JP2007527234A - Method and system for controlling product flow in a food molding machine - Google Patents

Abstract

  A manifold for food molding machines that balances the flow and pressure of food over a wide filling area. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a feed system for a food molding machine having multiple plunger structures that enhance the capacity of the food molding machine. Furthermore, the present invention provides a valve for controlling the flow of the food molding machine. The breather vent assembly and auger cover are configured to return exhaust and excess food to the food supply.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to provisional patent applications Nos. 60 / 515,157, 60 / 515,089, 60 / 515,189 and 60/515 filed on Oct. 28, 2003. , 858, claim priority.

The present invention relates to a method and system for controlling the product flow of a food molding machine. The manifold balances the food flow and pressure over a large filling area. The feed system has multiple plunger structures that increase the capacity of the food molding machine. A valve controls the flow of food to the food molding machine. The breather vent assembly and auger cover are configured to return exhaust and excess food to the food supply.

Background of the Invention Prior to automation, consumers have generally formed food patties by hand. However, the demand for fast and mass production of food (eg, the fast food industry) has led to the development of automated machines configured to provide shaped food. In general, such machines form foods into putty of various shapes and dimensions under pressure. A typical use of food molding machines is in the production of hamburger patties. However, the type and shape (eg, rod, putty, etc.) of the food (eg, vegetable, meat, fish, etc.) can vary. Molded food is distributed to restaurants and grocery stores. The demand for large numbers of high speed food forming machines continues to increase.

  However, the prior art food molding machine has several disadvantages. For example, buyers are demanding greater capacity than is available from known food molding machines. Furthermore, it is difficult to control and balance the increasing flow of food through known food molding machines while maintaining the quality of the shaped food.

  As can be appreciated, there are certain drawbacks to the current state of the art of manifolds and feed systems built into food molding machines.

  Known food forming machines include tubes or cylindrical valves to control the pressure and flow of food that is forced into the cavity of the forming plate by the pump assembly. These known tubes or cylindrical valves are inefficient and limit the ability of food to be processed through the machine.

  Expansion and contraction of the pump assembly and molding plate assembly in the molding machine results in exhaust and excess food that is difficult to return to the food supply. Typically, this exhaust may emit like a “gep” from the machine, causing a splash of food that can be released from the machine boundary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a food molding machine is provided that includes a plurality of feed chambers configured to pressurize food and a molding plate having a cavity. In addition, the machine includes a manifold configured to deliver food from the delivery chamber to the mold plate cavity under pressure. The manifold includes an internal cavity that is divided through the manifold by an inner wall into a first chamber or passage and a second chamber or passage.

  According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of feeding food under pressure from a plurality of feed chambers through a manifold to a forming plate, the method comprising feeding the food into a first portion and a second portion. And providing a first portion of food under pressure to a first passage in a manifold associated with one of the first pair of alternating feed chambers while simultaneously providing a second pair of food Providing a second portion of food under pressure to a second passage in the manifold associated with one of the alternating feed chambers and providing the first portion of food to the forming plate through the first passage of the manifold; And simultaneously providing a second portion of food to the forming plate through the second passage of the manifold.

  The present invention relates to a food molding machine comprising a series of at least four plunger assemblies. In addition, the machine comprises a series of at least four feed chambers, each of which is configured to receive one of the four plungers. The first and second plunger assemblies operate simultaneously and alternately with the third and fourth plunger assemblies to press food through each of the first and second passages in the manifold to fill the forming plate. .

  The present invention relates to a method of pumping food using a series of four plunger assemblies to fill cavities of a molded plate, the method actuating first and second plunger assemblies to operate simultaneously. Allowing the food to fill the mold plate cavity, retracting the first and second plunger assemblies to receive a new supply of food, and the third and fourth plunger assemblies Actuating to operate simultaneously and providing food to fill the cavities of the forming plate.

  The present invention relates to a food molding machine including a pump assembly configured to supply food under pressure and fill a series of cavities in a molding plate. The valve is disposed between the pump assembly and the molding plate. The valve is configured to selectively deliver a supply of food under pressure from the pump assembly to the cavity of the forming plate. The valve includes a first fixation plate disposed adjacent to the second fixation plate, the first and second fixation plates having a plurality of aligned openings. The first and second fixed plates define a passage extending therebetween. Further, the valve is configured to selectively slide within the passageway and is operable to restrict or control the flow of food through a plurality of openings aligned with the first and second plates. A third plate.

