Automatic Feeding Apparatus

What is this patent about?

'180 is related to the field of automated food processing machinery, specifically apparatus designed for assembling corn dogs. This involves the automated feeding and assembly of wieners and sticks, a task traditionally performed manually or with less efficient equipment. The background context involves the high-volume production of corn dogs, where automation is crucial for maintaining efficiency and consistency.

The underlying idea behind '180 is to create a synchronized system that automatically aligns, clamps, and inserts sticks into wieners. This is achieved through a combination of vibratory hoppers that orient and feed wieners and sticks, a clamping mechanism that secures the wieners, and a push-rod system that inserts the sticks into the wieners with precision. The core insight is to use mechanical automation to replace manual labor in the corn dog assembly process.

The claims of '180 focus on the integrated apparatus for feeding and assembling wieners and sticks. This includes the specific arrangement of the wiener hopper with its dividers and agitators, the clamping mechanism with its reciprocating clamp halves, and the stick hopper with its corresponding dividers and push rods. The claims emphasize the coordinated action of these components to achieve automated assembly.

In practice, the wiener and stick hoppers are filled with their respective components. The agitators within the hoppers ensure a consistent supply of properly oriented wieners and sticks to the ejection mechanisms. The plungers then push the wieners into the clamping mechanism, which secures them in place. Finally, the push rods insert the sticks into the clamped wieners, creating the assembled corn dog unit. A transport mechanism then removes the assembled units for further processing, such as battering and frying.

The differentiation from prior approaches lies in the complete automation and synchronization of the assembly process. Earlier methods may have involved manual stick insertion or less efficient feeding mechanisms. '180 provides a fully integrated system that minimizes manual intervention, increases production speed, and ensures consistent product quality. The use of agitators within the hoppers to properly orient the wieners and sticks, combined with the precise clamping and insertion mechanisms, represents a significant advancement in corn dog manufacturing technology. The synchronized movement of the plungers, clamps, and push rods is key to the invention's efficiency.