Abstract: Automatic cutting of pieces of material for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight is performed by an apparatus and process in which the pieces to be cut are first weighed and then cut to obtain a portion having a predetermined weight. The pieces to be cut are transported on adjacent parallel conveyors adapted to travel in the same direction at substantially the same speed, a portion of each piece being transported on each conveyor. At least one of the conveyors includes at least one load-bearing platform, each load-bearing platform being associated with a weighing machine for performing, at least once, weighing of at least a portion of each piece to be cut at least once.

Abstract: A process of preparing a frozen rolled cod tail wherein a cod tail is rolled around a spindle, then frozen partially or completely, afterwards removed from the spindle and, if necessary, frozen completely. The frozen rolled cod tails may be filled later when desired.

Abstract: A process for preparing batter which comprises measuring out and mixing thoroughly appropriate quantities of flour and water characterized in that at least the flour is measured gravimetrically, the measured proportions of flour and water are fed continuously to a mixing device through which they flow by gravity and are mixed to form the batter which is removed continuously.

Abstract: A process and machine for disintegrating materials wherein the material is delivered to a disintegrating element which receives a reciprocating movement whose path is substantially parallel to the surface to be comminuted wherein the disintegrating element comprises at least one rotary cutter whose axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the surface to be comminuted with a blade having a cutting edge substantially parallel to and directed transversely to the axis of rotation whereby comminution takes place on simultaneous reciprocation of the disintegrating element and rotation of the cutter.

Abstract: A method of forming a cake from a sticky confectionary material based on sugar and cereals comprising the steps of transporting a layer of such sticky confectionary material having a uniform thickness on a surface of an endless conveyor to a position beneath at least one vertically disposed hollow cylinder whose wall is tapered at its lower end and inside which is a piston, advancing the cylinder downwardly so that it cuts through the sticky material until the lower edge of said cylinder contacts said surface and severs the sticky material within the cylinder from the layer; then advancing the piston downwardly to compress the severed sticky material to between about 40% and about 60% of its original thickness to form the cake, maintaining such compression for between 0.5 and 5.

Abstract: A threshing machine for peas consisting of a horizontal sieve drum rotatable about a longitudinal axis, containing at least two beater shafts located with their axles parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sieve drum to form several threshing areas, a longitudinal conveyor at the inlet end of the sieve drum for throwing threshed product thereinto characterised in that a prebeater unit comprising a plurality of beater mechanisms extends in a longitudinal direction above the longitudinal conveyor and below a fixed hood, the beater mechanisms having shafts mounted laterally across the width of the longitudinal conveyor and equipped with beater arms staggered with each other in the direction of rotation which beater arms may oscillate freely within their plane rotation.

Abstract: A method of freezing boiled rice or a blanched leafy vegetable in a freezer having an operating temperature from -25.degree. C. to -50.degree. C. characterized in that before entering the freezer, the unfrozen product is cooled and intimately mixed with from 20% to 80% by weight based on the weight of the mixture of already frozen free-flowing boiled rice or blanched leafy vegetable.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of an elongate rod-shaped comminuted meat product which comprises feeding a flowable protein-containing food mixture into a hollow mould which travels through a microwave oven and which is formed by the co-operation of the adjacent runs of a pair of endless flexible belts which have a sealing system and afterwards releasing the meat product from the hollow mould characterized in that the sealing system comprises, on each side of the hollow mould, at least one longitudinal projection on one belt engaging with at least one corresponding recess on the other belt.

Abstract: A machine for paring vegetables, fruits or parts thereof having as their base a central portion to be separated over a hemispherical or ogival surface from the surrounding portion, said machine comprising a tray which pivots discontinuously and which is provided with a recess in which said vegetable or fruit is placed, a blade which is curved towards the vertical axis of said vegetable or fruit, rotates about said axis and moves over an arc of a circle which is convex in relation to said axis between two positions, said positions being a position where it is retracted from said recess and a cutting position.