feed rod assembly

Abstract

This document describes a feeder bar assembly for a confectionery forming machine, wherein the feeder bar arrangement comprises: a first feeder bar set with a pair of elongated feeder bars, each elongated feeder bar comprising a plurality of lugs, wherein the first feeder bar set is movable between a raised position for engaging one or more confectionery forming trays and a lowered position for disengaging from the one or more confectionery forming trays; a second feeder bar set with a pair of elongated feeder bars, each elongated feeder bar comprising a plurality of lugs, wherein the second feeder bar set is movable between a raised position for engaging one or more confectionery forming trays and a lowered position for disengaging from the one or more confectionery forming trays;a feed rod lifter designed to move the first and second feed rod sets between their respective raised and lowered positions.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] This application claims priority from Australian patent application No. 2024904087, filed on December 10, 2024. The entire disclosure of Australian patent application No. 2024904087 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to confectionery forming machines and in particular, but not exclusively, to feed bar assemblies for confectionery forming machines and methods for operating them. BACKGROUND

[0003] In confectionery manufacturing, operating a confectionery forming machine (starch mogul) typically involves filling confectionery trays with starch and forming indentations in the starch. These indentations provide a variety of cavities, and liquid is delivered into these cavities to form the confectionery after the starch has hardened.

[0004] The industry standard for moving (indexing) trays through a confectionery forming machine involves using a set or pair of feeder bars, with the feeder bars sequentially performing the following actions: a) pushing the trays from a first position to a second position by a predetermined distance; b) disengaging the trays; c) returning to the first position; d) re-engaging the trays; and e) pushing again. The return stroke of such feeder bars must be as rapid as possible to avoid "dead time" (i.e., periods when the trays are stationary) and to move a high number of trays per minute. Accordingly, such known mechanisms require an aggressive acceleration and deceleration profile of the feeder bar, resulting in shocks and vibrations that are transmitted to the trays, in turn causing cracks in the starch-molded forms.Known mechanisms may also have lower precision and accuracy in the positioning of the shells, leading to misalignment of the shells during the confectionery forming process. SUMMARY

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to substantially eliminate or at least mitigate one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least to provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0006] Disclosed herein is a feed rod assembly for a confectionery forming machine, wherein the feed rod arrangement comprises: a first feed rod set comprising a pair of elongated feed rods, each elongated feed rod comprising a plurality of lugs, wherein the first feed rod set is movable between a raised position for coupling into one or more confectionery mold trays and a lowered position for uncoupling from the one or more confectionery mold trays; a second feed rod set with a pair of elongated feed rods, each elongated feed rod comprising a plurality of lugs, wherein the second feed rod set is movable between a raised position for coupling into one or more confectionery mold trays and a lowered position for uncoupling from the one or more confectionery mold trays; a feed rod lifter designed to move the first and second feed rod sets between their respective raised and lowered positions.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the feed rod lifter moves the first feed rod set from the lowered position to the raised position, while simultaneously moving the second feed rod set from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the first feed rod assembly is movable in a first direction from a starting position to an end position to complete a first full stroke. In such embodiments, the second feed rod assembly is movable in a second direction opposite to the first. In such embodiments, the first feed rod assembly is movable by a distance equal to the distance moved by the second feed rod assembly.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the first feed rod set is lowered after completion of the first full stroke, while the second feed rod set is raised.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the second feed rod set is movable in a first direction from a starting position to an end position to perform a second complete stroke. In such an embodiment, the first feed rod set is movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In such an embodiment, the second feed rod set is movable by a distance equal to the distance moved by the first feed rod set.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the second feed rod set is lowered after completion of the second full stroke, while the first feed rod set is raised to begin the first full stroke and continue a motion profile of the feed rod assembly.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the first and second feed rod sets can be arranged below the one or more confectionery forming trays of the confectionery forming machine.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the first feed rod set can be arranged on a first side of the one or more confectionery mold trays and the second feed rod set can be arranged on a second side of the one or more confectionery mold trays.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first and second feed rod sets can be arranged above one or more confectionery forming trays of the confectionery forming machine.

