Priority Application Number (Country Code, Number, Date): NL 882738 (881108)
Designated States: AT; BE; CH; DE; ES; FR; GB; GR; IT; LI; LU; NL; SE
International Patent Class: A01J-025/11; ;
Cited Patents: NL 7315742 A; WO 8807322 A; FR 2084840 A; US 3982480 A
Abstract: EP 368411 A1
An apparatus for preparing a curd mass by draining a
mixture of whey and curds in an upright column consists of a permeable sleeve (1, 1') of circular or
rectangular cross-section, one or more sleeves (1, 1') being surrounded, with some clearance, by a tube (2)
mounted on a worktable (3). The apparatus further comprises means (4) at one end of the tube, above or
under the worktable (3), for feeding the mixture of whey and curds and means at the other end of the
sleeve (1, 1'), under or above the worktable (3), for receiving and discharging a drained and extruded
curd mass. The free space between the sleeve (1) or sleeves (1') and the tube (2) is subdivided into various
compartments (9), lying one above the other, with the aid of sealing partitions (10). Each compartment (9)
is provided with inlet and outlet connections (11, 12) for whey or cleaning liquid. The sleeve or sleeves
(1,1(min)) disposed inside the same tube (2) forms or form a fixed assembly (13) with the partitions (10)
and with said tube. The assembly thus formed is detachably fastened on the worktable (3), while the
connections (11,12) of the compartments (9) are also provided with detachable couplings.
| Type | Publication Date | Kind | Text | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application: | 900516 | A1 | Published application (A1withSearch Report;A2withoutSearch Report) | ||||||
| Examination: | 901219 | A1 | Date of filing of request for examination: | 901017 | |||||
| Examination: | 910313 | A1 | Date of despatch of first examination report: | 910125 | |||||
| Change: | 940601 | A1 | Representative (change) | ||||||
| *Assignee: | 940601 | A1 | Applicant (transfer of rights) (change): | Hubert Stork Cheese Systems B.V. | (1641751) | Smidsstraat 28 | NL-8601 WB SNEEK | (NL) | (applicant designated states: AT;BE;CH;DE;ES;FR;GB;GR;IT;LI;LU;NL;SE) |
| Change: | 940907 | A1 | Representative (change) | ||||||
| Grant: | 940914 | B1 | Granted patent | ||||||
| *Assignee: | 941012 | B1 | Proprietor of the patent (transfer of rights): | TEBEL-MKT B.V. | (1822550) | Zwettestraat 30 | NL-8912 AV Leeuwarden | (NL) | (applicant designated states: AT;BE;CH;DE;ES;FR;GB;GR;IT;LI;LU;NL;SE) |
| Oppn None: | 950906 | B1 | No opposition filed | ||||||
| Lapse: | 960124 | B1 | Date of lapse of the European patent in a Contracting State: | GB 941214 |
Language (Publication, Procedural, Application): English; English; English
Specification:
EP 368411 A1
Apparatus for preparing a curd mass.
The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a curd mass by draining a mixture of whey and curds in an upright column consisting of a permeable sleeve of circular or rectangular cross-section, one or more sleeves being surrounded, with some clearance, by a tube mounted on a worktable, and further comprising means at one end of the sleeve, above or under the worktable, for feeding the mixture of whey and curds, and means at the other end of the sleeve, under or above the worktable, for receiving and discharging a drained and extruded curd mass, the free space between the sleeve or sleeves and the tube being subdivided into various compartments, lying one above the other, with the aid of sealing partitions, while each compartment is provided with inlet and outlet connections for whey or cleaning liquid.
Various constructions of an apparatus of this kind are known, and it is possible to distinguish a system having an inlet for the curds and whey mixture at the top end of the permeable sleeve, and a system in which this inlet is situated at the bottom end of the sleeve. In each of these known arrangements the sleeves must from time to time be removed from the machine for inspection and cleaning purposes, or for replacement. Since each sleeve usually has a length of at least 2 metres, and sometimes even 3 to 3.5 metres, the height of the factory roof must be determined accordingly, since otherwise the removal of the sleeves would give rise to complications.
The invention seeks to provide a simplification in this respect, this being achieved in that the sleeve or sleeves disposed inside the same tube forms or form a fixed assembly with the partitions and with said tube, the assembly thus formed being detachably fastened on the worktable, while the connections of the compartments are also provided with detachable couplings.
