Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Improved Semi-Automatic Stuffing Machine,
Casing Brake and Turret Assembly
BACRGROIJND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to food processing
machinery, more particularly packaging machines such as
stuffing machines of the type which make sausages and
similar stuffed meat and stuffed food products, and
most particularly, to a stuffing machine incorporating
a stuffing horn turret assembly, casing brake and
discharge tray mechanism.
Sausage making and the making of similar stuffed
meat and food products have become highly automated.
- As a result of significant, valuable research in the
United States, a variety of machines have been
successfully developed for the automated and semi-
automated production of stuffed sausages, meats, and
foods. One such machine is disclosed in U.S. Patent
No. 4,142,273 issued March 6, 1979 to Robert W. Gay and
assigned to Rheem Manufacturing Company, New York, N.Y.
In a machine such as that disclos2d in the identified
patent, sausage material is pumped from a vat to a
stuffing horn turret assembly. The assembly has
multiple stuffing horns, and sequences the horns
through servicing, stuf$ing and sausage end clipping
positions. Shirred casing is applied over the end of a
stuffing horn in the servicing position, and in the
stuffing position of the horn, the casing and material
pumped to the horn leave the horn simultaneously,
through a casing brake. The stuffing material fills
the casing and the casing maintains the material under
slight pressure. ~h~ casing brake permits the casing
to exit undçr uniform tension. Adjacent the casing
brake, a clipping mechanism intermittently acts to
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void the casing past the brake and clips the stuffed
casing, to define the end of an sxiting product and the
beginning of the next product. A representative,
highly desirable clipping mechanism is disclosed in
U.S. Patent No. 4,001,926 issusd January ll, 1977 to
Clyde R. Velarde and assigned to Rheem Manufacturing
Company, New York, N.Y. The exiting product exits onto
a discharge tray, from which the product is dropped to
a conveyor line or for manual handling. Discharge
occurs by a rolling, downward and lateral discharge to
a level below the machine working height.
Another notable machine is disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 4,675,945 issued on June 30, 1987 to Alfred
Evans et al. and assigned to Tipper Tie, Inc., Apex,
lS N.C. In the machine of the identified Evans patent, a
mechanism is provided for movement of the casing
braXe, to intermittently relieve tension on the casing
during clipping of product. While the machines of U.S.
Patent No. 4,142,273 and U.S. Patent No. 4,675,945 have
proven highly desirable, significant opportunity has
existed for improvement.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVEN~ION
In a principal aspect, the present invention
comprises an improved stuffing horn and casing brake
combination in a stuffing machine. The combination
comprises a stuffing ho~n defining a discharge opening,
adapted to receive casing, and having two specialized
portions. The specialized portions are a first horn
portion and a second horn portion, where the first horn
portion has first-horn-portion outer dimensions and the
second horn portion has second-horn-portion outer
dimensions which are reducçd in comparison to the
first-horn-portion dimensions. The combination further
comprises a casing brake mechanism for intermittently
braking the movement of casing from the stuffing horn
past the discharge opening by applying tension to the
casing on the horn, and also having two specialized
portions. The two specialized brake portions are a
f~rst brake portion and a second brake portion, where
the brake portions have internal dimensions sized
relative to the horn-portion dimensions for applying
tension to casing on the horn between both brake
portions and only the ~rst horn portion, or between
only the second braXe portion and the first horn
portion, when either the second brake portion is, or
both portions are, in a braking position relative to
the first horn portion.
The stuffing horn and casing brake mechanism are
mou~ted on the machine for movement relative to each
other to and from a stuffing position of the casing
brake means and the stuffing horn and to and from a
clipping position of the casing brake means and the
stuffing horn. In the stuffing position, the first
1325919 ~
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brake portion and the second brake portion are both in
a braking position relative to the first horn portion
and both cooperate with the first horn portion for
applying tension to the casing. In the clipping
position, the second brake portion remains in a braking
position relative to the first horn portion and it, but
only it, cooperates with the first horn portion for
braking casing.
With this combination, a full braking may be
applied to the casing by b~oth brake portions and a
reduced braking may be appl;Led to the casing by only
the second brake portion, which provides for full
tension and braking during product stuffing and reduced
tension and braking during product clipping.
