Patents Assigned to John Bean Technologies Corporation
  • COOKING EXHAUST FILTER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150101589
    Abstract: A cooking exhaust filter system 10 includes a collection duct structure 12 positionable over a cooking location CL. The transfer duct 14 receives the cooking exhaust from the collection duct structure 12 and changes the direction of flow of the cooking exhaust to direct such exhaust against an abutment. From such abutment, the cooking exhaust flows through the baffle assembly 18 which forces the cooking exhaust to flow in a helical path thereby forcing the particles in the cooking exhaust to the outside of the flow stream and against the walls of the baffle assembly to adhere thereto. The exhaust gas then flows through an outlet duct system into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Troy Ora Baumgardner, William Douglas Medley, Adam Jay Ramsdell
  • INDUSTRIAL FOOD FRYER
    Publication number: 20150101492
    Abstract: A cooking tank 112 for a food fryer 100 includes a lower heating zone 154 for receiving a heating element of heat exchanger 120, and an upper product zone 152 in which a product transporting conveying system 122 is positioned. The lower heating zone of the tank 112 is narrower in width than the upper product zone 154 of the tank. Conveyor side bars 140 extend upwardly from shoulders 170 extending laterally from the narrower side walls at the heating zone of the tank to the wider side walls 168 at the product zone of the tank. Conveyor side bars 140 extend upwardly from the shoulders 170, inwardly of the side walls 168, to support the conveying system 122.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Troy Ora Baumgardner, William Douglas Medley, Adam Jay Ramsdell
  • Method and system for portioning workpieces using reference shape as a directly controlled characteristic
    Patent number: 9008824
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically portioning workpieces, such as food products, by simulating portioning the workpieces in accordance with the one or more desired shapes of the final piece(s) as a directly controlled physical characteristic (parameter/specification) as well as one or more resulting indirectly controlled physical characteristics (parameters/specifications). The desired shape(s) of the final piece(s) are defined by a plurality of manipulatable reference coordinates. A workpiece is scanned to obtain scanning information, then portioning of the workpiece is simulated in accordance with the desired shape(s) of the final piece(s) defined by the directly controlled reference coordinates, thereby to determine the one or more indirectly controlled physical characteristics of the one or more final pieces to be portioned from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: George R. Blaine, Craig E. Pfarr
  • ROTATABLE MANIFOLD CUTTER FOR USE IN PORTIONING
    Publication number: 20150053058
    Abstract: Portioning system 10 includes a scanner 200 for scanning work products 13 being carried on the conveyor 12. A cutter system 17 includes an array or singular manifold cutter 18 and single cutter 19 for cutting the work products into desired sized end pieces. The cutter assemblies 18 and 19 are carried on respective carriages 16 and 26 to move the cutters as required along predetermined cutting paths as controlled by control system 220.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: George R. Blaine
  • Blocked orifice tube sensor for citrus juice extractor
    Patent number: 8955428
    Abstract: A juice extractor includes a strainer tube mounted to receive juice and pulp of a fruit. An orifice tube reciprocates within the strainer tube and has an ejection port and is configured to generate pressure and separate juice and pulp, collect core, and discharge core out of the ejection port. A sensor is positioned adjacent the orifice tube and configured to sense material ejected from the ejection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Suter, Jose D. Milla, David S. Danner
  • CONTINUOUS LOW TEMPERATURE PASTEURIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20150010679
    Abstract: A continuous low temperature food pasteurization system (10) includes a conveyor system (20) for conveying food products (FP) through a pasteurization chamber (40). A pre heater (140) may be located upstream from the pasteurization chamber, and an optional post heater (160) may be located downstream from the pasteurization chamber. A chiller and/or freezer (100) rapidly chills and/or freezes the food product after pasteurization as the conveyor system conveys the food product through the freezer. A control system (250) controls the operation of the pasteurization system to ensure that a desired percentage of pathogenic microorganisms present on the surface and/or within the interior of the food product are killed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Strong, Richard Daniel Stockard, Jon A. Hocker
  • THERMALLY INSULATED INDUSTRIAL FREEZER STRUCTURE AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150000314
    Abstract: A freezer structure (12) includes a floor structure (20), side walls (22) and a ceiling (24), each of which includes a substantially hollow inner or upper layer or zone (30) behind or beneath which is disposed an intermediate layer or zone (32) substantially filled with insulating filler material and a bottom or outer layer or zone (34) that is substantially hollow. A monitoring system (16) monitors the temperature, moisture level and pressure of a substantially dry gas circulating through the first layer or zone to maintain the first layer or zone in substantially dry condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremiah C. O'Connor, Joshua Chun, Mark Cramer, Dennis Klakring
