Abstract: An integrated front-of-house and back-of-house restaurant operations system integrates automated and manual restaurant operations into an order-based system. The system interfaces with disparate devices and systems to provide order-based monitoring and control of operations within an establishment.

Abstract: An automated food preparation system includes a sauce-dispensing system with sauce reservoirs, a scanning head, and tubes. Each of the sauce reservoirs is configured to contain a respective sauce. The scanning head includes openings each coupled with a respective sauce reservoir via a respective tube. A conveyance system transports a foodstuff between first and sauce positions. The scanning head is movable to dispense a selected sauce onto one or more regions of the foodstuff. A motor assembly is mounted to a mounting structure. The motor assembly is drivingly coupled to the scanning head and rotates the scanning head relative to the mounting structure. The scanning head includes a plate and a cylindrical shroud fixed relative to the plate. The openings extend through the plate. The plate is disposed within a cavity defined by the cylindrical shroud. The motor assembly rotates the plate and the cylindrical shroud about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A meals preparation machine and a method for preparing meals, using a meals preparation machine, configured to: receive a meal package (MP) into the meals preparation machine, the MP having an identifier thereover; detect one or more characteristics of the identifier of the received MP, using at least one sensor, outputting sensor data indicative of the detected one or more characteristics; identify a meal preparation code of the respective MP, based on the sensor data; retrieve a meal preparation plan that is associated with the identified meal preparation code of the respective MP; and control preparation of a meal of the respective MP, based on the retrieved meal preparation plan.

Abstract: An automated bun feeding and toasting system is disclosed wherein the system is to be utilized in restaurants, particularly fast-food restaurants, in order to quickly and accurately prepare food products, such as, for example, conventional hamburger sandwiches which require two buns, or Big Mac® sandwiches which require three buns, in accordance with specific patron orders. The system comprises a plurality of bun storage tubes, discharge mechanisms for discharging bun segment into a bun separator, a chute conveyor, a bun rotator, and at least one toaster appliance whereupon completion of a toasting operation, the bun segments are picked up and conveyed downstream toward a food or sandwich preparation station. All operations are automated and are under the control of a master control unit such as, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC).

Abstract: According to the invention, in a method of preparing a sandwich by introducing a filling between two mutually facing portions of a piece of bread, the following operations are performed: placing a filling on a filling support dish; placing the dish with the filling on a tilting dish support fitted with a pusher or a handle; engaging the top and bottom portions of the piece of bread or dough product on either side of the pivot axis of the dish support; and actuating the pusher or the handle to cause the dish support to tilt together with the dish towards a space for filling as defined by said top and bottom portions of the piece of bread or dough product so as to obtain an angle of inclination for the dish that is suitable for causing the filling to slide off the dish into the space for filling, while retaining the dish on the dish support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and processes for the production of sandwich food items that include filler.

Abstract: A rotating sandwich dispenser assembly includes a housing that is positionable on a support surface. A processor is coupled to the housing. A bread dispenser is coupled to the housing. The bread dispenser is operationally coupled to the processor so the bread dispenser may dispense bread. An ingredient dispenser is rotatably coupled to the housing. The ingredient dispenser is operationally coupled to the processor so the ingredient dispenser may selectively dispense sandwich ingredients onto the loaf of bread. A conveyor belt is movably coupled to the housing. The conveyor belt is operationally coupled to the processor so the conveyor belt receives the loaf of bread from the bread dispenser. The conveyor belt may transport the loaf of bread to the ingredient dispenser. A control panel is coupled to the housing. The control panel is operationally coupled to the processor so the control panel may selectively actuate the processor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the production of sandwich cookies, having a suction belt conveyor (2) disposed along a sandwiching path, the sandwich cookies being created on the suction belt (11) of said sandwiching path. Successively disposed over the suction band conveyor (2) are: a cookie depositing head (17) for depositing the lower cookies onto the suction belt (11), a first cookie feeding device (3), a first inspection device (4) for the lower cookies positioned on the suction belt (11), an application head (23) of an application device (5) for applying a filling mass onto the lower cookies, a cookie depositing head (31) of a second cookie feeding device (6) for depositing the upper cookies onto the filling mass applications of the lower cookies, a second inspection device (7) for the cookie sandwiches disposed on the suction belt (11), and a calibrating device (9); for the sandwich cookies.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, etc. for making sandwiches. For instance, some systems comprise flowable-foodstuff bags and sandwich making apparatus. The apparatus comprise trays, presses, and drives. The trays hold bread while the presses press the foodstuff out of the bags. Moreover, the presses hold the bags in fixed relation to the trays. The drives operatively couple to the tray and press and drives the press and tray to spread the foodstuff on the bread. Some apparatus include features that fix/register the relative positions of the bag and tray. Those registration features can be bite-shaped. If desired, the bag and tray can be spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the production of sandwich cookies, having a suction belt conveyor (2) disposed along a sandwiching path, the sandwich cookies being created on the suction belt (11) of said sandwiching path. Successively disposed over the suction band conveyor (2) are: a cookie depositing head (17) for depositing the lower cookies onto the suction belt (11), a first cookie feeding device (3), a first inspection device (4) for the lower cookies positioned on the suction belt (11), an application head (23) of an application device (5) for applying a filling mass onto the lower cookies, a cookie depositing head (31) of a second cookie feeding device (6) for depositing the upper cookies onto the filling mass applications of the lower cookies, a second inspection device (7) for the cookie sandwiches disposed on the suction belt (11), and a calibrating device (9) for the sandwich cookies.

