CA1243003A - Filling system for constant volume supply of compressible, viscous, flowable material - Google Patents
Filling system for constant volume supply of compressible, viscous, flowable materialInfo
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- CA1243003A CA1243003A CA000502630A CA502630A CA1243003A CA 1243003 A CA1243003 A CA 1243003A CA 000502630 A CA000502630 A CA 000502630A CA 502630 A CA502630 A CA 502630A CA 1243003 A CA1243003 A CA 1243003A
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- metering device
- viscous
- filling
- molds
- frozen
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Abstract
FILLING SYSTEM FOR CONTANT VOLUME SUPPLY
OF COMPRESSIBLE, VISCOUS, FLOWABLE MATERIAL
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A filling system for supplying constant volumes of a compressible, viscous, flowable material in a consistent and repeated manner. Included are means for pumping the compress-ible material to a metering device and means to sense the exist-ence of a predetermined pressure upstream of said metering device.
A motor intermittently drives the metering device for a pre-determined time period with the motor being actuated in response to said pressure sensing device and stopping after said predetermined time period. The metering device is a posi-tive displacement, volumetric lobe pump, which will not permit leakage of the viscous material during the time the metering device is not being driven and which will dispense the viscous material at a constant, volumetric rate during the times the metering device is being driven. The system is particularly well suited for use in the production of frozen confections.
OF COMPRESSIBLE, VISCOUS, FLOWABLE MATERIAL
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A filling system for supplying constant volumes of a compressible, viscous, flowable material in a consistent and repeated manner. Included are means for pumping the compress-ible material to a metering device and means to sense the exist-ence of a predetermined pressure upstream of said metering device.
A motor intermittently drives the metering device for a pre-determined time period with the motor being actuated in response to said pressure sensing device and stopping after said predetermined time period. The metering device is a posi-tive displacement, volumetric lobe pump, which will not permit leakage of the viscous material during the time the metering device is not being driven and which will dispense the viscous material at a constant, volumetric rate during the times the metering device is being driven. The system is particularly well suited for use in the production of frozen confections.
Description
3~J~3 FILLING SYSTEM FOR CONTANT VOLUME SUPPLY
OF COMPRESSIBLE VISCOUS FLOWABLE MATERIAL
This application is a divisional of Application Serial No. 444,686, filed January 4, 1984.
TECHN CAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a filling system for supply constant voiumes of a compressible, viscous, flow-able material in a consistent and repeated manner. The system includes means for pumping the compressible material to a meter-ing device and means to sense the existence of a predetermined pressure upstream of said metering device. A motor intermittent-ly drives the metering device for a predetermined time period, and which is actuated in response to the pressure sensing device and is stopped after the predetermined time period. The meter-ing device is a positive displacement, volumetric lobe pump, which will not permit leakage of the viscous material during the time the metering device is not being driven and which will dispense the viscous material at a constant, volumetric rate during the times the metering device is being driven.
While the invention is described below in terms of the production of frozen confections, the invention is suitable for any use where a repeated delivery of a predetermined constant volume of a compressible, viscous fluid at a constant rate is desired.
In the technology relating to the production of quiescently frozen confections, for example such as fruit flavored pops having sticks projecting therefrom, such as the products marketed under the trade mark POPSICLES, numerous apparatuses and methods have been developed through the utiliza-tion of which such frozen confections can be produced at reason-ably economical production rates. Generally, apparatuses which are employed for this purpose provide for a large number of molds which are conveyed past a filling system in an inverted (i.e. closed bottom and open top) position, and with a filler nozzle for the confection material being adapted to dispense a predetermined or metered quantity of the material into the mold. The filled moids are then conveyed 1243~)~3 through a cooling bath wherein, at some predeter-mined location, suitable sticks may be inserted into the almost frozen confection, and, thereafter, the confection is completely frozen, removed from the 05 mold and packaged.
BACKGROUND ART
Among various apparatuses which are designed to assist in the development of this technology is Harper et al. U.S. Patent 4,323,336 which discloses a machine for inserting sticks into frozen confec-tions wherein the frozen confection has been pre-viously filled into molds.
Similarly Betschart et al. U.S. Patent 3,763,661 discloses an apparatus for forming frozen confec-tions wherein a plurality of molds are conveyed beneath a filling arrangement and adapted to have the confection material filled into the molds in a sequential order.
A similar method and machine is disclosed in Lampman U.S. Patent 3,335,579 wherein a continuous conveyor system supports a pIurality of molds which `
are filled in the inverted position, and wherein sticks may than be inserted into the partially-frozen material contained in the molds.
Furthermore, Betschart U.S. Patent 3,771,322 discloses an apparatus for the filling of molds wherein a plurality of manifolds may be employed for supplying confections of different flavors to var-ious rows of inverted molds.
Other apparatuses and methods for providing forthe filling of inverted molds with product which is to be frozen into suitable blocks or slabs and which may have sticks inserted therein can be found in Hirahara et al. U.S. Patents 3,403,639 and 3,488,976 ` ~24;~Q3 in which a mold filler nozzle arrangement continu-ously fills molds which are passed therebeneath while supported on an endless conveyor system wi$h a confection material of a fluid consistency, with the 05 filled molds then being conducted through a tank for effecting the freezing of the material in the molds, and wherein the frozen material is then removed from the molds and suitably wrapped while the emptied molds are washed and returned to the filling arrange-ment.
Additional conveyor and filler systems forproducing frozen confections are disclosed in Cross et al. U.S. Patent 4,253,560 and Tumey et al. U.S.
Patent 4,209,288, wherein the molds are adapted to be filled with gelatinous confection material through suitable filling devices and in which the molds, and product which has been frozen therein, are conveyed through suitable processing cycles for removal of the frozen product from the molds and effectuating the subsequent wrapping of the frozen confection product.
Basically, although many of these machines and methods provide suitable arrangements and systems for the rapid filling of large numbers of molds with confectionary products which are to be frozen and subsequently wrapped and packaged after removal from the molds, quite frequently the flowable confection material which has previously been brought into at least a semi-frozen and gelatinous consistency in a suitable supply reservoir will not readily flow or dispense in a sufficiently precisely metered measure due to the high viscosity of the material. Further, the prior art machines known to the inventors herein are not capable of dispensing uniform volumes of a compressible fluid especially at high line speeds (e.g. above 25 cycles per minute).