  • FRUIT OR VEGETABLE PULP PROCESSING APPARATUS WITH DEFECT SEPARATOR AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20140342061
    Abstract: A fruit or vegetable pulp processor includes a defect separator configured to separate defects from a fruit or vegetable pulp stream. The defect separator may have associated therewith at least one adjustable control parameter relating to an amount of defect separation from the fruit or vegetable pulp stream. At least one image sensor may be configured to sense defects in the fruit or vegetable pulp stream, and a controller may be configured to adjust the at least one adjustable control parameter of the defect separator based upon sensed defects. Accordingly, the amount or level of defects in the fruit or vegetable pulp stream may be controlled to provide a desired balance between yield and quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: JOHN BEAN TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David GREEN, Jose D. MILLA, Michael L. SUTER, Gregory W. SCHRADER
  • Method and apparatus for welding metal panels having flanges
    Patent number: 8878100
    Abstract: Methods are provided for joining two panels by welding together a seam formed at a flange of each panel using a welding tractor adapted to travel along the seam to be welded. A welding tractor adapted for use in the methods is also provided, as is a welded panel product fabricated using the methods provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Larry D. Martin, Brian E. Lone, James P. Gast
  • Determination and correction of conveyor belt speed/location
    Patent number: 8839949
    Abstract: Sprockets (22) and (42) are engaged with a conveyor belt (18) itself or a chain (28) coupled to the belt. An encoder is used to determine the differential of the rotation of the sprockets. From that information, the instantaneous pitch of the conveyor belt located between the first and second rotational axes can be determined, and from that information the speed of the belt can be determined. This information can be used to control work tools or other devices that act on work products being carried by the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur W. Vogeley, Jr.
  • Aircraft GPU connection method and apparatus
    Patent number: 8840405
    Abstract: A GPU connection apparatus for an aircraft towing vehicle comprising a vehicle-mounted ground power unit (GPU). The GPU includes a GPU cable having a first end which is connected to the GPU and a second end which includes a GPU connector that is configured to be plugged into a GPU receptacle on an aircraft to be towed. The GPU connection apparatus includes an intermediate cable having a first end which comprises a cable plug and a second end which comprises a cable receptacle. The cable plug is configured to be plugged into the GPU receptacle. In addition, the cable receptacle is configured to receive the GPU connector. In use of the GPU connection apparatus, the cable plug is plugged into the GPU receptacle and the GPU connector is plugged into the cable receptacle to thereby electrically connect the aircraft to the GPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Thomas
  • Apparatus and method for sensing the concentration of pulp in a concentrated pulp stream
    Patent number: 8820226
    Abstract: A juice processing system includes at least one fluid line for a concentrated pulp stream, and a flow restrictor coupled in fluid communication with the at least one fluid line for generating a pressure drop in the concentrated pulp stream indicative of a concentration of pulp therein. The system may further include at least one pressure sensor associated with the flow restrictor for sensing the pressure drop, and a controller coupled to the at least one pressure sensor for generating at least one control signal based upon the sensed pressure drop. The control signal may be for an upstream and/or a downstream control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jose D. Milla, Gregory W. Schrader, Michael L. Suter, David S. Danner
  • Apparatus and method for sensing and controlling the concentration of pulp in a concentrated pulp stream
    Patent number: 8820225
    Abstract: A juice processing apparatus includes a concentrator for generating at least one concentrated pulp stream, and a pulp pasteurizer coupled downstream from the concentrator. A flow restrictor is coupled in the at least one concentrated pulp stream for generating a pressure drop therein. The pressure drop is indicative of a concentration of pulp in the at least one concentrated pulp stream. At least one pressure sensor is associated with the flow restrictor for sensing the pressure drop. A controller is for controlling the concentrator based upon the sensed pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jose D. Milla, Gregory W. Schrader, Michael L. Suter, David S. Danner
  • Methods of cooking in continuous cooking oven systems
    Patent number: 8807021
    Abstract: A method of cooking in a continuous cooking oven system generally includes transporting food products on a continuous, pervious conveyor through a helical path within a cooking chamber, directing a substantially vertical flow of a heated gaseous cooking medium into either a top end or a bottom end of the helical stack and through the plurality of superimposed tiers, and selectively reversing the substantially vertical flow of heated gaseous cooking medium on a user defined interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Charles McVeagh, Scott M. Kane, James E. Randall, Owen E. Morey, Robert Stacy, Ramesh M. Gunawardena, Peter Liljegren