In another principal aspect, the invention
comprises a stuffing horn turret assembly which
includes a turret assembly body, and separate stuffing
horns where the turret assembly body defines a
cylindrical central passage and cylindrical branching
passages. The central passage defines a central
passage centerline, and the branching passages, which
are in open communication with the central passage, are
each angled at an acute angle relative to the central
passage and the central passage centerline. The
separate stuffing horns each has a first portion
defining a first portion passage substantially
parallel to the central passage and a second portion
which defines a second passage in open communication
with the first portion passage, is angled at the acute
angle relative to the central passage, and is in open
communication with a branch passage. The assembly
further comprises collars releasably fastened to the
turret assembly body along the branching passages and
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retaining the stuffing horns to the turret assembly
body.
In another principal aspe~t, the invention
constitutes an improved product discharge tray for a
stuffing machine which satisfies the needs of such a
device uniquely, in a minimum of space, and with
benefits and advantages not previously attainable. A
full understanding and appreciation of the invention -
and its objects, benefits and advantages is best
obtained by a full appreciation of the invention in the
context of the art.
In summary, the invention includes a discharge
tray, a mechanical linkage supporting and directing
movement of the tray, a powered actuator mechanism -
driving the mechanical linkage, and a product
recognition mechanism for initiating action of the -
actuator mechanism. Under power of the actuator
m~chanism, the discharge tray is directed by the
mechanical linkage in a bidirectional motion, e.g., in
a) the direction of discharge, and simultaneously in b)
a direction transverse to the direction of discharge.
While the tray is moving, a leading edge of the
discharge tray climbs an adjacent guide mechanism. The
tray tilts. Product on the tray i5 moved away from the
stuf~ing horn, permitting rapid continuation of
stuffing, and yet discharged after minimal, gentle
movement in an orientation collinear with the discharge
axis of the horn, substantially at the same height as
the discharge axis of the horn.
As preferred, and as will be described in
detail, the mechanical linkage preferably comprises a
parallelogram linkage. Also as preferred, the actuator
mechanism comprises a rotary actuator driving a middle
link of the parallelogram linkage at a vertical-axis
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pivot connection, and the tray is mounted to the links
of the linkage for pivoting about horizontal-axis pivot
connections. Recognition of product by the product
recognition mechanism causes the rotary actuator to
initiate; the actuator then cycles the mechanical
linkage and tray through discharge, and a return to
starting positions.
These and other principal aspects the invention
are more full appreciated by a reading of the detailed
description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention, which follGws.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawing illustrates the
preferred embodiment of the invention, and the machine ~ .
of the drawing is not the only form which the invention
5as claimed may take. The drawing and the following ~:
detailed description of the preferred embodiment are
intended to limit the claims only as consistent with
the law of claim interpretation, whereby claims are ` .
interpreted in light of the specifieation and drawing.
10For orientation of the reader to the drawing,
and for ease of beginning of reading of the following
description, a brief description of the drawing is as ~.
follows: .
Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of the ::. .
preferred embodiment of the invention, which is a
sophisticated semi-automated stuffing machine; :- .
Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the machine
of Figure 1, with portions sectioned and additional .-
portions broken away to reveal internal detail; .
20Figure 3 is a top plan view of a product
di~charge tray of the machine of Figure 1, in a product :.
receiving position;
Figure 4 is a top plan Yiew of .the product -~
discharge tray, in a discharging position;
25Figure 5 is a top plan view of a portion of the .. : .
machine of Figure 1, se~tioned and broken away to ~ . .
reveal internal detail, with the stuffing horn turret ~-:
assembly and.casing brake located to place a stuffing :.-
horn and the casing brake in stuffing position; :.
30Figure 6 is a top plan view of the same portion :- .
of the machine of Figure 1 as in Figure 5, again
sectioned and ~roken away to reveal internal detail, .~.
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with the stuffing horn turret assembly and casing brake
located to place the same stuffing horn and the casing `
brake in clipping position;
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the same portion ..
of the machine of Figure 1 as .in Figure 5 and Figure 6, :
again sectioned and broken away to reveal internal
dotail, with the stuffing horn turret assembly and -- ~
casing brake located to place the stuffing horns in `:
servicing position; :
Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of :-.
the machine of Figure 1, taken along line 8-8 of Figure ~.
