Improvements relating to Machinery for Bread Making and like Purposes."
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Dec., 1896
Complete Specification Left 23rd Oct. 1897-Accented 23rd Dec 1807
Date of Application, 23rd Dec., 1896
Complete Specification Left 23rd Oct 1897-Accepted 23rd Dec
1807
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
"Improvements relating to Machinery for Bread Making and like
Purposes."
We, CHARLES EDWARD POINTON, and JOHN EDWARD POINTON, both of Wrekin
Road, Wellington, in the County of Salop, Engineers, and GEORGE LEWIS, of
Park Street, Wellington, aforesaid, Baker, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This Invention consists of improvements relating to machinery for dividing
dough into equal portions for loaves of bread, cakes, and the like, our object
being to simplify the mechanism of such machines or appliances and render the
same the more effective in working.
In the application of our invention to a machine in which a portion of dough
or like substance is separated from a mass within the hopper or receiver and forced
into the piston or plunger space or chamber containing boxes or divisions under
the action of a reciprocating ram, we provide vents in each of the pistons or
plungers to permit of the ready escape of air or gas from the dough when
subjected to the dividing pressure. The pistons or plungers are preferably of
cast iron or other metal and of a hollow rectangular form or section the inner
or working end being closed and the outer end open. Bearing strips are formed
with or attached to each lunger to make a working or sliding fit with the
chamber within which it is inserted, the external dimensions of the body of the
plunger being such as to allow of a clearance between it and the walls of
the chamber. On the bearing strips at the working or closed end of each plunger
we cut or form grooves or channels and from such grooves we drill or form
vents communicating with the hollow interior of the plungers or of the
divisions.
On the reciprocation of the main ram the dough is forced into the chambers
and is enclosed between the face of the ram and the closed ends or faces of the
plungers within the chambers. Under the pressure thus imposed upon the dough
the free air or gas is forced to the exterior and is discharged through the clearance
grooves and vents herein before described, and we can thus ensure that each
chamber will be charged with the same weight or quantity of dough. The
clearance grooves in conjunction with holes in the body of each plunger also
permit of the escape of any particles of douga that may be forced between the
bearing strips and the walls of the chambers and which would cause an obstruc-
tion to the independent movement of the chambers.
To take up any shock or undue force upon the ram during its reciprocation
we employ a hydraulic check or cataract appliance connected by levers and
linkage or in any other convenient manner with the ram. In the event of the
ram meeting with or being subjected to any undue force during working such
excessive or surplus force is expended in displacing the liquid contents of the
hydraulic check cylinder and forcing the same through a discharge valve into
the suction chambers against the resistance of a spring or weighted lever acting

page_text: upon the valve. The displacement is effected by means of a ram or plunger
working within the check cylinder,. the displacement being effected by the move-
ment in one direction and the charging of the cylinder from the suction chamber
by movement in the reverse direction.
We provide in one manner for the imposition of a uniform pressure upon each
portion of dough divided from the mass in the hopper by the use of a ram, in
conjunction with a bell crank lever having a weight or spring attached to the
end of its long free arm, and a sliding plate connected with the hell crank lever
and also with the operating lever or levers worked by a cam or cams or in any
other convenient manner. Under normal conditions the ram with the bell
crank weighted lever, and the sliding plate all move or reciprocate together, but
in the event of an excessive resistance upon the face of the ram the sliding plate
will move alone whilst the ram and the weighted lever will be brought to rest.
In another arrangement of the ram we dispense with the internal sliding plate
and impose the required force upon the ram by means of a weight connected with
one end of a suitable lever or levers, the opposite end of such levers being in
connection with the ram. The in-stroke or working stroke of the ram is effected
by the descent of the weight which imposes a uniform and known pressure on
the dough, and the length or extent of such in-stroke will automatically vary
with the variation in the intensity of the resistance offered by the dough. The
out-stroke or return movement of the ram is effected by means of a suitably
shaped cam or cams.
We separate the divided portions of the dough from the face of the pistons
or plungers by a knife or scraper attached to dove-tailed or sliding blocks which
are caused to rise or fall within slotted bearers, suspended from the machine, by
the action of a pair of single levers mounted on a rock shaft which is operated
from the main shaft or spindle of the machine by a cam acting against a roller
fitted to an extension of one of the levers.
