Abstract:
The dough distribution manifold ( 10 ) includes a housing ( 12 ) with a perimeter wall ( 14 ) forming a dough distribution chamber ( 20 ). Removable bottom wall ( 16 ) and removable top wall ( 18 ) are positioned on the perimeter wall. Top wall ( 18 ) includes a cover plate ( 40 ) and an insert plate ( 42 ), with the insert plate having a protrusion ( 44 ) that extends into the dough distribution chamber ( 20 ), whereby different sized insert plates may be combined with the cover plate to adjust the height of the dough distribution chamber. The perimeter wall ( 14 ) is independently supported with respect to said bottom wall ( 16 ) and top wall ( 18 ) so that the bottom and top walls may be removed while leaving the perimeter wall in place for inspection and cleaning. Valves ( 56 ) and dough dividers ( 34  and  64 ) are used to direct the movement of dough in equal amounts through the delivery openings ( 32 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention concerns a dough handling apparatus for forming dough into separate parallel dough streams for cutting pieces of dough from the separate dough streams. More particularly, the invention concerns a dough distribution manifold that divides an oncoming dough stream into several dough streams for parallel processing. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In the processing of baker&#39;s dough, dough is usually made up by feeding raw dough and a liquid into a pressure pump, and the pump advances the dough through various stages toward an oven. For example, the dough from the pressure pump might pass through a developer that stretches the gluten of the dough, and then through a metering pump where the pressure of the dough is increased and stabilized. The dough passes from the metering pump through a scaling distribution manifold that divides the oncoming dough into several dough streams. The dough streams then pass through a cut-off device that cuts the oncoming dough streams into smaller pieces, the pieces being suitable for baking as biscuits, buns, hot dog buns, etc. Examples of some of these components are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,270,070, 5,283,074, 5,356,652, 4,008,025, 4,306,850, 4,332,538, 4,449,908, and 4,948,611. Prior art dough distribution manifolds are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,350,290, 5,356,652 and 6,303,168. 
         [0003]    One of the major requirements in operating dough handling equipment is that the equipment be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Typically, this means that the operation of the equipment must be terminated and the residual dough removed from the interior surfaces of the equipment. The various mixers, developers, valves, distribution manifolds, and cut-off devices have internal surfaces that contact the dough. The various equipment pieces must be opened so that their internal surfaces that were contacted by the dough are exposed and accessible for a cleanup procedure. For example, the cleanup procedure may be at the end of a day&#39;s work, when the type of dough being processed is changed, or when pathogens are likely to be developed in the equipment, etc. 
         [0004]    With regard to dough distribution manifolds, the dough is moved into a chamber where it typically is engaged by divider blades that guide separate dough streams to a plurality of outlet ports, changing the entrance stream into a plurality of outlet streams that proceed in parallel to a cut-off device for cutting the streams into dough segments that are rounded and baked into buns, etc. 
         [0005]    Typically, a dough distribution manifold is difficult to properly inspect, maintain and clean. The usual presence of the dough divider blades, multiple small channels through which the dough moves, and devices attached to the walls of the housing, such as valves and bolts or other connecting devices for holding the assembly of parts together, are tedious to disassemble and reassemble. In some of the prior art distribution manifolds, the dough divider blades are made so that they are movable to adjust the volume of dough passing to an outlet, and knobs or other devices for adjusting the internal divider blades extend through the walls of the distribution manifold. It is time consuming and difficult to remove the parts for inspection and cleaning and later reassemble the components and adjust them for continued operation. There may be crevices in which the remaining dough can reside after a run has been completed, and it is difficult for the maintenance personnel to reach the different crevices, angles and obstructions within the distribution manifold. 
         [0006]    It is to these and other problems and improvements that this invention is directed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Briefly described, the present invention comprises a dough distribution manifold for a dough processing assembly that includes component parts that continuously divide an oncoming stream of dough into separate discharge streams that are eventually cut into dough balls for further processing for movement into an oven for baking the dough into buns, etc. 
         [0008]    The dough distribution manifold includes a housing with a bottom wall, a perimeter wall for forming a dough distribution chamber with the bottom wall and a removable top wall positioned on the perimeter wall for closing the dough distribution chamber. The perimeter wall includes an entrance wall segment positioned on one side of the dough distribution chamber and an exit wall segment opposed to said entrance wall segment on the other side of said dough distribution chamber. The entrance wall segment defines a dough entrance opening for passing an incoming dough stream into the dough distribution chamber, and the exit wall segment defines a plurality of dough delivery openings for delivering a plurality of dough streams from the distribution chamber to subsequent stages of the overall process. The dough distribution manifold may include dough dividers positioned between adjacent ones of the dough delivery openings, with an edge of each dough divider directed toward the dough entrance opening of the manifold. The dough dividers are arranged for separating the dough passed through the dough distribution chamber into separate dough streams that enter the dough delivery openings. In one embodiment the dough dividers are movable so that their positions may be adjusted to direct more or less dough to adjacent ones of the dough streams. 