` ~Z~3V~3 Commercial operation is further complicated bythe fact that continuous freezers and aerators are desirably employed to feed a compressible (i.e.
aerated) semi-frozen fluid to the filling system.
05 The actual filling takes place, however, in a semi-continuous or intermittent manner. Further, the viscosity of the fluid can vary significantly with minor changes in temperature and the density of the fluid will vary with changes in aeration due to either operating or ingredient variations. It is of importance that the material be dispensed into the molds at a constant volumetric flow rate thereby ensuring the presence of precisely filled molds at all times during the operation of the frozen confec-tion producing apparatuses.
Although different types of metering valves andpumps have been developed for conducting incompres-sible flowable materials through various devices and also for filling molds, these have not found ready utilization in connection with processes directed to the uniform and constant conveyance of compressible materials, such as those constituted essentially of aerated semi-frozen, highly-viscous confection materials, having essentially an ice cream-like or gelatinous consistency.
Ricciardi et alp U.S. Patent 4,111,272 dis-closes a weigh feeding apparatus wherein material is metered from a refill source through a refill con-troller into a discharge hopper through the genera-tion of electronic signals for controlling the rateof the discharge, and in which the signal is gener-ated in proportion to the weight of the discharge material and to allow for corrective action to be taken in response to the weight deviating from a predetermined value. Although the relatively com-~2~3L3~3-- 5 --plex arrangement disclosed in this patent would provide for accurate weight measurement of any product which is being dispensed, it does not appear to be-practically applicable to the conveyance and 05 feed of compressible materials in a semi-frozen condition, and which is of a viscous, gelatinous or cr~am-like consistency.
Moule U.S. Patent 3,889,013 discloses a method for making skinless food products, wherein liquefied material is conveyed, admixed with other materials and then transported at a predetermined rate through various conduits toward a discharge orifice. As in Ricciardi et al., the apparatus is not adapted for the conveyance and metered dispensing of compres-sible confection materials having an ice cream-like or gelatinous consistency and in which the material is in a semi-frozen, high viscosity state.
Smith U.S. Patent 3,543,784 discloses a flow control system wherein a plurality of flow control-lers regulate a valve downstream of a pump in orderto provide for metered amounts of material flow. In this instance the flow control is primarily for a smoothly flowing fluid and is not adapted to provide for the metered dispensing of an compressible semi-frozen material hiving an ice cream-like or gelatin-ous consistency without the formation of voids in the fed material which conceivably could lead to the uneven and possibly interrupted filling of a plural-ity of molds for frozen confections.
Other filling systems and metering for various types of fluids or the like are disclosed in Becket et al. U.S. Patent 4,141,287; Anderson et al. U.S.
Patent 2,877,121; Bernard U.S. Patents 4,124,339 and 4,060,998; Holgcker U.S. Patent 2,876,111; and Billett et al. U.S. Patents 3,30,245 and 4,324,108.
However, none of these prior art patents are adapted for the consistent metered feeding of an compres-sible viscous liquid material having an ice cream-like or gelatinous consistency, and wherein the 05 compressible material is in a semi-frozen state when supplied to a mold filling system in a continuous manner from a suitable supply reservoir.
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the improved and more precise filling of molds employed for a frozen confection through the utilization of an inverted mold filling arrangement.
A more specific object of the present invention is to prGvide a novel metering pump arrangement which will ensure that a constant metered flow of a semi-frozen confection material is supplied to filling nozzles employed in the filling of the molds in order to ensure the uniform filling of the molds while concurrently precluding the formation of voids in the material.
Still another object of the present invention i to provide a novel filling nozzle construction for the inventive apparatus wherein the nozzles are adapted to provide for the admixing of two different types of confection materials in order to provide a frozen confection of enhanced asthetic appearance and multiple flavors.
Ye another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a frozen confec-tion utilizing the apparatus as set forth herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference may now be had to the followingdetailed description of exemplary embodiments of an apparatus for forming a frozen confection pursuant
OF COMPRESSIBLE VISCOUS FLOWABLE MATERIAL
This application is a divisional of Application Serial No. 444,686, filed January 4, 1984.
TECHN CAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a filling system for supply constant voiumes of a compressible, viscous, flow-able material in a consistent and repeated manner. The system includes means for pumping the compressible material to a meter-ing device and means to sense the existence of a predetermined pressure upstream of said metering device. A motor intermittent-ly drives the metering device for a predetermined time period, and which is actuated in response to the pressure sensing device and is stopped after the predetermined time period. The meter-ing device is a positive displacement, volumetric lobe pump, which will not permit leakage of the viscous material during the time the metering device is not being driven and which will dispense the viscous material at a constant, volumetric rate during the times the metering device is being driven.
While the invention is described below in terms of the production of frozen confections, the invention is suitable for any use where a repeated delivery of a predetermined constant volume of a compressible, viscous fluid at a constant rate is desired.
In the technology relating to the production of quiescently frozen confections, for example such as fruit flavored pops having sticks projecting therefrom, such as the products marketed under the trade mark POPSICLES, numerous apparatuses and methods have been developed through the utiliza-tion of which such frozen confections can be produced at reason-ably economical production rates. Generally, apparatuses which are employed for this purpose provide for a large number of molds which are conveyed past a filling system in an inverted (i.e. closed bottom and open top) position, and with a filler nozzle for the confection material being adapted to dispense a predetermined or metered quantity of the material into the mold. The filled moids are then conveyed 1243~)~3 through a cooling bath wherein, at some predeter-mined location, suitable sticks may be inserted into the almost frozen confection, and, thereafter, the confection is completely frozen, removed from the 05 mold and packaged.
BACKGROUND ART
Among various apparatuses which are designed to assist in the development of this technology is Harper et al. U.S. Patent 4,323,336 which discloses a machine for inserting sticks into frozen confec-tions wherein the frozen confection has been pre-viously filled into molds.
Similarly Betschart et al. U.S. Patent 3,763,661 discloses an apparatus for forming frozen confec-tions wherein a plurality of molds are conveyed beneath a filling arrangement and adapted to have the confection material filled into the molds in a sequential order.
A similar method and machine is disclosed in Lampman U.S. Patent 3,335,579 wherein a continuous conveyor system supports a pIurality of molds which `
are filled in the inverted position, and wherein sticks may than be inserted into the partially-frozen material contained in the molds.
Furthermore, Betschart U.S. Patent 3,771,322 discloses an apparatus for the filling of molds wherein a plurality of manifolds may be employed for supplying confections of different flavors to var-ious rows of inverted molds.
