Gas-based material compression and portioning
US11192668B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B37/20
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus configured to provide portioned instances of a compressible material includes a channel assembly, a gas source, a cutting assembly, and a discharge assembly. The channel assembly holds a bulk instance of the material extending through upper and lower channels of a continuous channel. The gas source supplies gas to compress the bulk instance. The cutting assembly moves in relation to the channel assembly to isolate the upper and lower channels, severing upper and lower material portions of the bulk instance. The discharge assembly directs gas to impinge on a lower face of the cutting assembly to discharge the lower material portion as a portioned instance. The channel assembly may be moveable, where operation of the gas source, cutting assembly, and/or discharge assembly are based on moving the channel assembly between various positions. The gas supply may be controlled based on a determined property of the portioned instance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.