Distiller agitation system and method

Abstract

A system for agitating product in a retort includes a clamping assembly configured to selectively apply a first clamping force on a first end of at least one product support and a second, opposing clamping force on a second end of the at least one product support, and a reciprocating assembly configured to apply a linear force on the product support for reciprocating movement of the product support along the retort. A method of processing product in a retort includes arranging product in at least one product support for movement along the retort, and reciprocating the at least one product support along the retort in a non-sinusoidal motion pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a distillation system for storing food in a container, and more particularly to a system and method for processing food in a distillation apparatus, wherein the food is agitated during heat treatment. Background Technology

[0002] Stills are widely used for the preservation of food within containers used in commercial pasteurization or sterilization processes. A still typically comprises a pressure vessel for containing containers holding food (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "food in container," "product," "container," "food," etc.), arranged in baskets or trays, stacked on supports or other types of support structures. Commercial sterilization / pasteurization of the food can occur by applying a heating medium to the food within the containers, including, for example, superheated steam or hot water. This heating medium can be applied by spraying it onto the stacked containers. Alternatively, a heating medium can be introduced into the still vessel to immerse the container holding the food.

[0003] Agitated stills can be used instead of static systems, where the containers remain stationary within the still during pasteurization or sterilization. Agitation of food within the still during pasteurization / sterilization results in shorter processing times and improved quality and appearance (e.g., color). Semi-convection products and those containing particulates particularly benefit from agitation. The improved appearance of food stems in part from the lower heat load or temperature required to achieve the desired level of pasteurization or sterilization.

[0004] The agitation of food within containers in a still has been accomplished through various systems. In one system, the container's support / support is mounted inside a drum located within the still container. The drum rotates about its longitudinal axis to agitate the food end-to-end. While end-to-end agitation is quite efficient, it requires a drive system to rotate the drum, extended support structures within the still for the drum during rotation, and a system for introducing processing fluid into the rotating drum. Furthermore, the food within each container does not necessarily have the same G-force / motion profile. For example, a container at the center of the basket will experience a different motion than a product at the edge of the basket.

[0005] Another type of agitated still relies on the linear agitation of the food within the vessel. By moving the food back and forth over a relatively short distance within the still, the decelerating and accelerating forces within the vessel, causing agitation on its contents at the ends of the stroke, are altered. The effect of linear agitation is less than that achievable through end-to-end agitation; however, in many cases, this "light agitation" can sufficiently reduce processing time and / or prevent food agglomeration, ensuring simple static heat treatment relative to the food product. Furthermore, linear agitation allows for a simpler design compared to end-to-end agitation.

[0006] A typical linear agitation system comprises a drive mechanism consisting of a crankshaft rotated by an electric motor. Both the crankshaft and the motor are located outside one end of the still. A connecting rod system connects the crankshaft to the still holder / support. These types of linear agitation systems require a relatively heavy-duty drive system, including the need to counteract and eliminate the forces exerted on the food within the container by the rotating crankshaft. This counteracting is typically achieved using one or more flywheels. While the crankshaft / flywheel system is simple and reliable, it has its limitations.

[0007] For example, the crankshaft / flywheel system is constrained by the sinusoidal motion of the container. In other words, since the motion originates from the rotating disk, the container is restricted to a sinusoidal back-and-forth motion within the still. Thus, the G-force of the agitator basket is directly limited by the stroke length of the agitation (crank length) and the cycles per minute (crank speed). In this respect, the agitation pattern is limited to the same stroke length and motion pattern, regardless of the type of food being agitated and / or the stage of sterilization / pasteurization.

[0008] Commercial sterilization / pasteurization processes for distiller systems may comprise three stages. During the first initiation stage, the distiller vessel is heated from an initial temperature, such as room temperature, to a second cooking temperature used to perform heat treatment on the food. The second cooking / holding stage of the method involves maintaining the temperature of the vessel at the cooking temperature. Finally, during the third cooling stage of the method, the vessel is cooled back to normal temperature.

[0009] During each stage of this method, the food may change in consistency, texture, etc. For example, some foods soften during cooking. Therefore, it may be desirable to use less vigorous agitation during some or all of the cooking / holding stages of the method to prevent food deterioration. In another example, the food may release starch as it is heated, resulting in a thicker consistency. For such products, it may be desirable to use more vigorous agitation during the later portions of the heating and / or cooling stages to help ensure more uniform heat treatment of the food.

[0010] Therefore, it is understandable that a distiller agitation systems that can modify the stroke length, speed, acceleration, and G-force to establish customized agitation patterns for specific foods will produce optimal heat treatment results. Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a system for agitating a product in a distiller is provided. The system includes a clamping assembly configured to selectively apply a first clamping force at a first end of at least one product support and a second relative clamping force at a second end of at least one product support; and a reciprocating assembly configured to apply a linear force to the product support for reciprocating motion of the product support along the distiller.

[0012] According to any embodiment described herein, the clamping assembly includes a first clamping sub-assembly and a second clamping sub-assembly, the first clamping sub-assembly being configured to secure the first end of at least one product support to a first portion of the drive mechanism when the first clamping sub-assembly applies a first clamping force to the first end of at least one product support, and the second clamping assembly being configured to secure the second end of at least one product support to a second portion of the drive mechanism when the second clamping sub-assembly applies a second opposing clamping force to the second end of at least one product support.

[0013] According to any embodiment described herein, the reciprocating component includes a variable input drive mechanism connected to the reciprocating member.

[0014] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the variable input drive mechanism is a hydraulic actuator.

[0015] According to any embodiment described herein, the variable input drive mechanism includes a position feedback device configured to output one or more signals to a controller indicating the linear position of the reciprocating member.

[0016] According to any embodiment described herein, the controller is configured to process one or more signals from the position feedback device and output one or more signals to the variable input drive mechanism for activating and controlling at least one of the speed, acceleration, stroke length, frequency, and direction of the reciprocating rod.

[0017] According to any embodiment described herein, the clamping assembly includes a first clamping sub-assembly and a second clamping sub-assembly, the first clamping sub-assembly being configured to secure the first end of at least one product support to a reciprocating member when the first clamping sub-assembly applies a first clamping force to the first end of at least one product support, and the second clamping assembly being configured to secure the second end of at least one product support to the reciprocating member when the second clamping sub-assembly applies a second relative clamping force to the second end of at least one product support.

[0018] According to any embodiment described herein, the first clamping sub-assembly is configured as a rear baffle mechanism that selectively engages a first end of at least one product support when the reciprocating member moves in a first direction, and selectively disengages from the first end of at least one product support when the reciprocating member moves in a second direction.

[0019] According to any embodiment described herein, an anti-rotation component is also included, which is configured to substantially prevent the reciprocating member from rotating about its axis.

[0020] According to any embodiment described herein, the first clamping subassembly includes a pivot arm and a first support stop, the pivot arm being pivotally fixed to a first end of a reciprocating member, the first support stop being defined on the pivot arm, and the first support stop being configured to engage at least one first end of a product support when the reciprocating member moves in a first direction.

[0021] According to any embodiment described herein, the second clamping subassembly includes a second support stop that is movable with the reciprocating member as the reciprocating member moves in a first direction and a second direction.

[0022] According to any embodiment described herein, the second support stop can be moved along the reciprocating member by a second drive mechanism to selectively engage the second end of at least one product support.

[0023] According to any embodiment described herein, the second drive mechanism is a hydraulic actuator fixed to the reciprocating member.

[0024] According to any embodiment described herein, the reciprocating component is configured to move the product support along the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion pattern.

[0025] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the stroke length of the non-sinusoidal motion mode is between approximately 0.10 inches and 2.0 inches.

[0026] According to any of the embodiments described herein, the stroke length of the non-sinusoidal motion mode is between approximately 0.5 inches and 1.25 inches.

[0027] According to any embodiment described herein, the product support reciprocates between a first end and a second end of the distiller, and wherein the non-sinusoidal motion pattern is at least partially defined by a plurality of strokes in a first direction.

[0028] According to any embodiment described herein, the non-sinusoidal motion mode includes pausing during motion between each of multiple strokes.

[0029] According to any of the embodiments described herein, at least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion pattern is executed in the range of approximately 5-200 cycles per minute.

[0030] According to any of the embodiments described herein, at least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion pattern is executed in the range of approximately 20-100 cycles per minute.

[0031] According to any embodiment described herein, at least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion mode is performed with a G-force in the range of about 0.05G-2G.

[0032] According to any embodiment described herein, at least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion mode is performed with a G-force in the range of about 0.3G-1G.

[0033] According to any embodiment described herein, the reciprocating component is configured to change at least one of speed, stroke length, frequency, acceleration, and G-force to cause the product support to move along the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion mode.

[0034] According to any embodiment described herein, the product support reciprocates between a first end and a second end of the distiller, and wherein the non-sinusoidal motion pattern is at least partially defined by a plurality of strokes in a first direction.

[0035] According to any embodiment described herein, the variable input drive mechanism is located outside the processing container, and the reciprocating member extends into the processing container.

