Abstract: A flying system for flying a food product is disclosed having an endless conveyor system for cooking product in a bath of hot cooking oil. An upper conveyor belt of the conveyor system includes a plurality of protrusions on the surface that retains the food items with a lower conveyor belt. The protrusions may be formed by bars or rods that may be integrally formed with a fluid pervious surface forming the belt. Also, a process of cooking food items with an endless conveyor system.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions with enhanced sweetness or reduced caloric content per weight when compared to the sweetener carbohydrate or sweetener polyol component thereof, and methods for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A dough processing system for processing a U-shaped strand of dough comprising a processing head, which has two gripping means for looping the dough strand, and a shaping table, which is provided with positioning means for positioning the dough strand, wherein the shaping table is embodied as a processing table, in which various positioning means of the processing table have multiple different processing functions.

Abstract: Provided are a production device and a production method for producing layered food having an outer shape and an inner hole shape formed into a shape different from a circular shape. A production device for layered food (1) includes: a dough supply section (3) for causing liquid dough to adhere to an outer circumference of a spit (12); a dough baking section (4) for baking the liquid dough to form baked dough (11) around the spit (12); conveyance means (5) for conveying the spit (12) between the dough supply section (3) and the dough baking section (4); a forming tool (70) including a forming surface (70A) conforming to a shape of at least a part of an outer shape of the spit (12); and drive means (71) for pressing the forming tool (70) against the baked dough (11) in the shape of the layer that is formed around the spit (12).

Abstract: A method for making an expanded snack piece using supercritical fluid extrusion is disclosed. A mixture of shear thinning starch and heat-sensitive ingredients are input into an extruder, hydrated, and mixed with supercritical fluid. The extrudate can be subjected to further processing to set or alter its structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the knotting of a dough strand into a desired form, particularly for the knotting of a dough strand into a pretzel form, wherein the dough strand subject to stretching of the dough strand length is knotted around a form element that provides the desired form for a dough strand with larger starting length than the actual length of the dough strand and/or the desired form with an increased form size, whereupon the form element that establishes the desired form is removed, at least partially, so that the dough strand that was placed into the desired form contracts into a final size.

Abstract: Apparatus for looping raw dough products, in particular strands of dough preshaped to produce pretzels, comprises a device for supplying the raw dough products—e.g. a conveyor—and a loop-forming device for looping the raw dough products, in order to produce pretzel-shaped raw dough products. This device comprises sensors for detecting the ends of the raw dough products for the purpose of controlling gripping devices of the loop-forming device. The sensors for detecting the ends of the raw dough products are designed as thermal imaging sensors.

Abstract: A dough processing system for processing a U-shaped strand of dough comprising a processing head, which has two gripping means for looping the dough strand, and a shaping table, which is provided with positioning means for positioning the dough strand, wherein the shaping table is embodied as a processing table, in which various positioning means of the processing table have multiple different processing functions.

Abstract: A device, such as a tamale maker, for inserting edible filling into dough, generally includes a lower assembly and an upper assembly. The lower assembly includes an elongate cylindrical mold sleeve comprised of a plurality of separable longitudinal segments around a central cavity and a base for receiving the mold sleeve so as to define a container for receiving dough. The upper assembly comes in two forms, one having a plunger for use with masa dough having a firm consistency so it can be formed into a self-supporting shape, and one having tines for inserting a solid or frozen filling into flowable or soft masa dough. The tamale is removed from the container by separating one or more sleeve segments of the container to expose the tamale.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming substantially straight, in particular wound, croissant dough pieces (36) in a U-shape or annular shape, comprising a gripper unit (09), wherein the gripper unit (09) comprises: a gripper carrier (10); at least one retaining jaw (11, 17, 24), which is rigidly or movably attached to the gripper carrier (10) and which can be brought in contact with the dough piece (36, 37, 38, 41) on a first side; two pivot carriers (16, 23), which are each pivotably supported about a pivot axis in the gripper carrier (10) and which perform an opposite pivot motion (19, 26); and shaping jaws (18, 25), which are each rigidly or movably attached to the pivot carrier (16, 23) and which can be brought into contact with the dough piece (36, 37, 38, 41) on the opposite second side.

