Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for placing toppings on a product. In one embodiment, a system comprises a mandrel configured to dispense toppings from a supply hopper, and a topping distributor disposed least partly downstream to the mandrel. The topping distributor comprising at least one opening, wherein at least some of the toppings that fail to exit through the at least one opening of the topping distributor are directed into a reclaim hopper. In one example, the topping distributor comprises at least one rotating drum that encircles the mandrel.

Abstract: An automated pan shaker has a central longitudinal axis and a central lateral axis. The automated pan shaker includes a shaker assembly that is configured to induce a plurality of modes of movement in the baker pan. The pan shaker assembly includes a carriage assembly, a clamping assembly supported by the carriage assembly and an actuation assembly. The carriage assembly resides below the conveyor belt of the automated pan shaker. The actuation assembly further includes an actuator post connected to the carriage assembly, a first actuator assembly that includes a first actuator linkage connected to the actuator post, and a second actuator assembly that includes a second actuator linkage connected to the actuator post.

Abstract: An automated pan shaker has a central longitudinal axis and a central lateral axis. The automated pan shaker includes a shaker assembly that has a carriage assembly, a clamping assembly supported by the carriage assembly and an actuation assembly. The actuation assembly further includes an actuator post connected to the carriage assembly, a first actuator assembly that includes a first actuator linkage connected to the actuator post, and a second actuator assembly that includes a second actuator linkage connected to the actuator post. Also disclosed is a method for inducing orbital movement in a bakery pan using a plurality of offset actuation assemblies.

Abstract: An automated pan shaker has a central longitudinal axis and a central lateral axis. The automated pan shaker includes a shaker assembly that has a carriage assembly, a clamping assembly supported by the carriage assembly and an actuation assembly. The actuation assembly further includes an actuator post connected to the carriage assembly, a first actuator assembly that includes a first actuator linkage connected to the actuator post, and a second actuator assembly that includes a second actuator linkage connected to the actuator post. Also disclosed is a method for inducing orbital movement in a bakery pan using a plurality of offset actuation assemblies.

Abstract: A tape closure device for securing the neck of a bag with a tape closure includes an automated control system, a tape feed assembly configured to provide a continuous length of tape and a closure application assembly. The closure application assembly also includes an encoder wheel that outputs to the automated control system a signal representative of the length of tape provided to the closure application assembly from the tape feed assembly during the closure cycle. The tape closure device further includes a motorized cutting member that is connected to the automated control system and configured for selective activation by the automated control system in response to the signal provided by the encoder wheel. The selective activation of the motorized cutting member allows the tape closure device to create a tape closure that based on the length of tape drawn into the closure application assembly.