Portioning apparatus

A portioning apparatus adapted for coupling to a source of product to be portioned and operable for delivery of selected quantity product portions therefrom, said apparatus comprising:

• a frame assembly presenting a product inlet and a portion outlet;
• at least one portioning assembly including a portioning member for receiving said product, and means to electing a selected quantity product portion from said member;
• means mounting said portioning assembly adjacent said frame assembly for selective movement of said portioning member between a fill position wherein said member communicates with said inlet, and a discharge position wherein said member communicates with said outlet;
• and
• cleanout apparatus including motive means operably coupled with said frame and portioning assemblies for selective separation of the assemblies upon actuation of the motive means in order to permit cleaning of said member and said inlet and said outlet, said cleanout apparatus including structure for shifting of said portioning assembly relative to said frame assembly, said cleanout apparatus including:
• an elongated shaft fixedly secured to one of said frame assembly and portioning assembly and extending therefrom;
• a piston and cylinder assembly coupled with the other of said frame assembly and portioning assembly and presenting an outwardly extending piston rod;
• and
• means for selectively coupling said piston rod and shaft for, upon extension of said piston rod, shifting said portioning assembly relative to said frame assembly;
• said portioning assembly comprising a tubular body, said electing means comprising a piston slidable within said body.