Food molding apparatus and method of forming food products
US5618571A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA22C7/0084
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a molding apparatus and process of molding formable materials which comprises at least one supply manifold for receiving a formable material and plungers or pistons for applying pressure to the formable material within the manifolds. A mold plate including at least one mold cavity is driven between fill and discharge positions, with the at least one mold cavity selectively exposed to the supply manifold when in the fill position. A clamp member is positioned adjacent the mold plate when in the fill position, and pressure is applied on the clamp member to clamp the mold plate against the supply manifold. The clamp member and associated structure apply pressure to the clamp member compensating for deflection of these structural members which maintains the mold plate in firm clamping relation relative to the supply manifold. The clamp plate therefore does not operate in flexure, and eliminates the need to provide the clamp plate with a thick cross section or heavy mass which would accommodate forces normally encountered during filling of the mold cavities. In this manner a mold plate having a relatively thin section, and a clamp member also of relatively thin se…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.