U.S. patent application number 11/833126 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for device for massaging products.
This patent application is currently assigned to STORK PMT B.V.. Invention is credited to Petrus Christianus Marius Janssen, Johan Andries Martijn Kuijpers, Adrianus Josephes van den Nieuwelaar, Maurice Eduardus Theodorus van Esbroeck.
Application Number | 20080017050 11/833126 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19773728 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080017050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
van Esbroeck; Maurice Eduardus
Theodorus ; et al. |
January 24, 2008 |
Device For Massaging Products
Abstract
A device for treating products, in particular massaging meat
products, comprises at least one treatment section with a space for
receiving the products. Said space comprises a treatment device for
treating the products. A discharge device is provided for
discharging the products from the space of the treatment section.
The discharge device can be brought into an active and an inactive
operating state with the aid of an actuating device.
Inventors: |
van Esbroeck; Maurice Eduardus
Theodorus; (Bemmel, NL) ; Janssen; Petrus Christianus
Marius; (Wilbertoord, NL) ; van den Nieuwelaar;
Adrianus Josephes; (Gemert, NL) ; Kuijpers; Johan
Andries Martijn; (Westerbeek, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN S. PRATT, ESQ;KILPATRICK STOCKTON, LLP
1100 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA
GA
30309
US
|
Assignee: |
STORK PMT B.V.
3, Handelstraat
Boxmeer
NL
5831
|
Family ID: |
19773728 |
Appl. No.: |
11/833126 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10756916 |
Jan 13, 2004 |
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11833126 |
Aug 2, 2007 |
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PCT/NL02/00473 |
Jul 15, 2002 |
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10756916 |
Jan 13, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
99/485 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A22C 9/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
099/485 |
International
Class: |
A23B 4/00 20060101
A23B004/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 13, 2001 |
NL |
1018541 |
Claims
1-47. (canceled)
48. A device for treating products comprising at least a first
treatment section and a second treatment section through which the
products pass in succession, wherein each of the first and second
treatment sections comprises: a. treatment means for treating the
products in the treatment section; and b. a discharge means for
discharging the products from the treatment section, wherein the
discharge means of the first treatment section can be brought into
an active and an inactive operating state, wherein in the active
operating state the discharge means of the first treatment section
discharges products from the first treatment section into the
second treatment section.
49. The device of claim 48, wherein each of the first and second
treatment means is rotatable about an axis of rotation.
50. The device of claim 49, wherein each of the first and second
treatment means is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis
of rotation.
51. The device of claim 49, wherein the discharge means of at least
one of the first or second treatment sections is configured to
discharge the products after one revolution of the treatment
means.
52. The device of claim 48, wherein each of the first and second
treatment sections comprises a drum.
53. The device of claim 52, wherein each drum is rotatable about an
axis of rotation.
54. The device of claim 48, wherein the discharge means of the
second treatment section can be brought into an active and an
inactive operating state.
55. The device of claim 54, further comprising at least one
actuating device for moving the discharge means of the first and
second treatment sections between an active and inactive operating
state.
56. The device of claim 55, wherein the at least one actuating
device is designed to move the discharge device of the second
treatment section into an active operating state in order for the
second treatment section to be emptied of products before moving
the discharge means of the first treatment section into an active
operating state.
57. The device of claim 55, wherein the at least one actuating
device is designed to move the discharge means of the first and
second treatment sections into active operating states at
substantially the same time.
58. The device of claim 55, wherein each of the first and second
treatment sections is provided with its own actuating device.
59. The device of claim 48, wherein the treatment means of the
first and second treatment sections comprise a common bearing.
60. The device of claim 48, wherein the treatment means of the
first and second treatment sections are mounted on the same
shaft.
61. The device of claim 48, wherein the treatment means of the
first and second treatment sections are rotatable about a common
rotational axis.
62. The device of claim 48, wherein at least one of the first or
second treatment sections comprises a wall that is at least partly
removable.
63. The device of claim 48, wherein the first and second treatment
sections are connected together.
64. The device of claim 48, wherein the discharge means of at least
one of the first or second treatment sections comprises a
product-guiding part, a discharge end of which is located outside
of the at least one of the first or second treatment sections.
65. The device of claim 48, wherein the discharge means of the
first treatment section extends from a position inside the first
treatment section to a position inside the second treatment
section.
66. The device of claim 48, wherein the discharge means of the
first treatment section extends from a first end wall of the first
treatment section through an opening in a second end wall of the
first treatment section opposite the first end wall and through an
opening in a first end wall of the second treatment section and
into the second treatment section.
67. The device of claim 48, wherein the discharge means of each of
the first and second treatment sections is adapted to discharge the
entirety of the products within each of the first and second
treatment sections.
68. The device of claim 48, further comprising at least one
substance feed means for supplying at least one substance to at
least one of the first or second treatment sections.
69. The device of claim 68, wherein the at least one substance feed
means is capable of supplying a first substance to the first
treatment section and a second substance to the second treatment
section.
70. The device of claim 48, wherein the device is configured to
prevent products in the first treatment section from contacting
products in the second treatment section.
71. The device of claim 48, wherein the treatment means of the
first treatment section is configured to move differently than the
treatment means of the second treatment section.
72. The device of claim 71, wherein the treatment means of the
first treatment section and the treatment means of the second
treatment section move at different speeds.
73. The device of claim 71, wherein the treatment means of the
first treatment section and the treatment means of the second
treatment section move in different directions.
74. The device of claim 48, wherein the treatment means of the
first treatment section is shaped differently than the treatment
means of the second treatment section.
75. The device of claim 48, further comprising a portioning device
positioned upstream of the first treatment section for converting a
supply of meat products into portions of meat products for feeding
into the first treatment section.
76. The device of claim 48, wherein the device is configured to: a)
separate products from a substance for treating the products in a
treatment section; b) discharge the products from the treatment
section; and c) leave a substantial part of the substance in the
treatment section or return a substantial part of the substance to
the treatment section.
77. A method for treating products comprising: a) providing a
device for treating products, the device comprising at least a
first treatment section and a second treatment section through
which the products pass in succession, wherein each of the first
and second treatment sections comprises: i. treatment means for
treating the products in the treatment section; and ii. a discharge
means for discharging the products from the treatment section,
wherein the discharge means of the first treatment section can be
brought into an active and an inactive operating state, wherein in
the active operating state the discharge means of the first
treatment section discharges products from the first treatment
section into the second treatment section; b) supplying products to
the first treatment section; c) treating the products in the first
treatment section; and d) moving the discharge means of the first
treatment section into the active operating state, thereby
discharging the products from the first treatment section into the
second treatment section.
78. The method of claim 77, wherein treating the products in the
first treatment section comprises rotating the treatment means of
the first treatment section.
79. The method of claim 78, wherein the treatment means are rotated
about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation.
80. The method of claim 78, wherein the discharge means of the
first treatment section discharges the products after one
revolution of the treatment means.
81. The method of claim 77, wherein discharging the products from
the first treatment section into the second treatment section
comprises discharging the entirety of the products from the first
treatment section into the second treatment section.
82. The method of claim 77, wherein each of the first and second
treatment sections comprises a drum and wherein treating the
products in the first treatment section comprises rotating the drum
about an axis of rotation.
83. The method of claim 77, wherein the device further comprises at
least one actuating device for moving the discharge means of the
first and second treatment sections into an active operating
state.
84. The method of claim 83, wherein the at least one actuating
device moves the discharge means of the second treatment section
into an active operating state in order for the second treatment
section to be emptied of products prior to moving the discharge
means of the first treatment section into an active operating
state.
85. The method of claim 83, wherein the at least one actuating
device moves the discharge means of the first and second treatment
sections into their active operating states at substantially the
same time.
86. The method of claim 77, further comprising treating the
products in the second treatment section, wherein treating the
products in the first and second treatment sections comprises
moving the treatment means of the first and second treatment
sections respectively.