Other apparatuses and methods for providing forthe filling of inverted molds with product which is to be frozen into suitable blocks or slabs and which may have sticks inserted therein can be found in Hirahara et al. U.S. Patents 3,403,639 and 3,488,976 ` ~24;~Q3 in which a mold filler nozzle arrangement continu-ously fills molds which are passed therebeneath while supported on an endless conveyor system wi$h a confection material of a fluid consistency, with the 05 filled molds then being conducted through a tank for effecting the freezing of the material in the molds, and wherein the frozen material is then removed from the molds and suitably wrapped while the emptied molds are washed and returned to the filling arrange-ment.
Additional conveyor and filler systems forproducing frozen confections are disclosed in Cross et al. U.S. Patent 4,253,560 and Tumey et al. U.S.
Patent 4,209,288, wherein the molds are adapted to be filled with gelatinous confection material through suitable filling devices and in which the molds, and product which has been frozen therein, are conveyed through suitable processing cycles for removal of the frozen product from the molds and effectuating the subsequent wrapping of the frozen confection product.
Basically, although many of these machines and methods provide suitable arrangements and systems for the rapid filling of large numbers of molds with confectionary products which are to be frozen and subsequently wrapped and packaged after removal from the molds, quite frequently the flowable confection material which has previously been brought into at least a semi-frozen and gelatinous consistency in a suitable supply reservoir will not readily flow or dispense in a sufficiently precisely metered measure due to the high viscosity of the material. Further, the prior art machines known to the inventors herein are not capable of dispensing uniform volumes of a compressible fluid especially at high line speeds (e.g. above 25 cycles per minute).
` ~Z~3V~3 Commercial operation is further complicated bythe fact that continuous freezers and aerators are desirably employed to feed a compressible (i.e.
aerated) semi-frozen fluid to the filling system.
05 The actual filling takes place, however, in a semi-continuous or intermittent manner. Further, the viscosity of the fluid can vary significantly with minor changes in temperature and the density of the fluid will vary with changes in aeration due to either operating or ingredient variations. It is of importance that the material be dispensed into the molds at a constant volumetric flow rate thereby ensuring the presence of precisely filled molds at all times during the operation of the frozen confec-tion producing apparatuses.
Although different types of metering valves andpumps have been developed for conducting incompres-sible flowable materials through various devices and also for filling molds, these have not found ready utilization in connection with processes directed to the uniform and constant conveyance of compressible materials, such as those constituted essentially of aerated semi-frozen, highly-viscous confection materials, having essentially an ice cream-like or gelatinous consistency.
Ricciardi et alp U.S. Patent 4,111,272 dis-closes a weigh feeding apparatus wherein material is metered from a refill source through a refill con-troller into a discharge hopper through the genera-tion of electronic signals for controlling the rateof the discharge, and in which the signal is gener-ated in proportion to the weight of the discharge material and to allow for corrective action to be taken in response to the weight deviating from a predetermined value. Although the relatively com-~2~3L3~3-- 5 --plex arrangement disclosed in this patent would provide for accurate weight measurement of any product which is being dispensed, it does not appear to be-practically applicable to the conveyance and 05 feed of compressible materials in a semi-frozen condition, and which is of a viscous, gelatinous or cr~am-like consistency.
Moule U.S. Patent 3,889,013 discloses a method for making skinless food products, wherein liquefied material is conveyed, admixed with other materials and then transported at a predetermined rate through various conduits toward a discharge orifice. As in Ricciardi et al., the apparatus is not adapted for the conveyance and metered dispensing of compres-sible confection materials having an ice cream-like or gelatinous consistency and in which the material is in a semi-frozen, high viscosity state.
Smith U.S. Patent 3,543,784 discloses a flow control system wherein a plurality of flow control-lers regulate a valve downstream of a pump in orderto provide for metered amounts of material flow. In this instance the flow control is primarily for a smoothly flowing fluid and is not adapted to provide for the metered dispensing of an compressible semi-frozen material hiving an ice cream-like or gelatin-ous consistency without the formation of voids in the fed material which conceivably could lead to the uneven and possibly interrupted filling of a plural-ity of molds for frozen confections.
Other filling systems and metering for various types of fluids or the like are disclosed in Becket et al. U.S. Patent 4,141,287; Anderson et al. U.S.
Patent 2,877,121; Bernard U.S. Patents 4,124,339 and 4,060,998; Holgcker U.S. Patent 2,876,111; and Billett et al. U.S. Patents 3,30,245 and 4,324,108.
However, none of these prior art patents are adapted for the consistent metered feeding of an compres-sible viscous liquid material having an ice cream-like or gelatinous consistency, and wherein the 05 compressible material is in a semi-frozen state when supplied to a mold filling system in a continuous manner from a suitable supply reservoir.
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the improved and more precise filling of molds employed for a frozen confection through the utilization of an inverted mold filling arrangement.
A more specific object of the present invention is to prGvide a novel metering pump arrangement which will ensure that a constant metered flow of a semi-frozen confection material is supplied to filling nozzles employed in the filling of the molds in order to ensure the uniform filling of the molds while concurrently precluding the formation of voids in the material.
Still another object of the present invention i to provide a novel filling nozzle construction for the inventive apparatus wherein the nozzles are adapted to provide for the admixing of two different types of confection materials in order to provide a frozen confection of enhanced asthetic appearance and multiple flavors.
Ye another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a frozen confec-tion utilizing the apparatus as set forth herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference may now be had to the followingdetailed description of exemplary embodiments of an apparatus for forming a frozen confection pursuant
2 3~ 3 - 7 - .
to the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a generally diagrammatic representation of an apparatus for producing frozen 05 confections pursuant to the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a generally diagrammatic representation of the filling portion of the appar-atus of Figure 1, shown in a side elevational view;
Figure 3 is an end view of the apparatus taken in the direction of line 3-3 in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view through a first embodiment of a filling nozzle and metering device arrangement for the apparatus of Figure l;
Figure 5 is an end view of the nozzle arrange ment of Figure 4;
Figure 6 illustrates a detail of the dispensing nozzle of Figure 4, shown partly in section;
Figure 7 is an end view of the dispensing end of the nozzle of Figure 6;
Figure illustrates a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 6;
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate, respectively, longitudinal views of a modified embodiment of the filling nozzle for the mixing of two materials;
Figure 11 illustrates an end view of the nozzle of Figures 9 and 10 viewed from the dispensing end thereof;
Figure 12 i.llustrates a longitudinal sectional view through a modified embodiment of the filling nozzle arrangement;
Figure 13 illustrates a fragmentary detail of the dispensing end of the filling nozzle; and Figure 14 illustrates a further fragmentary detail of the filling nozzle dispensing end.
