US 7,255,554 B2 · Cooling air system for a patty-forming apparatus

Abstract

A cooling air system is provided for a patty-forming apparatus having a machine base that includes an enclosing wall and contains equipment within the machine base that generates heat, such as electric motors, electrical and control equipment. The machine base includes an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening through the enclosing wall. At least one air fan is arranged to move outside air from the air inlet opening to the air outlet opening. A first air damper is arranged to close the air inlet opening. A second air damper is arranged to close the air outlet opening. The first and second air dampers are configured to automatically close if power is interrupted to the apparatus. The dampers each includes a cover or plate and at least one inlet pneumatic cylinder that elevates the cover above the inlet or outlet opening when energized, allowing outside air to pass through the machine base. Springs are arranged such that when the pneumatic cylinders are de-energized, the springs urge the covers onto the openings to close up the machine base.

Claims26

Dependent claims

In a patty-forming apparatus having a machine base having an enclosing wall and containing equipment within said machine base that generates heat during normal operation of said patty-forming apparatus when electric power is provided to said patty-forming apparatus, the improvement comprising:

an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening through said enclosing wall;
an air fan arranged to move outside air from said air inlet opening to said air outlet to cool said equipment during normal operation of said patty-forming apparatus;
and
a first air damper arranged to close one of said air inlet opening or said air outlet opening, said first air damper configured to automatically close if electric power is interrupted to said patty-forming apparatus.

1 more element

In a food processing apparatus having a machine base having an enclosing wall and containing equipment within said machine base that generates heat during normal operation of said food processing apparatus and electric power is applied to said food processing apparatus, the improvement comprising:

an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening through said enclosing wall;
an air fan arranged to move outside air from said air inlet opening to said air outlet to cool said equipment during normal operation of said food processing apparatus;
and
a first air damper arranged to close one of said air inlet opening or said air outlet opening, said first air damper configured to automatically close if electric power is interrupted to said food processing apparatus.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cooling air system for a patty-forming apparatus

Life of this patent

Cooling air system for a patty-forming apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26