Abstract: An extruder assembly includes a rolling assembly. An extrusion block includes a plurality of extruding ports that receive an extrudable material from the rolling assembly. A regulating mechanism is positioned within, above, or otherwise near each extruding port of the plurality of extruding ports. The regulating mechanism is operable with respect to the rolling assembly to modify a flow of extrudable material through each respective extruding port.

Abstract: An extruder (1) comprising a feed port (10), the feed port is configured to direct material towards a barrel region of an extruder, the feed port comprising a passageway, the passageway arranged to be in communication with the barrel region (11) of the extruder, and the passageway comprises a transverse cross-sectional shape which comprises three substantially rectilinear side surfaces (4a, 4b, 4c) which are arranged substantially orthogonally, and a fourth side (4d) which is non-orthogonally angled relative to two of the side surfaces which are adjacent to the fourth side.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for cutting an extruded edible material includes an extrusion assembly having a food extrusion port that extrudes an edible material in an extrusion direction. A cutter frame having a cutting edge is positioned proximate the food extrusion port. The cutting edge moves through a cutting region proximate the extrusion port in a cutting motion. First and second servo motors are operably coupled to the cutter frame, wherein the first servo motor operates the cutting edge to define a first component of the cutting motion perpendicular to the extrusion direction. The second servo motor operates the cutting edge to define a second component of the cutting motion generally parallel with the extrusion direction. The first and second servo motors combine the first and second components to define a cutting path and a return path of the cutting edge through the cutting region.

Abstract: An assembly and method for distributing lollipop sticks (9) from a common supply (5) to a plurality of stick holders (14), the assembly comprising an elongated conveyor chamber (3) for containing lollipop sticks as they are conveyed from the common supply to the stick holders, a plurality of stick holding channels, (14) spaced apart and leading from the base of the chamber, the conveyor chamber containing basal surfaces (11), (13) operative to move in each of two substantially opposite directions, and in use the base supporting a plurality of lollipop sticks, the basal surfaces comprising a first basal surface portion (11) and a second basal surface portion (13), the first basal surface portion (11) being obstructive to sticks in contact with the first basal surface portion as said first basal surface portion moves in a first direction away from the common supply (5), and the second basal surface portion (13) being relatively less obstructive to sticks in contact with said second basal surface portion (13) wh

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for the manufacture of lollipops in which lollipops (3) are transferred from a substantially horizontal condition in a hopper (4), to a substantially vertical condition in a stick retainer (7) prior to placement in sugar confectionery. The apparatus comprises a hopper (4) for holding the sticks (3) with their longitudinal axes substantially horizontal, means (5) for ejecting a stick from the hopper in a substantially horizontal direction and feeder means (6) for feeding the ejected stick downwardly into a stick retainer (7) prior to placement in the sugar confectionery, the feeder means comprising a flexible tube (8) operable to conduct the stick from the hopper to the stick retainer whilst simultaneously changing the orientation at the stick to that of a downward direction.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and method for moulding lollipops, the apparatus comprising stick receiving means (6) and a mould forming surface (3) of a mould (15), the stick receiving means being mounted for pivotal movement relative to the mould forming surface through substantially ninety degrees. In use the apparatus is passed around a circuit (34) and engagement between the apparatus and a cam track (35) is such that a stick held by the stick receiving means is pivoted through substantially ninety degrees into the mould so that confectionery material can be poured into the mould and around the stick. As the apparatus further progresses around the circuit the formed lollipop is pivoted out of the mould for release from the stick receiving means.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger has a number of adjacent plates with vents arranged to vent material from transfer bridge zones to atmosphere. An electrode extending lengthwise of the apparatus and through apertures of the plates contacts the vented material when an unacceptable level of accumulation of vented material occurs in dead spaces adjacent the apertures. A detectable change of effective electrical capacitance or resistance caused by the accumulated material approaching or touching the electrode is used to generate a warning signal.

