US1628168A - Testing and deflating machine - Google Patents

Description

' 1 May 927 s. MALKE TESTING AND DEFLATING MACHINE Filed June 30. 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 727 s. MALKE TESTING AND DEFLATING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June so. 1926 May 10, 1921. 1.628.168

S. MALKE TESTING AND DEFLATING MACHINE Filed June 50. 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 gk @(4, (/////Z I Q/XOM Patented May 10, 1927.

sir'fiN MALKE, or MILWAUKEE, wIscoNsIN.

Tris'rIN AND DEFLAT NG MACHINE.

AfipIic-altion' filed June so, 1926. Serial No. 115,780.

This invention relates to testing and deflating machines for inner tubes for tlres.

I-Iereto-fore, it has been the usual practice to inflate the tubes and submerge them "for testing and thereafter remove the tubes from the water and connect the valves of the inflated tubes to a vacuum system for the deflating operation. a slow process and increases the total expense' of manufacture of'the inner tubes This invention is designed to overcome the defects noted above and objects of such invention are to provide a novel form; of testing. and deflating machine which deflates thetubes without removing them from the water, but instead, uses the hydrostatic pressure to deflate the tubes, so that the tubes do not have to be removed from the testing machine but instead, the machine itself not 2 only affords the facilities for testing; but also completely deflates the tubes in a wholly automatic and novel manner.

Further objects of this invention are to provide a machine which will. simultaneously deflate a large number-[of mner tubes inan automatic manner and loosen the holding; means for theinner tubes, so that they may be readily lifted; from the machme as they are presented in an orderly succession by the machine.

Further objects are to provide atestmg and deflating machine which, althoufghaccomplishing the purposes stated above, is nevertheless relatively simple and oil? highly 515 practical construction.

An embodiment of the invel-it'ioli is shown I iii-the accompanying: drawings in which:

Figurel is an endelevation partly in section; of the machine; I I I Figure 2 is a side elevationthereof, such view being also partly in section;

Figure3 is an enlarged view of a poruion of one of the tube carrying arms; I

Figure {his a sectional View on the line 4.4=' of Figure 3; Figure Fr'i's'an end view shown in FigureS; I I I Figure 6 is a view of the locking lever for the nipple or filling valve;

Figure 77 ofFiggure 4; I

Figure 8 is a sectional View on the line 8-8' of Figure 4;

Fi-o'uire t) is a sectional view on the line 9-?) ct Figure 2';

Necessarily this isof the structure I r is a sectional" view on the line FigurelO is a sectional View on the line 10 10 ofFigure 'Q; I I I I I 'Figure ll is a face View of the cam shown in Figure 10; I Figure 12 is a detail showing the pivotal. connection of one of the arms to the adjacent portion of the drum. I

Referring to'Figures 1 and 2, it will be seen that the machine comprises an enlarged tankl adapted to hold waterto' approximately the level indicated in Figuresfl an('l 2. This tank houses a slowly rotating hollow drum 2, whose trunnions3 project outwardly beyond the side walls of the tank. One or both of the trunnionsmay providedwith an aperture, as shown in Figure 1, such aperture communicating with the interior of the drum 2. Further, itis to be noted from Figure 2, that one of the M1111: nionsisprovided with. a sprocket wheel 4%,

which maybe driven by means of a chain 5 from any suitable source 0t power so as tofsl'o wly rot-ate thedrum I I I I l I I The drum is provided with a pluralityof bearingmembers 6, which project radially outwardly therefrom in a regular order; These bearing members receive t -liearms 71 which are hollow and wl1ich';are provided with pivotal or trunnionportions 8 carried in the bearing member 6, as shown mostclearly in Figure 12. These hollow arms 7 are closed-at both ends. They areplaced in communication adjacent their pivoted endywith the interior of the dru 2, by means of the flexible pipes 9 (see Figure 12'). ,Referring to Figure 3, it will be seen that the" arms 7 are provided with a lz'lterally extending portion 7 which parallels the axis of the drum, as may beseen more particu larly from Figure 2. The outerenids of the arms areclosed, indicated in Figure 3', and are provided with rollers 1O for a pur-v pose hereinafter to appear. .Fu-r'thenit is to be noted that the inflated inner tube, as shown in imaginaryiines in .Figurei3 and indicated by the reference, character 11, is carried by a stationary roller 12 and a mgovable roller 13. The movable roller 13 is carried by a lever l l' which is pivotally mounted at 15 upon the portion 7 ot the arm. This lever is preterabl'ytorked at its lower end and spansithe portion/Wot the arm. It is providedlwith a bellcrankor short lever portion 16, provided 1 with acam roller 17; Furtlier,'the'lever 14, as

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most clearly shown in Figure is provided with a pin 18 which is adapted to be engaged by a latch 19 to hold the lever in tube extending position, as shown in Figures 3 and 5.