As a result of these measures, a low roof can never be a hindrance to the detachment of the sleeves, since the entire assembly can be moved sideways and tilted over. An important incidental advantage is the fact that the ever present threat of bacterial infection in the seals between the partitions and the outer periphery of the sleeve is reduced because with a detached assembly it is easier to give careful attention to these sealing points.
These and other features of the novel apparatus thus proposed will be explained more fully with reference to the drawing, which shows some variants of this apparatus.
Figure 1 is a simplified side view of the apparatus.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section on the line II-II in Figure 1, with a permeable sleeve of cylindrical shape.
Figure 3 is a similar section to Figure 2 in the case where the tube contains in its interior three sleeves of rectangular shape.
Figure 4 is a horizontal section on the line IV-IV in Figure 1, showing the window construction on a larger scale, partly in section and in elevation.
Figure 5 shows on a considerably larger scale the detail V indicated in Figure 1.
Figure 6 shows on a larger scale the locating peg which is visible in the right-hand top half of Figure 2.
The apparatus shown in Figure 1 is composed of a permeable sleeve 1, which is contained, with some clearance, in a tube 2 mounted on a worktable 3. At the top end of the sleeve 1 and the tube 2, means 4 are provided for feeding a mixture of curds and whey. At the bottom end of the sleeve 1, in a region underneath the worktable 3, means 5 are provided for receiving and discharging a drained and extruded curd mass. As described in the related Netherlands Patent Application 88 02715, these means 5 consist of an auxiliary basket 6, a pusher member 7 and a plate 8. The free space between the sleeve 1 and the tube 2 is subdivided into various compartments 9, lying one above the other, with the aid of sealing partitions 10. Each compartment 9 is provided with connections 11, 12 for the admission and discharge of whey or cleaning liquid. The section in Figure 2 shows that a single cylindrical sleeve 1(min) may be disposed inside the tube 2, while in Figure 3 it can be seen that a plurality of sleeves 1(min) , for example of rectangular shape, can be disposed inside the tube 2.
The tube 1 or the tubes 1 situated inside a single tube 2 form a fixed assembly 13 with the partitions 10 and with said tube. The assembly thus formed is detachably fastened on the worktable 3, while the connections 11, 12 of the compartments 9 are also provided with detachable couplings (not shown), for example of the type customary for pipe couplings. For this purpose, each assembly 13 is provided, near a rim of the tube 2, with a flange 14. With the aid of a plurality of pressure members 15, also known as clamp plates, this flange can be fastened on the worktable 3 (see Figure 5).
From Figures 1 and 5 it can be seen that the tube 2, which mainly lies above the worktable 3, also extends slightly underneath said table 3. For this purpose this table is provided with an opening 16, while the flange 14 has a downwardly directed thickened portion fitting into the opening 16. The correct position of the assembly 13, that is to say of the tube 2, on the worktable 3 is ensured by the presence on the worktable 3 of a locating peg 17, which can be seen in Figures 2 and 6 and which can be fitted into a recess 18 in the flange 14. Figure 2 shows the provision of four clamp plates 15, which are clamped with the aid of a nut 19 cooperating with a threaded pin 20.
A window structure 21 removable from the outside is provided in the wall of the tube 2 in each compartment 9 (see Figure 1). This structure is shown in greater detail in Figure 4 and consists of a groove 22, for example of circular shape, which is provided in its interior with a glass plate 23 to which pressure can be applied by a ring 24. With this window structure it is possible to follow the progress of the draining of the column of whey and curds contained in the sleeve 1, while during a cleaning phase (via the inlet and outlet 11 and 12 respectively) it is also possible to judge the condition inside each compartment 9.
The connections 11 and 12 in each compartment 9 lead out tangentially along the wall of the tube 2, this feature being of importance above all for the periodically required cleaning with the aid of sodium hydroxide solution or nitric acid. Cleaning of this kind is necessary in this type of machine because of the ever present threat of bacterial growth in dead corners and chinks in the compartments 9 in the assembly 13.
