Combined Patents (Class 118/23)
  • Patent number: 9527492
    Abstract: A negative pressure sensor abnormality detection apparatus includes a negative pressure sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to a negative pressure that a negative pressure pump generates, the negative pressure assisting a vehicle driver's brake operation; a negative pressure detection part that detects the negative pressure based on the signal that is output by the negative pressure sensor; a number-of-rotations counting part that counts the number of rotations of the negative pressure pump; and an abnormality determination part that determines that the negative pressure sensor is in an abnormal condition if, under a condition where a change in the driver's brake operation falls within a predetermined range, a change in the negative pressure detected by the negative pressure detection part along with an increase in the number of rotations counted by the number-of-rotations counting part is out of a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Jumpei Kakehi, Kouki Moriya
  • Patent number: 8851007
    Abstract: A food topping and cutting device includes a handle coupled to a cutting edge, and further includes a container coupled to the handle. The container has a dispenser at one end configured to dispense, adjacent to the cutting edge, a food topping supplied from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Justin Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 8789489
    Abstract: Process for preparing a cornet consisting of a substantially conical wafer (22) prior to filing of said cornet with an ice-cream; in order to preserve the crunchy nature of the wafer, the inner wall of the cornet is sprayed with liquid chocolate (23); this chocolate solidifies rapidly in order to form a coating layer for separating the wafer and the ice-cream. The process is characterized in that the inside of the cornet is sprayed with an excess quantity of chocolate to guarantee that no coating-gap zone remains on the inner wall of the wafer, the excess liquid chocolate collecting, under gravity, at the bottom tip of the corner, prior to solidification of said excess, the excess is sucked out of the cornet, subsequent solidification of the coating layer thus making it possible to establish a continuous barrier over the inner wall or the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Daouse, Christian Jean Marie Mange
  • Patent number: 8671872
    Abstract: A coater for coating a material with a solution or a suspension includes an access door and a process port separately openable within a housing. A rotating coating drum is removably connected with respect to the coater and the coater is configured for exchange of drums having a wide range of production capacities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Pilipauskas, Shawn Garcia, Jean Y. Le Floc'h
  • Patent number: 8662007
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for continuously coating cores by means of a dragée-making apparatus (15) comprising at least one rotatably driven drum (1) in which the product (5) is coated with one or several coating materials or is subjected to other treatment processes, such as spraying, drying. In order to be able to individually treat several small charges within a very limited space and with little effort regarding machines, the charge of the product that is to be processed is divided into small individual charges at the inlet end of the drum, is conveyed through the drum in a clocked manner, and is treated in individual treatment chambers (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) in the drum, which are separated from each other. The longitudinal conveyor (3) that conveys the individual charges through the drum embodies the individual treatment chambers in connection with the inner wall of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Driam Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Dunajtschik, Oliver Nohynek
  • Publication number: 20130337110
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing food products by means of extrusion, comprising the processing steps of: i) providing a food dough; ii) providing a viscous coating agent; iii) extruding a strand of food dough and extruding a coating layer at least partially enclosing the strand; iv) treating the at least partially coated strand with a liquid strengthening agent during at least two strengthening steps such that the coating layer of the strand is strengthened; to a device for performing this method and to the obtained food strand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Léon Marie Francois Spierts, Adrianus Josephes Van Den Nieuwelaar, Marcus Bernhard Hubert Bontjer, Patricia Rosa Maria Hoekstra-Suurs
  • Patent number: 8590479
    Abstract: A method and an installation are provided for preserving desired seasoning flavor profiles during the manufacturing of food-seasoning sheets. The method includes the steps of; laying a thin layer of adhesive on a base sheet; removing air from the adhesive prior to the step of laying; reducing free moisture from the adhesive during the step of laying, and depositing food-seasoning ingredients onto the thin layer of adhesive. The installation for manufacturing food-seasoning sheets includes an adhesive dispenser having a reservoir and a delivery slot communicating with the reservoir for dispensing adhesive. The dispenser has a heating element mounted thereto for heating the adhesive. The adhesive is made under a partial vacuum and it is conveyed to the dispenser in a partial vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Transform Pack Inc.