~Z~3~03 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
_ _ Although this invention is described in terms of the production of frozen confections, it will be apparent that the invention is suitable for any 05 instance where a repeated delivery of a predeter-mined constant volume of a compressible, viscous fluid at a constant rate is desired. The scope of this invention is therefore not limited to the production of frozen confections.
The present invention provides for an apparatus and for a method of dispensing a compressible, (e.g.
aerated) viscous, flowable confection material having an ice cream-like or gelatinous consistency and which is in a semi-frozen state, into a plur-ality of inverted molds for the formation of frozen confections, wherein the confection material is filled into the molds at a constant volume and feed rate through the interposition of novel filling nozzles and metering pump devices which will pre-clude the formation of voids in the dispensed mater-ial by ensuring the repeated and uninterrupted supply of metered quantities of the confection material to the nozzles and molds from the metering pump devices.
In connection with the foregoing, the inventive apparatus enables the production of frozen confec-tions from a supply of a generally semi-frozen, compressible material having a highly viscous consis-tency, wherein the material is rapidly and accur-ately metered into a series of inverted molds whichare sequentially indexed into position below a filling station, and in which filling nozzles are inserted into the molds so as to fill the latter with the material to the desired extent as the nozzles are raised upwardly out of the molds.
~2'~3~)3 Moreover, the invention contemplates the provision of novel metering pump means wherein constant mater-ed volumes of the confection material are repeatedly supplied to the filler nozzles. According to this 05 invention a positive-displacement metering pump device communicates with an upstream pump means which will continuously feed the compressible, flowable confection material to the metering pump device. The metering pump device is actuated in response to a pressure sensing means and is driven by means of a timed motor, such that at a predeterm-ined positive pressure created by the flowable confection material, the metering device will oper-ate for a predetermined and set period of time thereby supplying a constant volume of confection material downstream. The material dispersed from the metering device will be free of voids and of constant volume. This invention presents an extrem-ely accurate apparatus and method for precisely metering the required amounts of compressible con-fection material into the molds at speeds in excess of 25 cycles per minute without the creation of voids or the possibility of non-uniform filling of the molds.
According to this invention the metering device is in the form of a rotary valve and is designed with sufficiently close tolerences such that when it is not in operation it will serve as a seal between the pressure head created by the upstream material and downstream material which is essentially at atmospheric pressures. In this manner no leakage is permitted. When the metering device is set in operation it will take in and dispense constant volumes of material in the manner of a volumetric, positive displacement lobe pump. A piston device ~LZ43~)(J3 would not be able to take in and dispense constant volumes of a compressible material at a reasonable rate.
Pursuant to another feature of the invention, 05 the filling nozzles, which are reciprocated down-wardly into and then raised out of the molds during the filling sequence may be provided with secondary infeed sources for incorporating an additional confection material, such as a colored and/or fla-vored syrup, to the basic confection material beingadvanced through the nozzles in order to create an admixture of materials forming attractive decorative coloring patterns and/or imparting multiple flavors to the finished frozen confection.
In a specific design of the filling nozzle construction, the additional confection material may be introduced, concurrent with the filling of the molds with the basic confection material, in a generally helical or swirl pattern by a rotating tube within the nozzles so as to enhance the asthet-ic appearance of the finished confection product to a consumer.
Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is diagrammatically illustrated an apparatus 10 for producing frozen confections FC which, in this instance, may consist of blocks having a so-called "frozen" configuration with a suitable projecting gripping stick embedded therein, as is well known in the art and in commerce. The apparatus 10 generally includes an endless conveyor system 12 which is transported in the direction of arrows A. Carried by the conveyor system 12 are a large number of molds 14 which have an internal configuration in conformance with the frozen confection which is to be produced by the apparatus. The molds 14 may be ~2'~30~)3 spaced not only along the length of the conveyor system 12, but a plurality of molds may be position-ed in a side-by-side relationship extending across the width of the apparatus so as to provide for a 05 number of production lines.
Arranged above the upper run of the conveyor system 12, as shown towards the left end of the apparatus 10, is a mold filling arrangement 16 pursuant to the invention, and which is adapted to fill the molds 14 positioned below the filling station with a suitable confection material, in this instance, a semi-frozen, compressible, flowable material having a high viscosity. The confection material is pumped from a suitable supply source or reservoir (not shown), such as a continuous freezer or refrigeration installation, in which the material is maintained in a generally semi-frozen condition adapted to be pumped towards the filling arrangement 16.
The molds 14, subsequent to being filled with the confection material by the filling arrangement 16, are conveyed into a freezing zone 18 containing a suitable freezing liquid or brine for freezing the confection material within the molds 14 into a solidified frozen condition. Prior to the confec-tion material being completely frozen, suitable sticks may be partially immersed into the material contained in the molds 14 through the intermediary of a stick inserting mechanism 20, as is well known in the art. From that location molds 14 containing the frozen material is conducted to a treatment station 22 which will facilitate the removal of the frozen confection from the molds 14, while providing for the coating of the confection, such as with a thin layer of ice, and from there transported to a
to the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a generally diagrammatic representation of an apparatus for producing frozen 05 confections pursuant to the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a generally diagrammatic representation of the filling portion of the appar-atus of Figure 1, shown in a side elevational view;
Figure 3 is an end view of the apparatus taken in the direction of line 3-3 in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view through a first embodiment of a filling nozzle and metering device arrangement for the apparatus of Figure l;
Figure 5 is an end view of the nozzle arrange ment of Figure 4;
Figure 6 illustrates a detail of the dispensing nozzle of Figure 4, shown partly in section;
Figure 7 is an end view of the dispensing end of the nozzle of Figure 6;
Figure illustrates a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 6;
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate, respectively, longitudinal views of a modified embodiment of the filling nozzle for the mixing of two materials;
Figure 11 illustrates an end view of the nozzle of Figures 9 and 10 viewed from the dispensing end thereof;
Figure 12 i.llustrates a longitudinal sectional view through a modified embodiment of the filling nozzle arrangement;
Figure 13 illustrates a fragmentary detail of the dispensing end of the filling nozzle; and Figure 14 illustrates a further fragmentary detail of the filling nozzle dispensing end.
