Abstract: An apparatus utilizes an object holding technique for holding a tray or discrete object while depositing an extruded dough product onto the tray or discrete object. Preferably, a conveyor transports the tray or discrete object for receiving extruded dough products. A subframe preferably moves the tray or object, by way of deflecting the conveyor, to a position with respect to a dough extruder such that dough products may be placed on the tray or object. In an embodiment, a cutoff blade may be utilized to portion the dough products. Preferably, the operation of the conveyor, subframe, extruder, and cutoff blade are controlled by a control system. The present invention is also directed to methods of portioning and placing dough products on a tray or discrete object by way of such an apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dough handling includes a first conveyor for receiving dough and having a first discharge end for discharging dough. A second conveyor receives dough and is positioned along side the first conveyor to convey in the direction of the first conveyor. The second conveyor has a second discharge end that is spaced-apart from the first discharge end. The first and second conveyors can be used to separate dough pieces from an elongated dough product such as a roll and/or phase individual dough pieces to provide them in succession for packaging or further processing.

Abstract: An authoring environment for producing content for an on-line system is described. This environment includes a story editor which can save files in a Multimedia Document Format (MDF) file. A MDF file is an OLE storage wherein one storage object holds text of the content in a Multimedia Publishing Markup Language. Other parts of the MDF file include storages for holding content search terms and storages for embedded objects.

Abstract: A multimedia publishing system where the format and content can be separated and uploaded to a server by a publisher. Usually, the format used by publishers remains reasonably constant over time, contrasted with the content which changes on a regular basis. As content changes on a regular basis, the publisher uploads only the new content to the server. When clients or customers access the server's content, the server downloads the format and content to the user's computer. Subsequent downloads of content transmits only the content since the format is cached on the customer's computer after the first download. If the publisher desires to change the format at a subsequent time, the next download of content by the customer downloads both the new layout format and the new content. This publication scheme minimizes the transmission of data in bandwidth limited environments.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading dough into a container through a container opening includes a support frame having a cam rail. An endless band is rotatable on the support frame and includes a plurality of tilting spoon assemblies mounted to the band. Each tilting spoon assembly includes a support member, a spoon, a hinge, and a push bar. The hinge joins an end of the spoon to the support member. The push bar selectively tilts the spoon from a first position to a second position relative to the support member. The push bar has a first end joined to the spoon, positioned between the hinge and a second end of the spoon remote from the first end. A second end of the push bar engages the cam rail. The cam rail includes bends to cause selective displacement of the push bar to tilt the spoon from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dough handling includes a first conveyor for receiving dough and having a first discharge end for discharging dough. A second conveyor receives dough and is positioned along side the first conveyor to convey in the direction of the first conveyor. The second conveyor has a second discharge end that is spaced-apart from the first discharge end. The first and second conveyors can be used to separate dough pieces from an elongated dough product such as a roll and/or phase individual dough pieces to provide them in succession for packaging or further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading dough product into a container through a container opening includes a spoon assembly and a carriage. The spoon assembly includes a support rail and a spoon joined to the support rail, the spoon having a discharge opening. A container holder is also joined to the support rail. The container holder supports the container proximate the discharge opening. The carriage detachably receives the support rail at at least two spaced-apart positions.

Abstract: One of the controls on a page can call an information map at the time that the page which contains the control is being rendered. The information map interface provides access to the structure of both the title and the content within the title. The control can then display this structural information in any form it desires since it renders itself on the page at the customer computer. Navigation through the title is based on the customer's interactions with the information map control, i.e., clicking on a navigation link causes the title to navigate to that location. The information map determines which piece of the title and content structure to show, and the visual form in which it is shown. Information maps may have other applications including the efficient creation and modification of timelines and geographic maps in multimedia encyclopedias (e.g., Microsoft Encarta), as well as virtual reality programs.

Abstract: The use of style sheets in an electronic publishing system is described. A style sheet is a collection of formatting information, such as font and tabs in a textual document. The style sheets described herein are applied to individual display regions (controls) on a page. Unlike previous systems, the display regions in this system do not contain any text at the time the style sheet is applied. Rather, the text, or other media such as graphics, is poured into the display region when the title is rendered on the customer's computer.

Abstract: A dough cutting and packing apparatus capable of processing and packaging dough products of differing dimensions includes a plurality of cutting plates supported adjacent one another to form an endless cutting unit. A container positioning mechanism positions a plurality of containers relative to the openings to receive the dough pieces after they are removed by the reciprocating packing mechanism. A servo motor drive actuation of both the cutter bar indexing drive system and the container advancement system allows for accurate positioning by reprogramming the servo drive for a particular product dimension rather than mechanically changing over to alternate equipment. A self-contained container advancement module can be removed and replaced with another container module suitable for delivering containers of different dimensions.

Abstract: A dough web feeding device is provided which includes a first conveyor, a drive means or motor for that conveyor, a reciprocating shuttle, and a separate drive means or servo motor for the reciprocating shuttle. The speed, amount of rotation, and acceleration/deceleration profile for the drive means of the reciprocating shuttle can be precisely controlled to facilitate adjustable dough lapping.

Abstract: A food product depositor for depositing a food product on a receptacle carried on a continuously moving conveyor. A first depositing mechanism includes an extrusion head which moves in tandem with the receptacle while extruding food product. A microprocessor is coupled to tandem scales to control operation of the depositor and to determine whether the weight of extruded food product is within a preselected target weight range. The microprocessor permits feedback control of the first depositor to adjust its performance based on factors including temperature, pressure and voids within the food product. The microprocessor actuates a second depositing mechanism if necessary to deposit a second amount of food product on the receptacle to reach the preselected target weight range.

Abstract: The present invention includes a can tester having a main body for holding a can, a mechanism for positioning and securing the can, a movable measuring portion and a mechanism for moving the movable measuring portion. The mechanism for moving the slidable measuring portion includes a first component and a second component substantially perpendicular to the first component. The present invention also includes a method for measuring a pressurization of retorted cans.

Abstract: A french fry cooking apparatus for deep-frying french fries includes a cooking unit having a plurality of frying baskets. Mounted above the cooking unit is a refrigeration unit which includes a first conveyor upon which a supply of frozen french fries is stored. The first conveyor discharges the fries onto a second conveyor which dispenses a metered quantity of fries to a delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism includes a shaft and a rotatable directional chute for directing the frozen fries from the second conveyor into any one of the plurality of frying baskets. The frying baskets are pivotally attached to the cooking unit and are each movable by way of a drive unit between a loading/draining position for receiving fries from the chute and for draining oil from deep fried fries, a cooking position for deep frying the fries, and a dump position for discharging the deep fried fries from the frying basket. Deep fried fries are discharged onto a further conveyor which takes the fries to a holding bin.

Abstract: A device for husking corn ears is disclosed. The device removes the husks and silks and at the same time avoids substantial damage to the kernels. The device includes a plurality of rollers and drive means which rotate the rollers at selected speeds in selected directions in a selected sequence. A method of husking corn comprising the steps of cutting the butt end off the ear, and positioning the ear between closely spaced rollers rotating in opposite directions to gently remove the husks is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel N-(substituted-phenyl)-5-(2,5-dimethylphenoxy)-2,2-dimethylpentanamides which are useful in preventing the intestinal absorption of cholesterol, as well as novel pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use, as well as processes for their manufacture are herein described.