[0036] According to any of the embodiments described herein, including:

[0037] A processing container configured to house at least one product support;

[0038] A low-friction support system for supporting at least one product support for movement along a processing container;

[0039] A clamping assembly according to any embodiment described herein is configured to selectively apply a first clamping force at a first end of at least one product support and a second relative clamping force at a second end of at least one product support; and

[0040] A reciprocating assembly according to any embodiment described herein is configured to apply a linear force to at least one product support for reciprocating movement of at least one product support along a processing container.

[0041] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for processing a product in a distiller is provided. The method includes: arranging the product in at least one product support for movement along the distiller; applying a first clamping force at a first end of the at least one product support and a second relative clamping force at a second end of the at least one product support; and applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support.

[0042] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a method of processing a product in a distiller includes: arranging the product in at least one product support for movement along the distiller; and causing the at least one product support to reciprocate along the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion pattern.

[0043] According to any method described herein, a reciprocating force is also applied to at least one product support via a reciprocating member that can be moved by a variable input drive mechanism.

[0044] According to any method described herein, the method also includes moving the reciprocating member in a first direction to engage the first support stop with at least one first end of the product support.

[0045] According to any method described herein, the method further includes moving the second support stop in a second direction to engage the second end of at least one product support, and clamping at least one support between the first support stop and the second support stop.

[0046] According to any method described herein, a second support stop is also included that moves along the reciprocating member in a second direction.

[0047] According to any method described herein, a second support stop that moves with the reciprocating member in the first direction is also included.

[0048] According to any method described herein, the method also includes moving the second support stop in the first direction to disengage the second support stop from the second end of at least one product support.

[0049] According to any method described herein, the method also includes moving the reciprocating member in a second direction to disengage the first support stop from at least one first end of the product support.

[0050] According to any method described herein, at least one product support is also included in reciprocating along the distiller with a stroke length between about 0.10 inches and 2.0 inches.

[0051] According to any method described herein, at least one product support is also included in reciprocating along the distiller with a stroke length between about 0.5 inches and 1.25 inches.

[0052] According to any of the methods described herein, a reciprocating force is also applied to at least one product support in the range of approximately 5-200 cycles per minute.

[0053] According to any of the methods described herein, a reciprocating force is also applied to at least one product support in the range of approximately 20-100 cycles / minute.

[0054] According to any method described herein, a reciprocating force is also applied to at least one product support with a G-force in the range of about 0.05G-2G.

[0055] According to any method described herein, a reciprocating force is also applied to at least one product support with a G-force in the range of about 0.3G-1G.

[0056] According to any method described herein, it also includes: changing at least one of speed, stroke length, frequency, acceleration, and G-force when a reciprocating force is applied to at least one product support.

[0057] According to any method described herein, it also includes reciprocating at least one product support between a first end and a second end of the distiller, and applying a reciprocating force to at least one product support in a first direction with multiple strokes.

[0058] According to any method described herein, the reciprocating motion of at least one product support is also paused between each of the multiple strokes.

[0059] According to any method described herein, it also includes applying a reciprocating force to at least one product support during at least the first and second stages of heat treatment.

[0060] According to any method described herein, at least one product support portion is reciprocated according to a first agitation motion profile for the first stage and a second agitation motion profile for the second stage.

[0061] According to any of the methods described herein, the non-sinusoidal motion mode comprises multiple strokes in the first direction.

[0062] According to any method described herein, at least one product support is also included in reciprocating along the distiller with a stroke length between about 0.5 inches and 1.25 inches.

[0063] According to any of the methods described herein, the non-sinusoidal motion mode comprises multiple strokes in the first direction.

[0064] According to any method described herein, at least one product support is also included in reciprocating between the first and second ends of the distiller in a range of about 5-200 cycles / minute.

[0065] According to any method described herein, at least one of velocity, stroke length, frequency, acceleration, and G-force is also included to define at least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion mode.

[0066] According to any method described herein, it also includes reciprocating at least one product support between a first end and a second end of the distiller, and applying a reciprocating force to at least one product support in a first direction with multiple strokes.

[0067] According to any method described herein, it also includes causing at least one product support to reciprocate along the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion pattern during at least the first and second stages of heat treatment.

[0068] According to any method described herein, at least one product support portion is reciprocated according to a first agitation motion profile for the first stage and a second agitation motion profile for the second stage.

[0069] According to any method described herein, the non-sinusoidal motion mode includes at least one of a sawtooth profile, an S-curve profile, and a trapezoidal profile.

[0070] According to any method described herein, the non-sinusoidal motion mode includes at least one of a sawtooth profile, an S-curve profile, and a trapezoidal profile.

[0071] A system for agitating a product in a distiller, the system comprising a clamping assembly configured to selectively apply a first clamping force at a first end of at least one product support and a second relative clamping force at a second end of at least one product support; and a reciprocating assembly configured to apply a linear force on the product support to cause the product support to reciprocate along the distiller.

[0072] The distiller system includes: a processing container configured to receive at least one product support; a low-friction support system for supporting the at least one product support for movement along the processing container; a clamping assembly configured to selectively apply a first clamping force at a first end of the at least one product support and a second relative clamping force at a second end of the at least one product support; and a reciprocating assembly configured to apply a linear force to the at least one product support for reciprocating movement of the at least one product support along the processing container.

[0073] A method of processing a product in a distiller includes: arranging the product in at least one product support for movement along the distiller, applying a first clamping force at a first end of the at least one product support and applying a second relative clamping force at a second end of the at least one product support, and applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support.

[0074] A method of processing a product in a distiller includes arranging the product in at least one product support for movement along the distiller, and causing the at least one product support to reciprocate along the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion mode.

[0075] The present invention is provided to present in a simplified form the selection of concepts that will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. The present invention is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0076] The foregoing aspects and many accompanying advantages of the present invention will become more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0077] Figure 1 It is an isometric view of a distiller having a distiller agitation system formed according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0078] Figure 2A It has Figure 1 The diagram shows an isometric cross-sectional view of a distiller with a stirring system, wherein the distiller stirring system is shown in a first load / unload position;

[0079] Figure 2B It has Figure 2A A side view of the still showing the still agitation system;

[0080] Figure 2C It has Figure 2A An isometric view of the first clamping sub-assembly of the distiller in the shown distiller agitation system;

[0081] Figure 2D It has Figure 2A An isometric view of the second clamping sub-assembly of the distiller in the shown distiller agitation system;

[0082] Figure 3A It has Figure 1 The diagram shows an isometric cross-sectional view of a distiller with a stirring system, wherein the distiller is shown in a second loading position.

[0083] Figure 3B It has Figure 3A The side view of the distiller in the distiller system shown;

[0084] Figure 3C It has Figure 3A An isometric view of the first clamping sub-assembly of the distiller in the shown distiller agitation system;

[0085] Figure 3D It has Figure 3A An isometric view of the second clamping sub-assembly of the distiller in the shown distiller agitation system;

[0086] Figure 4A It has Figure 1 The diagram shows an isometric cross-sectional view of a distiller with a stirring system, wherein the distiller is shown in a third clamping position.

[0087] Figure 4B It has Figure 4A The side view of the distiller in the distiller system shown;

[0088] Figure 5 It is in having Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the support portion used in the distiller of the distiller system shown in Figure 4;

[0089] Figure 6 It is used in having Figure 1 -4 illustrates an exemplary method for agitating the load within the distiller using a distiller agitation system;

[0090] Figure 7 This is a view illustrating a first exemplary non-sinusoidal agitation pattern for a load within a heat treatment still;

[0091] Figure 8 This is a view illustrating a second exemplary non-sinusoidal agitation pattern for a load within a heat treatment still;

[0092] Figure 9 This is a view illustrating a third exemplary non-sinusoidal agitation mode for a load within a heat treatment still;

[0093] Figure 10 This is a view illustrating a fourth exemplary non-sinusoidal agitation mode for a load within a heat treatment still;

[0094] Figure 11 This is a view illustrating a fifth exemplary non-sinusoidal agitation mode for a load within a heat treatment still;

[0095] Figure 12 This is a view illustrating a sixth exemplary non-sinusoidal agitation mode for a load within a heat treatment still;

[0096] Figure 13This is a view illustrating a seventh exemplary non-sinusoidal agitation mode for a load within a heat treatment still;

[0097] Figure 14 This is a view illustrating an eighth exemplary non-sinusoidal agitation mode for a load within a heat treatment still;

[0098] Figure 15 This is a view illustrating a ninth exemplary non-sinusoidal agitation mode for a load within a heat treatment still;

[0099] Figure 16A It is a view showing the prior art position, velocity, and acceleration profiles of a sinusoidal agitation mode for heat-treating a load within a distiller at a first rotating crank speed;

[0100] Figure 16B It is a view showing the prior art position, velocity, and acceleration profiles of a sinusoidal agitation mode for heat-treating a load within a distiller at a second rotating crank speed;

[0101] Figure 16C This is a view showing the position, velocity, and acceleration profiles of a prior art turbulence mode for heat-treating a load within a distiller at a third crank speed; and

[0102] Figure 17 It is a view showing the position, velocity, and acceleration profiles of a non-sinusoidal agitation mode of a load used in a heat treatment still. Detailed Implementation

[0103] The detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiment, wherein the same numerals denote the same elements. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided as an example or illustration only and should not be construed as preferred or superior to other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any step described herein may be interchanged with other steps or combinations of steps to achieve the same or substantially similar results.

