Patent ID: 7309228
Filing Date: 2007-12-18
Classification: A22C,A23P

Abstract:
1. In a reciprocating mold plate, patty-forming apparatus wherein food product is delivered under pressure from a food product pump cylinder to mold plate cavities, wherein a plunger is driven during a first phase by force from a hydraulic cylinder from a retracted position distant from the pump cylinder to a ready position initially compressing food product loaded into said pump cylinder, and thereafter the plunger is driven during a second phase by said hydraulic cylinder to deliver food product under pressure into the mold plate cavities, wherein said hydraulic cylinder is supplied with hydraulic fluid during said first phase by a low pressure pump and during said second phase by a high pressure pump, the improvement comprising: a reservoir containing hydraulic fluid to be pumped by said low pressure pump and said high pressure pump, wherein said low pressure pump and said high pressure pump have pump casings that are positioned within said reservoir to be at least partially submerged in hydraulic fluid within said reservoir, said low-pressure pump and said high pressure pump configured to draw hydraulic fluid from said reservoir and pump said hydraulic fluid out of said reservoir.