Machine automatically cutting cores from e.g. cheeses - has vertically reciprocating core cutting punches distributed above turntable

摘要

The machine automatically cuts cores from e.g. cheeses as required by the curing process, and has several vertically reciprocating punches mounted above a rotating turntable. The punches are mounted at e.g. 60 degrees intervals above the table perimeter, the cheeses are mounted on stations at similar intervals on the table surface, and the action of the punches is co-ordinated by table-mounted vertically reciprocating switches engaging fixed ramped cams. The table may be rotated by an electric motor mounted on the sub-frame beneath and with gearing transmitting drive to a vertical axle. Each punch may comprise a vertical hollow cylindrical core cutter which is motivated by a two-way pneumatic jack. Each core cutter is guided by a static solid cylindrical block which also serves to expel the cut core as the cutter ascends after the cut.