GB856029A - Method and apparatus for dividing plastic substances by volume - Google Patents

Abstract

856,029. Moulding blocks of margarine &c. UNILEVER Ltd. May 7, 1957 [May 8, 1956], No. 14545/57. Class 87(2). Apparatus for dividing plastic substances by volume, comprises a casing 6 having a diametrically opposed inlet 7 and outlet 8, a cylinder 9 rotatably mounted in the casing and provided with a channel 10 perpendicular to the axis of rotation, which channel in one position of the cylinder 9 is in alignment with the inlet and outlet, and a divided piston 11 movable in the channel 10, the piston having two parts 12, 13 capable of independent motion with respect to each other. The two parts of the piston 11 are biased towards one another by means of a spring 16 supported between extensions 14 and 17 of the piston parts 12 and 13 respectively. To and fro motion of the piston parts 12, 13 is limited by a stop member 20 which co-operates with surfaces 18, 19 on the piston parts. The stop member 20 is conical in shape and is adjustable in position by means of an axially movable axle 21. Movement of the piston 11 in the channel 10 is effected by means of a lever 27 pivoted at 29 and extending through a slot 33 in a push rod 30 into engagement with rollers 23, 24 carried by the piston 11. The push rod 30 is moved to and fro by means of an arm 36 pivoted at 37 and provided with a curved track 38 to co-operate with rollers 31, 32 on the push rod 30. The lever 27 and push rod 30 are carried by an attachment 28 of the cylinder 9, all these parts being intermittently rotated through 180 degrees by means of a drive shaft 22 connected to an electric motor (not shown) by means of a Geneva movement or cam gear. This motor may also provide the drive for the arm 36. Operation. A material such as margarine is fed through the inlet 7 under pressure or by gravity or by the suction effect of the piston 11. Movement of the piston part 12 towards the outlet 8 is limited by the stop member 20, but the piston part 13 is moved an extra distance to project beyond the surface of the cylinder 9, this movement being produced by the lever 27 and permitted by the spring 16. The measured quantity of material is then separated by means of a knife or wire (not shown) either at the edge of a discharge mouthpiece or from the end surface of the piston part. The ejecting surface of the piston part 13 is retracted flush with the surface of the cylinder 9 before further movement of this cylinder.