[0015] Also disclosed is a method for operating a feeder bar assembly for a confectionery forming machine, wherein the feeder bar assembly comprises a first feeder bar set and a second feeder bar set, wherein the method includes the following steps: Moving the first feed rod set from a lowered position to a raised position to engage one or more confectionery mold trays, while simultaneously moving the second feed rod set from a raised position to a lowered position; Moving the first set of feed rods in a first direction from a starting position to an end position to perform a first complete stroke; Moving the first feed rod set from the raised position to the lowered position to disengage the one or more confectionery mold trays, while simultaneously moving the second feed rod set from a lowered position to a raised position to engage the one or more confectionery mold trays; and Moving the second feed rod set in the first direction from a starting position to an end position to perform a second complete stroke.

[0016] Also disclosed is a feed rod assembly for a confectionery forming machine, wherein the feed rod arrangement comprises: a first feed rod set having a pair of elongated feed rods, each elongated feed rod comprising a plurality of lugs, wherein the first feed rod set is movable between a first position for coupling into one or more confectionery mold trays and a second position for uncoupling from the one or more confectionery mold trays; a second feed rod set having a pair of elongated feed rods, each elongated feed rod including a plurality of lugs, wherein the second feed rod set is movable between a first position for coupling into one or more confectionery mold trays and a second position for uncoupling from the one or more confectionery mold trays; a feed rod mover designed to move the first and second feed rod sets between their respective first and second positions.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, in the first position, the feed rods of the first feed rod set are closer to a line of trays than the feed rods of the second feed rod set, and in the second position, the feed rods of the second feed rod set are closer to the line of trays than the feed rods of the first feed rod set. In such an embodiment, the feed rod mover moves the first feed rod set from the second position to the first position and simultaneously moves the second feed rod set from the first position to the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] For a better understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts and in which: Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 schematic side views of an assembly according to an embodiment, showing different stages of a movement profile; Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 schematic side views of the in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. The four assemblies shown represent different stages of a subsequent movement profile; and Fig. 9 a schematic end view of the in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. The feed rod assembly shown in section 4 is; Fig. 10 a schematic end view of the in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. The feed rod assembly shown in section 8 is; Fig. 11 is a schematic top view of a feed rod assembly according to a further embodiment, showing different phases of a motion profile; Fig. 12 is a schematic top view of the in Fig. 11 Feed rod assembly shown, which demonstrates various phases of a subsequent motion profile; and Fig. 13 is a schematic end view of the in Fig. 11 feed rod assembly shown; and Fig. 14 is a schematic end view of the in Fig. 12 feed rod assembly shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings schematically illustrates an embodiment of a feed bar assembly or system 100 for a confectionery forming machine (not shown). The feed bar assembly 100 is integrated into the machine, and during typical operation of the machine, a plurality of trays (confectionery forming trays) 105 are moved (indexed) to accommodate various stages of a confectionery forming process.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the feed rod assembly 100 and various components thereof are arranged below the plurality of shells 105 and can thus engage with the shells 105 from below. However, it is provided that in other embodiments one or more components of the feed rod assembly 100 can be arranged on the side or sides of the shells 105 in order to engage with the shells 105 from the side. Alternatively, in other embodiments one or more components of the feed rod assembly 100 can be arranged on the top of the shells 105 in order to engage with the shells 105 from above.

[0021] It is also understood that the various components of the feeder bar assembly 100 can be controlled by means of one or more central processing units (not shown) associated with the confectionery forming machine or its subassemblies. The various components of the feeder bar assembly 100 can also be supported by other components of the confectionery forming machine or otherwise functionally associated with them. It is also understood that the feeder bar assembly 100 and various embodiments thereof can be integrated into or retrofitted to existing confectionery forming machines.

