Press-couple Mold Patents (Class 99/439)
  • Patent number: 11089786
    Abstract: A two piece mold assembly is comprised of flexible material, suitable for baking wherein the two pieces are joined together in a vertical orientation or a stacked orientation and held together by an interlocking seal structure. Once joined together, the mold assembly defines an interior cavity defining a shape for a baked comestible product. A comestible substance is injected into the interior cavity through an aperture in the top of the mold assembly that is either defined by one or more of the two pieces. The interlocking seal prevents egression of injected liquid from extruding outside the mold assembly. After baking, the pieces of the mold can be peeled away from the comestible product at the interlocking seal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventors: Todd Lindsay Wirth, Fatimah Wirth
  • Patent number: 10905130
    Abstract: A mold assembly including at least three pieces that are joined together by a seal. Once joined together, the mold assembly defines an interior cavity defining a shape for a baked comestible product. A comestible substance is injected into the interior cavity through an opening in the mold assembly that is either defined by one of the three pieces or by an opening in the seal between two or more of the three pieces. After baking, the pieces of the mold can be peeled away from the comestible product by breaking the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventors: Todd Lindsay Wirth, Fatimah Wirth
  • Patent number: 10791745
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a baking mold and holding the baking mold in a desired position for baking. For a baking mold that is held together by a seal that extends around the edges of the mold, the apparatus includes a slot or trough that bisects the top of the apparatus and receives the seal within the trough. Other embodiments include receptors for protrusions from the baking mold and others include a rim that the baking mold sits over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventors: Todd Lindsay Wirth, Fatimah Wirth
  • Patent number: 9918481
    Abstract: A flexible multiple piece mold assembly with interlocking seals suitable for baking to produce a comestible baked product in complex shapes. The mold assembly includes three or more pieces, wherein each of the at least three pieces is configured to be joined by an interlocking seal to the other pieces such that when each of the at least three pieces are joined they form the mold assembly. The mold assembly defines an interior cavity for receiving a substance to be baked into a comestible product and this interior cavity defines a shape for the baked comestible. This mold assembly can be peeled away from the comestible one piece at a time. The mold assembly can have an aperture or one of the seams between the pieces of the mold assembly can be opened to receive the substance. The mold assembly may have one or more vent holes for heat release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Todd Lindsay Wirth, Fatimah Wirth
  • Patent number: 9801389
    Abstract: A cookie dough tray is formed with a substantially rigid frame having a plurality of cavities formed from an elastomeric material, each of the cavities being sized to accommodate dough for a single cookie. The cavities may include a convex bottom portion to facilitate inversion of the cavities for removal of the dough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Hauser, Jeffery David Madden
  • Patent number: 9775359
    Abstract: A system and method for producing a comestible baked product in complex shapes using cast molding. Embodiments generally include a first part and a second part, the first part, in some embodiments, being made up of at least two or more component pieces, then, the first part is detachably coupled to the second part creating an outer surface and an inner surface which create a contiguous internal hollow space that extends from the first piece to the second piece in the form of a three dimensional shape, and a means for supporting the unitary mold in a special and beneficial baking orientation. Other embodiments may include a single piece that is attachable to the rim of a cup of a multi-cup baking cup pan or a to a single, stand-alone cup pan. The interior of the mold can receive a baking cup liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Todd Lindsay Wirth, Fatimah Wirth
  • Patent number: 9635863
    Abstract: A system and method for producing a comestible baked product in complex shapes using cast molding. Embodiments generally include a first part and a second part, the first part being made up of at least two or more component pieces, then, the first part is detachably coupled to the second part creating an outer surface and an inner surface which create a contiguous internal hollow space that extends from the first piece to the second piece in the form of a three dimensional shape, and a means for supporting the unitary mold in a special and beneficial baking orientation. Other embodiments may include a single piece that is attachable to the rim of a cup of a multi-cup baking cup pan or a to a single, stand-alone cup pan. The interior of the mold can receive a baking cup liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventors: Todd Lindsay Wirth, Fatimah Wirth
