DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR A RECIPROCATING MOLD PLATE PATTY-FORMING MACHINE

摘要

A drive system reciprocates a mold plate (121) between a cavity fill position and a patty discharge position, and can also reciprocate knock out plungers (33) to discharge molded food patties from cavities (126) in the mold plate at the patty discharge position. This drive system includes a first electric (motor157) a first rotary-to-linear motion converting apparatus (1032) operatively connected to the first electric motor; at least one drive member operatively connected between the first rotary-to-linear motion converting apparatus and the mold plate to reciprocate the mold plate. The drive system can also include a second electric motor; a second rotary-to-linear motion converting apparatus operatively connected to the second electric motor; and at least one knock out member operatively connected between the second rotary-to-linear motion converting apparatus and the knock out plungers, to reciprocate the knock out plungers. The first and second motors are precisely controlled to control and synchronize the movements of the mold plate and knock out plungers. The drive system can also include a control (23) over a plurality of valves in a mold plate breather air pumping system.