In addition to the equipment of the arms just described, such arms are further provided with an outwardiy projecting extension 20, provided with a passageway 21 communicating with the interior of the arms, as shown most clearly in Figure 4:. This extension is provided with a vertical sleeve-like portion 22 about which a locking lever 23 is adapted to swing. This locking lever is forked at its inner end and has a cap-like upper portion 2%. which is pivotally mounted upon the sleeve 22. The lower portion of the lever 23 is rigidly secured to a pin or short shaft 25. This pin is provided with an aperture 26 passing radially thereinto, and con'nnunicating with a longitudinal passageway 27, so that the passageway 27 may be placed in communication with the passageway 21 when the parts are in the position shown in Figure 4-, and by means of which, communication between the passageways may be cut off by rotating the .lever 23 and, consequently, rotating the valve or pin 25.

Further, it is to be noted that this valve or pin is provided with a small, centrally located pin 28 which is adapted to engage the valve stem of the filling nipple or valve 29, and thus hold the valve open and permit discharge of the air from the inner tube 11 through the passageways 27 and 21 into the interior of the arm. It is to be noted from Figure 4 that the sleeve 22 is provided with a short web 30 which carries a gasket 31 against which the end of the filling valve 29 is pressed.

It is to be noted from reference to Figure 6 that the cap-like portion 24 of the lever 23 is provided with an oval or rectangular opening, two of whose sides are provided with threads 24 adapted to interlock with the threads of the filling nipple when the lever is rocked into the position shown in Figure 4. Vhen the lever is rocked approximately a quarter of aturn, the threads 24' disengage the threads of the filling valve or nipple 29, as the threaded portions 2 1 are then positioned opposite the flat portions 29 of the filling valve.

In order to prevent the filling valve from turning, the sleeve 22, as shown in Figure 7, may be provided with an oval or rectangular opening 22 which receives the end of the valve stem 29, and thus prevents turning of the valve.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 10, it is to be noted that the machine is provided with a track composed of two members 32. These members may be of angle iron, as shown most clearly in Figure 10. The rollers 10 'ide between these members and are, consequently, guided by the track and accordingly guide the portion 7 of the arms, causing them to move inwardly or outwardly from the drum in accordance with the contour oi the track.

It is to be noted from Figure 1 that the track is provided with a straight, vertical portion, indicated by the reference character A, and with an upwardly slanting portion, indicated by the reference character B. It is further provided with an outwardly curved portion C and with a slow, inwardly curved portion D. This inwardly curved portion D lead to a horizontal portion E which is positioned below the water level, and from this point the track is provided with a gradually curved portion T which leads completely around the drum 2. Thus, when the drum rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 1, the arms are held in a vertical position along the portion A and gradu ally swung out along the portions B and C, are then swung inwardly along the portion D, and thereafter travel along the horizontal stretch E, subsequently completing the circuit by means of the portion F.

The tubes are placed upon the rollers 12 and 13 (see Figure 3) when the arms are at the portion C of the track. They pass completely around the machine and are removed from the rollers when they arrive at the portion B.

Assume, for instance, that the pairs of rollers 12 and 13 of one of the arms, as indicated at the upper portion of Figure 2, are in their closest relative position. tube 11 (see Figure 2) is then placed over these arms. Continued motion of the drum causes the roller 17 of the lever 14 to engage a curved cam 35, as shown in Figure 2, and rock the roller 13 into the full line position in Figure 2, thus extending the tube, as shown in Figure 3. hen the tube is so extended, the latch 19 drops over the pin 18 (see Figure 3) and thus holds the tube extended. The action of the cam is more clearly shown in Figure 9, such figure corresponding to the section 9 9 of Figure 2.

The rotation of the drum then rocks the arms past the portion D to the horizontal stretch E. The tubes are now submerged and the operator may readily inspect the valves and the tubes, and may shift the tubes by pulling them, such tubes freely running over the rollers 12 and 13 so that not only the valves, but every portion of the tubes may be inspected for leaks. The operator then shifts the tube to bring the valve 29 (see Figure 3) into alignment with the discharge valve and inserts the valve or filling nipple 29, as shown in Figures 3 and 4-, and rocks the lever 23. This opens the filling A IX liquid and, consequently, subjects the tubes to greater and greater hydrostaticpressure. This hydrostatic pressure completely deflates the tubes, the air within the tubes discharginginto the drum Qand from thence outwardly through the trunnions 3 of the drum.

When the tubes. are approaching the right hand side o1": Figure 1, the arms are guided by the vertical portion A of the track. At this. portion, as shown in Figure 2, a triangular faced or slanting faced cam 33 engages the arms 23 and rocks them into valve releasingposition, thus allowing the valves to free themselves from the tube discharging valve. This position of the parts is shown in Figure 2 at the second tube of the sectioned portion of the figure. The resiliency of the tube draws the valve upwardly and trees it after the lever 23 has been rocked, inwardly by means of the cam This operation. is more clearly shown in Figure 10 from which it will be seen that the cam 33 rocks the lever 23 from the full line position shown in Figure 10, to the dotted line position, thus freeing the filling nipple or valve. i

- Continued upward motion of the arms along the vertical portion A of the track causes the latches 19 to engage the cam or finger 34 which draws the latches to the right in Figure 2. This is more clearly shown in Figure 3, from which it will be seen that the finger or cam 34 cooperates with the slanting outer faces of the latches 19, and rocks them free of the pins 18. This permits the lever 14- to rock inwardly due to the resiliency of the tube 11. The arms now arrive at the upwardly slanting portion B of the track and the tubes may be lifted from the arms. The machine is now ready for the next cycle oil (meration, as described in detail above.