  The present invention further relates to a method of controlling food supply to fill a cavity of a forming plate, wherein the food is subjected to pressure through a series of four feed chamber assemblies by a feeding device such as two pairs of alternating pump assemblies. Sent. The method includes operating one of the second pair of pump assemblies simultaneously with one of the first pair of pump assemblies. The first portion of food is provided by one of the first pair of pump assemblies through the first delivery chamber. The second portion of food is provided by one of the second pair of pump assemblies through the second delivery chamber. The valve is slid laterally to a first position to selectively feed a second portion of food from the second feeding chamber simultaneously with the first portion of food from the first feeding chamber. To pay. The second assembly of the first pair of pump assemblies is operated simultaneously with the second assembly of the second pair of pump assemblies. The third portion of food is provided by the second assembly of the first pair of pump assemblies through the third delivery chamber. The fourth portion of food is provided by the second assembly of the second pair of pump assemblies through the fourth delivery chamber. The valve is slid laterally to the second position to selectively feed the fourth portion of food from the fourth feeding chamber simultaneously with the third portion of food from the third feeding chamber. To pay.

  A food molding machine is provided that includes an auger assembly and an auger cover surrounding the auger assembly. The auger assembly is configured to feed food from the hopper to the feed assembly, which moves the food under pressure through a manifold to a forming plate having a series of cavities. The auger cover includes an opening, which may be in the form of a slot, for receiving exhaust and excess food that occurs during operation of the molding machine. In addition, the machine includes a breather vent assembly mounted to the auger cover. The breather vent assembly includes a wall mounted to the guide. The wall is placed behind the breather slot to receive exhaust and excess food. The wall is arranged to release the exhaust to the atmosphere and return excess food to the auger assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, the present invention provides a manifold configured to deliver pressurized food from a delivery chamber to a filling area for filling a cavity of a forming plate, such as in a putty forming machine. I will provide a.

  The present invention relates to a pressure assembly that includes several pairs, eg, two pairs of plungers, which increase the throughput of food that has been pressurized to fill the cavities of the molded plate, thereby increasing the putty. Configured to increase the capacity of the molding machine.

  The present invention provides a valve configured to selectively deliver food fed under pressure from a feed chamber to a manifold connected to a filling area for filling a cavity of a forming plate.

  1-3 illustrate one embodiment of a food molding machine 10 having a feed chamber / manifold assembly 20 of the present invention. The figure shows a number of plunger pump systems. The machine 10 generally includes a food hopper 25, a conveyor assembly 30, and an auger assembly 35 configured to deliver a supply of food to a pump system. The pump system includes a series of plunger assemblies 40-43 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) configured to pressurize or push food through a feed chamber 75 / manifold assembly 80 and into a series of cavities in the forming plate 50. Including. The pressure applied by the plunger assemblies 40-43 regulates the compression of the food within the mold plate 50 cavity. Knockout assembly 55 separates the formed food or putty from molded plate 50.

  FIG. 2 shows a detailed perspective view of the plunger assembly 40-43 and the feed chamber 75 / manifold assembly 80 incorporated into the machine 10. FIG. The feed chamber 75 / manifold assembly 80 is arranged to deliver a pressurized flow of food into the filling area 57 located in the filling plate 58 and into the cavity of the forming plate 50. The molding drive system 60 reciprocates the molding plate 50 back and forth in alignment with the filling area 57 of the filling plate 58 to receive pressurized food in the plurality of cavities of the molding plate 50. After filling the cavity, the molding drive system 60 slides the molding plate 50 outwardly from alignment with the filling area 57, where the knockout assembly 55 releases the molded food from the cavity of the molding plate 50.

  2 and 3 show exploded perspective views of the plunger assembly 40-43 and the feed chamber 75 / manifold assembly 80. FIG. Each of the plunger assemblies 40-43 includes a hydraulically driven cylinder assembly 65 configured to reciprocate the respective plunger 70 back and forth. The type of pump assembly (eg, screw pump, plunger, etc.) can vary.

