Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings inherent in previous methods and systems addressing the commercial production of fried plantain slices. The improved process comprises a fully automated system which includes a sprayer assembly adapted to continually spray the cutting knife mechanism on commercial-grade slicing machines with a cleansing lubricant thereby keeping the cutting surface clean and free of debris. The improved system also includes a liquid bath for coating the freshly sliced plantains prior to immersion in a hot oil frying vat. In one embodiment, the system utilizes an edible oil as both the cleansing spray lubricant and in the liquid bath. In this embodiment, the liquid bath serves as a reservoir for the cleansing lubricant sprayer assembly. In another embodiment, the system utilizes water as both the cleansing spray lubricant and in the liquid bath.

Abstract: The method for producing extruded, farinaceous pellets includes extruding a mixture so that it expands upon exiting an extruder. This prepuffed ribbon is then subjected to stretching and cutting steps to produce pellets. The prepuffing reduces the moisture content of the ribbon so that cut pellets made from the ribbon can be immediately processed without the need for a moisture conditioning and/or dehydration step. In stretching, the extrudate ribbon is passed through a set of rollers to increase the extrudate ribbon's velocity thereby causing the ribbon to stretch. Stretching the extrudate ribbon causes a reduction in thickness along with an increase in density. After cutting, the pellets can then be expanded in a puffing stage to produce a product that has a desirable light and crunchy texture.

Abstract: An information panel that is easily installed on a vending machine spiral in order to identify the product associated with the spiral. The invention comprises a convex channel, that nests with the concave surface at the end of a vending machine spiral, and a graphics surface integral to the convex channel and oriented in the vertical plane for viewing by a consumer of the vending machine. The invention can also incorporate a prior art kicker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing seasoning on lanes of stackable chip product using a series of vibrating funnel fingers. A narrowed discharge end for each funnel finger is positioned over a lane of chips, thereby directing the seasoning on each chip and limiting the amount of seasoning that must be recycled or discarded. Oscillation of the funnel fingers insures even seasoning distribution on the chips and precludes accumulation of the seasoning on the distribution apparatus.

Abstract: Bundles of banknotes are directed singly and in succession along an infeed duct toward a station located at the top of a channel, where they are formed into a block; the channel functions as a guide along which the block is conveyed by means of a companion element, following a predetermined feed path, at the same time as a continuous strip of banding material is fed along a path transverse to this same path. The leading end of the strip is taken up and restrained by a gripper device, and as the block progresses along the channel, the strip is intercepted and forced to wrap around three faces of the block, assuming a U shape, whereupon the leading end is flattened against the remaining face and a further portion of the strip is drawn by a diverter mechanism into overlapping contact with the leading end. The strip is then cut by a knife, leaving a discrete length of which the ends are joined by a heat seal bit to form a band around the block.

Abstract: Bank notes arriving from a control machine are fed along a feed pipe which has a plurality of outfeeds, each connected to an infeed zone of a forming channel along which an accompanying element moves, equipped with a surface on which the bank notes are rested, on top of one another, by a rotary drum located between each outfeed and the respective infeed zone, forming an ordered stack. Close to the infeed zone each forming channel has a shielding wall which is mobile between a non-operating position in which the infeed zone is open, and a position in which the latter is partially closed, limiting the inflows of air which facilitate bank note feed along the pipe and the inflows of air generated by rotation of the drum. A vibrating plate on a side wall of the channel and close to the infeed zone of the channel facilitates correct bank note stacking.

Abstract: A method for processing currency notes from various sources using source-specific processing templates. For each note processed, the system detects at least one unique identifier that may be used to associate the note with a particular note printing source. In addition, for each note processed, the invention detects various note features used to make note processing determinations. For each detected note feature, processing templates are created that correspond to each different note printing source. Note processing determinations are made by applying the appropriate source-specific processing template to each detected note feature. Source-specific variations in note features are taken into account when note processing determinations are made regarding note authenticity, fitness, accounting, and tracking.

Abstract: Boxes containing banknotes are secured by a mechanism utilizing a latch plate that can be removed and replaced automatically by a device of which the parts include a top slide equipped with a pivoting arm and a pusher designed to hold the latch plate steady and in tension from two points of contact; the device is also equipped with a bottom slide carrying a gripper of which the two jaws operate in concert one with another and with the pusher and the arm to release the latch plate from the position in which it secures the box.

Abstract: Banknotes are placed for transportation purposes in cassettes comprising a container and a hinged lid, made secure by applying a seal composed of two parts that can be coupled non-releasably and are provided with latch elements appearing as curved teeth positioned to locate in the holes of lugs associated with the container and with the lid. The seals, loaded into a magazine with the two parts spread, are fed and applied to the cassettes by a unit comprising a clamp assembly with retaining pins designed to pick up the seals from an outlet of the magazine and transfer them to a gripper head presenting a pair of arms by which the two parts are taken up and restrained; the arms are mounted to respective pivots on the gripper head so that when the head is made to assume a final operating position adjacent to the lugs on the cassette, the arms can be rotated toward one another, causing the two parts of the seal to couple together with the curved teeth engaging the holes of the lugs, securing the cassette.