    Inventors: Hans J. Meier, Jeff Dude
  • Patent number: 8342117
    Abstract: There is provided a coating apparatus capable of continuously producing coated rice having powdered coating material adhered to the grains and including a drying process to prevent the grains from being bonded to one another and make the grain surfaces smoother upon drying of the grains. The coating apparatus comprising a binder coating unit for applying liquid binder to the grains being conveyed through a coating and stirring chamber to coat the grain surfaces with the binder; a adhering unit for adding powder material to the grains conveyed through a adhering and stirring chamber to adhere the powdered material to the grain surface by the binder; and a drying unit including a drying and stirring chamber through which the grains are conveyed while being stirred, a blow passage for blowing hot air into the drying chamber to dry the grains, and an exhaust passage for exhausting the hot air from the drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Satake Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Fukumori, Shigeharu Kanemoto, Hidenori Mizuno, Syuji Morito, Hiroyuki Maehara, Keishi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8161901
    Abstract: An apparatus for slicing and applying a spread packaged in a container onto a food item. The apparatus includes an applicating station for applying a pre-selected quantity of the spread onto the food item as the food item is moved therethrough. The apparatus further includes a pumping station in fluid communication with the applicating station for transporting the spread from the container to the applicating station. In one preferred embodiment, a loaf of bread is first sliced and thereafter split open about a hinge extending along the length of the loaf. A spread, e.g., a garlic/butter mixture, is then applied to the exposed bread surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tarpaulin.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. DeGennaro, Glenn E. French
  • Publication number: 20120045499
    Abstract: A confection with unique visual impression is created by partially treating the surface area of the confection with a coating composition including a pearlescent pigment such that the initial taste perception of the confection is not adversely affected by the coating composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: CADBURY ADAMS MEXICO, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Juan Pablo Campomanes Marin, Hector Octavio Vilches Landin
  • Patent number: 8113138
    Abstract: An apparatus for the automated decoration of a food product, the apparatus includes: a transporter configured to move the food product to a decoration area of the apparatus; a detector configured to detect the food product in the decoration area; a deposition mechanism disposed above the decoration area, the deposition mechanism comprising a sliding plate disposed between a first fixed plate and a second fixed plate; wherein, in a first position of the sliding plate, cavities extending though the sliding plate are aligned with cavities extending through the first fixed plate, and in a second position, the cavities extending through the sliding plate are aligned with cavities extending through the second fixed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V.
    Inventor: Joaquin Alverde Trejo
  • Publication number: 20110287166
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for continuously coating cores by means of a dragée-making apparatus (15) comprising at least one rotatably driven drum (1) in which the product (5) is coated with one or several coating materials or is subjected to other treatment processes, such as spraying, drying. In order to be able to individually treat several small charges within a very limited space and with little effort regarding machines, the charge of the product that is to be processed is divided into small individual charges at the inlet end of the drum, is conveyed through the drum in a clocked manner, and is treated in individual treatment chambers (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) in the drum, which are separated from each other. The longitudinal conveyor (3) that conveys the individual charges through the drum embodies the individual treatment chambers in connection with the inner wall of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: DRIAM ANLAGENBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Rudolf Dunajtschik, Oliver Nohynek
  • Patent number: 8028645
    Abstract: A frosting dispenser apparatus including a rotatable platform is described. The frosting dispenser apparatus comprises a body having a base and a pedestal, a rotatable platform is connected with the base and configured to rotate a baked good. Further, a dispenser is connected with the pedestal. The dispenser is located above the rotatable platform. The frosting dispenser apparatus is formed to be easy to use for a child. Additionally, the present invention includes a frosting dispenser apparatus kit which includes a frosting dispenser apparatus, a frosting, a baking mix, a mixing container, a mixing utensil, and a baking container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Runkin, Peter Sarttaw, Anthony Rogers
  • Patent number: 7871678
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced cyclic deposition process suitable for deposition of barrier layers, adhesion layers, seed layers, low dielectric constant (low-k) films, high dielectric constant (high-k) films, and other conductive, semi-conductive, and non-conductive films. The technique increases the chemical reactivity of a precursor used in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Greer, Karl Leeser
  • Publication number: 20100077957