87. The method of claim 86, wherein the treatment means of the
first and second treatment sections rotate about a common
rotational axis.
88. The method of claim 77, wherein: a. the discharge means of the
first treatment section is mounted in a fixed position relative to
the treatment means of the first treatment section; b. treating the
products in the first treatment section comprises rotating the
treatment means of the first treatment section in a first
direction; and c. moving the discharge means of the first treatment
section into an active operating state comprises rotating the
treatment means of the first treatment section in a second
direction opposite the first direction.
89. The method of claim 77, wherein treating the products in the
first treatment section comprises mixing the products with a
substance and wherein discharging the products from the first
treatment section further comprises separating the products from
the substance such that a substantial part of the substance remains
in the first treatment section or is returned to the first
treatment section.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of PCT/NL02/00473 filed
Jul. 15, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference. Priority
is claimed from The Netherlands Patent Application No. 1,018,541
filed Jul. 13, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a device for treating products, in
particular massaging meat products, comprising: at least one
treatment section having a space for accommodating the products,
which space comprises treatment means for treating the products;
and discharge means for discharging the products from the treatment
section. In this context, the term "massaging" is understood as
meaning: subjecting products to mechanical influences and/or
applying or introducing additives to or into products subjected to
mechanical influences.
DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] A device of this type is known, for example, from German
Patent Application No. 19,614,368. This device comprises a
rotatable, essentially cylindrical drum with carrier profiles and
arms having scoop-shaped ends. A curved discharge gutter is fixedly
attached to the drum and always active during operation of the
device.
[0004] Another known device is disclosed in The Netherlands Patent
Application No. 9,201,490. This device comprises a substantially
cylindrical or conical drum, the longitudinal axis of which is
positioned horizontally or at an angle to the horizontal. In its
interior, the drum has a massaging surface with a star-shaped cross
section. Furthermore, guide means, comprising a helical plate
element which is mounted around an axis of rotation and the outer
edge of which is complementary to the massaging surface, are
arranged in the drum, substantially inside the massaging
surface.
[0005] When the device is being used, at least the massaging
surface and the guide means are rotated about the longitudinal axis
of the drum, which may but does not necessarily also rotate, and
meat products which are to be massaged are successively fed to the
drum at a feed end thereof. In the drum, the meat products slide
over the tops of the star-shaped massaging surface and over one
another, so that the structure of the meat products is changed and,
for example, proteins are released from the meat. In addition, a
massaging substance which is already present or has been added to
the drum, such as a gas, liquid or a granular or pulverulent solid,
or any desired mixture of two or more of these components, can be
successfully distributed to and/or taken up by each meat product as
a result of the massaging. The guide means guide the meat products
from the feed end of the drum to an opposite discharge end, where
the treated meat products leave the drum. The result is a
continuously operating device.
[0006] A drawback of the device according to The Netherlands Patent
Application No. 9,201,490 is that it lacks flexibility. The
residence time of the products in the device is substantially fixed
for a fixed rotational speed of the massaging surface and the guide
means, and consequently different devices are required for products
which require different residence times. This is because changing
the rotational speed in order to change the residence time
generally does not result in the desired product properties, since
this also causes the mechanical loads on the products as they pass
through the device to change. Therefore, the capacity is linked to
the intensity of the treatment. Consequently, a long residence time
will require a long drum, while a short residence time leads to a
drum of limited length. Another drawback of the known device is
that only one type of massaging treatment, i.e. a defined
mechanical load on the products which are to be massaged at a
defined temperature, with a defined massaging substance and a
defined residence time is possible in this device, so that in the
case of products which have to be subjected to different massaging
treatments, it is necessary for a plurality of devices to be
positioned in succession.
[0007] A further drawback is that the massaging substance does not
remain at a defined portion of supplied products, but rather comes
into contact with all products which are moving past, with the
result that there is a risk of cross-contamination.
[0008] Another disadvantage is that in particular small products
can easily be damaged as a result of a part thereof passing into
the gap between the helical plate element and the massaging
surface.
[0009] Yet another drawback of the known device is that it is
difficult to maintain and clean, since the possibilities of access
to all parts of the interior of the drum are limited. When the
helical plate element is removed from the drum for maintenance or
cleaning, a working space is needed which is at least twice as
large as the drum.
[0010] A further drawback is that the design of the known device
requires a large amount of material in relation to the throughput
which is achieved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a device, more
particularly a massaging device, in which products can be treated
in a flexible manner without the design of the device having to be
changed. A further object of the invention is to prevent or at
least reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Yet another object of
the invention is to prevent damage to in particular small products
in the treatment device. Another object of the invention is to
significantly improve the possibilities for maintenance and
cleaning of the treatment device.
[0012] To achieve one or more of these objects, the device
according to the invention comprises discharge means which can be
moved into an active and an inactive operating state. This measure
makes it possible to adjust the residence time of the products in a
treatment section as desired by moving the products into the
treatment section when the discharge means are in an inactive
operating state and moving the discharge means into an active
operating state at the end of the desired residence time. This
creates considerable flexibility with regard to use of the device
for a wide range of products and applications. A modular structure
becomes possible, since the dimensions of the drum do not determine
for example the residence time any more, contrary to the prior
art.
[0013] If a product is to undergo a plurality of different
treatments, it is possible for various treatment sections to be
arranged in succession, the discharge means in each case
discharging the products to a subsequent treatment section. The
products can undergo just a mechanical treatment per treatment
section, and in addition a selected massaging substance may be
supplied in an appropriate quantity. Obviously, it is also possible
to carry out substantially the same type of treatment in different
treatment sections, in which case the total treatment time of a
product is the sum of the treatment times in the respective
treatment sections. In this way, the capacity of the device can be
varied.
[0014] To prevent massaging substance from leaking or splashing or
escaping in some other way from a treatment section, it is possible
to provide auxiliary means which, for example, seal the treatment
section, limit the agitation of a liquid or granular or pulverulent
substance located therein, guide or distribute products, or the
like.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the discharge means can be moved
between an active and an inactive position with the aid of an
actuating device. For optimum flexible operation, it is preferable
for each treatment section to be provided with its own actuating
device. However, for simple operation it is also possible to opt
for the use of an actuating device which is common to a plurality
of treatment sections.
[0016] In a simple, inexpensive and reliable preferred embodiment,
the actuating device comprises a rod which can be actuated from
outside the device or a cam track mechanism. In another preferred
embodiment, which is easy to control and reset, the actuating
device comprises a piston-cylinder unit which makes it easy to
achieve individual actuation for each treatment section.
[0017] The actuating device is preferably designed to generate a
control signal, for example, a release signal which indicates that
the treatment section has been emptied and is ready to receive
products, after the discharge means of the treatment section have
been moved into the active position. A feature of this type allows
the treatment device to interact with a portioning device which is
positioned upstream of it and does not feed a portion of products
to the (first) treatment section until after the treatment section
has emitted the required release signal. If the device comprises at
least two treatment sections which the products are to pass through
in succession, the actuating device is preferably designed to move
the discharge means of the second treatment section into an active
position in order for the second treatment section to be emptied
before moving the discharge means of the first treatment section
into the active position thereof. This prevents the products from
the first treatment section from coming into contact with the
products from the second treatment section, and consequently the
treatments in the treatment sections do not interfere with one
another. However, when the discharge means are adapted to discharge
the products situated in the second treatment section separated
from the products entering the second treatment section, then the
actuating device of the massaging device preferably is designed to
bring the discharge means of the first and the second treatment
section into an active position for emptying the first and the
second treatment section.
[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the treatment means
comprise at least one massaging element, the discharge means
interacting with the at least one massaging element in order to
reach the active and the inactive position.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the
invention, the treatment means are designed to be set in motion
with the aid of a drive. For each treatment section, for the
corresponding treatment means it is possible to provide an
associated, separate drive, but it is also possible to provide a
drive which drives the treatment means of a plurality of treatment
sections simultaneously. In particular, the drive is such that the
movement of the various treatment means of the different treatment
sections can be set differently if desired, resulting in a very
flexible massaging device.