The detachability of the assembly 13, as described with reference to Figure 5, is connected to the desire of the user of the machine to change or inspect the sleeve 1 or sleeves 1(min). These sleeves are relatively vulnerable because of their slight thickness (for example 0.8 millimetre), while a Teflon lining is also frequently provided on the inner wall of the sleeve. Hitherto this sleeve could be removed from said tube 2 only in the upward direction, which made it necessary to have sufficient free space above said tube. This tube length is frequently 2 metres and sometimes even 3 metres, so that a very high ceiling or roof structure is required. With the aid of the present proposal this requirement is now eliminated, and the detachment of the clamp plates 15 and quick-release couplings at the connections 11, 12 enables the entire assembly 13 to be lifted off the worktable 3 and then worked on in any desired position. When it is required to install a new assembly 13 in the vacant position on the worktable 3, the thickened portion of the flange 14 can be inserted into the opening 16 while at the same time the recess 18 in the flange 14 is positioned on the pin 17. The clamp plates 15 are then placed in position and fastened in the manner illustrated in Figure 5 by tightening the nuts 19.
Specification:
EP 368411 B1
The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a curd mass by draining a mixture of whey and curds, comprising an upright column consisting of at least one permeable sleeve and a tube surrounding the permeable sleeve or sleeves and leaving a free space between the tube and the sleeve or sleeves and further comprising means at one end of the column for feeding the mixture of whey and curds and means at the other end of the column for receiving and discharging a drained and extruded curd mass, the free space between the sleeve or sleeves and the tube being subdivided into various compartments, lying one above the other, with the aid of sealing partitions, while each compartment is provided with inlet and outlet connections for whey or cleaning liquid.
Such an apparatus is known from NL-A-7315742. In cheese factories the column must from time to time be removed from the machine for inspection and cleaning purposes, or for replacement by another column. In the known apparatus the column is fixed. Removal of the column from the machine is very cumbersome and will take a long time.
It is the object of the invention to obviate this drawback.
This object is achieved by an apparatus of the abovementioned type which is characterized in that the sleeve or sleeves, the tube and the sealing partition are fixedly connected to one another so that the column constitutes an integral unit and in that the column is provided near the bottom rim of the tube with a flange which is detachably fastened on a worktable by means of clamp plates, while the outlet connections of the compartments are provided with quick-release couplings.
As a result of these measures, the removal and replacement of the column can be carried out quickly and in an easy manner.
WO-A-8807332 discloses an apparatus for forming blocks of cheese from prepared cheese curd comprising a hollow tower which is bolted to a hollow base. The tower is not detachable from the base in an easy manner. Moreover, the free space between the casing and the lining tube is not subdivided in compartments, which are provided inlet and outlet connections.
A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is claimed in the dependent claim.
The apparatus according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawing, which shows some variants of this apparatus.
Figure 1 is a simplified side view of the apparatus.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section on the line II-II in Figure 1, with a permeable sleeve of cylindrical shape.
Figure 3 is a similar section to Figure 2 in the case where the tube contains in its interior three sleeves of rectangular shape.
Figure 4 is a horizontal section on the line IV-IV in Figure 1, showing the window construction on a larger scale, partly in section and in elevation.
Figure 5 shows on a considerably larger scale the detail V indicated in Figure 1.
Figure 6 shows on a larger scale the locating peg which is visible in the right- hand top half of Figure 2.
The apparatus shown in Figure 1 is composed of a permeable sleeve 1, which is contained, with some clearance, in a tube 2 mounted on a worktable 3. At the top end of the sleeve 1 and the tube 2, means 4 are provided for feeding a mixture of curds and whey. At the bottom end of the sleeve 1, in a region underneath the worktable 3, means 5 are provided for receiving and discharging a drained and extruded curd mass. As described in the related Netherlands Patent Application 88 02715, these means 5 consist of an auxiliary basket 6, a pusher member 7 and a plate 8. The free space between the sleeve 1 and the tube 2 is subdivided into various compartments 9, lying one above the other, with the aid of sealing partitions 10. Each compartment 9 is provided with connections 11, 12 for the admission and discharge of whey or cleaning liquid. The section in Figure 2 shows that a single cylindrical sleeve 1 may be disposed inside the tube 2, while in Figure 3 it can be seen that a plurality of sleeves 1', for example of rectangular shape, can be disposed inside the tube 2.
The sleeve 1 or the sleeves 1' situated inside a single tube 2 form a column 13 with the partitions 10 and with said tube. The column thus formed is detachably fastened on the worktable 3, while the connections 11, 12 of the compartments 9 are also provided with detachable couplings (not shown), for example of the type customary for pipe couplings. For this purpose, each assembly 13 is provided, near a rim of the tube 2, with a flange 14. With the aid of a plurality of pressure members 15, also known as clamp plates, this flange can be fastened on the worktable 3 (see Figure 5).