Abstract: A hollow body is made from a flat baked wafer cake by first juxtaposing the wafer cake with a cavity of a deep-drawing mold and then forming edge regions of the cake with a plurality of deformations out of a plane of the cake at a uniformly spacing around a periphery of the cake. Then the cake is pushed by a deep-drawing punch into the cavity to it into a hollow body and to form each of the deformations into a multilayer fold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming and baking an edible cone-shaped container, the container being of a bread dough provided with a light, flaky texture by the inclusion of solid flaked fat pieces in the dough mixture and the cone formed by an initial forming and cooking step followed by multiple baking steps.

Abstract: A cup shaped baked confectionary has light texture, uniform thickness and easy to release from the die. The cup shaped baked confectionary may be produced by mounting a dough of a cup shaped baked confectionary having desired contour shape on a top of a metallic three-dimensional baking die having desired shape of outer peripheral surface, in a condition extending horizontally with placing outer periphery thereof outside of the three dimensional baking die and heating the dough for softening the dough of the cup shaped baked confectionary to contact on the outer peripheral surface of the three-dimensional baking die and baking.

Abstract: A stamping apparatus may be used to cut a dough product having a hole from a dough sheet. The stamping apparatus may have multiple cutting blades, depending from a platen, that are configured for cutting complementary open shapes, in phases, that together form a closed shape defining the dough product periphery. The stamping apparatus may also have a tubular cutting blade depending from the platen, configured to cut a closed shape defining the dough product hole, that is nested within one of the blades that is configured to cut an open shape. The tubular cutting blade may be retractable about a finger contained therewithin that remains in a fixed position in relation to the tubular cutting blade as the blade retracts. Air trapped within the tubular cutting blade, between the finger and a cutout dough piece that does not form part of the dough product, may become compressed during blade retraction. The compression may facilitate ejection of the cutout dough piece from the tubular cutting blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the automated production of knotted dough products, in particular pretzels. Said device comprises: a shaping table (2) for horizontally supporting a U-shaped bent dough strand (46); a shaping tool (6) that can be activated to vertically support the U-shaped bent dough strand (46), the shaping table (2) and activated shaping tool (6) forming a common stop for the U-shaped bent strand (46); and a knotting head (9) for seizing the ends of the dough strand and for knotting said strand (46). According to the invention, the knotting head (9) can be displaced from a seizing position (48), in which the ends of the U-shaped bent dough strand (46) are seized, into an extension position (49), in which the dough strand is extended, then into a knotting position (51), in which the dough strand is knotted and finally into a placing position 52, in which the ends of the dough strands are placed on the central part of the dough strand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the automated production of knotted dough products, in particular pretzels. Said device comprises: a shaping table (2) for horizontally supporting a U-shaped bent dough strand (46); a shaping tool (6) that can be activated to vertically support the U-shaped bent dough strand (46), the shaping table (2) and activated shaping tool (6) forming a common stop for the U-shaped bent strand (46); and a knotting head (9) for seizing the ends of the dough strand and for knotting said strand (46). According to the invention, the knotting head (9) can be displaced from a seizing position (48), in which the ends of the U-shaped bent dough strand (46) are seized, into an extension position (49), in which the dough strand is extended, then into a knotting position (51), in which the dough strand is knotted and finally into a placing position 52, in which the ends of the dough strands are placed on the central part of the dough strand.