[0020] The treatment means of the at least one treatment section of
the device according to the invention are preferably designed to be
rotated. The device according to the invention advantageously
comprises at least two treatment sections, the different treatment
means of the different treatment sections having a common bearing.
For enabling the products an easy access to the treatment means,
the bearing comprises a ring, a plurality of wheels coupled to the
treatment means being movable along the circumference of the ring.
The ring forms an effective access opening. The various treatment
means of the various treatment sections can in particular be
mounted on the same shaft, so that the device can easily be adapted
for different use by adding or removing treatment sections to or
from the bearing or shaft.
[0021] This also simplifies maintenance, assembly/dismantling and
cleaning of the device. For a simple structure, the rotation of the
treatment means preferably takes place relative to an essentially
horizontally axis of rotation.
[0022] The treatment means preferably comprise at least one surface
which is oriented at an angle to the direction of movement thereof.
More particularly, the treatment means of a moveable, in particular
rotatable, treatment section comprise a number of surfaces which
are at an angle to one another and, as seen in cross section, form
one or more preferably inwardly directed points. The products which
are to be treated are carried along by moving points and then drop
off them again. Adjusting the movement of the treatment section is
responsible for determining the duration, nature and intensity of
the mechanical load exerted on the products, which parameters are
associated with the degree of filling of the treatment section, the
movement patterns (which may change during the treatment) of the
products, the distance covered by the products and the properties
(which may change during the treatment) of the products, such as
their stickiness. The movement of the various treatment sections
can be set differently, so that products which are fed in
succession to the various treatment sections undergo different
treatments therein. On the other hand, a different treatment for
each treatment section can also be obtained with the same movement
of treatment sections with different internal structures.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the vertex angle of the points is
at least approx. 45.degree. C., and the points are arranged at a
distance from one another. If the points are formed asymmetrically,
movements of the points in different directions (for example
opposite directions of rotation of a rotating treatment section)
result in different mechanical loads being applied to the products.
The dimensions, shape and vertex angle of the points may differ in
one treatment section or between treatment sections.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the surfaces are integral with a
wall of the treatment section, with the result that a simple
manufacture of the wall from one or a few pieces of plate material
is possible. In an advantageous embodiment, such a wall is at least
partially detachable for a facilitated access to the interior of
the treatment section for maintenance and cleaning.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment the at least one surface of the
treatment means is movable along a stationary wall of the treatment
section. Here, the surface may be part of a paddle. An edge of the
at least one surface, the edge facing the wall, may be at a
distance from the wall, the distance being zero or more than zero.
In practice, the distance is selected such that a gap is created
through which products cannot pass, but through which a massaging
substance may pass. In an embodiment the at least one surface is
hingable, the hinge axis being essentially parallel to said axis of
rotation. Thus, said edge can be kept in contact with the
stationary wall continuously. For this purpose, at least one spring
member for driving the at least one surface to a predetermined
hinge position.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment means comprise
massaging-substance feed means arranged in the space of the
treatment section, for direct contact between the substance which
is to be supplied by means of the massaging-substance feed means
and the products. The quantity of massaging substance which is to
be supplied in a treatment section is selected on the basis of the
number and (current and future) properties of the products which
are to be treated.
[0027] In another preferred embodiment, a peripheral wall of the
space of treatment section is provided with perforations, a
chamber, which is open at least on the side of peripheral wall,
being formed outside the space, adjacent to the peripheral wall, in
order to supply or discharge a treatment medium to or from the
space via the perforations. It is thus possible, in a particularly
simple manner, to achieve a treatment of products, in which case
the perforations can ensure that the treatment medium is
distributed through the space of the treatment section while the
treatment medium is being supplied.
[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment means
comprise means for the transfer of heat via a peripheral wall of
the space of the treatment section. In this way, for certain
products a direct contact between a heat or refrigeration source or
a medium which releases heat or cold, on the one hand, and the
products, on the other hand, can be avoided.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment means comprise
needles which project into the space of the treatment section and
by means of which the surface of products can be treated, and the
region below the surface, in which case it is possible both to
apply exclusively mechanical changes to the product and to inject a
treatment medium, if the needles are designed for this purpose. In
a flexible preferred embodiment, in which the action of the needles
can be varied, the needles can be moved in a controllable manner in
their longitudinal direction.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the treatment section comprises a
rotatable drum which defines said space.
[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the treatment means
comprise a series of blades which are arranged in the space and are
active in cutting products in the space in the direction of
rotation. The treatment means may also comprise a rotatable roller
which is arranged in the space and the axis of rotation of which is
parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum, which roller acts to
massage deformable products. The roller is preferably provided with
grooves on its outer surface.
[0032] The discharge means preferably comprise a gutter, the outlet
end of which is located outside the treatment section. The gutter
collects products located in a treatment section, after which they
are discharged via the discharge end of the gutter.
[0033] Preferably, the discharge means are designed, in their
active operating state, to discharge both the products and the
liquid and/or solid massaging substance located in the
corresponding treatment section, with the result that the massaging
substance and the products remain together, so that the risk of
bacterial and/or chemical cross-contamination is minimal.
[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the discharge means are
designed, in their active operating state, to discharge the
products and to return the liquid and/or solid massaging substance
located in the corresponding treatment section to this treatment
section, in particular as a result of the discharge means being
provided with perforations. This prevents massaging substance which
has not adhered to products from being removed from the treatment
section.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of a surface of
the space of each treatment section is provided with a profile,
such as ribs or pointed projections, in order for the surface to
entrain the products.
[0036] The treatment(s) carried out in the device according to the
invention may be combined with an excess-pressure, vacuum,
piercing, cooking, steaming, cooling and/or gas treatment by
providing suitable features, which are known per se, in the device
for this purpose. Furthermore, a powder-coating unit may be
incorporated in a treatment section.
[0037] The claims and advantages will be more readily appreciated
as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description and considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate
like parts, or parts with the same or similar function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a massaging device
according to the invention, arranged in line for the processing of
products;
[0039] FIG. 1a shows a diagrammatic cross section through a
treatment section;
[0040] FIG. 1b shows a diagrammatic cross section through another
treatment section;
[0041] FIG. 1c shows a perspective view of a treatment section with
movable massaging elements;
[0042] FIG. 1d shows a perspective view of a treatment section with
removable massaging elements;
[0043] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the massaging device
shown in FIG. 1 in a different operating state;
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a part of the device
shown in FIG. 1;
[0045] FIGS. 4a and 4b show perspective views of the action of the
first discharge means in the device according to the invention;
[0046] FIG. 4c shows a perspective, diagrammatic illustration of a
treatment section with an alternative embodiment of the first
discharge means;
[0047] FIGS. 5a and 5b show perspective views of the operation of a
second discharge means in the device according to the
invention;
[0048] FIGS. 6a and 6b show perspective views of the operation of a
third discharge means in the device according to the invention;
[0049] FIGS. 7a and 7b shows perspective views of the operation of
a fourth discharge means in the device according to the
invention;
[0050] FIG. 8 shows the massaging device illustrated in FIG. 1,
with a diagrammatic illustration of a control for discharge
means;
[0051] FIG. 9a in perspective view shows some parts of an
alternative massaging device according to the invention;
[0052] FIG. 9b in perspective view illustrates a drive of the
massaging device according to FIG. 9a, in closed condition;
[0053] FIG. 9c in perspective view illustrates the massaging device
according to FIG. 9b, in open condition;
[0054] FIG. 9d in perspective view illustrates another embodiment
of the massaging device according to FIG. 9c;
[0055] FIG. 9e in perspective view shows the massaging device
according to FIG. 9d in another condition;
[0056] FIG. 10a in a diagrammatical cross-section shows a part of
the massaging device according to FIG. 9a;
[0057] FIGS. 10b and 10c illustrate in more detail alternative
embodiments of the part of the massaging device according to FIG.
