas from the compressor unit back to the housing where the cooled gas enters at a point adjacent to the bottom of the motor compartment. Mounted on the bottom portion of the stator winding and positioned in the path of flow of the gas from the desuperheating coil is a thermostatic switch which is serially connected with the motor and its source of energy. The switch is operable to disconnect the motor from its energy source when the switch senses a combined temperature and current above a preselected value indicative of a motor overload.
6 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR WITI-I OVERLOAD PROTECTOR This invention relates generally to a refrigerant compressor and, more particularly, pertains to a refrigerant compressor having an improved overload protector whereby faster and more accurate responses to overload conditions are obtained.
Motors used to drive compressor units in hermetically sealed refrigerant compressors are peculiarly subject to thermal overloads which might well damage the motor winding insulation, thereby resulting in short circuits. When such damage occurs, the compressor must be replaced and the cost of such replacement is usually expensive since a great deal of labor is required to replace a compressor in addition to the cost of the compressor per se.
Accordingly, various overload protection arrangements have been used to protect motors from thermal overloads of the type under consideration. In one arrangement typically referred to as a rotary compressor, the motor windings are cooled by positioning the windings in the path of the refrigerant gas as the gas flows from the compressor unit to the refrigerating system. While this arrangement provides the requisite cooling when the motor is operating properly, a problem is presented if the motor stops operating as, for example, when the rotor locks. The motor will then quickly overheat with consequent damage to the winding insulation.
Another arrangement commonly used is to provide a thermal cut-out or thermal overload protection device in the form of a thermostatic switch of conventional construction that is connected in series with the motor. The switch is operable to disconnect the motor from its source of energy when the temperature in the housing rises above a preselected level corresponding to an overload condition. However, these thermal protection devices have proved to be inefficient in the past particularly in the case of a so-called non-start condition because ofthe long interval required for the ambient temperature to reach the overload temperature. Therefore, an overload condition may be permitted to exist for a substantial time before the device operates.
To be more specific, since the normal operating temperature of a rotary compressor is relatively high, the temperature at which the thermal protection device is set to cut-out is likewise correspondingly in excess of such normal operating temperature. When the compressor is initially energized it is at substantially the temperature of the environment. If a non-start condition is encountered (ie. the motor fails to operate), the temperature within the housing will increase. However, since the thermal protection device cut-out point is set relatively high, the motor will be subjected to excessive elevated temperatures for a relatively long period of time. It is obvious that continued repetition of this sequence of events will have a destructive effect on the motor windings over a period of time.
The above problem is compounded by the fact that under operating conditions a temperature gradient exists within the housing with the higher temperature at the top of the housing and a lower temperature at the bottom. Thermal protection devices of the prior art, such as shown in US. Pat. No. 2,946,203, are positioned at the top of the housing and, therefore, must be .set at a relatively high cutout or operate temperature top of the housing otherwise the motor will be prematurely disconnected from the source of energy. As a result, the reaction time of the switch for a non-start condition or the like is correspondingly increased.
Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide an improved overload protector for a refrigerant compressor motor.
A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an overload protector for a compressor that reacts relatively quickly to overload conditions.
Another object of the invention is a provision of an overload protector for a compressor that is highly sensitive to the temperature of the motor windings to be protected.
A further object of the invention resides in the novel details of construction that provide an overload protector of the type described for a refrigerant compressor that permits operation of the motor at lower terminal voltages than systems used heretofore.
In accordance with the present invention, a compressor is provided that comprises a sealed housing having a compressor unit disposed within a lower compressor unit compartment and a motor positioned above the compressor unit in an upper motor compartment and connected in driving relationship therewith. The motor includes a rotor and a stator provided with a winding having a bottom portion which is positioned adjacent to the bottom of the motor compartment. A compressor inlet is provided for introducing low pressure refrigerant gas from the refrigerating system into the compressor unit and conduit means provides for the flow of compressed refrigerant gas from the compressor unit into the motor compartment. A housing outlet provides a path for the discharge of the compressed refrigerant gas from the housing back to the refrigeration system. Thermally responsive switch means is mounted adjacent to the bottom of the motor compartment and is connected in electric circuit with the motor for disconnecting the motor from a source of potential when the switch means senses a temperature above a preselected value, thereby to protect the motor from damage due to overload conditions.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, partially in crosssection and partially in diagrammatic form, of a refrigerant compressor constructed according to the present invention; and
FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit wiring diagram of the compressor motor and overload protector.
A refrigerant compressor constructed according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference character 10 in FIG. 1 and comprises a hermetically sealed housing designated generally by the reference charcter 12. The housing 12 comprises a cylindrical intermediate section 14, a bottom dome section 16 and a top dome section 18. Peripheral portions adjacent to the bottom edges of the dome sections 16 and 18 are received within the cylindrical section 14 and are welded thereto so that the interior of the housing 12 is heremetically sealed from the external environment.
A mounting bracket 20 extends across the interior of the housing 12 and divides the housing into a lower compressor unit compartment 2.2 and an upper motor compartment 24. As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting bracket is spaced from the bottom of the housing 12 by a distance approximately equal to one-quarter of the overall height of the intermediate section 14. Mounted on the bottom surface of the bracket and received within the compressor unit compartment 22 in the bottom of the housing is a compressor unit 26. The compressor unit 26 is conventional in construction and is operable to compress refrigerant gas discharged from the refrigerating system.
Received within the motor compartment is a motor, illustrated diagrammatically at 28, which includes a rotor 30 and a stator windings 34. Connected to the rotor 30 is an output shaft 36 which connects with the compressor unit 26 to drive the unit. The stator windings 34 include a top portion 38 and a bottom portion 40 which is positioned adjacent to the bracket 20 at the bottom of the motor compartment 24.
An inlet tube 42 extends through the wall of the housing 12 into the compressor unit 26 and provides a path for the discharge of low pressure refrigerant gas from the refrigeration system (not shown) to the compr-essor unit. Compressed refrigerant gas from the compressor unit 26 is discharged through a conduit 44, which extends through the wall of the housing 12, into an inlet tube 46 of a desuperheater coil 48. The compressed refrigerant gas flows through the desuperheater coil 48 and is discharged from a desuperheater coil outlet tube 50 into the motor compartment 24 of the housing 12 through a wall passage 52. As shown in FIG. 1 the discharge opening of the passage 52 is positioned near the bottom ofthe motor compartment adjacent to the bottom portion 40 of the stator winding 34. The desuperheater coil 48 is conventional in construction and is operable to cool the refrigerant gas passing therethrough. For example, in an actualponstruction, the desuperheater coil has cooled compressed refrigerant gas flowing into the inlet tube 46 at a temperature of 235F. to 160F. as the gas flows out of the outlet tube 50. I
The gas flowing into the motor compartment 24 through the passage 52 flows upwardly across the motor 28 therby cooling the motor. Centrally positioned in the top dome 18 of the housing 12 is a discharge tube'54 that provides a path for the discharge of the compressed refrigerant gas from the motor compartment 24 to the refrigeration system. The compressed refrigerant gas flows through the refrigeration system to provide cooling and is discharged back to the compressor unit 26 through the inlet tube 42 in the conventional manner. I
As'not'ed hereinabove, a temperature gradient exists within the motor compartment 24. The highest temperature exists at the top of the compartment and the lowest temperature is at the bottom of the compartment. Heretofore, overload protectors have been positioned adjacent to the top ofthe motor compartment and must therefore operate at elevated temperatures. In order to sense a thermal overload, the cut-out point or point of operation of the overload protector must be set relatively high. As a result, the response of the protection device has been relatively slow'since a substantial interval of time exists before the ambient temperature of the device rises to the overload temperature point, particularly with regard to a non-start condition (at the initiation of a cycle of operation).
In accordance with the present invention, an overload protector or overload protection device 56 is provided which is located adjacent to the bottom of the motor compartment 24. The overload protector may be any of the well known types of thermal protection devices which are now on the market and which are operable to open a switch when the ambient temperature due to the motor current flowing through the device and the temperature of the motor windings reach a preset cutout point or temperature level. The switch is usually serially connected between the motor source of energy and the motor so that the device effectively disconnects the motor from its source of energy when the protection device operates.
More specifically, the overload protector 56 is mounted on the bottom portion 40 of the stator winding 34 as shown in FIG. 1. By so positioning the overload protector 56, a number of advantages are obtained. In the first place, by placing the overload protector directly on the stator winding 34, the sensitivity of the overload protector to winding temperature is increased. That is, since the overload protector is in direct heat exchanging relationship with the winding 34, the protector immediately senses the winding temperature.
Additionally, by locating the overload protector 56 in the bottom portion of the motor compartment 24, the cut-out point of the overload protector may be set for a lower temperature than if the protector were located in the upper portion of the compartment. That is, since a temperature gradient exists from the top to the bottom of the motor compartment 24, the temperature at the bottom of the compartment due to an overload condition will be lower than the corresponding temperature at the top of the compartment.
Moreover, in addition to locating the thermal protector 56 at the bottom of the motor compartment, the protector 56 is also positioned adjacent to the discharge opening of the passage 52. In other words, the protector is located directly in the path of the cooled compressed refrigerant gas from the desuperheater coil 48 which further serves to lower the ambient temperature of the protector 56. Accordingly, since the protector 56 is cooled by gas from the desuperheater coil and it is positioned in the lower (and cooler) portion of the motor compartment, the cut-out temperature may be set relatively low. Thus, if the flow of compressed refrigerant gas decreases or stops due to a locked rotor condition or a nonstart condition for example, the temperature of the stator winding 34 will immediately begin to rise. Since the cutout temperature point of the protector 56 is set relatively low and the compressed refrigerant gas from the desuperheater coil 48 is no longer cooling the protector, the protector will operate in a minimum amount of time to disconnect the motor from the power source, as noted in greater detail below.
The overload protector 56 is normally connected in series with the motor 28 and its energizing source as noted above. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the motor 28 is connected between a pair of input terminals 58 and 60 which, in turn, are connected to the respective terminals of a source of energy 62. The overload protector 56 is connected between one terminal of the motor 28 and the input terminal 58. Accordingly, the motor current flows through the overload protector 56. The overload protector 56 operates on an additive basis (i.e., it senses heat generated by the motor current flowing through it as well as the heat generated by the winding) so that it monitors the current flowing through the motor 28 in addition to the ambient temperature of the protector 56. Hence, the overload protector will operate to disconnect the motor from the energizing source if the current drawn by the motor exceeds an overload value or if the temperature of the protector (and, therefore, the winding 34) rise to an overload point or any combination of the two.
As a result of positioning the overload protector 56 adjacent to the discharge end of the desuperheater coil 48 and adjacent to the bottom of the motor compartment 24, the ambient temperature of the overload protector 56 will be relatively low, as noted above. Therefore, the current drawn by the motor 28 may be increased above normal without causing the overload protector to operate as long as the current does not generate heat in excess of that which would cause the overload protector to operate. Thus, the motor 28 can run at lower terminal voltages since larger currents can be tolerated by the system. Hence, the compressor having the overload protector of the present invention is ideally suited for use during brown-out periods, when the terminal voltage is decreased. This is an extremely important consideration since brown-outs lie, decreased terminal voltage) most likely occur during summer months. However, this is precisely when the maximum demands are placed on refrigeration systems of the type under consideration. The pres ent invention therefore provides ideal protection for the compressor since it permits substantial low voltage operation at high load without taking the refrigeration system out of service.
Accordingly, a refrigerant compressor with an overload protector has been provided which has a faster response to overload conditions and which permits the compressor to operate at high load and relatively low voltage conditions.
While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that numerous omissions, changes and additions may be made in such embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
What is claimed is:
l. A compressor for a refrigeration system comprising:
a. a sealed housing having a compressor unit compartment in the lower portion and a motor compartment in the upper portion thereof;
b. a compressor unit disposed within said compressor unit compartment of said housing;
c. a motor disposed in said motor compartment of said housing and connected in driving relation ship with said compressor unit;
, i. said motor comprising a rotor,
ii. and a stator provided with a winding having a bottom portion positioned adjacent to the bottom of said motor compartment;
d. a compressor inlet for introducing refrigerant gas discharged from the refrigeration system into said compressor unit;
e. conduit means for providing a path for the flow of compressed refrigerant gas from said compressor unit into said motor compartment;
f. a housing outlet providing for the discharge of compressed refrigerant gas from said housing back to said refrigeration system;
g. and thermally operated switch means mounted adjacent to the bottom of said motor compartment and connected in electric circuit with said motor for disconnecting said motor from a source of potential when said switch means senses a temperature above a preselected value.
2. A compressor as in claim 1, in which said switch means is mounted on the bottom portion of said stator winding in heat exchanging relationship therewith.
3. A compressor as in claim 2, in which said conduit means comprises a desuperheater coil having an inlet opening connected with said compressor unit and an outlet opening positioned adjacent to said bottom portion of said stator winding.
4. A compressor as in claim 3, in which said switch means comprises a thermostatic switch positioned in the path of flow of compressed refrigerant gas from said desuperheater coil outlet opening.
5. A compressor as in claim 4, in which said housing comprises a discharge tube in the upper portion of said housing for discharging compressed refrigerant gas back into the refrigeration system, whereby compressed refrigerant gas flows upwardly over said motor.
6. A compressor as in claim 1, in which said switch means generates heat in accordance with the motor current flowing therethrough, and said switch means senses temperatures due to the heat generated by the current flowing therethrough and the heat of said stator winding. |
US-3874188-A | Air cycle cooling system with rotary condensing dehumidifier | United States Patent [1 1 1 3, ,1 Zara et a]. 1 Apr. 1, 1975 [54] AIR CYCLE COOLING SYSTEM WITH 2,979,916 4/1961 Mason 62/172 ROTARY CONDENSING DEHUMIDIFIER 3,222,883 12/1965 Glaspie 62/93 Inventors: Eugene A. Zara, Dayton; Lawrence L. Midolo, Centerville; William C. Savage, Xenia, all of Ohio The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, DC.
Filed: May 9, 1974 Appl. No.: 468,326
Assignee:
US. Cl 62/272, 62/93, 62/150,
62/402 Int. Cl. F25d 21/00 Field of Search 62/93, 150, 272, 172
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1952 Carson ..62/150 7/1960 Brown ..62/272 3,623,332 11/1971 Fernandes 62/172 Primary Examiner-William J. Wye
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Harry A. Herbert, Jr.; Richard .1. Killoren [57 ABSTRACT An air cycle cooling system having a rotary condensing dehumidifier wherein the air from the compressor is passed through the vanes of a transverse flow heat exchanger with the cooled air from the expansion turbine being passed over the external surfaces of the vanes to thereby cool the air within the vanes. The cooling of the air within the vanes causes the moisture to be condensed. The water in the vanes is moved along with the moving air by viscus interaction. The water collects in the end member of the transverse flow heat exchanger and is removed by centrifugal force through poppet valves.
3 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures raga/Mr AIR CYCLE COOLING SYSTEM WITH ROTARY CONDENSING DEHUMIDIFIER Y The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States for all governmental purposes without the payment of any royalty.
BACKGROUND OF' THE INVENTION In air cycle cooling systems for aircraft, it is desirable to increase the cooling capacity of such systems to thereby reduce their weight and size for a given aircraft. The patent to Carson et al, U.S. Pat. No. 2,586,002, shows one type of air cycle cooling system for aircraft. In this system, the cooled expanded air from the expansion engine is passed across a swirl chamber which cools and removes water from the input air to the expansion engine. A more efficient cooling system for the input air to the expansion engine would provide drier air which could be expanded to a lower temperature thus increasing the cooling capacity of the system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a conventional two phase heat exchanger, wherein a liquid normally is passed through the hollow blades of an impeller with a cooling gas being passed over the blades of the impeller to thereby cool the liquid, is used with air passing through the hollow blades to thereby provide more efficient cooling of the air withinthe blades. The condensed water in the blades is moved axially within the blade passages by the air passing through the blades. The water is centrifuged to the outer wall of the exit manifold of the heat exchanger and is passed out of the manifold through poppet values to an external water recovery system. The dry air passes to the air cycle expansion turbine and over the outer portion of the heat exchanger and then to the aircraft cabin.
IN THE DRAWING FIG. I is a partially cut away view of an air cycle cooling system with a condensing dehumidifier according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. I along the line 22.
FIG. 3 shows a modified water extraction apparatus for use with the device of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference is now made to FIG. 1 of the drawing wherein a conventional transverse flow heat exchanger 10, such as described in the patents to Laing, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,347,059 and 3,424,234, is modified for use as a condensing dehumidifier in an air cycle cooling system such as described in the patent to Carson et al, U.S.
