Patents by Inventor Edward Leon Ouellette
Edward Leon Ouellette has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20100074981Abstract: The improved apparatus includes an improved extruder die assembly comprising a forming section, an injection section, and a converging nozzle section having axially aligned ridgelines which gradually project into the bore of the nozzle as the nozzle converges to gradually disrupt the axial flow of an extrudate at specific peripheral points thereby altering the extrudate's velocity profile. By gradually disrupting the axial flow in close proximity to the projecting ridgelines prior to its extrusion, the dimensional quality of the resulting direct expanded food piece is greatly improved. Moreover, by carefully positioning the capillary channels of the injection section into that portion of the flowing extrudate not affected by the axially aligned ridgelines, a distinct colored and/or flavored pattern is imparted into the extrudable food mass during the extrusion process while improving the quality of dimensional design aspects of the resulting extruded, complexly shaped, direct expanded food products.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: FRITO-LAY OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jorge C. Morales-Alvarez, Eugenio Bortone, Lewis Conrad Keller, Edward Leon Ouellette, Scott Alan Richey
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Patent number: 7648352Abstract: The improved apparatus includes an improved extruder die assembly comprising a forming section, an injection section, and a converging nozzle section having axially aligned ridgelines which gradually project into the bore of the nozzle as the nozzle converges to gradually disrupt the axial flow of an extrudate at specific peripheral points thereby altering the extrudate's velocity profile. By gradually disrupting the axial flow in close proximity to the projecting ridgelines prior to its extrusion, the dimensional quality of the resulting direct expanded food piece is greatly improved. Moreover, by carefully positioning the capillary channels of the injection section into that portion of the flowing extrudate not affected by the axially aligned ridgelines, a distinct colored and/or flavored pattern is imparted into the extrudable food mass during the extrusion process while improving the quality of dimensional design aspects of the resulting extruded, complexly shaped, direct expanded food products.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Jorge C. Morales-Alvarez, Eugenio Bortone, Lewis Conrad Keller, Edward Leon Ouellette, Scott Alan Richey
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Patent number: 7264461Abstract: Externally adjustable extrusion insert for a multiple-orifice extrusion manifold. Adjustments to an extrusion insert precisely controls the extrusion path leading to one or more extrusion orifices of the manifold. Each insert is adjusted to reduce or eliminate variations in extrudate exit velocity among orifices in the extrusion manifold. Precisely tuned inserts provide extruded products of uniform length. Choke plates controlling the flow of extrudate to each orifice. Choke plates are manipulated with an externally adjustable cam. Such adjustment compensates for variations in temperature, pressure, surface properties, geometric variations, and other conditions which may affect extrudate flow rates through the orifices and extrusion manifold.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventor: Edward Leon Ouellette
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Patent number: 7217382Abstract: An improved dough sheeting system and method which allow for improved selection of sheeter gap size and which provide a quick release mechanism to prevent damage to sheeter rollers. Hydraulic actuators, attached to a movable roller, hold the roller in a fixed position relative to an opposing roller. The actuators are engaged with a closing force in excess of the force exerted by the sheeted material against the rollers thereby ensuring that the rollers maintain a gap of fixed width. Thermal expansion blocks mounted to the frame or housing of the opposing roller provide a means for fine adjustments in the sheeter gap.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Alan Graham, Andrew Cecil Harvey, Ponnattu Kurian Joseph, Edward Leon Ouellette
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Patent number: 7044727Abstract: An improved end seal for a sheeting apparatus. A sealing material is formed into a more effective sealing element which locks out doughy material out of associated side sealing parts near the sheeting nip. Such an improved end seal provides improved wiping and sealing functions. Such a seal also reduces wear thus reducing the frequency of seal replacement. Such a seal reduces the amount of installation time and amount of error associated with manual adjustment ordinarily required to replace end seals.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Tony Cuellar, Paul Hartman, Edward Leon Ouellette
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Publication number: 20060045932Abstract: An improved end seal for a sheeting apparatus. A sealing material is formed into a more effective sealing element which locks out doughy material out of associated side sealing parts near the sheeting nip. Such an improved end seal provides improved wiping and sealing functions. Such a seal also reduces wear thus reducing the frequency of seal replacement. Such a seal reduces the amount of installation time and amount of error associated with manual adjustment ordinarily required to replace end seals.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2004Publication date: March 2, 2006Inventors: Tony Cuellar, Paul Hartman, Edward Leon-Ouellette