10a;
[0058] FIGS. 10d, 10e and 10f in perspective view illustrate still
other embodiments of the part of the massaging device according to
FIG. 10a;
[0059] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
treatment section with treatment means;
[0060] FIG. 12a shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
treatment section with other treatment means;
[0061] FIG. 12b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
alternative treatment section for the treatment which has been
illustrated in relation to FIG. 12a;
[0062] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
treatment section for yet another treatment;
[0063] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
treatment section with means for yet another treatment;
[0064] FIG. 15a shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
treatment section with injection means;
[0065] FIG. 15b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
alternative treatment section with injection means;
[0066] FIG. 15c shows a perspective view of another partially
cut-away treatment section with injection means;
[0067] FIG. 15d shows a perspective view of still another partially
cut-away treatment section;
[0068] FIG. 15e shows a perspective view of a detail of the
treatment section according to FIG. 15d;
[0069] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
treatment section with strip-cutting means;
[0070] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
treatment section with tenderizing means;
[0071] FIG. 18a shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
treatment section with means for introducing a pulverulent or
granular substance into the treatment section;
[0072] FIG. 18b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
alternative treatment section for performing the treatment which
has been illustrated in relation to FIG. 18a;
[0073] FIG. 19a shows a perspective view of another partially
cut-away treatment section with means for introducing a pulverulent
or granular substance into the treatment section;
[0074] FIG. 19b shows a perspective view of a partially cut-away
alternative treatment section for performing the treatment which
has been illustrated in relation to FIG. 19a;
[0075] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of another partially
cut-away treatment section with means for introducing a pulverulent
or granular substance into the treatment section;
[0076] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of yet another partially
cut-away treatment section with means for introducing a pulverulent
or granular substance into the treatment section;
[0077] FIG. 22 shows a perspective illustration of the manual
supply of products to the massaging device;
[0078] FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
metering device for supplying products to the massaging device;
[0079] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
metering device for supplying products to the massaging device;
[0080] FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
metering device for supplying products to the massaging device;
and
[0081] FIG. 26 shows a graph illustrating the operation of the
device according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0082] FIG. 1 shows a supply line 2 for starting products 6, in
particular meat products, a massaging device 3 and a discharge line
4 for products 6a which have been treated by the massaging device
3. The supply line 2 comprises a frame 10 which is arranged
displaceably on legs 8 and in which there is a conveyor belt 12 or
the like by means of which the products 6 can be moved in the
direction indicated by arrow 14. At the end which faces the
massaging device 3, the supply line 2 comprises a gutter 16, by
means of which products 6 which drop off the conveyor belt 12 are
fed into the massaging device 3.
[0083] The discharge line 4 comprises a frame 18, in which a belt
conveyor 20 or the like is arranged, by means of which the products
6a released by the massaging device 3 via a gutter 22 can be moved
in the direction indicated by arrow 24 for a further processing
operation. The supply line 2 and the discharge line 4 do not form
part of the device according to the invention.
[0084] The massaging device 3 comprises a frame which can be
displaced on lockable castors 25 and has a pair of substantially
C-shaped supports 26a, 26b, which are connected to one another by
means of a hollow shaft 28. One or more rotatable treatment
sections 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d are mounted on the shaft 28, each of
these treatment sections having a U-shaped cross section and a
structure which will be explained in more detail with reference to
the following Figures. The treatment sections 30a and 30b are
connected to one another, with a toothing 32 being provided between
these treatment sections, in which toothing the teeth of a gear
wheel 36 connected to a drive motor 34 mesh in order to drive the
treatment sections 30a and 30b at one or more predetermined speeds,
and in a predetermined direction, or alternately in opposite
directions. The drive motor 34 is connected to the support 26a. In
the embodiment shown, the treatment sections 30a and 30b are
fixedly connected to the treatment sections 30c and 30d. However,
it is also possible for the treatment sections 30c and 30d to be
drive independently of the treatment sections 30a and 30b, for
which purpose toothing 38 is provided between the treatment
sections 30c and 30d. An associated drive motor (not shown in more
detail) may be arranged on the support 26b. It will be clear that
the treatment sections 30a-30d may also be set in rotary motion in
other ways, and if appropriate each separately, independently of
the other treatment sections, and if appropriate in different
directions, for example by means of a belt drive or by means of a
drive shaft which is positioned in the hollow shaft 28 in order to
drive the various treatment sections, if desired at different
speeds and in different directions.
[0085] Instead or in addition to being mounted on the shaft 28, the
treatment sections may also be mounted, on their underside, on
shafts or rollers, as shown in the publication NL-A-9201490.
[0086] Furthermore, it is possible for the treatment sections to be
mechanically connected to one another and to be coupled at the
ends--for example via a disc or the like--to a shaft or bearing,
whereby a central shaft in the treatment sections can be
avoided.
[0087] At least one treatment section is provided with treatment
means comprising massaging means, which in this case comprise
massaging elements 40 which are triangular in cross section and are
distributed along the periphery in the interior of each treatment
section 30a-30d. The distribution of the massaging elements 40
along the periphery is not necessarily evenly. It is also possible
for there to be only one massaging element 40 for each treatment
section 30a-30d, or for massaging elements to be absent altogether
if the treatment which is to be carried out does not require
massaging elements. The massaging elements 40 may also be shaped
differently, for example with a semicircular cross section, or may
have different dimensions.
[0088] FIG. 1a illustrates the interior of a cylindrical treatment
section with six massaging elements 42 which are formed by surfaces
which are at an angle .alpha. of 105.degree. C. with respect to one
another. The massaging elements 42 are arranged at a regular
distance from one another, a surface 44 which extends between two
successive massaging elements 42 being oriented at an angle .beta.
of 112.5.degree. with respect to the adjacent surfaces of the
massaging elements 42. When the treatment section is being used
through rotation about the shaft 28, products are carried a certain
distance upwards by the massaging elements 42, after which the
products drop back onto one of the surfaces 44 or onto another
massaging element 42.
[0089] The massaging elements may also be formed asymmetrically,
for example as indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1a. The result of
this is that the mechanical treatment of products when the
massaging elements rotate in one direction differs from the
mechanical treatment when the massaging elements rotate in the
opposite direction.
[0090] FIG. 1b illustrates the interior of a cylindrical treatment
section with twenty-four massaging elements 46 which are formed by
surfaces which are at an angle .gamma. of 90.degree. with respect
to one another. Two adjacent surfaces of successive massaging
elements 46 are oriented at an angle .delta. of 75' with respect to
one another. When the treatment section shown in FIG. 1b is in use
products roll over successive massaging elements 46 through
rotation about the shaft 28.
[0091] As FIG. 1c illustrates, detachable curved elongated
plate-shaped parts 45 may be provided at the circumference of a
treatment section. The plate-shaped parts are shaped such that they
define both massaging elements 45a and wall parts 45b situated
between the massaging elements 45a of the treatment section.
Preferably, the plate-shaped parts 45 are made from a flexible
material, but it is also possible to produce the plate-shaped parts
45 essentially rigid. The plate-shaped parts 45 are hingably
coupled at an end 45c with the remaining part of the treatment
section. For a rigid arrangement of ring-shaped side walls 47
relative to each other a number of bars 47a extending transversely
to the plane of a side wall 47 to an opposite side wall 47 may be
provided. The bars 47a may also serve as a point of attachment for
ends of the plate-shaped parts 45, for which purpose an appropriate
locking known as such may be provided. For fixing the position of
each plate-shaped part 45 relative to the side walls 47 between the
hingably coupled end 45c and one of the bars 47a, cams 49 may be
provided to which the plate-shaped parts 45 abut near their bending
lines. At their edges, the plate-shaped parts are provided with
suitable sealing means, if necessary in relation to the massaging
substance to be used in the treatment section.
