GB1273154A - Improvements in or relating to extruding a mixture of powdered potato and water - Google Patents

Abstract

1,273,154. Multi-orificed extruders. BRITISH UNITED SHOE MACHINERY CO. Ltd. 12 June, 1969 [13 June, 1968; 7 Aug., 1968], Nos. 28116/68 and 37581/68. Heading B5A. An extrusion machine, particularly intended for making potato chips, comprises a container 54, Fig. 1, having a multi-orificed base 56 and in which a piston 35, Fig. 4, is reciprocable to extrude a potato powder/water mix through orifices 58, Fig. 1, the piston being poweroperated to move downwardly in a series of steps of pre-selected length as required by an operator of the machine. The invention also relates to the provision of a knife assembly 66 movable on frame 10 to allow removal of container 54. Drive to the piston is via a worm wheel 28, Fig. 4, internally threaded to engage threaded piston rod 34 and driven by a worm (26), Fig. 2 (not shown), on the output shaft of an electric motor 22. Upper and lower limits of travel of the piston are determined by microswitches 112 and 104 respectively, the former being actuated by a striker 116 and the latter by a cam 110, Fig. 1, mounted at the top of the piston rod. Extrusion is initiated by pressing a button 122, Fig. 4, and the time of extrusion is governed by the setting of a potentiometer knob 120 graduated in lengths of extrudate. An electric circuit is described, Fig. 5 (not shown). The position of the piston is indicated by a pointer 48, Fig. 1, which extends through a slot 46 of housing 44. At the end of each extrusion operation, pressure may be relieved in container 54 by a small upwards movement of the piston. The drive may be pneumatic or hydraulic rather than electric. The extrudate is cut by a knife assembly 66 supported by a member 68 vertically reciprocable on a guide 64. Member 68 is normally biased by a spring 90 to bring knife assembly 66 into contact with the underside of container 54, but may be moved downwardly to bring the arms of a peg 98 into slots 103 of guide 64 thereby maintaining the assemby clear of container 54 when the latter is to be removed or replaced. The knife assembly 66 comprises a circular frame (80), Fig. 3 (not shown), blade members (84), and is rotated over a limited arc by means of a handle (86). Flats (81) on frame (80) are engageable by a bowspring (87) to hold the assembly in alternative rest positions. The base 56 may have orifices formed by a grill-like structure of metal strips.