    Abstract: A frosting dispenser apparatus including a rotatable platform is described. The frosting dispenser apparatus comprises a body having a base and a pedestal, a rotatable platform is connected with the base and configured to rotate a baked good. Further, a dispenser is connected with the pedestal. The dispenser is located above the rotatable platform. The frosting dispenser apparatus is formed to be easy to use for a child. Additionally, the present invention includes a frosting dispenser apparatus kit which includes a frosting dispenser apparatus, a frosting, a baking mix, a mixing container, a mixing utensil, and a baking container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard Runkin, Peter Santaw, Anthony Rogers
  • Publication number: 20090283030
    Abstract: A frosting dispenser apparatus including a rotatable platform is described. The frosting dispenser apparatus comprises a body having a base and a pedestal, a rotatable platform is connected with the base and configured to rotate a baked good. Further, a dispenser is connected with the pedestal. The dispenser is located above the rotatable platform. The frosting dispenser apparatus is formed to be easy to use for a child. Additionally, the present invention includes a frosting dispenser apparatus kit which includes a frosting dispenser apparatus, a frosting, a baking mix, a mixing container, a mixing utensil, and a baking container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Gerhard Runkin, Peter Sarttaw, Anthony Rogers
  • Publication number: 20090056558
    Abstract: Popcorn machines having topping dispensing systems are disclosed herein. A popcorn machine configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes a popping kettle or other popping apparatus positioned in a cabinet. The popping apparatus is configured to heat un-popped corn kernels and pop the corn kernels. After popping, the corn is held in the cabinet. The popcorn machine of this embodiment further includes a topping outlet positioned in the cabinet and a topping pump. The topping outlet is operably connectable to a topping container, and the topping pump is configured to move topping from the topping container through the topping outlet and onto a serving portion of popcorn in response to operator activation of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: C. Cretors & Company
    Inventors: Charles D. Cretors, Nenad Vidojevic
  • Patent number: 7137334
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for thawing, heating and/or glazing previously frozen baked goods and other dough-based products, wherein the products can be thawed in an environment having a selected temperature and elevated humidity; the conveyor is configured to prevent early and excessive insertion of the products into the oven; the oven is configured to heat the products to greater than a selected surface temperature; and wherein the glazer is configured to apply glaze to the products when the surface temperature of the product is within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Belshaw Bros., Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Petersen, Michael Porter, Michael Bontatibus
  • Patent number: 6830006
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) is used for producing particles of a foodstuff with a fat content of at least 50%, a sugar content of not more than 20% and a water content of not more than 10%. The foodstuff which is present in liquid form can be applied by means of a dosing device (2) in the form of a film or in the form of a strip onto the moved surface of a cooling device (5) with which the foodstuff is at least partly hardenable. In order to enable the production of particles under clean room conditions in an economically viable manner it is proposed that the dosing device (2) comprises a permanently opened pass-through cross section and an elastically deformable membrane (15) which is in contact with one surface with the liquid, sterilized or pasteurized foodstuff. The membrane (15) can be reversibly deflected in a direction approximately perpendicular to its plane, as a result of which the volume of a conveying chamber for the foodstuff can be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventors: Johannes Baumer, Jürgen Becker, Dietmar Otte, Dieter Stauber
  • Patent number: 6526908
    Abstract: A machine for applying sauce to a pizza crust rapidly and accurately. The crust is placed on a turntable, is centered by stationary platforms having terraced surfaces, and the turntable raises the crust to beneath a plurality of nozzles. The nozzles are mounted to cylinder blocks in which cylindrical cavities are formed. Pistons are slidably mounted in the cavities, and are drivingly linked to a linear prime mover to be displaced upwardly and downwardly to pump sauce into and out of the cavities. Check valves control the flow of sauce from the source of sauce to the crust through the nozzles. The pistons are selectively linked to the linear prime mover for reducing the area onto which the sauce is dispensed, for accommodating smaller and larger pizza crusts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: J. E. Grote Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Gardner, Mark A. Brick, Allan Hopkins, Tony Thomas, Ty Tomlinson, Dave Petty
  • Patent number: 6510809
    Abstract: The installation includes an endless conveyor belt which allows pulverulent material to pass through and has a top part and a bottom part, an element for forming a layer of pulverulent material on a portion of the top part on which products can be accommodated and can be moved in the direction of transport, as well as a device for applying a layer of pulverulent material on the products present on the top part, which device includes a container having a discharge for the pulverulent material, as well as a distributor which allows the pulverulent material to pass through, for uniformly distributing the pulverulent material over the width of the top part. The distributor includes a distribution element that is located transversely below the discharge and allows the pulverulent material to pass through, as well as a part, such as a plate, located below the distribution element, that does not allow the pulverulent material to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Koppens B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrikus Antonius Jacobus Kuenen
