Abstract: Metering apparatus includes a casing defining spaced first and second chambers and respective first and second piston members sealingly slidable by applied fluid pressure in the chambers. Support member coupled to and moveable with the second piston members projects from the casing to receive a load to be metered. Located within the first piston member is a third chamber in which a plunger is sealingly slidable. The second and third chambers are in communication whereby respective opposed transverse faces of the second piston members and the plunger are engageable to determine a limit position for the second piston means in the second chamber. In a preferred application, the metering apparatus is incorporated in a block forming machine, for example a cheese block forming machine, in which the load support platform is positioned within an upright housing to receive a column of a solid medium confined within the housing.

Abstract: A closure assembly especially adapted for use with the mould of cheese block forming machines, includes structure defining an opening and a closure member mounted to the structure for movement to and from a position in which it closes the opening. Co-operable locking means on the structure and closure member include a first element fixedly mounted to a shaft for rotation with the shaft, which is in turn rotatably supported on the closure member, and a second element defining a seat for the first element in a particular rotational position of the shaft. Seated engagement between the elements at this position physically locks the closure member in its closed position. Drive means coupled between the structure and the shaft is reversibly actuable to execute a first motion in which it drives the closure member from an open condition to its closed condition and then a succeeding second motion in which it causes rotation of said shaft to effect seated engagement of the co-operating locking means.