  The feed chamber 75 / manifold assembly 80 includes a feed chamber assembly 75 and a manifold assembly 80. The feed chamber assembly 75 includes four horizontal feed chambers 85-88 aligned with respective plunger assemblies 40-43. Each plunger assembly 40-43 reciprocates back and forth within its respective feed chamber 85-88 as indicated by the arrows. The reciprocating motion of the plunger assemblies 40-43 pushes food into the manifold assembly 80 under pressure. Fill plate 58 defines the top of the downstream end of feed chamber assembly 75 and the top region of manifold assembly 80. The main assembly plate 90 defines the bottom portion of the feed chamber assembly 75. A shutter-type control valve 95 is disposed between the feed chamber assembly 75 and the manifold assembly 80 to control the flow of food into and through the manifold assembly 80.

  In one embodiment, each of the plunger assemblies 40-43 is paired and expands and contracts simultaneously with the other one of the plunger assemblies 40-43. For example, the inner two plunger assemblies 41 and 42 operate simultaneously, alternating with the operation of the outer two plunger assemblies 40 and 43. Of course, the pairs of plunger assemblies 40-43 (eg, first and third, second and fourth, etc.) can vary.

  For example, pump assemblies 41 and 42 extend simultaneously and pressurize food through feed chambers 86 and 87. The valve 95 is slidably adjusted to allow a pressurized flow of food through the manifold assembly 80 into the cavity of the forming plate 50 while preventing the flow of food from the feed chambers 85 and 88. Plunger assemblies 41 and 42 can delay their extended positions to maintain pressure on the food items in their cavities of the forming plate 50.

  Immediately after the plunger assemblies 41 and 42 exert their maximum pressure in order to press the food product against the forming plate 50, the plunger assemblies 41 and 42 are retracted or pulled back to their starting position, and more The feed chambers 86 and 87 are filled with food and the pressure in the feed chambers 86 and 87 is effectively reduced to zero. This cycle continues as plunger assemblies 40 and 43 extend and pressurize food through feed chambers 85 and 88 shortly before plunger assemblies 41 and 42 retract. The control valve 95 is slidably adjusted to allow pressurized food to pass through the manifold assembly 80 from the feed chambers 85 and 88 while closing the feed chambers 86 and 87. Similarly, plunger assemblies 40 and 43 are pulled back to refill feed chambers 86 and 87 with more food, while plunger assemblies 41 and 42 extend slightly forward to push food through manifold assembly 80. . The overlapping movement of the plunger assemblies 40-43 and the adjustment of the control valve 95 are performed to provide a substantially uniform flow of food and a constant pressure through each passage 145 and 150 of the manifold assembly 80.

  Limit switches and similar control assemblies can be used to control the operation of plunger assemblies 40-43 and control valve 95 by reciprocating movement of forming plate 50 by forming plate drive system 60.

  4-7 show detailed perspective views of the manifold assembly 80 of FIG. FIG. 6 shows a detailed rear view of the manifold assembly 80. FIG. 7 shows a detailed top view of the manifold assembly 80. The manifold assembly 80 defines the downstream end of the feed chamber assembly 75. Manifold assembly 80 includes a pair of side walls 107 and 108, a pair of end walls 110 and 115, a bottom wall 120, and a top region 125. The rear wall 100 of the manifold assembly 80 includes a series of four inlet ports 130-133 configured to receive food under pressure from respective feed chambers 85-88 of the feed chamber assembly 75. Inlet ports 130-133 are configured to align with respective feed chambers 85-88 of feed chamber assembly 75. The partitions 135-137 that define the inlet ports 130-133 are aligned with the dividing walls that define each feed chamber 85-88 of the feed chamber assembly 75. The shape and dimensions of the inlet ports 130-133 can vary. Top region 125 includes outlet openings 141-142.

  Manifold assembly 80 also includes an inner wall 140. Inner wall 140 is configured to form a first chamber or passage 145 and a second chamber or passage 150 through manifold assembly 80. In one embodiment, the manifold assembly 80 is a cast metal member and the inner wall 140 extends from the septum 136 separating the two inner inlet ports 131 and 132 to the second sidewall 105 and from the bottom wall 120 to the manifold assembly 80. It is an integral part of the manifold assembly 80 that extends to the top region 125 of FIG. The thickness of the inner wall 140 can vary. There is a gap at the top of the inner wall 140 to equalize the pressure between the passages 145 and 150. The value of this gap can vary.