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Patent number: 6854970Abstract: An extruder die assembly and method for using same is disclosed which is designed for adaptation to a wide variety of commercial-grade extrusion devices common in the food industry. The extruder die assembly is inserted into an appropriate compartment within an extrusion device such that a first extrudate is directed down a coaxially aligned passageway within the forming section and combined with a fluid additive in the injection section whereupon the resulting food mass is compressed through a converging nozzle bore in the nozzle section to produce an extruded food product. The forming section and injection section are fabricated as a matching set. A novel feature of the invention is an injection nozzle which supplies fluid additives from an exterior pressurized source to a supply port formed in the extruder die assembly. The subject injection nozzle exhibits superior sealing qualities in conjunction with simplicity and flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Lewis Conrad Keller, Jorge C. Morales-Alvarez, Edward Leon Ouellette
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Patent number: 6770233Abstract: An improved method of applying a controlled pressure to the flapper in a curly puff production apparatus. The present invention uses a pneumatic system to apply a pressure to a flapper. The invention utilizes a rotary actuator that applies a near constant pressure to the flapper. Alternatively, a pair of telescoping tubes connected to the flapper and an air pressure source can apply a near constant pressure to either the proximate end or the distal end of the flapper. Further in the alternative, a linear actuator can be used to provide a near constant pressure to the flapper. As a result of applying a constant pressure to the flapper, the pitch in the curls of the curly puff extrudate can be more predictably controlled.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.Inventors: Eugenio Bortone, Edward Leon Ouellette
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Publication number: 20040018286Abstract: An extruder die assembly and method for using same is disclosed which is designed for adaptation to a wide variety of commercial-grade extrusion devices common in the food industry. The extruder die assembly is inserted into an appropriate compartment within an extrusion device such that a first extrudate is directed down a coaxially aligned passageway within the forming section and combined with a fluid additive in the injection section whereupon the resulting food mass is compressed through a converging nozzle bore in the nozzle section to produce an extruded food product. The forming section and injection section are fabricated as a matching set. A novel feature of the invention is an injection nozzle which supplies fluid additives from an exterior pressurized source to a supply port formed in the extruder die assembly. The subject injection nozzle exhibits superior sealing qualities in conjunction with simplicity and flexibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Lewis Conrad Keller, Jorge C. Morales-Alvarez, Edward Leon Ouellette
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Patent number: 6638553Abstract: The system and method for monolayer alignment snack chip transfer process a snack chip from a first to a second conveyor. By using a roll at the discharge of the toast oven conveyor that has a diameter that is substantially closer in size to the pickup roll of the second conveyor, mechanical devices for lifting the chips off of the toast oven conveyor can be avoided. Further, chip preforms' alignment in passing between the two conveyors is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: RECOT, Inc.Inventors: Brian Keith Bell, Steven Theodore Chandler, Eric P. Farabaugh, Joseph H. Gold, Terry Dale Klockenga, John Curtis McConn, Daniel Eugene Orr, Edward Leon Ouellette, Scott L. Robinson, Heinz Roel, Richard James Ruegg
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Patent number: 6620448Abstract: An extruder die assembly and method for using same is disclosed which is designed for adaptation to a wide variety of commercial-grade extrusion devices common in the food industry. The extruder die assembly is inserted into an appropriate compartment within an extrusion device such that a first extrudate is directed down a coaxially aligned passageway within the forming section and combined with a fluid additive in the injection section whereupon the resulting food mass is compressed through a converging nozzle bore in the nozzle section to produce an extruded food product. The forming section and injection section are fabricated as a matching set.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Recot, Inc.Inventors: Lewis Conrad Keller, Jorge C. Morales-Alvarez, Edward Leon Ouellette, V.N. Mohan Rao, Vanessa Suzanne Terry
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Patent number: 6610344Abstract: The process for making a shaped snack chip uses various components to form a chip having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. The chips are formed by sheeting into an initial flat shape. The chips are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. Once plunged to the mold shape, the chips are reduced in moisture content by baking and frying. After frying, oil is evacuated from the chips whereafter salt and flavoring is applied, if desired, prior to being packaged.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Recot, Inc.Inventors: Brian Keith Bell, Steven Theodore Chandler, Eric P. Farabaugh, Joseph H. Gold, Perry L. Hanson, Terry Dale Klockenga, Daniel Eugene Orr, Edward Leon Ouellette, Scott L. Robinson, Richard James Ruegg, Alexa W. Williams
