TUBE VALVE ARRANGEMENT FOR A PATTY-FORMING MACHINE

摘要

A tube valve and manifold arrangement for switching food product pumps is incorporated into a molding machine. The tube valve includes either a central outlet or two selectable sets of progressively sized outlet openings, with the smallest outlet opening closest to the active plunger, and the largest opening furthest from the active plunger. The tube valve includes grooves or depressions formed on its outside surface. The depressions are oriented to be at least partially open to the pump cavity that is not actively filling. Grooves and bores are in fluid communication with the depressions to allow air trapped in the off line pump cavity to be expelled to the hopper. The tube valve mounting assembly includes inboard and outboard bushings located externally on opposite lateral sides of the valve manifold that are removably fastened to the outside of the valve manifold.