subject: The Latest Tech In Filling Machine [print this page] Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a filling machine is provided, capable of delivering feathers or down or a mixture thereof, from a bulk storage container or bin to the article to be filled in pre-measured quantities. Means are provided for separating the feathery material and delivering it to a measuring station where a pre-selected weight of material is measured. The measured material is thereafter delivered through a conduit to an output nozzle which delivers the pre-measured quantity of material directly into the article to be filled. Of critical significance is the means for separating the feathery material so that small quantities can be delivered to the measuring station to accomplish measurement within the accuracy tolerances for materials of this type.
. A filling machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein said second feed blade is located in said means defining a delivery exit, said paddle-wheel configuration of said second feed blade cooperating with said delivery exit means to generally close said delivery exit during the non-operation of said second feed blade.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the filling machine of the instant invention is shown in perspective. Feather material in bulk is supplied to bin 11. Mounted on a frame 12 is a hopper 13 to which the feather material is delivered via conduits 16 through a blower 17 operated by a motor 18.
A base 14 mounted within frame 12 supports a scale 19 on which is mounted a measuring chute 21. Hopper 13 communicates with measuring chute 21 via a downspout 22 and a shutter assembly 23. A base 15 adjacent frame 12 carries a delivery spout or nozzle 24 and a control box 25.
More specific details of the apparatus will be described below, the foregoing description being intended to provide a general understanding of a preferred embodiment of the filling machine.