We do not limit the application of our invention to bread making or similar
machines of any one type or pattern but adapt the same with such modifications
as may be necessary to such machines as arranged to meet varying requirements.
Dated this 22nd day of Decemben 1900
MARKS & CLERK
18 Southampton Buildings, London. W.C. &
13 Temple Street, Birmingham.
Agents for the Applicants.
"Improvements relating to Machinery for Bread Making and like
Purposes."
m.
We, CHARLES EDWARD POINTON, and JOHN EDWARD POINTON, both of Wrekin
Road, Engineers, and GEORGE LEWIS, of Steam Bakery, Park Street, Baker, all
of Wellington, in the County of Salop. do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to, be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:..
This Invention consists of improvements relating to machinery for dividing
dough into equal portions for loaves of bread, cakes, and the like, our object
being to simplify the mechanism of such machines or appliances and render the
same the more effective in working.
In the application of our invention to a machine in which a portion of dough
or like substance is separated from a mass within the hopper or receiver and forced
into the piston or plunger space or chamber containing boxes or divisions under

page_text: the action of a reciprocating ram, we provide vents in each of the pistons or
plungers to permit of the ready escape of air or gas from the dough when
subjected to the dividing pressure. The pistons or plungers are preferably of
cast iron or other metal and of a hollow rectangular form or section, the inner
or working end being closed and the outer end open. Bearing strips are formed
with or attached to each plunger to make a working or sliding fit with the
chamber within which it is inserted, the external dimensions of the body of the
plunger being such as to allow of a clearance between it and the walls of
the chamber. On the bearing strips at the working or closed end of each plunger
we cut or form grooves or channels and from such grooves we drill or form
vents communicating with the hollow interior of the plungers or of the
divisions.
On the reciprocation of the main ram the dough is forced into the chambers
and is enclosed between the face of the ram and the closed ends or faces of the
plungers within the chambers. Under the pressure thus imposed upon the dough
the free air or gas is forced to the exterior and is discharged through the, clearance
grooves and vents hereinbefore described, and we can thus ensure that each
chamber will be charged with the same weight or quantity of dough. The
clearance grooves in conjunction with holes in the body of each plunger also.
permit of the escape of any particles of dough that may be forced between the
bearing strips and the walls of the chambers and which would cause an obstruc-
tion to the independent movement of the chambers.
To take up any shock or undue force upon the ram during its reciprocation
we employ a hydraulic check or cataract appliance connected by levers and
linkage or in any other convenient manner with the ram. In the event of the
ram meeting with or being subjected to any undue force during working, such
Excessive or surplus force is expended in displacing the liquid contents of the
hydraulic check cylinder and forcing the same through a discharge valve into
the suction chambers against the resistance of a spring or weighted lever acting
upon the valve. The displacement is effected by means of a ram or plunger
working within the check cylinder, the displacement being effected by the move-
ment in one direction and the charging of the cylinder from the suction chamber
by movement in the reverse direction.
We provide in one manner for the imposition of a uniform pressure upon each
portion of dough divided from the mass in the hopper by the use of a ram, in
conjunction with a bell crank lever having a weight or spring attached to the
end of its long free arm, and a sliding plate connected with the bell crank lever
and also with the operating lever or levers worked by a cam or cams or in any
other convenient manner. Under normal conditions the ram with the bell
crank weighted lever, and the sliding plate all move or reciprocate, together, but
in the event of an excessive resistance upon the face of the ram the sliding plate
will move alone whilst the ram and the weighted lever will be brought to rest.
In another arrangement of the ram we dispense with the internal sliding plate
and impose the required force upon the ram by means of a weight connected with
one end of a suitable lever or levers, the opposite end of such lever being in
connection with the ram. The in-stroke or working stroke of the ram is effected
by the descent of the weight which imposes a uniform and known pressure on
the dough, and the length or extent of such instroke will automatically vary
with the variation in the intensity of the resistance offered by the dough. The
out-stroke or return movement of the ram is effected by means of a suitably
shaped cam or cams.