Pat. No. 2,586,002. Air from the compressor, not
shown, is supplied to the inlet 12 to the rotary heat exchanger element 14 which is driven by a belt 16 and motor 18. Rotary seals, not shown, are provided between end conduits, 22 and 24, of the rotary element 14 and the inlet and outlet conduits 25 and 26 respectively. The air passes through end channel 27 and then through vane members 29 to a second end member 31. The air then passes through an expansion turbine, shown in block 33, in a manner similar to that described in the US. Pat. No. 2,586,002. The turbine may be used to provide shaft power for auxiliary compression or maybe used for other purposes such as driving electrical generators} The cooled air from the expansion turbine is supplied to a conditioned compartment, not shown, through a conduit 35, by means of the transverse flow heat exchanger fan 14. As the air passes over the vanes 29, it
cools theair within the vanes to condense moisture in the air. The moisture is removed from rotary heat exchanger'by providing a plurality of poppet valves 38 around the periphery of the heat exchanger end member 31. When no water is present, in the end member, the valves 38 will remain closed. The springs of the poppet'valves are set to maintain the valves closed against the *air'pressure within the system which would be of the order of I00 psia. When water collects in the end member, the centrifugal force on the water together with the air pressure overcomes the spring of the poppet valves to allow the water to escape through the poppet valves into nozzle members 40. This water then passes through nozzle members 40 into an annular trough 42 and outlet 44.
In the operation of the device, air from a compressor, not shown, is supplied at inlet 12. The air passes through the vanes 29 to end member 31 and then out through conduits 24 and 26 to the expansion turbine 33. The air is cooled by expansion in the expansion tur-' bine and then passed through conduit 35 to the rotary heat exchanger and then to the compartment to be cooled. The air in conduit 35 cools the air in vanes 29 as it passes over them. The water condensed in the vanes 29 is moved by viscus interaction with the air in the vanes to end member 31 where it collects and is passed out through poppets 38 to be collected in trough 42 from which it passes to outlet 44.
It places where leakage from trough 42 is not a problem, the device of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be used. When leakage is a problem, some means is needed to provide a seal for trough 42. An alternative arrangement is shown in FIG. 3.
In this device, the nozzle 40 and trough 42 are replaced by reservoirs 50, which are sealed to end member 31. Tubular members 52 carry the water to an annular reservoir 54 which is secured to conduit 24'. Openings 55 are provided in the reservoir 54 so that water may pass to an annular trough 56 which is sealed to reservoir 54 by O-ring seals or other seal means. The water in trough 56 can pass out through conduit 58.
The water is able to flow inward through conduit 52 against the centrifugal force since it will be driven by the air pressure in end member 31. By bringing the water inward to reservoir 54, a smaller exit trough and seals can be used.
There is thus provided a condensing dehumidifier for an air cycle cooling system which provides more efficient cooling to provide drier air which permits use of a system with increased cooling capacity.
We claim:
1. In an air cycle cooling system having an expansion turbine; at dehumidifier having a first air flow path and a second air flow path; means for supplying high pressure air to said first flow path; means for supplying air from the first flow path to said expansion turbine; whereby said air is cooled to a low temperature; means for supplying cooled air from said expansion turbine to the second flow path of said dehumidifier whereby the moisture in the air in said first flow path is condensed to form water; said dehumidifier comprising a transverse flow fan having a rotary fan member and an air duct surrounding the fan member; said fan member having a plurality of hollow vanes forming the first flow path within the vanes; said air duct forming the second air flow path through the rotary fan member external to the vanes; said rotary fan member having an end member for collecting water formed by the moisture condensed in the first flow path within said vanes; means, responsive the centrifugal force on the water in said end member for removing the water from said end member.
2. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for removing the water from the end member includes a plurality of poppet valves, adapted to remain connected to said annular trough. |
US-3874189-A | Machine for producing frozen confections | United States Patent [191 i i] 3,874, Calim 45] Apr. 1, 1975 i MACHINE FOR PRODUCING FROZEN CONFECTIONS Primary ExaminerWilliam E. Wayner Assistant Examiner-W. E. Tapolcai, Jr.
[76] Inventor: Thomas F. Calim, PO. Box 158.
Jackson Center, Ohio 45334 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Palmer Fultz, Esq.
[22 Filed: May 2, 1973 [57] ABSTRACT [21] App]. No.: 356,398
A machine for producing frozen confections such as ice cream, or the like, wherein liquid mix is delivered U-S- f a Storage t k th gh a freezing chamber to 3 222/406 draw-off valve from which the frozen mix is dispensed Iii. t Cones or cups. Th achine is characterized a [58] new of Search 3 308; mix tank arrangement which utilizes disposable flexi- 22/342, 394. 406; 220/63; 141/1 14 ble bags removably confined within a rigid container which arrangement eliminates the necessity of returnl l References cued V ing mix tanks to the dairy for sterilization and refill. UNITED STATES PATENTS The machine is further characterized by a mix tank 2.087.648 7/1937 Lord 62/70 arrangement which utilizes a gaseous propellant 3156100 6/1966 Bernstein et al 99/136 itate the mix as well as to propel the mix through the 3,419.193 l2/l968 Stewart ct al 220/63 R X machine thereby achieving homeogenity of mix with- 3,656.3l6 4/1972 Stock 62/70 out [he need for special shaking machines.
FORElGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS t 4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures 1.238.514 7/197] Great Britain 62/342 /20 A20 ,4.) I50 I42 I43 I /44- I44 I54 I56 I52 FATENTEUAFR 1 I975 SHEET 2 [1F 3 MACHINE FOR PRODUCING FROZEN CONFECTIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to machines for producing frozen confections such as soft ice cream or the like.
In general, the machine of thepresent invention is of the type used by soft ice cream vendors and sandwich shoppes for freezing mix used to fill cones or cups with soft ice cream, the portions of the ice cream being released from the dispensing valve of the machine immediately prior to serving the customer.
Machines of this general type comprise an upright frame, the lower portion of which includes a storage cabinet for one or more pressurized mix tanks which are filled with a liquid mixture supplied by the dairy. Machines of this type further include a freezing chamber to which the mix delivered from the previously mentioned tank and wherein the mix is further chilled to stiffen its consistency to a soft ice cream state.
The soft ice cream is released from the freezing chamber by means of a draw-off or dispensing valve which is operated by the vendor to dispense servings of frozen mix to the cone or cup in controlled amounts.
In machines of this general type a problem has been present in the art in that the storage containers for the mix which are supplied to the vendor by the dairy, require return to the dairy, after use, for sterilization and refilling. Also it has been necessary for the vendor to go through a shaking operation. requiring special shaking apparatus, for each of the mix tanks prior to installing the tank in the soft ice cream machine if he wished to refill the tank himself.
Another disadvantage has been inherent in machines in the prior art in that it has been necessary for vendors to go through a special charging operation with respect to the new mix tank prior to installation of the same in the machine. The purpose of such charging operation was to add a freon food propellant," known as Freon H5 and N to each of the tanks prior to installing same in the machine to insure the proper overrun in the mix.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, the ice cream machine is provided with a novel mix tank arrangement which completely eliminates the necessity of returning the mix tank to the dairy for sterilization and refilling. Such troublesome and costly procedures are eliminated in one embodiment by the packaging of the mix, by the dairy, in disposable flexible bags which are delivered to the vendor for refrigerated storage. When it becomes necessary for the vendor to refill a machine all that is necessary is to remove the exhausted flexible bag presently in the machine and install a new one filled with mix inserting same in a rigid permanent container that need not be returned to the dairy.
As another aspect of the present invention the machine is provided with a novel mix container construction which eliminates the necessity of the vendor shaking the container in a special shaking machine, such novel container construction generally comprises a gas inlet tube provided with a release orifice means which extend throughout the mix. The inlet of such tube is connected to a source of gas such as Freon 115 com monly used in aerosol foods as well as nitrous oxide (N 0). Such gas heretofore has been used as propellant and for desired overrun with the Freon 115 serving to add stability to the product. However, in accordance with the present invention the novel container arrangement utilizes the admission of gases in such a manner to vigorously agitate and stir the mix thereby eliminating the need for previously required shaking operation in a special shaking machine.
As another aspect of the present invention, the previously mentioned flexible bag arrangement is combined with the previously mentioned gas inlet mixing tube construction so as to provide both the advantages of non-returnability of the container as well as the elimination of the need for prior shaking of the containers by the vendor.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred form of embodiment of the invention is clearly shown.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single unit ice cream machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multiple unit ice cream machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a partial side sectional view of a typical unit of one of the machines of the preceding figures, the section being taken along a vertical plane through the centerline of the machine;
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a mix container constructed in accordance with the present invention with thesection being taken along a vertical plane through the centerline of the mix container; and
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a modified mix container constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the section being taken along a vertical plane through the centerline of the container.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a single station machine for dispensing ice cream or the like whereas FIG. 2 illustrates a dual machine for dispensing ice cream portions simultaneously from two stations.
Referring next to FIG. 3 which is a side sectional view through one ofthe stations of the machines of the preceding figures, it will be noted that the apparatus comprises an upright frame means 10 that includes side walls that form a refrigerated storage compartment 115. This storage compartment serves to hold an active mix container indicated generally at 116 as well as a standby mix container 116-A.
With continued reference to FIG. 3 active mix container 116 releases liquid mix via a mix delivery conduit 20 which is connected to the inlet passage 36 of a heat exchanger or freezing chamber indicated generally at 16.
Mix container 116 is pressurized by a suitable gas such as Freon 115 and nitrous oxide via line 23 which communicates with a pressurized source of gas, not illustrated.
With continued reference to- FIG. 3, storage compartment 115 includes wall insulation indicated at and is cooled by a cabinet refrigeration system including refrigerant coils 108, storage compressor 102, and a storage condensor 96. Such refrigeration system for the storage compartment is of a conventional type and is provided with the usual refrigeration controls for maintaining a constant preset temperature in the storage compartment.
Referring again to the novel cooling chamber indicated at 20 in FIG. 3, surrounded by a protective jacket 16 with the space between the chamber and jacket filled with suitable insulation consisting offiberglass or the like.
Details of the internal structure of cooling chamber and heat exchanger 20 are illustrated and described in detail in my co-pending application Ser. No. 356,399 filed May 2, 1973.
A dispensing valve indicated generally at 12 and including a dispensing lever 14 is provided at the outlet of cooling chamber 20. Such valve 12 is described in my co-pending application Ser. No. 356,400 filed May 2, 1973, now US. Pat. No. 3,828,572.
Reference is next made to FIGS. 3 and4 which illustrate a novel mix tank apparatus whichfunctions in a unique manner to agitate the mix and deliver same to the previously described cooling chamber 16.
As seen in FIG. 4, one modification comprises a mix container 116 which includes a lid 140 that can be removed at the lid latches 144 whereby the container 116 can be cleaned, sterilized and refilled with mix when it is returned empty to the dairy.
Container 116, FIG. 4, is mounted in refrigerated compartment 115 with a mix outlet tube 122 connected to mix delivery line 23 at a lid fitting 120, said outlet tube including a mix inlet 124. Container 116 further includes a gas inlet tube 128 preferably having a closed lower end 132 and an upper end connected to a gas delivery line 136. Line 136 is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas not illustrated, with a preferred gas being a mixture of Freon 115 and Nitrous Oxide (N These gases are FDA. approved for use in aerosol foods, and such have been commonly used as a propellant for dispensing foods from aerosol cans.
In accordance with the present invention, the above mentioned gaseous mixture functions to agitate the mix bath 126 and thereby maintain the mix in a homeogeneous state. As a result the need for stirring apparatus in the cooling chamber section is eliminated and the mix can bedelivered through the relatively small and thermally efficient mix delivery tubes 22 previously described.
Agitation of mix bath 126 is effected by providing orifice means 130 through the wall of gas delivery tube 128, FIG. 4, with the result that the pressurized gaseous mixture fromline 23 is released in jet streams throughout the bath of mix thereby maintaining same in a mixed homeogeneous state.
It should be mentioned that in the operation of prior machines it has been necessary for the vendor to shake the mix container in a special shaking machine prior to 4 installation in the machine which of course is time consuming and necessitates extra equipment in the form of a shaking machine.
Referring next to FIG. this embodiment represents a modified apparatus and method for handling, agitating and dispensing mix to the cooling chamber 116 of FIG. 2. Here the mix 126 is supplied by the dairy in disposable flexible bags 160, formed of suitable plastic material. Such bags include gas inlet tubes 152 and mix discharge tubes 156 which are closed by sterilized caps by the dairy. As was the case with the embodiment of FIG. 4, the gas inlet tube 152 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced gas discharge orifices which agitate the mix bath 126 and thereby maintain its homeogenity.
In operation of the embodiment of FIG. 5, the operator needing a new container of mix need only unlatch the clamps 144, lift lid and disconnect the empty flexible bag 160 at the nipple and hose connections 143 and -154. The empty bag is then removed from container 116 and a new filled flexible bag is next placed in the container and connected to lines 136 and 120 at the nipple connections 150-154.
It will now be understood that with the disposable bag embodiment of FIG. 5 there is the further advantage that the metal mix container 116 need not be returned to the dairy for refill, nor is it necessary to sterilize the metal container since the inner bag 160 is supplied by the dairy in a sterilized condition.
Referring again to FIG. 5, it should be mentioned that as a further modification the flexible bag embodiment could be pressurized externally by the admission of compressed air at the air inlet 146 which would be connected to a source of compressed air, not illustrated. In such instances. however, the product would be forced out in the same manner as use of pressure in the bag. However, the mix 126 would not be subjected to the advantageous mixing effect from the jets of compressed gas leased from orifices 130 in tube 152 in the manner previously described. The other advantages of the disposable bag system would however be realized.
While the form of embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted.
I claim: a
1. A machine for dispensing soft ice cream or the lik comprising, in combination, frame means; heat exchanger means for chilling a mix; a metering valve for sequentially dispensing portions of said mix from said heat exchanger means; a refrigerated storage compartment on said frame means; a pressurized mix tank mounted in said storage compartment and comprising a tank inlet and a tank outlet; a flexible mix bag removably mounted in said mix tank and including a sanitary bag interior sealed from said tank and a bag outlet; gas delivery conduit means for delivering a flow of gas to pressurize said mix and extending outwardly through said tank inlet to a source of pressurized gas; mix delivery conduit means communicating with said bag outlet means and extending outwardly through said tank outlet to said heat exchanger means; and disconnect means in said conduit means for connecting and disconnecting mix bags to said conduit means.
2. The machine defined in claim 1 wherein said flexible mix bag includes a bag inlet; and wherein said gas with outlets of said heat exchanger means,
* l =i= =l= |
US-3874190-A | Sealed single rotor turbine | United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,874,190 Eskeli 1 5] Apr. 1, 1975 SEALED SINGLE ROTOR TURBINE 3,795.46] 3/1974 Eskeli 415/178 3,828,573 8/1974 Eskeli 62/401 [76] Inventor: Eskel" 7994741 Locke 3,834,179 9/1974 Eskeli 62/401 Houston, Tex. 77042 [22] Filed: Jan. 31, 1974 Primary E.\am1'nerHenry F. Raduazo [21] Appl. No.: 438,239
Related U.S. Application Data [57] ABSTRACT [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 410.985, Oct. 30, A method f apparatus for generatmg p w 1973, wherein a fluid is accelerated and compressed within a rotating rotor in outward extending fluid passageways [52] U.S. Cl 62/401, 415/178, 165/86 i h r moval of heat from said fluid during first part [51] Int. Cl. F25d 9/00, F28d 11/00 of sa compression, and at ti n to said fluid [58] Field of Search 410/1; 415/178, 179; d ring la t r pa f id mpr i n, n h rein /86; 62/401, 402, 499, 500 said fluid is then decelerated in passages extending inward with work being obtained during said decelera- [56] References Cited tion. The fluid being used is normally a gaseous fluid,
UNITED STATES PATENTS and is normally sealed and circulated within said rotor. The heating and cooling are provided by circulating a heating and cooling fluid through respective heat 268113007 0/1954 71114118112111 :1: 415/ exchangers Heat may be also added in P during 333110.574 2/1907 138C111 415/179 Said deceleration, and hear y be removed in P 3.726.605 4/1973 B50111 415/178 uring said deceleration. 3,791,167 2/1974 Eskeli 62/401 3.793.848 2 1974 Eskcli 415 120 4 Clalms 2 Drawmg Flgures SEALED SINGLE ROTOR TURBINE CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a continuation-in-part application of a previous application titled Sealed Single Rotor Turbine, filed /30/73, Ser. No. 410,985.
This invention relates generally to devices for generating power in response of a fluid being flowed from a higher energy level to a lower energy level by passing said fluid through a rotating turbine rotor.
There have been various types of turbines previously; in some of these a fluid is accelerated in single or multiple stationary nozzles and then passed to vanes mounted on a rotating rotor wheel, where the kinetic energy of the moving fluid is converted to power.
These conventional turbines normally have high energy losses due to fluid friction, especially between rotor vanes and the fluid where the velocity differentials are usually large.
FIG. 1 is a cross section of the turbine, and
FIG. 2 is an end view of the same unit.
It is an object of this invention to provide a turbine where the working first fluid is sealed within the turbine rotor and heat is added to said first fluid from a second fluid during and after compression, and cooling is provided for said first fluid before and during first part of said compression; this being done to improve the performance of said turbine.
