Patents by Inventor David R. Zittel

David R. Zittel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8191466
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus including a tank having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, the tank having an inner wall defining a compartment and including a solid, imperforate wall portion, fluid being contained in the compartment, and a rotatable auger mounted in the compartment, the auger for advancing food product within the compartment from the inlet end toward the outlet end, the auger including flights having a flight wall with a radial edge, a clearance space being defined between the radial edge of the flights and the solid, imperforate wall portion of the inner wall. Flow of fluid through the clearance space may be inhibited. One of the inner wall and the flight wall may include a perforated wall portion. Flow of fluid between the first auger section and the second auger section may be provided through the perforated wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Maupin, David R. Zittel
  • Publication number: 20120085246
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a pressure vessel defining a compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and movable relative to the compartment between a first position, for food processing, and a second position, to facilitate cleaning, a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen, the auger being operable to advance food product within the compartment from the inlet end of the pressure vessel toward the outlet end, and a transfer mechanism including a conduit in communication with the compartment, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge and operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move food product through the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: LYCO MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Maupin, David R. Zittel
  • Publication number: 20120060700
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining an inner compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and positioned relative to the tank in a first position, and a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen for advancing food product within the tank from the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: LYCO MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin
  • Patent number: 8087349
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining an inner compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and positioned relative to the tank in a first position, and a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen for advancing food product within the tank from the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin
  • Patent number: 8087348
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a pressure vessel defining a compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and movable relative to the compartment between a first position, for food processing, and a second position, to facilitate cleaning, a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen, the auger being operable to advance food product within the compartment from the inlet end of the pressure vessel toward the outlet end, and a transfer mechanism including a conduit in communication with the compartment, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge and operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move food product through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Maupin, David R. Zittel
  • Patent number: 8006613
    Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn W. Stousland, David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin, Steve J. Schultz, Scott K. Weisman
  • Publication number: 20110072980
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus including a tank having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, the tank having an inner wall defining a compartment and including a solid, imperforate wall portion, fluid being contained in the compartment, and a rotatable auger mounted in the compartment, the auger for advancing food product within the compartment from the inlet end toward the outlet end, the auger including flights having a flight wall with a radial edge, a clearance space being defined between the radial edge of the flights and the solid, imperforate wall portion of the inner wall. Flow of fluid through the clearance space may be inhibited. One of the inner wall and the flight wall may include a perforated wall portion. Flow of fluid between the first auger section and the second auger section may be provided through the perforated wall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: LYCO MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Maupin, David R. Zittel
  • Publication number: 20110005241
    Abstract: A cooler including a compartment, a conduit including a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, food product at a first product temperature entering the first end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with and for supplying fluid through the fluid discharge, the fluid being at a first fluid temperature less than the first product temperature, the pressurized fluid source being operable to propel the fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion and to cool the food product to a temperature below the first product temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin, Scott K. Weisman, Steve J. Schultz, Jeffrey Scott Zittel
  • Publication number: 20100218688
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining an inner compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and positioned relative to the tank in a first position, and a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen for advancing food product within the tank from the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin
  • Patent number: 7735415
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining an inner compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and positioned relative to the tank in a first position, and a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen for advancing food product within the tank from the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin
  • Publication number: 20100043649
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a pressure vessel defining a compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and movable relative to the compartment between a first position, for food processing, and a second position, to facilitate cleaning, a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen, the auger being operable to advance food product within the compartment from the inlet end of the pressure vessel toward the outlet end, and a transfer mechanism including a conduit in communication with the compartment, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge and operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move food product through the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel D. Maupin, David R. Zittel
  • Publication number: 20100015311
    Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Glenn W. Stousland, David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin, Steve J. Schultz, Scott K. Weisman
  • Publication number: 20100014925
    Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Glenn W. Stousland, David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin, Steve J. Schultz, Scott K. Weisman
  • Patent number: 7500426
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank having an inlet end and a discharge end and at least one baffle divides the tank into a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein a temperature of the first compartment is greater than a temperature of the second compartment. A first drum is rotatably mounted within the first compartment of the tank such that a heat transfer medium contained in the first compartment of the tank will enter the first drum and a second drum is rotatably mounted within the second compartment of the tank such that a cool transfer medium contained in the second compartment of the tank will enter the second drum. A food product transfer device transfers food product from the first drum to the second drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin, Steven W. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20040069152
    Abstract: A frameless food blancher has a steel tank of generally U-shaped, transverse cross sectional shape and also has an open top with opposite sides. The opposite sides each have an upper edge bent inwardly and downwardly to form an upwardly facing water trough. A rigidifying steel member co-extensive in length with the trough is welded to it, and is also welded to the outer side of the tank. The trough and member form a cross section shape of triangular-box-cross-section and act to rigidify the sides. The blancher has opposite ends and an end plate is fabricated from sheet steel and has a main portion welded to each of the opposite ends of the tank. These plates also each having a leg portion integral with the main portion for supporting the blancher. The end plates are formed by being cut by a CNC laser machine which simultaneously forms a series of holes extending through the end plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin
  • Publication number: 20040069151
    Abstract: A frameless food blancher has a steel tank of generally U-shaped, transverse cross sectional shape and also has an open top with opposite sides. The opposite sides each have an upper edge bent inwardly and downwardly to form an upwardly facing water trough. A rigidifying steel member co-extensive in length with the trough is welded to it, and is also welded to the outer side of the tank. The trough and member form a cross section shape of triangular-box-cross-section and act to rigidify the sides. The blancher has opposite ends and an end plate is fabricated from sheet steel and has a main portion welded to each of the opposite ends of the tank. These plates also each having a leg portion integral with the main portion for supporting the blancher. The end plates are formed by being cut by a CNC laser machine which simultaneously forms a series of holes extending through the end plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin
  • Patent number: 6615707
    Abstract: A frameless food blancher has a steel tank of generally U-shaped, transverse cross sectional shape and also has an open top with opposite sides. The opposite sides each have an upper edge bent inwardly and downwardly to form an upwardly facing water trough. A rigidifying steel member co-extensive in length with the trough is welded to it, and is also welded to the outer side of the tank. The trough and member form a cross section shape of triangular-box-cross-section and act to rigidify the sides. The blancher has opposite ends and an end plate is fabricated from sheet steel and has a main portion welded to each of the opposite ends of the tank. These plates also each having a leg portion integral with the main portion for supporting the blancher. The end plates are formed by being cut by a CNC laser machine which simultaneously forms a series of holes extending through the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin
  • Publication number: 20020127318
    Abstract: An end plate fabricated from sheet steel for a frameless food blancher having a tank. The end plate has a main portion with opposite sides for being welded to opposite ends of the tank. The plate has leg portions integrally formed with the main portion and which extend downwardly from the blancher. The end plate has a series of holes located and cut precisely by a robotic laser machine. A steel tube is welded in the holes and extends between the end plates at opposite ends of the tank, the tubes acting to rigidify the blancher. A flange is formed by bending along each of the opposite sides of the main portions and their respective legs extending therefrom. The flange is bent at a substantial right angle to the main portion and legs to rigidify the end plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: David R. Zittel
  • Patent number: RE40232
    Abstract: A method and rotary blancher for processing food product using a heat transfer medium and directed flows of a fluid that can comprise a liquid, a gas, a vapor or a combination thereof. The directed flows can be discharged from orifices or banks of orifices that are distributed around the food products in the blancher. The flows are discharged at a high flow rate, a high pressure, or a combination of both. Where a liquid is discharged, it preferably is discharged at a flow rate of at least 20 gpm and at least 30 psi. Where a gas is discharged, it is discharged at a flow rate of at least 60 CFM at a pressure of at least 2 psi or at a flow rate of at least 10 CFM at a pressure of at least 80 psi. If desired, discharged fluid can be recirculated to save energy. To help increase agitation and help break up clumps of food products in the blancher, direct-contact mechanical agitation devices, such as baffles, can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Steven W. Hughes, Daniel D. Maupin
  • Patent number: RE42732
    Abstract: A method and rotary blancher for processing food product using a heat transfer medium and directed flows of a fluid that can comprise a liquid, a gas, a vapor or a combination thereof. The directed flows can be discharged from orifices or banks of orifices that are distributed around the food products in the blancher. The flows are discharged at a high flow rate, a high pressure, or a combination of both. Where a liquid is discharged, it preferably is discharged at a flow rate of at least 20 gpm and at least 30 psi. Where a gas is discharged, it is discharged at a flow rate of at least 60 CFM at a pressure of at least 2 psi or at a flow rate of at least 10 CFM at a pressure of at least 80 psi. If desired, discharged fluid can be recirculated to save energy. To help increase agitation and help break up clumps of food products in the blancher, direct-contact mechanical agitation devices, such as baffles, can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Steven W. Hughes, Daniel D. Maupin