[0092] FIG. 1d illustrates a modification of the embodiment
according to FIG. 1c. According to FIG. 1d, the plate-shaped
elements 45 are completely removable. A fixing of the plate-shaped
elements 45 to the side walls 47 may for example be made at the
location of the bars 47a by means of one or more speed couplings
51, which by the way may also be used in the embodiment of FIG.
1c.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 2, the treatment sections can be displaced
along the shaft 28 in the directions indicated by double arrow 50,
for example for the purpose of cleaning or maintenance, so that the
treatment sections are readily accessible. In the embodiment shown,
the treatment sections 30c and 30d, and also the treatment sections
30a and 30b, are connected to a support 52 with three spokes 54.
The spokes 54 are connected to a flat ring 56 which, on its outer
circumference, bears the sets of toothing 32 and 38, respectively.
The connection between at least one of the supports 26a, 26b and
the shaft 28 is releasable in order for treatment sections to be
removed or added as required.
[0094] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hollow shaft 28
includes one or more lines 60 which are in communication with one
or more spray heads 62 which are arranged releasably on the shaft
28, in one or more treatment sections. One or more different
massaging substances can be introduced into a treatment section via
the one or more lines 60. FIG. 3 illustrates the spraying of a
massaging liquid 63 into a treatment section, with a quantity of
massaging liquid 63 present at the bottom of the treatment section.
When the treatment section rotates about the shaft 28, in the
direction indicated by arrow 64, the products 6 are carried upwards
by the massaging elements 40, and then, under the force of gravity,
slide back off the massaging elements 40 and tumble back down into
the massaging liquid 63. Arrow 66 illustrates this phenomenon,
during which the products, as a result of dropping into the
treatment section, undergo a mechanical treatment and take up
massaging liquid 63. If no massaging substance is fed into the
treatment section, a mechanical treatment is all that takes place
therein.
[0095] It will be clear that the spray head 62 or a similar
arrangement can also be used to clean the treatment section by
introducing a cleaning agent into the treatment section after it
has been used and then rinsing it.
[0096] FIGS. 4a and 4b once again illustrate how the products 6
drop in a treatment section. An elongate, gutter-like discharge
member 70, which in FIG. 4a is in an inactive position and in FIG.
4b is in an active position, is arranged on one of the spokes 54.
From the spoke 54, the discharge member 70 extends substantially in
the direction of the shaft 28 to beyond an end of the treatment
section. In the inactive position, the products 6 move past the
discharge member 70. In the active position, in which an edge of
the discharge member 70 bears against a massaging element 40, the
products 6, when the treatment section is moving in the direction
indicated by the arrow 64, move into the discharge member 70, as
indicated by arrow 71. Under the force of gravity, the products 6
slide along the discharge member 70 in the longitudinal direction
and move out of the treatment section, either into a subsequent
treatment section or onto the discharge line 4 (FIG. 1).
[0097] The discharge member 70 is displaceably connected to the
spoke 54, it being possible for a connecting pin 72 to move along
the spoke 54, while the discharge member 70 can also pivot about
the connecting pin 72. The discharge member 70 can be moved out of
the inactive position into the active position with the aid of an
arm 74 which is connected to a rod 76. The rod 76 can be used
exclusively to actuate the discharge member 70, but may also be
coupled to one or more discharge members of other treatment
sections in order to actuate a plurality of discharge members
simultaneously. A displacement of the rod 76 for the purpose of
actuating one or more discharge members takes place, for example,
at an end of the massaging device 3 at the location of the support
26a or 26b, as a result of one end of the rod 76 being brought into
contact with a guide or the like, as indicated below, for example
in FIGS. 6a and 6b, by 102.
[0098] It will be clear that the discharge member 70 can be
displaced between its inactive position and its active position in
numerous different ways. A translational movement, a rotary
movement or a combination of the two movements are possible. If the
discharge member is mounted fixedly on the spoke 54 in the active
position, the products will be discharged from the treatment
section after at most one revolution of the treatment section.
[0099] It is not essential for the discharge member 70 to interact
with a massaging element 40; the discharge member 70 may also
interact with another wall part of the treatment section in order
for products to be optionally discharged from the treatment
section.
[0100] FIG. 4c shows a treatment section with a discharge member
70a which is substantially in gutter or scoop form and is at least
in part provided with perforations 71 which are situated in the
bottom part, as seen in the Figure, and two opposite side parts of
the discharge member 70a. When products 6 are being discharged
through the discharge member 70a when the latter is in its active
position, the perforations 71 make it possible for excess massaging
substance which has been entrained by the products 6 to be
discharged back into the space of the treatment section via the
perforations 71.
[0101] The massaging elements 40 of the treatment section shown in
FIG. 4c comprises V-shaped elements, the constituent plates of
which are arranged at an angle of approx. 450 with respect to one
another.
[0102] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate an actuation of the discharge
member 70 with the aid of a piston-cylinder unit 50. The
piston-cylinder unit 80 is connected pivotably, about a pin 82, to
a cam 84 which is fixedly connected to the spokes 54. An end of the
piston rod 56 is connected, in such a manner that it can pivot
about a pin 88, to an arm 90 arranged on the discharge member 70.
As a result of the piston-cylinder unit 80 being energized in a
suitable way via an energizing line 92 guided inside the shaft 28,
the discharge member 70 is moved into its inactive or active
position, as indicated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, respectively. As a
result of various discharge members of various treatment sections
being coupled to one another, for example by means of a rod, a
single piston-cylinder unit 80 for actuation of a plurality of
discharge members suffices.
[0103] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate an actuation of the discharge
member 70 with the aid of a cam track mechanism 94. For this
purpose, the discharge member 70 is provided with an arm 96, on
which a wheel 98 is arranged in such a manner that it can rotate
freely. The wheel 98 is guided in a cam track 100 of an actuating
plate 102. The actuating plate 102 can be rotated about the shaft
28, independently of the movement of the treatment section, from
the position shown in FIG. 6a into the position shown in FIG. 6b,
with the result that the discharge member 70 is moved from its
inactive position into its active position. If various discharge
members of various treatment sections are coupled to one another,
for example by a rod, a single cam track mechanism 94 for actuation
of a plurality of discharge members suffices.
[0104] FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate an operating principle in which
the discharge member 70 is in an inactive position when the
treatment section rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 110,
while the discharge member 70 is in an active position when the
treatment section rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 64.
In this case, the discharge member 70 can be actuated via the
connecting pin 72, for example by means of a guide in the form of
the guide plate 102 which has already been shown with reference to
FIGS. 6a and 6b.
[0105] In this embodiment with alternating directions of rotation,
it is also possible for the discharge member 70 to be mounted in a
fixed position on the spoke 74, in the position shown in FIG. 7b.
In that case, when the treatment section rotates in the direction
indicated by the arrow 110, no products 6 will be discharged from
the treatment section, unlike the situation when it rotates in the
direction indicated by arrow 64.
[0106] Since the discharge member can be moved into the inactive or
the active position as desired, it is possible to select a
treatment time in a treatment section which is optimal. If the
actuation of each discharge member is selected to be independent of
that of the other discharge members, the treatment in each
treatment section can be carried out independently of the
treatments in the other treatment sections. This results in a very
flexible massaging device which can operate continuously and
in-line.
[0107] The arrangement which is shown in FIG. 8 substantially
corresponds to that shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 diagrammatically
indicates that a computer or other control device 120 can move
discharge members 124 into an active or inactive position, via one
or more electric, hydraulic or pneumatic lines, symbolized by
dashed lines 122, in order for products to be discharged from a
treatment section and fed to a subsequent treatment section or for
products to be discharged from the massaging device 3. Furthermore,
the control device can be used to control the drive motor 34 and
any other drives of other treatment sections. Signals which, for
example, contain information about the timing of the actuation of
the discharge members 124 or about a parameter which has been
measured in or outside the massaging device and influences the
control of the discharge members 124 or the drive motor 34, can be
fed to the control device 120 via a line 126.