Referring to FIG. I, therein is shown a cross section of the turbine. 10 is casing, 11 is rotor, 12 is heat addition heat exchanger. 13 are rotor nozzles for first fluid, I4 is rotor dividing wall, 15 is a vane within inward first fluid passages, 16 is a layer of thermal insulation, 17 is second fluid distribution canduit, 18 is first fluid passage near rotor center. 19 and 26 are rotor bearings and seals. 20 is rotor shaft, 21 and 22 are second fluid inlet and outlet, 23 is casing vent into which a vacuum source may be connected, 24 is first fluid space within rotor, 25 is heat removal heat exchanger, 27 and 28 are third fluid inlet and outlet, 29 is third fluid passage within shaft 20, 30 is vane within outward extending first fluid passages.
In FIG. 2, an end view of the unit shown in FIG. 1, is illustrated with portions removed to show internal details. It) is casing, 11 is rotor, 15 is vane within inward extending first fluid passages, 28 is third fluid outlet, 12 is heat addition heat exchanger, 25 is heat removal heat exchanger, 13 is rotor nozzle, 30 is vane, and 31 indicates direction of rotation for rotor.
In operation, first fluid enters the outward extending first fluid passages via opening 18, and is accelerated and compressed as it passes outward by centrifugal action on the fluid by said rotating rotor. During first part of said compression, heat is removed from said first fluid in heat exchanger 25 where third fluid is circulated in heat exchange relationship with said first fluid. Then said first fluid is further accelerated and compressed with vanes 30 assuring that said first fluid will rotate with said rotor. Heat is added to said first fluid in heat exchanger I2, where said second fluid is circulated in heat exchange relationship with said first fluid. After compression, said first fluid is passed through nozzles I3 where said first fluid is further accelerated and discharged in forward direction so that the absolute first fluid tangential velocity is the sum of the rotor velocity and the leaving fluid velocity; said first fluid is passed to space 24, and from there to inward extending first fluid passageways where vanes 15 will assure that said first fluid will rotate with said rotor for receiving the work associated with deceleration of said first fluid by said rotor. After deceleration, said first fluid is passed through passage 18 thus completing its work cycle.
In the turbine of this invention heat is removed during or before the first part of compression, and heat is added into said first fluid during latter part of said compression. The removal of heat during compression may be sufficient to provide for isothermal compression during said heat removal, and this will allow for a greater work output by the turbine while having a lower temperature second fluid used for said heat addition. Thus, more work is obtained with a lesser temperature differential between said second fluid and said third fluid. Therefore, this turbine is particularly advantageous when the temperature of said second fluid is low, and near the temperature of said third fluid.
Various controls and governors are employed with the turbine of this invention. They do not form a part of this invention and are not further described herein.
The heat exchangers for said second and third fluids are shown to be made of finned tubing in the drawings. Other types of heat exchangers may be used, such as second fluid and third fluid conduits built in the rotor walls, for example.
The first fluid is usually a gas, such as many of the hydrocarbons. The second fluidl may be water, or some other liquid or a gas, and the third fluid also may be a liquid, or a gas.
The heat removal heat exchanger 25 may be extented to the inward extending first fluid passages defined by vanes 15, if desired, to provide additional heat transfer area.
What is claimed is:
l. A turbine for generating power and comprising:
a. a means for supporting shaft rotatably;
b. a shaft journalled in bearings in said support for rotation;
c. a rotating rotor mounted on said shaft so as to rotate in unison therewith, said rotor being adapted for high speed rotation, said rotor having first radially outwardly extending first fluid passageways with vanes therewithin for ensuring that said first fluid therewithin rotates at the same rotational speed as said rotor for effecting centrifugal compression and for effecting an elevated pressure; said first radially extending passageways having at their outward ends means for discharging said first fluid in forward direction which is in the direction of rotation; said first radially extending passageways being provided with heating heat exchanger near the outward ends of said vanes to add heat to said first fluid prior of its said discharge forward; said first radially extending passageways being provided with cooling heat exchanger to remove heat from said first fluid near the inward ends of said vanes for removing heat from said first fluid before and during early part of said compression; said first fluid being discharged from said forward discharge means to radially inward extending first fluid passages, with said inward extending passages having vanes therewithin for receiving the work associated with deceleration of said first fluid; said inward extending first fluid passages outward ends being situ- 3 4 ated outwardly from said first fluid forward dise. a second fluid being circulated within said heating charge means; said first fluid is then passed through heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with passages to said first outward extending first fluid said first fluid; passageways; said heating heat exchanger being f. a third fluid being circulated within said cooling provided with with a second fluid with said second 5 heat exchanger and being in heat exchange relafluid entering and leaving said rotor via passagetionship with said first fluid. ways near the center of said rotor; said cooling heat 2. The turbine of claim 1 wherein said first fluid forexehanger being provided with a third fluid with ward discharge means are converging type nozzles. said third fluid entering and leaving said rotor via 3. The turbine of claim I wherein said heating fluid passageways near the center of said rotor; is a liquid. d. a first fluid being circulated within said rotor with 4. The turbine of claim 1 wherein said heating fluid a predetermined amount of said first fluid having is a gas. been sealed within said rotor; |
US-3874191-A | Blower housing | O United States Patent 1191 11 1 3,874,191 Hudson Apr. 1, 1975 BLOWER HOUSING Primary Examiner-William J. Wye lnvemor' James Hudson Fort wmth Attorney, Agent, or FirmWofford, Felsman, Fails & [73] Assignee: Molded Products Company, Fort Z b I Worth, Tex.
[221 Filed: June 12, 1974 ABSTRACT 21) Appl 478,635 The specification discloses a blower housing for dual squirrel cage blowers drlven by an mtermedlately CllS- posed motor for achieving even air distribution for the Ci 62/426 62/4i91 i65/i2i evaporator coil of an air conditioner. The housing has [65/122 HS/219 a front wall with an air egress region for each blower [5 In. Cl. t. a curved bame located in the housing above and Field of Search 62/426; 165M211 122; between the blowers for directing air toward the cen- 415/2i9 tral region of the evaporator coil. In addition, there are provided curved deflectors located in the housing i References Cited above each blower for deflecting air toward the cen- UNITED STATES PATENTS tral region of the evaporator coil. A horizontal slat 1.767.279 6 1930 Bulkeley 62/426 also is Provided in Kile from Wall dividing each air 3110 355 7 935 Larkin egress region into upper and lower air openings for 2.697.921 12/1954 Brugler providing a back pressure to enhance flow of air to- 3.l69.737 2/1965 Wilson ward the central region of the evaporator coil. 3.483.7l3 lZ/l969 3.491.550 1/1970 Cavis 62/426 6 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures FATENTEU APR 1 I975 SHEET 2 OF 3 PATH-BT59 APR 1 975 SHEET 3 BF 3 BLOWER HOUSING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a blower housing for dual squirrel cage blowers driven by an intermediately disposed motor for achieving even air distribution on the evaporator coil of an air conditioner.
In blowers which utilize dual squirrel cage blowers driven by an intermediately disposed motor for blowing air on the evaporator coil of an air conditioner. there has been a problem in achieving even air distribution on the evaporator coil. This has been due to the fact that the blower housing air outlets conventionally are disposed only in the areas adjacent to the squirrel cage blowers. Thus. air egresses from the blower housing in two distinct paths with little or no air llow from the housing in the region between the blowers. This results in the central region of the e\ aporator coil. which is between the dual squirrel cage blowers and opposite the motor. getting little or no air distribution.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVIZN'IION It is an object of the present invention to provide a housing for dual squirrel cage blowers for achieving an even air distribution on the evaporator coil of an air conditioner particularly at the central region of the coil.
The housing has a front wall with an air egress region for each blower through which air may be blown and which comprises an opening located at a level generally above each blower. A curved baftle is located in the housing above and between the blowers for directing air through the openings toward the central region of the evaporator coil. The curved baflle comprises H curved walls located inwardly of the blowers on each side of a plane extending midway between the blowers and which extend forward toward the front wall and carve toward each other. Also provided are curved deflectors located in the housing above each cylindrical blower for deflecting air toward the central region of the evaporator coil. The deflectors extend forward toward the front wall and carve toward the plane which extends midway between the blowers.
In a further aspect, a horizontal slat is provided which separates each air egress region into two openings and enhances the flow of air toward the central region of the evaporator coil.
BRIEF DESCRIP'I'ION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of the front of the blower housing of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the blower housing of FIG. I illustrating the manner in which its front face will be located adjacent the evaporator coil of an air conditioner;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the housing of FIG. 1 illustrating top and bottom portions which are attached together to form the housing for supporting a motor and dual squirrel cage blowers;
FIG. 4 is a view of the top portion of the housing of FIG. 3 as seen from the rear when looking up into the top portion;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 taken through the lines 5-5 thereof:
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the lines 6-6 thereof:
of FIG. 4 taken FIG. 7 is another view of the top portion of the hous' ing as seen when looking up into the top portion generally along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 5:
FIG. 8 is a front view ol'one side ofthe housing of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the front wall of the housing taken through the lilies 9-9 of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ll\'\'F.
Referring now to FIGS. l3 of the drawings. the housing is identified at II and comprises two spaced apart chambers I3 and IS for housing dual squirrel cage cylindrical blowers I7 and I9 driven by a motor 2I. for blowing air on the evaporator coil of an air conditioner. In FIG. 2. the coil of an air conditioner is illustrated at 23. supported in a housing 25. A front wall 27. having air egress regions. extends across the chambers I3 and I5. In use. the housing II will be positioned to locate the front wall II and its air egress regions next to the coil 23 of the air conditioner as illustrated in FIG. 2. The cylinders I7 and I9 are connected to shafts 29 and 3| extending from opposite sides of the motor 21 and are driven in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. I and 3. for blowing air through the air egress regions formed through the front wall and hence onto the coil 23 of the air conditioner.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. the front wall 27 extends across the chambers I3 and I5 to positions beyond the outer edges 17A and [9A of the blowers. The top portions of the front wall 27 is identified at 27A while its bottom portion is identified at 278. Each chamber I3 and I5 includes a llat. top wall portion 13A and ISA which extends rearward from the top portion of the front wall 27 and which merges with and joins curved portions 138 and 158 which extend around the blowers I7 and I9 from 278 lower portion 27b of the front wall 27. Curved portions I38 and 158 are spirals in cross section which expand at a rate of 5 relative to the outside diameters of the blowers beginning at tangent lines to the blowers at the top, front portion of the housing. The chambers I3 and I5 have outer side wall portions 33 and 35 spaced outward from the outer edges 17A and 19A of the blowers and inner side wall portions 37 and 39 spaced from each other and inward from the inner edges 17B and 19B of the blowers I7 and I9.
The egress regions of the front wall 27 comprise upper openings 4| and 43 and lower openings 45 and 47. The upper openings 4] and 43 are located near the tops of the chambers and at levels above the cylindrical blowers of each chamber while the lower openings 45 and 47 are located in front of the blowers I7 and I9. A curved baffle 51 is located in the housing above and between the cylindrical blowers for directing air from the openings 41 and 43. towards the central region of the evaporator coil. The baffle SI is formed by curved wall portions 53 and 55 coupled to the inner side wall portions 37 and 39 respectively at positions spaced rearward from the front wall 27 and extend forward, curving toward each other. and meet at or near the front wall in the plane extending midway between the inner side wall portions 37 and 39 and hence midway between the blowers I7 and I). The midplane is identified by lines 6-6 in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 1. lower plate portions 57 and 59 are connected to the bottoms of the curved wall portions 53 and S7; to the inner side wall portions 37 and 39'. and extend to the front wall 27 to prevent the air. following the curved wall portions 53 and 55 of the baffle 51. from flowing downward and out of the housing behind the baffle. Plate portions 57 and 59 slant downward at an angle of about Ill",
Also provided in the chambers 31 and 15 are curved deflectors 6 I. 63 and 65. 67 which are located immediately above the cylindrical blowers in line with the upper openings 4] and 43 and are curved to deflect and direct air toward the central region of the evaporator coil. As illustrated. the deflectors 61 and 63 are connected to the top wall portion 13A of chamber I3 and extend downward to positions just above the top of blower I7. Similarly. deflectors 65 and 67 are connccted to the top wall portion ISA of the chamber I5 and extend downward to positions just above the top of blower 19. The deflectors 61 and 63 are spaced from each other between the curved wall 53 of baffle 5] and side wall 33 and divide the distance between the curved wall 53 and side wall 33 above blower I7 into approxi mately three equal parts. Similarly. the deflectors 65 and 67 are spaced from each other between the curved wall 55 of baffle 51 and side wall 35 and divide the distance between the curved wall 55 and side wall 35 above blower I9 approximately into three equal parts. h loreovcr, as illustrated, the deflectors 6]. 63 and 65. 67 extend forward from a rear position toward the front wall terminating short of the front edges of top wall portions [3A and A and curve toward the midplane identified by lines 66 in FIG 4. The walls 53 and 55 of the baffle SI and the deflectors 61. 63. 65. and 67 are curved sufficient to direct and deflect air with a minimum of turbulence through the openings M and 43 toward the central region of the evaporator coil and hence provide a better distribution of air on the evaporator coil particularly at its central region thereby increasing the BTU output of the air conditioner.
In addition. there is provided a slat 69 which forms a part of the front wall 27 and separates the air egress regions in front of each blower into the upper and lower openings 4]. 45 and 43. 47. The purpose of the slat 69 is to restrict the flow of air out of the air egress regions formed through the front wall to provide a back pressure on the blowers which enhances the function of the deflectors in deflecting air toward the central region of the evaporator coil. In this respect, the back pressure prevents air from flowing down and around the lower edges of the deflectors and hence forces more air to follow the curvature of the deflectors toward the central region of the evaporator coil. Although the slat 69 reduces the cubic feet per minute flowing out of the housing. it enhances the distribution of air at the central region of the evaporator coil and hence results in an increase in BTU or cooling power of the air conditioner. By employing the slat 69. there also is eliminated the problem of water being blown out through the front ofthe air Conditioner. In this respect. in the heretofore conventional housing, high velocity air is blown out of the blower housing and through the evaporator coil in two distinct paths on each side of the center of the coil. This results in a low pressure on each side of the evaporator coil and a higher pressure at the center thereof which in turn results in a circulation pattern of air through the evaporator coil. This air circulation picks up condensed water at the center of the co l which is blown out through the front of the air conditioncrt By the use of the curved baffle and the deflectors. a more even distribution of air flow from the housing to the evaporator coil is obtained as described above. however. it has been found that without the slat 69. some water still is blown out from the front of the air conditioner. This problem has been completely eliminated. however. by use of the slat 69. As seen in FIG. 9, the slat 69 also is inclined downward and acts also to direct air downward, particularly. at higher speeds to provide a better overall air distribution on the evaporator coil portions opposite the blowers.
As seen in FIG. 3 the housing II is formed in two parts I IA and I 1B with the bottom ofthe front wall 27 attached to the top of the housing portion H8. The housing part IIA has tabs 7! formed on its top edge and tabs 73 formed on its bottom edge and which are adapted to fit into matching slots 75 formed in the top of the wall 27 and matching slots 77 (see FIG. 2) formed in edge 78 at the other end of the housing part I I8 whereby the two parts IIA and 118 may be held together by the tabs and slots. Connected between the chamber portions of housing parts HA and HE are curved sections which are adapted to fit around the motor 2I when the housing parts IIA and HE are secured together. The curved section connected between the chamber portions of housing part IIA is not illustrated, however, it is connected between the chamber portions of housing part llA by tab members 79 (see FIG. 2). The curved section connected between the chamber portions of housing part HE is illustrated at 81 in FIGS, I and 3. Also provided is a separate halfcylindrical member 87 which is adapted to fit over the curved section connection between the chamber portions of housing part IIA. Member 87 has a front tab (not shown) adapted to hook under member 89 of housing part ISA and two apertures at its back end for receiving bolts 83 and 85. These bolts are adapted to extend through these two apertures and through aligned apertures formed in the edge 78 of housing part I I8 whereby two nuts may be threaded to the bolts on the underside of edge 78 for securely attaching the housing to the motor 2|. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the front wall 27 has a single opening 43 extending along its length which forms the two openings 4| and 43 when the housing parts IIA and 11B are attached together and the slat 69 is located against the front portion of the baffle SI.
In one embodiment, the housing sections IIA and H8, the front wall 27 and member 87 are formed of plastic. The housing has a length between outer side edges 33 and 35 of about [2V2 inches. It is constructed to support blowers I7 and I9 having a length of about 3% inches and a maximum outside diameter of about 3 inches. The distance between side walls 33 and 37 and between side walls 35 and 39 is about 4 /8 inches. The opening 42 formed through the front wall 27 has dimensions of about Il /z inches X i of an inch while each of the openings 45 and 47 have dimensions of about 4 inches X /2 of an inch. The slat 69 has a width in its flat plane ofabout one-half of an inch. Deflectors 6] and follow circular curves each having a radius of 5.93 inches while deflectors 63 and 67 follow circular curves each having a radius of 4.10 inches. The curved walls 53 and 55 of the baffle SI follow circular curves each having a radius equal to 2.64 inches. The curves of deflectors 61 and 63 and curved wall 53 have different center points on one side of plane 66 of FIG. 4 while the curves of deflectors 65 and 67 and curved wall 55 have different center points on the other side of plane 6-6.
