Abstract: A shaping machine for dividing a deformable mass, such as a meat product, into separately shaped portions comprises a stock container, at least two piston-cylinder units for alternately feeding in the mass from the stock container to a shaping plate provided with shaped recesses, and also means for removing the shaped portions from the shaping plate. Valve means for connecting the cylinder alternately to the stock container arc also provided. The cylinders are accommodated next to each other in a housing which has a chamber connecting at one side to the shaping plate and at the other side to the cylinders, while the valve means also operate the connection between chamber and cylinders.

Abstract: An oven for frying food products in hot oil comprises a tank (1) in which the frying oil can be accommodated, a gas-fired heating device (9) connected to a heat exchanger (19) which is situated in the tank and through which the smoke gases flow, and also an outlet (30) for the smoke gases emerging from the heat exchanger. In order to avoid overheating of the oil near the heating device, a bypass pipe (34) connected to the outlet is provided for conveying at least a part of the outlet smoke gases back through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An oven comprises a housing and at least one heater and a conveyor belt which runs through the housing and on which food products to be heated can be accommodated. The belt runs in two helical paths about spaced parallel vertical axes, the direction of movement of the belt along one helical path, as seen from above, being opposite the direction of movement of the belt about the other helical path. The housing comprises two chambers separated by a partition, one of the helical paths of the conveyor being disposed in one chamber and the other helical path being disposed in the other chamber. The partition has an opening through which the belt runs between the chambers. In this way, different temperature levels can be maintained in the two chambers.