[0022] The feed rod assembly 100 in the illustrated embodiment comprises at least two feed rod sets or pairs, i.e., a first feed rod set 110 and a second feed rod set 115. The first feed rod set 110 comprises a pair of elongated feed rods 120, each having a plurality of feed rod lugs 125, and the second feed rod set 115 also comprises a pair of elongated feed rods 130, each having a plurality of feed rod lugs 135. For the sake of clarity, the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 (side views of the feed rod assembly 100) shows only one of the elongated feed rods from each of the feed rod sets 110, 115. An illustration of the pair of elongated feed rods 120, 130 of the respective first and second feed rod sets 110, 115 is shown in the Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 (the end views of the feed rod assembly 100) is shown. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the elongated feed rods 120 of the first feed rod set 110 are spaced the same distance (i.e., distance A) from a center line (i.e., the "tray line"), and similarly, as in Fig. As shown, the elongated feed rods 130 of the second feed rod set 115 are spaced the same distance (i.e., distance B) from the centerline. In other words, the elongated feed rods 120 of the first feed rod set 110 are spaced a first distance apart, and the elongated feed rods 130 of the second feed rod set 115 are spaced a second distance apart, and in a preferred embodiment, the first distance is greater than the second distance. The elongated feed rods 120 and 130 on each side are also spaced a distance apart to allow the pendulum motion of the first and second feed rod sets 110, 115.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the feed rod lugs 125 each project upwards from the elongated feed rod 120 and are arranged along the elongated feed rod 120 at a distance from each other corresponding to the length of each shell 105. Accordingly, the feed rod lugs 125 can engage with a front section and / or rear section of the shell 105 while the shell 105 is located between two of the lugs 125 along a length of the elongated feed rod 120. Similarly, the feed rod lugs 135 each project upwards from the elongated feed rod 130 and are arranged along the elongated feed rod 130 at a distance from each other corresponding to the length of each shell 105.Accordingly, the feed rod lugs 135 can engage in a front section and / or rear section of the tray 105, while the tray 105 is located on a section of the elongated feed rod 130 between two of the lugs 135. In other embodiments, the feed rod lugs 125 can each project transversely from the elongated feed rod 120 or in any other direction relative to the elongated feed rod 120.

[0024] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 shows three shells 105a, 105b, 105c, shown only as an example, in conjunction with a section of the first feed rod 110 at various stages of a complete stroke (as described in more detail below). In the Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 shows, again only by way of example, three shells 105b, 105c, and 105d in conjunction with a section of the second feed rod assembly 115 at various stages of a complete stroke. It is understood that each complete stroke can represent a part of the continuous motion profile of the feed rod assembly 100. It is understood that shells 105a, 105b, 105c, and 105d are shown only to easily illustrate the relative motion / positions of the first feed rod assembly 110 and the second feed rod assembly 115, and that the feed rod assembly 100 can actually operate in the same way regardless of the number of shells 105 present. In the figures, each feed rod 110, 115 is shown with five feed rod lugs 125 and 135, respectively.It is understood that the number and / or design of the feed rod noses 125 and 135 is not necessarily limited to the number and / or design shown in the drawings or described above and can be adapted according to the design requirements of the confectionery forming machine.

[0025] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 shows four stages of a first complete stroke of the feed rod assembly 100, and in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 shows four stages of a second complete stroke of the feed rod assembly 100, with the first and second strokes illustrating a pendulum arrangement between the first and second feed rod sets 110, 115. It should be noted that the stages serve only to illustrate the relative movements / positions of the first feed rod set 110 and the second feed rod set 115 in each complete stroke.

[0026] In the first full hub, as in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first feed rod set 110 is depicted in a raised position relative to the second feed rod set 115. Conversely, in the second complete stroke, as shown in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 shows the first feed rod set 110 in a lowered position relative to the second feed rod set 115. Raising or lowering the first and second feed rod sets 110, 115 can be accomplished by a single feed rod lifter or drive 140, which can be controlled to drive the movement of the first and second feed rod sets 110, 115 simultaneously. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments (not shown), each feed rod set 110, 115 can be functionally associated with a dedicated feed rod lifter / drive unit for independent control. The feed rod lifter 140 and various embodiments thereof can be arranged in any position relative to the feed rod sets 110 and 115, depending on the design requirements of the confectionery forming machine.