  • Patent number: 9474411
    Abstract: A baking pan assembly including a frame with at least three contiguous walls defining an upper opening and a lower opening, and having a lip at least partially bordering the lower opening. The assembly further includes at least one removable sheet sized to block the lower opening of the frame, and at least one divider array sized to rest on the sheet within the frame. The array defines a plurality of compartments to receive goods to be baked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Magical Housewares LLC
    Inventor: Mary Gattineri
  • Patent number: 9010566
    Abstract: In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8926306
    Abstract: A food product press having a mold base, a press assembly having a plurality of press bodies, and blade spaces between the press bodies, a plurality of blades slidable within the blade spaces, and a blade operating mechanism for moving the blades relative to the press bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Harrison
  • Patent number: 8925759
    Abstract: In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8847117
    Abstract: There is described a method for stabilizing a post-trimming resistance of a thermally isolated electrical component made from a thermally mutable material, the method comprising: generating at least one heating pulse, the at least one heating pulse having an initial amplitude corresponding to a trimming temperature, a slope corresponding to a given cooling rate and a duration corresponding to a given cooling time; and applying the at least one heating pulse to one of the thermally isolated electrical component and a heating device in heat transfer communication with the thermally isolated electrical component, after a trimming process, in order to cause the electrical component to cool in accordance with the given cooling rate, the given cooling rate being slower than a passive cooling rate determined by the thermal isolation of the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sensortechnics GmbH
    Inventors: Oleg Grudin, Yougui Liao, Leslie M. Landsberger, Gennadiy Frolov, Lyudmila Grudina, Gerald Arzoumanian, Saed Salman, Tommy Tsang, Bowei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8701552
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for forming articles of food. The methods and devices are configured for forming exterior portions and interior portions of a food article so as to form a cavity for placement of similar or different articles of food therein. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a forming device configured for forming an exterior portion of the food article in a first step, an interior portion of the food article in a second step and an interior and exterior portion in a third step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Wesley Corporation
    Inventor: David Wesley Hanson
  • Publication number: 20140106037
    Abstract: A foodstuff treat maker operable to shape a foodstuff material into a shaped foodstuff treat. The foodstuff treat maker includes a pair of opposed forming plates shiftably attached relative to one another and presenting respective forming surfaces. One of the forming surfaces defines a protrusion and the other forming surface defines a cavity. The protrusion is at least partly received in the cavity in a forming position so that the pair of forming plates are mated with one another, with the mated forming surfaces cooperatively shaping foodstuff material applied thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: SELECT BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: William S. Endres, Blaise Wooderson, Mark T. Krasne
  • Patent number: 8651851
    Abstract: A mould for forming meat, comprising a bottom die formed as a recipient, a concavity of which faces in an upwards direction and is configured to contain the meat, a cover for closing and sliding internally of the mouth of the concavity, and elastic pusher that pushes the cover in order to compress the meat contained in the concavity of the bottom die; the elastic pusher being located externally of and by a side of the bottom die, and being singly interposed between an opposing element fixed to the bottom die and a vertically-mobile hook element fixed to the bottom die, which hook element is configured to hook the cover in order to create a constraint preventing the cover from separating from the hook element in an upwards vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fava S.N.C. di Adele Turetta & C.
