Abstract: A method for making an appetizer food product is disclosed herein. The method includes preparing a dough composition by mixing a predetermined quantity of flour, water, olive oil, sugar, salt, and yeast; flattening and/or compressing the dough composition; adding one or more layers of other ingredients to the dough composition, the other ingredients comprising at least one type of cheese and at least one of type of meat or at least one type of vegetable; rolling the dough composition and the other ingredients into a log-shaped food product; applying olive oil to the log-shaped food product; cutting the log-shaped food product into a plurality of individual rolls; twisting each of the plurality of individual rolls; and freezing each of the plurality of individual rolls for a predetermined period of time without allowing the proofing of the dough composition. An appetizer food product is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: When a transport start condition, which includes at least a condition that the controller is receiving a closed state signal, is satisfied, a controller allows a transport operation by an article transport device, and suspends the transport operation by the article transport device when the controller stops continually receiving the closed state signal after the transport operation by the article transport device is started, and further, allows the transport operation by the article transport device to continue while the controller is receiving the closed state signal after the transport operation by the article transport device is started, even if an object to be detected is detected by a monitoring detector.

Abstract: A thermoformed tray made of material from the group consisting essentially of PET, RPET, HDPE, and RHDPE and a method of making the tray. The tray has a blunt and substantially smooth outer peripheral flange that will not cut a plastic overwrap film, such as LDPE. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a thermoformed packaging tray 10 preferably comprising PET, RPET, HDPE or RHDPE material. The techniques and processes for thermoforming a tray from PET, RPET, HDPE or RHDPE material are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and therefore further discussion of the thermoforming process is not warranted.

Abstract: A cut-off device is used for providing a deposit of known portion weight of the ground meat or paste. This deposit is dropped accurately onto a conveyor belt for transport to a press wheel the height of which, from the conveyor, can be adjusted to provide a finished product of correct thickness. The press wheel has a system of vacuum ducts around the circumference in four chambers that pull paper from a de-nesting tray situated at the top of the press wheel, at the correct interval as to meet up with the deposit at the base of the wheel. This results in the deposit being pressed to the required thickness onto the conveyor, with the interleave paper attached to the top of the now formed patty.

Abstract: A multifunctional detabber apparatus and method for producing bottles having a bottom surface with a hook projection integrally molded with and extending from the bottom surface in a deployed position. The bottom surface also includes at least one locking channel in order to receive and releasably secure the hook projection in a non-deployed position. The multifunctional detabber apparatus includes at least a grabber, a trimmer, and a hook closer. The grabber includes first and second jaws which surround the bottle and prevent movement. The trimmer includes first and second strikers for creating an outer periphery of the hook projection and an opening in the hook projection. The hook closer includes a mandrel that extends to bend and secure the hook projection in the locking channel in the bottom surface of the bottle.

Abstract: A container having the shape of a cylinder of a substantially horizontal symmetry axis, closed at its both ends with the bottoms comprising steps in which a body having the form of a pipe empty inside of a corrugated inner surface is manufactured so that a first set of spray nozzles arranged at various angles is introduced into a mold turning around its own axis and then an inner surface of the mold is sprayed, next a hole is cut out for an inspection manhole in the surface of the produced body, then the body is closed with the bottoms at both ends so that a bottom mold is placed at each open end of the body, a second set of spray nozzles arranged at various angles is introduced through the hole for an inspection manhole, and then an inner surface of the bottom mold is sprayed.

Abstract: An improved dough-rolling apparatus and method for rolling sheeted dough. The proposed invention comprises a dough-rolling apparatus having a dough sheeter that cuts a dough sheet into preforms having a concave leading edge and convex trailing edge. A rolling curtain creates a rolled preform with the leading edge on the inside and the trailing edge on the outside. The rolled preform is cooked to produce a rolled snack product with consistent thickness throughout its length and a round outer flap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for arranging a dough layer on a conveyor, comprising a funnel with a receiving chamber for receiving dough, a discharge opening into which the receiving chamber debouches, and means for applying an oil film to at least a part of the inner side of the receiving chamber, wherein at least a part of the inner wall of the receiving chamber is convex on the interior of the funnel in a section parallel to a direction of the receiving chamber toward the discharge opening. The invention also relates to a method for arranging a dough layer on a conveyor.

Abstract: A food dough forming apparatus for joining together a first end face of a rod-shaped food dough and a second end face of another rod-shaped food dough, the apparatus including: deforming and facing means for deforming the food doughs so as to cause the first end face and the second end face to face each other; and joining means for joining together the end faces caused to face each other by the deforming and facing means.