[0027] In the first full hub, as in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first feed rod set 110 engages in the trays 105a, 105b, 105c and moves in a first direction from a starting position ( Fig. 1) to a final position ( Fig. 4) In the figures, this first direction runs from right to left, whereby it should be understood that this first direction can also be considered a forward direction. It is understood that the bowls 105a, 105b, 105c move with the first feed rod set 110 during this first complete stroke. Conversely, in this first complete stroke, as shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second feed rod set 115 (which is in a lowered position relative to the first feed rod set 110 and is therefore not engaged with the bowls) moves in a second direction opposite to the first. In the figures, this second direction runs from left to right, and it should be understood that this first direction can also be considered the reverse direction. It is understood that the first feed rod set 110 moves in the first direction by a distance corresponding to the distance by which the second feed rod 115 moves in the second direction. In other words, after completion of the first full stroke, as shown in the figures, the second feed rod set 115 moves in the second direction. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first feed rod set 110 moved from right to left by the same distance / at the same rate as the second feed rod set 115 moved from left to right. This distance can correspond to the length of one tray and the gap between the trays.

[0028] After completion of the first full hub, as in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the feed rod lugs 125 of the first feed rod set 110 and the feed rod lugs 135 of the second feed rod set 115 are aligned (see, for example, Box 145 in Figure 4). Fig. 4). In Fig. Figure 4 shows the first feed rod set 110 in its end position, while the second feed rod set 115 is in a position shown in Figure 4. Fig. The starting position of the first feed rod set 110 is shown in Figure 1. The second complete stroke can begin immediately after the first complete stroke.

[0029] In the second full hub, as in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the feed rod lifter 140 is controlled or actuated such that the first feed rod set 110 is lowered and the second feed rod set 115 is raised, whereby the first feed rod set 110 disengages the trays 105a, 105b, 105c and the second feed rod set 115 engages the trays 105b, 105c, 105d. The second feed rod set 115 moves in the first direction from a starting position ( Fig. 5) to a final position ( Fig. 8) As explained above, this first direction runs from right to left in the figures, and it should be understood that this first direction can also be considered a forward direction. It is understood that during this first complete stroke, the bowls 105b, 105c, 105d move with the second feed rod set 115. Conversely, in this second complete stroke, as shown in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first feed rod set 110 (which is in a lowered position relative to the second feed rod set 115 and thus not engaged with the trays) moves in the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. As explained above, this second direction runs from left to right in the figures, and it should be understood that this first direction can also be considered the reverse direction. As with the first complete stroke described above, it should be understood that in the second complete stroke, the second feed rod set 115 moves in the first direction by a distance equal to the distance by which the first feed rod set 110 moves in the second direction. In other words, after completion of the second complete stroke, as shown in the figures... Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the second feed rod set 115 moved from right to left by the same distance / at the same rate as the first feed rod set 110 moved from left to right. As explained above, this distance can correspond to the length of one tray and the gap between the trays.

[0030] After completion of the second full hub, as in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the feed rod lugs 125 of the first feed rod set 110 and the feed rod lugs 135 of the second feed rod set 115 are aligned (see, for example, Box 150 in Figure 8). Fig. 8) The feed rod lifter 140 can then be controlled such that the first feed rod set 110 is raised and the second feed rod set 115 is lowered, thereby performing the first full stroke, as described in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, it can start again to continue the motion profile of the feed rod assembly 100.