Abstract: For forming a ready-to-bake, endless dough ring, a dough piece is first round kneaded in a round-kneading station and then fermented in a fermenting station. In a pressure station, flattening pressure is exerted on two sides of the dough piece for a flat round piece to produce. After a relaxation interval, an inside hole is punched into the relaxed dough piece in a punching station, with a dough ring being obtained. The individual stations of a corresponding dough treatment system are connected to each other by means of a conveyor. Then secondary fermenting of the shaped dough ring takes place, which is followed by baking of a ring article. The result is an efficient method of forming a ready-to-bake, endless dough ring. Producing the baked ring article can be completely automated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming and cutting a dough sheet into a plurality of generally spherically shaped, boule-type dough products in a continuous process. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum and a plurality of cutter molds disposed on the rotatable drum for engaging, shaping and severing dough from the sheet as the dough sheet moves along the dough travel path. Each of the cutter molds including a peripheral edge portion, a base portion and a curved, annular side wall defining a concave, generally bowl-shaped internal cavity, with the peripheral edge portion establishing a cutting edge for the cutter mold.

Abstract: Process for the knotting of a dough strand into a desired form, particularly for the knotting of a dough strand into a pretzel form, wherein the dough strand subject to stretching of the dough strand length is knotted around a form element that provides the desired form for a dough strand with larger starting length than the actual length of the dough strand and/or the desired form with an increased form size, whereupon the form element that establishes the desired form is removed, at least partially, so that the dough strand that was placed into the desired form contracts into a final size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming and baking an edible cone-shaped container, the container being of a bread dough provided with a light, flaky texture by the inclusion of solid flaked fat pieces in the dough mixture and the cone formed by an initial forming and cooking step followed by multiple baking steps.

Abstract: A cup shaped baked confectionary has light texture, uniform thickness and easy to release from the die. The cup shaped baked confectionary may be produced by mounting a dough of a cup shaped baked confectionary having desired contour shape on a top of a metallic three-dimensional baking die having desired shape of outer peripheral surface, in a condition extending horizontally with placing outer periphery thereof outside of the three dimensional baking die and heating the dough for softening the dough of the cup shaped baked confectionary to contact on the outer peripheral surface of the three-dimensional baking die and baking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pocket bread and its manufacturing method for mass production and more particularly, to a manufacturing method of the pocket bread for mass production comprising a kneading process of ingredients in an appropriate ratio, a first fermentation process of the kneaded dough, a molding process of the dough to form a pocket shape, a second fermentation process of the pocket-shape dough, and a baking process in an oven, wherein a sheet of dough is folded in half in the molding process to place the sheet of dough at the bottom and top of the molding frame in the molding process; the sheet of dough is continuously cut on either side of the molding frame with a cutting knife to provide a pocket-shape dough having the molding frame therebetween; and the obtained pocket-shape dough is fermented in a concave pen having a depth of 10-25 mm to form the desired pocket shape dough in the second fermentation process.

Abstract: A reformed biscuit product suitable for forming composite frozen compositions includes a solid mixture of a particulate cooked biscuit material and a cocoa butter equivalent of a confectionery fat is described. A process for manufacturing the product includes coating the particles with the fat, compacting the mixture of particulate biscuit and fat in an agglomerate of the shape of a receptacle or coating and maintaining the shape of the compacted mixture by solidification of the fat. Also described is a process for manufacturing a composite frozen confection comprising a reformed biscuit product formed into a cone containing an ice confection such as ice cream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting food products are presented in which contrast images are generated by subtracting reference data from an acquired sample image. Processing of the data is performed on the contrast image, which results in improved defect detection.

Abstract: An edible food product in the nature of food filling (in particular a pizza filling) and an edible cone having an open upper end and a downwardly extending wall terminating in a closed lower end, with the cone forming a cavity having an edible baffle divider for receiving the filling on opposite sides of the baffle.

Abstract: A method for making a shelf-stable soft pretzel without using a caustic bath. The method substitutes several processing steps for the caustic bath, in combination with other microbal spoilage hurdle strategies, resulting in a uniformly browned, topically salted soft pretzel uniquely possessing a relatively low surface pH and long shelf life.