Abstract: A plant (1) for the continuous manufacture of an expandable plastic granulate (G) is disclosed that includes a plastic melt source (2) for providing a plastic melt (F), an impregnating device (3) for providing an impregnated plastic melt (FB) by impregnating the plastic melt (F) with an expanding agent (B) provided by an expanding agent source, and a granulator (4, 41, 42) for producing the granulate (G) from the impregnated plastic melt (FB) with the granulator (4, 41, 42), with the granulator (4, 41, 42) being fluidly connected to the impregnating device (3). According to the invention, a switching means (5) is provided in such a way, that the plastic melt (F) can be fed to the granulator (4, 41, 42) under bypassing the impregnating device (3). In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing a granulate (G) using a plant (1) in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermo formed part includes closing in a mould a heated sheet (L) made of thermoplastic material in such a manner as to deform the latter, then cooling it inside the mould until complete consolidation is achieved. During cooling, the sheet is cut along at least one edge portion (E) thereof, this cutting operation causing a bending of the edge portion against an abutment surface (1s) in the mould; and removing the upper half-mould from the lower half-mould once the consolidation of the deformed sheet has been attained. During the cooling of the sheet inside the mould, subsequently to the cutting operation a folding operation is performed, this folding operation includes moving the abutment surface away from the edge portion of the sheet, and operating on the edge portion in such a manner as to resume its bending towards a support surface (2s) of the sheet in the mould.

Abstract: A system for processing materials includes handling and cutting stations positioned at appropriate positions along first and second conveying portions. A crust cutting station is positioned along the first conveyor portion. A crust removal station is positioned to span across the first and second conveying portions. Similarly, a stacking station is also positioned to span across the first and second conveying portions. Further, a first (vertical) cross cutting station is position along the second conveyor portion. Similarly, a second (horizontal) cross cutting station is located along the second conveyor portion. The process of using the disclosed system eliminates the need for specially designed stacking frames or trays and support rods, and improves cutting capacity and reduces processing time by only stacking the materials to be processed once, without de-stacking and restacking steps.

Abstract: An improved reinforcing element, and devices and methods for producing a wrapped assembly reinforcing element comprising at least one center core member formed from at least one center core strand, wherein the at least one center core member is wrapped with a reinforced thermoplastic resin comprising complete fiber strand dispersion and wet out without breaking fiber filaments after cutting the fiber to a designated length in the wrapping resin. The resulting wrapped assembly may be used in a variety of ways, including virtually any construction project requiring a lightweight reinforcing member with high tensile and compression strength.

Abstract: This specification discloses fiber additives for reinforcing matrix materials and an apparatus for forming the same, said fibers having flattened shanks terminated with egg-shaped nodules. The apparatus comprises a roller-former-cutter assembly that forms the fibers in a single operation from continuous filaments using compressive force and a unique cut-out and blade assembly. The fibers described are designed to have an increased pull-out resistance compared to other fiber morphologies.

Abstract: A method of the type in which a strip of rubber is moved continuously from a rubber-supplier device to a consumer device. During the continuous movement and prior to reaching the consumer device, a portion, referred to as the residue, is taken continuously from the strip of rubber. The residue is taken by continuously cutting the strip of rubber. For example, the supplier device includes upstream storage means for storing the strip of rubber from which the strip is moved toward the extruder, and downstream storage means in which the residue is stored. After the strip of rubber on the upstream storage means has been used up, the upstream and downstream storage means are swapped with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a multilayer object in synthetic resin (9) by compression moulding a dose of molten multilayer resin (1) comprising at least one functional layer (2,20), each layer of the dose being in the molten state at the time of compression; the method consisting at least in co-extruding the resins through a die, in cutting the extrudate periodically in order to obtain a dose (1), then in depositing the dose (1) in the molten state in the cavity of a mould; the method thereby defining, within the dose, an extrusion direction and an arrangement of the functional layer (2,20) parallel to the extrusion direction; the method being characterized in that the dose is compressed along a compression axis (16) which intersects the extrusion direction, so as to introduce, into the flow of the layers, asymmetry with respect to the compression axis (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a mold charge into a mold of a compression molding machine includes a carrier mounted for rotation around a first axis, at least one arm mounted on the carrier for rotation around a second axis at an angle to the first axis, and a mold charge pick-up cup on the arm for receiving a mold charge, transporting the mold charge and placing the mold charge into a mold of the compression molding machine. A cam is carried in stationary position adjacent to the carrier surrounding the first axis, and a cam follower is operatively coupled to the arm in engagement with the cam for rotating the arm and the mold charge pick-up cup around the second axis as the carrier is rotated around the first axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting machine comprising at least one moving type cutting table (1), in which the plastic material to be cut (2) is placed; a plurality of lower electromagnets (3) and a plurality of upper electromagnets (4) a ferromagnetic sphere (5); microwave emitting means (6); computer numerical control means (7). This machine is based on the use of a sphere (5) cutting plastic materials by means of thermal fusion, and which is controlled in space by magnetic means.

Abstract: Apparatus for compression molding plastic articles includes a plurality of molds mounted for travel around a first axis. Each mold includes an upper mold section and a lower mold section, with at least one of the upper and lower mold sections being moveable in a non-circular first endless path, and being moveable with respect to the other mold section to form a mold cavity. A mold charge delivery system delivers individual mold charges to the mold cavities and includes at least one delivery mechanism that travels in a second endless path around a second axis spaced from the first axis, wherein the second endless path overlies a portion of the first endless path.