[0031] It is provided that the raising and lowering of the first feed rod set 110 and the second feed rod set 115 can be controlled either simultaneously or independently. In an arrangement where the first feed rod set 110 and the second feed rod set 115 are controlled independently, both feed rod sets 110 and 115 can engage after a complete stroke, and then the set that has moved fully forward can be disengaged to ensure that the trays 105 are picked up and passed on to the next set. It should also be noted that in such an arrangement, both feed rod sets 110 and 115 can be fully disengaged to release the tray area 105 if, for any reason, a fault occurs in the confectionery forming machine.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings schematically illustrates another embodiment of a feed rod assembly or system 200 for a confectionery forming machine. It is understood that the feed rod assembly 200 functions in essentially the same way as the feed rod assembly 100 described above, with the same reference numerals being used to denote similar features. It is further understood that one or more features or functions of the embodiment of the feed rod assembly 100 described above are applicable to the embodiment of the feed rod assembly 200 and vice versa.

[0033] In this embodiment, the feed rod assembly 200 is located on the side(s) of the trays 205 to engage the trays 205 laterally. It is understood that the first and second feed rod sets 210 and 215 of the feed rod assembly 200 can have a similar movement profile to the first and second feed rod sets 110 and 115 of the feed rod assembly 100 described above. As explained in more detail below, one of the feed rod sets 210 or 215 can engage the trays while the other feed rod set 210 or 215 disengages from the trays. The engaged feed rod set can then push the trays forward by a full stroke, and the disengaged feed rod set can move by the same distance in the opposite direction, allowing the feed rod sets 210 and 215 to realign themselves.Simultaneously, the engaged feed rod set can disengage and the disengaged feed rod set can re-engage. The movement of the first and second feed rod sets 210, 215 (for example, towards and away from the center line) can be facilitated by a feed rod mover (not shown), which can be controlled to execute the movement of the first and second feed rod sets 210, 215 simultaneously or independently. It should be noted that an arrangement in which the feed rod sets 210 and 215 engage with the sides of the trays at least allows the use of the feed rod assembly 200 in existing systems, particularly in systems that conform to the industry standard for confectionery demolding.

[0034] In this embodiment, the coupling engages in the first complete stroke, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the first feed rod set 210 enters the trays 205 and moves in a first direction from a starting position to an end position in a direction indicated by the arrow 260. Fig. 11 This first direction runs from right to left, although it should be noted that this first direction can also be considered a forward direction. It is understood that the trays 205 move with the first feed rod set 210 during this first complete stroke. Conversely, in this first complete stroke, as in Fig. Figure 11 shows the second feed rod set 215 (which is positioned further from the center line relative to the first feed rod set 210 and therefore does not engage with the trays) in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Fig. In Figure 11, this second direction runs from left to right, although it should be noted that this first direction can also be considered a reverse direction. It is understood that the first feed rod set 210 moves in the first direction by a distance equal to the distance by which the second feed rod set 215 moves in the second direction. In other words, after completion of the first full stroke, as shown in Figure 11, the feed rod set 215 moves in the second direction by a distance equal to the distance by which the second feed rod set 215 moves in the second direction. Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the first feed rod set 210 moved from right to left by the same distance / at the same rate as the second feed rod set 215 moved from left to right. This distance can correspond to the length of one tray and the gap between the trays. In the Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 shows a shell reference line 265 together with a reference line 270 for the first feed rod set 210 and a reference line 275 for the second feed rod set 215. The reference lines 265, 270, and 275 provide a visual indication of the relative distances A, B, and C during different phases of the first complete stroke.

[0035] After completion of the first full hub, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the feed rod lugs 225 of the first feed rod set 210 and the feed rod lugs 235 of the second feed rod set 215 are aligned (see, for example, Detail A in Figure 11). Fig. 11) After completion of the first full stroke, the first feed rod set 210 is shown in the end position, while the second feed rod set 215 is in a position corresponding to the starting position of the first feed rod set 210. The second full stroke can begin immediately after the first full stroke.