  • Publication number: 20020144650
    Abstract: An apparatus for spreading particles, such as seasoning, on both sides of products conveyed in a product stream includes first and second conveyors arranged at different elevations, and a particle dispensing device arranged above a vertical overlap between the two conveyors such that particles dispensed by the spreading device falls on the product stream on the first conveyor and the product stream on the second conveyor. A turning apparatus is arranged between an outlet of the first conveyor and an inlet of the second conveyor such that the product stream is turned over as it is being deposited from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor. The turning apparatus includes a discharge lip on the outlet of the first conveyor, and a curved turning wall arranged spaced from the discharge lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Carl Dale Cameron
  • Patent number: 6395091
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to various systems and processes for applying feed additives to a solid feed composition. In one embodiment, a solid feed additive is combined with a liquid carrier to form a feed additive suspension. The feed additive suspension is fed to a dispensing device that sprays the suspension onto a solid feed composition stream. In an alternative embodiment, a system is disclosed that combines and/or dilutes various liquid feed additives that are then similarly sprayed on a solid feed composition stream. In various embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a plurality of submixing systems that not only maintain a homogeneous suspension or solution but are also capable of continuously applying the solution or suspension to the feed composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Liquid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Jefferson, Alan M. Kapp
  • Publication number: 20020020343
    Abstract: A convertible, combination batter-mixer and -applicator machine combines mixing and applying functions in one machine as well as affords conversion among at least three modes of use. In a first mode, the batter is preferably handled by mixing up one batch at a time from materials whose input quantities are specified in terms of defined weight-ratios, and then the batch is used up completely until depleted. In a second mode, the batter is preferably handled by mixing up one batch at a time from materials whose input quantities are adjusted in order to meet a defined-viscosity, and then the batch is used up completely until depleted. The third mode involves re-circulating the batter stock and calls for continuous re-stocking of batter by mixing in the input materials at varying intervals to the existing stock and in input quantities that are adjusted in order to meet the defined-viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Robert G. Nothum, Sr., Robert G. Nothum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6295947
    Abstract: A device for coating food products with granular material, for example breadcrumb material, comprises a rotating conveyor belt which is permeable to the granular material and on which the food products can be held, guide plates which extend beneath at least a section of the top part and the bottom part of the conveyor belt, a feed, which opens out above the top part of the conveyor belt, for the granular material, a diverter for guiding the granular material from the top part to the bottom part of the conveyor belt and back, as well as a conveyor for conveying granular material from the top part of the conveyor belt to the feed. A selection device to which granular material is fed from the top part of the conveyor belt is situated between the top part and the bottom part of the conveyor belt, via which selection device the selected granular material is fed to the bottom part of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Koppens B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrikus Antonius Jacobus Kuenen
  • Patent number: 6056822
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to various systems and processes for applying feed additives to a solid feed composition. In one embodiment, a solid feed additive is combined with a liquid carrier to form a feed additive suspension. The feed additive suspension is fed to a dispensing device that sprays the suspension onto a solid feed composition stream. In an alternative embodiment, a system is disclosed that combines and/or dilutes various liquid feed additives that are then similarly sprayed on a solid feed composition stream. In various embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a plurality of submixing systems that not only maintain a homogeneous suspension or solution but are also capable of continuously applying the solution or suspension to the feed composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Liquid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Jefferson, Alan M. Kapp
  • Patent number: 6000320
    Abstract: In a food bread apparatus an inlet conveyor provides food components to be breaded in the inlet opening of a breading drum. A recirculating bread mixture conveyor provides the breading mixture to the inlet opening. A takeout conveyor moves the breaded food components from the outlet opening of the breading drum. A lump removal conveyor is positioned below openings in the sidewall of the breading drum. The lump removal conveyor includes a plurality of openings sized to allow passage of surplus breading mixture therethrough but retain the lumps of breading mixture for transport to a catch pan. A surge hopper and conveyor positioned below the lump removal conveyor collected surplus breading mixture and transports the surplus breading mixture to the recirculation conveyor wherein the cycle begins again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: A.C. Horn & Co.
