# US 5,705,127 A · Rotating variable height clamping device

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 5,705,127 A
- Document ID: US5705127A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/483,421
- Filed: 1995-06-07
- Granted: 1998-01-06
- Earliest claimed: 1992-01-10
- Assignees: FMC Corporation
- Inventors: Norman A. Planck, Jr.; Eduard Hendrikus Johannes Damhuis; Sherman Howell Creed
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5705127A

## CPC

- A23B 2/001: {Details of apparatus, e.g. pressure feed valves or for transport, or loading or unloading manipulation}
- A23B 2/37: with packages moving on the spot
- Y10T 29/49998: Work holding
- A23B: PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## 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.

## Claims

### Claim 1

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.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of lifting the stack applies a constant first clamping force when the height of the stack changes.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of lowering the first top member, comprises the steps of:
rotating a gear drive with teeth;
lowering a rack with teeth which mate with the teeth of the gear drive; and
lowering a guide surrounding part of the rack, wherein the guide is attached to the top member.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

A method, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the step of locking the first top member, comprises the steps of:
rotating a cam;
pushing a lever with the cam; and
pushing a wedge with the lever.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A method, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
inserting a second stack onto the supporting means in the reel;
lowering a second top member on top of the second stack by the movement of the first drive;
stopping the second top member on top of the second stack, while the first drive system continues to move;
locking the second top member;
lifting the second stack from the supporting means such that said lifting cooperates with said second top member when in a locked position to clamp said second stack therebetween;
unlocking the second top member; and
raising the second top member by the first drive system.