US2611408A - Slicing machine - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 23, i952 H. E. FARMER 2,611,403

` sLIcING MACHINE Filed April 1e, 1948 s sheets-snm 1 Sept 23 1952 H; E. FARMER smcms MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 16, 1948 .l In' sept. 23, 1952 Filed April 16, 1948 H. E. FARMER SLICING MACHINE 3 sheets-sheet s I N VEN TOR.

#ordre Z. Fv-Wer Patented Sept. 23, v1952 UNITED STATES T OFFICE SLICING MACHINE Horace E. Farmer, Grosse Pointe, Mich., assignor to Famous Foods, Inc., Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application April 16, 1948, Serial No. 21,477

12 Claims. 1

into thin slices suitable for making potato chips.

In conventional practice, the potatoes to be sliced are fed onto a rotary table having one or more slicing knives; and, as the table rotates, the knives cut thin slices from the potatoes. In order to provide a product suitable for potato chips, the slices must be cut cleanly from the potato; however, the operation of the slicing machine and the suitability of the slices varies considerably depending upon the characteristics of the potatoes being sliced. Diiculty arises in that the cutting characteristics of potatoes are not standard and apparently vary according to their age, the climatic and soil conditions, the season of the year at which they mature, etc. As a result. conventional slicing machines do not produce slices of uniform quality.

I have now discovered that variations in the slicing characteristics of potatoes can be offset to a large extent by properly adjusting the cutting angle of each knife on the rotary table of the machine. By adjusting the knives from time to time as the slicing characteristics of potatoes vary, a markedly improved operation is obtained, smoother operation of the machine results and a more uniform` product is produced.

An important objectpf the present invention is to provide a vegetable slicing machine in which the slicing knives are adjustable to compensate for variations Vin slicing characteristics of the vegetables. l

Another object of the present invention is to provide a slicing machine in which the knives are easily and quickly adjustable.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a slicing machine having a novel adjustment for varying, the thickness of slices cut from the vegetables.

A further object of the invention is to provide a slicing machine of the above-mentioned character that is simple in construction, eiiicient in operation, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the drawings forming a part of the specification and wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of a. slicing machine embodying the invention;

Y 2 Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof; Fig. 3 is an enlarged, top plan View of the rotary table embodying a part of the invention; Fig. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional viewtaken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional vieW taken on the line 5--5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. '7 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a casting forming a part of a rotary table.

In this specification the slicing machine is described as adapted' to cut thin slices from potatoes, but it is tobe understood that the machine can be used to cut or slice other vegetables or in any othercapacity where a device of this character has utility.

Considered in certain of its broader aspects the slicing machine comprises a support I0 for the base I2 which mounts the rotary table I4. The support I0 is substantially rectangular in plan. and at each of its four corners is an upright standard I6. These standards I6 collectively support a vertically movable hopper I8 above the table I4. The hopper I8 is adapted to receive potatoes to be sliced and is equipped with a pair of depending chutes 20 which deliver the potatoes onto therotary table II4 in the path ,of slicing knives 22. Movement of the'potatoes into chutes 20 is contr'olledby a slidable panel or gate 24.-

which extends horizontally across the upper or inlet ends 26 thereof (Figs. 1 and 2). A handle 28 is provided on one end of the gate 24 and, as best shown in Fig. 2,-the latter can be partially withdrawn toopen one ofthe chutes 20 or entirely withdrawn to open both of the chutes.

It is desirable to adjust the hopper I8 and its appendages vertically from time to` time in order to provide ready laccess tothe rotary table I4. Accordingto the present invention, this: opera.- tion :is accomplished by mounting parallel shafts 30 in bearings 32 which are provided on opposite pairs of the standards I6. vEach shaft 30 carries a pair ofv spaced pinions 34 which mesh with vertical racks 36 onthe confronting sideA of hopper I8. and the two shafts 30 also carry xed gears 38 disposed laterally of :the hopper and connected for mutual operation by an endless chain or belt 4U. 4Qne of theshafts 30 carries a handwheel 42, and it will be readily apparent that actuation of the latter.simultaneouslyrotates `the shafts to raise or lowerthehopper IB.v Y

l Inlorder to locate the hopper I8 between standards I6 and to guide its vertical movement, the two racks 36 in each pair are connected by an integral transverse member 44, and the two members 44 are provided substantially centrally thereof with vertical guides 4'8 which operate in guide blocks 48 loosely mounted on the shafts 30.

rBy reason of the above construction and arrangement` of parts, the hopper I8, together with the Aattached chutes 20., can be raised quickly from the rotary table |4 whenever it is necessary to remove the latter or for cleaning or adjusting the slicing knives 22. Also, by making the hopper 4I8 vertically adjustable in the manner described, it is possible easily and quickly to obtain a desired initial adjustment between the fchutes 20 and the rotary table I4.