7, and depicting a yoke which drives the stuffing horn
turret assembly in axial movement;
Figure 9 is a perspecti.ve view of the stuffing .; -.
horn turret assembly; :` . :
Figure 10 is a rear end view of the stuffing ~.
turret horn assembly; -~
Figure 11 is a split cross-sectional view of the .. :
stuffing horn turret assembly, depicting the assembly :
in the servicing position of the horns below centerl~ne .
11-11 and depicting the assembly in the stuffing
position of a horn above the centerline 11-11;
Pigure 12 i~ an end elevation view of the ~:
machine;
Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of the clipping :
mechanism and turret assembly o~ the machine;
Figure 14 is a detail, cross-sectional view of
the casing brake and a stuffing horn of the machine in `:
a stuffing position; ~;
Figure 15 is a detail, cross-sectional view of
the casing brake and a stuffing horn of the machine in
a clipping position; ::
Figure 16 is a detail, end elevation view of the
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132~919
g
product discharge tray mechanism of the machine, in a
product receiving state of operation, as in Figure 5;
Figure 17 is a detail view of a mounting of the
product discharge tray; and
Figure 18 is a detail, cross-sectional view of
the product discharge tray mechanism of the machine, in
a product discharging state of operation.
The description which follows refers to the
componentry of the machine in such spatial terms as
"upper", "lower" "left", "right", etc. Terms such as
these, which depend of the specific spatial orientation
of the components are intended for the aid of the
reader, and except as incorporated into the claims, not
as a limitation on the possible orientation of
components in any possible alternate, but covered,
embodiment of the invention.
132~919
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
U.S. Patent Nos. 4,001,926; 4,023,238;
4,142,273; 4,675,945 and 4,766,713 are incorporated by
reference.
Referring to Yigure 1, the preferred form of the
invention is embodied in a stuffing machine generally
designated 10 and shown in a static, non-operating
condition. The appearance of the machine 10 is
ornamental in its streamlining, and may be protected by
design patent. The machine 10 includes a stuffing horn
turret assembly 12, including multiple stuffing horns
14, 16, 18. Comminuted material to be cased enters the
machine from the right in Figure 1, under pressure of a
pump (not shown and not a part of the invention). The
ma~erial, as shown at 20 in Figure 5, exits a stuffing
horn, as casing 22 stored on the horn also exits,
forming a cased product 24 on a product discharge tray
26. In the area designated 28 in Figure 1, a clipping
mechanism, shown diagrammatically at 30 in Figure 13,
intermittently clips voided casing to form ends of
discharged products and beginnings of next products.
Clips are fed to the clipping mechanism, through the
machins, from a pancake tray 32 atop the machine.
Hinged translucent guards 34, 35, 36 protect the
machine operator and increase sanitation. All the
foregoing is mounted atop a base or frame generally 38,
atop wheels.
As stated, the machine 10 is semi-automatic.
The machine relies upon operator input at control panel
~o 40 to direct turret movement during start up for casing
loading and horn filling. Once loading is complete the
operator places the control~ in an automatic mode and
11- 132~919
initiates a cycle start function. This aation starts
the system on an automatic mocle in which all movements
are controlled automatically by electro/pneumatic
control devices. Product size iS controlled by either
portion control contained within the filler (not shown;
not a part of the invention) or length measurements via
a trip paddle 39 (Figure 18). Operator installation of
casing on the horns, while in the servicing position,
i~ also required. Activation, and de-activation, is
provided by control 42, also through pneumatics.
Referring to Figures 5-11, the stuffing horn
turret assembly 12 includes a turret assembly body 44.
The stuffing horns 14, 16, 18 are components separate
from the body 44, held in place by collars 46, 48, 50,
as hereinafter described. A yoke 52 includes a ring
portion 54 ~itted over an exterior groove of the body
44. The body is rotatable relative to the yoke 52.
The yoke, also depicted in Figure 8, extends to a
remote portion 56. Intermediate the ring portion and
the remote portion, a multiple cylinder drive is
attached to the yoke 52.
Ths turret assembly body 44 is mounted on a
manifold tube 58, for movement along the tube. As can
be seen by comparing Figures 5, 6, and 7, the turret
assembly 12 is movable among at least three axial
positions. ~ovement i8 under the power of the
multiple cylinder drive attached to the yoke 52. The
turret assembly is also removable, by removal of pins
57, 59.