[0104] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of the features described herein.

[0105] This application may include references to "direction," such as "forward," "backward," "front," "rear," "far end," "proximal end," "upward," "downward," "in," "outside," "extend," "advance," and "retract." These references and other similar or corresponding references in this application are only used to help describe and understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure to these directions.

[0106] This application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise specified, such quantities and numbers should not be considered limiting, but rather examples of possible quantities or numbers associated with this application. Also in this respect, this application may use the term "multiple" to refer to quantities or numbers. For this purpose, the term "multiple" means any number greater than one, such as two, three, four, five, etc., and the terms "about," "approximately," etc., indicate a value plus or minus 5%.

[0107] The following description and illustrations provided herein relate to a distillation agitation system and method for commercial sterilization of food products (foods) within containers, wherein the food can be varied in at least terms of stroke length, speed, acceleration, and gravitational (G-force) to produce a customized agitation pattern for the food. While the distillation agitation system and method are described as useful for foods contained in bags, they can also be used for foods stored in other types of containers such as boxes, cans, bottles, tubes, trays, etc. Therefore, the descriptions and illustrations provided herein should not be considered limiting.

[0108] The still agitation system and method will now be described in detail. Specifically, a system for agitating food within a container during commercial sterilization / pasteurization will be described first.

[0109] Figure 1 -4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a distiller agitation system 20 used with a heat treatment vessel 24, the heat treatment vessel 24 having a vessel body 28 surrounded by a recessed head 32 at the rear end and a vessel door (not shown for clarity) at the front end. It should be understood that... Figure 1 -4 does not show all the details of a typical still, such as the detailed aspects of the systems used to introduce the heating medium into the still or to remove and / or recirculate the heating medium. These aspects of the still vessel are known to those skilled in still design and technology. For example, different heating media and delivery systems can be used, including spraying superheated water onto the product vessel or filling the interior of the still with hot water or saturated steam.

[0110] Container 24 is configured to accommodate a load defined by one or more product supports, such as a front basket 36a and a rear basket 36b (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "basket 36"), which are configured to hold food (not shown) within the container in a manner known in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, basket 36 is configured to hold a plurality of bags containing food (not shown). In another embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the product support is defined by one or more trays 236 stacked on a support (not shown) in a manner known in the art. When using trays 236, food from containers is loaded (manually or automatically) into bags 240 of trays 236 for heat treatment. The load may alternatively be defined by any other suitable product support (such as bags, cans, bottles, barrels, trays, etc.) configured to hold food from multiple containers.

[0111] The basket 36 can be loaded manually or using a loading device (such as a shuttle, chain conveyor drive, etc.) onto a low-friction support system in the container 24. The low-friction support system is configured to support the basket 36 as it is loaded into the container 24 and as it is agitated along the interior of the container with low friction. This can be achieved in various ways. In the depicted embodiment, the low-friction support system is defined by two or more roller assemblies 40 extending along the length of the container 24 in the bottom portion of the container 24 (only one roller assembly is shown in the cross-sectional view). The roller assemblies 40 abut against the bottom side of the basket 36 in a known manner. For example, the roller assemblies 40 may be defined by rollers aligned in tracks, which may be received within correspondingly formed grooves 38 defined on the bottom bases 44a and 44b (sometimes referred to as "base 44 of basket 36," etc.) of the front basket 36a and rear basket 36b, respectively.

[0112] In an alternative embodiment, the rollers may be shaft-connected to the bottom side of the basket 36. In such an embodiment, suitable bearings may be inserted between the rollers and their shafts to minimize rotational friction on the rollers. As yet another alternative, balls in the form of ball bearings may be used instead of rollers. The ball bearings may be mounted in the floor structure of the container 24 or on the base 44 of the basket 36. It should be understood that the low-friction support system may alternatively be limited to having any other suitable construction.

[0113] With basket 36 loaded onto roller assembly 40 in container 24, the basket can be linearly reciprocated (hereinafter sometimes described as "stirring") along the length of container 24 by distiller agitation system 20. Distiller agitation system 20 is typically configured to agitate basket 36 in a non-sinusoidal and / or customizable mode via direct coupling of the agitation system to basket 36. In this respect, distiller agitation system 20 typically includes reciprocating assembly 48 and clamping assembly 50, the reciprocating assembly 48 being configured to agitate basket 36 with variable input to produce a non-sinusoidal and / or customizable mode, and the clamping assembly 50 being configured to directly secure basket 36 to the reciprocating assembly for agitation.

[0114] The reciprocating assembly 48 will first be described in detail. The reciprocating assembly 48 is configured to move the basket 36 back and forth linearly along the length of the container 24 with a variable input, such that the agitation is not limited to a sinusoidal motion pattern. In the depicted embodiment, the reciprocating assembly 48 includes a variable input drive mechanism 54 adapted to drive the reciprocating member or rod 58 back and forth along the length of the container 24.

[0115] One or more rod supports 60 may extend from the bottom of the container 24 to support the reciprocating rod 58 as it moves back and forth within the container 24. The rod support 60 can be any suitable low-friction device configured to maintain the axial alignment of the reciprocating rod 58 with the drive mechanism 54 while allowing the reciprocating rod 58 to move back and forth without substantial restriction. For example, the rod support 60 may be defined by a bushing fastened (fixed) to a bracket or other mounting assembly. Any other suitable support assembly may be used alternatively.

[0116] One or more suitable anti-rotation components may be used to substantially prevent the reciprocating rod 58 from rotating about its longitudinal axis. For example, a keyway may be defined along the length of the reciprocating rod 58, which receives a key extending from a suitable structure intersecting with the reciprocating rod 58. In this regard, the rod support 60 may include a key configured to engage with a keyway on the reciprocating rod 58, or the anti-rotation component may alternatively be defined on other components described below.

[0117] Unlike prior art flywheel systems that rotate in only one direction, the variable input drive mechanism 54 is capable of moving the rod 58 in the forward and backward direction by reversing the drive direction. The drive mechanism 54 can be any variable input drive mechanism adapted to linearly drive the reciprocating rod 58 back and forth along the length of the container 24 in a customized (non-sinusoidal) agitation pattern. In the depicted embodiment, the drive mechanism 54 is a hydraulic linear actuator having a cylinder 55 with a piston rod 56 coupled to and axially aligned with the reciprocating rod 58. The piston rod 56 can be coupled at its distal end to the rear end of the reciprocating rod 58 in any suitable manner (such as using a coupling assembly 57). It should be understood that other drive mechanisms can be used alternatively, such as electric linear actuators, servo motors, first and second pneumatic control airbags configured to engage the front basket 36a and rear basket 36b respectively, pneumatic / hydraulic pistons, or any other mechanical actuator configured to apply a linear force through a linear stroke.

[0118] The drive mechanism 54 includes suitable electrical and / or mechanical components configured to independently change the stroke length of the reciprocating rod 58, pause / stop the reciprocating rod 58 between stroke actuations / movements, change the G-force of the reciprocating rod 58, etc., to create customized non-sinusoidal agitation patterns. For example, if the drive mechanism 54 is configured as a hydraulic cylinder, it may include suitable valves and controls for driving the rod 58 in a specific mode and / or with a specific acceleration, speed, etc. In this way, the reciprocating rod 58 (and therefore the basket 36) can move in a variety of different agitation patterns to meet the agitation needs of the food within the container. For example, the drive mechanism 54 is configured to move at least relative to... Figure 7-15 The stirring pattern shown and described moves the reciprocating lever 58.

[0119] In one aspect, the drive mechanism 54 may include a position sensor or feedback device for monitoring the linear position of the piston rod 56 (and thus the reciprocating rod 58) during heat treatment. For example, a linear encoder may be used to sense the linear position of the piston rod 56 and output one or more signals indicating the rod position to an integrated or separate (wired or wireless) controller (not shown). The controller may be configured to output one or more signals to the drive mechanism 54 in response to one or more encoder signals to actuate and control the speed, acceleration, direction, etc., of the reciprocating rod 58 (e.g., by controlling a proportional valve of a hydraulic cylinder to follow a pre-programmed agitation motion profile). The controller may be any suitable electronic client device, such as a computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, tablet computer, or any other suitable device in which computer software or other digital content can be executed. The electronic client device may be controlled directly or remotely using industry-standard communication protocols such as HART, Modbus, 4-20mA, and H1, and others.