The operation first referred to in connection with the vertical adjustment is particularly significant, since it is contemplated that the rotary table I 4 be easily removable from the base I2; and, in order to effect such removal, it is necessary to'raise the hopper I8 from the position which it normally assumes in operation (Fig. l). By making the rotary table I4 removable and providing several tables for each machine, one table can be substituted for the other, and it is necessary for the machine to be idle for only a few minutes while the substitution is being made. As suggested, the tables I4 must be removed from time to time for cleaning and whenever it is necessary to vary the cutting angle of slicing knives 22. Heretofore, slicing machines of this type have been constructed in such manner that they necessarily were out of service for considerable lengths of time whenever it was necessary to remove or to make any adjustment on the rotary table I4.

It is believed that the construction and mounting of the rotary table I4 is an important feature of this invention, and a detailed description of the same is nowy given. The table comprises a casting 50 to. which is welded or otherwise fastened a highly polished top plate 52.

Attention is now directed to Fig. 8 which shows the casting 50 in perspective and upside down to more clearly illustrate its construction. It will be observedy that thev casting 50 has a central hub portion 54 which is formed integrally at its upper end with a radially extending diskshaped top supporting portion 56 and at its lower end with rigid arms. 51. Whiley the element 50 is referred to herein asa casting, it is to be understood that itV may be fabricatedv from a. plurality of parts which are welded together to have the form illustrated.

The base I 2fsupports a ballbearing 63 on which a carriage 64 is supported for rota-tion. A cylindrical frange-65 extends upwardly at the periphery of the carriage toprovide a recess for the reception of the castingl 50i, the latter having a plurality of projecting ribs 66 which mate in slots 61 provided. in the inner face ofthe flange 65. A worm ring gear 68.' is secured to the carriage 64, disposed in mesh with a worm 69 driven from a shaft I by driving means, notv herein illustrated. A cylindrical ringl I2 is secured to the carriage 64 to rotate. therewith and to form a skirt which extends down over'the bearing 631 to protect it against dirt and grime. It will be noted that not only may thecasting 50 be lifted from the carriage 6L without the removal of a nut, bolt and the like, but the entire central area of the carriage is open, preventingv the accumulation of potato particles therewithin.v

The top plate 52 andy the top supporting portion 56 of the casting 50 are provided with aligned and identically shaped slots 86 and 88 which open through the edges thereof and extend inwardly therefrom at opposite sides of the hub 54. Each slot 86, 88 extends substantially half way through the table I4. In this connectionit is to be understood that separate slots 86, 88 are provided for eachv slicing knife 22. In the form of the invention here shown by way of illustration, the table is equipped with two slicing knives, and two slots 86, 88 therefor are provided.

As suggested, the slicing knives 22 are mounted on the rotary table I4, and each is rotatably adjustable so that its cutting angle can be adjusted to obtain maximum efficiency. The slicing knives 22 are identical in construction and are mounted identically on the table I4; therefore, to clarify and simplify the disclosure, a detailed description of but one will be given.

According to the present invention, the slicing knife 22 is associated with a pair of discrete plate elements 90 and 92 which are set into recesses 94 and 96 provided in the top surface ofl the table at opposite sides of the slot 8'6, 88. These two plate elements extend ush with the top of the table I4 (Fig. 6), and they have arcuate peripheral edges 98 and |00 disposed about ai However, the adjacent edgesA common center. |02 and |04 of the plate elements 00 and 92 are rectilinear and disposed in spaced relation above the slot 86, 88. The recesses 94 and 96 have arcuate, vertical walls |06 and |08 respectively. which complement and snugly fit the peripheries of plate elements 90 and 92, and the bottom surfaces thereof are provided with shallow arcuate grooves I|0 and II2 which snugly receive correspondingly shaped arcuate ribs ||4 and |I6 on the plate elements. Thus, the plate elements 90 and 92 are rotatably adjustable in their respective recesses, and the arcuate grooves I|0 and II2 guide and locate the elements during such adjustment so that the adjacent edges thereof can be maintained in fixed spaced relation and exactly parallel at all times.

In order to hold the two plate elements 90 and 92 in a selected adjusted position, the top supporting portion 56 is formed with elongated arcuate slots |I8 at spaced points along the grooves ||0 and |I2, and setscrews I 20 extend through these slots into the plate elements. It will be readily apparent that when setscrews |20 are loosened, the plate elements 90 and 92f can be rotatably adjusted within the limits of slots |I8 and that the setscrews can be tightened to hold theplate elements in the adjusted position.