[0108] In some of the following Figures, a discharge member has
been omitted for the sake of clarity yet may nevertheless in actual
fact be present.
[0109] FIGS. 9a-9e show (a part of) a massaging device with a
semi-cylindrical lower wall 101, which at two ends is connected to
end walls 103 with a semi-circular shaped upper edge. Together the
lower wall 101 and the end walls 103 form a tank 105 in which three
treatment sections are formed by two semi-ring shaped partitions
107. In each treatment section, treatment means 109 are arranged.
Each of the treatment means 109 comprise two support rings 111,
which are provided along their circumference with fingers for
carrying scoop-shaped paddles 113, for creating connections between
support rings 111 of different treatment means 109, and for
mounting a number of grooved wheels 115 which in turn mount the
treatment means 109 in rings 117. Such rings 117 preferably are
situated at the location of the end walls 103, and possibly also at
the location of the partitions 107. Of course, it is also possible
to mount the wheels 115 directly on the semi-circular shaped upper
edges of the end walls 103 and/or the partitions 107, using the
force of gravity. In that case, the rings 117 are absent.
[0110] The tank 105 may be provided with one or more discharges
105a for removing massaging substances from the treatment sections,
e.g. for a cleaning of the massaging device.
[0111] The paddles 113 primarily are intended to be moved in the
direction of arrow 119. The plane of the paddles 113 is at an angle
to the (tangent to the) direction 119 of movement of the paddles
113. Thus, the paddles 113 can take products to be treated along
over some distance, after which the products fall off the paddles
113 again by the changing orientation of the paddles 113.
[0112] As shown in particular in FIG. 9b, the massaging device may
be provided with a lid 121 which, along a lower edge thereof, is
hingably connected to the tank 105, and is provided with a window.
It is also indicated how the treatment means 109 can be driven in
rotation at an end of the massaging device: one or more of the
wheels 115 and/or fingers of the adjacent support ring 111 are
connected to a toothed ring 123 with external toothing. An
electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor 125 drives a gear-wheel 127
engaging the toothed ring 123. A single drive suffices for the
complete massaging device if the treatment means 109 of the various
treatment sections are connected to each other. Of course, in other
cases the treatment means of each treatment section may be driven
separately.
[0113] As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 9c, 9d and 9e, a
simple maintenance and a simple cleaning of the massaging device
are possible by virtue of the provision of the hingable lid 121
(FIG. 9c), the possibility to move the treatment means 109 of one
or more treatment sections relative to the tank 105 and to possibly
take them out of the massaging device (FIG. 9d) essentially in the
direction indicated by the arrow(s), and to remove the partitions
107 from the tank 105 (FIG. 9e). The treatment means 109 can for
example be moved by human power, an external lifting device, or a
manipulator. Also a provision, such as a lever construction, can be
made to the massaging device itself for moving one or more of the
treatment means 109 with respect to the tank 105.
[0114] FIG. 10a illustrates a position of a paddle 113 relative to
the lower wall 101. An edge of the paddle 113, preferably made from
a flexible and wear-resistant material, at least partially is in
contact with the lower wall 101, causing both the products 6 and
the massaging substance 63 in front of the paddle 113 to be stowed
up and taken along at a movement of the paddle 113 in the direction
of the arrow 119, just to fall down again via the opposite edge of
the paddle 113 after some distance, after the paddle 113 has passed
a horizontal orientation.
[0115] When the paddles 113 are moved in an opposite direction to
the one indicated by the arrow 119, massaging substances, such as
liquids or granular or pulverulent solids, collecting in the tank
105 at the wall thereof can be removed from a treatment section,
for example through a discharge 105b which can be closed in a
manner which is not shown in further detail.
[0116] FIG. 10b shows in more detail again the situation at the
edge of the paddle 113 which is in contact with the lower wall 101.
FIG. 10c shows another position of said edge with respect to the
lower wall 101, in which the edge is situated at a predetermined
distance from the lower wall, such that the massaging substance 63
can pass the paddle 113, but the products 6 cannot pass the paddle
113. Thus it is possible to bring about a separation between the
products 6 and the massaging substance 63.
[0117] FIG. 10d and 10e show two paddle forms which differ in
details. The embodiment according to FIG. 10d is similar to the one
shown in FIGS. 9a-10b. The leading edge of the paddle 113
essentially is in contact with the lower wall 101. Upright side
walls of the paddle 113 meet partitions 107 (or end walls 103) of
the massaging device with a small clearance.
[0118] The paddle 113a according to FIG. 10e tapers towards the
trailing edge thereof, and the trailing edge forms part of an
upright wall part. This configuration provides for a better
transfer of products and possible massaging substance from the
paddle 113a to a discharge member associated with the corresponding
treatment section.
[0119] FIG. 10f illustrates a hinging arrangement of a paddle 113b
relative to the lower wall 101. At the location of connections 131,
the paddle 113b is hingably coupled to the rings 111. At the
location of connections 133, the paddle 113b is hingably coupled to
threaded bars 135, which extend through openings of supports 137,
and are provided with locking nuts 139. Pressure springs 141 are
provided on the threaded bars 135 between the connections 133 and
the supports 137. Thus, the paddle 113b is tilted in the direction
of the arrow, and the leading edge of the paddle 113b is biased
against the lower wall 101. With these measures, one achieves in
particular that the dimensional and form tolerances of the
components of the massaging device, in particular those of the
lower wall 101, can be relatively large without influencing the
operation of the massaging device in a negative manner: the leading
edge of the paddle 113b follows the lower wall 101.
[0120] FIG. 11 shows a treatment section 130 which can rotate about
a hollow shaft 132, in the direction indicated by arrow 134. In the
shaft 132 a line 136 is accommodated which at the location of the
treatment section 130 branches into two lines 136a and 136b which
are led through the wall of the shaft 132. A perforated spray head
138 is secured to the end of each line 136a, 136b, with valves 140
from which a medium supplied through the line 136 can be blow out
or sprayed over products 142 located in the treatment section 130.
The medium used may be air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or another gas
or gas mixture, or a liquid, such as water, or a pulverulent
substance, with a predetermined temperature (for cooling, for
example for the purpose of causing a layer of ice to form on the
products 142, or heating). The valves 140 are directed
substantially downwards, since the products 142, while the
treatment section 130 is operating, as a result of the force of
gravity will collect substantially in the bottom part of the
treatment section 130 and can then be reached directly by the
treatment medium.
[0121] FIG. 12a shows a structure of a treatment section 144 which
has a peripheral wall 148 which is partially provided with
perforations 146. The treatment section 144 can rotate about a
hollow shaft 150 with respect to a chamber 152 which is arranged in
a fixed position with respect to the shaft 150 along a section of
the peripheral wall 148. The chamber has a feed line 154, from
which a gas, such air, or a pulverulent substance can be introduced
at a predetermined temperature into the chamber 152 and moved again
via the perforations 146 into the treatment section 144, as
indicated by the arrows in FIG. 12a. The chamber 152 preferably
extends along the underside of the treatment section 144, since
this is where the products which are to be treated will be located
during operation, so that they are reached directly by the gas or
the powder, for example in order for the products to be cooled or
frozen.
[0122] FIG. 12b shows a treatment section 144a with a similar
function as the one which has been discussed above in relation to
FIG. 12a. However, in the case of FIG. 12b the peripheral wall 148a
and the chamber 152 are stationary, while the paddles 113 which
fixed to the rings 111 rotate in the direction of the arrow 119.
Although in the Figure the complete peripheral wall 148a is
provided with perforations 146, the perforations 146 can also be
limited for example to the area of the peripheral wall 148a which
bounds the chamber 152.
