US2338734A - Food conveyer - Google Patents

Description

` Jan. 11, 1944. R W` PERRY 2,338,734

FOODr CONVEYER Filed 091;. 25, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jan- 1l, 1944- R. w. PERRY 2,333,734

FOOD coNvEYER Filed oct. 25, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Jan. 11, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FOOD CONVEYER Rex W. Perry, Hinsdale, Ill.

Application October 23, 1940, Serial No. 362,452

6 Claims.

My invention relates to conveyers for bacon slicing machines, and more particularly to the means for separating or spacing groups or batches of the bacon slices into units designed to be individually packed or wrapped at the remote end of the conveyer.

One object of the novel conveyer is to provide means having a continuous motion harmonious with that of the bacon feed for facility in procuring the separating action.

Another object of the invention is to provide a separating means which is positive in action and adjustable in timing relative to the bacon feed.

An important object of the invention is to provide a mechanism for the separating means which is exceedingly simple, sturdy and dependable.

With the above objects in view and any others which may suggest themselves from the description to follow, a better understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig; 1 is a longitudinal section of the bacon feed, showing the separating mechanism installed;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view on an enlarged scale; and

Fig. 3 is an enlarged section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Since the manual separation oi sliced bacon into groups or batches is not only slowbut also irregular at times, machine methods have been devised for procuring the separation more quickly and neatly. Such machines as have come to my attention, however, employed intricate or extensive mechanisms, or such gearings as were not logically constituted to operate efficiently or harmoniously with the bacon feed. Also, some designs appeared unhandy in one respect or another, making it difficult to adjust or service them. Probably, few if any of the devices under considerationv were operative, and it has therefore been my intention to device a machine which eliminates the shortcomings of the past and renders an eflicient and reliable service.

In accordance with the foregoing, specific reference to the drawings indicates a suitable framework for the novel machine at I0. A rear eX- tension II of this framework forms a support for a bearing I2 to journal a cross shaft I3 forming an element in the routine bacon conveyer. Thus, the shaft I3 carries a number of laterallyspaced sprockets I4 over which are run the chain sections I5 of the said conveyer, which is designed lil to receive the bacon after it has been sliced by a knife I6 or other suitable slicing mechanism and spaced into groups or batches. The conveyer chain links are formed with surface plates Il which travel in rows as indicated by small arrows in a direction to ultimately lead the groups of sliced bacon to the packaging zone. Thus, the conveyer I'I runs forwardly beyond the slicing zone to be guided over another set of pinions I8 constituted as the first set, then continuing to a table or other unit in the packaging zone, such unit not being shown.

As just'described, the routine bacon conveyer comprises a set of laterally-spaced sections adapted ,for travel in unison in forward direction. The novel separating mechanism is designed to be interposed between or in alternation with the sections and features a series of platforms occurring between the routine conveyer sections and in a longitudinal succession. The platforms are indicated at 20, and they are disposed for a forward movement harmonious with that of the routine conveyer plates I'I, but at a slower rate. Also, the height of the platforms before and beyond the slicing Zone is of 4 material importance and is controlled as will soon be explained.

As viewed in Fig. 1, the movement of the platforms 20 is such that they are below the routine conveyer level prior to entering the slicing zone. However, on entering this zone, the platforms rise to a height slightly above that of the routine conveyer. Then, after the platforms have moved to a predetermined distance beyond the slicingv zone, each platform takes a drop and continues its travel downwardly and away from the path of the routine conveyer.

The platforms 20 are grouped in transverse sets, as shown in Fig. 3, each set being rigidly carried by a bottom bar 2|. The latter is reinforcedon the underside near the ends, as indicated at 22 to extend downwardly with rods 23; also, vavcentral rod 24 depends from the bar 2|.

The rods 23 and 24 pass slidably througha cross bar 25 which extends to points near the sides of the frame I0. Here the latter is built up with outwardly facing angle bars 26; and these carry inwardly facing and nested angle bars 21 and 28 designed to form a channel slide bearing for the end portions of the cross bar 25. Side guards 28a are suitably attached at 28h to the angle bar 26. f The cross bars 25 are disposed in external proximity to the course of a conveyer forming a basic feature of .thev .separating mechanism.

Thus, this conveyer comprises pairs of sprockets 29 and 30, these being vlongitudinally spaced and receiving endless chains 3|. At suitable distances, the cross bar is secured by means of brackets 32 to companion links of the chains 3|. Thus, the motion of these chains serves to carry the platforms 20 forwardly along the top of the machine and then down in the return direction.

The rods 23 are formed with rounded heads 33 at their lower ends, while the lower end of the rod 24 is threaded to receive a nut 34. A compression spring is mounted on the rod 24 between the nut 34 and the cross bar 25. The drawings show that similar coil springs 36 are mounted between the heads 33 of the rods 23 and the cross bar, although the use of the springs 35 is optional. Incidentally, spacers 31 are inserted within the springs 36 to limit the rise of the heads 33 in respect to the cross bar 25. The object of the coil spring 35--as well as of the coil springs 36-is to normally but yieldably draw downwardly on the platform assembly 2|.

The particular position of any platform assembly 2l is not of importance until it approaches the slicing zone from below. From this .n

point on the position of the platform assembly is of essential importance, and I control such position positively by providing a pair of involute cams 33 in the path of followers formed by the heads 33 of the rods 23. These cams are secured at their lower ends to the frame I0 by bolts 39 or other suitable fastening means; and the cams are supported in their upper portions by a cross bar @il carried by brackets 4| which are secured by bolts 42 to the sides of the frame.