         [0009]    The top wall of the dough distribution manifold is releasably mounted to the perimeter wall by means of hand operated connectors. When the top wall is opened away from the rest of the dough distribution manifold, the inside surfaces of the dough distribution manifold that are contacted by the dough are exposed for inspection, maintenance, and cleaning. 
         [0010]    A pressure gauge may be mounted to the top wall of the dough distribution manifold so that when the top wall is removed from the rest of the dough distribution manifold, the pressure gauge and the top wall can be moved to a remote location for inspection, cleaning, etc. To facilitate this, the top wall includes lifting handles that straddle the pressure gauge for conveniently allowing the operator to lift the top wall away from the perimeter wall, and to conveniently and expediently replace the top wall back on the perimeter wall when the inspection, cleaning, etc. has been completed. 
         [0011]    In order to regulate the volume of dough delivered through each dough delivery opening, valves may be positioned down stream of the dough delivery openings that can be used by an operator to mechanically adjust the rate at which the dough is delivered through each dough delivery opening. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the dough distribution manifold is wedge-shaped, with side wall segments diverging from an entrance wall segment outwardly to a larger exit wall segment. 
         [0013]    Another feature of the dough distribution manifold may be that the top wall of the dough distribution manifold includes a cover plate that spans the perimeter wall and is arranged in sealed relationship with the perimeter wall. An insert plate may extend from the cover plate downwardly into the dough distribution chamber, with the insert plate having an edge portion matching the shape of the perimeter wall. With this feature, the height of the distribution chamber may be varied by exchanging top walls having different depths of the insert plates. This provides the correct profile and volume inside the chamber so that an accurate dough path is provided for maximum scaling accuracy of the dough. Also, the insert plate of the removable top wall, the facing surface of the bottom wall, and the interior surfaces of the perimeter wall may be made of low friction material, such as polypropylene so as to minimize the friction between the dough and the interior surfaces of the dough distribution manifold. 
         [0014]    The structural shape and assembly of the dough distribution manifold permits expedient opening of the manifold housing to expose the inside surfaces of the dough distribution chamber to permit inspection, maintenance and cleaning of the distribution chamber and of the dough entrance and dough delivery openings. The perimeter wall that forms the distribution chamber is independently supported with respect to the bottom wall and the top wall. The bottom wall and top wall are removable from the perimeter wall. This provides access from both above and below the distribution chamber, allowing easy inspection and cleaning access to the distribution chamber. 
         [0015]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is an expanded perspective view of the Dough Distribution Manifold. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an assembled perspective view of the Dough Distribution Manifold. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the Doug Distribution Manifold with its top wall assembly removed to show the variable position dividers. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like parts throughout the views,  FIG. 2  shows the assembled dough distribution manifold  10  that includes a housing  12  for receiving and dividing dough that passes therethrough. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the housing  12  includes a perimeter wall  14 , a removable bottom wall  16 , and a removable top wall assembly  17 . The perimeter wall forms a dough distribution chamber  20  and the bottom and top walls close the chamber. 
         [0020]    The perimeter wall includes an entrance wall segment  22  positioned on one side of the dough distribution chamber  20  and an exit wall segment  24  positioned on the other side. Diverging sidewall segments  26  and  28  extend from the entrance wall  22  outwardly toward the exit wall segment  24 . This forms the housing  12  in a wedge shape. 
         [0021]    The entrance wall segment  22  defines a dough entrance opening  30  for passing an incoming dough stream from a dough pump, developer and other up stream equipment into the dough distribution chamber  20 . The exit wall segment  24  defines a plurality of dough delivery openings  32  for delivering a plurality of dough streams in parallel from the distribution chamber to a cut off device, etc. 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , wedge-shaped dough dividers  34  may be mounted to the exit wall segment  24  with each dough divider being positioned between adjacent ones of the dough delivery openings  32 , and with each having an edge facing the dough entrance opening  30  of the housing  12 . These wedge-shaped dough dividers separate the oncoming dough into streams that are directed by the surfaces of the dough divider toward the plurality of dough delivery openings  32 , so that the dough flows smoothly from the dough entrance opening  30  to the plurality of dough delivery openings  32 . 
         [0023]    The dough dividers  34  of  FIG. 1  may be stationary. However,  FIG. 3  shows adjustable dough dividers  64  that may be pivoted from side to side as desirable to move the leading edges to one side or the other and distribute more or less dough to the adjacent dough delivery openings. There may be an external control (not shown) connected to the adjustable dough dividers through the top wall assembly, or the adjustable dough dividers may be secured by bolts  66  in front of the down stream guides  68 . Adjustable dough dividers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,652, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the perimeter wall  14  may be independently supported with respect to the bottom wall  16  and top wall  18 . The means for supporting the perimeter wall may be the connection of the perimeter wall to the up stream apparatus, such as by the mounting plate  58  at the upstream end of the dough distribution manifold that is connected to a dough developer, and to the dough flow control valves  56  and the down stream apparatus, such as a dough cut off device, or may be connected by its own support from a floor surface, etc. 
         [0025]    The removable bottom wall  16  and removable top wall  18  are connected to the perimeter wall  14  by means of elongated bolts  36  that extend upwardly through the bottom wall  16 , through the perimeter wall  14 , and then through the removable top wall  18 . The elongated bolts  36  are engaged by enlarged hand operated nuts  38  that are sized and configured for expedient removal by hand. 