Abstract: The method for producing an expanded, shaped pellet products with an annular cavity includes extruding a mixture to form a tubular extrudate. This is formed by extruding dough around and through a die insert having one or more sources for injecting air, other inert gas, or liquid into an annular cavity into a portion of the tubular extrudate. After exiting the extruder, the shaped extrudate initially expands at it exits the extruder die but is then stretched so as to substantially return the extrudate to an unexpanded state. Thereafter, the stretched extrudate is cut into shaped pellets with annular cavities. Upon being further heated, for example, in a hot air puffer, the pieces are puffed to produce expanded, shaped snack products with annular cavities without the need for a dehydration and/or conditioning step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microcapsules comprising a wall and an aqueous core comprising various active agents, and prepared by the interfacial reaction in aqueous medium of Lewis acid and base wall-forming reactants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of making a toroid filled bagel dough product and the product formed thereby.

Abstract: A method for making a shelf-stable soft pretzel without using a caustic bath. The method substitutes several processing steps for the caustic bath, in combination with other microbal spoilage hurdle strategies, resulting in a uniformly browned, topically salted soft pretzel uniquely possessing a relatively low surface pH and long shelf life.

Abstract: Filled snacks, particularly filled snacks having creamy lipid-based fillings and crispy-crunchy shells. The creaminess of the filling is maintained even though it is subjected to heat during co-baking with the shell. In one embodiment, the filled snack comprises: (a) an outer shell of from about 0.07 to about 0.3 inches after baking; and (b) a lipid-based filling having a viscosity of less than about 10,000 cP before baking. In a preferred embodiment, a lipid-based nut filling is prepared from a process comprising the steps of: (1) providing a nut paste; (2) defatting a first nut paste portion to form a defatted nut flour; (3) milling the defatted nut flour to form a mono-modal nut solids flour; and (4) refatting the mono-modal nut solids flour to form the nut filling by combining the mono-modal nut solids flour with a re-fatting ingredient selected from the group consisting of added oil, a second nut paste portion, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for making a shelf-stable soft pretzel without using a caustic bath. The method substitutes several processing steps for the caustic bath, in combination with other microbal spoilage hurdle strategies, resulting in a uniformly browned, topically salted soft pretzel uniquely possessing a relatively low surface pH and long shelf life.

Abstract: A process for preparing a coated low-fat and fat-free pretzels having a surface area to inner volume ratio of from about 22 inches−1 (8.66 cm−1) to about 40 inches−1 (15.75 cm−1), a pH of about 8 or less, a digestible fat content of less than 3 g per 28 g serving, and a moisture content of from about 1% to about 4%. The large surface area to inner volume ratio permits the use of reduced concentrations of caustic solution and facilitates drying. Coated pretzels are prepared by: (1) applying a warm coating comprising a carbohydrate selected from modified starch, corn syrup solids, maltodextrins, dextrins, and mixtures thereof; water; and preferably flavoring to ready-to-eat pretzels while tumbling; (2) adding sugar and optionally salt to the tumbling pretzels; (3) removing the pretzels from the tumbling device; and (4) drying the pretzels with the products stationary. The pretzels have substantially improved texture, taste and flavor display.

Abstract: A process for producing baked snacks such as crackers and pretzels. By using this process, baked snacks can be easily produced without any restriction in the composition (moisture content, oil content, etc.) or the production procedure for avoiding blistering, as in the conventional processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are low-fat and fat-free snacks having a glossy coating and a process for making the same. Disclosed in a preferred embodiment are coated low-fat and fat-free pretzels having a surface area to inner volume ratio of from about 22 inches−1 (8.66 cm−1) to about 40 inches−1 (15.75 cm−1), a pH of about 8 or less, a digestible fat content of less than 3 g per 28 g serving, and a moisture content of from about 1% to about 4%. The large surface area to inner volume ratio permits the use of reduced concentrations of caustic solution and facilitates drying. Coated pretzels are prepared by: (1) applying a warm coating comprising a carbohydrate selected from modified starch, corn syrup solids, maltodextrins, dextrins, and mixtures thereof; water; and preferably flavoring to ready-to-eat pretzels while tumbling; (2) adding sugar and optionally salt to the tumbling pretzels; (3) removing the pretzels from the tumbling device; and (4) drying the pretzels with the products stationary.