[0123] FIG. 13 shows a structure of a treatment section 156 which
can rotate about a hollow shaft 158. A chamber 162 which contains a
liquid, such as water, at a defined temperature, is arranged in a
fixed position with respect to the shaft 158 along a section of the
closed peripheral wall 160 of the treatment section 156. Heat can
be extracted from or supplied to that section of the peripheral
wall 160 which is in contact with the liquid by the liquid in order
for the products located in the bottom part of the treatment
section 156 to be cooled/frozen or heated accordingly. If desired,
the chamber 162 may be provided with inlets and outlets (not shown
in more detail) in order to change the liquid. In addition, by way
of example, cooling devices or heating devices (not shown in FIG.
13) may be positioned in the liquid.
[0124] FIG. 14 shows a treatment section 164 which can rotate about
a hollow shaft 166. A peripheral wall 168 is partially provided
with perforations 170, similar to those shown in FIG. 10. Along a
section of the peripheral wall 168, a chamber 172 is arranged in a
fixed position with respect to the hollow shaft 166. The chamber
172 contains a liquid, such as water, which is at a defined
temperature. The liquid flows via the perforations 170 into the
treatment section 164 and thus comes into direct contact with
products 174 located in the treatment section 164, in order to
clean and/or cool and/or heat these products. If desired, the
chamber 172 may be provided with inlets and outlets (not shown in
more detail) in order for the liquid to be changed. In addition, by
way of example, cooling devices or heating devices (not shown in
FIG. 14) may be positioned in the liquid.
[0125] FIG. 15a shows a treatment section 176 which can rotate
about a hollow shaft 178. In the shaft 178 there is a line 180
which leads through the wall of the shaft 178 and at one end is
provided with a spray head 182. A peripheral wall 184 of the
treatment section 176 is provided on the inner side with needles
186. Products 188 which are located in the treatment section 176,
in the event of a rotation of the treatment section, tumble over
needles 186, in the direction indicated by arrow 190, with the
result that the structure of the products 188 at and below the
outer surface thereof changes. This promotes uptake of a massaging
substances (gas, liquid (for example brine) or powder), which is
sprayed towards the products 188 through the line 180 and via the
spray head 182.
[0126] FIG. 15b shows a treatment section 192 which can rotate
about a hollow shaft 194, in the direction indicated by arrow 195.
A massaging substance (gas, liquid or powder) can be sprayed
towards the bottom part of the treatment section 192 via a line 198
which is provided with a spray head 196 and is in communication
with the interior of the shaft 194. Needles 202, of which a first
end projects through the peripheral wall 200 and an opposite,
second end bears a thickened portion 204, are arranged on sections
of a peripheral wall 200 of the treatment section 192. The needles
202 are supported in a manner which is not shown in more detail but
is such that they can move substantially transversely with respect
to the surface of the peripheral wall 200, spring means 206 being
provided for the purpose of forcing the needles 202 largely out of
the treatment section 192. A guide element 208 is arranged fixedly
with respect to the shaft 194, with a guide surface 210 which, as
seen in the direction indicated by the arrow 195, is at a gradually
decreasing distance from the peripheral wall 200.
[0127] When the treatment section 192 rotates in the direction
indicated by the arrow 195, the thickened portions 204 of the
needles 202 come into contact with the guide surface 210 and the
needles 202 are gradually driven into the treatment section 192.
After they have passed the guide element 208, the spring means 206
force the needles back outwards. The needles 202 which have been
driven into the treatment section by the guide element 208 change
the structure at and/or below the surface of products situated at
that location, in order to improve the action or uptake of the
massaging substance coming out of the line 198.
[0128] FIG. 15c shows a treatment section 214 which can rotate
about a fixed hollow shaft 216. In the shaft 216 there is a line
218 which is guided through the wall of the shaft 216 into an
injection device 220, which is fixedly connected to the shaft 216.
The injection device 220 comprises a number of needles 222 which
can be moved into and out of the injection device 220 in a manner
which is not shown in more detail. The needles 222 are moved into
the injection device 220 as they move past the massaging elements
40, and are moved out of the injection device 220 between the
passage of two successive massaging elements 40. The needles 222
may be hollow in order to inject a substance supplied via the line
218 into products.
[0129] FIGS. 15d and 15e show a treatment section 192a with a
similar function as the one which has been discussed above in
relation to FIG. 15b. However, in the case of FIG. 15d the
peripheral wall 200a is arranged stationary, just like a needle
unit 141 with which one or more needles 145 can be taken into and
out of the treatment section 192a through perforations 143 in the
peripheral wall 200a. The paddles 113 which are fixed to the rings
111 rotate in the direction of the arrow 119. The needles 145 are
taken outside the treatment section at the time when the paddles
113 pass the perforations 143, and can be taken into the treatment
section through the perforations 143 in between the passages of the
paddles 113. Products which are in the area of the perforations 143
thus are subjected to a penetration of the needles 145 which is not
only a result of the operation of the force of gravity (products
fall onto needle points), but also is a result of the movement of
the needles 145 into the treatment section (needle points are
forced into the products). The displacement of the needles 145
relative to the peripheral wall 200a takes place by means of one or
more actuators not shown in further detail. It is possible, for
example, to drive each needle 145 or set of needles 145 separately.
A possibility indicated in FIG. 15d with dashed lines is to provide
the needle unit 141 with fixedly arranged needles 145, and to
connect the needle unit 141 through one or more arms 221 with a
hinge axis 223 for moving the needle unit 141 by actuation of an
actuator not shown in further detail in the directions of the
double arrow 225.
[0130] FIG. 16 shows a treatment section 226 which can rotate in
the direction indicated by arrow 228 about a fixed, hollow shaft
230. An arm 234 which can be extended and retracted telescopically,
in the directions indicated by double arrow 232, with the aid of
means which are now shown in more detail, is fixed to the shaft
230. One end of the arm 234 is provided with a number of rotatable
blades 236 which, with the aid of the arm 234, can be moved onto or
almost onto the inner side of a peripheral wall 238 of the
treatment section 226 and can be moved to a distance from the inner
side of the peripheral wall 238. A plate 242, which can be moved in
the directions indicated by double arrow 240 with the aid of means
which are not shown in more detail, is also arranged on the arm
234. Thus, a free end 244 of the plate 242 can be moved onto or
almost onto the inner side of the peripheral wall 23B and to a
distance therefrom. The energy for and control of the movements of
the arm 234 and the plate 242 are supplied via the interior of the
shaft 230 via lines 231.
[0131] When the treatment section 226 is being used, it is in the
first instance rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 228,
during which movement the blades 236 are moved onto the inner side
of the peripheral wall 238 and the end 244 of the plate 242 is
moved to a distance from the peripheral wall 238. In this way,
products 246 are cut into strips 246a. Then, the treatment section
226 is rotated in the reverse direction, during which process the
blades 236 are moved to a distance from the inner side of the
peripheral wall 238 and the end 244 of the plate 242 is moved onto
the peripheral wall 238. In this way, the strips 246a are scraped
off the inner side of the peripheral wall 238 and can be discharged
from the treatment section 226, for example with the aid of a
discharge member (not shown in more detail) or with the aid of the
plate 242.
[0132] FIG. 17 shows a treatment section 250 which can rotate, in
the direction indicated by arrow 252, about a fixed shaft 254. An
arm 258 which can be extended and retracted telescopically in the
directions indicated by double arrow 256 with the aid of means
which are not shown in more detail is fixed to the shaft 254. One
end of the arm 258 is provided with a roller 260 which is provided
with grooves, is mounted so that it can rotate freely and, with the
aid of the arm 258, can be moved onto or to a short distance from
the inner side of a peripheral wall 262 of the treatment section
250 and can be moved to a distance from the inner side of the
peripheral wall 262. A discharge member 266, which can be moved in
the directions indicated by double arrow 264 with the aid of means
which are not shown in more detail, is also arranged on the arm
258. A free end 268 of the discharge member 266 can thus be moved
onto or close to the inner side of the peripheral wall 262 and to a
distance therefrom. The energy for and control of the movements of
the arm 258 and the discharge member 266 are supplied via the
interior of the shaft 254 via lines 255.