We separate the divided portions of the dough from the face of the pistons
or plungers by a knife or scraper attached to dove-tailed or sliding blocks which
are caused to rise or fall within slotted bearers, suspended from the machine, by
the action of a pair of single levers mounted on a rock shaft which is operated
from the main shaft or spindle of the machine by a cam acting against a roller
fitted to an extension of one of the levers.

page_text: We do not limit the application of our invention to bread making or similar
machines of any one type or pattern but adapt the same with such modifications
as may be necessary to such machines as arranged to meet varying requirements.
In the five accompanying sheets of explanatory drawings to be hereinafter
referred to.
Figure 1 is a sectional side elevation representing the general arrangement of
the mechanism or parts of a dough dividing machine made in accordance with
our invention. The framing of the machine is only represented where it is
necessary for the purpose of making clear the disposition of the mechanism.
Figure 2 is a sectional plan of the mechanism, one half through the line 1, 2,
Figure 1, and the other half through the line 3, 4, Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a sectional side elevation showing the combination of the recipro-
rating forcer with a hydraulic cataract to check the return movement of such
forcer.
Figure 4 is a sectional side elevation and Figure 5 an end elevation representing
the combination of the reciprocating forcer or ram with a weighted lever arranged
to partake of the movement of the forcer. Figures 6, 7, and 8, are detail views,
to a larger scale, representing (in a side elevation, end elevation, and sectional
plan), one of the plungers for discharging the divided portions of dough from
the boxes or receptacles, showing the disposition of the vents for the escape of
air or gas from the dough when it is pressed into the boxes or chambers.
Figure 9 is a sectional side elevation, and Figure 10 a sectional front elevation,
representing a modified arrangement and combination of parts in a machine.
suitable for the rapid division of a mass of dough or like substance into a
number of small portions for making buns, rolls, or the like.
The same reference letters in the different views indicate the same parts.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, A is the main or first motion shaft of the machine
which is driven in any suitable manner, and from this shaft the whole of the
mechanism is set in motion. By means of the gearing wheels B, C, and D, the
shaft E is caused to revolve when the main shaft is set in motion, and upon the
said shaft the cams F F are mounted for operating the side links H H by
which a reciprocating motion is imparted to the division boxes or chambers O
and also to the plungers 01 which work therein. The cams G G are also mounted
on the shaft for producing, by means of the levers G G G and G³, a rising
and falling motion of the knife Go for cutting or dividing the separated portions
of dough from the mass which is placed within the hopper K.
The reciprocating forcer or ram L which is made of a hollow form and open
at the outer end, as illustrated, is operated, by means of the cam L' on the main
shaft A, such cam acting on the roller L3 mounted upon the lever L³. The said
lever L3, which is formed in one piece, has its fulcrum at L and is connected
at its upper end by the links L L to the pin L secured to the forcer L. The
portion of the lever between the fulcrum L and the roller L is curved as illus-
trated at Figure 1, to give sufficient space or clearance for the working of the
cam L. The lower end of the lever L is connected by the chains L8 L, to the
weight M, suitable guide pulleys being arranged in the manner illustrated in
order tha the in-stroke of the forcer L shall be produced by the descent of the
said weight M. On such in-stroke a portion of the dough from the hopper K
is forced under the knife N and is thus separated from the mass and is then
again divided into the required pieces by the continued forward movement of
the forcer which presses it into the boxes or chambers O each of which contain
a plunger O.
As the force or energy imposed upon the forcer L by the weight M is practically
uniform, it follows that the pressure imposed upon the dough will be also
uniform and thus on each in-stroke of the forcer the portion of dough cut away
from the mass in the hopper and accurately compressed into the required portions
which will have no appreciable variation in consistency or weight. In the event
of the dough in the hopper being of less consistency than its usual or normal

page_text: consistency, the weight M will cause the forcer to accurately compress it until a
dough of sufficient density or normal consistency has been forced into the division
boxes or chambers to offer the resistance required to arrest the descent of the
weight M and thus to bring the forcer L to rest.
On the forcing of the dough into the boxes or chambers O whose back or outer
ends are closed by the plungers 0, it is necessary to provide means for the
escape of any air or gas that may he contained within the dough, and which, if
not removed would cause irregularities in the weights of the divided portions.