A yoke guide rod 60 affixed to the frame extends
parallel to the manifold tube 58. The remote portion
56 of the yoke 52 is slidable along the guide rod 60.
The multiple cylinder drive attached to the yoke 52
inoludes a first yoke drive cylinder 62, and a second
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132~9~
yoke drive cylinder 64. The cylinders 62, 64 and their '
cylinder rods extend parallel to the manif~ld tube 58
and the guide rod 60. A first cylinder rod 66 of the
first cylinder 62 is affixed at its remote end to the
frame. A second cylinder rod 68 is affixed at its
remote end to the yoke 52. While the rods 66, 68 are
non-extended, i.e., retracted, the yoke 52 and turret ~ -
assembly 12 occupy forward positions as in Figure 5.
Extension of the first rod 66 from its cylinder 62
drives the yoke 52 and the turret assembly 12 to middle
positions as in Figure 6. Extension of the second rod
68 from its cylinder 64 drives the yoXe 52 and the
turret assembly 12 to rearward positions as in
Figure 7.
15A turret rotary actuator 70 is connected by a ~
drive belt 72 to a sprocket 74. The actuator 70 i5: ~ -
mounted to the frame 38. The sprocket 74 is rotatable
around the manifold tube 58 rearward of the turret
assembly 12. The belt extends transversely to the
manifold tube 58, and rotation of the sprocket 74 is
about an axis collinear with the centerline of the
manifold tube 58.
Pins 76 project forward axially from the
sprocket 74. As best seen in Figure 10, pin openings
78 are defined in the rearward face of the turret
assembly body 44. The pins 76 are sized to project
into the pin openings 78, when the pin openings 78 are
brought into proximity with the pins 76.
Referring to Figure 7, in the rearward positions
30of the yoke 52 and the turret assembly 12, the pins 76
project into the pin openings 78. The turret assembly
12 comes under the rotational control of the sprocket
74, and via the belt 72, of the turret rotary actuator
70. Thus, the rotational positions of the horns 14, -
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16, 18 are determined by the actuator 70. The horns
14, 16, 18 are spaced at equal angles radially, and the
actuator 70 is adapted to index the horns 14, 16, 18
through an arc equal to the spacing between two horns.
In the rearward position of the yoke 52 and
turret assembly 12, the horns 14, 16, 18 are, by
definition, in a servicing position. As shown in
Figures 1 and 7, the horn can be reached by an operator
for placement of casing on the horns, or otherwise as
needed. In the forward position of the horns, as with
horn 14 in Figure S, one of the horns, the horn
farthest the operator and control panel 40, is brought
into a stuffing position relative to a casing bra~e
mechanism 82. In the middle position of the horns, as
in Figures 6-18, the same horn as was in the stuffing
position is placed in a clipping position, to be
described.
Referring to Figure 11, the manifold tube 58
defines an internal, cylindrical manifold passage 84.
The turret assembly body 44, formed of Delrintm,
de~ines a cylindrical central passage 86, which has a
centerline 81 (also line 11-11 in Figure 11). The
manifold tube 58 i8 fitted through the central passage
86, and the manifold passag0 84 is collinear with the
centerline 81. The turret assembly body 44 also
defines multiple branch tubes such as 90, 94 for each
horn 14, 16, 18. The branch tubes such as 9o, 94 each
extend at an acute angle, specifically at approximately
45, from the central passage 86. A radial opening 96
in the manifold tube 58 provides communication between
the mani~old passage 84 and a single branch tube of the
turret assembly body 44. The radial opening is located
to provide coDunication to the branch tube to which a
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horn is in communication when the horn is in the
stuffing position.
Each stainless steel stuffing hor~ 14, 16, 18 is
in open communication with a branch tube such as 90,
94. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, each collar 46, 48,
50, formed of stainless steel, is releasably fastened
by screw threads into the turret assembly body 44
about a stuffing horn 14, 16, 18 at the external
opening of a branch tube such as 90, 94. The collar
retains an annular flange of the horn against the body,
and thereby retains the horn to the body.
A first portion 98 of each stuffing horn, as
shown in Figure 11, extends parallel to the manifold
tube 58 and d~fines a passaqe parallel to the central
passage 86 and manifold passage 84. A second portion
100 of each horn continues from the first portion 98,
and extends at the same acute angle relative to the
centerline 81 as the branch tubes extend.