    Inventor: Harold Herrick, IV
  • Patent number: 5951760
    Abstract: A device for coating food products with granular material, for example breadcrumb material, comprises a rotating conveyor belt which is permeable to the granular material and on which the food products can be held, guide plates which extend beneath at least a section of the top part and the bottom part of the conveyor belt, a feed, which opens out above the top part of the conveyor belt, for the granular material, a diverter for guiding the granular material from the top part to the bottom part of the a conveyor belt and back, as well as conveyor for conveying granular material from the top part of the conveyor belt to the feed. A selection device to which granular material is fed from the top part of the conveyor belt is situated between the top part and the bottom part of the conveyor belt, via which selection device selected granular material is fed to the bottom part of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Koppens B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrikus Antonius Jacobus Kuenen
  • Patent number: 5927186
    Abstract: A food breading apparatus for breading food components with a breading mixture includes a breading drum rotatable about its longitudinal axis wherein the longitudinal axis is inclined from horizontal. The drum includes an inlet opening located in an upper end, an outlet opening located in a lower end, and a plurality of openings located proximal to the lower end of a sidewall. The openings are sized to allow surplus breading mixture and lumps of breading mixture to pass therethrough but retain the breaded food product in the rotating breading drum. An inlet conveyor provides food components to be breaded to the inlet opening of the breading drum. A recirculating breading mixture conveyor provides the breading mixture to the inlet opening. A takeout conveyor moves the breaded food components from the outlet opening of the breading drum. A lump removal conveyor is positioned below the plurality of openings in the sidewall of the breading drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Dallas A.C. Horn & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Herrick, IV
  • Patent number: 5902398
    Abstract: An artificial seed manufacturing apparatus in which enclosures can be inserted into capsules without fail, and the diameter of the capsule can automatically be controlled. This apparatus comprises: an enclosure supply mechanism with a container, a tip, and a driving source; a coating material delivery mechanism with a passage, a pressure plunger, a hollow nozzle plunger, and a stepping motor; and a control unit for controlling the enclosure supply mechanism and the coating material delivery mechanism, comprising: moving distance storing means for erasably storing setting data which are inputted through setting operation to designate moving distance of the pressure plunger; and stepping motor control means for supplying driving pulse, the stepping motor control means allowing the pressure plunger to reciprocate by the moving distance, to the stepping motor based on the data stored in the moving distance storing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Kohno, Takeo Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5866193
    Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating seed by gel comprising a seed supplying portion and a processing portion, wherein seed has fallen from a hopper of a seed supplying portion are carried to a plurality of processing nozzles of a processing portion, for encapsulating seed by gelling. A supplying portion comprising the hopper filled with seed, a carrying device disposed below the hopper for arranging seed in correspondence with the number of processing nozzle of the processing portion, and switching devices disposed respectively at the end portions of seed carriage lanes formed by the carrying device so many as the processing nozzles. The carrying device comprising a box-shaped trough, partitions disposed at the upstream portion of the trough for restriction of the height of the flowing of seed, partitions for dividing the flowing of seed into streams so many as the processing nozzles, and a vibrator disposed below the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Agritecno Yazaki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Kohno, Takamichi Maejima, Kazushi Nakatsukasa
  • Patent number: 5855165
    Abstract: A food breading apparatus for breading food components with a breading mixture includes a breading drum rotatable about its longitudinal axis wherein the longitudinal axis is inclined from horizontal. The drum includes an inlet opening located in an upper end, an outlet opening located in a lower end, and a plurality of perforations located proximal to the lower end and through a sidewall of the drum. The perforations are sized to allow surplus breading mixture and lumps of breading mixture to pass therethrough but to retain the breaded food product in the rotating breading drum. An inlet conveyor provides food products to be breaded to the inlet opening of the breading drum. A recirculating breading mixture conveyor provides the breading mixture to the inlet opening. A takeout conveyor moves the breaded food products from the outlet opening of the breading drum. A lump removal conveyor is positioned below the plurality of perforations in the sidewall of the breading drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Dallas A.C. Horn & Co.