We therefore arrange vents at the closed end of each plunger 01, as illustrated
more clearly in the detail views Figures 6, 7, and 8, which permit of the escape
of the confined air or gas, to the hollow interior of the plungers and thence to
the external atmosphere. The apertures 03 (Figures 6 and 8) are for the escape.
of small particles of dough which may be forced between the bearing surfaces
of the plungers and the sides of the chambers. The levers 0 0 are for the
purpose of producing a rising and falling motion of the scraper 05 which is
provided at each end with a block O to slide within a vertical guide 07. The
block 06 has a roller 08 on its outer face which takes the pressure from the
slotted end of the lever OP. The lever O is provided with an extension 0° carrying
a roller at its extremity for working against a cam secured to the main shaft A.
The purpose of the rising and falling scraper 05 is to scrape or cut away the
divided portions of dough from the faces of the plungers O. The removal of
the divided portions of dough from the chambers O is effected in the manner
described in the Patent Specification No. 9683 of 1894.
In the arrangement of the forcer L in combination with the cataract or hydraulic
check as illustrated at Figure 3, a pair of operating levers such as L are worked
by cams which cause the ram or forcer L to perform both its in-stroke and out-
stroke, the connection with the cams being made at the lower end of each lever.
The upper end of each lever is connected by a link L with a sliding plate P
in the interior of the forcer L. The plate l' is also connected with the lever Pl
pivotted to a bracket P2 which is attached to the under-side of the forcer L. A
weight is suspended by a chain P to the upper or outer end of the lever P. On
the in-stroke or working stroke the plate P and forcer L will move together if
the dough is of normal consistency and thus offers no undue obstruction to
the motion but in the event of such obstruction the forcer L will be brought to
rest whilst the plate P will be caused to slide within the forcer, carrying with it
the weighted lever P which turns on its fulcrum carried by the bracket 1,
until the complete stroke, due to the shape and dimensions of the cam operating
lever L, is completed. But with such an arrangement we find that the return
stroke of the forcer L is effected with great violence, owing to the very slight
obstruction offered to the descent of the weight suspended by the chain P³, and
to prevent such violent action we combine a hydraulic check cylinder or cataract,
with the lever P, in the manner illustrated at Figure 3. On the return stroke
of the forcer, under the influence of the weight suspended by the chain 1", the
paston Qis driven in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow but
its motion is retarded by the water or other liquid in front of it in the cylinder Q'
and which must escape to the chamber Q2 as the piston advances in the direction
indicated. The pressure required upon the water to cause it to escape into the
chamber Qis regulated by the adjustment of the spring Q³ acting upon the
lever Q which closes the escape valve Q and in this manner we are enabled to
so retard the return stroke or out-stroke of the forcer L as to prevent any excessivo
shock or strain upon any part of the machine.
On the in-stroke or working stroke of the forcer L the piston Q is caused to
travel in the direction indicated by the arrow, and during such movement water,
Gil, or other liquid, is drawn into the cylinder Q' through any suitable suction
valve Q. The hydraulic check or cataract is pivotted in a suitable position upon
the framing of the machine and can thus adjust itself to the varying positions
assumed by the lever Pl.

page_text: With the arrangement of the ram or forcer L in combination with a weighted
iever as shown at Figures 4 and 5 we also employ an inner sliding plate P, such
as hereinbefore described in reference to Figure 3, but such plate, in addition
10 its connection with the cam operated lever L³ is connected by the link R¹ with
the lever R pivotted at its upper end to a bracket secured to the upper side of
the forcer L and having a weight M attached to its lower end. On the in-stroke
or working stroke, the plate P, the forcer L, and the lever R and weight M will
all move together, if the dough is of the usual or normal consistency but in the
event of an undue obstruction by the dough, the forcer L, lever R, and weight M,
.will be brought to rest early in the stroke, whilst the plate P will complete its
stroke independently without imparting any movement to the weight M. On the
return stroke the whole of the parts will move together, but by arranging them
or combining them in the manner illustrated no shock or strain will be imposed
upon the machine during such return stroke.
