Food molding apparatus and method of forming food products

Abstract

The invention provides a molding apparatus and process of molding formable materials which comprises at least one supply manifold for receiving a formable material and plungers or pistons for applying pressure to the formable material within the manifold. A mold plate including at least one mold cavity is driven between fill and discharge positions, with the at least one mold cavity selectively exposed to the supply manifold when in the fill position. A clamp member is positioned adjacent the mold plate when in the fill position, and pressure is applied on the clamp member to clamp the mold plate against the supply manifold. The clamp member and associated structure apply pressure to the clamp member compensating for deflection of these structural members which maintains the mold plate in firm clamping relation relative to the supply manifold. The arrangement eliminates the need to provide the clamp plate with a thick cross section or heavy mass which would accommodate forces normally encountered during filling of the mold cavities. In this manner a mold plate having a relatively thin section, and a clamp member also of relatively thin section may be utilized, to allow a machine having significantly increased width to be realized. The significantly increased width of the machine will correspondingly increase capacity, and also allows compatibility with other processing equipment. A mold plate knife assembly is used to cut the formable material at a position adjacent the mold cavities subsequent to filling to facilitate formation of precise portions of the formable material, and also functions to seal off the supply manifold prior to movement of the mold plate to provide distinct advantages.