[0120] The drive mechanism 54 can be mounted on a support structure 64 outside the container 24. In this way, the drive mechanism 54 does not need to be configured to withstand extreme temperature changes inside the container 24. Furthermore, by positioning the container 24 externally on a separate structure, the container 24 will not be affected by the main reciprocating force of the drive mechanism 54. In this respect, the support structure 64 is any suitable structure configured to position the reciprocating rod 58 along the desired reciprocating axis to engage and agitate the basket 36 and to withstand the main reciprocating force of the drive mechanism 54. However, it should be understood that the drive mechanism 54 and the support structure 64 can alternatively be configured to be located inside the container 24.

[0121] However, since the drive mechanism 54 is located outside the container 24, the reciprocating rod 58 can pass through the recessed head 32 of the container 24 via a suitable rod seal / bushing member 59 having a central hole (not marked). A suitable sealing interface (such as having an O-ring, etc.) can be defined between the outer surface of the rod seal / bushing member 59 and the recessed head 32 of the container 24, and between the inner surface of the rod seal / bushing member 59 and the reciprocating rod 58.

[0122] The clamping assembly 50, configured to directly fasten basket 36 to reciprocating assembly 48 for agitation, will now be described in detail. The clamping assembly 50 includes a first clamping sub-assembly 62 defined at the front end of reciprocating rod 58 and a second clamping sub-assembly 66 defined at the rear end of reciprocating rod 58, for engaging the front basket 36a and the rear basket 36b respectively and applying opposing clamping forces to the front basket 36a and the rear basket 36b. In this respect, the first clamping sub-assembly 62 and the second clamping sub-assembly 66 also secure baskets 36a and 36b together.

[0123] Reference Figures 2A to 2C , Figures 3A to 3C and Figures 4A to 4B The first clamping sub-assembly 62 is typically configured to selectively engage the front basket 36a and apply a clamping force to it. More specifically, the first clamping sub-assembly 62 is movable between a first position and a second position, in which the first clamping sub-assembly 62 is disengaged from the front basket 36a and the basket 36a is freely loaded / unloaded from the distiller (see [link to distiller]). Figure 2A-2C In the second position, the first clamping sub-assembly 62 is positioned to engage the front basket 36a and apply a clamping force to the front basket 36a (see...). Figures 3A-3C (and 4A-4B). The first clamping sub-assembly 62 can move between a first position and a second position by extending and retracting the reciprocating rod 58, respectively. The first clamping sub-assembly 62 can be any suitable configuration for selectively engaging the front basket 36a and applying a clamping force to the front basket 36a.

[0124] In the depicted embodiment, the first gripping sub-assembly 62 is generally configured as a rear baffle mechanism, which is configured to selectively engage the front basket 36a and apply a gripping force to the front basket 36a. More specifically, the first gripping sub-assembly 62 includes a pivot arm 72, which is pivotally secured to the front end of the reciprocating rod 58 by a bracket 74 or other suitable structure. A first pivot pin 78 extends laterally through a first end of the pivot arm 72 and through the bracket 74 to define a first pivot axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the reciprocating rod 58. The pivot arm 72 is movable along and pivots about a pivot roller 82 fastened to the bottom of the container 24. As the reciprocating rod extends and retracts toward the front and rear of the container 24, the pivot arm 72 can roll along and pivot about the pivot roller 82 between a lowered position and an raised position, or a first position and a second position.

[0125] More specifically, the pivot arm 72 is movable about a first pivot axis between at least a first position and a second position, in which the pivot arm 72 pivots downward and is not axially aligned with the reciprocating rod 58 (see...). Figures 2A to 2C In the second position, the pivot arm 72 is axially aligned with the reciprocating rod 58 (see...). Figures 3A to 3C and Figures 4A to 4B The pivot arm 72 can be moved forward by the drive mechanism 54, moving the reciprocating rod 58 until the pivot axis of the first pivot pin 78 is substantially aligned with the pivot axis of the pivot arm roller 82. In this substantially aligned state, the pivot arm roller 82 no longer provides support below the pivot arm 72, so the pivot arm 72 can pivot downward about the pivot axis of the first pivot pin 78.

[0126] The pivot arm 72 can be moved to a second position by retracting the reciprocating rod 58 using the drive mechanism 54. When the reciprocating rod 58 retracts, the outer surface of the roller 82 pushes the pivot arm 72 upward until the pivot arm 72 is aligned with the axis of the reciprocating rod 58. When the pivot arm 72 moves upward to the second position, the first support or basket stop 84 extends laterally from the front end of the pivot arm 72 and is positioned to engage the front basket 36a. In the depicted embodiment, the basket stop 84 is positioned to engage the clamping engagement plate 68 defined on the bottom base portion 44a at the front end of the front basket 36a.

[0127] The clamping plate 68 extends downward from the bottom base 44a of the front basket 36a, such that when the first basket stop 84 moves to the second position, the first basket stop 84 can move in front of the clamping plate 68. In this second position, the reciprocating rod 58 can retract toward the rear of the container 24 until the first basket stop 84 applies a clamping force at the front of the clamping plate 68. The anti-rotation feature described herein ensures alignment of the first basket stop 84 with the clamping plate 68 when the first basket stop 84 moves to the second position.

[0128] After the reciprocating lever 58 moves to the retracted position, a counter-clamping force is applied to the rear basket 36b by the second clamping sub-assembly 66. The second clamping sub-assembly 66 can be any suitable construction, which is generally configured to selectively engage the rear basket 36b and apply a clamping force to the rear basket 36b when the reciprocating lever 58 is in the retracted position.

[0129] In the depicted embodiment, the second clamping sub-assembly 66 includes a second support or basket stop 90, which is movable along the reciprocating rod 58 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second basket stop 90 is disengaged from the rear basket 36b (see [link]). Figure 3A In the second position, the second basket stop 90 engages with the rear basket 36b and applies a clamping force to the rear basket 36b (see 3B and 3D). Figures 4A-4B The second basket stop 90 has a suitable construction for movably connecting to the reciprocating rod 58 and engaging with the rear basket 36b. For example, the second basket stop 90 may be generally cylindrical and have a central hole 92 for receiving the reciprocating rod 58.

[0130] The second basket stop 90 is defined on the distal end of the clamping rod 94, which is configured to move toward and away from the rear basket 36b. The clamping rod 94 can move linearly toward the rear basket 36b until the second basket stop 90 applies a clamping force to the bottom 44b of the rear basket 36b, and can then move linearly away from the rear basket 36b to release the clamping force. In the depicted embodiment, the clamping rod 94 is concentrically positioned on the reciprocating rod 58 such that it moves along the same axis as the reciprocating rod 58 (and in this respect, the clamping rod 94 is essentially a tube). In this respect, the clamping rod 94 includes a central hole 96 for receiving the reciprocating rod 58, and bushings 100 and 101 or other low-friction interfaces, such as bearings, lubricants, etc., disposed between the clamping rod 94 and the reciprocating rod 58, such that the clamping rod 94 can easily slide along the length of the reciprocating rod 58. The clamping rod 94 also extends along the length of the reciprocating rod 58, such that the clamping rod 94 extends into and out of the container 24 through the rod seal / bushing member 59. In this respect, the bushing 103 or other suitable low-friction interface may also be provided between the rod seal / bushing member 59 and the clamping rod 94 to allow the clamping rod 94 (and the reciprocating rod 58) to slide easily through it.

[0131] refer to Figure 2DThe rod seal / bushing member 59 may also include anti-rotation components to substantially prevent the clamping rod 94 from rotating about its longitudinal axis. For example, a first keyway 63 may be defined along the length of the clamping rod 94, the first keyway 63 receiving a key 65 extending laterally through the rod seal / bushing member 59. Furthermore, the second basket stop 90 may include anti-rotation components to prevent the reciprocating rod 58 from rotating about its longitudinal axis, such as a key 93 extending laterally through the cylindrical body of the second basket stop 90, which may be received within a slot 95 extending along the length of the reciprocating rod 58.

[0132] The clamping lever 94 can be moved toward and away from the rear basket 36b by any suitable drive mechanism. For example, the clamping lever 94 can be moved by a hydraulic linear actuator 98 having a piston rod 102 extending from the cylinder 104. However, it should be understood that other mechanisms, such as electric linear actuators, servo motors, pneumatic / hydraulic pistons, or any other mechanical actuators configured to apply force to move the lever 94 in a linear direction along the length of the lever 58, can be used alternatively.

[0133] In one aspect, the hydraulic linear actuator 98 may include a position sensor or feedback device for monitoring the linear position of the piston rod 102 (and thus the clamping rod 94) during heat treatment. For example, a linear encoder may be used to sense the linear position of the piston rod 102 and output one or more signals indicating the rod position to an integrated or separate (wired or wireless) controller (not shown). The controller may be configured to output one or more signals to the hydraulic linear actuator 98 in response to one or more encoder signals for actuating and controlling the movement of the clamping rod 94.