Forward of the stuffing horn~ 14, 16, 18, the
manifold tube 58 has a reduced outer diameter. A
sleeve 104 is fitted on the reduced diameter portion,
and a piston pump 106 is attached to the sleeve 104.
The pisSon pump 106 drives a piston 108 within the
manifold tube 58. The piston 108 and piston pump 106
are colllnear with the manifold tube 58. Extension of
the rod 110 of the piston pump 106 drives the piston
108 toward the radial opening 96 in the manifold tube
58, causing operation in the manner of U.S. Patent No.
4,023,238. A face 112 of the piston 108 is inclined at
the same acute angle as the branch tube with which the
radial opening 96 communicates, for smoothly directing
material from the manifold passage 84 through the
radial opening and into the branch tube.
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A mechanism as in U.S. Patent No. 4,675,945
(Figures lo and 11 thereof) reciprocates the casing
brake mechanism 82 forward and rearward a short
distance. The drive cylinder 62 also moves each
stuffing horn, sequentially, to and from the stuffing
and clipping positions. Referring to Figures 14 and
15, movement of the casing brake mechanism 82 and horns
i8 co ordinated. While a horn is in the stuffing
position, the casing ~rake mechanism is also in a
forward, stuffing position. While the horn is in the
clipping position, ths casing brake mechanism is also
in a rearward, clipping position. The horn moves
farther to the clipping position than the casing brake
mechanism moves to the clipping position, and as a
result, the horn is farther removed from the casing
brake mechanism in the clipping position, as in Figure
15, than in the stuffing position, as in Figure 14.
The casing brake mechanism 82 includes two
annular casing brakes 114, 116. The two casing brakes
114, 116 define two portions of the casing brake
mechanism. A first of the casing brakes, brake 114, is
~orward of the second brake, brake 116. As most
preferred, the brakes 114, 116 are identical. A first
annular fltting 118 61ip fits to an outer frame 120 and
i~ used to space casing brakes 114, 116. A second
annular ~itting 122 screw fastens to the outer frame
120 and retains components 114, 116, 118 within 120.
Adjusting annular fitting 122 applies a compressive
force to the rear face of casing brake 116 which in
turn applies a force to annular fitting 118 which in
turn applies a compressive force to the rear face of
annular fitting 114. This action adjustably tighten
the brakes 11~, 116 which will vary the tensions of the
casing on the horn. As with a conventional singular
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casing brake, each casing brakes 114, 116 tensions the
casing shirred on a horn as it exits the horn through
the brake. In the case of the two brakes 114, 116,
each brake contributes to the required tension while
the brake mechanism 82 is in the stuffing position.
In contrast, in the clipping position of the
brake mechanism 82, only the second brake 116 provides
tension to the shirred casing. The first portion 98 of
each stuffing horn includes two segments, a first
segment 124, and a second segment 126. The second
segment 126 has outer dimensions defined by an outer
diameter which are reduced in comparison to the outer
dimensions defined by the outer diameter of the first
segment 124. The first segment protrudes into the
casing brake mechanism into operative association with
both the first casing brake and the second casing brake
when the casing brake mechanism and stuffing horn are
in the stuffing position. The first segment protrudes
into the casing brake mechanism into operative
association with the second casing brake only when the
mechanism and horn are in the clipping position. The
second, reduced diameter segment protrudes into the
first casing brake when the mechanism and horn are in
the clipping position, but does not cooperate with the
second brake to provide braking. Protrusion of the
second segment in the clipping position assures ready
return to the stuffing position by continued guidance
of shirred casing past the first brake.
As a result of the configuration of the horn
segments and brakes, a full braking is applied to the
shirred casing for stuffing, and a partial braking is
applied for clipping.
As stated above, and shown in the incorporated
patents, the clipping mechanism includes a punch which
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drives clips around voided casing against a die to form
ends of discharged products and beginnings of next
products. The clipping machanism 30 includes pairs of
voider plates (not shown) which define a throat through
which the casing passes. The throat has an axial
extent parallel to the axial extent of turret assembly
12 and a transverse extent perpendicular thereto. The
voider plates narrow the throat about the casing
transversely, to gather the casing tightly. Clips are
placed transversely.
