Importance

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Abstract

A tumbling machine for tumbling and agitating foodstuffs, for example, meat, fish, etc., under vacuum. The foodstuffs are placed in evacuable containers provided with wheels permitting the use of the containers as transport means. The tumbling machine has a substantially U-shaped frame which rotates around a horizontal axis in preferably interval-programmed rotation. For insertion and removal of the containers in the frame, the U-shaped frame is so positioned as to present its open end to the floor of the machine. In that position, the container is rolled into the frame along guide rails defining its lateral location. The depth of entry of the container into the frame is limited by the cooperation of symmetrically spaced guides on the outside of the containers, a pair of opposite guides on the containers cooperating with suitably positioned stops on the rotatable frame that limit the maximum entry of the containers and correctly position the containers with respect to the frame. When so positioned, vertical stops on the frame also prevent any vertical motion of the containers. The containers are locked in the frame by a pivotable locking bar that is secured by a screw or the like and whose center bears against the container, thereby immobilizing it. A safety frame surrounds the machine during operation and a safety switch cooperates with an access door to arrest the machine when the door is opened.

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First Claim