GB512912A - Improvements in or relating to devices for subdividing masses of butter, margarine and like plastic material into blocks - Google Patents

Abstract

512,912. Cutting butter &c. BROWN, A. March 19, 1938, No. 8535. [Class 87 (ii)] A device for dividing a mass of butter or like plastic material into slabs comprises a framework 1 adapted to accommodate the butter within it, a horizontal frame 13 carrying a series of cutting wires or blades 41 adapted to subdivide'the butter, means for traversing the frame 13 vertically in the framework 1, and an additional wire 47 adapted to be traversed across the frame 13 to sever the butter liorizontally. The framework 1 is formed of angle bars with one bottom end omitted so that the framework may be lowered over the butter mass or moved sideways or alternatively the butter may be slid into the framework on a slide. The frame 13 is also formed of angle bars which are supported by nuts 22 on lead screws 18 geared together at the bottom so as to be simultaneously operated by a handle 30 to move the frame 13 vertically. The frame 13 has a rectangular frame 32 bolted to its underside which carries two parallel series of cutting wires 41 at right angles to one another. The movable wire 47 is situated about an inch above the fixed wires and is stretched between blocks 48, 49 which are traversed laterally by lead screws 52, 53 actuated simultaneously by a handle 31. In use the frame 13 is first lowered a certain distance to cause the wires 41 to penetrate the butter and the wire 47 is then traversed to cut off the slabs thus produced. In a modification, the framework 1 and the frame 13 are of tubular construction and-the various lead screws are housed in the tubular frames. The wire 47 may also be situated below the frame 13. Power means may be provided for operating the cutting wires.