Abstract: One variation of a method for dispensing toppings onto topping vehicles includes: indexing a first topping vehicle to a first position adjacent a first topping module, the first topping module comprising a first hopper containing a first topping of a first topping type; indexing a second topping vehicle to a second position adjacent a second topping module comprising a second hopper containing a second topping of a second topping type; retracting a first blade of the first topping module; advancing the first blade through the first topping; retracting a first retaining plate to dispense a topping slice from the first topping onto the first topping vehicle according to a first topping order for the first topping vehicle specifying the first topping type, the first retaining plate offset from the first blade opposite the first hopper; advancing the first retaining plate; and indexing the first topping vehicle to the second position.

Abstract: One variation of a method for dispensing toppings onto topping vehicles includes: indexing a first topping vehicle to a first position adjacent a first topping module, the first topping module comprising a first hopper containing a first topping of a first topping type; indexing a second topping vehicle to a second position adjacent a second topping module comprising a second hopper containing a second topping of a second topping type; retracting a first blade of the first topping module; advancing the first blade through the first topping; retracting a first retaining plate to dispense a topping slice from the first topping onto the first topping vehicle according to a first topping order for the first topping vehicle specifying the first topping type, the first retaining plate offset from the first blade opposite the first hopper; advancing the first retaining plate; and indexing the first topping vehicle to the second position.

Abstract: One variation of a method for dispensing toppings onto topping vehicles includes: indexing a first topping vehicle to a first position adjacent a first topping module, the first topping module comprising a first hopper containing a first topping of a first topping type; indexing a second topping vehicle to a second position adjacent a second topping module comprising a second hopper containing a second topping of a second topping type; retracting a first blade of the first topping module; advancing the first blade through the first topping; retracting a first retaining plate to dispense a topping slice from the first topping onto the first topping vehicle according to a first topping order for the first topping vehicle specifying the first topping type, the first retaining plate offset from the first blade opposite the first hopper; advancing the first retaining plate; and indexing the first topping vehicle to the second position.

Abstract: According to the invention, in a method of preparing a sandwich by introducing a filling between two mutually-facing portions of a piece of bread, the following operations are performed: placing a filling on a filling support dish; placing the dish with the filling on a tilting dish support fitted with a pusher or a handle; engaging the top and bottom portions of the piece of bread or dough product on either side of the pivot axis of the dish support; actuating the pusher or the handle to cause the dish support to tilt together with the dish towards a space for filling as defined by said top and bottom portions of the piece of bread or dough product so as to obtain an angle of inclination for the dish that is suitable for causing the filling to slide off the dish into the space for filling, while retaining the dish on the dish support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and processes for the production of sandwich food items that include filler.

Abstract: A food dispensing apparatus for preparing a sandwich. The apparatus includes a housing including a bun pocket forming mechanism, a bun transfer member, and a pair of opposing driven rollers. The pocket forming mechanism includes a motor-driven articulating cutting disc which forms a food receiving slit into a bun as the bun transfer mechanism moves the bun into cutting engagement with the cutting disc. The rollers are adapted in size and spacing to receive and squeeze food from an elongated food package opened at a distal end thereof into the food receiving slot of the bun.