[0134] The hydraulic linear actuator 98 is arranged such that when the piston rod 102 extends and retracts from the cylinder 104, the piston rod 102 causes the clamping rod 94 to move linearly toward and away from the rear basket 36b. This can be performed in any suitable manner. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the hydraulic linear actuator 98 extends between a first rod attachment member 108 fixed to the clamping rod 94 and a second rod attachment member 110 fixed to the reciprocating rod 58. When the piston rod 102 extends, the first rod attachment member 108 and the clamping rod 94 move together away from the second rod attachment member 110 and toward the rear basket 36b. Simultaneously, the second rod attachment member 110 remains in a fixed position on the reciprocating rod 58. The piston rod 102 may extend until a second basket stop 90 defined at the end of the clamping rod 94 engages with the rear basket 36b and applies a clamping force to the rear basket 36b.

[0135] In the clamping position, such as Figures 4A to 4BAs shown, the first basket stop 84 and the second basket stop 90 apply opposing clamping forces to the front basket 36a and the rear basket 36b to secure the baskets together and to the reciprocating rod 58 for agitation. Suitable spacers 130 (such as buffers, washers, etc.) may be provided between the front basket 36a and the rear basket 36b to provide sufficient support area for the clamping forces applied to the baskets when they are agitated, and / or to allow heat treatment fluid to pass between the baskets 36a and 36b to perform optimal heat treatment.

[0136] Reference Figure 6 Exemplary methods for directly securing the basket 36 to or detaching it from the reciprocating assembly 48 for agitation will now be described. After the clamping assembly 50 is in the first clamping position at step 308, a method for securing the basket 36 can begin, wherein, as... Figures 4A-4B As shown, the first clamping sub-assembly 62 and the second clamping sub-assembly 66 cooperate to apply a linear clamping force to the basket 36. This may be at the end of a heat treatment process of the load (e.g., commercial sterilization of food contained in a basket or tray). Alternatively, the clamping assembly 50 may be in a first, clamped position before the basket 36 has been loaded into the container 24.

[0137] Regardless, with the clamping assembly 50 in the first clamping position, the method includes an initial step for moving the clamping assembly 50 to a second unclamped position, such that a support such as the basket 36 can be unloaded from or loaded into the container 24. To move the clamping assembly 50 to the second unclamped position, at step 310, the second basket stop 90 retracts with the corresponding retraction of the piston rod 102 of the hydraulic linear actuator 98 to release the clamping force applied to the basket 36 by the clamping assembly 50.

[0138] Reference Figures 3A-3C The second basket stop 90 is shown retracted on the reciprocating rod 58 and disengaged from the rear basket 36b. The stroke length of the piston rod 102 can be predefined to ensure sufficient clearance to extend the reciprocating rod 58 and allow the first clamping sub-assembly 62 to disengage from the front basket 36a. In other words, there is sufficient clearance between the axial position of the rear basket 36b and the retracted second basket stop 90 so that the second basket stop 90 can travel forward with the reciprocating rod 58 without engaging the rear basket 36b in the next step 314.

[0139] In this respect, when the second basket stop 90 retracts, the reciprocating rod 58 can extend or move forward within the container 24 via the drive mechanism 54, as shown in step 314. When the reciprocating rod 58 extends, the first clamping sub-assembly 62 disengages the front basket 36a, as shown in step 314. Figure 2A-2CAs shown. More specifically, the pivot arm 72 moves toward the front of the container 24 along the roller plane defined by the pivot roller 82 until the first pivot pin 78 is substantially aligned with the pivot roller 82. This alignment can occur when the reciprocating rod 58 extends to the first predetermined stroke length of the drive mechanism 54. At this point, the pivot arm 72 is able to rotate downward about the axis of the first pivot pin 78. As the pivot arm 72 rotates downward, the first support or basket stop 84 disengages from and moves out of the forward movement path of the front basket 36a, as shown in step 318, and as... Figures 2A to 2C As shown. One or more sensors of the drive mechanism 54 can be used to track the linear position of the piston rod 56 (and thus the reciprocating rod 58) to indicate when it has extended the predetermined first stroke length; and thus, to indicate when the pivot arm 72 has pivoted downward.

[0140] Once the reciprocating rod 58 extends the first predetermined stroke length and the first basket stop 84 disengages from and moves out of the forward movement path of the front basket 36a, as shown in steps 314 and 318, the basket 36 can be unloaded from and / or loaded into the container 24, as shown in step 322. When the basket 36 can be loaded into the container 24, the basket 36 is loaded onto the roller assembly 40 and moves toward the rear of the container 24 until the rear basket 36b engages the second basket stop 90. The clamping assembly 50 can then be moved back to the first clamping position, allowing the basket to be agitated during heat treatment.

[0141] To move the clamping assembly 50 back to the first clamping position, the reciprocating lever 58 retracts at step 326, causing the pivot arm 72 to move rearward accordingly. The pivot arm 72 moves toward the rear of the container 24 along the roller plane defined by the pivot roller 82, while pivoting upward about the axis of the first pivot pin 78. The reciprocating lever 58 retracts the drive mechanism 54 by the second predetermined stroke length until the first basket stop 84 engages the clamping engagement plate 68 of the front basket 36a, as shown in step 330 and as... Figures 3A-3C As shown. The sensor of the drive mechanism 54 can be used to track the linear position of the piston rod 56 (and therefore the reciprocating rod 58) to indicate when it has retracted the second predetermined stroke length to rotate the pivot arm 72 upward.

[0142] When the reciprocating lever 58 retracts in step 326, the entire second clamping subassembly 66 also retracts. Therefore, once the reciprocating lever 58 retracts to engage the first basket stop 84 with the clamping engagement plate 68 of the front basket 36a, as shown in step 330, the drive mechanism of the second clamping subassembly 66 is activated in step 334 to move the second basket stop 90 forward along the reciprocating lever 58. The second basket stop 90 moves forward along the reciprocating lever 58 from a first position to a second position, in which the second basket stop 90 engages with the rear basket 36b (see [link]). Figures 3A-3B(and 3D) disengagement, while in the second position, the second basket stop 90 engages with the rear basket 36b and applies a clamping force to the rear basket 36b (see 3D). Figures 4A-4B ).

[0143] More specifically, as the piston rod 102 of the hydraulic linear actuator 98 extends a third predetermined stroke length from the cylinder 104, the clamping rod 94 moves forward. This extension of the piston rod 102 (detectable by one or more sensors) causes the second basket stop 90 to engage with the rear basket 36b and apply a clamping force to it. Since the pivot arm 72 is already in the upward position, the first clamping sub-assembly 62 and the second clamping sub-assembly 66 jointly apply a linear clamping force to the baskets 36 to secure baskets 36a and 36b together and to the reciprocating rod 58. In other words, the front basket 36a and the rear basket 36 are clamped between the first basket stop 84 and the second basket stop 90. In this way, the reciprocating force of the drive mechanism 54 can be effectively transmitted to the baskets 36 for agitation.

[0144] In this regard, in step 338, the reciprocating rod 58 reciprocates via the drive mechanism 54 to agitate the basket 36. As indicated in step 342, the basket 36 is agitated in a customized (optional non-sinusoidal) mode until the heat treatment is complete. Once the heat treatment is complete, the method steps can be repeated to unload the basket 36 from the container 24 and load a new set of supports (baskets, trays, etc.) into the container 24 for heat treatment.

[0145] The distiller agitation system 20 disclosed herein includes a reciprocating component 48 capable of varying the stroke length, speed (stroke position / time), frequency (cycles / minute), acceleration, and G-force of the load to create a customized (optionally non-sinusoidal) agitation pattern or motion profile for a specific food. For example, the stroke length can be adjusted (lengthened or shortened) during heat treatment to accommodate viscosity changes in the food. As a specific example, when a food is heated, the viscosity of the product may decrease, and a longer stroke length can better match the natural "shaking" motion of the food.

[0146] The agitation speed and / or frequency can also be varied during the agitation process of food. For example, adjusting the agitation speed and / or frequency may be beneficial when the food contains a fluid that heats rapidly inside the container, but the food also contains particles that heat at a slower rate. Such foods can benefit from a higher agitation speed and / or frequency at the beginning of heat treatment to help the fluid in the container heat up quickly, and a slower speed and / or frequency once the fluid is heated and the particles continue to heat. If a slower agitation speed and / or frequency can be used, the agitating equipment will suffer less wear and tear and energy will be saved.

[0147] The agitation profile can also be designed to allow the load to be agitated at different accelerations and G-forces during heat treatment. For example, certain foods that become fragile, soft, or delicate during heat treatment may have an agitation profile with high acceleration / G-force at the beginning of the heat treatment process (e.g., during some or all of the start-up), and then the agitation profile can be changed to have lower (gentler) acceleration / G-force once the food begins to soften, in order to avoid damaging the food.

[0148] A stirring motion profile with customized stroke length, speed, frequency, acceleration, and / or G-force can be applied as a constant variable during specific time periods or stages of heat treatment. For example, a vigorous stirring profile can be used during the initial heating of the product, a less vigorous stirring profile can be used as the food heats up because it becomes more brittle, and then a more vigorous stirring profile can be used once the product has cooled or become thicker due to starch released during cooking. A stirring motion profile with customized stroke length, speed, frequency, acceleration, and / or G-force can also be applied as a variable function, for example, increasing and decreasing over multiple strokes, and then repeated in a pattern during at least one of the initial product heating phase (start-up), cooking phase, and cooling phase.