Abstract: Apparatus 1 for sampling the contents of a pressurised vessel 2 comprises a valve 3 having an inlet 4 and an outlet 5. The inlet 4 is in communication with the interior of the vessel 2. A sample-receiving pressure receptacle 7 is connectable to the valve outlet 5 in a sealing manner, and a pressure venting line 8 is provided for equalizing the interior of the receptacle 7 with the atmosphere. When the valve 3 is open, a sample of pressurized vessel contents can enter the receptacle 7. When the valve is then closed, the sample remains in the receptacle 7. A probe 31, operable from outside the pressurized vessel 2, is provided so that, when the valve 3 is open, a sample of the vessel contents can be drawn through the valve and into the receptacle 7.

Abstract: A positive pressure dough divider comprising a hopper for dough, and a pair of rotatable sheeting rolls which carry the dough from said hopper into a transfer passage leading to a volumetric measuring chamber inside a rotating body which is adapted to stop or rotate for periods at reduced speed, such that, while the measuring chamber is being charged with dough from the said rolls, a maximum possible charging time is provided, and to move at greater speeds at other times to provide minimum possible delay between charging operations. The rolls are of sufficiently large diameter, and rotate in opposite directions at such a speed, as to produce or maintain a dough of good gas retaining properties while providing a positive pressure rise along the direction of flow in the passage between the rolls sufficient to charge the measuring chamber or chambers.

Abstract: An improved agitator structure for use in mixers for baking dough and other such food products and the like providing for improved mixing performance and speed, and useable in single-agitator or multiple-agitator embodiments, comprises an open, "shaftless" structure which incorporates straight and flat (i.e. planar) mixing blades as opposed to twisted or other complexly-curved blades, and incorporates a pair of mutually-spaced hubs aligned with one another along an axis of rotation, a pair of mutually-spaced mixer blades located generally on opposite sides of the rotational axis and extending generally longitudinally thereof along a different portion of such axis, with each such mixer blade disposed at a longitudinal angle with respect to such axis and each being connected to at least one of the hubs for rotation therewith about said axis.

Abstract: A mixer having an elongate barrel with an interior wall defining a mixing chamber, at least a pair of shafts extending axially within the barrel driven in the same direction of rotation and at the same speed of rotation, and mixing elements on each of the shafts. Radially opposite paddles are on each of the shafts, each comprising hub portions and wing portions radially spaced from the hub portions. The wing portions extend axially to overlie the hub portions and each wing portion has a radially inner surface generating the configuration of the radially inner surface of a wing portion on the radially adjacent paddle and further has a radially outer surface generating hub portions of the radially adjacent paddle, and the wall of the chamber.

Abstract: Material mixing apparatus and methods wherein a barrel defines a mixing chamber, a pair of parallel mixing shafts extend within the barrel chamber and are driven in the same direction of rotation and at the same speed of rotation, mixing elements are on each of the shafts in radial interwiping relation, the barrel has a pair of radially separated, reduced cross-section, annular discharge chambers through which the shafts extend, and one of the discharge chambers has a radial discharge port interjacent its ends, the barrel has a cross-sectionally enlarged end pass chamber through which the shafts further extend at the ends of the discharge chambers, the end pass chamber being of such cross-sectional volume relative to the conveying capacity of the other discharge chamber, as to operate in a partially starved mode at substantially atmospheric pressure, radially aligned paddle portions are on each of the shafts in the end pass chamber, shaped to wipe one another and the end pass chamber wall, one of the shafts h

Abstract: A process simulator system for analyzing the forces imposed upon a mixing paddle of a predesignated configuration utilizes a rotary container with a curvilinear interior wall surface. A shaft extends into the container from above and supports a mixer paddle having a profile surface comprising side flanks of curvilinear configuration converging to an end surface concentric with the axis of the container which is immersed in the material adjacent the container wall surface. An indicator system provided with a zero force indicator and reactive to torque or bending forces imposed by the viscous material indicates the force imposed.