Although the slat 69 has advantages as mentioned above. it may be eliminated between openings 4], 45 and 43, 47 in order to obtain a greater cubic feet per minute output air flow, if desired, although resulting in a lower BTU output. If the slat 69 is eliminated, openings 4i and 45 will merge into a single large opening as will openings 43 and 47. In this embodiment, the baffle SI and deflectors 61. 63, 65, and 67 will be employed to direct and deflect the air towards the central region of the air conditioner coil as described previously.
l claim:
I. A housing for spaced apart cylindrical blowers located in axial alignment and driven by a motor located between the blowers for blowing air on the evaporator coil of an air conditioner, said blowers being coupled to shaft means of the motor on opposite sides thereof and having outer edges facing in opposite directions and inner edges facing each other, said outer and inner edges being located in planes transverse to the axes of said cylindrical blowers. said housing comprising:
a front wall, having top and bottom portions. extending across said housing to positions beyond the outer edges of said blowers,
top wall means extending rearward from the top portion of said front wall and which joins surrounding wall means extending around said cylindrical blowers from the lower portion of said front wall,
said front wall having an air egress region for each blower through which air may be blown,
each air egress region comprising an opening located at a level generally above its cylindrical blower,
curved baffle means located in said housing above and between said cylindrical blowers for directing air through said openings toward the central region of the evaporator coil,
said curved baffle means comprising curved walls located inward of said cylindrical blowers on each side of a plane extending midway between said blowers and which curved walls extend forward toward said front wall and curve toward each other, and
curved deflector means located in said housing above each cylindrical blower for deflecting air through said openings toward the central region of the evaporator coil,
said deflector means located above said blowers extending forward and curving toward said plane which extends midway between said blowers.
2. The housing of claim 1 comprising:
a slat extending across each air egress region separating each air egress region into two openings, one of which includes said opening located at a level generally above its blower and a lower opening located generally in front of its blower.
3. A housing for spaced apart cylindrical blowers located in axial alignment and driven by a motor located between the blowers for blowing air on the evaporator coil of an air conditioner, said blowers being coupled to shaft means of the motor on opposite sides thereof and having outer edges facing in opposite directions and inner edges facing each other, said outer and inner edges being located in planes transverse to the axes of said cylindrical blowers, said housing comprising:
separate chambers for each blower.
a front wall, having top and bottom portions extending across said chambers to positions beyond the outer edges of said blowers,
each chamber including top wall structure extending rearward from the top portion of said front wall and which joins surrounding wall structure extending around its cylindrical blower from the lower portion of said front wall,
said chambers having outer side wall portions spaced outward from the outer edges of said blowers and inner side wall portions spaced from each other and inward from the inner edges of said blowers,
said front wall having air egress region for each blower through which air may be blown,
each egress region including an opening near the top portion of said front wall and located at a level generally above the cylindrical blower of each cham her,
said openings being defined by top and bottom edges, outer side edges corresponding generally with the positions of said outer side wall portions of said chambers, and curved inner walls,
said curved inner walls being coupled to said inner side wall portions of said chambers at positions spaced rearward from said front wall and which extend forward, curve toward each other, and meet at or near said front wall in a plane extending midway between said blowers for directing air toward the central region of the evaporator coil,
at least one curved air deflector for each chamber located above its cylindrical blower and connected to and extending downward from said top wall structure in line with said opening of said chamber,
said air deflector of each chamber being located be tween said curved inner wall and said outer side wall of its chamber and extends forward from a rear position toward said front wall, curving toward the plane which extends midway between said blowers,
said curved inner walls and curved air deflectors being curved sufficient to direct and deflect air with a minimum of turbulence through said openings toward the central region of the evaporator coil.
4. The housing of claim 3 comprising:
a slat extending across each air egress region separating each air egress region into two openings, one of which includes said opening located at a level generally above its blower and a lower opening located generally in front of its blower.
5. The housing of claim 3 wherein:
said front wall has a generally flat forward face,
said top wall structure of each chamber comprises a generally flat top portion which extends rearward and joins surrounding wall structure extending around its blower from the lower portion of said front wall,
each chamber including two curved air deflectors located above its cylindrical blower and connected to and extending downward from its flat top portion in line with said opening of each chamber,
said air deflectors of each chamber being spaced from each other between said curved inner wall and said outer side wall of their chamber and extend forward from a rear position toward said front wall, curving toward the plane which extends midway between said blowers,
u slut extending across each uir egress region separating CllLh air egress region into two openings. one of which includes said opening lnemed all a level genemlly above its blower and 11 lower opening lueuted generally in from of its hluwer. |
US-3874192-A | Oil cooling apparatus for refrigerators | United States Patent Kato [451 Apr. 1, 1975 41 OIL COOLINGIAPPARATUS FOR REFRIGERATORS Inventor: Eiji Kato, Chigasaki, Japan Kabushiki Kaisha Maekawa Seisakusho, Tokyo, Japan Filed: Feb. 26, 1974 Appl. No.: 446,005
[73] Assignee:
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Feb. 27, 1973 Japan 48-26610 US. Cl 62/473, 62/468, 62/84 Int. Cl. F25b 43/02 Field of Search 62/468, 473, 474, 84, 192,
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 6/1885 Suckert 62/84 H ewage;
MOTOR l 2,684,579 7/1954 Hieatt 62/468 3,270,521 9/1966 Rayner 62/84 3,710,590 1/1973 Kocher 62/468 3,811,291 5/1974 Schibbye 62/473 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 522,598 9/1953 Belgium 62/473 Primary Examiner-William .1. Wye Attorney, Agent, or Firm-James E. Nilles [5 7 ABSTRACT 6 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures OIL COOLING APPARATUS FOR REFRIGERATORS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an oil cooling apparatus for a refrigerator such as a screw type refrigerator in which a large quantity of oil is required for the operation.
In the hitherto known refrigerator of this type, oil is discharged from the refrigerator together with exhaust gas at high pressure and temperature and a large scale and capacity of oil cooler of a water cooling type is used for cooling the mixture of gas and oil. Accord ingly, there arises a danger of the water cooler being subject to deposition of dirt and corrosion by the cooling medium or water.
an important object of the invention is to provide an improved oil cooling apparatus for the refrigerator in which the disadvantages of the conventional oil coolers such as above mentioned have been eliminated.
To this end, according to the invention, high pressurized coolant liquid is atomized and introduced into an exhaust gas conduit from the refrigerator to thereby cool effectively the oil and gas mixture in a simple manncrv The above and other objects as well novel features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the examination on the description of an embodiment of the invention. The description makes reference to the drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of an oil cooling apparatus according to the invention; and
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a liquid atomizer section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the accompanying drawing which shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, a screw type refrigerator 1 has an exhaust outlet or opening 5 from which an exhaust gas conduit 3 extends to an oil separator 2, which in turn is communicated with a condenser 7 through another gas conduit 6. The condenser 7 on the other hand is connected to a liquid receptacle or container 9 through a liquid conduit 8. The receptacle 9 has another liquid conduit 10 outgoing therefrom and connected to an evaporator 12 through an expansion valve 11. The screw refrigerator 1 has a suction inlet 14 to which a gas suction conduit 13 extending from the evaporator 12 is connected. A high pressure liquid conduit 4 which is led from the liquid receptacle 9 is connected to a liquid atomizing port 15 provided within the exhaust gas conduit 3. Alternatively, the high pressure liquid conduit 4 may be led from the condenser 7. The liquid atomization within the gas conduit 3 may be effected by utilizing the potential energy between the condenser 7 or receptacle 9 and the atomizing port 15 with the former positioned at a higher level than that of the latter. Otherwise, an ejector 16 may be arranged within the exhaust gas conduit 3 and connected to the high pressure liquid conduit 4. Furthermore, an electromagnetic valve 17 is provided in the high pressure liquid conduit 4 and opened or closed in synchronization with start or stop, respectively, of the operation of an electric motor 18 for driving the refrigerator 1. Additionally, an oil conduit 20 from an oil sump 19 of the oil separator 2 is connected to oil injection orifices 25 and other lubricating portions 24, 26 of the screw refrigerator 1 by way of filters 21, 22 and an oil pump 23.
In operation, gas discharged from the exhaust outlet 5 of the screw refrigerator 1 at. a high temperature and pressure as mixed with oil in a mist form is cooled by evaporating latent heat of the liquid coolant derived from the receptacle 9 and atomized by the atomizing port l5 within the exhaust gas conduit 3, whereby oil component is cooled to the temperature of about 45C, while gas component is cooled to a temperature in the vicinity of the condensation temperature of the condenser 7, that is 30C to 35C. The cooled mixture of gas and oil is then introduced into the oil separator 2 in which gas is separated from oil. The gas from the separator 2 is then liquidized by the condenser 7 and collected at the receptacle 9. The gas condensation or liquid from the receptacle 9 is supplied to the expansion valve 11 through the liquid conduit 10 and, after having been expanded into gas at a low pressure, is introduced into an evaporator 12 where heat exchange takes place between the gas and heat load. Finally, the low pressure gas is sucked into the suction inlet 14 of the screw refrigerator 1 through the suction conduit 13. This process is repeated. Oil from the oil separator 2 is supplied to lubricating portions of the screw refrigerator 1 through the oil sump 19' and the oil conduit 20 and used for lubrication of bearings, cooling of gas and the sealing purpose.
As is apparent from the foregoing description, according to the present invention, the high pressure liquid conduit 4 is provided in the exhaust gas conduit 3 connecting the refrigerator 1 and the oil separator 2 to each other. As a result of that, coolant atomized in the exhaust gas conduit 3 is easily evaporated by the high temperature exhaust gas, whereby the exhaust gas as well as oil mixed therewith in a form of mist are cooled by latent heat upon the evaporation. Thus, gas supplied to the condenser 7 can be previously cooled, while oil component can be put in the state for easy separation from gas. In this manner, according to the invention, the apparatus or installations can be made or arranged in a compact form without requiring an additional separator of a large capacity as is in the case of the hitherto known apparatus. Furthermore, since a cooler of a water cooling type is not employed, the problem of dirt deposition on cooling water conduits as well as corrosion thereof will not arise.
While the invention has been described with reference to an illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that the invention will never be restricted thereto and one skilled in the art can make many changes and modifications in the form of the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
What is claimed is:
1. Oil cooling apparatus for a refrigerator comprising a refrigerator, an oil separator, an exhaust gas conduit for connecting said refrigerator and oil separator to each other, an atomization means provided within said conduit, and a liquid coolant supply source connected to said atomization means.
2. Oil cooling apparatus as set forth in claim I, wherein said liquid coolant supply source comprises a liquid receptacle.
generate a potential energy between them.
6. Oil cooling apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the oil cooled and separated from the gas in said oil separator is injected into said refrigerator and introduced for lubrication of bearings of said refrigerator without installing any oil cooler.
l l= l l |
US-3874193-A | Absorption refrigerator with additional means for defrosting the refrigerator | United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,874,193 Reistad 5] Apr. 1, 1975 ABSORPTION REFRIGERATOR WITH [56] References Cited ADDITIONAL MEANS FOR DEFROSTING N] STATES PATENTS THE REFRIGERATOR 2,240,175 4/1941 Coons et al 62/110 x 75 Inventor; Bengt Reistad R i Bromma, 2,468,104 4/1949 Phillips 62/110 X Sweden 3,177,675 4/1965 Kogel 62/490 x 3,807,189 4/1974 Eber et a1, 62/490 X [73] Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux, Stockholm, 1
Sweden Primary Exa11zinerWilIiam F. ODea 22 i Man 4 1974 Assistant ExaminerPeter D. Ferguson [21] Appl. No.: 447,484 ABSTRACT I An absorption refrigeration apparatus operating with [30] Forelg Apphcanon Prmmy Data inert gas and having means for lifting liquid from one Mill. 2, I973 Sweden 73029548 level to a level means can be used to achieve a well controlled defrosting of the refrigera- [52] U.S. CI. 62/490 i apparatus under all normal operating conditions [51] Int. Cl. thereof [58] Field of Search 61/110, 490, 491
6 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures 21 '1 l I1 11 10 II II 34 77 n 20 II II 12 1- ll 76 13 {l 14 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An absorption refrigeration apparatus is known which operates with inert gas and has means using collected liquid for control of apparatus functions. In prior art, liquid has been supplied to such means either by a heat operated pump or from a conduit in which condensate is present and which is leading such condensate to the means. It is also known in the gas circulation system of an absorption refrigeration apparatus to have a liquid seal being normally open to permit circulation of gas and being temporarily closed to block the gas circulation. After the blocking period, the seal is emptied by a siphon. During the blocking period, generation of cold in the evaporator system of the apparatus ceases and thus defrosting of the evaporator part occurs. After the liquid seal has been emptied, liquid is again collected in it either by leading condensate of the working media present in the gas circulation system into the liquid seal or by leading vapor of the working media from the boiler system of the refrigeration apparatus towards the liquid seal, which vapor is caused to condense to a certain extent in the supply conduit. Both these methods for solving the problem of bringing about defrosting of the refrigeration apparatus involve certain disadvantages. For example, if condensate from the gas circulation system is used, defrosting will be very much dependent on the operational conditions of the apparatus because the condensation of working media in the conduits concerned varies to a great extent with different ambient temperatures or with the loads on the refrigerator operated by the apparatus. If instead of the foregoing method the other method of condensation of hot vapors from the vapor space in the boiler system of the apparatus is used, this will entail the disadvantage that part of the heat is removed from the boiler system, among other disadvantages. Also regulation of the quantities of condensate collected may involve difficulties. In addition to these disadvantages, it is difficult to construct the apparatus such that a modification intended for automatic defrosting can be readily obtained from a manufacturing point of view by adding an extra part to an embodiment intended to operate without defrosting.
It is an object of the present invention to provide means in the refrigeration apparatus for lifting liquid from one level to a higher level without heat supply to the lifting means.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a simple additional part to the refrigeration apparatus which is connected into the system to thereby achieve a well controlled defrosting under all normal operating conditions.
The invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the absorption refrigeration apparatus having the additional automatic defrosting installation, and with the heat insulation removed from the boiler;
FIG. 2 is a view of certain details of construction of the automatic defrosting installation of FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale; and
FIG. 3 is a modified embodiment of the automatic defrosting installation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigeration apparatus shown is the known type utilizing water, ammonia, and hydrogen in the cycle. In this cycle, the water, ammonia, and hydrogen act as an absorption solution, a refrigerant, and a pressure equalizing inert gas, respectively. However,other media may be used.
The refrigeration apparatus during the normal generation of cold can be controlled by a thermostat (not shown), which connects and disconnects the electrical circuit depending upon the required cooling need. Electric power is supplied through the wires 10 to the electric heating cartridge 11 positioned in a metal sleeve 12 which is in heat conductive relationship with the boiler 14 along the line 13. The outer conduit 15 of the heat exchanger contains absorption solution weak in refrigerant and supplied from the outer pipe of the boiler. This solution is conveyed through a conduit 16 and eventually to the upper part of the absorber 17 of the apparatus. In the absorber, the solution flows downwardly while absorbing refrigerant vapor from the rising rich mixture of refrigerant vapor and inert gas. When the solution has passed through the absorber 17 in which it is enriched in refrigerant, it is collected in an absorber vessel 18 from which it is supplied by a conduit 19 to the liquid circulating pump 20 in the boiler 14. The pump 20 forms an inner conduit in the liquid heat exchanger. As seen in FIG. 1, the pump 20 is located concentrically in the vertical part, the upper end 21 of which is closed.
Vapors emanating from the pump 20 and boiler 14 are conveyed in a vapor conduit. 22 to the condenser 24 of the refrigeration apparatus provided with fins 23. The evaporator of the apparatus comprises evaporator parts 26 and 27 and a conduit 25 is heat-conductively connected to both evaporator parts 26 and 27 and the refrigerant condensate formed. in the condenser 24 passes through the conduit 25 to the highest point in the evaporator system at one end of the evaporator part 27. At the same location, weak inert gas is supplied which has been pre-cooled in the inner conduit 28 of the evaporator system and comes from the absorber 17. Thus, the refrigerant and the weak gas are in parallel flow through the evaporator part 27 which forms the low temperature evaporator, and thereafter through the evaporator part 26 which forms the high temperature evaporator, and through a gas heat exchanger 29 to the conduit 30. The latter leads to a vapor space 31 in the absorber vessel 18 from which the gas is led upwardly through the absorber 17.
The gas mixture which is weak in refrigerant appears at the upper end of the absorber 17 and is conveyed through a conduit 32 to the top part of a vessel 33 which, in a known manner, serves as a liquid seal in the gas conduit. A siphon 34 extends to the bottom part of the vessel 33 and transfers the liquid content of the vessel 33 to the absorber vessel 18 when the liquid in the vessel 33 has risen above the level 35. The vessel 33 is provided with a conduit 36 which is open in its bottom end, the latter being on a level 37 located slightly below the highest level 35 of the siphon 34. As long as the liquid in the vessel 33 is at a level below the level 37 adjacent to the bottom opening of the conduit 36, the weak gas is conveyed from the conduit 32 downwardly in the vessel 33 and upwardly through the conduit 36 which outside of the vessel 33 has a laterally disposed part 38 that is inclined downwardly to connect with the conduit 39. The latter conduit is an extension of the gas conduit 29 passing through the evaporator system and extends as far downwardly to be submerged in the liquid held in the absorber vessel 18.
