Abstract: The invention is directed to an in-ground sprinkler head indicating system for providing visual or other identification of the location of the sprinkler head when in a retracted position. In an example, the invention provides an indicating system for an in-ground sprinkler head having a pop-up portion, to prevent impact damage from lawn equipment and other vehicles. The indicating system comprises a top surface associated with the sprinkler head having a high visibility color or other indicator thereon. In an example the indicating systems comprises a cover member configured to be attached to the top or pop-up portion of the sprinkler head, having a high visibility color provided on the upper surface. Alternately, the indicating system may include an upper surface having a light source, and/or a proximity detector with an alert such as a sound source provided therewith.

Abstract: A frying system for frying a food product is disclosed having an endless conveyor system for cooking product in a bath of hot cooking oil. The endless conveyor system includes a submerging conveyor, a main conveyor, and a sediment conveyor, permanently, successively linked to one another. The endless conveyor system is also permanently linked to a hood portion of the housing. The sediment conveyor includes a heat exchanger constantly connected thereto for heating the bath of hot cooking oil. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of elongated elliptical shaped conduits and further may include a baffle that may operate as an elongated fluid flow optimization member to re-direct the flow of fluid. The hood portion of the housing of the frying system is capable of being raised and lowered from a closed, operative position to an open, inoperative position, and to intermediate positions therebetween.

Abstract: A breading machine, and improvements thereto, for use in high volume food production is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an improved breading machine includes a side-mounted feed hopper, a low pressure auger assembly including an auger transfer box with an input port for accepting a cross-feed screw and paddle, and an output port for transferring coating material to a vertical screw. The improved breading machine also includes a substantially cylindrical, rod-based spreader assembly and a transport conveyor belt for feeding the spreader assembly within a top hopper of the breading machine. The improved breading machine further includes a vibrating filter assembly to filter out clumps of coating material while allowing un-clumped material to be re-used within the breading machine.

Abstract: A breading machine, and improvements thereto, for use in high volume food production is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an improved breading machine includes a side-mounted feed hopper, a low pressure auger assembly including an auger transfer box with an input port for accepting a cross-feed screw and paddle, and an output port for transferring coating material to a vertical screw. The improved breading machine also includes a substantially cylindrical, rod-based spreader assembly and a transport conveyor belt for feeding the spreader assembly within a top hopper of the breading machine. The improved breading machine further includes a vibrating filter assembly to filter out clumps of coating material while allowing un-clumped material to be re-used within the breading machine.

Abstract: A breading machine, and improvements thereto, for use in high volume food production is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an improved breading machine includes a side-mounted feed hopper, a low pressure auger assembly including an auger transfer box with an input port for accepting a cross-feed screw and paddle, and an output port for transferring coating material to a vertical screw. The improved breading machine also includes a substantially cylindrical, rod-based spreader assembly and a transport conveyor belt for feeding the spreader assembly within a top hopper of the breading machine. The improved breading machine further includes a vibrating filter assembly to filter out clumps of coating material while allowing un-clumped material to be re-used within the breading machine.

Abstract: A breading machine, and improvements thereto, for use in high volume food production is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an improved breading machine includes a side-mounted feed hopper, a low pressure auger assembly including an auger transfer box with an input port for accepting a cross-feed screw and paddle, and an output port for transferring coating material to a vertical screw. The improved breading machine also includes a substantially cylindrical, rod-based spreader assembly and a transport conveyor belt for feeding the spreader assembly within a top hopper of the breading machine. The improved breading machine further includes a vibrating filter assembly to filter out clumps of coating material while allowing un-clumped material to be re-used within the breading machine.

Abstract: A breading machine for use in high volume food production includes a side-mounted feed hopper, a low pressure auger assembly including an auger transfer box with an input port for accepting a cross-feed screw and paddle, an output port for transferring coating material to a vertical screw, and an adjustable compression roller. The breading machine also includes a spreader assembly and a transport conveyor belt for feeding the spreader assembly within a top hopper and a vibrating filter assembly to filter out clumps of coating material while allowing un-clumped material to be re-used within the breading machine.

Abstract: A breading machine, and improvements thereto, for use in high volume food production is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an improved breading machine includes a side-mounted feed hopper, a low pressure auger assembly including an auger transfer box with an input port for accepting a cross-feed screw and paddle, and an output port for transferring coating material to a vertical screw. The improved breading machine also includes a substantially cylindrical, rod-based spreader assembly and a transport conveyor belt for feeding the spreader assembly within a top hopper of the breading machine. The improved breading machine further includes a vibrating filter assembly to filter out clumps of coating material while allowing un-clumped material to be re-used within the breading machine.

Abstract: A process for internally cooking food includes the steps of injecting a condensable cooking fluid into the interior of the food at a plurality of spaced-apart locations, dispersing the cooking fluid within the interior, and condensing the cooking fluid while in direct contact with the interior. The heat of condensation of the cooking fluid releases considerable heat energy useful for either pre-cooking the food to a desired intermediate cooking level, or thoroughly cooking the food. The heat of condensation of the fluid is high enough that only a small amount of condensable cooking fluid is required, per quantity unit of food being cooked. As a result, the food does not become excessively loaded with cooking fluid, and flavorants such as marinade substantially remain within the food. Where the condensable fluid is used for pre-cooking, the cooking may be thoroughly completed by placing the pre-cooked food in a conventional hot air oven.

Abstract: A process for internally cooking food includes the steps of injecting a condensable cooking fluid into the interior of the food at a plurality of spaced-apart locations, dispersing the cooking fluid within the interior, and condensing the cooking fluid while in direct contact with the interior. The heat of condensation of the cooking fluid releases considerable heat energy useful for either pre-cooking the food to a desired intermediate cooking level, or thoroughly cooking the food. The heat of condensation of the fluid is high enough that only a small amount of condensable cooking fluid is required, per quantity unit of food being cooked. As a result, the food does not become excessively loaded with cooking fluid, and flavorants such as marinade substantially remain within the food. Where the condensable fluid is used for pre-cooking, the cooking may be thoroughly completed by placing the pre-cooked food in a conventional hot air oven.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing convenience foods from food units coming from the grower in various sizes. The vegetable or fruit food units of various sizes, are cleaned and handled and frozen in a generally conventional manner, and then are compressed by a high capacity press into a standard predetermined size of frozen block of food product, after which the block is cut by sawing, into generally equal size units which can then be further processed, such as for instance batter coated and cooked, and then packaged by count, prior to shipment.