Abstract: The system and method for monolayer alignment snack chip transfer process a snack chip from a first to a second conveyor. By using a roll at the discharge of the toast oven conveyor that has a diameter that is substantially closer in size to the pickup roll of the second conveyor, mechanical devices for lifting the chips off of the toast oven conveyor can be avoided. Further, chip preforms' alignment in passing between the two conveyors is maintained.

Abstract: The process for making a shaped snack chip uses various components to form a chip having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. The chips are formed by sheeting into an initial flat shape. The chips are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. Once plunged to the mold shape, the chips are reduced in moisture content by baking and frying. After frying, oil is evacuated from the chips whereafter salt and flavoring is applied, if desired, prior to being packaged.

Abstract: The system and method for molding a shaped snack chip use various components to form chips having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. Essentially flat chip preforms are fed to a series of molds disposed about a mold conveyor. The preforms are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. A continuous conveyor with plungers extending outward is synchronized to operate in conjunction with the mold conveyor. At desired and determined intervals, a multiple of plungers extend downward and into the molds thereby molding the chip preforms into shaped chips. The shaped chips are evacuated from the molds and subjected to additional processing.

Abstract: The process for making a shaped snack chip uses various components to form a chip having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. The chips are formed by sheeting into an initial flat shape. The chips are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. Once plunged to the mold shape, the chips are reduced in moisture content by baking and frying. After frying, oil is evacuated from the chips whereafter salt and flavoring is applied, if desired, prior to being packaged.

Abstract: The system and method for monolayer alignment snack chip transfer process a snack chip from a first to a second conveyor. By using a roll at the discharge of the toast oven conveyor that has a diameter that is substantially closer in size to the pickup roll of the second conveyor, mechanical devices for lifting the chips off of the toast oven conveyor can be avoided. Further, chip preforms' alignment in passing between the two conveyors is maintained.

Abstract: The system and method for molding a shaped snack chip use various components to form chips having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. Essentially flat chip preforms are fed to a series of molds disposed about a mold conveyor. The preforms are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. A continuous conveyor with plungers extending outward is synchronized to operate in conjunction with the mold conveyor. At desired and determined intervals, a multiple of plungers extend downward and into the molds thereby molding the chip preforms into shaped chips. The shaped chips are evacuated from the molds and subjected to additional processing.