    Inventor: Harold Herrick, IV
  • Patent number: 5849347
    Abstract: An improved extrusion processing system (10) for sticky extrudates such as candy products is provided which includes an extruder (12) equipped with a die (16) presenting an outlet face (23) and a knife assembly (19) and a knife hood (18). The system (10) further has a particulate delivery unit (20) which serves to direct a stream of particulate substance under positive pressure onto the outlet face (23) of extrusion die (16). The delivery unit (20) includes a container (42) for holding a supply of a particulate substance such as starch or sugar together with conduits (52, 56) adapted for coupling with a source of pressurized air and connected with container (42); a stream of the particulate substance under pressure is created and delivered via conduit (56) to hood (18) where it passes through delivery tube (60) for application onto outlet face (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, Gerry M. Hertzel, Bradley S. Strahm
  • Patent number: 5728218
    Abstract: The gel-covering apparatus has an inexpensive configuration that can supply the gelling agent to the seed covering portions under uniform pressure when performing simultaneously a plurality of same processes of covering the seeds with gelling agent. The gelling agent is supplied and filled into the closed spaces (73m) formed between the eight passages (73c) and the plungers (73h) in the nozzle block (73). The eight pressurizing air cylinders (77) connected to the eight gel supply passages (73B) communicating with the spaces (73m) are operated to pressurize the gelling agent in the spaces (73m) through the gel passages (75a) to cause the plungers (73h) in respective passages (73c) to move up, opening the valves (73b) at the lower ends of the passages (73c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Kohno, Yoichi Ido, Kazushi Nakatsukasa
  • Patent number: 5697558
    Abstract: In a working nozzle for a gel coating apparatus, a nozzle plunger (15) has, in addition to a valve portion (15b), located at its lower end, for opening or shutting the small-diameter portion of a plunger insertion hole (4), a flange (16) which is located above the valve portion and can be brought into contact with or separated from an edge of the small-diameter hole portion (5). This prevents leakage of gel during shutting of the small diameter. The nozzle plunger has also a gel accommodating groove (17) provided on the outer periphery of said valve portion and adjoining to a lower surface of the flange, thereby permitting the sharp cutting of the gel when the valve shuts. The nozzle plunger has a step (25) provided at the lower end of its inner periphery and having a larger diameter than larger than the inner diameter of the valve portion, thus preventing stagnancy of seeds within the nozzle plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Ido, Yasushi Kohno
  • Patent number: 5664489
    Abstract: A food breading apparatus for breading food components with a breading mixture includes a breading drum rotatable about its longitudinal axis wherein the longitudinal axis is inclined from horizontal. The drum includes an inlet opening located in an upper end, an outlet opening located in a lower end, and a plurality of openings located proximal to the lower end of a sidewall. The openings are sized to allow surplus breading mixture and lumps of breading mixture to pass therethrough but retain the breaded food product in the rotating breading drum. An inlet conveyor provides food components to be breaded to the inlet opening of the breading drum. A recirculating breading mixture conveyor provides the breading mixture to the inlet opening. A takeout conveyor moves the breaded food components from the outlet opening of the breading drum. A lump removal conveyor is positioned below the plurality of openings in the sidewall of the breading drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Dallas A.C. Horn & Co.
