System for processing cartridges

Abstract

A filling system for filling cartridges with a variety of outer diameters includes a conveyor having cleats extending at spaced intervals. A shifting mechanism is coupled to the conveyor for shifting the conveyor between a first position and a second position. The distance between the first and second positions is a function of the outer diameter of the cartridge to be filled.

1 . A filling system for filling cartridges having any one of a variety of outer diameters comprising:
 a conveyor, the conveyor includes cleats extending therefrom at spaced intervals; and   a shifting mechanism coupled to said conveyor for shifting said conveyor between a first position and a second position, the distance between the first position and second position being a function of the outer diameter of a cartridge to be filled.   
   
   
       2 . The filling system of  claim 1 , wherein said filling system includes a frame, a shaft affixed to said frame, a hollow shaft slidably mounted about said frame, a linear power transmissive assembly coupled to said hollow member, said conveyor being affixed to said hollow member, wherein activation of said linear power transmissive assembly moves said cylinder between a first position and a second position. 
   
   
       3 . The filling system of  claim 2 , further comprising a rear shaft collar mounted on said shaft for defining said first position, and a forward shaft collar mounted on said shaft at a distance spaced from said rear shaft collar and defining said second position. 
   
   
       4 . The filling system of  claim 1 , wherein said distance corresponds to one-half the difference of the outer diameter of a first cartridge minus the outer diameter of a second cartridge, the first cartridge having a greater outer diameter than the second cartridge. 
   
   
       5 . The filling system of  claim 1 , further comprising an alignment mechanism in facing relationship with the conveyor. 
   
   
       6 . The filling system of  claim 5 , wherein the alignment mechanism includes a pushing block for engaging said cartridge, said cartridge disposed between respective cleats and said pushing block aligning a central axis of the cartridge in an orientation for filling. 
   
   
       7 . The filling system of  claim 6 , wherein said pushing block has opposed substantially symmetrical arms and moves moves between a first position away from said conveyor and a second position towards said conveyor and aligning a cartridge when in the second position. 
   
   
       8 . A method for filling cartridges having any one of a variety of outer diameters comprising:
 providing a conveyor, the conveyor having cleats extending therefrom at spaced intervals to define a space;   determining the size of the cartridge to be filled; and   shifting the conveyor between a first position and a second position as a function of the outer diameter of the cartridge.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  comprising the step of aligning the cartridge in the space to be substantially coaxial with an axis of flow of material into the cartridge during a filling process. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising the step of aligning said cartridge by pushing said cartridge toward said conveyor with a pushing block, the pushing block having opposed substantially symmetrical arms.