Abstract: Biscuit creaming apparatus (1) comprises a stencil tube (2) rotatably mounted on a rotatable stencil sleeve (3), the stencil sleeve having spaced-apart outlet ports (5) alignable with discharge orifices (6) in the stencil tube. Alignment can take place with both the tube (2) and sleeve (3) stationary whereby cream supplied to the stencil sleeve is caused to discharge from the discharge orifices of the stencil tube at an angle, (preferably between about 45.degree. and 120.degree.), to the vertical, during air purging operation, such that a tray (47) can easily be placed in position to collect the cream for reuse. Alternatively, alignment with the stencil sleeve (3) stationary and the stencil tube (2) rotatable thereabout, causes cream supplied to the stencil sleeve to discharge downwardly and sequentially from orifices (6) in the stencil tube on to biscuit shells carried by a conveyor band 44.

Abstract: A remotely transmitting batch mixer has a bowl and a shaft carrier mounting shafts with mixers which mix material in the bowl. Drive mechanism revolves the carrier about an axis generally centrally aligned with the axis of the bowl to move the shafts relatively orbitally about the bowl, and at the same time revolves them about their individual axes. A static enclosure, which mates with the bowl, is provided for the carrier and drive mechanism. Sensor mechanism responsive to the temperature of the material in the bowl and/or to loads applied to one of the shafts is mounted on one of the shafts and connects with slip ring mechanism and an electromagnetic signal transmitter mechanism on the revolving carrier and a signal receiver mounted on the static enclosure.

Abstract: An expansible duct seal construction for a batch mixer vessel with a cover clamped to the open end of the vessel wherein a flexible duct perimetrally surrounds the cover and the end portion of the vessel adjacent the cover, the duct being secured to the sides of the vessel and including an expansion fold around its perimeter secured to the cover in a manner to prevent the escape of vaporous material. A gas under pressure is provided in the duct to balance the pressure in the duct with the gaseous pressure in the vessel and inhibit the migration of material from the vessel in the preferred form of the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling biscuits comprises a pair of identical devices for separating and holding back advanced supplies of the biscuits, which are arranged in rows, in contiguous, upright relationship, within laterally-spaced supply channels. The rows of biscuits are converted into a single row by a chute which is periodically movable sideways, to a position at the outlet end of one of the channels while the biscuit supply in the other channel is held back by a separating member comprising a "finger" movable towards and upwardly away from the path of the advanced supply of biscuits by a piston and cylinder assembly operable so that, only upward movement of a separating member takes place as positive motion, whereas the downward movement of the member is such that it is free, pausing in its movement if necessary, to make entry into the supply in a yieldable manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for sampling similar laminar articles, in particular biscuits, on a conveyor. The apparatus comprises photocells (1) for detecting the location of laminar articles (8) on the conveyor (7), an article pick-up suction head (2) positioned downstream of the photocells and in fixed relation thereto, and connections for transmitting a signal from the photocells to the suction pick-up head to actuate the latter when a laminar article is in a predetermined position with respect thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling biscuits, (or like laminar articles), comprises a plurality of article delivery channels, a reduced number of article receiving channels, and article transfer troughs disposed between the delivery and receiving channels, the transfer troughs being operable to select batches of articles from the delivery channels and to transport the batches to the receiving channels, whereby the overall number of streams of articles is reduced. The article transfer troughs are pivotally movable about substantially vertical axes, whereby one end of a transfer trough may be aligned with the outlet of one of three delivery channels, while the other end of the trough remains in general alignment with the inlet of a receiving channel.

Abstract: A positive pressure dough divider comprising a hopper (14) for dough, and a pair of rotatable sheeting rolls (15) which carry the dough from said hopper (14) into a transfer passage (16) leading to a volumetric measuring chamber (28) inside a rotating body (27) which is adapted to stop or rotate for periods at reduced speed, such that, while the measuring chamber (28) is being charged with dough from the said rolls (15), a maximum possible charging time is provided, and to move at greater speeds at other times to provide minimum possible delay between charging operations. The rolls (15) are of sufficiently large diameter, and rotate in opposite directions at such a speed, as to produce or maintain a dough of good gas retaining properties while providing a positive pressure rise along the direction of flow in the passage between the rolls sufficient to charge the measuring chamber or chambers.