Abstract: An oven drive system for use with commercial bakery ovens comprises a speed reducer and motor external to the bakery oven, a drive shaft extending from within the oven and operatively coupled to the speed reducer and the motor, and conveyor chain driving caterpillar located within the oven and operatively coupled to the draft shaft. The drive shaft is configured for minimal heat transfer to components external to the oven.

Abstract: An oven drive system for use with commercial bakery ovens comprises a speed reducer and motor external to the bakery oven, a drive shaft extending from within the oven and operatively coupled to the speed reducer and the motor, and conveyor chain driving caterpillar located within the oven and operatively coupled to the draft shaft. The drive shaft is configured for minimal heat transfer to components external to the oven.

Abstract: An oven drive system for use with commercial bakery ovens comprises a speed reducer and motor external to the bakery oven, a drive shaft extending from within the oven and operatively coupled to the speed reducer and the motor, and conveyor chain driving caterpillar located within the oven and operatively coupled to the draft shaft. The drive shaft is configured for minimal heat transfer to components external to the oven.

Abstract: An automated process control system for conveyorized bakery ovens comprises measuring the moisture level within the oven; measuring the rate of flow of fuel into the oven; measuring the moisture level of bakery products exiting the oven; measuring the color and geometry of bakery products exiting the oven; and regulating the volumetric flow of exhaust gases through the exhaust ductwork of the oven in accordance with the foregoing measurements.

Abstract: A dual-T transfer conveyor (10) includes a cross conveyor (12) wherein a plurality of interconnected flights (42) formed from low friction plastic material define a conveying plane (114). Input conveyors (14,16) each have a belt (80) formed from belting material and defining conveying planes (116) situated above the conveying plane (114) of the cross conveyor (12). Permanent magnets (86) are used to return the trailing end of each article carried by each input conveyor (14,16) in engagement with the belt (80) thereof as the leading end of the article is extended over the conveying plane of the cross conveyor (12).

Abstract: A grouping system (10) includes parallel conveyor belts (28) for conveying the objects from the unloader system (14) to the oven-ready conveyor (24). A group end sensor (64) is moveable along the grouping system (10) between the conveyor belts (28). The sensor includes both forward and rearward sensors (128, 130) for sensing the proximity of pans at a predetermined separation in the direction of travel. The group end sensor moves forward until its forward limit is reached or the forward sensor senses an object representing the last stopped pan. The conveyor then moves at full speed until the rearward sensor senses the following pan. The conveyor speed is then reduced so that the pan contact does not damage the dough.