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Patent number: 6592923Abstract: The system and method for molding a shaped snack chip use various components to form chips having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. Essentially flat chip preforms are fed to a series of molds disposed about a mold conveyor. The preforms are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. A continuous conveyor with plungers extending outward is synchronized to operate in conjunction with the mold conveyor. At desired and determined intervals, a multiple of plungers extend downward and into the molds thereby molding the chip preforms into shaped chips. The shaped chips are evacuated from the molds and subjected to additional processing.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Recot, Inc.Inventors: Steven Theodore Chandler, Terry Dale Klockenga, Daniel Eugene Orr, Edward Leon Ouellette, Richard James Ruegg, Alexa W. Williams
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Publication number: 20030082257Abstract: An extruder die assembly and method for using same is disclosed which is designed for adaptation to a wide variety of commercial-grade extrusion devices common in the food industry. The extruder die assembly is inserted into an appropriate compartment within an extrusion device such that a first extrudate is directed down a coaxially aligned passageway within the forming section and combined with a fluid additive in the injection section whereupon the resulting food mass is compressed through a converging nozzle bore in the nozzle section to produce an extruded food product. The forming section and injection section are fabricated as a matching set.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Lewis Conrad Keller, Jorge C. Morales-Alvarez, Edward Leon Ouellette, V.N. Mohan Rao, Vanessa Suzanne Terry
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Publication number: 20030066436Abstract: The process for making a shaped snack chip uses various components to form a chip having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. The chips are formed by sheeting into an initial flat shape. The chips are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. Once plunged to the mold shape, the chips are reduced in moisture content by baking and frying. After frying, oil is evacuated from the chips whereafter salt and flavoring is applied, if desired, prior to being packaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Brian Keith Bell, Steven Theodore Chandler, Eric P. Farabaugh, Joseph H. Gold, Perry L. Hanson, Terry Dale Klockenga, Daniel Eugene Orr, Edward Leon Ouellette, Scott L. Robinson, Richard James Ruegg, Alexa W. Williams
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Publication number: 20030068398Abstract: The system and method for molding a shaped snack chip use various components to form chips having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. Essentially flat chip preforms are fed to a series of molds disposed about a mold conveyor. The preforms are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. A continuous conveyor with plungers extending outward is synchronized to operate in conjunction with the mold conveyor. At desired and determined intervals, a multiple of plungers extend downward and into the molds thereby molding the chip preforms into shaped chips. The shaped chips are evacuated from the molds and subjected to additional processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Steven Theodore Chandler, Terry Dale Klockenga, Daniel Eugene Orr, Edward Leon Ouellette, Richard James Ruegg, Alexa W. Williams
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Publication number: 20030068418Abstract: The system and method for monolayer alignment snack chip transfer process a snack chip from a first to a second conveyor. By using a roll at the discharge of the toast oven conveyor that has a diameter that is substantially closer in size to the pickup roll of the second conveyor, mechanical devices for lifting the chips off of the toast oven conveyor can be avoided. Further, chip preforms' alignment in passing between the two conveyors is maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Brian Keith Bell, Steven Theodore Chandler, Eric P. Farabaugh, Joseph H. Gold, Terry Dale Klockenga, John Curtis McConn, Daniel Eugene Orr, Edward Leon Ouellette, Scott L. Robinson, Heinz Roel, Richard James Ruegg
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Publication number: 20030047833Abstract: An improved method of applying a controlled pressure to the flapper in a curly puff production apparatus. The present invention uses a pneumatic system to apply a pressure to a flapper. The invention utilizes a rotary actuator that applies a near constant pressure to the flapper. Alternatively, a pair of telescoping tubes connected to the flapper and an air pressure source can apply a near constant pressure to either the proximate end or the distal end of the flapper. Further in the alternative, a linear actuator can be used to provide a near constant pressure to the flapper. As a result of applying a constant pressure to the flapper, the pitch in the curls of the curly puff extrudate can be more predictably controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Eugenio Bortone, Edward Leon Ouellette
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Patent number: 6361609Abstract: A sheeter device capable of producing a full-width continuous sheet of masa. A series of ultrasonic horns are placed in close proximity to a sheeter roller, thereby scraping the sheeted dough from the roller. The ultrasonic vibration precludes the buildup of dough on the horns. The invention eliminates the need for sheeter wires and their accompanying plastic bands while increasing the dough throughput of the sheeter.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Recot, Inc.Inventors: Edward Leon Ouellette, Samara Renee Perdue, Barry Forster Wilson