~Z~3~03 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
_ _ Although this invention is described in terms of the production of frozen confections, it will be apparent that the invention is suitable for any 05 instance where a repeated delivery of a predeter-mined constant volume of a compressible, viscous fluid at a constant rate is desired. The scope of this invention is therefore not limited to the production of frozen confections.
The present invention provides for an apparatus and for a method of dispensing a compressible, (e.g.
aerated) viscous, flowable confection material having an ice cream-like or gelatinous consistency and which is in a semi-frozen state, into a plur-ality of inverted molds for the formation of frozen confections, wherein the confection material is filled into the molds at a constant volume and feed rate through the interposition of novel filling nozzles and metering pump devices which will pre-clude the formation of voids in the dispensed mater-ial by ensuring the repeated and uninterrupted supply of metered quantities of the confection material to the nozzles and molds from the metering pump devices.
In connection with the foregoing, the inventive apparatus enables the production of frozen confec-tions from a supply of a generally semi-frozen, compressible material having a highly viscous consis-tency, wherein the material is rapidly and accur-ately metered into a series of inverted molds whichare sequentially indexed into position below a filling station, and in which filling nozzles are inserted into the molds so as to fill the latter with the material to the desired extent as the nozzles are raised upwardly out of the molds.
~2'~3~)3 Moreover, the invention contemplates the provision of novel metering pump means wherein constant mater-ed volumes of the confection material are repeatedly supplied to the filler nozzles. According to this 05 invention a positive-displacement metering pump device communicates with an upstream pump means which will continuously feed the compressible, flowable confection material to the metering pump device. The metering pump device is actuated in response to a pressure sensing means and is driven by means of a timed motor, such that at a predeterm-ined positive pressure created by the flowable confection material, the metering device will oper-ate for a predetermined and set period of time thereby supplying a constant volume of confection material downstream. The material dispersed from the metering device will be free of voids and of constant volume. This invention presents an extrem-ely accurate apparatus and method for precisely metering the required amounts of compressible con-fection material into the molds at speeds in excess of 25 cycles per minute without the creation of voids or the possibility of non-uniform filling of the molds.
According to this invention the metering device is in the form of a rotary valve and is designed with sufficiently close tolerences such that when it is not in operation it will serve as a seal between the pressure head created by the upstream material and downstream material which is essentially at atmospheric pressures. In this manner no leakage is permitted. When the metering device is set in operation it will take in and dispense constant volumes of material in the manner of a volumetric, positive displacement lobe pump. A piston device ~LZ43~)(J3 would not be able to take in and dispense constant volumes of a compressible material at a reasonable rate.
Pursuant to another feature of the invention, 05 the filling nozzles, which are reciprocated down-wardly into and then raised out of the molds during the filling sequence may be provided with secondary infeed sources for incorporating an additional confection material, such as a colored and/or fla-vored syrup, to the basic confection material beingadvanced through the nozzles in order to create an admixture of materials forming attractive decorative coloring patterns and/or imparting multiple flavors to the finished frozen confection.
In a specific design of the filling nozzle construction, the additional confection material may be introduced, concurrent with the filling of the molds with the basic confection material, in a generally helical or swirl pattern by a rotating tube within the nozzles so as to enhance the asthet-ic appearance of the finished confection product to a consumer.
Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is diagrammatically illustrated an apparatus 10 for producing frozen confections FC which, in this instance, may consist of blocks having a so-called "frozen" configuration with a suitable projecting gripping stick embedded therein, as is well known in the art and in commerce. The apparatus 10 generally includes an endless conveyor system 12 which is transported in the direction of arrows A. Carried by the conveyor system 12 are a large number of molds 14 which have an internal configuration in conformance with the frozen confection which is to be produced by the apparatus. The molds 14 may be ~2'~30~)3 spaced not only along the length of the conveyor system 12, but a plurality of molds may be position-ed in a side-by-side relationship extending across the width of the apparatus so as to provide for a 05 number of production lines.
Arranged above the upper run of the conveyor system 12, as shown towards the left end of the apparatus 10, is a mold filling arrangement 16 pursuant to the invention, and which is adapted to fill the molds 14 positioned below the filling station with a suitable confection material, in this instance, a semi-frozen, compressible, flowable material having a high viscosity. The confection material is pumped from a suitable supply source or reservoir (not shown), such as a continuous freezer or refrigeration installation, in which the material is maintained in a generally semi-frozen condition adapted to be pumped towards the filling arrangement 16.
The molds 14, subsequent to being filled with the confection material by the filling arrangement 16, are conveyed into a freezing zone 18 containing a suitable freezing liquid or brine for freezing the confection material within the molds 14 into a solidified frozen condition. Prior to the confec-tion material being completely frozen, suitable sticks may be partially immersed into the material contained in the molds 14 through the intermediary of a stick inserting mechanism 20, as is well known in the art. From that location molds 14 containing the frozen material is conducted to a treatment station 22 which will facilitate the removal of the frozen confection from the molds 14, while providing for the coating of the confection, such as with a thin layer of ice, and from there transported to a
3~ 3 wrapping station 24 for individually enveloping each of the frozen confections FC with a suitable over-wrap. From there the frozen confections may be conducted onto a suitable conveyor arrangement 26 S for further packaging and shipping, while the empty molds 14 are conducted by the lower run of the conveyor system 12, after passing through a washing installation (not shown), back to the filling arrange-ment 16.
Referring in greater particularity to the filling arrangement 16, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, the arrangement includes a station-ary frame 30 which may include uprights 32 and 34, and horizontal frame components 36 and 38. The frame structure 30 supports a metering pump unit 40 having a filler nozzle unit 42 operatively connected thereto. The filler nozzle unit 42 includes ver-tïcally displaceable dispensing nozzles 44 adapted to be reciprocated into and out of the molds 14 along the direction of arrow B.
The vertical reciprocation is imparted to the dispensing nozzle 44 in that a pivotable actuating arm 46 is articulated at one end thereof to the upper end of the dispensing nozzles, with the other end of the arm being fastened to an actuating unit 48, which may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated, and wherein reciprocation of the actuating element of unit 48 may operate a cam 50 which, in turn, causes the actuating arm 46 to pivot either upwardly or downwardly. A supply of the semi-frozen confection material is continuously pumped through the manifold 52 from a suitable reservoir or supply source (not shown) into the metering pump 40.