    Inventor: Harold Herrick, IV
  • Patent number: 5660630
    Abstract: A seedlike substance making apparatus is provided which overcomes the problems experienced with conventional apparatuses that artificial seeds cannot be dispersed uniformly in a gelling agent, and which makes it possible to arbitrarily set the number of enclosures, such as adventive embryos, and the size of gelled coating. The apparatus comprises a coating material delivery mechanism (C), an enclosure supply mechanism (D) and a tip positioning mechanism (B). The coating material delivery mechanism (C) forms a film of coating material by opening and closing the nozzle plunger (8). The enclosure supply mechanism (D) has a vertically movable supply rod (29) at the bottom of the enclosure container (25) that contains a culture liquid in which the enclosures are immersed. The tip positioning mechanism (B) comprises a rotary plate (18), which is provided with a plurality of air cylinders (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Kohno
  • Patent number: 5512101
    Abstract: In the bottom of a seed vessel containing seeds is provided a throughhole through which a seed supply rod is longitudinally movably passed. The supply rod is connected to an actuator to be movably driven. When the supply rod is moved upwardly, it carries a small number of seeds on the top surface thereof to bring the seeds close to a suction tip so that the suction tip sucks one seed therefrom. Since the suction tip sucks one seed from the limited number of seeds on top of the supply rod, it becomes unlikely that a plurality of seeds sucked into the suction tip interfere with each other to cause the suction tip to make errors in sucking seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Kohno
  • Patent number: 5509963
    Abstract: In a seed supply mechanism for seed coating/processing apparatus, a seed stirring mechanism is provided. A case within which seeds ape accommodated is provided with an opening into which a seed sucking nozzle is inserted and an air jet nozzle. The air jet nozzle for the seed stirring mechanism is connected to an air pressure source through an exchanging valve by a hose The seed sucking nozzle sucks a seed floating by air jetted from the air jet nozzle. Thus, only one seed can be surely sucked when the sucking operation is once carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Kohno
  • Patent number: 5421882
    Abstract: A gel-coating apparatus for seeds comprising: a nozzle portion for forming and cutting a gel coating film by opening and closing operation of a cutting plunger; a seed storing vessel moving upward and downward; an arm having a rotation shaft at the center thereof and a hollow needle at both ends thereof; a seed supply portion having pipes for communicating the needles with a negative pressure source and a positive pressure source by way of electromagnetic valves; a curing vessel provided below the nozzle portion; and a control section for synchronously operating the movement of the curing vessel, the nozzle portion, the seed storing vessel, the arm, and the seed supply portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Kouno, Takeo Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5284514
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and process for making foods coated in bread crumbs.The apparatus has a crumbing apparatus for converting loaves, of bread into breadcrumbs; a coating location whereto fresh crumbs are delivered from the crumbing apparatus; and a conveyor for transporting substrate food to the coating location for coating with the crumbs and for transporting coated food away from the coating location.The process involves the steps of obtaining baked and staled bread; inserting the bread into an apparatus which converts the bread into crumbs and substantially immediately coats the crumbs onto a substrate food. For conversion into crumbs, bread is supported on rods over a rotating drum having teeth which project between the rods to engage the bread. Thus bread too moist for grinding can be crumbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Eurotaste Limited
    Inventor: Sybil M. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 5265525
    Abstract: The invention is an automatic breader/sifter unit used to facilitate the application of a breading material to a food product. The unit includes a rotatable, horizontally-oriented drum that has an octagonal shape. The sidewalls of the drum include a large number of apertures so that when breading material is within the drum, the material contacts the drum and is sifted as the drum rotates. The drum is motor-driven and is at least partially surrounded by an exterior housing. The housing prevents the sifted breading material from escaping from the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Frank Stewart
  • Patent number: 5226354
    Abstract: The invention is an automatic breader/sifter unit used to facilitate the application of a breading material to a food product. The unit includes a rotatable, horizontally-oriented drum that has an octagonal shape. The sidewalls of the drum include a large number of apertures so that when breading material is within the drum, the material contacts the drum and is sifted as the drum rotates. The drum is motor driven and is partially surrounded by an exterior housing. The housing prevents the sifted breading material from escaping from the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Frank Stewart
  • Patent number: 5081917