Abstract: A method for producing a confectionery product from at least two pieces with at least one interface between the two pieces and including meltable material at least in parts of the interface, comprising the step of heating the interface during or after the two pieces have been brought into contact with each other. An apparatus for producing a confectionery product from two or more pieces comprising at least one heater in or downstream of a station where at least two pieces of the confectionery product are brought into contact with each other. A mold for the production of a confectionery product having at least two pieces has at least one component or portion heatable by induction heating. A heatable component, preferably a ferromagnetic component provided in the vicinity of a confectionery product, is used for partially heating the confectionery product, preferably by induction heating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a novelty sealed food product having a complex shape. The apparatus including an anvil plate and an ultrasonic horn that seals a filling within a pair of food substrates with an ultrasonic vibration and without a sealing additive, such as a carbohydrate or a hydrocolloid.

Abstract: A device for assembling orders of food from prepared food items having multiple sides on different sides of the device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system including the device and a method of assembling orders of food. Each side has a plurality of side receptacles accessible to a worker at the side. Adjacent to the sides is a holding area for holding prepared food items. Preferably the heated holding area has a central portion that is heated.

Abstract: A stencil assembly for use in depositing filling onto wafers includes a stencil tube defining a lengthwise passage for flow of filling, the stencil tube including an outer surface, and at least two axially spaced apart filling outlets passing through a wall of the tube. A first stencil die is positioned along the stencil tube and has an inner surface facing the outer surface of the tube in a region axially aligned with one filling outlet of the stencil tube, the first stencil die including at least one outlet extending from the inner surface of the first stencil die to an outer surface of the first stencil die.

Abstract: A method for forming a number of side by side lying rows of objects such as for producing sandwich biscuits. Firstly the products being supplied to the even channels are turned over and, as well as the not turned over products are brought on a conveyor belt. In a second step by means of a continuous rotatable first roller positioned above the conveyor belt and being provided with pins a product can be released from each channel and the next product can be stopped for the formation of rows of turned over and not turned over products running in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. Thereupon by means of rollers at least one of which is movable in axial direction, the turned over and not turned over products are moved in longitudinal and transverse direction to obtain alternate transverse rows of turned over and not turned over products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the production of sandwich cookies, having a suction belt conveyor (2) disposed along a sandwiching path, the sandwich cookies being created on the suction belt (11) of said sandwiching path. Successively disposed over the suction band conveyor (2) are: a cookie depositing head (17) for depositing the lower cookies onto the suction belt (11), a first cookie feeding device (3), a first inspection device (4) for the lower cookies positioned on the suction belt (11), an application head (23) of an application device (5) for applying a filling mass onto the lower cookies, a cookie depositing head (31) of a second cookie feeding device (6) for depositing the upper cookies onto the filling mass applications of the lower cookies, a second inspection device (7) for the cookie sandwiches disposed on the suction belt (11), and a calibrating device (9) for the sandwich cookies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment for assembling food products, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for separating or parting stacked food products during a food production process. The invention, a de-topper, facilitates the desired parting or separation of stacked products having at least upper and lower sections defining a separation line. In parting stacked products along the separation line, the de-topper comprises a longitudinal arm and at least one primary conveying path for conveying the at least upper and lower sections of the stacked products towards the arm. A drive reciprocates the arm so that the reciprocating arm sweeps the upper sections of the stacked products from the at least one primary conveying path and onto a secondary conveying path, located outwardly thereof. The lower and upper sections are thereafter conveyed on the respective primary and secondary conveying paths away from the reciprocating longitudinal arm.

Abstract: A roller grill separating device having a clip capable of being attached to a grill roller, a center section, and upper sign clips to hold supplemental signage. The center section stabilizes the device and prevents it from rotating. The center section accommodates a cross bar, a separator bar, a thermometer, and signs. A plurality of devices can be used to form a wall or the device can be used with a separator bar and a crossover bar to create a separate area on the grill so that uncooked products do not touch cooked products. One or more device can be replaced with a flavor identification device. The flavor identification device includes a slide-in signage area for sign clips that are used for identifying and marketing different types of food products such as hot dogs. The device is inexpensive to make, is sanitary and made of a heat resistant material.