It is apparent from Fig. 1 that during the forward motion of the spacing conveyer 3| each platform set is gradually boosted over the profiles of the cams 38 to assume -a position slightly below the surface of the routine conveyer before the slicing zone is reached, the platform set then rising to a height slightly above the routine conveyer, as previously mentioned. Each platform is of a length suitable f the piling ol. a series or batch of bacon slices B in overlapping sequence as shown to the extent of a given measure or weight. Thus, with the platform set higher than the routine conveyer plates as the slices are formed, these Will collect on the pla-tform set as the same moves forward.

The cams 38 are formed with straight dwells 'i3-beyond their highest portions, such dwells being parallel to the levels of the conveyers above them. The dwells 43 extend so far as to insure the filling of at least one platform set with sliced bacon. As the follower heads 33 of a given platform set ride off the dwells 43, such set experiences a drop to its original position below the routine conveyer, so that the group or batch of slices nds a support on the plates I1 of the routine conveyer. The latter is -geared to travel approximately 21/2 times faster than the spacing conveyer, so that on the departure of a given platform set the bacon slice group received by the routine conveyer will be carried some distance forward before the next platform set behind drops. This action gives the affected bacon slice group a considerable departure-or separation from the remaining pile to insure an ample space between the slice groupsv along the routine conveyer as they are carried toward the packaging zone.

The speeds of the spacing and routine conveyers will be governed by suitable variable means in accordance .with the number orl Weight of bacon slices intended to be received or carried by each platform set. Thus, when slicing light bacon for spacing in half-pound groups or batches, 14 to 16 slices will be required for each platform set, and the speed of the spacing conveyer will be slower than for the slicing of heavy bacon, of which 8 to 13 slices suflice for a halfpound.

In order that the platforms may maintain their raised level uniformly in and beyond the slicing zone, the grouped angle bars 21 and 28 are provided as guides for the cross bar 25 and are flared at their entrance as indicated at 44.

It will be evident from the above description that I have provided a spacing mechanism which is designed as much as possible in harmony with the position and movement of the routine conveyer. This factor not only places the spacing conveyer in intimate relation with the routine conveyer, but also enables both conveyers to follow the same operative course and to be built compactly. As noted, both conveyers are of extremely simple design; and only the upper part of the spacing conveyer contains control means for the platform sets, no such means being necessary at the end and lower portions of the spacing conveyer. Thus, no extra mechanism is required for the conveyer along such portions, and the control mechanism in the upper part of the spacing conveyer has no moving parts, so that there is nothing to get out of line or out of order. Further, the control is positive and cannot fail or vary. If any adjustment or change is required, it may be made by varying the length of the platforms or the speeds of the conveyers to suit requirements or improve results. Further, the manner in which the platform sets are mounted makes it easy and very handy to adjust or repair any platform set which may get out of order or lose its. tension, since each platform is out in the open as it rounds the forward end of its conveyer.

Incidentally, the upper portion of the conveyer group has been shown with a slight rise in the direction of its travel. The reason for this is to lessen the angle through which the bacon slices fall when leaving the cutter, reducing the chances that a slice may fold or fall unevenly. However, the said portion of the conveyer group may be run horizontally if these conditions are otherwise disposed of. Finally, it will be apparent that the novel machine has been designed with parts which are simple, rugged, devoid of intricate or delicate mechanisms and in a manner t0 be economically manufactured and to withstand continuous use without frequent attention or repair.

While I have described the invention along specific lines, various minor changes and refinements may be made without departing from its principle, and I desire to consider all such changes and refinements as coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

l. Apparatus for transferring food slices periodically-dispensed from a slicing unit comprising a conveyer under the slicing unit and movable in a direction to accumulate the slices in an overlapping series, the conveyer including a longitudinal series of sections, means to drop the latter in consecutive order from the conveyer path at a given point beyond the slice-receiving zone, and other means to intercept the slice group of each dropping section for the support of such group.

2. The structure of claim l, said rst-mentioned means comprising followers carried by the conveyer sections, and cams influencing the followers to control the normal and dropping movements of the sections.

3. The structure of claim 1, the conveyer including laterally-spaced endless chains in vertical planes, transverse supports carried by companion links of the chains, said Erst-mentioned means comprising rods carried by the conveyer sections and slidable inwardly of the chains through the supports, followers carried by the inner ends of the rods, stationary involute cams within the chains at points to boost the conveyer sections to the level of said path as they approach the slice-receiving zone, and dwells extended from said cams and terminating to unseat the followers for the dropping of the conveyer sections as described.

4. Apparatus for transferring food slices periodically dispensed from a slicing unit, comprising a succession of individual supports effective to accumulate the slices in an overlapping series departing laterally from the slicing unit, each support accommodating a group of the slices in such series, means to drop the supports in consecutive order at a given point of departure from the unit, and other means to intercept the slice groups of the dropping supports and carry them away from the balance of the series.

5. Apparatus for transferring food slices periodically dispensed from a slicing unit, comprising a conveyer under the unit and movable therefrom to accumulate the slices in an overlapping series, the conveyer being composed of` a succession of individual supports, each support accommodating a group of the slices in the series, means to divert the supports in consecutive order from the conveyer path at a given point of departure from the unit whereby to separate the slice groups in successive order from the balance of the series, and means to receive each slice group as separated and carry it away from the balance of the series.

6. Apparatus for transferring food slices periodically dispensed from a slicing unit, comprising a conveyer under the unit and movable laterally therefrom to accumulate the slices in an overlapping series, the conveyer being composed of a succession of individual supports, each support accommodating a group of the slices in the series, means to drop the supports in consecutive order from the conveyer path at a given point of departure from the unit whereby to separate the slice groups in successive order from the balance of the series, and means to receive each slice group as separated and carry it away lfrom the balance of the series.

REX W. PERRY.

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