From Figures 1 and 5 it can be seen that the tube 2, which mainly lies above the worktable 3, also extends slightly underneath said table 3. For this purpose this table is provided with an opening 16, while the flange 14 has a downwardly directed thickened portion fitting into the opening 16. The correct position of the assembly 13, that is to say of the tube 2, on the worktable 3 is ensured by the presence on the worktable 3 of a locating peg 17, which can be seen in Figures 2 and 6 and which can be fitted into a recess 18 in the flange 14. Figure 2 shows the provision of four clamp plates 15, which are clamped with the aid of a nut 19 cooperating with a threaded pin 20.
A window structure 21 removable from the outside is provided in the wall of the tube 2 in each compartment 9 (see Figure 1). This structure is shown in greater detail in Figure 4 and consists of a groove 22, for example of circular shape, which is provided in its interior with a glass plate 23 to which pressure can be applied by a ring 24. With this window structure it is possible to follow the progress of the draining of the column of whey and curds contained in the sleeve 1, while during a cleaning phase (via the inlet and outlet 11 and 12 respectively) it is also possible to judge the condition inside each compartment 9.
The connections 11 and 12 in each compartment 9 lead out tangentially along the wall of the tube 2, this feature being of importance above all for the periodically required cleaning with the aid of sodium hydroxide solution or nitric acid. Cleaning of this kind is necessary in this type of machine because of the ever present threat of bacterial growth in dead corners and chinks in the compartments 9 in the column 13.
The detachability of the column 13, as described with reference to Figure 5, is connected to the desire of the user of the machine to change or inspect the sleeve 1 or sleeves 1'. These sleeves are relatively vulnerable because of their slight thickness (for example 0.8 millimetre), while a Teflon lining is also frequently provided on the inner wall of the sleeve. Hitherto this sleeve could be removed from said tube 2 only in the upward direction, which made it necessary to have sufficient free space above said tube. This tube length is frequently 2 metres and sometimes even 3 metres, so that a very high ceiling or roof structure is required. With the aid of the present proposal this requirement is now eliminated, and the detachment of the clamp plates 15 and quick-release couplings at the connections 11, 12 enables the entire column 13 to be lifted off the worktable 3 and then worked on in any desired position. When it is required to install a new column 13 in the vacant position on the worktable 3, the thickened portion of the flange 14 can be inserted into the opening 16 while at the same time the recess 18 in the flange 14 is positioned on the pin 17. The clamp plates 15 are then placed in position and fastened in the manner illustrated in Figure 5 by tightening the nuts 19.
Claims:
EP 368411 A1
1. Apparatus for preparing a curd mass by draining a mixture of whey and curds in an upright column consisting of a permeable sleeve of circular or rectangular cross-section, one or more sleeves being surrounded, with some clearance, by a tube mounted on a worktable, and further comprising means at one end of the tube, above or under the worktable, for feeding the mixture of whey and curds and means at the other end of the sleeve, under or above the worktable, for receiving and discharging a drained and extruded curd mass, the free space between the sleeve or sleeves and the tube being subdivided into various compartments, lying one above the other, with the aid of sealing partitions, while each compartment is provided with inlet and outlet connections for whey or cleaning liquid, characterized in that the sleeve or sleeves (1, 1(min)) disposed inside the same tube (2) forms or form a fixed assembly (13) with the partitions (10) and with said tube, and in that the assembly thus formed is detachably fastened on the worktable (3), while the connections (11, 12) of the compartments (9) are also provided with detachable couplings.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that each assembly (13) comprising a tube and a sleeve or sleeves (1, 1(min)) is provided near a rim of the tube (2) with a flange (14) which can be fastened on the worktable (3) with the aid of a plurality of pressure members (15).
3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterized in that at the site of the tube flange (14) the worktable (3) is provided with a locating peg (17) which can be fitted into a recess (18) in said flange.
4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a window structure (21) detachable from outside is provided in the wall of the tube (2) of each compartment (9).
5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connections (11, 12) of each compartment (9) lead out tangentially along the wall of the tube (2).