Slicing knife 22-is carried by the plate elementv 90 and, as shown in Fig. 6, it projects across the gap between the two platev elements and is arranged with the cutting edge thereof parallel and in slight spaced relation to the edge|04l ofv plate element 92. In this connection, however, it will be observed that the slicing knife isr fastened to the plate element 90' by a plurality of. countersunk flat-head screws |22 which extend through elongated slots |23 in the plate elementv rotary table |4 in the path of the rotating slice ingknives 22. `As the latter pass under the chutes, they cut relatively thin slices Yfrom the potatoes, which slices pass underthe knives, fall through the slots 86, 88, andare collected in a suitable receptacle (not shown) according to conventional practice.

- In this connection it will be observed that the chutes 20 are formed with tapered extensions` |30 (Figs. 6 and 7) whichA project laterally ahead of :the slicing knives 22. Thus, as the knives sweep under the chutes 20, they force the potatoes against the tapered extensions |30 which react to press them solidly against the table. As

slices' are removed progressively from the potatoes, the remaining uncut portions are advanced against the tapered extensions |30, and the ta-- pered shape of the latter holds the potatoes so that knives 22 can slice the entire potato cleanlyv and effectively.

In order that slicesof varyingthickness may be cut from the potatoes, provision is made for flexing,v the top supporting portion 56 which carry the plate elements 92 in a direction normal tothe plane of knives 22. For a detailed description of this feature of the invention, attention is again directed to Fig. 8. At the under side'of casting 50 are opposed, triangularly shaped webs |32 which are formed integrally with hub 54 and-top supporting portion 56. Also, it will be observed that the top'supporting portion 56 is formed with embossments |34 and |36 atopposite sides of the slots 88 which provide a sufficient thickness of metal for recesses '94 and 96 respectively. Moreover, it will be observed. that one of the webs |32 in each triangular supporting section extends across a respective embossment |34 ,and that relatively massive integral metallic portions |38 extend from the bottom edge of the Webs to the slotted edges of recesses 94 and from the hub portion 54 substantially to the edge of embossments |34. The massive portions |38 cooperate with the webs |32 to strengthen and make relatively rigid and iniexible the supporting portion 56 Which underlies and supports the knifecarrying plate sections 90.

Each set of webs |32 carries a respective one of the rigid arms 51 and, as suggested, the latter underlie and are spaced from the portions of the top supporting portion 56 which carry plate elements 92. Each of the arms 51 preferably comprises an outer angle portion |42 which follows the contourof the top supporting portion 56, and an inner Y-shaped portion |44 which extends along a chord between webs |32 and the distal end of the outer portion |42. The open arm structure thus provided is exceedingly rigid, but relatively light in weight. At the ends of arms 51 are integral, lateral extensions |46 which underlie the embossments |36. Extensions |46 are provided with internally threaded holes |48 which receive externally threaded sleeves |50. As best shown in Fig. 4, the sleeves |50 are provided at the lower ends thereof with heads |52 and the upper ends thereof project from the extensions |48 and abut against the embossments |36. Extending axially through sleeves |50 are cap screws |54, and these screws have threaded terminal shank portions |56 which enter internally threaded openings |58 ln the embossments.

Thus, the cap screws |54 can be tightened to flex the superjacent portions of top supporting portion 56 downwardly against the ends of sleeves |50. Manifestly, flexure of the top plate 56 in this manner adjusts the vertical distance between 6. the edges |l4 of plate elements 92 4and slicing knives 22. Since plate elements Y62 are disposed4 ahead of the slicing knives, and since the potatoes to be sliced move across these plates toward the slicing knives, this adjustment regulates the thickness of slice cut therefrom. Sleeves |50 and cap screws |54 hold the ilexed portions of the top supporting portion 56 solidly in the selectedadfv justed position. Moreover, the adjustmentcan be.

made easily and quickly and with conventional tools. 1 i

Thus. itwil1 be seen that the rotary tablev I4 can be removed quickly and easily from -the machine merely by lifting it from the recess formed by the iiange 65. A second table |4 can be substituted for the removed table and the entire` operation can be performed in a matter of min- Utes.

After the rotary table I4 has been removed from the machine, the cutting angle of the knives can be readily adjusted merely by loosening the setscrews |26. Preferably, all of thesetscrews |20 are loosened simultaneously so that'- the plate elements and 92 can be adjustedat the same time to maintain proper. relationship between the slicing knives 22 and plate elements 92. justed relative to plate elements 92 or removed for cleaning or sharpening merely by loosening fiat head screws |22.

It is to be understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is 'tof be taken as a preferred example of the same and that various changes in the size. shape and arrangement of parts can be resorted to Without:Y

departing from the spirit of the invention o the scope of the appended claims. y

What is claimed is:

1. In a slicing machine, a table mounted forl rotation about a central axis, said table having a circular recess at one side of said axis, plate meansmounted insaid recess for angulary adjustment therein, and a slicing'knife carried by said plate means.