[0149] Figure 8-15 Non-limiting examples of non-sinusoidal agitation modes for performing heat treatment on food within a still are depicted. Figure 8-15 The non-sinusoidal stirring mode depicted graphically can be implemented using a reciprocating component similar to the reciprocating component 48 described above, or with any other suitable reciprocating component.

[0150] exist Figure 8 The exemplary agitation motion profile, graphically depicted, includes stronger acceleration at higher speeds at the beginning and end of the cooling phase and gentler acceleration at lower speeds during the first portion of the cooking and cooling phases. In this exemplary agitation motion profile, the stroke length and frequency remain substantially constant. As mentioned above, such an agitation motion profile is advantageous for foods that become brittle when heated. In an alternative embodiment, the cooking and first portion of the cooling phases may include stronger accelerations (higher speeds) for less brittle products, while gentler accelerations may be used at the beginning and end of the cooling phase. Alternatively, the acceleration may be varied as needed during some or all phases to effectively handle the food.

[0151] Figure 9The exemplary agitation motion profile graphically depicted is a repeating "agitation and pause" profile, which can be used in some or all of the heat treatment stages and for the entire stage or a part of a stage. More specifically, the load may be agitated back and forth along the still several times, paused, and then agitated again in a repeating or varying pattern. A "pause" is understood as a cessation of load motion, which is not merely an interruption of motion that occurs when the load reverses direction (i.e., when the load technically stops before changing direction). For example, a "pause" may include a cessation of motion longer than, for example, 0.1 seconds.

[0152] This "stirring and pausing" profile can be used to periodically and vigorously agitate or shake food to mix its contents (for improved heat transfer), while pausing vigorous agitation / mixing helps maintain the integrity of the food. It is understood that continuous vigorous agitation / mixing of food (i.e., constant shaking during the process) can lead to food spoilage. Figure 9 The agitation motion profile depicted in the graphic can include one "vigorous shake" and (one) pause, several vigorous shakes and pauses, or any other combination or pattern suitable for food. Stroke length, speed, frequency, acceleration, and G-force are all factors involved. Figure 9 The agitation portion of the agitation motion profile depicted graphically remains substantially constant during the agitation phase; however, it should be understood that one or more of these may be altered alternatively.

[0153] Figure 10 The exemplary agitation motion profile graphically depicted is a "variable stroke length" agitation motion profile, which can be used during some or all of the heat treatment stages, and for all stages or a portion of stages. More specifically, the load can be agitated back and forth along the still while varying the stroke length and speed for each cycle (where one cycle equals one full forward motion and one full reverse motion to return the load to its original position), but while keeping the frequency (cycles / minute) constant, thus producing larger or smaller accelerations. More specifically, by keeping the frequency substantially constant, the agitation motion profile will include applying a larger acceleration (G-force) to the food for longer stroke lengths per unit time, and a smaller acceleration (G-force) to the food for shorter stroke lengths per unit time. Such an agitation motion profile can be as follows: Figure 10This is achieved as depicted in the figure, where the profile has a substantially constant frequency (i.e., t1, t2, and t3 are substantially equal), but each cycle includes a stroke length different from the previous cycle (such as one of three different stroke lengths). As shown, this pattern can be repeated. For example, a variable stroke length agitation profile could include four strokes at 0.5", four strokes at 1", and six strokes at 0.6", each occurring for approximately the same duration, and then repeated. This patterned variable stroke length agitation profile, resulting in different accelerations applied to the food, can be beneficial for foods with different viscosities during heating and cooling.

[0154] exist Figure 11 The exemplary agitation motion profile depicted in the graphic is a "rapid acceleration in one direction" profile, which can be used during some or all of the heat treatment stages, and for all stages or a portion of such stages. More specifically, the load can be agitated back and forth along the distiller with generally rapid acceleration in the first direction (i.e., when the reciprocating rod 58 is extended), and with slow acceleration in the return direction (i.e., when the reciprocating rod 58 is retracted). Figure 11 In the exemplary agitation motion profile depicted in the graphic, the speed and frequency remain substantially constant, although they can alternatively be varied. This "rapid acceleration in one direction" agitation motion profile would be advantageous for containers such as bags, tubes, or other food containers that typically slide back and forth on or within a support during agitation.

[0155] For example, if the support is a tray, for example Figure 5 The tray 236 shown is used to load food from containers into bags 240 for heat treatment. Sufficient tolerances are typically defined between the edge of the bag 240 and the food container to accommodate automated or robotic container-to-bag loading. This "overflow" allows food within the container to move back and forth within the bag 240 during agitation, scratching, or abrasion of certain containers (e.g., pouches), especially during heating. The agitation motion profile can therefore be customized to help maintain the container's position against the bag edge, thereby avoiding or minimizing any abrasion or scratches to the container.

[0156] More specifically, by rapidly accelerating the food container in a first direction with a slow deceleration at the end of the stroke, and then returning it in the opposite direction with a slow acceleration and rapid deceleration at the end of the stroke, the food container is pushed against one side or edge of the distiller tray bag and remains at that edge during heat treatment (or, if necessary, during a portion of the heat treatment process). In other words, the agitation force is applied essentially only in one direction. In this way, there is no need for clamping mechanisms or the like to hold the container in a fixed position against the edge of the tray bag. It should be understood that this agitation profile can also be used to secure any suitable container (such as a can or bottle) within any suitable support (e.g., a basket).

[0157] The agitation profile of food can also be altered by applying pauses, stops, or pulses to the load during one or more stages of heat treatment. For example, the load can be moved at high speed, paused, or stopped in one direction, and then moved at a slower speed in the same direction to apply different G-forces to the food. The size, stroke length, and frequency of the pulses can be varied to produce the desired agitation effect on the quality of the food within the container.

[0158] Figure 12 The exemplary churning motion profile depicted graphically in the image is a "rapid acceleration in one direction" profile, which is essentially similar to... Figure 11 The outlines depicted can be used during some or all of the heat treatment stages, and can be used for all stages or a part of a stage. However, in Figure 12 In the graphically depicted agitation motion profile, agitation is paused or stopped between rapid acceleration in a first direction (i.e., by extending the reciprocating rod 58) and slow acceleration to return in a second direction (by retracting the reciprocating rod 58). For example, a load can move rapidly in the first direction, stop abruptly, return at a slower speed, stop slowly, and then repeat at the same speed and / or frequency or at different speeds and / or frequencies, as shown in the figure. With such an agitation profile, agitation is applied essentially only in one direction, causing the food container to remain positioned against the edge of the tray or basket.

[0159] exist Figure 13 The exemplary churning motion profile depicted graphically is also a "rapid acceleration in one direction" profile, which is essentially similar to... Figure 12 The outlines depicted in the diagram can be used during some or all of the heat treatment stages, and can be used for all stages or a part of a stage. However, in Figure 13In the graphically depicted agitation motion profile, agitation is paused or stopped when the load moves in the first direction with faster acceleration (by extending the reciprocating rod 58) before returning in the second direction with slower acceleration (by retracting the reciprocating rod 58). For example, the load can move rapidly in the first direction, stop abruptly, move rapidly again in the first direction, stop abruptly, move rapidly again in the first direction, stop abruptly, and then return at a slower speed and come to a slow stop. This pattern can be repeated during some or all of the phases (or a portion of one or more phases). With this agitation profile, agitation again applies agitation force essentially only in one direction, causing the food container to remain positioned against the edge of the tray or basket. Different motion profiles can be created to accelerate and stop the load multiple times in the "forward" direction before changing direction and returning the load to its "original" position during a single movement or multiple stops and starts.

[0160] Figure 14 The exemplary agitation motion profile depicted in the graphic is a "multiple strokes in one direction" profile, which is essentially similar to... Figure 13 The outline depicted in the diagram shows the load moving and stopping / pausing several times in the first direction (via the extended reciprocating rod 58). However, in Figure 14 In the graphically depicted agitation motion profile, the load also moves and stops / pauses several times in the second return direction (via the retracting reciprocating rod 58) at a similar speed and stroke length. Figure 14 The agitation motion profile depicted graphically can be used during some or all of the heat treatment stages, and can be used for the entire stage or a part of the stage.

[0161] Figure 15 The exemplary agitation motion profiles graphically depicted are "combined" agitation motion profiles that can be used during some or all of the heat treatment stages, and for the entire stage or a part of a stage. More specifically, the load can be agitated back and forth along the still while varying the stroke length, speed, frequency, acceleration, and / or gravitational (G-force) agitation in a repeatable or semi-repeatable pattern. Figure 15 The agitation motion profile is a representation of some or all of the agitation motion profiles described above. For example, the load may first move rapidly in a first direction, stop abruptly, move more slowly in the first direction, stop abruptly, move more rapidly in the first direction, stop abruptly, etc., and then return to the original position at a slower speed. Once the original position is reached, the load may agitate back and forth with the same stroke length, speed, and frequency, and then pause. Finally, agitation may occur at the starting point between the starting and returning positions, with multiple repeated strokes of the same stroke length, speed, and frequency. This pattern may be repeated during some or all of the phases (or a portion of the phase).

