Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for shaping a spherical body consisting of dough crust and a filling from a continuously fed cylindrical body, consisting of dough crust and a filling, and comprising at least three slidable members which form an opening or closes it. The members slide on each other so as to constrict the cylindrical body. Each of the members has a tapered portion adjacent to an edge formed at the corner where two adjoining side surfaces meet. The edge has a preselected length so that the spherical body with a highly elastic dough crust is shaped without exposing the filling.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping a cylindrical body consisting of a dough crust and a filling into a spherical body consisting of a dough crust and a filling, comprising at least three slidable members adapted to slide on each other so as to constrict the cylindrical body. Each of the members has tapered portions (2 and 2'), with slopes (7) comprising a steep gradient portion (4) and a gentle gradient portion (6), to minimize the area of contact between the cylindrical body and the members to bring the dough to the portion at which the body is to be cut and to minimize the likelihood of the dough adhering to the members.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping a spherical body consisting of dough crust and a filling is provided. A continuously fed cylindrical body, consisting of dough crust and a filling, is constricted by at least three slidable members which form an opening or closes it. The members slide on each other so as to constrict the cylindrical body. The contact area of the members with the surface of the cylindrical body gradually decreases as the opening is closed, thereby constricting the cylindrical body and shaping the spherical body.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously cutting a filled cylindrical dough body is provided. The apparatus comprises a conveyor belt and at least one cutter arranged above and perpendicularly to the conveyance path of the conveyor belt. The cutter has a wedge-form blade which penetrates the cylindrical dough body from above, while the dough body is being conveyed, by the combination of a downward movement and repeated lateral movements, whereby the dough is cut into separate filled dough pieces without exposing the filler.

Abstract: An apparatus for quantitatively extruding food material is provided.The apparatus comprises a hopper, a frame supporting the hopper and having a chamber therein with first and second ports, to which a nozzle and a piston and cylinder assembly are connected, and a cylindrical food forming device.The food material which flows from the hopper into the chamber is confined by the cylindrical food forming device and forms a cylindrical body, which is then extruded by the piston from the nozzle, whereby even food material including large solids can be quantitatively extruded.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically manufacturing cupped food materials such as cupcakes, in which food material is filled in a cup which is formed from a blank cut out from a strip of sheet and pressed between a moulding female member and a moulding male member. The male member has a hollow portion extending through the center thereof and through which food material is ejected into the cup.