Abstract: An automated pretzel forming machine that produces fresh unbaked pretzels with hand formed characteristics by extruding premixed dough onto a folding table. This table is moved by a bi-directional positioning stage, forming the unfolded and untwisted pretzel shape. The folding table twists the ends of the extruded dough rope then folds the twisted portion on top of the main body of extruded dough resulting in the classic hand twisted pretzel shape. The twisted and folded pretzel is transferred from the folding table through the use of a lift and rotate unit and is subjected to a patterned soda spray and salted before being unloaded from the lift and rotate unit to an existing conveyor oven.

Abstract: Disclosed are low-fat and fat-free snacks having a glossy coating and a process for making the same. Disclosed in a preferred embodiment are coated low-fat and fat-free pretzels having a surface area to inner volume ratio of from about 22 inches−1 (8.66 cm−1) to about 40 inches−1 (15.75 cm−1), a pH of about 8 or less, a digestible fat content of less than 3 g per 28 g serving, and a moisture content of from about 1% to about 4%. The large surface area to inner volume ratio permits the use of reduced concentrations of caustic solution and facilitates drying. Coated pretzels are prepared by: (1) applying a warm coating comprising a carbohydrate selected from modified starch, corn syrup solids, maltodextrins, dextrins, and mixtures thereof; water; and preferably flavoring to ready-to-eat pretzels while tumbling; (2) adding sugar and optionally salt to the tumbling pretzels; (3) removing the pretzels from the tumbling device; and (4) drying the pretzels with the products stationary.

Abstract: A single-use container is formed from a dough which includes a proportion by mass A of water in the range A.sub.min of about 30%, and A.sub.max about 35%; a proportion by mass B of a cereal flour blend of wheat and rye flour such that B is about 50%, and contains a proportion by mass B.sub.W of wheat flour and a proportion by mass B.sub.R of rye flour with the relationship, 1%.ltoreq.B.sub.W .ltoreq.49% and B.sub.R .apprxeq.50%-B.sub.W ; a proportion by mass C of meal from comminuted dried baked goods, with C being about 10%, and a proportion by mass D of vegetable oil such that D.apprxeq.A.sub.max -A+5%. The dough is placed into a mold and is baked in the mold, preferably under constant pressure. The resulting article is both water resistant and biodegradable.

Abstract: A method for making bowl-shaped snack food products, e.g. tortilla chips. The method features placing chip preforms in open bowl-shaped cavities and partially frying the chip preforms by filling them with hot oil from above. Additionally, the preforms are partially fried from below by immersing the lower portions of the preforms in a vat of hot oil and transporting them through the hot oil. After cooking the preforms to a desired moisture content, at which point the preforms retain their bowl shapes outside of or independent of the mold cavities, the preforms are removed from the mold cavities and subsequently cooked to completion in a secondary frying operation.

Abstract: A method for automated forming of a knot in a strand of dough includes providing a spacer element having an outer surface and an integral channel, and forming around this outer surface a loop from a first part of the strand. A second part of the strand is then positioned such that at least an end of the strand extends into the channel, crossing a virtual plane passing through the loop, and the spacer element is withdrawn from the loop of dough such that the strand remains in the form of a knot. A device for implementing the method typically includes a work surface with at least one aperture, a mechanical manipulator for gripping and manipulating the dough, and a displacer element aligned with the aperture and movable in a direction roughly perpendicular to the working surface to displace an end of the strand through the plane of the loop of dough to form a knot.

Abstract: A method for forming and baking food particles into a unified, shaped product, e.g., shaped like pizza, has heated top and bottom plates, the mating faces of which have recesses and protrusions for molding the desired shaped product. The bottom plate is in two parts that are abutted together when food particles are deposited thereon and during a baking period with the top plate placed thereon. After raising the top plate, the two bottom parts are moved apart to release the baked, shaped product. Cooked pasta, such as spaghetti, can be formed into a pizza-like shell.