  In one embodiment, the first passage 145 and the second passage 150 are sidewalls relative to the bottom wall 120 and the sidewall 108 to direct material from the ports 130, 131 and 132, 133 to the respective outlet openings 141, 142. The shape of 107 defines a substantially arched flow path. The shape of the cross-sectional area of the first passage 145 and the second passage 150 can vary. Due to the arched cross-sectional shape of each of the passages 145 and 150, the inflow of food through the ports 130-133 in the upward direction through the outlet openings 141-142 and into the filling region 57 to fill the cavities of the molding plate 50. Horizontal flow redirection is enhanced.

  Instead, the machine 10 and the manifold assembly are configured such that the manifold assembly directs a downward incoming food horizontal flow through the filling slot to fill the cavity of the forming plate that reciprocates under the manifold assembly. can do. The manifold assembly can be configured and aligned to receive food flow from the vertical direction. Similarly, the manifold assembly can be configured and aligned to release a pressurized flow of food in any direction.

  The manifold assembly 80 is attached to the filling plate 58 and the main assembly plate 90 of the machine 10 as a fastening body. One embodiment of the manifold assembly 80 includes a plurality of support recesses 155 disposed along the bottom wall 120. The support recess 155 includes an opening 160 for receiving a fastener that couples a support member 165 disposed within the manifold assembly 80 to the fill plate 58. The position, shape, and number of the support recess 155, the opening 160, the support member 165, and the fastening body can vary. In addition, the bottom wall 120 includes a plurality of fastener openings 170 configured to receive fasteners that couple the manifold assembly 80 to the stationary main plate assembly 90. Further, the manifold assembly 80 includes a pair of openings 175 along each of the end walls 110 and 115 to receive the molding lift assembly 180 of the machine 10. Each of the end walls 110 and 115 also includes a plurality of openings configured to receive fasteners that couple the manifold assembly 80 to the frame of the machine 10. The top region 125 includes a plurality of recesses 190, each recess 190 configured to receive a plurality of keys (not shown) disposed on the filling plate 58. Keys and recesses 190 position manifold assembly 80 with fill plate 58 and assist in sealing the assembly. The number and type of fasteners (eg, bolts, screws, etc.) can vary.

  A preferred manifold assembly 80 is made of cast stainless steel, although the composition of the manifold assembly can vary.

  During operation, the conveyor assembly 30 supplies food to the auger assembly 35 (see FIG. 1). The auger assembly 35 directs food downward into the feed chamber assembly (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Pairs of plunger assemblies 40-43 alternately push food into manifold assembly 80 through feed chamber assembly 75 and control valve 95. With reference to FIGS. 4-7, the manifold assembly 80 is configured such that a first portion of food is received in the first passage 145 under pressure from one of the first pair of plunger assemblies 40 and 41. Divided by the inner wall 140. At the same time, a second portion of food is received in the second passage 150 under pressure from one of the second pair of plunger assemblies 42 and 43. The first pair of plunger assemblies 40 and 41 and the second pair 42 and 43 operate alternately to push food into the first passage 145 and the second passage 150 of the manifold assembly 80, respectively. The first passage 145 and the second passage 150 are respectively provided with a horizontal flow of the first and second portions of food in the upward direction in order to fill a plurality of cavities arranged along the forming plate 50. It feeds to the openings 141 and 142 and through the filling region 57 of the filling plate 58 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The filling region 57 can include filling inserts configured for different dimensions and shapes of the cavities of the forming plate 50. When filling multiple cavities, the molding drive system 60 slides the cavities of the molding plate 50 to release the food putty with the knockout assembly 55 formed from the molding plate 50.

  The split design of the manifold assembly 80 enhances the control and balance of food that flows through the wide slot area of the manifold assembly 80 into the cavity of the forming plate 50. Food control and balance is important in providing a uniform and consistent food putty.

  It should be understood that the split manifold system of the present invention can be used in combination with any type of feed system and is not limited to the use of plunger-type systems as shown and described. The feed system of the present invention can incorporate any number of pairs of plunger assemblies that operate such that each plunger of each pair cooperates with one plunger of each other pair.