The vessel 33 is provided with a liquid seal formed by collected liquid. In this regard, FIG. 1 discloses a vent conduit 40 connected at one end to the condenser 24 and directly connected'to the conduit 16 in which weak absorption solution is supplied to the absorber 17. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vent conduit 40 and the conduit 16 form the same pipe and a connecting conduit 41 is shown between the conduit 16 and the absorber 17. The connecting conduit 41 is connected to the absorber 17 at a level 42. The connecting conduit 43 forms a bubble pump between the conduit 16 and the vessel 33. As seen in FIG. 2, the conduit 43 is connected to the conduit 16 at a level 44 located below the level 42 and to the vessel 33 at a level 45 above the level 42 where the liquid intake to the absorber 17 is situated.
It should be noted that the use of hydrogen as an inert gas, and ammonia and water as the other working medium results in that the solubility of hydrogen in the solution is bound by the physical laws, and the solubility is directly proportional to the partial pressure of hydrogen above the free liquid surface. The solubility further depends on temperature; however, in practice, this dependence is insignificant. The transport is accomplished with such an amount of hydrogen and so constantly under different operating conditions that it can be used to operate the bubble pump 43 and transfer the desired quantities of weak absorption solution to the vessel 33. The level 42 at the absorber intake can be adjusted relative to the levels 44 and 45 at the inlet and outlet of the bubble pump 43 as well as adjusting the relation between the levels 35, 37, and 46, the latter being the end of the siphon 34 opening into the vessel 33. These adjustments result in the defrosting of the evaporator of the absorption refrigerator at the desired time and during the same time approximately for each defrosting. By changing the relation between the levels near the bubble pump, the liquid supply to the vessel 33 can be varied and by adjusting the levels in the vessel 33, it is also possible to modify the filling time of the liquid seal. Accordingly, as described above, there are two possible ways of adjusting the desired times for defrosting.
When the gas mixture in the absorber leaves the absorber part 32, it contains substantially all hydrogen with some ammonia vapor and a small portion of water vapor. When the gas is cooled in the inner conduit 28 of the gas heat exchanger 29, a small quantity of water vapor and ammonia vapor will condense. The resultant condensate flows downwardly through the conduit 39 and is drained in the absorber vessel 18. The condensate instead of flowing to the absorber vessel 18 may be conducted to another part of the absorber, for example, to the highest point of the absorber. However, the condensate should never be permitted to flow down into the vessel 33. If the condensate found its way into the vessel 33, the time for filling the vessel from the level 46 to the level 37 would be much shorter than otherwise; but the time for filling from the level 37 to the level 35 would remain the same as has been disclosed hereinbefore. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the time represented by the difference of the levels 46-37 is about 20 times longer than the time represented by the difference between the levels 37-35; and obviously, it would not be desirable to increase the filling velocity during the interval 46-37.
The condenser 24 contains ammonia in vapor and liquidphase and in addition contains an insignificant quantity of water in vapor and liquid phase and a quantity of hydrogen depending upon the ambient temperature. With regard to the latter, there is more hydrogen in the condenser at low ambient temperature than at high ambient temperature. Hydrogen is conveyed to or from the condenser by the vent conduit 40 at variations of the ambient temperature. Furthermore, additional hydrogen will be continually supplied to the boiler 14 with the rich solution from the absorber vessel.
As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the defrosting time depends largely on the differences in the distance between the levels 35 and 37, i.e., the distance from the top of the siphon 34 to the level 37 at the lower opening of the conduit 36 through which the gas flow is blocked during defrosting. In large scale production, the relative position of the levels 35 and 37 may differ somewhat and this may influence the defrosting time from one apparatus to another.
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention which has been developed in order to make the apparatus less sensitive to production tolerances. In this alternate construction, the gas blocking unit is provided with a larger horizontal cross-sectional area between the first and the second levels than between the second and third levels. In this construction, weak liquid is supplied through conduit 16 and conduct 41 to the absorber 17. Inert gas flows downwardly through the conduit 40 and will press some liquid up through conduit 43 into the left hand branch 47 of a U-shaped conduit. The upper end of branch 47 is connected to the absorber 17 so that inert gas, weak in refrigerant, passes into the U-shaped conduit, the other branch 48 of which is connected to the evaporator (not shown) through the gas heat exchanger 29. The U-shaped conduit 47, 48 is located in a vessel 49 and opens into the vessel through hole 50 in the bight of the U. As seen in FIG. 3, a siphon 34 is arranged with its inlet opening located just above the bottom of the vessel 49 at the level 46. The rounded top of the siphon is positioned inside the vessel 49 at the level 35. Liquid pumped into the U-shaped conduit 47, 48 through the conduit 43 flows through the hole 50 and is collected in the vessel up to the level 37. When further liquid is supplied to the U- shaped conduit, it cannot rise within the entire vessel 49 because above the liquid level there is an upper enclosed space containing inert gas and vapor. Thus, above the level 37, the liquid will rise only inside the two legs 47, 48 of the U-shaped conduit. When the liquid reaches the level 35, the siphon 34 will be active and lower the liquid to the level 46. The liquid in the apparatus rises slowly from the bottom of the vessel 49 to the level 37. Thereafter, the liquid rises very fast and therefore, it is possible to have a comparatively large distance between the levels 37 and 35.
It should be apparent that the present refrigeration apparatus can be easily manufactured in large scale production. Moreover, although the illustrations herein are on one plane for the sake of clarity, it is within the scope of the present invention to position the parts of the refrigeration apparatus in other ways relative to each other, which are more suitable from the point of view of ease of manufacture.
What is claimed is:
1. In an absorption refrigeration apparatus having an inert gas andprovided with a circuit for absorption liquid working medium, a gas circulation system including an evaporator and absorber, a vapor expulsion unit, a condenser connected to said vapor expulsion unit for delivering liquid to the evaporator to produce a refrigerating effect, the improvement comprising; a vessel in said apparatus, means for transfering the liquid working medium from one part of the refrigeration apparatus to said vessel located at a higher level than said one part, a vent pipe conducting gas from said condenser, a first conduit connecting said vent pipe to said vessel, said first conduit functioning as a bubble pump by means of said inert gas being drawn from said condenser through said vent pipe, and a second conduit connected to said vent pipe and having liquid therein, the level of liquid in said bubble pump when no gas is supplied being located above the connection of said vent pipe to said pump but below the connection of said pump to said vessel.
2. In an absorption refrigeration apparatus having an inert gas and provided with a circuit for absorption liquid working medium, a gas circulation system including an evaporator and absorber, a vapor expulsion unit, a condenser connected to said vapor expulsion unit for delivering liquid to the evaporator to produce a refrigerating effect, the improvement comprising; a defrosting arrangement for said refrigeration apparatus having a vessel and wherein said gas circulation system is provided with a liquid seal in said vessel, said seal being temporarily open to permit the circulation of a gas and emptying said liquid seal in said vessel after said blocking period, a vent pipe conducting gas from the condenser, a first conduit connecting said vent pipe to said vessel, said first conduit functioning as a bubble pump by means of said inert gas being drawn from said condenser through said vent pipe, a second conduit connected to said vent pipe and conducting weak absorption liquid to said vent pipe, and a branch pipe connecting said second conduit to said absorber, said bubble pump being connected to said seal at a point higher than the-inlet of said branch pipe to said absorber.
3. An absorption refrigeration apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said absorber is provided with one gas-conveying conduit connected to the top of said seal, and another gas-conveying conduit in said seal having a part extending outside said seal, said one gasconveying conduit and said part of the other gasconveying conduit being operatively connected to said liquid seal and inclined relative to said seal whereby liquid working media in said conduits flow in the direction from the liquid seal through said conduits.
4. An absorption refrigeration apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said absorber is provided with an extension in the form of a U-shaped pipe having legs which are gas-conveying conduits, said conduits being operatively connected to said liquid seal and being inclined so that the liquid working media flow in the direction from the liquid seal through said conduits.
5. An absorption refrigeration apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a gas-blocking means is provided in said vessel with a larger liquid collecting area below the gas flow blocking level than above this level.
6. An absorption refrigeration apparatus as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a siphon in said vessel having a top level above the gas flow blocking level so as to lower the liquid in the vessel to a predetermined level below the gas flow blocking level. |
US-3874194-A | Gear type torsion coupling with quickly replaceable sleeve | United States Patent r191 Filepp et al.
[ Apr. 1,1975
[ GEAR TYPE TORSION COUPLING WITH QUICKLY REPLACEABLE SLEEVE [75] Inventors: Leslie Filepp, Colts Neck; James S.
Jones, Westfield; Charles Allia, Mercerville, all of NJ.
[73] Assignee: Midland-Ross Corporation,
Cleveland, Ohio [22] Filed: Apr. 12, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 460,561
[52] US. Cl 64/9 R, 64/14, 64/6,
64/32 [51] Int. Cl. Fl6d 3/18 [58] Field of Search 64/9 R, 9 A, 14, 6, 32
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,421,546 6/1947 Dalton 64/9 R 2,924,954 2/1960 Parhard 64/9 R 2,957,322 10/1960 Simons et a1. 64/9 A 3,313,124 4/1967 Filepp 64/9 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 811,979 4/1937 France 64/9 R Primary Examiner-Samuel Scott Assistant Examiner-Randall l-lleald Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Woodrow Portz 57 ABSTRACT A coupling for shaft-to-shaft power transmission which comprises two externally toothed hubs for attachment to opposing shaft ends, and an internally toothed sleeve in mesh with the teeth of the hubs. The sleeve is constructed in two or more arcuate sections normally secured together over the hubs by an encircling band-like member.
11 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures FIG.9
GEAR TYPE TORSION COUPLING WITI-I QUICKLY REPLACEABLE SLEEVE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gear type couplings conventionally comprise two hubs, each having external teeth at one end and a bore adapting the hub to receive a shaft and be keyed thereto in a sleeve with internal teeth which receives the toothed portions of the hubs within opposite end portions of the sleeve. The sleeve is almost invariably secured in axial relation with the hubs by means, such as removable retaining rings, at opposite ends of the sleeve which may be secured by screws, or may be of split ring steel construction to snap into internal annular grooves of the sleeve.
In recognizing the inevitability of wear, either the sleeve or the hubs, usually the latter, are manufactured with greater resistance to hardness so that the other, e.g., the sleeve, will be preferentially worn and can be replaced without replacement of the other elements. The removal ofa sleeve and the coupling just indicated entails detachment of the retaining rings, and detach ment of at least the driving shaft or the driven shaft from its normal operating location.
It is a principal object of this invention to provide a gear type coupling which comprises a low cost, cheaply manufactured sleeve capable of being quickly removed from, or installed on, the hubs of the coupling without any disturbance of the mounting of the hubs or the shafts connected by the coupling.
Other objects ancillary to the above object are that the sleeve be inherently self-lubricating; that it be suffi ciently flexible that a sleeve formed of longitudinally split sections may flex sufficiently to snap into place over a circular portion of the tooth periphery of each hub: that the material of the sleeve maintain a fairly constant range of characteristics .within a temperature range of I50F.. e.g., 50 to 200F.; that the sleeve comprise an injection moldable material in order to attain low cost: that the sleeve be of a design through which very accurately fitting coupling construction may be achieved without need for the precision entailed in very low tolerance molding.
Some of the advantages in achieving the above objects are that the shafts may be quickly disconnected for any reason, the coupling may be quickly disassembled for inspection purposes and broken or worn ele ments of the coupling may be quickly replaced, and that the coupling may be quickly disassembled for shaft realignment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, the gear coupling comprises a cylindrically shaped, internally toothed sleeve which is split along one or more longitudinal radial planes. The resulting sleeve sections are secured tightly together by a non-elastic cylindrical shell, such as one made of steel. The sleeve consists preferably of a moderately resilient, selflubricating, synthetic elastomer which has a higher wear rate than the relatively hard material, e.g., steel, of the hub teeth. The sections and the hub in a preferred embodiment have a full perimeter of complementary teeth. In order that a sleeve section may assume its complementary position on a half circle of hub teeth, each section is required to have sufficient flexibility, i.e., a range of durometer hardness in the order of 50 to 70, as measured on the D scale of the Shore Scleroscope to allow diametral springing enabling a section, e.g., a sleeve half, to slip or snap over the terminal teeth within the corresponding half peripheries of both hubs. To minimize wear, the materials of the sleeve is selected to provide all possible lubricity consistent with the required hardness of the material.
To ensure snug fit and allow lower manufacturing costs, the outer surface of the sleeve in a preferred embodiment is formed with small projections, such as circumferential spaced, longitudinally extending ridges extending radially outwardly, e.g., two or three hundreths of an inch in height, beyond the inner diameter of the shell to cause the shell to fit tightly over the projections either by the compression thereof or by the trimming of the peaks thereof during placement of the shell on the sleeve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofthe coupling of the invention shown in assembled condition but with several parts removed.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sleeve section from the coupling shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the coupling of FIG. 1 with a portion of one sleeve section cut away.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view in section taken along a longitudinal diametral plane of the coupling shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a modified coupling taken along a longitudinal diametral plane thereof.
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal radial section showing an outer reinforcing shell in partially enveloping relation with the outer surface of the sleeve of the coupling of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another modified coupling characterized by shell retaining bosses but shown with its outer shell removed.
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of the sleeve of the coupling of FIG. 7 taken along a longitudinal diametral plane thereof. FIG. 9 is an exploded end view of the sleeve of the coupling of FIG. 7 showing its three section construction.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a coupling comprising, as its principal elements, hubs 5, 6 mounted on shafts 7,8, respectively; an internally toothed sleeve comprising sections in the form of halves 11,12; a cylindrical shell 14 adapted to fit over the outer surface 15 of the sleeve 9. As FIGS. 3 and 4 indicate, the sleeve is provided with internal teeth which mesh with external teeth of the hubs. The teeth of the hubs occur on end portions thereof housed within the sleeve 9. The other untoothed portions of the hubs are externally smooth and generally cylindrical and axially bored to receive respective end portions of the driving and driven shafts 7,8. The sleeve sections 11,12 separate along a longitudinal radial plane of the coupling containing the coupling axis NN and containing, e.g., radial edges or surfaces 13a and 13b of sleeve half 11 (see FIG. 2).
Because of the separability of the sleeve sections, the sleeve of this invention may be constructed with integral flanges 18, 19 which extend radially inwardly beyond the internal teeth 21 of the sleeve.
As shown, the flanges 18,19 are formed with internal annular grooves 25,26 which receive seal rings 27,28. The inner diameters of seal rings 27,18 preferably agree closely or interfere with the outer diameters of the hub surfaces 23,24. The outer diameters of seal rings 27,28 need not agree closely with the maximum diameter or full depth of the grooves 25,26 to allow for more working freedom of the rings within the grooves during misalignment of the shafts 7 and 8 as long as the rings are of sufficient outer diameter to remain at all times in at least partially radially overlapping relation with the sides of the grooves in maintaining sealed enclosure of the internal region of the coupling. In assembling the coupling, these seal rings 27,28 are placed on respective hubs 5, 6 and the grooves of the separated sleeve halves brought into registry with the rings.
The coupling further comprises internal guard rings 31, 32 having outer circumferential portions received in annular internal grooves 33, 34 of sleeve sections. A side of each ring 31, 32 fits against an inner side or radial surface of the integral flanges l8, 19 to protect these surfaces from scuffing by the adjacent hub teeth.
The sleeve sections 11, 12 are secured together along their parting plane by the shell 14, usually of steel or other metal, located over the circumferential surface 15 as shown in FIG. 4. Surface 15 is provided with projections spaced substantially uniformly thereover such as nodules, or the plurality of ridges 16 shown, which extend in the axial or longitudinal direction of the coupling. The ridges project radially outwardly from the surface 15 to a surface of revolution having a circumference slightly greater than the inner cylindrical surface 37 of the shell. When the shell 14 is in place as shown in FIG. 4, the ridges 16 are either flattened or trimmed off in sliding the shell 14 into the position shown.
For example, in the practice of the invention, a coupling for connecting shafts of l /2 inches in diameter has an outer sleeve diameter, i.e., the diameter of the surface 15, of 4.125 inches. The ridges 16 project l/32 or approximately 0.03 of an inch outwardly from the surface 15. A shell 14 having an internal diameter of 4.15 inches deforms the ridges to approximately onehalf their height by either compression or trimming off the top portion of the ridges as the shell 14 is slid into place in an axial direction over the surface 15. The edge 41 of the shell 14 may be chamfered or rounded along its internal diameter as shown in FIG. 6 to induce a compressed condition of the ridges. A sharp square edge will tend to trim off the ridges.
The shell 14 is secured from any longitudinal or axial displacement relative to the sleeve 9 by an annular shoulder 43 which engages one side edge of the shell 14. The shoulder extends radially outwardly from one end of the surface 15. The sleeve 9 defines an annular groove 44 extending radially inwardly from the opposite end of the surface 15 in which is received a snap ring 45. Because of the split construction of the sleeve, the ring 45 is preferably of a construction providing a plurality of circular convolutions such as shown in FIG. 3. A multiple convolution ring avoids the possibility of a split of a single convolution ring occurring at the parting plane of the sleeve halves.
