Abstract: The invention refers to a method for continuously cooking and cooling flat food products (2) in direct contact with two endless belts (3,4) arranged on opposite sides thereof. The heat accumulated during cooking is removed during cooling by conduction, the cooling being immediately following the cooking and commenced before the completion of the cooking of the food products.

Abstract: In a method and a cooking machine for continuously heat treating a food product the heat transfer to the food product is accomplished on a conveyor (5) in a processing chamber (2) from above by means of convection from a heat transfer medium and from below by means of heating means (8) heating the underside of the food product. The heat transfer from below is accomplished by direct contact of the underside of the food product (6) with the conveyor (5), the conveyor being a continuous flat non-perforated belt comprising a plastic material.

Abstract: The invention provides a molding apparatus and process of molding formable materials which comprises at least one supply manifold for receiving a formable material and plungers or pistons for applying pressure to the formable material within the manifolds. A mold plate including at least one mold cavity is driven between fill and discharge positions, with the at least one mold cavity selectively exposed to the supply manifold when in the fill position. A clamp member is positioned adjacent the mold plate when in the fill position, and pressure is applied on the clamp member to clamp the mold plate against the supply manifold. The clamp member and associated structure apply pressure to the clamp member compensating for deflection of these structural members which maintains the mold plate in firm clamping relation relative to the supply manifold.

Abstract: A device for cooking meatballs has a frame supporting an open-ended drum for rotation on the frame about a substantially horizontal axis. The drum is open at both its inlet end and its outlet end and has for part of its length an outer wall together with the inner wall forming a jacket. Heating oil is brought into the jacket through an axial rotary joint and discharged from the jacket through a similar axial rotary joint. Within the drum is a plurality of helical fins spaced apart circumferentially. The fins are of a sufficient height to propel axially of the drum meatballs introduced thereto through the inlet end and to carry the meatballs to the outlet end for discharge therethrough. Extending axially a short distance away from the inner wall and preferably carried by adjacent portions of the fins are tumbling bars. These are effective to lift and release the meatballs.

Abstract: A meatball cooker has a frame on which a pair of generally cylindrical rollers are mounted alongside each other to extend horizontally with their axes parallel to each other. At least one of the rollers, and preferably both, includes a helical groove concentric with the respective axis, the groove being of a character to engage the customary meatball. The rollers are heated internally, and preferably externally also, and are rotated relative to each other about their respective axes and preferably in the same directions with the helical grooves of the same hand to advance and turn the meatballs. There is an enclosure around the rollers and a grease pan beneath. Conveniently there is a feeding chute for introducing the meatballs to the device and a receiving chute for carrying away processed meatballs.