Referring in Aetail to the metering pump 40 and the filling nozzle unit 42, illustrated in Figures 4 ~'~43~ 3 and 5 of the drawings, as mentioned, the metering pump 40 receives a continuous supply of the pressur-ized confection material from the manifold 52 through pump inlet 56. The metering pump 40 consists of a 05 housing 58 which may be designed to supply two filling nozzles units 42, as shown in Figure 5, by having two separate sets of annular valve chambers arranged in side-by- side or tandem relationship.
For purposes of clarity only one set of valve cham-bers is described herein for supplying a singledispensing nozzle 44 with confection material.
Arranged in the lobe chambers in the housing 58 of the metering pump 40 are, respectively, two rotat-able arcuate lobe members 60 and 62 which communi-cate with each other and contact through inter-secting annular passageways 64 and 66 and with passageway 68 leading from the inlet 56. The pass-ageways 64 and 66 are dimensioned whereby, for each period of rotation of the respective lobe members 60 and 62, there is advanced, via positive displace-ment, a metered amount of confection material into the filling nozzle unit 42. Again as noted previously, the rotation of the lobes will be driven by a timed motor and will commence in response to the sensing Of a predetermined pressure in passageway 68 and the rotation will cease after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. As will be apparent, the time period during which the motor operates will directly control the amount of material dispensed. As the material in passageway 64 is advanced into outlet passageway 70, a similar amount of material is introduced into the passageway 66 through passageway 68 from the material supply or reservoir through the manifold 52. Once rotation of the lobe members ceases flow or leakage through the metering device ~Z43~3Q3 is stopped by the interaction of the lobe membersand the passageways. Thus a consistent supply of material which is free of any voids is fed to outlet passageway 70 leading to the filling nozzle unit 42.
S As illustrated, each filling nozzle unit 42 may consist of a pair of nozzles 44 positioned side-by-side or in tandem, and with one metering pump 40 attached thereto having a pair of passageways on both sides thereof adapted to have the lobe members rotated through the intermediary of a suitable actuating drive unit positioned on the frame 30.
The filling valve unit 42, in this instance consisting of two filling nozzles 44~ includes a housing 72 suitably fastened to the metering pump 40, and has a nozzle stem section 74 slidably arranged in a stationary guide 76. The stem section 74 includes an elongated longitudinal slot 78 facing towards the outlet passageway 70 of the metering pump 40, and is always in communication therewith so as to allow for the continual flow of confection material therethrough, with the nozzle and passag-eway 70 normally being completely filled with mater-ial. Locked into the bottom end of the stem portion 74, for example, through a bayonet lock, is the actual filling nozzle 44, as is more closely de-scribed in connection with Figures 6 through 8, and which is adapted to be vertically reciprocated into and out of a mold 14 in the direction of arrow B.
The dispensing nozzle 44 consists of a hollow tubular portion 80 of generally cylindrical cross-sec.tional configuration having an anhular flange 82 at one end incorporating a bayonet lock for engaging the lower end of the stem 74. The lower end of the nozzle 44 is formed generally flattened slot-like cross-sectional configuration 84 so as to be readily ~lZ~3~)~3 enabled to move into a mold 14 positioned therebelow at the filling location of the apparatus 10. Thus, at the downstroke of the dispensing nozzle unit 42 into a mold 14 which i5 to be filled with confection 05 material contained in the dispensing nozzle unit and metering pump, the lower end of the section 84 almost contacts the mold bottom interiorly of an associated mold 14 which is positioned therebelow.
During the upward movement of the filling nozzle 44, there is concurrently effected rotation of the lobe members 60 and 62 for a set time cycle so as to cause a requisite amount of confection material to be advanced through passageway 70 and the slot 78 interiorly of the dispensing nozzle and out through the discharge orifice at the lower end of the nozzle portion 84 into the mold 14. As the nozzle is raised out of the mold 14 a sufficient amount of confection material will have been discharged from the lower end of the nozzle to fill the mold 14, while, concurrently, the lobe members 60 and 62 are beeing rotated in the metering pump 40.
When it is desired to form a composite frozen confection, by incorporating a flow of a second confection material, such as a colored and/or fla-vored syrup which is admixed with coated on the baseconfection material, in lieu of the filling nozzle 44 there may be employed a filling nozzle 86 having a construction as is disclosed in Figures 9 through 11 of the drawings. In this instance, the filling nozzle 86 which also includes a cylindrical portion 88 and a bayonet-type locking flange or collar 90 at one end, is provided with a flattened or slot-shaped lower discharge section 92, similar to the con-struction of filling nozzle 44. However, in this instance, along the wall of the flattened nozzle -` 4 3~ 3 portion 92 there are provided inlet connections 94 and 96 for conduits or tubes which communicate with a supply source (not shown) for the syrup adapted to be applied in a pattern on the base confection 05 material which is advanced downwardly through the nozzle 86. In order to unsure that the syrup will not completely dispense into or blend with the confection material, a longitudinally extending baffle plate 98 may be provided centrally of the passageway in the lower conduit portion 92 of the nozzle 86.
Referring to Figures 12 through 14 of the drawings, there is illustrated a modified embodiment of a dispensing nozzle unit 100 which is particular-ly adapted to apply a second confection material in the form of a colored syrup in a helical or swirl type pattern onto the base confection material advanced through the nozzle from the metering pump 40, in a manner as described hereinbefore.
In this construction, a nozzle stem portion 102 is slidable in the direction of arrow B within astationary guide 104 and is adapted to be articulat-ed by means of the actuating arm 46 as described hereinabove. Extending through the valve stem 102 and interiorly of the passageway 106 communicating with the metering pump 40 is a hollow tube 108 for the supply of a suitable secondary confection material, such as a colored syrup, which is introduceable at the upper end of the hollow tube 108.
As the lower nozzle end 110 is raised out of a mold with the concurrent discharge of the confection material from the metering pump into the mold, the hollow tube 108 may be raised by means of a suitable valve actuating mechanism (not shown) and concur-rently rotated through the intermediary of a helix ` ~2~3q3~3 tube 112 fastened Jo a bracket on the support frame of the apparatus. The sleeve 112 may be adjustable so as to limit the stroke of the inner tube 108.