    Inventor: Antonio Fava
  • Patent number: 8499684
    Abstract: For use with a baking pan of the type formed from a sheet having a plurality of frusto-conical depressions and inter-spaces between the depressions, a hole maker. The hole maker includes a plate having upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of tubes each have an upper end secured to the lower surface of the plate. The tubes each have a lower end positionable in an associated depression. The upper and lower ends of each tube are separated by a tube length. A plurality of similarly configured posts are provided. The posts each have an upper end secured to the lower surface of the plate. The posts each have a lower end positionable on the upper surface of the sheet at an associated inter-spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Upkar Premraj
  • Patent number: 8501260
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing baked goods and a mold apparatus having a cavity in a desired shape for use in said method, the mold apparatus comprising a gap that allows for venting of vapor produced during heating or baking of a mixture in the mold apparatus but does not allow any significant amount of the mixture to escape from the cavity of the mold apparatus via the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Biosphere Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Elie Helou, Jr., David A Dellinger, Ryan M Kane, Matt A Spradlin
  • Publication number: 20120285337
    Abstract: The multiple taco shaping and frying apparatus allows for five to ten tortillas to be pressed and formed into the perfect “V” shaped form and submerged into a standard home use deep fryer or pot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Randy Richard Webb, Rodney Nathaniel Webb
  • Patent number: 8191467
    Abstract: An apparatus for making puffed food products from starch-containing raw materials. The apparatus has a baking and molding chamber defined by several heatable mold elements. The mold elements are individually actuated by direct hydraulic drive systems. The hydraulic power for these drive systems is selectively derived from a common oil pressure supply system which provides continuously high oil pressure to the direct hydraulic drive system for each mold element. The apparatus also has an improved feed system enabling the supply of raw material into the mold cavity such that no material gets spilled and each mold receives an accurate predetermined quantity of raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Van Poucke
  • Patent number: 8161871
    Abstract: An apparatus for making puffed food products from starch-containing raw materials. The apparatus has a baking and molding chamber defined by several heatable mold elements. The mold elements are individually actuated by direct hydraulic drive systems. The hydraulic power for these drive systems is selectively derived from a common oil pressure supply system which provides continuously high oil pressure to the direct hydraulic drive system for each mold element. The apparatus also has an improved feed system enabling the supply of raw material into the mold cavity such that no material gets spilled and each mold receives an accurate predetermined quantity of raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Van Poucke
  • Patent number: 8109203
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing tostones, referred to herein as a tostonera, has a base member with an upper surface including a plurality of concave recesses therein and a relatively planar bottom surface. A first press member is connected to the base member along a first periphery, and has a plurality of punches equal in number and co-located with the plurality of concave recesses. The first press member hingedly connected to the base member is capable of engaging the base member when pressure is applied to the first press member. A second press member hingedly connected to the base member along a second periphery, has at least one depression therein. The depression within the second press member may be configured to permit either a series of tostones or an entire half banana to be pressed at a single time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: John Rivera
  • Patent number: 7918157
    Abstract: The invention provides in an improved pressure-baking apparatus for producing puffed crackers from a starch-containing. cereal or other food material, thereby allowing better control of expansion resp. product consistency for an enlarged range of crackers types, materials and shapes. Accordingly the apparatus has a baking mold comprises the combination of a fixed upper die plate (1,2), a lower punch plate (3,4) directly driven and supported by a cylinder/pistion unit (10), and therebetween a peripheral mold plate (6) comprising die holes (7) in registry with said upper dies (2) and lower punches (4), said peripheral plate being selectively movable in the vertical direction between said fixed upper die plate and driven lower punch plate. An hydraulic power system (11,17) integral with the apparatus is linked with drive unit (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Incomec-Cerex NV
    Inventor: René Van Den Berghe
  • Patent number: 7870820
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a jerky food product. The method comprises: (a) preparing a raw meat to obtain a moldable meat dough; (b) contacting at least a portion of the meat dough with a jerky mold apparatus having a pre-determined geometric configuration, wherein a plurality of sectors are spatially separated and defined by supported partitions arranged in a pre-determined pattern; (c) causing at least one of the partitions of the jerky mold to impale the meat dough to dispose portions of the meat dough into at least one of the sectors, thus separating the meat dough into a plurality of meat segments having a size and shape corresponding to that of the sectors; (d) removing the meat segments from the jerky mold; and (e) treating the meat segments to produce a plurality of jerky pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Antone Pivik
