GB1027313A - Automatic dressing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1,027,313. Fluid pressure servomotor systems. V.J.EVICH. Nov.20, 1962, No. 43933/62. Heading G3P. [Also in Division A2] Pneumatic servomotor mechanism 18, for controlling each dressing device in a machine for dressing pieces of fish or meat carried on a travelling conveyer 13 (see Division A2), comprises a cylinder 44 pivoted, at one end 45, to the machine frame 11, and a piston 48 connected to a U-shaped, tubular piston-rod 49, which passes through a cap 50, on the other end of the cylinder, and is pivoted, at 52, to the outer end of the arm 17 of the dressing device, which arm is pivoted, at 20, to the machine frame. The bore through the piston-rod registers with a bore 60 through the piston. The piston is urged towards the cylinder-end 45 by a tensioned spring 53, anchored to the machine frame and to an adjustable threaded bracket 54, carried on a threaded portion 55 of the piston-rod. Compressed air is fed, at constant pressure, into the cylinder, through a manifold 58 and a flexible pipe 59, and passes through the bore 60, the piston-rod 49 and a flexible pipe 65, to a venting valve 66 actuated by a feeler 85 pivoted to the arm 17. When the feeler contacts a piece of meat or fish, the valve 66 vents air at a rate slower than its rate of entry into the cylinder and the piston 48, the piston-rod 49 and arm 17 move away from the conveyer 13, so that the associated rotating dressing roller 27 is brought into engagement with a side or upper surface of the piece. This dressing position is maintained, because the valve 66 then vents air at the same rate as it enters the cylinder. When the dressed piece is moved away from the feeler and dressing roller, the vent of the valve 66 is fully opened and the spring 53 urges the dressing mechanism into its starting position close to the conveyer; actual contact between the feeler and conveyer being prevented by adjusting the bracket 54 so that it abuts the cap 50.