Consequently, with the hollow tube 108 being raised 05 upwardly at a different rate of speed relative to the rising nozzle 110, and concurrently being ro-tated in a helix, the syrupy material is deposited in the mold in a generally helical or swirl pattern providing an attractive decorative effect upon freezing of the confection.
In order to ensure that the swirling syrup will be deposited along the outer surfaces of the frozen confection, for maximum visual effect to a consumer, suitable deflector plates 114 may be provided proxi-mate the lower end of the tube, while the tube ismaintained in its central positlon within the nozzle through the intermediary of a transverse guide plate 116.
Although the apparatus has been described in connection with the operation of a single nozzle and metering pump, it is readily apparent to one skilled in the art that a series of nozzles may be provided in cooperation with a plurality of metering pumps to concurrently fill series of molds spaced transverse-ly across the apparatus, such as twelve or moremolds during any single operative filling sequence.
Subsequent to the filling of a row of molds with confection material in the manner described hereinabove, the conveyor of apparatus 10 is indexed forwardly to position the next row of empty molds below the filling nozzles, and the entire cycle is repeated to provide for a continuous, high-speed filling operation. By means of the apparatus de-scribed in this invention, filling rates in excess of 25 cycles per minute, preferably 30 or more, are possible.
~l2~3V/C~3 From the foregoing it becomes readily apparent that the novel metering pump and filling nozzle arrangement allows for the uniform and constant filling of molds without the creation of voids or 05 non-uniform filling which may be normally encounter-ed in the conveyance and dispensing of compressible high viscosity ma.terials.
While there has been described what are con-sidered to be preferred embodim~n~s of the inven-tion, it will of course be understood that variousmodifications and changes in form or detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited to the exact form and detail herein shown and described, nor to anything less than the whole of the invention herein dis-closed as hereinafter claimed.
Referring in greater particularity to the filling arrangement 16, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, the arrangement includes a station-ary frame 30 which may include uprights 32 and 34, and horizontal frame components 36 and 38. The frame structure 30 supports a metering pump unit 40 having a filler nozzle unit 42 operatively connected thereto. The filler nozzle unit 42 includes ver-tïcally displaceable dispensing nozzles 44 adapted to be reciprocated into and out of the molds 14 along the direction of arrow B.
The vertical reciprocation is imparted to the dispensing nozzle 44 in that a pivotable actuating arm 46 is articulated at one end thereof to the upper end of the dispensing nozzles, with the other end of the arm being fastened to an actuating unit 48, which may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated, and wherein reciprocation of the actuating element of unit 48 may operate a cam 50 which, in turn, causes the actuating arm 46 to pivot either upwardly or downwardly. A supply of the semi-frozen confection material is continuously pumped through the manifold 52 from a suitable reservoir or supply source (not shown) into the metering pump 40.
Referring in Aetail to the metering pump 40 and the filling nozzle unit 42, illustrated in Figures 4 ~'~43~ 3 and 5 of the drawings, as mentioned, the metering pump 40 receives a continuous supply of the pressur-ized confection material from the manifold 52 through pump inlet 56. The metering pump 40 consists of a 05 housing 58 which may be designed to supply two filling nozzles units 42, as shown in Figure 5, by having two separate sets of annular valve chambers arranged in side-by- side or tandem relationship.
For purposes of clarity only one set of valve cham-bers is described herein for supplying a singledispensing nozzle 44 with confection material.
Arranged in the lobe chambers in the housing 58 of the metering pump 40 are, respectively, two rotat-able arcuate lobe members 60 and 62 which communi-cate with each other and contact through inter-secting annular passageways 64 and 66 and with passageway 68 leading from the inlet 56. The pass-ageways 64 and 66 are dimensioned whereby, for each period of rotation of the respective lobe members 60 and 62, there is advanced, via positive displace-ment, a metered amount of confection material into the filling nozzle unit 42. Again as noted previously, the rotation of the lobes will be driven by a timed motor and will commence in response to the sensing Of a predetermined pressure in passageway 68 and the rotation will cease after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. As will be apparent, the time period during which the motor operates will directly control the amount of material dispensed. As the material in passageway 64 is advanced into outlet passageway 70, a similar amount of material is introduced into the passageway 66 through passageway 68 from the material supply or reservoir through the manifold 52. Once rotation of the lobe members ceases flow or leakage through the metering device ~Z43~3Q3 is stopped by the interaction of the lobe membersand the passageways. Thus a consistent supply of material which is free of any voids is fed to outlet passageway 70 leading to the filling nozzle unit 42.
S As illustrated, each filling nozzle unit 42 may consist of a pair of nozzles 44 positioned side-by-side or in tandem, and with one metering pump 40 attached thereto having a pair of passageways on both sides thereof adapted to have the lobe members rotated through the intermediary of a suitable actuating drive unit positioned on the frame 30.
The filling valve unit 42, in this instance consisting of two filling nozzles 44~ includes a housing 72 suitably fastened to the metering pump 40, and has a nozzle stem section 74 slidably arranged in a stationary guide 76. The stem section 74 includes an elongated longitudinal slot 78 facing towards the outlet passageway 70 of the metering pump 40, and is always in communication therewith so as to allow for the continual flow of confection material therethrough, with the nozzle and passag-eway 70 normally being completely filled with mater-ial. Locked into the bottom end of the stem portion 74, for example, through a bayonet lock, is the actual filling nozzle 44, as is more closely de-scribed in connection with Figures 6 through 8, and which is adapted to be vertically reciprocated into and out of a mold 14 in the direction of arrow B.
The dispensing nozzle 44 consists of a hollow tubular portion 80 of generally cylindrical cross-sec.tional configuration having an anhular flange 82 at one end incorporating a bayonet lock for engaging the lower end of the stem 74. The lower end of the nozzle 44 is formed generally flattened slot-like cross-sectional configuration 84 so as to be readily ~lZ~3~)~3 enabled to move into a mold 14 positioned therebelow at the filling location of the apparatus 10. Thus, at the downstroke of the dispensing nozzle unit 42 into a mold 14 which i5 to be filled with confection 05 material contained in the dispensing nozzle unit and metering pump, the lower end of the section 84 almost contacts the mold bottom interiorly of an associated mold 14 which is positioned therebelow.