  • Patent number: 7770513
    Abstract: An apparatus for making an expanded food product from a starch-containing raw material includes a heatable pressure-baking and expansion mold and a raw material supply system. The heatable pressure-baking and expansion mold comprises at least one movable mold element connected to powered driving system that moves the mold element upwardly and downwardly in a vertical direction. The raw material supply system comprises a sliding plate system for transporting a given quantity of raw material from a raw material source into the mold. The driving system comprises a hydraulic cylinder directly attached to the mold element. The vertical axis of the mold element and of the hydraulic cylinder falls substantially along the same vertical line. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to a central high-pressure oil feed line of a hydraulic oil pressure generator system that continuously delivers oil at a constantly high-pressure to the hydraulic drive cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Van Poucke
  • Publication number: 20100005975
    Abstract: A mold for forming sandwich rolls, buns and the like which creates a contoured, multi-level cavitied interior for improved sandwich construction. Said mold having a first level cavity to compatibly receive an anticipated primary sandwich component (e.g. hamburger patty or other entree), under which is a plurality of second level cavities designed to systematically receive all or most of the anticipated secondary sandwich components, including some of the potentially messier ingredients like sauces, condiments, cheeses and veggie toppings. Furthermore, said molds adaptable for simple baking sheet application as well as high-speed automated bakery production lines for reducing baking raw material, time and costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Bulkeley Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7150221
    Abstract: An assembly for forming multiple individual compound desserts in a predetermined dome shape including a base tray having a plurality of recessed cavities to form a base for said compound dessert. A rack and a plurality of dome shaped bowl assemblies secured in a fixed position to said rack. Each bowl assembly is formed with a closed semi-spherical end and an open end forming a cavity, and a cover member which is mounted over said open end, the cover member having an inner bowl extending therefrom which extends into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Fletcher Morgan
  • Patent number: 7100498
    Abstract: An apparatus assembly for forming a compound dessert in a predetermined compound ring shape including a first outer ring shaped pan defining a cavity, the cavity having a dome shaped cross section with a closed circular end, an open end and a centrally positioned funnel shaped support having an upper solid planar surface. A cover including a second dome ring shaped pan of a smaller width and depth and a surrounding circular skirt is mounted to the outer ring shaped pan with the second inner ring shaped pan extending into a cavity of the first outer ring shaped pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Fletcher Morgan
  • Patent number: 6997697
    Abstract: A press for making a patty includes a substantially flat panel to contact the product to be pressed into a patty. An upstanding member is affixed to the panel. A weight member or “mould” surrounds the upstanding member. The weight member is moveable along the upstanding member between a first position where the weight member overlies the panel to facilitate the application of force to the product and a second position where the weight member is spaced from the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Loukritia Balkos, Nikolas G. Balkos, Konstantine G. Balkos, Elena Balkos
  • Patent number: 6973872
    Abstract: An assembly for forming multiple individual compound desserts in a predetermined dome shape including a first base sheet having a plurality of dome shaped bowls extending therefrom, each dome shaped bowl being formed with a closed semi-spherical end and an open end. A second top sheet is seated on the first base sheet and is provided with a plurality of dome shaped bowls of a smaller diameter than the bowls of the first base sheet, the bowls of the second sheet being mounted in the first base sheet bowls. Fasteners hold both sheets together to prevent separation caused by the expansion of the baking batter of the dessert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Fletcher Morgan
  • Patent number: 6938540
    Abstract: An apparatus assembly for forming a compound dessert in a predetermined compound ring shape including a first outer ring shaped pan defining a cavity, the cavity having a dome shaped cross section with a closed circular end and an open end. A cover including a second dome ring shaped pan of a smaller width and depth and a surrounding circular skirt is mounted to the outer ring shaped pan with the second inner ring shaped pan extending into a cavity of the first outer ring shaped pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Fletcher Morgan
  • Patent number: 6851352
    Abstract: An apparatus assembly for forming a compound dessert in a predetermined dome shape including a first outer mold having a dome shaped bowl with a closed semi-spherical end and an open end, and a ring shaped support base secured to said closed end of bowl body. A cover including a second dome shaped bowl of a smaller diameter is mounted in the chamber formed in the first mold bowl and the cover is mounted to an extended portion of the outer mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Fletcher Morgan
  • Patent number: 6840162