It will be noted from Figures 1 and 2 that a large number of tubes are handled by the machine at one time and that although the deflating of anindividual tube may be relatively slow, that nevertheless by having a large number of tubes deflating at the same time, the output of the machine is large and, consequently, the net result is a rapid testing and deflating of the tubes.

It will be seen that a novel machine has been provided which has a dual function of both providing for the testing and deflating of the tubes without removal of the tubes from the water after testing, but instead,employing the water itself to exert the neces sary pressure to insure complete deflation of the tubes.

It will be seen further that the machim automatically locks. the inflated tubes in place and automatically releases the valves and the tubes, and permits the ready re moval of the tubes from the machine after they have been tested and deflated.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail, such description is in tended asillustrative rather than limiting theflinvention may be variously embodied and as the scope of such invention is to :be determined as claimed.

I claim:

1. In a machine for operating upon inflated inner tubes provided with filling}.- valves, the combination of means for receiving the tubes and holding the valves open, and means for deflating the tubes by the ap plication of hydrostatic pressure.

2. In a machine oi? the class described, the combination of means for receiving inflated tubes provided with filling valves, means for holding the filling valves open, and means forsubmerging the tubes in a liquid to de flute said tubes, i

3. A machine for deli-'ating inflated tubes provided with filling valves, comprising means for holding the tubes, means for, hold ing the filling valves in an open position, and means for applying hydrostatic pressure to the tubes.

4. A machine for deflating inflatedtubes provided with filling valves, comprising means for holding the" tubes, means for holding the filling valves in an open position,

means for applying hydrostatic pressure to the tubes, and means for releasing the valves alter deflation.

5. A machine for deflating inflated inner tubes provided with filling valves, said machine comprising a revolubly mounted mem her having a plurality of arms, tube holding means carried by said arms and adapted to receive the tubes, means carried by said arms for locking the valves .in open position, means for guiding the holding means below the level of a liquid for deflating said tubes. and automatic means for releasing the valves after deflation of the tubes.

6. A machine for deflating inflated inner tubes provided with filling valves, comprising' a revolubly mounted, submerged drum having arms thereon, means carried by said arms for receiving said tubes, and means for locking said valves in open position while said drum carries the tubes beneath the liquid level. 1

7. A machine for deflating inflated inner tubes provided with filling valves, comprising a revolubly mounted, submerged drum having arms thereon, means carried by said arms for receiving said tubes, means for locking said valves in open position while said drum carries the tubes beneath the liquid level, and means for automatically releasing said valves after deflation.

8. A machine for deflating inflated inner tubes provided with filling valves, said ma chine comprising a revolubly mounted drum adapted to operate in a liquid, a tank for holding said liquid, a plurality of arms carried by said drum and having relatively movable tube receiving members, means for moving said members apart upon the reception of a tube to hold the tube in an extended position, means for locking the filling valves in open position while the drum carries the tubes through the liquid, and automatic means for releasing the valve locking means and for releasing the tube holding means.

9. A machine for testing and deflating inner tubes, provided with filling valves, said machine comprising a revoluble member provided with tube receiving means, a tank surrounding said member and adapted to hold a liquid, a guiding member for said tube holding means for carrying said tubes below the surface of the liquid tor inspection and for deflation, means for receiving the filling valve and holding such valve in open position after inspection and while the tubes are submerged, and means for detaching the valve holding and tube holding means after the tubes have been submerged.

10. A machine for testing and deflating inner tubes provided with filling valves, said machine comprising a revolubly mounted drum provided with pivotally mounted arms, tube receiving elements having relative motion and mounted upon said arms, means for causing the separation of said tube receiving elements, a tank surrounding said drum and adapted to contain a liquid, a track for guiding said arm with the tubes mounted thereon below the level of the liquid for inspection, means for engaging the valves and holding them in open position, said track guiding the tubes downwardly through the liquid while the valves are held in open position and guiding the tubes upwardly from said liquid for removal.

11. A machine for testing and deflating inner tubes provided with filling valves, said machine comprising a revolubly mounted drum provided with pivotally mounted arms, tube receiving elements having relative motion and mounted upon said arms, means for causing the separation of said tube receiving elements, a tank surrounding said drum and adapted to contain a liquid, a track for guiding said arms with the tubes mounted there on below the level of the liquid for inspection, means for engaging the valves and holding them in open position, said track guiding the tubes downwardly through the liquid while the valves are held in open posi tion and guiding the tubes upwardly from said liquid for removal, and means for automatically releasing said tube engaging elements and said valve locking means. i

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand at Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State of VVisconsin.

SVEN MALKE.

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