During the upward movement of the filling nozzle 44, there is concurrently effected rotation of the lobe members 60 and 62 for a set time cycle so as to cause a requisite amount of confection material to be advanced through passageway 70 and the slot 78 interiorly of the dispensing nozzle and out through the discharge orifice at the lower end of the nozzle portion 84 into the mold 14. As the nozzle is raised out of the mold 14 a sufficient amount of confection material will have been discharged from the lower end of the nozzle to fill the mold 14, while, concurrently, the lobe members 60 and 62 are beeing rotated in the metering pump 40.
When it is desired to form a composite frozen confection, by incorporating a flow of a second confection material, such as a colored and/or fla-vored syrup which is admixed with coated on the baseconfection material, in lieu of the filling nozzle 44 there may be employed a filling nozzle 86 having a construction as is disclosed in Figures 9 through 11 of the drawings. In this instance, the filling nozzle 86 which also includes a cylindrical portion 88 and a bayonet-type locking flange or collar 90 at one end, is provided with a flattened or slot-shaped lower discharge section 92, similar to the con-struction of filling nozzle 44. However, in this instance, along the wall of the flattened nozzle -` 4 3~ 3 portion 92 there are provided inlet connections 94 and 96 for conduits or tubes which communicate with a supply source (not shown) for the syrup adapted to be applied in a pattern on the base confection 05 material which is advanced downwardly through the nozzle 86. In order to unsure that the syrup will not completely dispense into or blend with the confection material, a longitudinally extending baffle plate 98 may be provided centrally of the passageway in the lower conduit portion 92 of the nozzle 86.
Referring to Figures 12 through 14 of the drawings, there is illustrated a modified embodiment of a dispensing nozzle unit 100 which is particular-ly adapted to apply a second confection material in the form of a colored syrup in a helical or swirl type pattern onto the base confection material advanced through the nozzle from the metering pump 40, in a manner as described hereinbefore.
In this construction, a nozzle stem portion 102 is slidable in the direction of arrow B within astationary guide 104 and is adapted to be articulat-ed by means of the actuating arm 46 as described hereinabove. Extending through the valve stem 102 and interiorly of the passageway 106 communicating with the metering pump 40 is a hollow tube 108 for the supply of a suitable secondary confection material, such as a colored syrup, which is introduceable at the upper end of the hollow tube 108.
As the lower nozzle end 110 is raised out of a mold with the concurrent discharge of the confection material from the metering pump into the mold, the hollow tube 108 may be raised by means of a suitable valve actuating mechanism (not shown) and concur-rently rotated through the intermediary of a helix ` ~2~3q3~3 tube 112 fastened Jo a bracket on the support frame of the apparatus. The sleeve 112 may be adjustable so as to limit the stroke of the inner tube 108.
Consequently, with the hollow tube 108 being raised 05 upwardly at a different rate of speed relative to the rising nozzle 110, and concurrently being ro-tated in a helix, the syrupy material is deposited in the mold in a generally helical or swirl pattern providing an attractive decorative effect upon freezing of the confection.
In order to ensure that the swirling syrup will be deposited along the outer surfaces of the frozen confection, for maximum visual effect to a consumer, suitable deflector plates 114 may be provided proxi-mate the lower end of the tube, while the tube ismaintained in its central positlon within the nozzle through the intermediary of a transverse guide plate 116.
Although the apparatus has been described in connection with the operation of a single nozzle and metering pump, it is readily apparent to one skilled in the art that a series of nozzles may be provided in cooperation with a plurality of metering pumps to concurrently fill series of molds spaced transverse-ly across the apparatus, such as twelve or moremolds during any single operative filling sequence.
Subsequent to the filling of a row of molds with confection material in the manner described hereinabove, the conveyor of apparatus 10 is indexed forwardly to position the next row of empty molds below the filling nozzles, and the entire cycle is repeated to provide for a continuous, high-speed filling operation. By means of the apparatus de-scribed in this invention, filling rates in excess of 25 cycles per minute, preferably 30 or more, are possible.
~l2~3V/C~3 From the foregoing it becomes readily apparent that the novel metering pump and filling nozzle arrangement allows for the uniform and constant filling of molds without the creation of voids or 05 non-uniform filling which may be normally encounter-ed in the conveyance and dispensing of compressible high viscosity ma.terials.
While there has been described what are con-sidered to be preferred embodim~n~s of the inven-tion, it will of course be understood that variousmodifications and changes in form or detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited to the exact form and detail herein shown and described, nor to anything less than the whole of the invention herein dis-closed as hereinafter claimed.
Claims
1. A filling system for supplying constant volumes of a compressible, viscous, flowable material in a consistent and repeated manner comprising: means for pumping the compres-sible material to a metering device; means to sense the exist-ence of a predetermined pressure upstream of said metering device;
a motor to intermittently drive said metering device for a pre-determined time period, said motor being actuated in response to said pressure sensing device and stopping after said predet-ermined time period; said metering device being a positive displacement, volumetric lobe pump, which will not permit leak-age of the viscous material during the time the metering device is not being driven and which will dispense the viscous mater-ial at a constant, volumetric rate during the times the metering device is being driven.
a motor to intermittently drive said metering device for a pre-determined time period, said motor being actuated in response to said pressure sensing device and stopping after said predet-ermined time period; said metering device being a positive displacement, volumetric lobe pump, which will not permit leak-age of the viscous material during the time the metering device is not being driven and which will dispense the viscous mater-ial at a constant, volumetric rate during the times the metering device is being driven.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000502630A CA1243003A (en) | 1983-01-12 | 1986-02-25 | Filling system for constant volume supply of compressible, viscous, flowable material |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US457,326 | 1983-01-12 | ||
| US06/457,326 US4477473A (en) | 1983-01-12 | 1983-01-12 | Apparatus and method for producing frozen confections |
| CA000444686A CA1226145A (en) | 1983-01-12 | 1984-01-04 | Apparatus and method for producing frozen confections |
| CA000502630A CA1243003A (en) | 1983-01-12 | 1986-02-25 | Filling system for constant volume supply of compressible, viscous, flowable material |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000444686A Division CA1226145A (en) | 1983-01-12 | 1984-01-04 | Apparatus and method for producing frozen confections |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1243003A true CA1243003A (en) | 1988-10-11 |
Family
ID=25670261
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000502630A Expired CA1243003A (en) | 1983-01-12 | 1986-02-25 | Filling system for constant volume supply of compressible, viscous, flowable material |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1243003A (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-02-25 CA CA000502630A patent/CA1243003A/en not_active Expired
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| MKEX | Expiry | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20051011 |