  8 to 13 show detailed views of the manifold valve 95 of FIG. Manifold valve 95 includes a first plate 325 disposed along their face and adjacent to second plate 330. Each of the plates 325 and 330 includes extensions 335 and 340 that cooperate to form an opening or passage 345 configured to receive the third plate 350, respectively. The first plate 325 includes a plurality of elongated openings 355 aligned with a similar plurality of openings in the second plate 330. The third plate 350 also includes a plurality of elongated openings 357 that are operable to selectively align with the openings 355 of the first plate 325 and the second plate 330. The third plate 350 is configured to slide in a passage 345 formed between the first plate 325 and the second plate 330, and the openings of the first plate 325 and the second plate 330. Regulate the flow of food through 355.

  In one embodiment, the first plate 325 and the second plate 330 include four openings 355 aligned with each of the four horizontally aligned pressure chambers 85-88. In the first position, the third plate 350 is configured to allow the flow of food from the inner two pressure chambers 86 and 87 through the respective passages 145 and 150 of the manifold assembly 80. In the second position, the third plate 350 allows for the flow of food from the outer two feed chambers 85 and 88 through the respective first passage 145 and second passage 150 of the manifold assembly 80. Configured to do. The number, size, and spacing of the openings in plates 325 and 330 can vary.

  The actuator 360 is coupled to one end of the third plate 350 to adjust the slidable position of the third plate 350 with respect to the first plate 325 and the second plate 330. One embodiment of the actuator 360 includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly operable to slidably adjust the third plate 350 position. The type of actuator (eg, mechanical, manual, hydraulic, etc.) can vary.

  In order to remove the third plate 350 from the manifold valve 95, the actuator is mounted bracket 365 configured to allow the operator to slide and remove the actuator 360 to remove the third plate 350. including. The actuator 360 can be located at either end or both ends of the third plate 350. The actuator 360 can be configured to push or pull the third plate 350 to a desired position relative to the first plate 325 and the second plate 330 of the manifold valve 95. The alignment and dimensions of the openings of the third plate 350 and the first plate 325 and the second plate 330 of the manifold valve 95 and the stroke length can vary.

  Thus, it can be easily understood that the third plate 350 functions as a control member to selectively open or close the opening 355 with the first plate 325.

  In operation, food is supplied under pressure by two pairs of alternating plunger assemblies 40-43 through a series of four feed chamber assemblies 85-88. One of the first pair of pump assemblies 40 and 41 operates simultaneously with one of the second pair of pump assemblies 42 and 43 to provide first and second portions of food through feed chambers 85-88, respectively. I will provide a. Actuator 360 selectively slides third plate 350 of manifold valve 95 laterally toward the first position (see FIG. 13) to feed through respective passages 145 and 150 of manifold assembly 80. Simultaneously with the second portion of food from chamber 87, the first portion of food from feed chamber 86 is selectively delivered. In this position, the third plate 350 is aligned with the feed chambers 85 and 88 and blocks the first plate opening 355. The second assembly of the first pair of pump assemblies 40 and 41 operates simultaneously with the second assembly of the second pair of pump assemblies 42 and 43 to provide a third food product through the feed chambers 85-88, respectively. A portion and a fourth portion are provided. Actuator 360 selectively slides manifold valve 95 laterally toward a second position (see FIG. 12) through first passage 145 and second passage 150 of manifold assembly 80 to provide a feed chamber. Simultaneously with the fourth portion of food from 87, the third portion of food from the feed chamber 86 is selectively delivered. In this position, the third plate 350 is aligned with the feed chambers 85 and 88 and blocks the first plate opening 355. Thereafter, periodic operation of pump assembly 40-43, actuator 360, and manifold valve 95 is continuously performed through the manifold assembly 80 to a constant pressure of pressurized food to the reciprocating forming plate 50 and Provides uniform flow.

  Mutual control of the operation of the plunger assemblies 40-43, respective manifold valves 95, and molded plate drive system 60 can include pressure limit switches and various controllers known in the relevant art.

