Back to results
US 5,705,127 AGranted
Rotating variable height clamping device
AssigneeFMC Corporation
InventorsNorman A. Planck, Jr., Eduard Hendrikus Johannes Damhuis, Sherman Howell Creed
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention uses a lost motion clamping system to provide variable height clamping from the top of a one or more stacks. The variable height clamp is then locked in place. A second clamping means then provides additional clamping from the bottom of the stacks.
Claims5
A method for retorting stacks, comprising the steps of:
- inserting a first stack onto a supporting means in a reel in a retort vessel;
- lowering a first top member to the top of the first stack by the movement of a first drive system;
- stopping the top member on top of the first stack, while the first drive system continues to move;
- locking the first top member;
- lifting the stack from the supporting means such that said lifting cooperates with said top member when in a locked position to clamp said stack therebetween;
- rotating the reel;
- applying heat to the stack;
- stopping the rotation of the reel;
- lowering the stack to the supporting means;
- unlocking the first top member;
- and
- raising the first top member by the first drive system.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.