         [0026]    This makes the removal of both the top wall and the bottom wall expedient and accurate, and also assures firm connection of the top wall and bottom wall to the rest of the housing when replaced. Other types of quick release devices my be used. 
         [0027]    It is possible to remove only one of the top wall or the bottom wall by having connectors, such as nuts  38 , at both ends of the bolts that hold the top wall and bottom wall to the perimeter wall. 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , removable top wall  18  includes a cover plate  40  that is shaped with a configuration that matches the edges of the perimeter wall  14 , and an insert plate  42  that is in sandwiched relationship between the cover plate  40  and the perimeter wall  14 . The insert plate has a downwardly extending central protrusion  44  that projects inside the perimeter wall  14 . The breadth of the downwardly extending protrusion  44  matches the space between the inside wall surfaces of the perimeter wall  14 . The insert plate may be formed with various sized downwardly extending protrusions that extend shallower or deeper into the dough distribution chamber  20 , thereby adjusting the volume of the dough distribution chamber. A seal  46  extends about the upper surface of the perimeter wall  14  for engagement with the insert plate  42 , thereby assuring a positive seal between these facing surfaces. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the removable top wall  18  includes an opening  48  to which a pressure gauge  50  may be mounted. The pressure gauge is of conventional design and is used to measure the pressure of the dough inside the dough distribution chamber  20 . Handles  52  and  54  are inverted U-shaped and are attached to the upper surface of removable top wall  18 . The handles are positioned on opposite sides of the opening  48  and its pressure gauge  50  so as to enable an operator to easily and safely lift the removable top wall  18  away from the rest of the housing  12 . 
         [0030]    Valves  56  such as pinch valves or diaphragm valves are mounted to the perimeter wall  14  in communication with the plurality of dough delivery openings  32 . The valves are manually adjusted so as to adjust the rate of movement of dough from each of the plurality of dough delivery openings  32  as the system is in operation. 
         [0031]    Mounting plate  58  is connected to the entrance wall segment  22  and defines an opening  60  therein. The mounting plate connects the dough entrance opening  30  to the preceding developer, dough pump, mixer, etc. 
         [0032]    When the dough distribution manifold  10  is placed in use, it is assembled as shown in  FIG. 2 . The oncoming stream of dough passes through the dough entrance opening  30  of the entrance wall segment  22  of the perimeter wall  14 , entering the dough distribution chamber  20 . The dough fills the dough distribution chamber  20  and begins to seek the plurality of dough delivery openings  32 . 
         [0033]    As the dough migrates toward the exit wall segment  24  of the perimeter wall  14 , the facing edges of the dough dividers  34  begin to divide the dough into separate streams. Each separate stream of the oncoming dough is urged between the dough dividers  34  and through the plurality of dough delivery openings  32 , and then moves in parallel on to the subsequent components of the system, such as the cut-off where the dough streams are cut into smaller pieces. 
         [0034]    After a run of dough has been completed, the dough distribution manifold may be opened for inspection, cleaning, maintenance, etc. The operator unscrews the enlarged hand operated nuts  38  so that the removable top wall  18  and its pressure gauge  50  can be lifted away from the perimeter wall  14 . The insert plate  42  and the pressure gauge  50  will be moved with the cover plate  40  away from the perimeter wall  14  so that these elements may be inspected, maintained and cleaned separately from the lower elements of the housing  12 . 
         [0035]    Also, the bottom wall will be released upon removing the hand-operated nuts so it may be removed from the perimeter wall. This provides access from both the top and bottom of the perimeter wall, and independent access to the top and bottom walls. 
         [0036]    While the top and bottom walls are removed from the housing, the maintenance personnel will inspect and clean the interior surfaces of the housing, such as the inwardly facing surfaces of the entrance wall segment  22 , exit wall segment  24 , and the diverging side wall segments  26  and  28 . Also, the wedge-shaped dough dividers  34  will be cleaned and inspected. All of these elements are readily exposed and available by the expedient opening of the housing as described above. 
         [0037]    After cleaning of the dough distribution manifold, the bottom wall  16  and top wall  18  are replaced. The operator grasps the handles  52  and  54  and lifts the top wall back over the perimeter wall  14  and aligns the bolt openings of the top wall with the bolt holes of the perimeter wall. The bottom wall is placed in alignment with the same bolt holes. Bolts  36  are moved through the aligned openings and the enlarged hand-operated nuts  38  are expediently and manually screwed back on the bolts  36  to firmly attach and seal the bottom wall  16  and top wall  18  to the perimeter wall  14 . This same action assures that the bottom wall  16  will be lifted up into sealed relationship with respect to the bottom facing surfaces of the perimeter wall  14 . 
         [0038]    The perimeter wall has been described as a continuous wall, but other wall structures may be used for the same purpose, such as a perimeter wall constructed of several parts. Also, other types of manual quick release connections may be used to hold the top wall and bottom wall to the rest of the housing, as may be desirable. 
         [0039]    Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.