    Abstract: An apparatus assembly for forming a compound dessert in a predetermined dome shape including a first outer mold having a dome shaped bowl with a closed semi-spherical end and an open end, and a ring shaped planar support base secured to said closed end of bowl body. A second dome shaped bowl of a smaller diameter is mounted in the chamber formed in the first mold bowl. A lip is formed on the open end of both bowls extending outward from the open end of each bowl which holds a retainer strap assembly holding the second inner mold bowl in place within the first outer mold bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Fletcher Morgan
  • Patent number: 6789466
    Abstract: An apparatus assembly for forming a compound dessert in a predetermined dome shape including a first outer mold having a dome shaped bowl with a closed semi-spherical end and an open end, and a ring shaped support base secured to the closed end of bowl body. A cover including a second dome shaped bowl of a smaller diameter and a surrounding circular skirt is mounted to an extended portion of the outer mold with the second bowl extending to a chamber of the first outer mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Fletcher Morgan
  • Patent number: 6327968
    Abstract: A system for producing par-baked pizza crusts includes a pan formed from a unitary sheet of metal. The pan includes a number of recesses stamped into the sheet of metal, each recess being adapted to receive a corresponding dough portion. The pan also includes a ledge formed around a perimeter of the pan. The system for producing par-baked pizza crusts further includes a lid assembly formed from a unitary sheet of metal for use in conjunction with the pan. The lid assembly includes a number of lids stamped into the sheet of metal, each lid corresponding to one of the recesses of the pan. The lid assembly also includes a ledge formed around a perimeter of the lid assembly. The ledge is formed such that when the lid assembly is placed over and in contact with the pan, the ledge of the lid assembly aligns with and rests on the ledge of the pan to enclose dough portions in an enclosed gap between the lid assembly and the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Pizza Hut, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Scannell
  • Publication number: 20010033886
    Abstract: An aluminum foil mold is placed in a rigid back-up mold with a cavity matching the contour of the foil mold. Fluid food deposited in the foil mold is compressed therein by a mold top that is pressed down against the back-up mold. Heat applied to the back-up mold and mold top flows to the foil mold and fluid food therein to effect baking under pressure. Thus, a unified food product is formed in the foil mold that can protect the food product against handling damage until it is eaten. A foil mold of novel design is used to form a food product shaped like an upside-down pizza shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Paul W. Garbo
  • Patent number: 6240836
    Abstract: An aluminum foil mold is placed in a rigid back-up mold with a cavity matching the contour of the foil mold. Fluid food deposited in the foil mold is compressed therein by a mold top that is pressed down against the back-up mold. Heat applied to the back-up mold and mold top flows to the foil mold and fluid food therein to effect baking under pressure. Thus, a unified food product is formed in the foil mold that can protect the food product against handling damage until it is eaten. A foil mold of novel design is used to form a food product shaped like an upside-down pizza shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Paul W. Garbo
  • Patent number: 6224928
    Abstract: An article and method of making sandwiches. The article has a floor and a pair of side walls and is open along the top and at least one end and is sized to have a floor width which is equal substantially to the width of a sandwich to be made therewith and a side wall height which is at least equal to about the height of a sandwich to be made therewith. A bread portion of a sandwich is placed on the floor and between the side walls, and additional sandwich portions are stacked on the bread portion and between the side walls whereby the side walls constrain the sandwich over its height from falling apart as it is being stacked so that sandwiches may be made faster and with greater efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Jacobbi
  • Patent number: 6217311
    Abstract: Apparatus for portioning rice, particularly for sushi, comprises a mould (14) horizontally shiftable between a charging position, in which a row of mould cavities (15) are filled with compressed rice, and a discharge position in which the mould cavities (15) are positioned over a tray (32) to receive the rice portions (11). When the mould (14) is in the discharge position, ejector members (26) move downwardly towards the mould, the ejector members (26) and the mould (14) then moving downwardly together until an over-centre mechanism is released to move the mould (14) upwardly with a snap action which causes the rice portions (11) to be released from the mould cavities (15) and placed in the receiving tray (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sushi Express Co. Limited
    Inventor: Colin Maxwell Wade
  • Patent number: 6214399
    Abstract: A simple apparatus for molding and baking food in particulate or fluid form into edible unified products comprises a heated mold bottom with a cavity or recess, a base member at the bottom of the recess which can be pushed up by a rod that slides through the mold bottom, and a heated mold top that can be alternately brought down on, and lifted off, the mold bottom. By placing a measured quantity of food particles in the mold recess and bringing the mold top down in pressing contact with the mold bottom, the food particles are compressed for a selected baking period. The mold top is then raised away from the mold bottom and the base member is pushed up to eject the resulting unified product from the mold recess. The mold recess may be shaped to provide a snug fit with a preformed aluminum foil mold placed therein to produce unified food in a foil mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Paul W. Garbo