[0133] When the treatment section 250 is being used, it is in the
first instance rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 252,
during which process the roller 260 is moved towards the inner side
of the peripheral wall 262 and the end 268 of the discharge member
266 is moved to a distance from the peripheral wall 262. In this
way, products 270 are subjected to alternating mechanical loads and
as a result--in the case of meat--are tenderized. Then, the
treatment section 250 is rotated in the opposite direction, during
which process the roller 260 is moved to a distance from the inner
side of the peripheral wall 262, and the end 268 of the discharge
member 266 is moved towards the peripheral wall 262. In this way,
the tenderized products 270 are scraped off the inner side of the
peripheral wall 262 and can be discharged from the treatment
section 250 with the aid of the discharge member 266.
[0134] FIG. 18a shows a treatment section 272 which can rotate
about a fixed shaft 274. A peripheral wall 276 of the treatment
section 272 is provided with perforations 278. Above the treatment
section 272 there is formed a chamber 280 which is open on the side
of the peripheral wall 276. In the treatment section 272, side
walls 282 and 284 of the chamber 280 are adjoined by walls 286,
288, 290 and 292. The latter walls 286 and 288 are fixed, in a
manner which is not shown in more detail, with respect to the shaft
274, while the walls 290 and 292 are fixedly connected to the shaft
274 by means of a support 294. Beneath the treatment section 272
there is formed a collection chamber 296 which is open at the
top.
[0135] In operation, a pulverulent substance, such as flour, is
placed in the chamber 280. The substance reaches the interior of
the treatment section 272 via the perforations 278 and is guided by
the walls 286-292 towards gaps between the walls 286 and 290 and
between the walls 288 and 292, where the substance drops down in
two streams onto products 298 which are located substantially in
the bottom part of the treatment section 272. Some of the substance
adheres to the products 298, and a further part of the substance
leaves the treatment section 272 via the perforations 278, ending
up in the collection chamber 296 from which it is discharged.
[0136] FIG. 18b shows a treatment section 272a with a similar
function as the one discussed above in relation to FIG. 18a.
However, in the case of FIG. 18b the peripheral wall 276a and the
chamber 296 are stationary, while the paddles 113 which are fixed
to the rings 111 rotate in the direction of the arrow 119. Although
in the Figure the complete peripheral wall 276a is provided with
perforations 278, the perforations 278 can also be limited to the
area of the peripheral wall 276a which is situated near the chamber
296.
[0137] FIG. 19a shows a treatment section 300 which can rotate
about a shaft 302. A peripheral wall 304 of the treatment section
300 is locally provided with perforations 306. Outside the
treatment section 300, a first chamber 308 and a second chamber 310
are formed, which chambers 308, 310 are open on their side which
faces the peripheral wall 304. The chambers 308, 310 are in
communication with lines 312 and 314, respectively.
[0138] In operation, in the case of a rotating treatment section
300, a pulverulent substance, such as flour, is blown into the
chamber 308 via the line 312. As the perforations 306 move past the
chamber 308, the substance will move into the treatment section
300, where it adheres to products located in the treatment section
300. The line 314 and the chamber 310 can act in the same way as
the line 312 and the chamber 308. The direction of flow of the
substance in the line 314 may also be the reverse of that in line
312, i.e. towards the treatment section 300 in the line 312 and
away from the treatment section 300 in the line 314. It is also
possible for the direction of flow of the substance in the line 314
to be towards the treatment section 300, and in the line 312 to be
away from the treatment section 300.
[0139] FIG. 19b shows a treatment section 300a having a similar
function as the one discussed above in relation to FIG. 19a.
However, in the case of FIG. 19b the peripheral wall 304a and the
chambers 308 and 310 are stationary, while the paddles 113 which
are fixed to the rings 111 rotate in the direction of the arrow
119. The perforations 306 are limited to the areas of the
peripheral wall 304a bounding the chambers 308 and 310.
[0140] FIG. 20 shows a similar arrangement to that shown in FIG.
19a, with a pulverulent substance, such as flour, being blown into
a chamber 324 via a line 322, which chamber 324 is open on its side
which faces the peripheral wall 304 of the treatment section 300 in
order for the substance to be supplied to the treatment section 300
via the perforations 306, so that it can adhere to products located
in the treatment section 300. Surplus substance located in the
bottom part of the treatment section 300 passes via the
perforations 306 into a receptacle 326, from which it can be
discharged.
[0141] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 21, a pulverulent or
granular substance is fed to the treatment section 300 from a
vibrating chute 330 via an opening in the treatment section 300. As
an alternative to a vibrating chute, it is also possible to use
vibrating belt, the belt conveying the pulverulent or granular
substance to the treatment section 300.
[0142] FIGS. 22-25 illustrate various ways of supplying products to
a massaging device 3, also known as metering.
[0143] FIG. 22 illustrates how a worker 340 places products 6 from
a container 342 onto a conveyor belt 12 moving in the direction
indicated by arrow 344, after which the products 6, via the gutter
16, reach a treatment section 30a of the massaging device 3.
[0144] FIG. 23 illustrates a supply of products 6 into receptacles
348, which are advanced in the direction indicated by arrow 346, of
a receptacle conveyor 350. The receptacle conveyor 350 comprises a
weighing device (not shown in more detail) and is also provided
with means for tilting a receptacle 348 at the location of a chute
352 if the weight of the product 6 located in the corresponding
receptacle is equal to a predetermined weight. When the receptacle
348 is tilted, the product 6 slides via the chute 352 onto the
conveyor belt 12, by means of which the product is fed to the
massaging device 3.
[0145] FIG. 24 shows a section of a filleting line, in which
fillets 360 are moved in the direction indicated by arrow 364 with
the aid of suitable conveyor means 362. When it passes a chute 366,
a fillet 360 is released from the associated conveyor means 362,
after which the fillet 360 slides via the chute 366 onto the
conveyor belt 12 and is fed onwards to the massaging device 3.
[0146] FIG. 25 shows a belt conveyor 370 with a shelved belt 374
with raised walls 376 which is moving in the direction indicated by
arrow 372. A product 6 is located between two successive walls 376.
The shelved belt 374 is arranged in such a manner that the products
6, at the end of their conveying by the shelved belt 374, move onto
the conveyor belt 12 and are fed onwards to the massaging
device.
[0147] FIG. 26 shows a graph in which three curves are plotted to
illustrate the action of the massaging device; the curves represent
(on the vertical axis) the uptake of brine in pieces of meat in
percentages by weight or volume plotted against a distance in
metres (plotted on the horizontal axis) covered by the pieces of
meat in the massaging device. The distance covered is the distance
which a product covers by rolling, sliding and/or dropping in the
treatment section. The first curve, which is indicated by
triangular symbols, represents the uptake of brine if ten times the
required quantity of brine is metered into the treatment section,
while the second curve, which is indicated by diamond symbols,
represents the uptake of brine in the event of matched, correct
metering of brine in the treatment section. The third curve, which
is indicated by squares, represents the uptake of brine if in the
first instance an excess of brine is used but this quantity is
reduced in a subsequent stage. It can be seen that in this way the
uptake of brine which according to the second curve is only
achieved after a distance of 450 metres has been covered is
achieved after just 180 metres has been covered according to the
third curve.
[0148] Therefore, the same result can be achieved with a greatly
reduced treatment time by in the first instance using an excess of
brine and in the second instance using a lower quantity of brine.
The quantity of brine therefore represents a controlling factor in
achieving the desired uptake of brine. Therefore, in a first
treatment section an excess of brine can be used, for a rapid
initial uptake of brine in that section, and in a subsequent
treatment section a suitably matched quantity of brine can be used,
in order to achieve a desired final value for the uptake of brine
in this subsequent section. It is also possible for an excess of
brine to be reduced by removing brine from the treatment
section.
[0149] While the invention has been described and illustrated in
its preferred embodiments, it should be understood that departures
may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is
not limited to the details disclosed herein.
* * * * *