DOUGH CHARGING AND DISCHARGE APPARATUS Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: baking industry. SUBSTANCE: apparatus has proofer cradle with pans made in the form of cylinders wherein pistons are positioned for free sliding by gravity upon tilting of cradle and discharge of doughs. Pistons have semispherical perforated surface configured to conform with dough shape and are provided with sharpened edge. Apparatus is further equipped with box positioned so that it may be moved by rocker mechanism into site under cradle bottom in charging zone to define in conjunction with cradle pneumatic chamber. Compressed air is supplied into pneumatic chamber through openings in perforated surfaces of pistons for preliminary blowing and holding of doughs for some time interval on air layer. Such construction reduces dough adhesion to proofer cradle working surfaces and, accordingly, decreases amount of defective products, eliminates necessity of using flour dusting or anti-adhesive polymeric covering, and allows manual work for cleaning pans to be avoided. EFFECT: increased efficiency and reduced production costs. 6 dwg