  • Patent number: 6176465
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for baking letters of the alphabet and/or numerals. The apparatus includes a cake pan blank foldable into a cake pan, a grid insert template and one or more space-occupying insert blanks foldable into space-occupying inserts. The grid template insert contains removable grid-defined sections which sections are selectively removable so as to leave openings in the grid template insert. The space-occupying inserts are interfitted with the openings and the grid template insert and space-occupying inserts are then placed into the cake pan so that the volume of the cake pan not occupied by the space-occupying inserts takes the shape of a letter or numeral for receiving batter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: C. M. Products
    Inventors: John F. Cooper, Claude Cummings
  • Patent number: 6136361
    Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and baking fluid food under pressure to form unified shaped products has a heated metal mold bottom with a cavity and a heated metal mold top connected to the piston rod of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder positioned for alternately pressing the mold top down against the mold bottom and lifting it away from the mold bottom. A hinge-like connection attached along a side of the mold bottom and a reversible drive mechanism associated with the hinge-like connection serve to swing the mold bottom over to an inverted position and then back to the molding position. The simple apparatus automatically ejects the molded food product from the inverted mold bottom. A siamese pair of mold bottoms united back-to-back are preferred for large-scale production of molded food shapes. Every inversion of a siamese pair of mold bottoms can discharge a molded product and form another molded product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: SBJR Restaurants Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. D'Alterio
  • Patent number: 6026737
    Abstract: A simple apparatus for molding and baking food particles into edible unified products comprises a heated stationary ring sandwiched by a heated bottom plate and a heated top plate. Both plates can alternately be brought against, and removed from, the ring. By placing a measured quantity of food particles on the bottom plate while against the ring and by bringing the top plate down on the ring, the food particles are compressed for a selected baking period. The top plate is then raised from the ring and the bottom plate is lowered from the ring so that the resulting unified product is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: SBJR Restaurants Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. D'Alterio, Paul W. Garbo
  • Patent number: 6004602
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: SBJR Restaurants Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. D'Alterio
  • Patent number: 5960705
    Abstract: A simple apparatus for molding and baking food particles into edible unified products comprises a heated stationary ring, a heated bottom plate, fitted in the ring and movable up and down therein, and a heated top plate that can be alternately brought down on, and lifted off, the ring. By placing a measured quantity of food particles on the bottom plate and bringing the top plate down in pressing contact with the ring, the food particles are compressed for a selected baking period. The top plate is then raised away from the ring, the bottom plate is pushed up so that its top face is flush with, or above, the top of the ring, and the resulting unified product is readily removed from the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: SBJR Restaurants Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. D'Alterio, Paul W. Garbo
  • Patent number: 5937743
    Abstract: A cooking device for traditional tacos is disclosed, comprised of a first mold half and second mold half, of identical crescent or arched shaped configuration. The center semi-circular central portion of the first mold half and second mold half is removed. A mold half securement device, such as spring-based clamp, is located at the apex of the present invention, and is used to secure the first mold half and second mold half together during deep frying. In the resting position, the bottom portions of the first mold half and second mold half are in mechanical interference with each other, held in place by the lateral force created by the mold half securement device. The mold half securement device is used to separate the bottom portions of the first mold half and second mold half so as to facilitate the insertion of a traditional taco within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Juanita Overstreet
  • Patent number: 5755152
    Abstract: A grain cake baking machine having an upper mold, a ring mold and a lower mold, with the upper and lower molds sliding in the ring mold and defining a mold cavity, a first drive for moving the lower mold relative to the ring mold between a vent position and an intermediate baking position, and an unload position extending to the upper end of the ring mold for discharging the cake, a second drive for moving the upper mold relative to the ring mold between a load position out of the ring mold for loading grain and unloading a cake, and a baking position within the ring mold, a third drive for loading a charge of grain into the ring mold when the upper and lower molds are in the load positions, with the first drive moving the lower mold to the load position for venting the mold cavity, and heaters for the upper and lower molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Hunt-Wesson, Inc.
