GB1421836A - Automatic icing machine for cakes - Google Patents

Abstract

1421836 Automatic icing machine KITCHENS OF SARA LEE (CANADA) LTD 14 Feb 1974 [14 Feb 1973] 7311/73 Heading A2A An apparatus for sequentially icing a plurality of cakes contained in trays comprises two parallel tracks 100, along which sequential trays 101, each containing a baked batter cake 102 are conveyed, each tray having a leading edge 108 and a trailing edge 110. The upper reaches of two endless chains 106 are located centrally between pairs of L-bars 104, each chain 106 carrying a plurality of spaced pusher elements 107 which are adapted to engage the trailing edges 110 of the respective trays 101. Two icing nozzles 112 are supported by components of the assembly, one of the nozzles 112 being situated above and in operative relation with each track 100. Each nozzle 112 is part of a rigid structure which includes an upward extension 134. Each nozzle and extension combination is adapted to pivot about one of the bosses 132. A link arm 136 is pivotally connected to the outer end of T-shaft 126 at one end and includes at its other end a T-member 138 which is pivotally connected to the upper ends of extensions 134. A pivot shaft 117 constitutes a fixed axis from which a first arm component 118 extends generally horizontally and from which a second arm component 124 extends generally vertically. Rotatable sprockets 130 are mounted at the other end of first arm component 118 and carry eccentric bosses about which the nozzle and extension combinations are adapted to pivot. A geneva or similar drive is provided to cause sprockets 130 to rotate on an intermittent basis for the purpose of lifting the nozzles 112 forwardly and upwardly out of one cake tray, after the cake in that tray has been iced, and for reinserting that nozzle into the next subsequent cake tray to begin the icing of that particular cake. Cam means is provided for the purpose of gradually raising and then again lowering the first arm component 118, and thus nozzles 112, during the icing sequence in order to allow for the crown of a baked batter cake. The delivery of icing to the nozzles 112 is accomplished by means of a positive displacement pump which urges icing from an icing vat into flexible conduits 235. The conduits 235 feed the icing into cylindrical intakes 237 on the nozzles 112. Means are provided for initiating icing flow from nozzle 112 upon inserting the nozzle 112 above each cake 102 rearwardly adjacent the leading edge 108 of the tray 101 and for terminating the flow upon withdrawal of the nozzle away from the cake 102 when the cake has advanced so as to bring the nozzle 112 to a position forwardly adjacent the trailing edge 110 of the tray.