[0036] In the second full hub, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the feed rod mover is controlled or actuated such that the first feed rod set 210 is moved away from the center line and the second feed rod set 215 is moved towards the center line, whereby the first feed rod set 210 disengages the trays 205 and the second feed rod set 215 engages the trays 205. The second feed rod set 215 moves in the first direction from a starting position to an end position. As discussed above, this first direction is from right to left in the figures, although it should be noted that this first direction can also be considered a forward direction. It is understood that the trays 205 move with the second feed rod set 215 during this first complete stroke. Conversely, in this second complete stroke, as shown in Figure 12, the trays 205 move with the second feed rod set 215. Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the first feed rod set 210 (which is positioned further from the centerline relative to the second feed rod set 215 and thus does not engage the trays) moves in the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. As explained above, this second direction runs from left to right in the figures, although it should be noted that this first direction can also be considered the reverse direction. As with the first complete stroke described above, it should be noted that during the second complete stroke, the second feed rod set 215 moves in the first direction by a distance equal to the distance by which the first feed rod set 210 moves in the second direction. In other words, after completion of the second complete stroke, as shown in Figure 12, the first feed rod set 210 moves in the second direction. Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the second feed rod set 215 moved from right to left by the same distance / at the same rate as the first feed rod set 210 moved from left to right.

[0037] After completion of the second full hub, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the feed rod lugs 225 of the first feed rod set 210 and the feed rod lugs 235 of the second feed rod set 215 are aligned (see, for example, Detail A in Figure 12). Fig. 12) The feed rod mover can then be controlled to move the second feed rod set 215 away from the centerline and the first feed rod set 210 towards the centerline, thereby performing the first complete stroke, as in Fig. 11 shown, can start again to continue the motion profile of the feed rod assembly 200.

[0038] As explained above with regard to the feeder rod assembly 100, the movement of the first feeder rod set 210 and the second feeder rod set 215 towards and away from the centerline can be controlled either simultaneously or independently. In an arrangement where the first feeder rod set 210 and the second feeder rod set 215 are controlled independently, both feeder rod sets 210 and 215 can engage after a full stroke, and then the set that has moved fully forward can be disengaged to ensure that the trays 205 are captured and transferred to the next set. It should also be noted that in such an arrangement, both the first and second feeder rod sets 210 and 215 can be fully disengaged to release the tray area 205 if, for any reason, a fault occurs in the confectionery forming machine.

[0039] It is thus evident that in the exemplary arrangement of the feeder bar assembly 100 described above, one of the feeder bar sets (e.g., the first feeder bar set 110) moves in a first (e.g., forward) direction to push the trays 105, and that then, at the end of the stroke, the other feeder bar set (e.g., the second feeder bar set 115) is ready to engage the trays 105 and repeat the movement in the forward direction. This arrangement can effectively halve the work performed per stroke (i.e., by eliminating the need for a single feeder bar set to return quickly and aggressively to the rear to prepare for the next cycle) and thus enable smoother and more efficient transport of the trays 105 through the confectionery forming machine.It can be seen that this arrangement also allows for a more precise and smoother engagement of the trays 105, thereby limiting the vibrations and shocks / jerks during movement that can cause cracks in the starch-molded shapes. Due to the improved tray control / reduction of starch cracking, the confectionery molding machine can operate more efficiently / faster (i.e., process a higher number of trays per minute), which can at least increase the production rate.

[0040] Although specific embodiments of the invention are presented and described herein, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that a multitude of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiment(s) are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or design in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description provide those skilled in the art with a practical roadmap for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that various modifications to the function and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment can be made without deviating from the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. In general, this application is intended to cover all adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0041] It should also be noted that in this document the terms “comprise,” “comprehensive,” “include,” “including,” “contain,” “have,” “with,” and all variations thereof are to be understood in an inclusive (i.e., non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, procedure, device, apparatus, or system described herein is not limited to the features, parts, elements, or steps mentioned, but may also include other elements, features, parts, or steps not expressly listed or inherent in this process, procedure, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are to be understood as meaning “one” or “several,” respectively, unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are to be understood as meaning “one” or “several.”They are used merely as designations and are not intended to impose any numerical requirements or establish a specific ranking of the importance of their objects. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] AU 2024904087