    Inventor: Marvin Menzin
  • Patent number: 5752432
    Abstract: The invention is an expandable volume food preparation tool for precisely and quickly forming a quantity of dough into a plurality of uniform dough blocks having a predetermined volume and shape. Included therein is a base plate having a base opening disposed therethrough. The base opening is defined by a continuous substantially vertical interior base sidewall arranged to define a predetermined outline shape. A base volume is defined by the void enclosed by the base sidewall. To enable the user to manipulate the base plate, a handle is mounted to the base plate. Additionally, a removable primary extension plate is mounted to the base plate. The primary extension plate includes an extension opening defined by a continuous, substantially vertical, interior extension sidewall arranged to define an outline shape substantially identical to the outline shape of the base opening. An extension volume is defined by the void enclosed by the extension sidewall within the primary extension plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Charles C. Burchfield
  • Patent number: 5562021
    Abstract: A device for preparing puffed food products from cereals such as rice wherein the cereal is subjected to pressure and heat, the device comprising a mold having a cavity defined by a wall thereabouts, an interior surface extending about the cavity, a piston moveable into and out of the cavity, there being provided a recess formed in the interior surface of the cavity wall with an insert being located within the recess. The insert permits greater tolerances in the manufacture of the device and also acts as a thermal insulator to minimize thermal changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Josef Slanik
  • Patent number: 5540140
    Abstract: Machines are disclosed for making arepas from corn flour dough which is then formed into arepas in a cavity situated between abutting, opposing forming members. The cavity, when the forming members are closed with dough occupying the cavity, is of predetermined dimensions, is substantially circular in the plane where said members abut, is substantially bilaterally symmetrical with reference both to said plane and the central axis of that circular portion, and, axially from that plane, is of progressively increasing thickness dimension proceeding from said edge of said circle toward that axis. The forming members are then moved apart from each other by a distance at least equal to the axial dimension of the cavity and the arepa preform is disassociated from the forming members and its entire outer surface, but not its interior, is cooked using primarily radiant and/or convective heat, but not conductive heat to any significant extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Roberto Gonzales Barrera
    Inventors: Manuel J. Rubio, Ramiro Montelongo, Roberto C. Medellin
  • Patent number: 5514402
    Abstract: A secondary pan is positionable in a main pan in centered relationship to the main pan on top of pizza dough in the main pan to provide raised radial inner and outer peripheral dough rims of greater thickness than the central part of the pizza dough and radial inner and outer peripheral edges for decreasing the time required to bake the dough. After removing the secondary pan from the main pan, pizza topping is placed on the annular central portion of the dough or baked pizza crust and baked. Each of the pans has an inner and an outer frustoconical wall with the lower base edge of the respective wall being joined to the respective inner and outer base edge of the base of the respective pan. The minor base edges of the outer peripheral walls are joined to the respective base while the major base edges of the inner peripheral walls are joined to the respective base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Preston N. Williams