    Abstract: This invention is related to an apparatus for automatically producing confectionery cakes or the like, comprising at least one station for processing or shaping cakes or the like set on an upper plate, drive and guide pulleys rotatably provided underneath said station or stations, a pair of parallel endless conveyor belts passed round said drive and guide pulleys, and holders provided at a predetermined pitch on said conveyor belts for keeping upper plates on said conveyor belts, said upper plates each being displaced in the lengthwise direction of said conveyor belts and widthwise direction perpendicular to said lengthwise direction for processing shaping cakes or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Shin Nihon Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumihiko Masuda
  • Patent number: 5031567
    Abstract: Paste-form material is shaped into individual portions by an apparatus wherein a feed pipe provides a continuous supply of paste-form product under pressure to a distributor which is synchronized with a cutting device to produce the individual portions which are delivered to a support. Elements of the cutting device collect drops produced when cutting the distributed paste-form product, and the collected drops are removed from the cutting device such that the drops do not come in contact with the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Daouse, Bruno Delande
  • Patent number: 5020427
    Abstract: An apparatus for hand breading of food products having a support table, a fry basket rack, a removable flour pan and a removable batter pan. A pivotally mounted sifter basket is translatable over the length of the support table in substantial alignment with the basket rack, flour pan and batter pan. A removable doughball collection trough is disposed transversely of the support table between the flour pan and basket rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventors: Thomas M. Kennefick, Frank Portillo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4936246
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating dough balls from reusable breading having a container for holding breading containing dough balls, the container having an aperture in the bottom thereof for selectably discharging the breading having dough balls commingled therewith, a sifter having foraminous portions positioned below the container bottom aperture and having a bottom with a central opening through the foraminous portions, a plurality of concentric circular walls having openings therethrough arranged to cause dough balls to be separately discharged through the sifter central opening, a divider below the sifter central opening separating into divergent downwardly inclined paths the breading sifted from the sifter, the divider having an opening therethrough, a conduit received within the divider opening having an upper end in close communication with the sifter central opening, first and second paralleled and spaced apart breading collector pans below the sifter and divider to receive breading discharged from the si
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Inventor: Vernon E. Reece
  • Patent number: 4862824
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating dough balls from reusable breading having a container for holding breading containing dough balls, the container having an aperture in the bottom thereof for selectably discharging the breading having dough balls co-mingled therewith, a sifter having foraminous portions positioned below the container bottom aperture and having a bottom with a central opening therein, an actuator to cause breading to be sifted through the foraminous portions, a plurality of concentric circular walls having openings therethrough arranged to cause dough balls to be separately discharged through the sifter central opening, a breading collector container below the sifter to receive breading sifted from the sifter, and a dough ball collector directly below the sifter central opening for separately receiving dough balls passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Vernon E. Reece
  • Patent number: 4430930
    Abstract: A machine for preparing and cooking corn dogs which are batter coated weiners upon a stick has a fry tank and coating bin mounted on a frame. Food articles are impaled by sticks driven through clasps in holes in a stick clamp. The food articles are dipped into a coating substance by elevation of the coating bin. The articles are elevated by rotating or flipping them above the lip of the fry tank and immersed in hot grease within the fry tank, cooked, and then elevated by rotating or flipping them out of the fry tank. The sticks are unclasped from the stick clamps and placed on a receiving tray. Thermostatically controlled heating elements suspended above the floor of the tank heat the grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Assignee: Automated Food Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Walser
  • Patent number: 3986477
    Abstract: Apparatus for coating wire including a coating composition dispensing means and a feed means extending therefrom and to at least one positive displacement delivery unit associated with at least one wire coating die. The die has an outlet for extruding coating composition around a wire and a haul off device is provided for the coated wire. Means are also provided between the wire coating die and the haul off device and arranged positively to cool, cure or set the coating composition applied to the wire at the coating die. Means synchronize each the positive displacement delivery unit and its associated haul off device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1976
    Assignee: The General Engineering Co. (Radcliffe) Ltd.
    Inventor: Bernard Keith Bigland