Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous production of fried dough crusts is disclosed in which the dough pieces are retained between a pair of endless conveyors, one above the other, the upper conveyor being of balanced-weave construction, the lower conveyor being of flat-flex construction, the designs of said conveyors being incapable of registering with one another. The endless conveyors traverse a part of a hot oil bath, beneath the surface of the oil in uniform, spaced, parallel relation to each other, the spacing between the conveyors being maintained within the range of 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch for confinement of the dough pieces therebetween. The oil in the cooking zone of said bath is maintained at a temperature range of about 360.degree.-410.degree. F. After exiting from the cooking bath and prior to reaching a delivery point, crusts are continuously confined and rapidly cooled.

Abstract: Data processing for an improved securities brokerage/cash management system supervises, implements and coordinates a margin securities brokerage account; participation in one or more short term money market or comparable funds; and subscriber-initiated use of electronically responsive subscriber identity credit/debit media and/or checking systems. Subscriber expenditures, effected as by "charge card" use, check and/or cash advance are applied on a hierarchal basis, seriatim, against the subscriber's free credit balance, short term investment and the lendable equity in his securities account. On a periodic basis, e.g., daily, received card charges, check, securities and deposit transactions for the ensemble of account participants are verified and employed to compute an updated credit limit for each subscriber. The transactional data is reviewed against predetermined norms to detect abuses such as check kiting.

Abstract: Downhole surge tool for completion and/or reworking of fluid-bearing wells, adapted to connection with the downhole end of a dry tubing string, the tool being actuated to provide an instantaneous full opening into the tubing of surging fluids and particulate matter inwardly from the formation and upwardly into the tubing. The downhole surge tool is characterized by its non-jammable assemblage, wherein its surge plug may not be completely reinserted upon the influence of a powerful or overwhelming backsurge. The tool includes a tubular nipple, ejectable surge plug, operably inserted into the nipple and an optional catcher sub, the plug including a positive ejection assembly which is actuated upon partial ejection of the plug, permitting limited re-entry only of the plug into the nipple. A seal is provided between the plug and the nipple, the seal being disposed above pressure relief ports within the surge plug.

Abstract: A method of applying flavorings and edible fats on to deep-frozen foods with free apportionability so as to obtain a food product ready for consumption merely by adding water and applying heat, characterized in that the intended flavoring and aromatic substances are prepared in a separate mixture and swelling substances are incorporated into this mixture, which swelling substances are capable of binding, as a result of their swelling characteristics, the free water occurring during the mixing with the deep-frozen products and also in the end product, to such an extent that a free-flowing mixture is obtained.