  Although the manifold valve 95 is shown and described as having two fixed plates and one control plate therebetween, it is understood that the same result can be achieved with a single fixed plate and an adjacent movable plate. Is done. It is also understood that both plates can be movable and that the valve components can take forms other than the plate members shown and described.

  A breather plate and a molded cover (not shown) are mounted above the filling plate opening 57 of the filling plate 58. The reciprocating forming plate moves in a space defined between the breather plate and the filling plate 58. A molded cover surrounds the breather plate. The breather plate includes a plurality of passages configured to deliver exhaust and surplus food toward the auger assembly 25 when the forming plate receives pressurized food through the filling opening 57 of the filling plate 58. . This exhaust and excess food is held under the forming cover as the forming drive system 60 reciprocates the forming plate 50 to and from the filling position. The breather plate includes a plurality of passages or slots configured to deliver this exhaust and excess food toward the auger assembly 25.

  With reference to FIGS. 14-16, the auger assembly 25 includes an auger cover 70 that generally surrounds the auger assembly 25. The auger assembly 25 drives the food supplied by the conveyor assembly 20 in a downward direction toward the feed chamber assembly 75 of the machine 10. The auger cover 70 is mounted to extend above the feed chamber assembly 75 and partially extend above the rear portion of the filling plate 58.

  As shown in FIGS. 17-24, the breather vent assembly 475 includes a breather slot 480 that receives exhaust and excess food vented from the breather plate. Alternatively, the auger vent can be cut or formed to include a breather slot 480. The breather slot 480 is configured to receive this exhaust and excess food into the auger cover 70. The breather slot 480 is shown in a rectangular shape and generally extends the lateral width of the auger cover 70. The shape (eg, oval, triangle, etc.) and dimensions of the breather slot 480 can vary. Alternatively, the breather slot 480 can include a plurality of individual slots for receiving exhaust and excess food.

  FIGS. 17-24 show a detailed view of the breather vent assembly 475 configured with an auger cover 470. FIG. 17 shows a perspective view from the front of the auger cover 70. FIG. 18 shows a perspective view from the rear of the auger cover 470. FIG. 19 shows a bottom view of the auger cover 470. The breather ventilation assembly 475 includes an auger cover 70 for discharging excess air to the food supply unit of the auger assembly 25 and discharging air to the atmosphere. The auger cover 70 generally includes a front panel 485 and a pair of side panels 490 and 495. The breather slot 480 is disposed toward the bottom of the front panel 485. The composition of the auger cover 70 can vary. In addition, the auger cover 70 includes a pair of handles 500 mounted on each side of the auger cover 70 for handling the auger cover 70 and breather ventilation assembly 475.

  The breather vent assembly 475 includes a lower panel 410 for forming a breather slot 480. In addition, the breather vent assembly 475 includes a pair of guides 415a and 415b and a breather vent wall 420 mounted within the auger cover 70. The guides 415a and 415b and the breather vent wall 420 generally extend downward toward the top plate 58. The breather ventilation wall portion 420 is attached to the side panels 490 and 495 of the auger cover 70 by the guide portions 415a and 415b. The height of the vent wall 420 generally extends above the operational level of the food supplied to the auger assembly 25. The lower edge of the breather vent wall 420 is in contact with the top surface of the filling plate 58 to allow air and excess food to be directed upward through the baffle defined by the breather vent wall 420 in combination with the front panel 485. Guarantee.

  Further, the breather vent assembly 475 can include a mounting bracket 430 for mounting the assembly 475 to the filling plate 58. The breather vent assembly 475 can include a fastener (eg, bolt, screw, weld, etc.) for mounting to the auger cover 70. Alternatively, the breather vent assembly 475 can be integrated with the auger cover 70.

  FIG. 20 shows a removable vent wall. Only the vents are removable for cleaning.

  FIG. 21 is a side view of FIG. 20, in which arrows indicate how air and product flow.

  22-24 show detailed perspective views of the auger assembly and conveyor assembly incorporated in the food molding machine of FIG. The arrows in FIGS. 22-24 show how air and product flow through the machine.

  Various modifications of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

  The above description, examples, and embodiments illustrate our current understanding of the invention. However, since many modifications of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides entirely in the claims hereinafter appended.