[0001]

Claims

Feed rod assembly for a confectionery forming machine, wherein the feed rod arrangement comprises: a first feed rod set with a pair of elongated feed rods, each elongated feed rod comprising a plurality of lugs, wherein the first feed rod set is movable between a raised position for engaging one or more confectionery forming trays and a lowered position for disengaging from the one or more confectionery forming trays; a second feed rod set with a pair of elongated feed rods, each elongated feed rod comprising a plurality of lugs, wherein the second feed rod set is movable between a raised position for engaging one or more confectionery forming trays and a lowered position for disengaging from the one or more confectionery forming trays;a feed rod lifter designed to move the first and second feed rod sets between their respective raised and lowered positions. Feed rod assembly according to claim 1, wherein the feed rod lifter moves the first feed rod set from the lowered position to the raised position, while simultaneously moving the second feed rod set from the raised position to the lowered position. Feed rod assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first feed rod set is movable in a first direction from a starting position to an end position to complete a first full stroke. Feed rod assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second feed rod set is movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Feed rod assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first feed rod assembly is movable by a distance corresponding to the distance by which the second feed rod assembly moves. Feed rod assembly according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first feed rod set is lowered after completion of the first complete stroke, while the second feed rod set is raised. Feed rod assembly according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the second feed rod set is movable in a first direction from a starting position to an end position in order to perform a second complete stroke. Feed rod assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first feed rod set is movable in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Feed rod assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second feed rod assembly is movable by a distance corresponding to the distance by which the first feed rod assembly moves. Feed rod assembly according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second feed rod set is lowered after completion of the second complete stroke, while the first feed rod set is raised to begin the first complete stroke and continue a motion profile of the feed rod assembly. Feed rod assembly according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and second feed rod sets can be arranged below the one or more confectionery forming trays of the confectionery forming machine. Feed rod assembly according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first feed rod set can be arranged on a first side of one or more confectionery mold trays and the second feed rod set can be arranged on a second side of one or more confectionery mold trays. Feed rod assembly according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and second feed rod sets can be arranged above one or more confectionery forming trays of the confectionery forming machine. A method for operating a feeder bar assembly for a confectionery forming machine, wherein the feeder bar assembly comprises a first feeder bar set and a second feeder bar set, the method comprising the following steps: moving the first feeder bar set from a lowered position to a raised position to engage in one or more confectionery forming trays, while simultaneously moving the second feeder bar set from a raised position to a lowered position; moving the first feeder bar set in a first direction from a starting position to an end position to perform a first complete stroke;Moving the first feed rod set from the raised position to the lowered position to disengage the one or more confectionery mold trays, while simultaneously moving the second feed rod set from a lowered position to a raised position to engage the one or more confectionery mold trays; and moving the second feed rod set in the first direction from a starting position to an end position to perform a second complete stroke. Feed rod assembly for a confectionery forming machine, wherein the feed rod assembly comprises: a first feed rod set having a pair of elongated feed rods, each elongated feed rod comprising a plurality of lugs, wherein the first feed rod set is movable between a first position for engaging one or more confectionery forming trays and a second position for disengaging from the one or more confectionery forming trays; a second feed rod set having a pair of elongated feed rods, each elongated feed rod comprising a plurality of lugs, wherein the second feed rod set is movable between a first position for engaging one or more confectionery forming trays and a second position for disengaging from the one or more confectionery forming trays; a feed rod mover configured to move the first and second feed rod sets between their respective first and second positions. Feed rod assembly according to claim 15, wherein in the first position the feed rods of the first feed rod set are closer to a line of trays than the feed rods of the second feed rod set and in the second position the feed rods of the second feed rod set are closer to the line of trays than the feed rods of the first feed rod set. Feed rod assembly according to claim 16, wherein the feed rod mover moves the first feed rod set from the second position to the first position and simultaneously moves the second feed rod set from the first position to the second position.

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