Method and means for conveying and processing an extruded sausage strand
US6086469A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA22C11/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A conveyor for moving the strand from a sausage making machine has J-hooks extending downwardly from a continuous chain conveyor. The conveyor picks up the loops of the strand at a loading station immediately adjacent the discharge end of the machine, and conveys the loops to a processing station for smoking or the like. The conveyor then moves the loops to an unloading station for removal of the strand from the conveyor, whereupon the conveyor downstream of the unloading station returns to the loading station to pick up additional product. A conveyor take-up mechanism is located immediately downstream from the loading station to permit the conveyor to cease movement at the loading station (while the casing on the machine is being replenished) while the conveyor can continue movement in the processing area. Sensors and controls interconnect the machine and the conveyor to coordinate the operational functions of each. A method of producing and processing a strand of sausage or foodstuff involves producing a linked strand of material, depositing linked loops thereof on the hooks of a moving conveyor, controlling the coordinated activity of the production of the product with the movem…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.