In a common stuffing machine, a clipping
mechanism is located adjacent a casing brake, opposite
a stuffing horn. Whatever the movement of the casing
brake and horn, the casing brake and horn do not move
in the path of the clipping mechanism. In the most
preferred embodiment of the subject invention, and in
the stuffing position of the brake mechanism 82 and a
stu~fing horn, both the brake mechanism 82 and stuffing
horn are in the path of the clipping mechanism 30. By
definition, they are "in" the clipper, i.e., in the
I'clipping zone". Movement from the stuffing position
to the clipping position removes the casing brake
mechan~sm 82 and stu~fing horn from the clipper and its
path.
Also in the most preferred embodiment, movement
from the stuffing position to the clipping position,
and retraction of the piston pump 106, provide
substantially all voiding of the casing, in contrast to
voiding being substantially completely accomplished by
the voiding plates of the clipping mechanism. Such
voiding occurs as pumping of co~minuted material is
discontinued during movement of the horn and brake
mechanism 82 to the clipping position. The piston pump
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106 is also retracted, further diminishing pressure on
the comminuted material at the opening of the horn.
The movement to the clipping position causes
shirred casing to pass through the brake mechanism 82
and extend forward of the horn. Because pumping of
comminuted material from the supply is discontinued and
the piston pump 106 is retracted, the casing passes
through the brake mechanism substantially empty. To
any extent comminuted material remains under pressure
at the opening of the horn despite release of pressure
at the base of the pertinent branch tube behind the
horn, and to any extent comminuted material continues
to flow from the horn, the second casing brake 116
provides the important function of preventing backflow
to the outside of the stuffing horn in the area of the
shirred casing. The casinq brake 116 continues a
contact with the stuffing horn, confining backflow such
that it occurs forward of the casing brake mechanism
82, only.
Referring again to Figure 1, an improved
discharge tray mechanism for the stuffing machine
includes the product discharge tray 26, beæt seen in
Figure 1. The tray 26 is elongated in the discharge
direction and curved in the direction transverse to the
discharge direction (hereafter "the transverse
direction").
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, multiple,
parallel, equilength mechanical links 118 are mounted
to a tray frame compression me~ber 129 (Figures 16, 18)
by first pivots 124 and 128. A mechanical link 120 is
attached to a rotary actuator output shaft 161 (Figure
16) and keyed to an output shaft 161 by an output shaft
key 163 (Figure 16). The output shaft 163 constitutes
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a first pivot axis 126 for the mechanical link 120
SFigures 3, 4 and 16).
~he first piv~ts 124, 126, 128 mount the links
118, 120, 122 to the frame for pivoting about
substantially vertical and stationary first pivot axes
130, 132, 134 (Figure 3). The first pivot axes 130,
132, 134 are aligned in the discharge direction
parallel to the discharge axis.
Second pivots 136, 138, 140 ~Figures 2, 17, 3,
16, 18) are mounted to the links 118, 120, 122 opposite
the first pivots 124, 126, 128, e.g., at the ends of
the links opposite the first pivots, for mounting of
third pivots 142, 144, 146 (Figures 2, 17, 16, 18~
about substantially vertical second pivot axes 148,
150, 152 (Figures 3, 16, 18). The second pivot axes
148, 150, 152 are not stationary, but movable, and
aligned in the discharge direction parallel to the
discharge axis.
The third pivots 142, 144, 146 are mounted to
the second pivots 136, 138, 140, and mount the product
discharge tray 26 to the second pivots. The third
pivots thereby mount the product discharge tray 26 to
~he mechanical links 118, 120, 122. Mounting is about
substantial horizontal, moving third pivot axes 154,
156, 158, shown in Figure 3.
As the con~equence of the mounting, the product
discharge tray 26 is movable about the first pivots
124, 126, 128 and simultaneously movable about the
third pivots 142, 144, 146, for bidirectional motion,
e.g., (a) simultaneous horizontal motion in i) the
discharge direction and ii) the transverse direction
and (b) simultaneous vertical, tilting movement.
A pneumatic rotary actuator 160 (Figures 2, 16)
is mounted on the tray frame compression member 129.
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The actuator 160 drives the actuator shaft 161 which
forms the first pivot 126, for driving the mechanical
links and the product discharge tray 16 about the first
pivots between a product receiving location and a
product discharging location. The product receiving
position is shown best in Figures 5, 3 and 16. The
product discharging lccation is shown best in Figures 4
and 18. As seen by comparing the identified figures,
the product discharging location is more remote from
the product discharge end of the stuffing horn than the
product receiving location, in the discharging
direction. Also, the product discharging location is
more remote from the discharge axis than the product
receiving location, in the transverse direction.