A coupling 50 of modified design shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 differs from the coupling 4 of FIGS. 14 essentially by the manner in which the shell 14 is secured over the halves 52, 53 of sleeve 54. The sleeve of this embodiment has no retaining shoulder, such as shoulder 43 of sleeve 9. Sleeve 54 has a smooth outer cylindrical surface except for a plurality oflongitudinally extending ridges 55 rising radially outwardly from the cylindrical surface 56 and grooves 57, 58 which indent radially inwardly from the surface 56 to receive retaining rings 45 at each end of the shell 14.
A further feature of the invention is the tongue and notch construction of the sleeve sections which enables them to be secured together in positive mating axial alignment independent, e.g., seal rings 27, 28 or locking rings 45. Since these rings go into place with some clearance, there is some opportunity for warping of the sleeve sections relative to each other during operation were it not for (looking now at FIG. 2) a tongue 61 projecting in a circumferential direction from edge surface 13a and a notch 62 recessed in a circumferential direction from the surface 13b. The radial outer surface of the tongue is preferably a projection of the circumferential surface 15 of the sleeve.
The notch 62 is preferably open sided within the surface 15 for the reason that identical coupling sections as shown in FIG. 2 are formed to provide a continuous internal tooth structure of the sleeve 9 which meshes with or encloses all teeth of the hubs 5, 6. Because of this complete configuration of the teeth in the sleeve, the sleeve 9 is constructed of a slightly resilient material which permits the coupling halves to yield slightly in a diametrical direction taken across surfaces 13a, 13b to enable each sleeve section to yield slightly as it is forced over the teeth of the hub into full conformity with a circular portion of the hub teeth. Because of this slight yield in assembling the sleeve sections over the hubs, the notch 62 is open sided in an outward radial direction and the tongue 61 is molded with high conforming precision to minimize any axial relative freedom of movement of the sleeve sections.
FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 relate to a coupling 65, as an additional embodiment of the invention distinguished from the other earlier described couplings primarily by a sleeve 66 which is formed with small studs or nodules 67 at the edge of the cylindrical area 68 normally covered by a shell, such as the shell 14. Ridges 69, similar to ridges 16 of an earlier described embodiment, extend longitudinally of the coupling, i.e., parallel to the coupling axis N-N the full width of the surface 68 up to the circumference 71 along which the bosses 67 face toward the surface 68.
As shown in FIG. 8, the bosses 67 are substantially higher than the ridges 69. Whereas the ridges may be H32 in height, the bosses 67 are of a height in the order of 3/32 inch to /sinch high as measured in a radial direction from the surface 68 in which they are based. The bosses 67 are preferably located longitudinally toward the adjacent end of the sleeve out of radial alignment with teeth 72 since the sleeve is resilient and yields along this portion in a radial inward direction more readily than portions of the sleeve in radial alignment with the teeth 72. As shown, the bosses 67 are shaped along surfaces facing radially outward to facilitate the placement of the shell on the sleeve by being sloped from a diameter less than the inner diameter of its shell 14 to a diameter greater than such inner shell diameter in a radially outward direction proceeding longitudinally toward the surface 68.
In assembling the coupling, the shell 14 is passed over the left end of the sleeve 66 as shown in FIG. 8 and over the bosses 67 which deform and yield inwardly to conform to the inner cylindrical surface of the shell. As the shell engages the shoulder 74, the resilient deformation of the sleeve occurring within the end portion thereof in and around the bosses 67 is relieved and the sleeve returns to its original shape, placing the bosses radially outwardly with faces 75 thereof in abutting relation as shown with the end surface of the shell.
FIG. 9 illustrates that the sleeve 66 may be formed of three sections 76, 77, 78, each extending in an arc of 120 degrees, illustrating that the invention is not limited to the mating halves" construction of the previously described embodiments. The three sections shown are identical and are provided with the tongue and recess construction hereinbefore described with respect to tongue 61 and recesses 62 to enable the sections to interlock against any longitudinal misalignment.
As the sleeve 65 is normally discarded when removed from the hubs, to remove the shell 14, the studs 67 may be preliminarily trimmed away whereupon the shell is driven off the sleeve and the sleeve sections are picked off of the hubs. The studs will also be trimmed by the shell as it is driven off of the sleeve.
Typical of materials used for forming the sleeve sections are polyurethane and nylon resins which have a hardness of 50 to 70 (Shore Scleroscope D scale). Synthetic resins which are capable of maintaining a fairly constant range of characteristics in the range of from 50F. to 200F. are particularly desirable. For good service life, it is essential that the sleeve material have self lubrication or lubricity characteristics to the highest degree possible consistent with the other parameters of hardness, toughness and strength. From the standpoint of producing couplings which will be competitive in commerce, it is essential that the material of the sleeve 9 and 54 be injection moldable.
What is claimed is:
1. A coupling for connecting a pair of end-to-end shafts comprising:
a pair of shaft hubs, each having external gear teeth around an end portion of its periphery, its opposite end portion being of smooth circular contour; sleeve with internal teeth in meshing relation with the teeth of both hubs, said sleeve comprising mul' tiple sections having longitudinal edges abutting along multiple radial parting planes, and having flange means at each end extending radially inwardly beyond said internal teeth;
a cylindrical shell extending tightly over the outer cylindrical surface ofsaid sleeve holding said sections in tight engagement along said planes;
retaining means in radially raised and fixed relation with the periphery of opposite end portions of the sleeve adjacent opposite ends of the shell for axially confining said shell on the sleeve between said portions. said retaining means on one of said portions being removable to enable disassembly of said shell and said sections.
2. The coupling of claim 1 wherein:
LII
said sleeve comprises projections spaced uniformly over said cylindrical surface and extending radially outwardly therefrom to a surface of revolution of slightly greater diameter than that of the inner surface of said shell before installation of said shell, said projections conforming to the inner surface of said shell by compression or loss of radially outward portions of the projections after installation on said sleeve.
3. The coupling of claim 2 wherein:
said projections are ridges extending axially between said end portions of the sleeve.
4. The coupling of claim 1 wherein:
said retaining means at said one end is an integral circumferential ridge on one end portion of the sleeve and snap ring means received in a circumferential groove in the periphery of the other end portion of the sleeve.
5. The coupling of claim 1 wherein:
said retaining means at said one end is snap ring means received in a circumferential groove in the periphery of each end portion of the sleeve.
6. The coupling of claim 1 wherein:
said retaining means at said one end is a plurality of bosses fixed to said sleeve.
7. The coupling of claim 1 wherein:
said retaining means at said one end is a plurality of bosses integral with said sleeve, said bosses being sloped radially outwardly in a direction toward said cylindrical sleeve surface from a diameter less than the inner diameter of said shell to a diameter greater than said inner diameter.
8. The coupling of claim 1 wherein:
said sleeve comprises an organic synthetic resin having a hardness of 50 to on the Shore Scleroscope D scale.
9.The coupling of claim 8 wherein:
said flange means comprises seal rings conforming along their inner diameters to the smooth circumference ends of said hubs, and said sleeve end portions provide grooves for receiving outer circum ferential portions of the seal rings.
10. The coupling of claim 8 wherein:
said flange means comprise integral portions of said sleeve, and buffer rings of a harder material secured along the axially inner surfaces of said integral flange portions.
11. The coupling of claim 1 wherein:
said edges of each sleeve define a notch recessed circumferentially from said parting plane in one edge and a complementary tongue projecting from its other edge from said plane enabling said section to meet along said plane in tongue-in-notch closely fitting relationship preventing axial displacement of one section relative to the other section. |
US-3874195-A | Shaft couplings | United States Patent 1191 1111 3,874,195 Symann Apr. 1, 1975 SHAFT COUPLINGS 3,332,255 7/1967 Seagreaves et a1 64/11 R 3,393,535 7/1968 Morin [75] Inventor: 3,405,539 10/1968 Tanaka DOYImUHd'BTaCKeI, Germany 3,481,158 12/1969 Mayerjak 64/12 [73] Assignee: Kupplungstechnik GmbH,
Westphalia, Germany Primary ExaminerSamucl Scott Assistant ExaminerRandall Heald [22] Flled' 1973 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richards & Geier [21] App]. N0.: 407,444
[57] ABSTRACT [30] Foreign Application Priority Data A h ft 1 t h ft t bl s a coup mg comprising wo s a -moun a e Nov. 25, 1972 Germany 2257903 flanges y means of at least one resilient p g member of synthetic material. The coupling member [52] U.S. Cl. 64/11 R, 6641/1225 34/52/12, being formed integrally with a number of Spaced apart [5 I] I t Cl F16d 3/17 bosses connected alternately with one or the other of [58] i B 13 12 the flanges. Adjacent pairs of bosses being staggered 0 earc 27 R B 2 relatively to each other to maintain the coupling member spaced from both flanges. The coupling member is provided with bridge elements interconnecting the ad- [56] References cued jacent pairs of bosses and each bridge element has a UNITED STATES PATENTS longitudinal centreline which is inclined to a plane 1,752,106 3/1930 Persons 64/13 perpendicular to the axis of the coupling. 1,777,895 10/1930 Roderick 64/12 2,860,495 11/1958 Stark 64/11 R 1 Claim, 6 Drawing Figures SHAFT COUPLINGS This invention relates-to shaft couplings. More particularly, the invention relates to'a shaft coupling which is an improvement in or modification of the shaft coupling described in our copending Patent application Ser. No. 369,245 hereinafter referred to as the Parent patent application.
According to the Parent patent application there is provided a shaft coupling comprising two shaftmountable annular flanges and a resilient coupling member of synthetic material comprising a disk normal to the coupling axis and, integral with the disk, a plurality of bosses which having their axes parallel to the coupling axis and projecting alternately from opposite parallel faces of the disk for connection to the respective flanges by axially extending connecting elements, the bosses projecting from the respective faces of the disk in such a manner that the disk is spaced from both flanges so that it can be deflected by torque transmission in either direction.
The present invention seeks to improve the coupling of the parent patent by making possible larger deflection of the coupling member when the coupling is subjected to heavy loads.
The shaft coupling according to the present invention comprises two shaft-mountable flanges interconnected by means of at least one resilient coupling member of synthetic material, said coupling memberor members being formed integrally with a number of peripherally spaced apart bosses connected alternately with one or the other of the flanges, adjacent pairs of bosses around the periphery of the or each coupling member being staggered relatively to each other in a direction parallel to the axis of the coupling to maintain the coupling member or members spaced from both flanges, in which the or each coupling member is provided with bridge elements interconnecting said adjacent pairs of axially staggered bosses, each bridge element having a longitudinal centreline which is inclined to a radial plane, that is, a plane perpendicular to the axis of the coupling.
By means of the invention the or each coupling member can deflect unhindered in response both to axial and angular relative movement of both coupled shafts, whereby the points of attachment of the staggered bosses to the respective flanges can move relatively to each other by deflection of the bridge elements.
The centreline of each bridge element may be straight or curved, and may include both straight and curved sections. The end points of the centre lines must, however, lie in different planes perpendicular to the axis of the coupling. Preferably the thickness of each boss, measured in the axial direction, is less that the axial distance between the ends of the centrelines of the bridge elements interconnecting the bosses, so that it is ensured that the coupling member remains axially deformable in its assembled position in the coupling. If the coupling has a number of coupling members connected to each other the same result is achieved if the points of connection of the staggered bosses to the respective flanges, or one to the other, are so arranged that the centrelines of the bridge elements are not parallel to those of the adjoining coupling member, but diverge therefrom. This arrangement also en sures that the coupling members maintain their spacing from one another and from the coupled flanges, allowing deflection of the bridge elements.
The invention will now be described, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a shaft coupling according to one embodiment of the invention having a single coupling member,
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken on the line AA of FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 is a side view of a shaft coupling according to another embodiment of the invention, having two parallel coupling members,
FIG. 4 is a side view of a coupling according to a further embodiment of the invention, having several coupling members arranged symmetrically,
FIG. 5 is a side view of a shaft coupling according to a yet further embodiment of the invention, in which the flexible coupling member consists of several groups of parallel coupling members assembled in a symmetrical arrangement, and
FIG. 6 is a side view of one of the coupling members employed in a coupling according to the invention.
The coupling shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a resilient coupling member 3 located between two shaftmounted sleeves 1 and 2. The sleeves 1 and 2 have flanges 7, which face each other, the sleeves 1 and 2 being attached to respective drive and power take-off shafts to be coupled. The coupling member 3 has a square annular shape with bosses 4 at its corners. The bosses 4 at opposite corners of the coupling member 3 project in opposite axial directions and are connected, for example by bolts, to the drive and power take-off sleeves 1 and 2. The bosses 4 at adjacent corners of the coupling member 3 are interconnected by rectangularsection elongate bridge elements 5 which are inclined at an acute angle to the radial plane AA, that is, a plane perpendicular to the axis of the coupling.
Each of the bridge elements 5 has a longitudinal centreline 6 which may be inclined at different angles to the radial plane AA and which may be straight or curved. The radially inner and outer ends of the centrelines must, however, in all cases lie in different radial planes spaced along the longitudinal axis of the coupling. If the thickness of the relatively staggered bosses 4 is smaller, taken in the axial direction, than the axial separation of the ends of the centre lines 6, then in all cases the coupling member 3 when assembled is axially yieldable by virtue of deflection of the bridge elements 5.
The staggered bosses 4 of the coupling member 3 have such a thick cross-section that a large diameter through hole 8, large enough to receive a connecting bolt (not shown) can be provided in each boss 4 without impairing the stability of the latter. The crosssections of the bridge elements 5 are so selected that the maximum deflection of these elements upon relative axial movement of the flanges 7 accurs near the midpoint of the bridge elements 5, remote from the bosses 4.
The annular coupling member 3 need not necessarily be of quadrilateral shape but may be circular in form.
If the coupling has to transmit greater torques, then according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a number of, in this example, two, coupling members 3 are arranged coaxially in a stack or in series so that the centrelines 6 of their bridge elements 5 are parallel to each other. The individual coupling members 3 are connected together through their bosses 4, which abut each other in pairs, one diametrically opposite pair of abutting bosses 4 being secured to one of the flanges 7 and the other, axially staggered, pair of diametrically opposite abutting bosses 4 being secured to the other flange 7. A single bolt may be used for connecting each pair of abutting bosses 4 to each other and to the respective flange 7.
According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of individual coupling members 3 are arranged in symmetrical mirror image pairs in relation to each other, so that the centrelines 6 of the bridge elements 5 of adjoining pairs of members 3 diverge. The greater the number of coupling members 3, the greater is the overall flexibility of the coupling for accommodating relative displacement of the coupled shafts. The embodiment of FIG. 4 provides a coupling capable of spanning a greater distance between the ends of coupled shafts than the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3.
FIG. 5 shows flexible coupling according to the invention in which individual coupling members 3 are coupled together in pairs similar to the pair of members shown in FIG. 3, while adjacent said pairs are interconnected in a symmetrical mirror-image arrangement similar to that of FIG. 4.
This arrangement can transmit double the torque transmitted by the arrangement of FIG. 4, while on the other hand affording high flexibility and the possibility of spanning a wide inter-shaft distance.
FIG. 6 illustrates the preferred configuration of a coupling member 3 employed in a coupling according to the invention. Each of the bridge elements 5 between the individual staggered bosses 4 has a nonuniform cross-section, with a waisted central portion 5 of minimum cross section, so as to ensure that the maximum deflection of the bridge element 5 accurs in the region of the mid-point of the element.
The shaft coupling according to the invention has the advantage that the same basic components, namely the coupling members 3 such as that shown in FIG. 6, can be combined in different arrangements, as exemplified in FIGS. 1 to 5, to form single or multiple couplings according to the torque to be transmitted, the desired flexibility of the coupling and the axial separation of the shafts to be coupled.
What I claim is:
l. A coupling for connecting two shafts, comprising opposed flanges carried by adjacent ends of the two shafts, at least two resilient coupling members, each coupling member being substantially rectangular in shape and having at each corner a separate substantially rectangular boss with a hole and elongated bridge elements interconnecting said bosses, said bridge elements being rectangular in cross section and being substantially narrower than said bosses, said flanges having a plurality of holes, the holes of said flanges being in alinement with the holes of said bosses, said two coupling members being located in alinement with each other between said flanges, two alined holes of two bosses of the two coupling members being in alinement with a hole of one of said flanges, the following holes of the following bosses of the two coupling members being in alinement with a hole in the other one of said flanges, said bridge elements extending at an inclination to the axes of the two shafts, and means connecting the holes of said flanges with the alined holes of said bosses, wherein the cross-section of each bridge element is non-uniform, tapering gradually to a minimum cross-section in a central portion of the element inter- |
US-3874196-A | Rotary drive and joint breakout mechanism | [ Apr. 1,1975
ABSTRACT bushing A rotary table drive for a blasthole drill has a pair of roller elements pivotally mounted in a table and engageable with cooperative longitudinal flat sided recesses formed on the exterior of a heavy walled cylindrical drill pipe to form the rotary dri connection with the drill stem. Multiple sections of the drill pipe may be used to make up a drill stem. A pulldown traverse frame mounted for longitudinal movement along the rig mast includes a rotary coupling member connected to the top end of a drill pipe section. The traverse frame also includes a drive transfer mechanism which is engageable with the rotary table for transferring the rotary drive effort from the table through the coupling member to the drill stem when the top end of a drill pipe section is passed downward through the table bushing. The: drive transfer mechanism can be nonrotatably locked to provide for breakout of the threaded joint between a drill pipe section MECHANISM [75] Inventors: Robert W. Hisey, Richardson; Larry E. Halwas, Garland, both of Tex.
