Abstract: A kebab machine (10) is disclosed for inserting sticks (12) into various food components (14a-f), such as meat, vegetables and the like, automatically. The food components are held within carriers (16) while the individual sticks are conveyed by a stick conveyor (22). A jet of air from air jets (24) drive a pair of sticks into an insertion device (400) where smooth belts (402) drive by rotating rollers (452) drive the sticks through the carriers (16) and food components therein to form the kebab.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is disclosed which incorporates a spiral slide (14) to orient corn dogs (12) in a single direction as they slide down the spiral slide. The oriented corn dogs (12) enter an inlet (66) of a first conveyor (16) as they leave the spiral slide. The first conveyor moves the corn dogs (12) along a direction (52) toward a second conveyor (18). The first and second conveyors are pivotally mounted at their distant ends so that their facing ends (64,70) can be aligned to allow a corn dog in one slot (50,52) of the first conveyor to be conveyed to any one of the slots (92-98) in the second conveyor (18) to group the corn dogs in sets for packaging.

Abstract: A kebab machine (10) is disclosed for inserting sticks (12) into various food components (14a-f), such as meat, vegetables and the like, automatically. The food components are held within carriers (16) while the individual sticks are conveyed by a stick conveyor (22). A jet of air from air jets (24) drive a pair of sticks into an insertion device (400) where smooth belts (402) drive by rotating rollers (452) drive the sticks through the carriers (16) and food components therein to form the kebab.

Abstract: A computer workstation (10) is provided which allows vertical motion of a monitor and keyboard through a power lift (20). Further, the mounted monitor is mounted on a monitor support (22) which allows the monitor to be pivoted about a horizontal axis through an angle of about 30°. The keyboard is mounted on a keyboard support (32) which allows the keyboard to be moved vertically relative to the monitor and the workstation and locked in place by a locking mechanism such as a cam (34). The keyboard can also be pivotally adjusted about a horizontal axis for proper positioning. A mouse pad plate (44) is pivoted from the front of the keyboard support (32) to allow a negative angle for use of the mouse. A reference material plate (54) can be mounted on the workstation for reference materials. The workstation is preferably mounted on swivel casters (14) allowing the workstation to be readily moved from position to position. In another embodiment, the workstation(100) has a gas pressure lift assembly(102).

Abstract: An apparatus for loading food for alignment with food sticks is provided. A food bin stores the food to be processed. The bin is filled with food which is gravity fed into J-shaped sections of a food conveyor belt. Concurrently, a stick conveyor system carries and aligns food sticks with the food. When the correct number of food items is aligned with the food sticks, the sticks are automatically inserted into the food items.

Abstract: A reciprocating food pump for pumping viscous edible material has the cylinder removably clamped to a base plate. The piston of the pump cylinder is actuated by a reciprocating, compressed air motor having a common piston rod connecting the air piston and pump piston. The air cylinder is pivoted to the base plate so that the pump cylinder may be unclamped from the base plate and moved upwards sufficiently to pull the cylinder away from the piston. A rotating plug valve is used on the end of the pump cylinder. The plug is held in place by a stem extending through a flat valve plate. A seal is placed between a sleeve on the end of the valve stem and the valve plate and another seal between the valve stem and the sleeve. Upon each suction stroke of the pump, the vacuum within the pump pulls the valve plug within the cylinder, which will be transmitted to the stem, and increase the pressure between the sleeve and the flat valve plate insuring a good seal upon each suction stroke.

Abstract: A machine for preparing and cooking corn dogs which are batter coated weiners upon a stick has a fry tank and coating bin mounted on a frame. Food articles are impaled by sticks driven through clasps in holes in a stick clamp. The food articles are dipped into a coating substance by elevation of the coating bin. The articles are elevated by rotating or flipping them above the lip of the fry tank and immersed in hot grease within the fry tank, cooked, and then elevated by rotating or flipping them out of the fry tank. The sticks are unclasped from the stick clamps and placed on a receiving tray. Thermostatically controlled heating elements suspended above the floor of the tank heat the grease.

Abstract: A process for preparing and cooking corn dogs which are batter coated weiners upon a stick has a fry tank and coating bin mounted on a frame. Food articles are impaled by sticks driven through clasps in slots in a stick clamp. The food articles are dipped into a coating substance by elevation of the coating bin. The articles are elevated by rotating or flipping them above the lip of the fry tank and immersed in hot grease within the fry tank, cooked, and then elevated by rotating or flipping them out of the fry tank. The sticks are unclasped from the stick clamps and placed on a receiving tray. Thermostatically controlled heating elements suspended above the floor of the tank heat the grease.

Abstract: An elevator mechanism for an elevating scraper in which the sprockets which drive the elevator chains are located immediately adjacent the ground in the loading position.