[0162] It is understood that the agitation effect of the above-described agitation motion profile can be achieved by any non-sinusoidal motion, such as a serrated profile, an S-shaped profile, a trapezoidal profile, etc. Furthermore, it should be understood that the above-described exemplary agitation motion profiles can be modified or combined as needed to most effectively and efficiently heat-treat a specific food item in the container. Moreover, although the motion profiles are shown in terms of stroke position and time, it is understood that the acceleration and G-force acting on the food, as derivatives of the position and velocity agitation motion profiles, as described below with respect to Figures 16 and 17, are important factors in achieving the necessary agitation of the food within the container.

[0163] Agitation can be performed by certain preferred ranges of stroke length, speed, frequency, and G-force or acceleration, which individually or in combination produce effective agitation. For example, the stroke length can be maintained in a wide range between about 1 / 10 inch (0.10") and about 10 inches (10"), or in a narrower subset of that wide range, such as about 1 / 8 inch (1 / 8") to about 10 inches (10"), about 1 / 10 inch (0.10") to about 2 inches (2.0"), about half an inch (0.5") to about 1 1 / 4 inches (1.25") or two inches (2"), or any other range applicable to the intended food or profile.

[0164] The exemplary stroke length ranges listed above are defined as the distance the load moves between the start and stop positions. As can be understood from the exemplary agitation motion profiles described above, the profiles may include several starts and stops in a single direction before returning to the "original position" (see [link to original position]). Figure 13-15 As an example, using something like Figure 13 The graphic depicts the agitation motion profile, where the load can move forward 1 inch (1") from the original position, stop, move forward 1.5 inches (1.5"), stop, move forward 1 inch (1"), stop, move forward 1.5 inches (1.5"), stop, and then return 5 inches (5") to the original position. In this respect, the total cycle length between the original and return positions can be the sum of the individual stroke lengths.

[0165] The frequency or cycles per minute used for the above-described agitation motion profile can be performed in the range of approximately 5-200 cycles / minute, more preferably approximately 10-200 cycles / minute, and even more preferably approximately 20-100 cycles / minute. As described above, one cycle equals one complete forward motion and one complete reverse motion to return the load to its original position. It should be understood that the frequency can depend on the type of agitation motion profile used and can vary throughout the cycle. The G-force used for the above-described agitation motion profile can be in the range of approximately 0.05G-2G, or more preferably in the range of approximately 0.3G-1G.

[0166] The agitation motion profile can be stored in the computer's memory as a formulation computer program module ("formulation module") for a specific food. The computer can communicate with the controller of the still agitation system 20 via wired or wireless communication, or alternatively, the computer is part of the controller. The memory can store computer-readable, computer-executable software / firmware code that, when executed, causes the controller to perform various functions as described herein, such as actuating the variable input drive mechanism 54 to execute a specific agitation motion profile. For example, the controller can be configured to output one or more signals to the drive mechanism 54 in response to the execution of one or more formulation modules for activating and controlling the stroke position, speed, acceleration, length, direction, pause time between strokes, etc., of the reciprocating rod 58.

[0167] The controller will also communicate wired or wirelessly with one or more feedback devices (e.g., one or more sensors) that monitor the status, position, etc., of the still agitation system components 20 to ensure that the contained food is undergoing the correct agitation motion profile and / or adjust the profile as needed. For example, the agitation motion profile can be automatically adjusted for situations such as inconsistent friction and common component wear. Of course, there are limitations to the corrections performed by the automatic system; in such cases, the still agitation system 20 may include alarms or other feedback devices that can alert the operator when maintenance is required.

[0168] As can be understood from the foregoing, the distiller agitation system 20, configured to optionally agitate the load in a non-sinusoidal and / or customizable mode via direct connection between the agitation system and the load, offers several advantages over prior art systems. For example, prior art systems using conventional crankshafts have G-force variables related to the rotational crank speed (RPM) and crank length. The standard agitation motion profile for heat-treating a load inside the distiller using a conventional crankshaft is sinusoidal, meaning that the stroke length for each cycle (where one cycle equals a full forward motion and a full reverse motion to return the load to its original position) remains constant. Therefore, the G-force can be increased or decreased simply by adjusting the crankshaft rotational speed (and thus strokes / minute).

[0169] To help illustrate this point, Figures 16A-16C Exemplary first, second, and third positions, velocity, and acceleration profiles of a prior art crankshaft and agitator flywheel system with standard sinusoidal agitation motion are graphically depicted, wherein the stroke length of each profile is substantially the same (approximately 6 inches). Figure 16AThe first profile shown represents the position, velocity, and acceleration profile when the crank is rotating at 30 RPM. Figure 16B The second profile shown represents the position, velocity, and acceleration profile when the crank is rotating at 40 RPM. Figure 16C The third profile shown represents the position, velocity, and acceleration profiles at a crank speed of 120 RPM. Comparing these profiles reveals that approximately 0.09 G acceleration can be achieved at 30 RPM (approximately 9.36 inches / second linear movement), approximately 0.14 G acceleration at 40 RPM (approximately 12.17 inches / second linear movement), and approximately 1.37 G acceleration at 120 RPM (approximately 37.45 inches / second linear movement). To achieve the appropriate high acceleration or G-force for agitation, a very high crank speed (RPM) is required. Furthermore, if a shorter stroke length is used, the crank speed will need to be increased at a significantly higher rate.

[0170] By comparison, Figure 17 Exemplary position, velocity, and acceleration profiles for non-sinusoidal agitation motion profiles formed according to embodiments of the present disclosure are depicted graphically. An acceleration of approximately 0.25G can be achieved using only a 1.0-inch stroke length. Furthermore, by using a variable input drive mechanism 54, the stroke length and velocity can be independently varied to apply a desired acceleration / G-force to a particular food. For example, the distillation agitation system 20 can impart different stroke lengths during the heat sterilization process, and it can increase the G-force output per stroke and decrease the number of strokes per minute experienced by the load. On the other hand, prior art systems using crankshafts must increase the speed (cycles per minute) to increase the G-force applied to the load.

[0171] Therefore, by using a distiller agitation system with a variable input drive mechanism, such as a distiller agitation system 20 with the drive mechanism 54 described above, the motion profile of the food in the support can be adapted to the changing characteristics of the food while minimizing wear on the reciprocating assembly 48. Furthermore, while maintaining the same level of commercial sterility, the heat treatment time of the food can be reduced; even with reduced heat treatment time, food quality can be improved; and the integrity of fragile / brittle foods can be maintained by changing the motion profile at certain times during heat treatment, among other benefits.

[0172] For example, a non-sinusoidal, customizable agitation profile can reduce heat treatment time for some foods by approximately 40-50% while maintaining the same sterilization Fo value. It is important to note that food within a container is held at cooking temperatures until a specified Fo value is met, where Fo value is a unit of lethality, i.e., the rate at which the bacterial population is destroyed. The faster the food is heated, the faster the Fo value increases. Therefore, if food is heated more quickly during the initial heating phase, it is held at higher temperatures for a shorter overall time to achieve the same food-safe Fo value. Thus, it can be understood that with a shorter initial heating phase (achievable through a non-sinusoidal, customizable agitation profile as described herein), the total time the product undergoes high heat treatment temperatures (initial heating phase + holding phase) is reduced. As a result, the quality of the contained food increases.

[0173] The inventors conducted preliminary tests using the still agitation system according to this disclosure to measure the improved heat treatment efficiency. The still agitation system was configured to apply a non-sinusoidal agitation motion profile with a constant speed and stroke length throughout the heat treatment process, with the applied G-force between approximately 0.75G and 0.9G. For a cardboard box containing Italian vegetable soup or chicken broth, with a top spacing of approximately 9mm and a Fo value of 6, the following results were obtained.

[0174]

[0175] It is understandable that, compared to a static still, a still using a non-sinusoidal agitation profile reduces the heat treatment time of both foods by approximately 45%-50%.

[0176] With a Fo value of 7 and an initial phase of 16 minutes, the following results were achieved for a gallon bag with a thickness of 1.5 inches (1.5") containing pinto beans or mushrooms.

[0177]

[0178] It is understandable that using a distiller with a non-sinusoidal agitation profile reduces the heat treatment time of both foods by approximately 30%-50% compared to a static distiller, and by approximately 25%-45% compared to a distiller using a wobbling motion profile.

