Abstract: The present invention is a bakery product produced by compressing stacked sheets of dough into a laminate and baking the laminate. The bakery product includes a first sheet of dough and a second sheet of dough. The first sheet of dough has a first grain direction. The second sheet of dough has a second grain direction. The second sheet of dough is positioned in facing engagement on the first sheet of dough to form a laminate of dough, wherein the first and second grain directions are positioned generally not parallel with respect to each other. The present invention is also directed to the apparatus and method used for producing the above-described bakery product.

Abstract: The present invention is a bakery product produced by compressing stacked sheets of dough into a laminate and baking the laminate. The bakery product includes a first sheet of dough and a second sheet of dough. The first sheet of dough has a first grain direction. The second sheet of dough has a second grain direction. The second sheet of dough is positioned in facing engagement on the first sheet of dough to form a laminate of dough, wherein the first and second grain directions are positioned generally not parallel with respect to each other. The present invention is also directed to the apparatus and method used for producing the above-described bakery product.

Abstract: The present invention is a bakery product produced by compressing stacked sheets of dough into a laminate and baking the laminate. The bakery product includes a first sheet of dough and a second sheet of dough. The first sheet of dough has a first grain direction. The second sheet of dough has a second grain direction. The second sheet of dough is positioned in facing engagement on the first sheet of dough to form a laminate of dough, wherein the first and second grain directions are positioned generally not parallel with respect to each other. The present invention is also directed to the apparatus and method used for producing the above-described bakery product.

Abstract: A rotary drive die nozzle machine for an extruder comprises at least one rotatable nozzle having at least three openings. A compression head directs food material from the extruder toward at least one rotating nozzle. A drive assembly including at least one drive gear rotates the at least one nozzle. The at least one nozzle is axially removable from the drive gear to allow replacement with nozzle openings of different sizes and shapes. The machine includes a series of seals to prevent the extruded food product from getting into the drive assembly and to prevent grease and other matter from the drive assembly from getting into the food material.

Abstract: A tunnel-type conveyor oven having two types of heat sources is provided. The oven includes a conveyor for carrying items through the oven along a conveyor path. The conveyor has first and second opposite sides. A plurality of radiant heaters are located transverse to and extend across the conveyor path. The radiant heaters are spaced apart in a direction of the conveyor path. Each radiant heater includes an inner tube having a wall with a plurality of openings defined therethrough, an open first end and a second end. A burner is directed into the open first end of the inner tube. An outer tube is located around the inner tube. The outer tube has an outer surface which is adapted to radiate heat, a first end and a second end. An exhaust outlet is located on the second end of the outer tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel automatic tray loading mechanism and method for receiving and delivering product articles into individualized compartments of a tray using a loading mechanism having a screw member with spiral banding which when rotated urges the product articles across a shelf and into a tray which is subsequently carried away from the loading mechanism.