Assignee: Gardner-Denver Company, Quincy,
July 16, 1973 Appl. No.: 379,664
64/235, 173/163, 175/195 Int. Fl6d 3/06 64/235, 23.6, 23.7, 23 R; 175/195; 173/163 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS United States Patent Hisey et al.
[ 1 ROTARY DRIVE AND JOINT BREAKOUT [22] Filed:
[58] Field of Search.........
FMENTED APR 7 1915 sum 7 or a PATENTEDAPR Mars 2314.196
SHEET 8 BF 8 ROTARY DRIVE AND JOINT BREAKOUT MECHANISM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Rotary table drives for earth drilling rigs hold certain advantages over so-called top drive arrangements in that the weight of the rotary drive mechanism is not required to be supported by the drill rig mast or derrick and the reaction torque from the drill stem rotative effort can be transferred directly to the main frame of the drill rig instead of being imposed on the mast structure. These advantages simplify the structural requirements of the mast itself. Additionally, the power transmission system is more compact and easily arranged for a rotary table drive and often a portable drill rig may require a total of only one or two drive motors for propelling the rig, pulldown and hoisting of the drill stem, and rotation of the drill stem.
A longstanding problem in the use of rotary table drives for large earth drilling rigs for drilling blastholes and other relatively shallow holes in hard rock is that the use of a conventional noncylindrical cross section drill pipe or kelly for transmitting rotary motion from the table to the drill stem does not provide a suitable annular area in the drill hole for effective removal of the drill cuttings by the hole cleaning fluid. ln order to provide suitable annular areas for drill cutting removal a flat sided drive member is required to be so large that the corners formed by the intersections of the sides of the member are disposed closely adjacent the side wall of the drill hole and are subject to severe wear from unavoidable rubbing against the side wall. Additional severe wear which tends also to round of the corners and the flat sides of a conventional drive member is caused by abrasion from the constant stream of drill cuttings passing upward during drilling around the exterior of the drill stem portion which is in the hole. In a short time an unsuitable driving connection is formed between the socket or complementary opening in the rotary table and the drive member due to wear which changes the cross sectional shape of the drive member itself.
Furthermore, if a square cross section or otherwise special rotary drive member or kelly is used together with cylindrical cross section drill pipe, then the process of adding and removing drill stem sections is somewhat more complex and time consuming. Since the drive member or kelly is the only drill stem member which can be driven by therotary table the kelly itself must be disconnected from the drill stem and set aside in the mast or placed down an auxiliary hole while additional drill pipe sections are added to or removed from the drill stem and then the kelly must be reconnected to the drill stem and reinserted in the rotary drive bushing when rotation of the stem is desired. Conversely, if the drive member or kelly is retained in connection with the hoisting mechanism and over the drill hole centerline, then the mast height must be sufficiently great to hoist the length of the kelly and at least one section of drill pipe up out of the table.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a rotary table drive for earth drill rigs in combination with a drill stern which will provide for use of the drill pipe members making up the drill stem to be used as drive members engaged with the table drive itself. Such drill stem members are also desirably of a configuration which will provide an annular area in the drill hole between the drill pipe exterior and the side wall of the hole which will be of the proper size: to permit effective drill cutting removal from the bottom of the hole without using unnecessarily large quantities of hole cleaning fluid. It is further desirable in large rotary blasthole drills to be able to use relatively thick walled cylindrical drill pipe which can be driven directly by a rotary drive mechanism because such pipe configurations are capable of withstanding large axial pulldown forces without being susceptible to bending or kinking.
. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improved rotary drive arrangement for an earth drilling rig wherein a novel rotary table drive mechanism is used in combination with novel drill pipe or stem components which are adapted to be driven directly by the rotary table without the use ofa special drill stern drive section. The rotary table drive mechanism of the present invention provides for driving a drill stem made up of one or more substantially cylindrical drill pipe sections adapted to engage driving members mounted in the rotary table. The rotary table drive mechanism of the present invention also includes drill stem driving members which provide positive and low friction driving engagement with the drill stem and are mounted in such a way that they are drivingly engageable with each drill pipe section which is added to the drill stem as the drill pipe sections pass through the rotary table. With the rotary table drive arrangement of the present invention cylindrical cross section or tubular drill pipe in a modified form is advantageously used as sectional drill stem members which are directly driven by an improved rotary table drive mechanism wherein wear on the pipe itself does not have harmful effects on the drive connection with the rotary table.
The present invention also provides a rotary drive transfer mechanism for use with a rotary table drive in an earth drilling rig wherein sectional drill stem members may be rotatably driven while the end portions thereof are passed through the rotary table. The rotary drive transfer mechanism of the present invention is particularly advantageous for use with a rotary table drive which includes members engageable with cooperating drive surfaces on a drill stem member and wherein positive driving engagement between the table and the drill stem member cannot be provided when an end portion of a drill stem member is passed through the table during drilling operations.
The rotary drive transfer mechanism of the present invention also includes means for nonrotatably locking a rotary coupling between a drill stem and a pulldown traverse frame whereby the drill stem members may be easily disconnected from the traverse frame.
The present invention further includes improved means for breaking out threadled joints between sectional drill stem members and between a drill stem member and a drill bit portion. The joint breakout means of the present invention includes a power operated wrench for holding a drill stem member during breakout operations and which also provides for handling the detachable drill bit portion in a fast and work saving manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side elevation of an earth drilling rig including the rotary drive and joint breakout mechanisms of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the drill rig of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the rotary table of the present invention taken from line 33 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a view from line 4-4 of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a sectional elevation of the rotary table and drive bushing;
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal view of a section of drill pipe in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a section view taken along line 99 of FIG.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the rotary drive bushing of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the rotary drive bushing shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a plan view of a power operated holding wrench and bit handling tool;
FIG. 13 is a side elevation of the power operated holding wrench and bit handling tool of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a view of a pair of removable shoes for use with the power operated holding wrench of FIGS. 12 and 13;
FIGS. 15 through 18 are views of the rotary drive transfer and breakout mechanism showing the operation thereof;
FIG. 19 is a section view taken along line 1919 of FIG. 15; and,
FIG. 20 is a section view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 18.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The rotary table drive and joint breakout mechanism of the present invention is particularly suitable for use with relatively large rotary blasthole drills which are designed for drilling holes to a maximum depth usually in the range of 100 to 150 feet. Such types of drills are characterized by mechanism for exerting a heavy axial down thrust or pulldown force on the drill stem and bit portion while the drill stem including the bit is rotated to provide for localized crushing and grinding of the rock and earth to form the drill hole. However, since the mode of drilling is generally similar to that practiced with other types of drilling rigs such as oil and water well drilling equipment it is contemplated that the present invention could be utilized with these as well as other rotary drilling devices.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 a portable rotary blasthole drilling rig is illustrated and generally designated by the numeral 22. The drill rig 22 is characterized by a frame 24 which is mounted on spaced apart crawlers 26. The frame 24 supports an elongated mast 28 which is mounted on support means 30 for pivotal movement between the erect or working position shown and a substantially horizontal position when the rig is being propelled from one drilling site to another. The mast 28 includes two spaced apart longitudinal posts 32 on which are formed gear racks 34. The mast 28 is adapted to support a longitudinal traverse frame 36 which includes a pair of spaced apart rotatable shafts 38 and 40 each having pinions 42 mounted thereon and engaged with the racks 34. Suitable flexible drive means such as endless chains designated by numeral 44 are supported by the mast 28. The drive chains are suitably engaged with the shafts 38 and 40 for rotating the shafts to advance the traverse frame reversibly along the mast.
The traverse frame 36 includes a transverse yoke member 46 including means for rotatably supporting a coupling member 48 for connecting the traverse frame to a drill stem generally designated by numeral 50 and made up of one or more elongated drill pipe sections 52. The drill stem 50 also includes a stabilizing sub 54 and a rotary bit 56 connected to the lower end thereof for forming a drill hole 58. The traverse frame 36 is reversibly driven along the mast 28 by the chains 44 to exert an axial feed or pulldown force on the drill stem 50 and to hoist the drill stem components out of the drill hole. A drive motor and transmission unit 60 mounted on the rig 22 is connected by drive means 62 to the endless flexible chains 44 for driving the traverse frame 36 along the mast. A more detailed description of the pulldown traverse frame 36 and its associated drive means is disclosed in US. Pat. application Ser. No. 362,576 filed May 21, 1973.
In many applications of the rig 22 a single traversal of the frame 36 down the mast will be sufficient to cause the formation of a drill hole of desired depth. However, when it is desired to form a hole depth greater than that provided for by one pass of the frame 36, additional drill pipe sections must be added to the drill stem. Accordingly, the drill rig 22 is provided with a storage rack 64 for holding a second drill pipe section 52. The storage rack may take various forms and may be adapted to hold a plurality of drill pipe sections. The
rack 64 is exemplary and is of the type which is mounted in the mast 28 on pivotal linkage members 66 and 68 adjacent the top and bottom of the rack, respectively. A pressure fluid operated cylinder and piston device 70 is connected to the member 68 for moving the rack 64 from the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 into a position whereby the pipe section 52 held by the rack is in line with the longitudinal axis of the drill stem 50.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3 and FIG. 6 the drill rig 22 is characterized by a rotary table drive mechanism for imparting rotary motion to the drill stem 50. The rotary table drive mechanism of the present invention is generally designated by numeral 72 and includes a boxlike housing 74 mounted on the frame 24. The housing 74 includes bearings 76 and 78 mounted therein for supporting a rotating table member 80. The table member 80 is characterized by a circular flange 82 having radially projecting teeth 84 formed on the periphery thereof. An axial opening 86 through the table member 80 includes a square or flat sided portion 88 which forms a socket for receiving a removable rotary drive bushing 90. The table member 80 also includes a bevel gear 92 fixed on the underside of the flange 82 and engaged with a bevel pinion 94 rotatably mounted in the housing 74. The pinion 94 is connected to a shaft 96 which in turn is drivenly connected to the drive motor and transmission 60. The table housing 74 is mounted on the frame 24 so that the table member 80 extends slightly above the deck or platform 98, FIG. 1. A hinged cover 100 is shown in FIG. 3 for partially covering the table member 80 in the vicinity where drill operating personnel normally work when making up and breaking out threaded connections between the bit. stabilizing sub, and drill pipe sections.
The rotary table drive of the present invention includes the improved drive bushing 90 which in combination with the drill pipe sections 52 shown in FIGS. 7 through 9 provides for use of sectional drill stem members as the rotary driven member or what is sometimes referred to as the kelly. Referring to FIGS. 6 through 11, the rotary drive bushing 90 is characterized by a flat sided and square depending portion 101 which is removably fittable in the complementary socket portion 88 in the table 80. A circular flange 102 formed on the bushing includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth 104 which project axially upwardly when the bushing is fitted in the table. The bushing 90 also includes a central opening 106 through which the drill pipe sections 52 pass during drilling and hoisting opera tions. Recesses 108 are formed in two opposed sides of the portion 101 and intersect the opening 106. The recesses 108 are formed to accommodate a pair of drive rollers 110 which are mounted to be substantially par allel to each other and to project partially into the opening 106. The rollers 110 are each rotatably mounted on a support plate 112 having a hub portion 114 for mounting the rollers to swing about a substantially vertical pivot formed by pins 116 projecting through the hub portion of each support plate. The pins 116 are suitably retained on the bushing 90. The hub portions of the support plates 112 each include a recess 118 in which is positioned a torsion coil spring 120 surrounding the pin 116 and engaged with the support plate for biasing the roller 110 inwardly toward the center of the opening 106. The support plates 112 also include projecting tabs 122, as shown in FIGS. and 11, which engage projections 124 formed on the bushing 90 so as to limit the inward swinging movement of the rollers toward the center of the opening 106. The bushing 90 also includes a pair of recesses 126 located adjacent to the opening 106 and opposed to each other along a line through the center of the opening as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. The recesses 126 have disposed therein pivotally mounted dogs 128 which may be pivoted to project into the opening 106 for engaging holding slots formed in a drill stem member such as the pair of slots 130 in the stabilizer 54 as shown in FIG. 6. When not required for holding a drill stem member the dogs 128 may be swung away from the opening 106 to lie along the sloped surfaces of the recesses 126.
Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9 a drill pipe section 52 is illustrated which is adapted to be used as the member rotatably driven by the rotary table bushing 90 and which may be used as part of the drill stem disposed in the drill hole without suffering wear which would be harmful to the driven surface portions engaged with the rollers 110. The drill pipe section 52 is basically a cylindrical thick walled steel tube having a central longitudi nal passage 131 for conducting hole cleaning fluid through the drill stem to the bottom of the drill hole. The drill pipe section 52 includes an externally threaded portion or pin 132 at one end and an internally threaded portion 134 or box at the opposite end. The threaded portions 132 and 134 will be assumed to be of the "right hand" for purposes of this disclosure. A slightly reduced diameter portion 136 is formed at the pin end of the section 52. The drill pipe section 52 also includes a pair of longitudinal recesses 138 formed in the outer cylindrical wall surface 139. The recesses 138 extend over a major portion of the drill pipe section 52 and include parallel and opposed surface portions 140. The surfaces 140 are each intersected by a surface 142, which intersection is such that the surfaces 140 and 142 of each groove 138 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The surfaces 142 are formed to be coplanar and lie in a longitudinal plane which passes through the longitudinal rotational axis 143 of the drill pipe section 52.
As shown in FIG. 10 the surfaces 142 of the grooves 138 are disposed to be engaged by the rollers 110 whereby rotation of the bushing will impart rotation to the drill pipe section 52. As may be seen in FIG. 10 the drive faces 144 of the rollers are provided with a taper or slope with respect to the axis of rotation of the rollers which provides for clearance along the surface 140 of the grooves 138 with respect to the sides of the rollers when the rollers are drivingly engaged with the surfaces 142. As may be noted also from FIG. 10 the location of the pivot pins 116 for the roller support plates are radially further from the rotational axis of the drill pipe section'52 than the drive surfaces 142 which engage the rollers and are positioned such that when the rollers are driving the drill stem rotatably a force couple is formed about the pivot pins 116 which tends to swing the rollers inwardly toward the center of the opening 106 to assure maximum engagement of the surfaces 142 with the roller drive faces 144. With the arrangement of the rollers 110 and drive surfaces 142 as provided on the drill pipe section 52 the drill pipe can be easily proportioned to be of the proper size to provide the desired annular area in the drill hole for effective drill cuttings removal and furthermore the drive surfaces 142 are not affected by rubbing of the drill pipe against the side wall of the hole or by abrasion from the drill cuttings passing upward out of the hole around the drill stem. Moreover. by providing the drill pipe section 52 with surfaces 142 which are substantially flat and radially extended with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pipe section the direction of the driving force transmitted from the rollers 110 to the drill pipe section 52 is more effective for turning the drill stem 50. Accordingly, a more positive and long lasting drive connection may be maintained with the rotary device disclosed herein.
The drill pipe section 52 also includes a pair of slots or recesses 148 in the outer wall surface near the pin end which recesses are for engagement with the dogs 128 in the rotary bushing for holding the drill pipe section in the bushing during joint makeup and breakout operations. The drill pipe section 52 also is characterized by a pair of opposed grooves 150 disposed near the lower end which are .cooperable with a pair of jaws of a holding wrench to be described herein. If multiple pass drilling is performed by the drill rig 22 all of the drill pipe sections may be of the same configuration as the section 52 shown in FIGS. 7 through 9. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIGS. 15 through 18 the grooves 138 are formed such that the surfaces are sloped radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drill pipe section toward the outside wall surface at the reduced diameter portion 136. This flaring out of the grooves 138 provides for the rollers 110 to be urged to swing outwardly away from the center of the opening 106 as the end portion of the drill pipe section 52 passes down through the opening whereby the lower end of the next drill pipe section added to the drill string may be initially passed into the opening 106 regardless of any longitudinal misalignment of the drive surfaces 142 on one drill pipe section with the corresponding surfaces on the adjacent drill pipe section. When the pipe sections are being removed from the drill hole the table 80 may be rotated in the reverse or nondriving direction slightly to cause the rollers 110 to swing outwardly with respect to the opening l06so as not to engage or catch on the transverse end faces of the pipe sections as they are withdrawn from the hole. If single pass drilling only is to be performed the grooves 138 may be formed to extend entirely the length of the pipe section 52 to thereby provide driving engagement of the rollers 110 throughout the entire length of the section. With the drive transfer mechanism disclosed herein it is advantageous to form the grooves 138 as shown in FIG. 7 since the rollers are not drivingly engaged with the drill pipe at the end portion 136 anyway.
