Abstract: A machine for filling and closing seed packets has a conveyor system which includes first and conveyors, when continuously advance a succession of preformed seed packets. Packets are filled from a continuously rotating funnel wheel which receives seed from a vibratory feeder as the packets are advanced by the first conveyor. The second conveyor receives packets from the first conveyor and applies sealing pressure to the closing flaps on the packets as the packets are further advanced.

Abstract: The ram of a hot-stamping press is driven by means of a movable rack that can be allowed to change position with respect to the ram. The rack engages gears on the end of the ram opposite its head, but during the initial portion of its stroke an air cylinder interior to the ram prevents relative motion between the movable rack and the ram. As a consequence, the ram moves at the same velocity as that of the rack during the initial portion of the stroke. Stationary racks are also provided, and additional gears mechanically linked to the gears engaged by the movable rack begin to engage the stationary rack toward the end of the stroke. This requires relative motion of the movable rack relative to the ram despite the force applied by the air cylinder inside the ram, and the velocity of the ram is thereby reduced to a fraction of that of the rack. This results in force multiplication toward the end of the ram stroke.

Abstract: A stamping press with an augmented power stroke has a support with a guide portion in which is slidably seated a ram having an elongated passage therein parallel to the axis of movement thereof and a head portion at one end for mounting tooling thereon. A plurality of pulley members are spaced equiangularly about and secured to the other end of the ram with the rotational axes thereof being perpendicular to the axis of movement of the ram. A piston is slidably seated in the passage in the ram and is driven in reciprocating movement by an air cylinder operatively connected to the end thereof adjacent the pulley members. Chain members equal in number to the pulley members are connected at one end to the aforementioned end of the piston and at the other end to the support at a point spaced axially of the ram from the pulley members toward the head portion thereof, each chain member extending intermediate its length about one of the pulley members.