2. In a slicing machine, a table mountedvfor rotation about a central axis, said table havingy a circular recess at one side of said axis, a pairl of spaced arcuate plates secured in said recessy for individual angular adjustment therein, and a slicing knife secured to one of said plates.

3. In aslicing machine, a vtable mounted for rotation about a central axis, said table having a circular recess at oneside of said axis, a pair of spaced arcuate plates secured in said recess for individual angular adjustment therein, a slicing knife secured to one of said plates, and means for adjusting the other said plate out of the plane of said irst plate.

4. In a slicing machine, a table mounted for rotation about a central axis, said table having a pair of circular recesses spaced from each other and said axis, a pair of spaced arcuate plates secured in each said recess for individual angular adjustment therein. and a slicing knife carried by one of said plates in each said recess.

5. In a slicing machine, a table mounted for rotation about a central axis, said table having a pair of circular recesses spaced from each other and said axis, a pair of spaced arcuate plates secured in each said recess for individual angular adjustment therein, a slicing knife carried by one of said plates in each said recess, and means for adjusting the other said plate in each said recess out of the plane of said first plate therein.

Also, the slicing knives can be quickly ad-4 6'. In a slicing machine, a rotary table;` means for feeding objects to be sliced onto said tablet; a slicing knife mounted onsaid table and rotatable therewith; means for adjustingv said knife to vary the angle of its cutting edge with respect to the object being sliced; a support mounted on the table :ahead of the knife for angular adjustment; and. means for adjusting said support in a direction. normal to the plane of the knife.

7. In a slicing machine, a rotary table; a slicing knife; a plate carrying said knife supportedy by and fastened to the table, said plate rotatably adjustable'on the table to vary the cutting angle of the knife, and a vertically and rotatably adjustablesupport mounted on the table ahead of the knife.

8. In a slicing machine, a rotary table;l a slicing knife; a plate carrying said knife supported by and fastened to the table', said plate'rotatably adjustable on the table to vary the cutting angle of the knife; and a support mounted on the plate ahead of the knife, said support adapted to underlie objects to be sliced by the knife andV adjustable relative to the llatter to regulate the thickness of the slice. y A

9'. In a slicing machine, a rotary table having separate sections, one of said sections being relatively rigid and the other ofsaid sections being relatively flexible in a direction normal tothe plane of said rigid section; laterally spaced, rotatably adjustable plate elements mounted on respective sections of said table; a slicing knife carried by the plate element associated with said relatively rigid table section, said knife arranged with its cutting edge disposed in proximity to the other of said plate elements; and means coactive with said relatively flexible section for adjusting the interplanar distance between the plate elements.

10. In a slicing machine, a rotary table having a top portion provided with a slot which opens through and extends inwardly from the edge thereof, the section-'of the table at one side of said slot being relatively rigid and the section of ther table attheother side of said slot being relatively exible; a'. slicing knife; separate plate elements mounted inopposed relation on respective sections of the table, one of said plate elements carrying the slicing knife and both ofsaid plate.

elements being. rotatably adjustable on thev table.

' 11. In a slicing machine. a rota-ry table having a top portion provided with a slot which opens through and extends inwardly from the .edge

8. thereof, the section of the table at one side of said slot being relatively rigid and the section of the table at the other side of said slot being relatively fiexible; a slicing knife separate plate elements mounted inopposed relation on respective sections of the table,v one of said plate elements carrying the slicing knife andv both of said plate elements being rotatably adjustable on the table, the parts so constructed and arranged that the cutting edge of the'knife is disposed along and above said slot vin proximity and adjacent to al substantially parallel edge of the plate element disposed in opposition thereto; and means for adjusting thev relatively flexible section of the table whereby to m'ove the plate element carried thereby vertically with respect to the cutting edge of the knife. v

12. In. aV slicing machine, a rotary table having a top portion provided with a slot which opens through and extends inwardly from the edge thereof, the section of the table at one side of said slot being relatively rigid and the section of the table at the other side of said slot being relatively flexible, said table further provided with a rigid arm below and spacedv from said relatively flexible section; a slicing knife; 4separate plate elements mounted inA opposed relation on respective sections of the table, one' of said plateA elements carrying the slicing knife and' both of 'said plate elements being rotatably adjustable on the table', the partsA so constructed andi arranged that the cutting edge of the knife' is' disposed along and above said slotin proximity and adjacent to a substantially parallel edge of the plate element disposed in opposition thereto; and means connecting said rigid arm to said relatively flexible section adapted to adjust the same relative to' each other whereby rto vary the vertical distance between the knife and said opposed plate element.

HORACE E. FARMER.

REFERENCESv CITED The following references are of record in the rile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

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