Abstract: A food product which in one embodiment comprises a ring or cylinder of bagel dough or pizza dough wrapped around an exposed cream cheese center, and a process for producing the product wherein cream cheese wrapped in dough is sliced into bite-size pieces to form a raw composite product, followed by proofing and/or retarding, steaming, optionally freezing, and baking. The bite-sized product provides enjoyment of the distinctive golden-brown crust and chewey bagel dough crumb and also the fresh cream cheese taste, with no inconvenience of having to cut a bagel or separately store and spread cream cheese. The product is simple and economical to produce and convenient to consume.

Abstract: Edible cups containing an edible filling are prepared by extrusion-cooking ingredients which include a cereal ingredient and extruding an extrusion-cooked product strip, passing the product strip to a heated pressing device for hot-pressing the product strip while it is still thermoplastic to form cavities in the strip which define cup structures in a row and then, incisions are made between the cup structures, a food product filling is introduced into the cup structure cavity and the strip is cut so that filled cups are obtained.

Abstract: A braiding extruder for making braided products from extrusible material. The braiding extruder includes a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member, a rotatable member driving system, and an orifice blocking arrangement. The rotatable members each include a pair of orifices for extruding a strands of extrusible material therethrough. The orifices are fluidly coupled to a source of pressurized extrusible material. The driving system rotates the first rotatable member clockwise about a first axis of rotation, and rotates the second rotatable member counter-clockwise about a second axis of rotation, parallel to the first axis of rotation. The orifice blocking arrangement selectively permits and prevents the extrusion of the extrusible material from the orifices. The orifices, the driving system, and the orifice blocking arrangement extrude and braid at least three strands of extrusible material.

Abstract: A process of making a filled bagel dough product and the product formed thereby. The product has the outward appearance of a conventional bagel, but has a core filling such as a natural or imitation cream cheese provided within the bagel dough shell. More particularly, a method and device by which a conventional bagel making apparatus as found in most bagel shops can be adapted to making filled, rolled bagel dough products. The invention further concerns a bagel which, in addition to being improved in flavor and texture, can be produced with much less baking time than a conventional solid bagel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing rolled wafer cones to be filled with ice-cream and frozen for storage. The process comprises pouring dough of high sugar content on an endless, heated baking surface, forming a strip of dough; baking the strip of dough into a thick, strip of wafer; compressing the strip of wafer and at the same time or afterwards, cutting the strip of wafer into individual pieces of wafer; and rolling the pieces of wafer into cones. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dough forming apparatus generally comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned forming belts to receive and convey a piece of dough, the plurality of belts configured such that the plurality of belts form an annular passageway. A mandrel is provided which extends substantially coaxially within the annular passageway. The apparatus further comprises a drive device operable to provide simultaneous movement of the plurality of forming belts. The present invention also provides a process for forming a toroid of dough.

Abstract: A method of producing pretzels which are shaped from straight lengths of dough (S) of essentially circular cross-section which have been cut to length. A length of dough (S) is introduced into a shaping device so that it lies partly on a first surface at a first level and partly on a second surface at the same level. The two surfaces are subsequently rotated with respect to each other and one is then folded over on to the other. In addition, the length of dough (S) is guided in a clearly defined way from the moment it is delivered to the shaping device by a feed device to the time the shaped pretzel is deposited on a suitable surface. The shaping device is designed to enable a large number of very uniformly shaped pretzels to be produced within a short time.

Abstract: An improved bagel made by forming toroidal dough pieces, treating the surface of the dough pieces with a warmed acidic solution, and freezing. After storage in a frozen state, the dough pieces are thawed and baked to produce bagels at least as desirable as fresh bagels produced by conventional processes which do not use an intermediate freezing step.

Abstract: A pretzel stick having a hollow portion along a longitudinal center is prepared by baking a material which consists essentially of 100 parts by weight of grain flour, 5-50 parts by weight of saccharides, 5-60 parts by weight of oils and fats, and 0-60 parts by weight of starch. The preparation process of the pretzel stick comprises the steps of preparing the material, extruding the material through a ring nozzle so that the extruded material has a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion along the longitudinal center thereof, baking the extruded material, cutting the baked material to a constant length, and injecting a filling material having an adjusted viscosity into the hollow portion.