Abstract: An apparatus for caramelizing a cut surface of a split bread product is provided. The apparatus comprises a substantially flat heatable surface and at least one raised surface portion in heat transfer communication with the flat surface, and extending upwardly therefrom. The raised surface portion defines an upper contact surface for receiving and supporting the split bread product. The contact surface is formed to substantially conform to the contour of the cut surface of the split bread product, to apply heat directly to the cut surface to caramelize the inner surface.

Abstract: A dough press machine for flattening a quantity of dough. The dough press machine comprises a housing having lower and upper platens attached thereto. Releasably attached to the lower platen is a mold which defines a peripheral edge. The mold is sized relative to the lower platen such that the lower platen protrudes beyond the peripheral edge of the mold. The quantity of dough is placable onto the mold, with the movement of at least one of the lower and upper platens toward the other facilitating the compression of the quantity of dough between the upper platen and the mold and the movement of a portion of the quantity of dough over the peripheral edge of the mold into contact with the lower platen.

Abstract: A manually actuated heat press machine for applying a heat transfer to a substrate. The machine comprises a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. Pivotally connected to the housing is an actuation handle which is selectively moveable between a press position and a release position relative thereto. Attached to the actuation handle is an upper platen which is reciprocally movable toward and away from the lower platen thereby. The upper platen is attached to the actuation handle so as to be in substantial alignment with and in spaced relation to the lower platen. Cooperatively engaged to the housing and to the upper platen is a linkage mechanism for maintaining the upper platen in substantial alignment with the lower platen when the actuation handle is moved between its press and release positions.

Abstract: A manually actuated heat press machine for applying a heat transfer to a substrate. The machine comprises a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. Pivotally connected to the housing is an actuation handle which is selectively moveable between a press position and a release position relative thereto. Attached to the actuation handle is an upper platen which is reciprocally movable toward and away from the lower platen thereby. The upper platen is attached to the actuation handle so as to be in substantial alignment with and in spaced relation to the lower platen. Cooperatively engaged to the actuation handle is an adjustment mechanism for selectively increasing or decreasing the spacing between the upper and lower platens when the actuation handle is in the press position. A decrease in the spacing between the upper and lower platens effectively increases the level of compressive pressure applied to the substrate and heat transfer therebetween when the actuation handle is moved to the press position.

Abstract: A dough press machine for flattening a quantity of dough usable as a crust for a food product such as a pizza pie. The machine has a vertically movable upper platen having a bottom surface and a lower platen having a top surface. The lower platen is movable from and to a position whereby the bottom surface of the upper platen and the top surface of the lower platen are substantially aligned with each other for vertical downward movement of the upper platen against the lower platen. The machine includes a sensor for detecting alignment of the lower platen with the upper platen such that the upper platen is vertically immovable when the lower platen is not in substantial alignment with the upper platen. Vertical movement of the upper platen is accomplished electromechanically with an electric thrust actuator in communication with the upper platen.

Abstract: A breakaway engagement mechanism is provided for use in connection with a press having a stationary first platen and a vertically translatable second platen, engagable to a vertically translatable drive cylinder mechanism. The engagement mechanism comprises a drive cylinder coupling shaft for engaging a drive cylinder mechanism and extending vertically therefrom. A second platen coupling member is mounted to the coupling shaft and engagable to the second platen. A spring member is further provided, having a first end connectable to the second platen, and a second end connectable to the coupling member, for resiliently holding the coupling member to the second platen.