In constructing a bun making or like machine in accordance with our invention,
as illustrated at Figures 9 and 10, we employ a division chamber S, having a
sliding base, into which the dough is forced by the action of the ram L operated
by the cam or cams and levers and 12, such levers and being pivotted at
A roller is provided upon the lever as illustrated for contact with the cam or
cams. The height of the dividing chamber S is adjustable by means of a
movable head piece S', the movement being effected preferably with a screw in
combination with worm gearing as illustrated.
The division of the dough forced into the dividing chamber from the mass
of such substance is accomplished by means of one main knife T and a number
of subdivision knives such as T" arranged at right angles thereto, the whole of
the knives being mounted upon one common sliding plate T.
The under side of the sliding plate is provided with blocks or rollers T3 which
enter a suitable guiding frame U. The guiding frame U has a rising and
falling motion imparted to it by the action of cams V upon sliding bosses U¹
carried on the rods or stems V₁ formed with or attached to the frame, the extent
of such movement being regulated to suit the height of the dividing chamber by
means of adjustable collars V2 in combination with springs Va mounted upon the
rods or stems.
When the dough has been forced by the reciprocating ram or forcer L into the
dividing chamber, the guiding frame is caused to ascend carrying with it the
sliding plate T and attached knives T and T
The knives are thus forced through the dough within the dividing chamber,
the main knife T separating it from the uniformly compressed mass within the
receiving chamber, whilst the sub-division knives I, at right angles to the main
knife T, divide it into equal portions of the required weight, which is regulated
by the height of the movable head piece S¹. On the completion of the ascending
movement of the knives, a horizontal or right angle movement is imparted, by a
cam operated lever W, to the bottom of the dividing chamber and also to the
eliding plate 3, arranged within the chamber bottom part W', together with
the attached knives and the divided portions of dough between them. Such
movement is of sufficient extent to convey the divided portions of dough' clear
of the chamber and on its completion the knife plate is caused to descend, and the
knives are thus withdrawn from the divided portions of dough, leaving them
free and ready for removal.
We sometimes adopt the arrangement of parts forming the bun dividing
inachine, as herein before described, upon a larger scale, and employ the same
for loaf dough dividing.
We can drive our machine by hand power, but preferably employ a belting or
gearing transmitting power from a line shaft or from a motor, and we arrange
that the whole of the movable parts shall be operated from one first motion shaft
of the machine.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is:-
1. The improved means for cutting or dividing dough and like material_for
bread making or other purposes, substantially as described and as illustrated.
2. The plungers such as O for the division chambers 0 of a machine for
dividing dough and like material for bread making or other purposes, having
vents in the closed or working end for permitting of the escape of gas or air
from the dough confined within the chambers, substantially as described and as
illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings.
3. A scraper as 05 for a machine for dividing dough and like material, having a
block as O on each side to slide within a vertical guide 07, the said block having
a roller 08 attached to its outer face to receive the pressure imposed by the
slotted end of the lever 03, substantially as described and as illustrated at
Figures 1 and 2.
4. In machines for dividing dough and like material the combination with
a forcer L having an internal sliding plate P, connected with the operating
lever as L and also to the weighted lever P¹, pivotted on the bracket 12 of the
hydraulic check or cataract having parts QQQQQQQ, substantially as
described and as illustrated at Figure 3.
5. In machines for dividing dough and like material the combination with a
forcer L having an internal sliding plate P connected with the lever L, of the
lever R pivotted at one end upon a bracket secured to the said forcer L and
having a weight attached to its opposite end, the said lever R being connected
to the said sliding plate P by the link R', substantially as described and as
illustrated at Figures 4 and 5.
6. In machines for dividing dough and like material the combination with a
reciprocating ram or forcer, of a division chamber having a sliding base and an
adjustable head piece, substantially as and for the purposes described and as
illustrated at Figures 9 and 10.
7. In machines for dividing dough and like substances the combination with
a reciprocating ram or former and division chamber having a sliding base and
an adjustable head piece, of dividing knives mounted upon a sliding plate con-
nected with a rising and falling guiding frame, substantially as and for the
purposes described and as illustrated at Figures 9 and 10.
8. A machine for dividing dough and like material for bread making, bun
making or other purposes having an arrangement and combination of parts sub-
stantially as described.
MARKS & CLERK
18 Southampton Buildings, London. W.C. &
13 Temple Street, Birmingham.
Agents for the Applicants.