Abstract: In order to facilitate the removal of ink and other material commonly used in flexography and rotogravure processes, an automated apparatus and method for cleaning a printing cylinder in a tank is disclosed. The tank is adapted to receive a printing cylinder that is to be cleaned of a dried ink on a surface thereof and a cleaning solution in an amount sufficient to substantially immerse the printing cylinder. It also includes a sprayer within the tank for spraying the surface of the printing cylinder with the cleaning solution and wheels within the tank for rotating the printing cylinder as the sprayer is spraying the surface thereof. The method includes the steps of providing a tank for receiving a printing cylinder that is to be cleaned and substantially immersing the printing cylinder in a cleaning solution within the tank.

Abstract: A multi-flight conveyor for transporting food articles is formed in its entirety from metals and plastic materials that are approved for use in food processing. Each conveyor flight frame comprises a ladder like structure wherein two stainless steel side rails are interconnected by a plurality of longitudinally spaced support rods formed of a lubricious plastic material. A stainless steel drive shaft is journalled at one end of the conveyor in sealed bearings. All of the rods and the drive shaft are then enclosed in a stainless steel wiremesh endless belt, which is supported and lubricated by the plastic support rods. All flights are substantially identical, except for length, and are detachably rigidly secured in a vertically stacked array which is angularly adjustable relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: A combination pressing and initial baking system is provided for converting balls of dough into thin, flat discs, such as tortillas. A box-like support structure is provided having a portion of its frontal wall open and defining a mounting for a first heated pressing plate with its dough contacting face facing downwardly and disposed at a substantial angle to the horizontal. A second heated pressing plate is mounted on horizontal pivots in the box-like support structure for pivotal movement between a pressing position adjacent to and parallel with the downwardly facing surface of the first pressing plate, and a feeding position where the upper ends of the pressing plates are spaced apart to permit the insertion of a ball of dough therebetween. Movement of the second pressing plate to its pressing position effects the pressing and initial baking of the dough in a flat disc shape. The heat input to the dough disc during pressing determines the peripheral area and thickness of the resulting disc.