Patents Assigned to J.C. Ford Company
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Patent number: 9468217Abstract: A thickness control system for a high speed tortilla sheeting machine can adjust a pinch point gap between a pair of sheeting rollers to maintain a generally uniform thickness of the produced “masa” (i.e., corn dough) sheet. The sheeting machine can include a pinch point gap adjustment device which guides at least one of the rollers through an arcuate path to thereby adjust a magnitude of the pinch point gap. The controller can direct one or more actuators to change the position of the roller along the archive path to thereby change the distance between the two sheeting rollers as desired to produce a masa sheet at the desired preset thickness.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: J.C. Ford CompanyInventors: Scott D. Ruhe, Peter A. Scherz
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Publication number: 20150110938Abstract: A thickness control system for a high speed tortilla sheeting machine can adjust a pinch point gap between a pair of sheeting rollers to maintain a generally uniform thickness of the produced “masa” (i.e., corn dough) sheet. The sheeting machine can include a pinch point gap adjustment device which guides at least one of the rollers through an arcuate path to thereby adjust a magnitude of the pinch point gap. The controller can direct one or more actuators to change the position of the roller along the archive path to thereby change the distance between the two sheeting rollers as desired to produce a masa sheet at the desired preset thickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: J.C. FORD COMPANYInventors: Scott D. Ruhe, Peter A. Scherz
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Patent number: 8770960Abstract: A reciprocating press is configured to press articles while moving in synchronicity with a conveyor belt carrying the articles. The press is driven through a rack and pinion system. The press can be used for pressing any type of article, including, but without limitation, pieces of dough for forming tortillas.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: J.C. Ford CompanyInventors: Scott Mattias, John Colwell
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Patent number: 8740602Abstract: A thickness control system for a high speed tortilla sheeting machine can adjust a pinch point gap between a pair of sheeting rollers to maintain a generally uniform thickness of the produced “masa” (i.e., corn dough) sheet. The sheeting machine can include a pinch point gap adjustment device which guides at least one of the rollers through an arcuate path to thereby adjust a magnitude of the pinch point gap. The controller can direct one or more actuators to change the position of the roller along the archive path to thereby change the distance between the two sheeting rollers as desired to produce a masa sheet at the desired preset thickness.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: J.C. Ford CompanyInventors: Scott D. Ruhe, Peter A. Scherz
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Patent number: 8347480Abstract: A comestible product sheeter is configured to provide enhanced access to the rollers and other components of the roller assembly. The one or more frame members of the roller assembly are configured to support the rollers at different vertical locations. Enhanced access is provided to both the rear and front rollers of the roller assembly by supporting one of the rollers in a cantilever configuration. The roller assembly may also be provided with a pivotally mounted cutting roller support arm to further improve access to the rollers and other components of the roller assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: J.C. Ford CompanyInventors: Scott D. Ruhe, Peter A. Scherz
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Publication number: 20120225151Abstract: A thickness control system for a high speed tortilla sheeting machine can adjust a pinch point gap between a pair of sheeting rollers to maintain a generally uniform thickness of the produced “masa” (i.e., corn dough) sheet. The sheeting machine can include a pinch point gap adjustment device which guides at least one of the rollers through an arcuate path to thereby adjust a magnitude of the pinch point gap. The controller can direct one or more actuators to change the position of the roller along the archive path to thereby change the distance between the two sheeting rollers as desired to produce a masa sheet at the desired preset thickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: J.C. FORD COMPANYInventors: Scott D. Ruhe, Peter A. Scherz
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Publication number: 20110197415Abstract: A comestible product sheeter is configured to provide enhanced access to the rollers and other components of the roller assembly. The one or more frame members of the roller assembly are configured to support the rollers at different vertical locations. Enhanced access is provided to both the rear and front rollers of the roller assembly by supporting one of the rollers in a cantilever configuration. The roller assembly may also be provided with a pivotally mounted cutting roller support arm to further improve access to the rollers and other components of the roller assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: J.C. Ford CompanyInventors: Scott D. Ruhe, Peter A. Scherz
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Patent number: 7887314Abstract: A comestible product sheeter is configured to provide enhanced access to the rollers and other components of the roller assembly. The one or more frame members of the roller assembly are configured to support the rollers at different vertical locations. Enhanced access is provided to both the rear and front rollers of the roller assembly by supporting one of the rollers in a cantilever configuration. The roller assembly may also be provided with a pivotally mounted cutting roller support arm to further improve access to the rollers and other components of the roller assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: J.C. Ford CompanyInventors: Scott D. Ruhe, Peter A. Scherz
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Publication number: 20080102152Abstract: A reciprocating press is configured to press articles while moving in synchronicity with a conveyor belt carrying the articles. The press is driven through a rack and pinion system. The press can be used for pressing any type of article, including, but without limitation, pieces of dough for forming tortillas.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2008Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: J.C. Ford CompanyInventors: Scott Mattias, John Colwell
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Patent number: 5470599Abstract: A thickness control system for a high speed tortilla sheeting machine automatically adjusts a pinch point gap between a pair of sheeting rollers to maintain a generally uniform thickness of the produced "masa" (i.e., corn dough) sheet. The control system includes a pair of sensors, a controller, and a pair of actuators. The sensors continuously monitor the distance to the surface of a produced masa sheet. The controller derives from the sensor output signal a measurement of the thickness of the produced masa sheet, and compares this measurement to a preset thickness. The controller then directs one or more of the actuators to change the distance between the two sheeting rollers of the tortilla sheeting machine as necessary to produce a masa sheet at the desired preset thickness.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: J.C. Ford CompanyInventor: Thomas A. Ruhe