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US 9,155,332 B2Granted
Retort with progressive latch, roller support arrangement and method and system for reciprocation of loads
AssigneeAllpax Products LLC
InventorsPhilip M. LeBlanc, Beau R. Moreau
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A retort system for heating product to a specified temperature for sterilization is provided. The system includes a vessel having an associated heating system. A frame within the vessel for securing the baskets during reciprocation of the baskets may include a progressive latch mechanism. A roller arrangement for supporting baskets within the vessel may include both a plurality of transfer rollers and a plurality of support rollers.
Claims17
A retort, comprising:
- a retort vessel;
- and
- a retort basket support assembly for supporting a retort basket during both transfer and reciprocating processing of the retort basket within the vessel, the assembly comprising:
- a roller arrangement;
- wherein the roller arrangement comprises:
- a plurality of transfer rollers having external surfaces that define a first horizontal plane;
- a plurality of support rollers having external surfaces that define a second horizontal plane that is offset from the first horizontal plane.
4 more elements
A retort, comprising:
- a vessel having an access door;
- a frame situated within the vessel for moving a set of product baskets within the vessel, the frame defining a basket load zone for a plurality of product baskets;
- a support arrangement for supporting the product baskets within the vessel during movement of the frame, the support arrangement extending in a lengthwise direction of the vessel from a location toward a first end of the vessel to a location toward a second end of the vessel;
- a drive mechanism for reciprocating the frame back and forth in a reciprocating path that extends from the first end toward the second end of the vessel, the drive mechanism operates to reciprocate the frame at between 60 and 95 strokes per minute, where the stroke length is between about four inches and about eight inches.
1 more element
A retort, comprising:
- a vessel having an access door;
- a frame situated within the vessel for moving a set of product baskets within the vessel, the frame defining a basket load zone for a plurality of product baskets;
- a support arrangement for supporting the product baskets within the vessel during movement of the frame, the support arrangement extending in a lengthwise direction of the vessel from a location toward a first end of the vessel to a location toward a second end of the vessel;
- a spray system for delivering heated fluid onto product baskets with the vessel;
- a drive mechanism for reciprocating the frame back and forth in a reciprocating path that extends from the first end toward the second end of the vessel, the drive mechanism configured to reciprocate the frame at between 80 and 95 strokes per minute as heated fluid is delivered, wherein the stroke length is between about five inches and about seven inches.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.