[0179] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it should be understood that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for agitating a product in a distiller having a length, the system comprising: A clamping assembly configured to selectively apply a first clamping force at a first end of at least one product support and apply a contrasting second clamping force at a second end of the at least one product support; as well as A reciprocating assembly configured to apply a linear force to the at least one product support for reciprocating a non-sinusoidal motion along the length of the distiller, the reciprocating assembly comprising: A reciprocating component capable of linear motion along the length of the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion pattern; and A variable input drive mechanism is coupled to the reciprocating member and configured to drive the reciprocating member to reciprocate in a non-sinusoidal reciprocating motion along the length of the distiller. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping sub-assembly and a second clamping sub-assembly. The first clamping sub-assembly is configured to fix the first end of the at least one product support to the reciprocating member when the first clamping sub-assembly applies a first clamping force to the first end of the at least one product support. The second clamping sub-assembly is configured to fix the second end of the at least one product support to the reciprocating member when the second clamping sub-assembly applies an opposite second clamping force to the second end of the at least one product support.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The variable input drive mechanism is located outside the distiller, and the reciprocating member extends into the distiller.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The variable input drive mechanism is a hydraulic actuator.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The variable input drive mechanism includes a position feedback device configured to output one or more signals to the controller indicating the linear position of the reciprocating member.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to process the one or more signals from the position feedback device and output one or more signals to the variable input drive mechanism for activating and controlling at least one of the speed, acceleration, stroke length, frequency, and direction of the reciprocating member.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first clamping sub-assembly is configured as a rear baffle mechanism, which is configured to selectively engage the first end of the at least one product support when the reciprocating member moves in a first direction, and selectively disengage from the first end of the at least one product support when the reciprocating member moves in a second direction.

7. The system of claim 1 further includes an anti-rotation component configured to prevent the reciprocating member from rotating about its axis.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The first clamping subassembly includes a pivot arm and a first support stop, the pivot arm being pivotally fixed to a first end of the reciprocating member, the first support stop being defined on the pivot arm, and the first support stop being configured to engage the first end of the at least one product support when the reciprocating member moves in the first direction.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The second clamping sub-assembly includes a second support stop, which can move with the reciprocating member when the reciprocating member reciprocates.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The second support stop can be moved along the reciprocating member by a second drive mechanism to selectively engage the second end of the at least one product support.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The second drive mechanism is a hydraulic actuator fixed to the reciprocating component.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The stroke length of the non-sinusoidal motion is between 0.10 inches and 2.0 inches.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The stroke length of the non-sinusoidal motion is between 0.5 inches and 1.25 inches.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The product support reciprocates between the first and second ends of the distiller, and wherein the non-sinusoidal motion is at least partially defined by a plurality of strokes in a first direction.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, At least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion is performed in the range of 5-200 cycles per minute.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein, At least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion is performed in the range of 20-100 cycles per minute.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion is performed with a G-force in the range of 0.05G-2G.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion is performed with a G-force in the range of 0.3G-1G.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The reciprocating assembly is configured to change at least one of speed, stroke length, frequency, acceleration, and G-force to move the product support along the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The non-sinusoidal motion mode includes at least one of a sawtooth profile, an S-curve profile, and a trapezoidal profile.

21. A distiller system, the distiller system comprising: A processing container configured to house at least one product support; A low-friction support system for supporting the at least one product support portion to move along the processing container; A clamping assembly configured to selectively apply a first clamping force at a first end of at least one product support and apply a contrasting second clamping force at a second end of the at least one product support; as well as A reciprocating assembly configured to apply a linear force to the at least one product support for reciprocating a non-sinusoidal motion along the length of the distiller, the reciprocating assembly comprising: A reciprocating component capable of linear motion along the length of the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion pattern; and A variable input drive mechanism is coupled to the reciprocating member and configured to drive the reciprocating member to reciprocate in a non-sinusoidal reciprocating motion along the length of the distiller. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping sub-assembly and a second clamping sub-assembly. The first clamping sub-assembly is configured to fix the first end of the at least one product support to the reciprocating member when the first clamping sub-assembly applies a first clamping force to the first end of the at least one product support. The second clamping sub-assembly is configured to fix the second end of the at least one product support to the reciprocating member when the second clamping sub-assembly applies an opposite second clamping force to the second end of the at least one product support.

22. A method for processing products from a distiller of length, the method comprising: The product is arranged in at least one product support to move along the length of the distiller; A first clamping force is applied to the first end of the at least one product support and a corresponding second clamping force is applied to the second end of the at least one product support. and An actuated variable input drive mechanism is used to apply a reciprocating non-sinusoidal force along the length of the distiller, thereby causing the at least one product support to reciprocate along the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion mode via a reciprocating member in at least one of the following ways: Before the at least one product support is moved in the second direction, the at least one product support is moved by a plurality of strokes in the opposite first direction, wherein the stroke is the movement of the at least one product support along at least a portion of the length of the distiller; Before the at least one product support moves in the opposite second direction, the at least one product support is moved in the first direction by a plurality of strokes, and the movement is paused between each of the plurality of strokes; The at least one product support is moved in a first direction with a first acceleration, and the at least one product support is moved in a relative second direction with a second acceleration, the second acceleration being less than the first acceleration.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: The reciprocating member is moved in a first direction so that the first support stop engages with the first end of the at least one product support. and The second support stop is moved in a second direction to engage with the second end of the at least one product support, and the at least one support is clamped between the first support stop and the second support stop.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising moving the second support stop in the first direction with the reciprocating member.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising moving the second support stop in the first direction to disengage the second support stop from the second end of the at least one product support.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising moving the reciprocating member in the second direction to disengage the first support stop from the first end of the at least one product support.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising moving the second support stop in the second direction with the reciprocating member.

28. The method of claim 22, further comprising causing the at least one product support to reciprocate along the distiller with a stroke length between 0.10 inches and 2.0 inches.

29. The method of claim 22, further comprising causing the at least one product support to reciprocate along the distiller with a stroke length between 0.5 inches and 1.25 inches.

30. The method of claim 22, further comprising applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support in the range of 5-200 cycles / minute.

31. The method of claim 22, further comprising applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support in the range of 20-100 cycles / minute.

32. The method of claim 22, further comprising applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support with a G-force in the range of 0.05G-2G.

33. The method of claim 22, further comprising applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support with a G-force in the range of 0.3G-1G.

34. The method of claim 22, further comprising applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support during at least a first stage and a second stage of heat treatment.

35. The method of claim 22, further comprising reciprocating the at least one product support according to a first agitation motion profile for a first stage and a second agitation motion profile for a second stage.

36. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The non-sinusoidal motion mode includes at least one of a sawtooth profile, an S-curve profile, and a trapezoidal profile.

37. A method for processing products from a distiller of length, the method comprising: The product is arranged in at least one product support for movement along the distiller; A variable input linear drive mechanism is actuated by a controller to apply force linearly to a reciprocating member along the length of the distiller, the reciprocating member being fixed to the at least one product support. The variable input linear drive mechanism can be controlled by the controller to change the pause time along the length of the distiller between a first direction and a second direction, such that the pause time is greater than the motion interruption caused when the reciprocating member reverses direction, as well as the speed, stroke length, frequency, acceleration, and negative acceleration of the reciprocating member. The reciprocating component is reciprocated by the variable input linear drive mechanism, so that the at least one product support reciprocates along the length of the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion mode. The controller controls the variable input linear drive mechanism to change at least one of the following: the pause time along the length of the distiller between a first direction and a second direction such that the pause time is greater than the motion interruption that occurs when the reciprocating member reverses direction; and the speed, stroke length, frequency, acceleration, and negative acceleration, thereby defining at least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion mode of the at least one product support.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising causing the at least one product support to reciprocate along the distiller with a stroke length between 0.10 inches and 2.0 inches.

39. The method of claim 37, further comprising causing the at least one product support to reciprocate along the distiller with a stroke length between 0.5 inches and 1.25 inches.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein, The non-sinusoidal motion mode includes multiple strokes in the first direction.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising pausing the reciprocating motion of the at least one product support between each of the plurality of strokes.

42. The method of claim 37, further comprising reciprocating the at least one product support between the first and second ends of the distiller in a range of 5-200 cycles / minute.

43. The method of claim 37 further comprises applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support in the range of 20-100 cycles / minute.

44. The method of claim 37 further comprises applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support with a G-force in the range of 0.05G-2G.

45. The method of claim 37, further comprising applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support with a G-force in the range of 0.3G-1G.

46. ​​The method of claim 37, further comprising changing at least one of speed, stroke length, frequency, acceleration, and G-force to define at least a portion of the non-sinusoidal motion mode.

47. The method of claim 37, further comprising reciprocating the at least one product support between a first end and a second end of the distiller, and applying a reciprocating force to the at least one product support in a first direction with a plurality of strokes.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising pausing the reciprocating motion of the at least one product support between each of the plurality of strokes.

49. The method of claim 37, further comprising causing the at least one product support to reciprocate along the distiller in a non-sinusoidal motion pattern during at least a first stage and a second stage of heat treatment.

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising reciprocating the at least one product support according to a first agitation motion profile for the first stage and a second agitation motion profile for the second stage.

51. The method according to claim 50, wherein, At least one of the first agitation motion profile and the second agitation motion profile includes a non-sinusoidal motion mode.

52. The method according to claim 37, wherein, The non-sinusoidal motion mode includes at least one of a sawtooth profile, an S-curve profile, and a trapezoidal profile.

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