  • THERMAL MEASUREMENT AND PROCESS CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140220193
    Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (300) includes a thermal processing station (312) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (316). A first scanning station (318) is located upstream from the thermal processing station (312) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (316). An actuator (420) automatically connects temperature measuring devices (402) with selected food products (14). A diverter conveyor (324) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (316) to a transverse conveyor (326) for either further processing or alternative processing, depending on how system (300) is configured. The temperature measuring devices (402) are automatically removed from the food products at station (329).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jon A. Hocker, John R. Strong, Ramesh M. Gunawardena, Richard D. Stockard
  • Thermal Process Control
    Publication number: 20140220197
    Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (10) includes a thermal processing station (12) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (16). A first scanning station (18) is located upstream from a similar processing station (12) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (16). A second scanning station (20) is located downstream of the thermal processing station (12). A diverter conveyor (24) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (16) to a transverse conveyor (26) which is capable of positioning the diverted food product onto a temperature measurement station (28), whereat the temperature of the food product is measured, either manually or automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jon A. Hocker, John R. Strong, Ramesh M. Gunawardena
  • CARRIERS FOR PROCESSING POUCHES AND CONTAINERS
    Publication number: 20140175727
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a carrier for a container for processing the container in a rotary processing system generally includes a carrier body defining at least one compartment for receiving at least one container, wherein the carrier is capable of rolling, and a retention system for maintaining the at least one container in the at least one compartment and restricting movement of the at least one container within the at least one compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick James Wilson, Kevin Andrew Carlson, Jenaro Morris Martinez, William Charles Kreamer, Walter Kenneth Mizuno
  • Continuous process for cooking bacon with improved recovery
    Patent number: 8753703
    Abstract: An process for cooking bacon includes the steps of continuously feeding bacon strips in three or more rows to an inlet of a spiral cooking oven, moving the bacon strips along a spiral path inside the spiral oven, applying a cooking fluid into the spiral oven and through the spiral path, and cooking the bacon strips in the spiral oven to a yield percentage having a mean bandwidth variation not greater than 4.5%. A conveyor belt having variable weaving includes belt openings that are initially larger through an inner side of the belt than through an outer side of the belt, when the belt is straight. When the belt collapses into the spiral configuration, the openings adjust so that the areal size of the openings is similar on both lateral sides of the belt, resulting in more even distribution of cooking fluid and more uniform cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ramesh M. Gunawardena, Todd Gerold, David D. Rupp, Jr.
  • Dry food pasteurization apparatus and method
    Patent number: 8707861
    Abstract: An apparatus for pasteurizing a dry food product comprises an impingement chamber, a conveyor for conveying the dry food product through the impingement chamber; a heater and water supply assembly for generating heated, moist air, and a fan for circulating the heated, moist air through the impingement chamber and onto the dry food product. In operation, the moisture in the heated, moist air condenses on the surface of the dry food product and produces a heat of condensation which heats the surface of the dry food product. Moreover, this heat of condensation is sufficient to kill a percentage of any pathogenic microorganisms which may be present on the surface of the dry food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ramesh M. Gunawardena, Zhijun Weng
  • Compliant hold-down conveyor for slicer
    Patent number: 8683903
    Abstract: The powered endless belt (14) of a lower conveyor (12) transports workpieces (16) past a scanning station (18) and then past a slicing station (20), whereat the workpieces are sliced into desired thickness by a powered blade (23). An upper hold-down conveyor (24) includes a powered belt (26) that assists in holding the workpieces stationary and stable as workpieces travel past the slicing station (20). In this regard, the belt is of a compliant construction and is operated at a low enough tension to enable it to substantially conform to the contour of the upper surface of the workpiece, thereby to apply a substantially uniform load about the entire upper surface area of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Strong, Norman A. Rudy, Nicholas C. Tipper