Claims:
EP 368411 B1
1. Apparatus for preparing a curd mass by draining a mixture of whey and curds, comprising an upright column (13) consisting of at least one permeable sleeve (1, 1') and a tube (2) surrounding the permeable sleeve or sleeves and leaving a free space between the tube and the sleeve or sleeves and further comprising means (4) at one end of the column for feeding the mixture of whey and curds and means (5) at the other end of the column for receiving and discharging a drained and extruded curd mass, the free space between the sleeve or sleeves and the tube being subdivided into various compartments (9), lying one above the other, with the aid of sealing partitions (10), while each compartment is provided with inlet and outlet connections (11, 12) for whey or cleaning liquid, characterized in that the sleeve or sleeves (1, 1'), the tube (2) and the sealing partitions (10) are fixedly connected to one another so that the column (13) constitutes an integral unit and in that the column (13) is provided near the bottom rim of the tube (2) with a flange (14) which is detachably fastened on a worktable (3) by means of clamp plates (15) while the outlet connections (11, 12) of the compartments (9) are provided with quick-release couplings.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the site of the tube flange (14) the worktable (3) is provided with a locating peg (17) which fits into a recess (18) in the flange (14).
Claims:
EP 368411 B1
1. Gerat zum Herstellen von Kasebruch durch Entwassern einer Mischung von Molke und Kasegerinnsel mit einer aufrechten Saule (13), die aus wenigstens einer durchlassigen Hulse (1, 1') und einem Rohr (2) besteht, das die Hulse oder Hulsen unter Belassen eines Freiraumes zwischen dem Rohr und der Hulse oder Hulsen umgibt, und mit an einem Ende der Saule angeordneten Mitteln (4) zum Zufuhren der Mischung aus Molke und Kasegrinnsel sowie mit an dem anderen Ende der Saule angeordneten Mitteln (5) zur Aufnahme und Austragung des entwasserten und extrudierten Kasebruch, wobei der Freiraum zwischen der Hulse oder den Hulsen und dem Rohr in mehrere Abteile (9) unterteilt ist, die unter der Verwendung von Dichtungstrennwanden (10) ubereinander liegen und jedes Abteil mit Einlas- und Auslasanschlussen (11, 12) fur Molke oder Reinigungsflussigkeit versehen ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, das die Hulse oder Hulsen (1, 1'), das Rohr (2) und die Dichtungstrennwande (10) fest miteinander verbunden sind, so das die Saule (13) eine zusammenhangende Einheit bildet, und das die Saule in der Nahe des unteren Randes des Rohres (2) mit einem Flansch (14) versehen ist, der losbar mittels Klemmplatten (15) auf einem Auflagetisch (3) befestigt ist, wobei die Auslasanschlusse (11, 12) der Abteile (9) mit Schnellauslose-Kupplungen versehen sind.
2. Gerate nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, das der Sitz des Rohrflansches (14) auf dem Auflagetisch (3) mit einem Passtift (17) versehen ist, der in eine Aussparung (18) im Flansch (14) eingreift.
Claims:
EP 368411 B1
1. Dispositif pour la preparation d'une masse de caille par drainage de petit-lait et de caille, comprenant une colonne verticale (13) consistant en au moins un manchon permeable (1, 1') et un tube (2) entourant le(s) manchon(s) permeable(s) et laissant un espace libre entre le tube et le(s) manchon(s) et comprenant en outre des moyens (4) a l'une des extremites de la colonne pour introduire le melange de petit lait et de caille et des moyens (5) a l'autre extremite de la colonne pour la reception et l'evacuation d'une masse de caille drainee et extrudee, l'espace libre entre le(s) manchon(s) et le tube etant subdivise en plusieurs compartiments (9) situes l'un au-dessus de l'autre, a l'aide de cloisons d'etancheite (10), chaque compartiment etant muni de conduits d'arrivee et de sortie (11, 12) pour le petit-lait ou le liquide de nettoyage, caracterise en ce que le(s) manchon(s) (1, 1'), le tube (2) et les cloisons d'etancheite (10) sont relies de maniere fixe les uns aux autres de sorte que la colonne (13) constitue une unite integree et en ce que la colonne (13) est munie a proximite du bord inferieur du tube (2) d'une bride (14) qui est fixee de maniere amovible sur une table support (3) au moyen de taques de fixation (15), les conduits de sortie (11, 12) des compartiments (9) etant munis de raccords rapides.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caracterise en ce que dans la zone de la bride (14) du tube, la table support (3) est munie d'un tenon (17) de positionnement qui s'insere dans une encoche (18) de la bride (14).
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Dialog® File Number 348 Accession Number 359742
