Food or edible material: processes – compositions – and products – Processes – Molding – casting – or shaping
Patent
1997-06-30
1999-06-22
Yeung, George
Food or edible material: processes, compositions, and products
Processes
Molding, casting, or shaping
99349, 100194, 100910, 425338, 425411, A22C 700, B30B 700
Patent
active
059141476
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method for the handling of moulds containing meat products in connection with a pressing column in which the moulds are placed in layers on top of one another, and thereafter pressed downwards by a pressing apparatus working from above, whereby the meat products are compressed in the moulds by the mutual pressure between the layers, after which the moulds are removed from the column.
The invention also relates to a plant for the execution of the method, and which comprises a pressing column in which the moulds are placed in layers for the pressing of meat products, and where the layers are arranged in the column in such a manner that a pressure exercised by a pressing device on an upper part resting on the upper layer can be transferred to all underlying layers.
Such a method is known. The column, which normally consists of a frame with four vertical stays in the corners as frame, is filled up with filled moulds in layers. The moulds can, for example, be intended for the pressing of ham-meat in the forming of hams, and can have an elongated, rectangular or other geometry. The moulds usually consist of several adjoining individual moulds, and they are placed on shelves having an underside which functions as upper part for the moulds in the underlying layer. With the known technique, the moulds are stacked in the column manually, and since the mould with contents can weigh up to 40 kg, this involves a considerable physical load for the personnel who do the work. Similarly, the column is emptied manually, and this work often results in a rapid deterioration in the health of the personnel.
When the column has been filled, an upper part is placed on the uppermost layer, and in the pressing device the moulds are exposed to pressure from a hydraulic cylinder or other pressure-generating device. In the compressed state, the upper part is locked to the column, after which a boiling of the hams can take place. The handling of the filled column is carried out either with a fork-lift truck or on a bogie.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The special aspect of the method according to the invention is that filled moulds in each layer are transferred from a platform on to support elements in the column from the side while the layers are held separate, in that the uppermost layer is lifted by one or more traction elements, and where the underlying layers are connected to the upper layer and to one another with link connections which permit a clearance between the layers, and that after compression of the meat products the layers are separated, after which the moulds are drawn out on the same or another platform.
By using the method according to the invention, the manual work can thus be considerably reduced or completely eliminated. From the platform, which is on a level with the layer which is to be filled with moulds, the moulds are pushed in onto the support elements. Because of the special link connection between the support elements in each layer, the layers can be held separated during the filling and thereafter pressed together in the pressing apparatus. Finally, the layers can again be separated for emptying of the pressing column over onto a platform which is on a level with the respective layer to be emptied. Embodiments for the method, where the platform is stationary and where the layers are gradually raised to the level of the platform, can be envisaged.
By automatically inserting and removing the moulds in the column from the side, while the layers are held separated, and in that the moulds after insertion before the compression are positioned horizontally in or against the direction of insertion, the possibility is provided for an effective and precise positioning of the moulds, in that the actual insertion can thus be carried out without the use of advanced control mechanisms, in that the necessary positioning of the moulds can thus be effected in a separate operation. By use of the usual means of insertion, for example a pressure cylinder, it is possible a
REFERENCES:
patent: 3750563 (1973-08-01), Tonjum
patent: 5381725 (1995-01-01), Breunig et al.
Elimar Kjeld
Nielsen Bjarne
SKF-Danfotech A/S
Yeung George
LandOfFree
Method of handling moulds containing meat products and plant for does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of handling moulds containing meat products and plant for, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of handling moulds containing meat products and plant for will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1707107