GB472466A - Apparatus for the puffing of cereals and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

472,466. Puffing cereals &c. PLEWS, W. J. Dec. 17, 1935, No. 35015. [A Specification was laid open to inspection under Sect. 91 of the Acts, June 18, 1936.] [Class 58] Apparatus for the treatment of cereals and like materials with fluid under pressure and the sudden release of such pressure comprises a cylindrical chamber 1 for the material, closed at one end and open at the other. The cylinder is carried on trunnions through one of which a supply of fluid passes to a pipe leading to a passage 7 in the closed end of the cylinder, this passage terminating in radial passages 8. The chamber is divided into two parts 9, 10 by a member 11 having a large number of small openings 12 through it so as to cause the fluid to enter the chamber 10, in which the material is heated, in a diffused condition : the member 11 is mounted in or integral with a plug 13 formed with a deflecting surface 15 for the fluid issuing from the passages 8. The mouth of the cylinder is closed by a cover 17 carried by a head 17a pivoted to the cylinder, the cover being self adjustable on the head. A yoke 29 eccentrically pivoted on a bracket on the cylinder has a bridge piece 34 to engage the head 17a and to hold the cover tightly closed when a handle 35 attached to the eccentric pivot is raised. A cam block 36 actuated by a handle 40 serves to trip the yoke 29 when it is desired to release the pressure in the chamber and also to lock the yoke in holding position during the treatment. The movement of the head 17a when the pressure is released is cushioned by a roll of belting 42 supported by links 43, this belting being adapted to engage an abutment 44 on the cylinder. The cylinder is swung into loading treating and discharging positions by a handle 45 having a latch 46 engaging in notches in a ring 50. The apparatus is stated to be particularly suitable for the treatment of cereals described in Specification 472,465.