For drilling operations wherein more than one section of drill pipe is to be used to increase the length of the drill stem for drilling deeper holes a drive transfer mechanism may be advantageously used with the rotary table drive mechanism of the present invention so that the grooves 138 of one drill pipe section 52 are not required to be longitudinally aligned with the corresponding grooves on an adjacent drill pipe section in the drill stem. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and through the rotary drive transfer mechanism of the present invention includes the rotary coupling member 48 which is rotatably supported in bearings 152 and 154 mounted in a housing 156 on the yoke 46. The member 48 includes an internal passage 158 in communication with a drill hole cleansing fluid conduit 160. The lower end of the member 48 is characterized by an internally threaded portion 162 for receiving the pin end 132 of a drill pipe section 52. The member 48 also includes a plurality of longitudinal keyways 164 in which are slidably fitted keys 166. The drive transfer mechanism further comprises a coupling sleeve 168 having complementary grooves 170, FIG. 18, in which the keys 166 are disposed to form a rotary driving connection between the sleeve and the member 48. The sleeve 168 includes a flange 172 at one end having a ring of circumferentially spaced and axially projecting teeth 174 which are engageable with complementary teeth 176 formed on a collar 178 fixed to the yoke 46. The lower end of the sleeve 168 also includes circumferentially spaced teeth 180 which project axially downwardly and are voperable to be interfitted with the teeth 104 on the bushing 90 to form a driving connection between the bushing and the sleeve. The sleeve 168 also includes a flange 182 which has disposed on its circumference a plurality of rollers 184. The rollers 184 are disposed in a radially inward facing channel 186 formed on a circular plate 188. The plate 188 is attached to the ends of a pair of pressure fluid cylinder and piston type actua tors 190. The cylinders 190 are slidably guided in tubular sleeves 192 disposed on the yoke 46. The distal ends of the cylinder piston rods 194 are suitably fixed to the yoke 46 shown in FIG. 15.
The drive transfer mechanism also includes a second sleeve member 196 disposed in a bore 197 in the sleeve 168 and adapted to surround and frictionally grip the reduced diameter portion 136 ofa drill pipe section 52 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The sleeve 196 includes keyways 198, FIG. 19, in which are disposed the keys 166 to form a driving connection with the member 48.
As shown in FIG. 20 the sleeve 196 includes a plurality of slots 200 which extend longitudinally a portion of the length of the sleeve along which portion the exterior surface 202 of the sleeve is also sloped and is engageable with a correspondingly sloped collar 204 as shown in FIGS. 15 through 18. The collar 204 is suitably retained in the interior of the sleeve 168 and is engageable with an inwardly projecting shoulder portion 206. The sleeve 196 also includes a shoulder portion 208 engageable with the shoulder portion 206 on sleeve 168, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The drive transfer mechanism provides for rotatably driving the drill stem when an end portion ofa drill pipe section 52 is passed through the rotary bushing so that sufficient hole depth is achieved to permit the addition of a drill pipe section to the drill stem and engagement of the rollers with the groves 138 of the section added to the drill stem at the onset of drilling after the section has been added. The drive transfer mechanism also is adapted to be used to break out the threaded connection between the member 48 and a drill pipe section.
An operating sequence of the drill transfer mechanism will now be described in connection with viewing FIGS. 15 through 18. During drilling operation, with the rotary drive being imposed on the drill stem 50 by the driving connection between the rollers 110 and a drill pipe section 52, the cylinders 190 are extended as shown in FIG. 15 to cause the collar 204 to compress the sleeve 196 to grip the reduced diameter portion 136 ofa drill pipe section. This prevents the right-hand thread connection between the member 48 and the drill pipe section 52 from breaking loose due to the rotary driving effort imposed on the drill string which is in the direction of the arrow 210 in FIG. 10.
As the pulldown traverse frame 36 feeds the drill stem downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 16, the complementary teeth and 104 on the sleeve 168 and bushing 90 become engaged and rotary driving effort is transferred from the bushing 90 to the coupling member 48 by way of the sleeve 168. Accordingly, rotation of the drill stem 50 is now no longer dependent on the rollers 110 driving against the surfaces 142 on the drill pipe section. Continued axial down thrust by the traverse frame will result in axial sliding movement of the member 48 downward, viewing FIGS. 16 and 17, with respect to the sleeve 168 which will also cause the sleeve 196 to move downward with respect to the collar 204. The sleeve 196 will, upon moving free of the radial inward wedging action of the collar 204, release its grip on the portion 136 of the drill pipe section 52, as shown in FIG. 17. The rotary drive now being from the member 48 to the drill pipe section 52 will, of course, tend to tighten a right-hand threaded connection therebetween. The cylinders will be allowed to telescope into the sleeves 192 as the traverse frame 36 moves downward from the FIG. 16 position to the FIG. 17 po' sition. As shown in FIG. 17 the top end of a drill pipe section 52 is now below the rollers 110 and a drill pipe section to be added to the drill stem could be lowered into the opening 106 so that the rollers could engage the drive surfaces 142. Prior to adding a drill pipe sec tion the threaded connection between the member 48 and the upper end of a drill pipe section 52 must be broken out. To accomplish this the traverse frame 36 is reversed to hoist the drill pipe section 52 up through the bushing 90 until the dogs 128 can be pivoted into position in the recesses 148 to hold the drill pipe section in the position shown in FIG. 18 and in the same manner as shown for the stabilizer 54 in FIG. 6. The cylinders 190 are then actuated to move the sleeve 168 upward until the teeth 174 are interfittingly engaged with the teeth 176 as shown in FIG. 18 whereby the sleeve 168 and member 48 are nonrotatably locked. The rotary table 80 is then driven in the direction of the arrow 210 of FIG. to rotate the pipe section 52 with the rollers 110 as well as the dogs 128 drivingly engaged in their respective recesses until the pipe section 52 is disconnected from the member 48. After moving the traverse frame 36 up the mast 28 an additional drill pipe section 52 can be added by positioning a suitable storage rack such as the rack 64 over the axis of the drill stem and rotating the table 80 in reverse to make up a threaded connection between the drill pipe section supported in the table and the section being added. The traverse frame 36 is then lowered to engage the coupling member 48 with the section added to the drill stem whereby further reverse rotation of the table would thread the pin end 132 ofa drill pipe section into the threaded portion 162 on the coupling member. The cylinders 190 are extended after the coupling member is reconnected to the drill string to unlock the sleeve 168 and to cause the sleeve 196 to be lowered into frictional gripping engagement with the top portion of the drill pipe section now connected to the coupling member 48.
If a drill pipe section is to be removed from the drill stem 50 the threaded connection between a drill pipe section 52 and the coupling member 48 would be broken loose generally in accordance with the above described procedure. Then, prior to complete separation of the coupling member 48 from the drill pipe section, the traverse frame 36 is raised up the mast to pull the pipe section to be removed from the drill stem up through the table bushing 90 until the upper portion of the drill pipe section which is below the one to be removed is in position to have the recesses 148 engaged by the dogs 128 and the recesses 138 engaged by the rollers 110. With the drill pipe storage rack in position to receive the pipe section being removed from the drill stem or an auxiliary hoisting line connected thereto, the table 80 is rotated forward, the direction of arrow 210 in FIG. 10, until the coupling member 48 is separated from the pipe section being removed. Then a suitable holding wrench such as the wrench described hereinbelow is engaged with the grooves 150 of the pipe section being removed from the drill string while the table 80 again is rotated forwardly to break out the joint between the section being removed and the section supported in the table bushing 90.
The rotary drive and joint breakout mechanism of the present invention includes improved auxiliary breakout and drill stem component handling devices.
Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5 a rotary table turning arm 230 is supported for sliding movement in the frame 224 and includes a hook 234 formed on the end which is opposite the end connected to the piston rod 228. The frame 224 is suitably connected to a pressure fluid actuator 236 by way of a member 238 whereby in response to operation of the actuator the device 220 may be pivoted into the position shown in FIG. 3 and held for engagement of the hook 234 with one of the radially projecting teeth 84 on the table 80. The actuator 236 is mounted on bracket 240 which is disposed on the deck 98 and which also partially supports the frame 224. With the hook 234 positioned to engage a tooth on the table the cylinder 226 may be actuated to retract the piston rod 228 so as to rotate the table 80 with great force a small portion of a. revolution for breaking out drill string connections which cannot be loosened with the turning effort available from the motor and transmission 60 through the table drive gears 92 and 94. When the breakout device 220 is not in use the actuator 236 is energized to pivot the frame 224 so that the hook 234 is moved radially away from the table 80.
Referring to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 12 through 14 the drill rig 22 includes a drill stem holding wrench 250 which is also adapted to handle a drill bit for adding and removing the same with respect to the drill stem 50. The wrench 250 includes a power rotated base 252 having a shaft portion 254 rotatably mounted in a bearing sleeve 256 supported on the rig substantially below the deck 98. The base 252 includes a sprocket 258 fixed thereon and engaged with a chain 260 which is drivenly connected to a sprocket 262 mounted on the shaft of a suitable drive motor, not shown. The base 252 includes an upstanding part 264 upon which a boom 266 is mounted for movement about a horizontal pivot 268. A hydraulic cylinder 270 is connected between the boom 266 and the part 264 for raising and lowering the boom about the pivot 268. The boom 266 is adapted to receive a partially tubular member 272 which is secured against rotation with respect to the boom by a pair of removable pins 274. The member 272 includes a portion formed in part by two spaced apart plates 276. A pair of holding jaws 278 and 280 are mounted between and supported for pivotal movement with respect to the plates 276. Each jaw includes a short arm portion 282 which is connected by means of a link 284 to a clevis 286. The clevis 286 is connected to a piston rod portion of a linear pressure fluid actuator 288 mounted on the member 272 for moving the jaws between the closed position shown by the solid lines in FIG. 12 and the open position shown by the dashed lines. The holding jaws 278 and 280 have removable shoes 290 secured on the jaws by pins 294. The jaws 278 and 280 each also includes a depending member 296 having a projection 298 formed on the lower end thereof, viewing FIG. 13, which is engageable with a bail 300 mounted on a bit holding fixture 302.
The bit holding fixture 302 is characterized by a cylindrical portion 304 which is adapted to be retained in suitable receptacles 306, one shown in FIG. 3, in the deck of the rig 22. A flat sided flange 308 is attached to the portion 304 and is adapted to fit in the socket or opening 88 of the table 80 in place of the bushing 90. The flange 308 also has a socket opening 310 formed to closely fit around the integral legs of a roller type rotary bit such as the bit 56 in FIGS. 1 and 2, whereby with the fixture disposed in the table 80 and surrounding the bit the table may be rotated to make up or break out a connection between the bit and the stabilizer 54.
The process of changing bits on the drill rig 22 may be performed by raising the traverse frame 36 and drill stem up the mast 28 until the lower end of the bit 56 is pulled up through the table 80 and above deck level sufficiently to permit swinging the holding wrench 250 from a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 3, with a fixture 302 attached thereto into position over the table. The fixture 302 is then lowered into the opening by operation of the cylinder 270 and the jaws 278 and 280 are at least partially closed to disconnect the members 296 from the bails 300. When the drill string is removed from the hole the flutes 55, see FIG. 6, on the stabilizer 54 engage the bushing 90 and carry it upwardly out of the table 80 to provide for accommodation of the fixture 302 in the table opening 88. After placement of the fixture 302 in the table 80 the bit 56 is lowered into the socket 310 and the jaws 278 and 280 with modified shoes 314, as shown in FIG. 14, disposed thereon are closed so that projections 316 on the shoes 314 are engaged with the sides of grooves 57 in the stabilizer. The table 80 is then rotated, while the stabilizer 54 is prevented from rotation, to break a threaded connection between the bit and stabilizer. The bit fixture 302 with a bit disposed therein may then be removed from the table by the wrench 250 and deposited in a receptacle 306, and a similar fixture and bit can then be picked up and swung into place in the table opening. With the new bit disposed in the table the drill stem and stabilizer are lowered and the table rotated in reverse to make up a joint between the bit and stabilizer. The wrench 250 may be used to hold the stabilizer nonrotatably while the joint is being made up. The drill stem including the new bit is then raised to remove the bit from the fixture 302 and after retraction of the wrench 250 and fixture to the stored position the drill stem is lowered into the table and the bushing 90 returned into the opening 88 preparatory to a drilling operation.
The wrench 250 is also used to hold a drill pipe section 52 while threaded joints between sections are made up or broken loose. By rotation of the base 252 and operation of the boom cylinder 270 the wrench may be moved when desired into a position with the jaws 278 and 280 surrounding the drill stem 50. The
shoes 290 shown in FIG. 12 include surfaces 292 engageable with the sides of the grooves 150 for holding a drill pipe section 52 while the table is rotated to break one section loose from another.
The wrench jaws 278 and 280 may also be inverted by removing the pins 274, rotating the member 272 in the boom 266, and then reinserting the pins. This inversion of the jaws 278 and 280 may be performed so that the shoes 290 can be engaged with the surfaces 142 to hold one drill pipe section from rotating while the table 80 is rotated in reverse, with another drill pipe section or stabilizer 54 supported therein by the dogs 128, to tighten a joint.
As may be appreciated from the foregoing description the present invention provides improved rotary drive means for rotating a drill string in a rotary earth drilling rig. The rotary drive means of the present invention together with a novel drive transfer mechanism and the holding wrench and bit handling device 250 provides for more rapid and efficient drilling operations on rotary drill rigs than was heretofore known.
What is claimed is:
l. A rotary drive arrangement for rotating a drill stem on an earth drilling rig comprising:
a member disposed for rotation on said drilling rig and including an opening in which said drill stem is disposed for longitudinal movement with respect to said member;
said drill stem comprising at least one elongated drill pipe section having a pair of opposed recesses in the outer wall surface of said drill pipe section, each recess forming a drive surface extending inward from the intersection of said recess with said outer wall surface generally toward the longitudinal axis of said drill pipe section, said drive surfaces extending longitudinally over a major portion of the length of said drill pipe section; and,
a pair of drive rollers engageable with said drive surfaces for rotating said drill pipe section in response to the rotation of said member, said rollers being disposed on support members which are mounted on pivot means on said member so that said rollers may be pivotally moved into and out of engagement with said drive surfaces.
2. A rotary drive arrangement for rotating a drill stem on an earth drilling rig comprising:
a member disposed for rotation on said drilling rig and including an opening in which said drill stem is disposed for longitudinal movement with respect to said member;
said drill stem comprising at least one elongated drill pipe section having a pair of opposed recesses in the outer wall surface of said drill pipe section, each recess forming a drive surface extending inward from the intersection of said recess with said outer wall surface generally toward the longitudinal axis of said drill pipe section, said drive surfaces being parallel and coplanar and extending longitudinally over a major portion of the length of said drill pipe section; and,
a pair of drive rollers engageable with said drive surfaces for rotating said drill pipe section in response to the rotation of said member, said rollers including drive surfaces which are tapered with respect to the axis of rotation of said rollers and are engageable with the drive surfaces of said drill pipe section in such a way that surface portions of said recesses other than said drive surfaces are substantially prevented from engagement with said rollers when said rollers are rotatably driving said drill pipe section.
3. A rotary drive arrangement for rotating a drill stem on an earth drilling rig comprising:
a member disposed for rotation on said drilling rig and including an opening in which said drill stem is disposed for longitudinal movement with respect to said member;
said drill stern comprising at least one elongated drill pipe section having recesses in the outer wall surface thereof, each recess forming a drive surface extending inward from the intersection of said recess with said outer wall surface generally toward the longitudinal axis of said drill pipe section, said drive surfaces extending longitudinally over a major portion of the length of said drill pipe section; and,
drive means engageable with said drive surfaces for rotating said drill pipe section in response to the rotation of said member, said drive means being disposed on support members which are mounted on pivot means on said member so that said drive means may be pivotally moved into and out of engagement with said drive surfaces.
4. The invention set forth in claim 3 wherein:
said pivot means for mounting said support members on said member are disposed on said member further from the longitudinal axis of said drill pipe section than the point of engagement of said drive means with said drive surfaces on said drill pipe section so that in response to said drive means forcibly engaging asid drill pipe section a force couple is formed which tends to pivot said drive means to ward said longitudinal axis of said drill pipe section.
5. The invention set forth in claim 3 together with:
biasing means on said member engaged with said support members for biasing said drive means into said opening in said member.
6. The invention set forth in claim 5 together with:
stop means on said support members for engaging cooperating stop means on said member for limiting the pivotal movement of said drive means into said opening.
7. The invention set forth in claim 1 wherein:
said pivot means for mounting said support members on said member are disposed on said member further from the longitudinal axis of said drill pipe section than the point of engagement of said rollers with said drive surfaces on said drill pipe section so that in response to said rollers forcibly engaging said drill pipe section a force couple is formed which tends to pivot said rollers toward said longitudinal axis of said drill pipe section.
8. The invention set forth in claim 1 together with:
biasing means on said member engaged with said support members for biasing said rollers into said opening in said member.
9. The invention set forth in claim 8 together with:
stop means on said support members for engaging cooperating stop means on said member for limiting the pivotal movement of said rollers into said opening.
10. The invention set forth in claim 3 wherein:
said rotary drive arrangement comprises a rotary table having a housing supporting a rotatable table member, and said member comprises a bushing removably fitted on said table member to be rotatably driven by said table member. |
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