Further, the product discharging location is closer a
tilt guide (and quard) 162 than the product receiving
location, in the transverse direction.
The mentioned tilt guide 162 is a static member~
mounted on the tray frame compression member 129. The
tilt guide/guard 162 is elongated in the discharge
direction and extends vertically ad~acent the discharge
axis. The tilt guide/guard 162 i8 located in relation
to the product discharge tray 26 so as to be contacted
by the product discharge tray 26 under the force of
gravity, while the product discharge tray 26 is in the
product recslving location, and in the product
discharging location, and at all locations of the
product discharqe tray therebetween. The product
discharge tray 26 is tilted at an angle, as in Figure
18, sufficient to cause product to roll from the
product discharge tray under the force of gravity while
the product discharge tray is in the product
discharginq position. The product discharge tray 26 is
positioned, as in Figure 16, to maintain product
- 21 - 1 3 2 ~ 9 1~
thereon while the product discharge tray is in the
product receiving position.
Referring to Figure 18, a product recognition
paddle 39 includes a paddle face 166 elongated in the
S transverse direction, and a fourth pivot 168 mounts the
product recognition paddle to a mounting block 170 in
the path of product exiting the stuffing horn. Tha
paddle 39 is mounted about a substantially horizontal,
transverse fourth pivot axis 172 for movement of the
paddle upward and along the discharge direction about
the fourth pivot axis 172 under the force of product
exiting the stuffing horn. (Figure 18 depicts the
paddle in static position only.)
The mounting block 170 mounts on the tilt
guide/guard 162, to the tray frame for movement along
the discharge direction. Thi~ mounting provides for
variable placement of the product recognition paddle 39
along the discharge direction. A releasable fastener
174 releasably fastens the mounting block 170 on the
tilt guide/guard 162 to the tray frame.
A spring 176 is located between the product
recognition paddle 39 and the mounting block 170. The
spring 176 biases the paddle 39 in position to be
contacted by product.
An ~lectrical switch 178 (Figure 2) is mounted
to the mounting block 170 adjacent the product
recognition paddle 39. The switch 178 is tripped by
the product recognition paddle 39 upon pivoting of the
product recognition paddle, under the action of product
exiting the stuffing horn. The electrical switch 178
is connected to the rotary actuator 160 via the control
; circuit for supplying power from a power source to the
rotary actuator.
: -
132~919
- 22 -
Product exiting the stuffing horn is received by
the product discharge tray in the product receiving
position. The product recognition paddle can be
positioned to recognize finished product of desired
length exiting the stuffing horn. In operation of the
proferred product discharge tray mechanism, finished
product exit the stuf~ing horn, the casing break, and
contacts the product recognition paddle. This contact
causes the paddle 39 to rotate about fourth pivot axis
172. Pivoting of paddle 39, in turn, actuates the
electrical switch 178. Actuation o~ the electrical
switch provides an input to control logic which stops
flow of product. The clipper then voids and clips the
product. Once these actions are complete, the clipper
opens, and the horn retracts from the product just
clipped. Once these actions are complete the control
logic directs the power circuit to power the rotary
actuatory and initiates the discharge motion.
The product discharge tray is thereby moved to
the product discharge position. As shown in Figure 12,
vertical adjustment of the tray through bracket 1~0
permits adjustment to produce size. Thus, in the
product discharge position o~ the product discharge
tray, the finished product is discharg0d away from the
stu~fing horn (in the discharge direction), and at
substantially the same position (in the transverse and
vertical directions3 as the product previously occupied
while the tray was in the receiving position.
The preferred embodiment of the invention is now
described in detail. This detailed description is such
that a person of ordinary skill in the art of the
invention could make and use the invention, and the
preferred embodiment is the best mode contemplated by
the inventor. Nevertheless, an invention exists as
1 3 2 ~
- 23 -
part idea, part hardware. The detailed description of - :
the preferred embodiment is not to be confused with, or
taken as, an effort to claim the invention, for the
invention is broader than the hardware described. To
particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject ~-
matter regarded as invention, the following claims
conclude this specification.
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