Abstract: A sandwich sealing crust removing method and apparatus also include bread marking and imaging mechanisms for one or more of indenting, embossing, coloring, cutting, and forming. The apparatus is capable of cutting the crust from a prepared sandwich having filling ingredients between at least two slices of bread in the sandwich. The cut edge area on the sandwich is also sealed to insure that the filling ingredients stay within a pocket formed in the bread. One or more element of the apparatus is also capable of embossing images onto the sandwich and/or a bread slice(s). One of a plurality of devices has removably coupled marking elements that can be used on sandwiches. The marking elements may include one or more removably coupled elements for shaping, marking, embossing, cutting, coloring, indenting, and/or other mechanism(s).

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for unwrapping a package of frangible articles bearing a wrapping material, the wrapping material having a rear portion and a forward tab, the forward tab adapted to open the wrapping material when pulled, the apparatus comprising: (a) a support member for supporting the package; (b) a grasping mechanism adapted to grasp the forward tab and to pull the forward tab so as to open the wrapping material; (c) an engaging mechanism adapted to grasp the rear portion and pull the wrapping material so as to remove the wrapping material from the frangible articles. The invention may be used in conjunction with standard confection filling, transport and packaging machinery and mechanisms.

Abstract: In order to dispense fresh sandwiches at any place and at all hours, this invention proposes an automatic sandwich dispenser which comprises a plurality of compartments in which whole fresh ingredients are stored. The dispenser comprises automatic sandwich making means which may be positioned opposite each compartment and which comprises arms for gripping and manipulating the compartments. When a consumer enters an order, the automatic sandwich making means slices each selected ingredient in a bread roll with the aid of a cutting device. Once the bread roll is filled with all the selected ingredients, the sandwich is delivered to the consumer.

Abstract: A method of making a crustless sandwich from two slices of bread with outer crusts, the method comprising: placing a first slice of bread on a platen; forming a mass of a first food spread onto the central portion of the first slice of bread in a position spaced inwardly from a marginal area where the mass is formed with an inner lower layer with an outer rim extending upwardly from the lower layer to define a closed pocket or receptacle recess in the mass; placing a second food spread in the receptacle recess; closing the receptacle recess with a layer of the first food spread generally coextensive with the mass and supported on the outer rim of the mass to encapsulate the second food spread into a center composite food layer; placing a second slice of bread over the first slice to cover the center composite food layer; cutting the bread slices in unison in a cut pattern to remove the crusts of the slices; and, pressing the two bread slices together by force through the slices against a pressure surface on t

Abstract: A method and apparatus for withdrawing a sleeve with sandwich fixings therein from an opening in a bread bun while resisting the sandwich fixings from exiting the bun includes a holding area with a longitudinal axis to receive a sandwich with a sleeve therein. A gripper is disposed with respect to the holding area to selectively grasp the sleeve when the sandwich is in the holding area. The gripper can include a hook extendable through a hole in the sleeve. A stopper is associated with the holding area and positionable at the opening in the bread bun and at one end of the sleeve. The gripper and the holding area with the stopper are displaceable with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis to withdraw the sleeve from the bread bun.

Abstract: A sandwich preparation apparatus mounts a plurality of sandwich holder members arranged to receive, support and retain a sandwich in a partially open, generally upright condition for convenient filling with various, desired food ingredients and condiments, each of the plurality of sandwich holder members having an order card holder associated therewith for identifying each particular sandwich being prepared so that identification of each one of different multiple sandwiches is maintained throughout their concurrent preparation and as the apparatus is carried from place to place about a sandwich preparation area during the preparation of the sandwiches. After a sandwich is completed, an opened sandwich bag may be placed over the end portion of a sandwich holder member and a sandwich supported thereon simply pushed, in sliding fashion directly into the bag which may be given to a customer as a completed, packaged sandwich product.

Abstract: A cream depositor assembly has a depositor body in the form of a rotatable cylindrical stencil (11) provided with axially-spaced sets of circumferentially-spaced outlet ports (12). A recirculatory cream supply to the depositor body has a cream feed duct (27) fed by a pump (25), and a cream return duct (28). A cream diverting means (14) is housed within the interior of the stencil (11) and is operative to divert part of the cream flow from the feed duct (27) to an outlet passage (28), to supply the stencil. The illustrated diverting means (14) employs a flexible impeller (36), mounted eccentrically within a cylindrical rotor chamber, but a gear pump may be used.

Abstract: Filled wafer blocks are made by feeding preliminary blocks at a lower level to a stacking station and then feeding a wafer sheet coated on an upper side with a spread to that location, gripping them and inverting them as they are laid on the lower block to form a filled block in the production of filled wafers and the like. The filled wafer blocks can also have uncoated sheets laid onto the blocks.