1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a food molding machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plunger assembly and a feed chamber / manifold assembly incorporated in the machine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the plunger assembly and feed chamber / manifold assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a top view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the shutter valve assembly shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the shutter valve assembly shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a side view of the actuator and shutter valve assembly shown in FIG. 1. It is an exploded view of the sliding plate of the shutter valve with the first and second plates removed. It is a figure of the shutter valve | bulb of a 1st position. It is a figure of the shutter valve | bulb of a 2nd position. It is a side view of the machine shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of an auger assembly and a conveyor assembly incorporated in the food molding machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the auger assembly of FIG. 1 with a knockout assembly with the forming plate and the forming plate drive system removed. FIG. 17 is a detailed front perspective view of the breather vent assembly and auger cover as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of the breather ventilation assembly and auger cover as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a detailed bottom view of the breather vent assembly and auger cover as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of the breather ventilation assembly and auger cover as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 21 is a side view of the breather vent assembly and auger cover as shown in FIG. 20. 2 is a detailed perspective view of an auger assembly and breather ventilation assembly incorporated in the food molding machine of FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of an auger assembly and breather ventilation assembly incorporated in the food molding machine of FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of an auger assembly and breather ventilation assembly incorporated in the food molding machine of FIG.

Claims (8)

A plurality of feed chambers configured to pressurize food;
A molding plate having a cavity;
A manifold configured to feed the food under pressure from the feed chamber to the cavity of the molding plate, and is divided into a first passage and a second passage for the food by an inner wall. A manifold including an internal cavity;
Food molding machine equipped with. A method of feeding food under pressure from a plurality of feed chambers to a forming plate through a manifold,
Dividing the supply of food into a first portion and a second portion;
A first passage in the manifold associated with one of the first pair of alternating feed chambers is provided with the first portion of food under pressure while being added to the second pair of alternating feed chambers. Providing said second portion of food under pressure;
Providing the first portion of food to the forming plate through the first passage of the manifold and simultaneously providing the second portion of food to the forming plate through the second passage of the manifold;
Including methods. A manifold assembly having an interior;
At least two pairs of plunger assemblies;
A series of feed chambers each configured to receive one of the plunger assemblies;
A food molding machine, wherein each pair of first plunger assemblies operates simultaneously and alternately with each pair of second plunger assemblies to press food through the interior of the manifold. A method of pumping food using a series of four plunger assemblies to fill a cavity of a molded plate,
Actuating the first and second plunger assemblies to operate simultaneously so that food is filled into the cavity of the molding plate;
Retracting the first and second plunger assemblies to receive a new supply of food;
Activating a third and fourth plunger assembly to operate simultaneously to provide food to fill the cavity of the molding plate;
Including methods. A food supply device;
A molding plate having one or more cavities;
A valve disposed between the food supply device and the molding plate, the valve configured to deliver food under pressure from a pump assembly to the cavity of the molding plate;
The valve is
A first valve member having a plurality of aligned openings;
A control member configured to selectively slide adjacent to the first valve member to control the flow of food through the opening of the first valve member;
Food molding machine equipped with. A method of controlling the supply of food to fill a cavity of a molded plate, wherein the food is fed through a series of four feed chamber assemblies under pressure,
Operating one of the second pair of pump assemblies simultaneously with one of the first pair of pump assemblies;
Providing a first portion of food through a first feeding chamber;
Providing a second portion of food through a second feeding chamber;
The valve is slid laterally to a first position to selectively select the second portion of food from the second feeding chamber at the same time as the first portion of food from the first feeding chamber. The step of sending to
Providing a third portion of food through a third feeding chamber;
Providing a fourth portion of food through a fourth feeding chamber;
The valve is slid laterally to a second position to select the fourth portion of food from the fourth feeding chamber simultaneously with the third portion of food from the third feeding chamber. A step of automatically sending,
Including methods. An auger assembly;
An auger cover surrounding the auger assembly;
A vent assembly coupled to the auger cover, the vent assembly configured to form a slot under the auger cover to receive exhaust and surplus food from operation of the food molding machine;
Food molding machine equipped with. An auger assembly;
An auger cover surrounding the auger assembly;
A vent assembly configured to form a slot under the auger cover for receiving exhaust and surplus food, the vent assembly including a wall disposed behind the auger cover;
Food molding machine equipped with.

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