Abstract: A compression molding machine includes a support mounted for rotation around an axis and a plurality of angularly spaced molds disposed around the support. Each of the molds includes a first mold segment and a second mold segment. At least one of the mold segments is movable with respect to the other mold segment between a closed position for compression molding a plastic article, and an open position for removing a molded article from the mold and placing a mold charge into the mold. An apparatus is provided for placing mold charges into the molds in sequence.

Abstract: An improved dough-rolling apparatus and method for rolling sheeted dough. The proposed invention comprises a dough-rolling apparatus having a dough sheeter, a sheeting conveyor having a ramped section, a roll-initiating curtain positioned above the ramped section, and a roll-completing curtain positioned above the conveyor and downstream from the roll-initiating conveyor. Sheeted and cut dough pieces are deposited onto a steel mesh, partially-ramped sheeter belt, where two wire-mesh rolling curtains are draped onto the sheeter belt to induce rolling of the dough pieces.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for producing endless rolls of a resilient foodstuff, as well as a product in the form of a roll of hard cheese is provided. The method comprises supplying a layer (7) of the resilient foodstuff in a supply plane and against a first guide roller (20, 120), continuously deflecting the resilient foodstuff layer (7) by way of the first guide roller (20, 120) away from the supply plane, and continuously re-directing the deflected foodstuff layer (7) by way of a second guide roller (30, 130) toward the supply plane, so as to produce a roll of foodstuff; the apparatus comprises a supply mechanism (5) for supplying a layer (7) of the resilient foodstuff in a supply plane, a first guide roller (20, 120) against which the resilient foodstuff layer (7) can be supplied and for continuously deflecting the foodstuff layer away from the supply plane, and a second guide roller (30, 130) for continuously redirecting the deflected foodstuff layer (7) toward the supply plane.

Abstract: A method for weakening a portion of a web includes moving a web in a machine direction between at least a first location and a second location, wherein the second location is positioned downstream of the first location, forming a line of weakness in the web at the first location, wherein the web has a first tensile strength across the line of weakness, and weakening the line of weakness at a second location, wherein the web has a second tensile strength across the line of weakness after the line of weakness is weakened at the second location and wherein the first tensile strength is greater than the second tensile strength.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided herein for making a plurality of spherical products, e.g., meat balls. The apparatus includes a base. A tray support platform is mounted on the base for tethered buffetted motion with respect to the base. A tray having an upper non-stick surface is mounting on, and is held to, the tray support platform. A grid consisting of an array of compartments constituted by a plurality of intersecting walls and having an open bottom is supported on the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for trimming and performing a second operation on containers, such as plastic containers. The apparatus comprises modular container processing stations. One modular station is a pretrim station including a starwheel, blade, and rollers for spinning the containers. Another modular station is a trimming station which includes a plurality of trim heads for precisely trimming containers. The trim heads include a C-knife, an inner knife, and a neck control ring assembly. Another modular station is a second station including a plurality of second station heads. The second station heads contact a trimmed container as the container is continuously spun. The integrated apparatus also includes a carousel which conveys the containers from station to station and includes a number of spindles which may spin the containers during processing. The apparatus may also include a scrap removal assembly which collects scrap rings and blows them away to a scrap collector.

Abstract: A device and method for forming tableware from biodegradable vegetable fibers includes a device for punching a sheet of vegetable fibers into a preset shape and forming final products from the vegetable fibers. The device and method include a humidifier for humidifying the vegetable fibers, a bender for bend-drawing the vegetable fiber into an intermediate article, a warm-air dryer for keeping and drying the intermediate article, a cool-air dryer for further drying and cooling the intermediate article into a finished article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compression molding plastic articles such as closures include a plurality of tools mounted in opposed pairs with the tools of each pair including opposed male and female mold sections. The tool pairs are mounted for motion in an endless path. The tool pairs and associated mold sections are closed during motion in the path for compression a molding charge in the mold cavity formed between the mold sections of each pair, and opening the mold cavity to release an article formed between the mold sections. A latch mechanism is associated with each pair of tools for holding the tools and mold sections in the closed position during motion in the path independent of the mechanism for closing the tools and mold halves. In this way, forces imparted to the mold halves and tools to hold the mold closed are isolated from the machine frame. The latch mechanism is selectively unlatched to permit opening of the mold halves and release of the article compression-molded between the mold halves.

Abstract: A method of forming consumer portions from a block of frozen foodstuff is described, in which similarly sized sections of the frozen block are removed by severing for shaping into the differently shaped consumer portions under pressure between tooling of a forming press. Each section is of a similar size and volume so that when the press is operated the severed section is formed into a consumer portion of known volume. Each consumer portion is ejected for further processing after the tooling separates. The surface of each severed section of frozen foodstuff is wetted with a liquid (typically water) just before the pressing operation.

Abstract: A film production process having a film tentering step and a recovering step, characterized by detecting the side edge positions of the film running toward the recovering step, transferring the film running direction based on the detected information, and controlling the clamp start position of the film arriving at a tenter in the tentering step by clamp means, in the transverse direction of the film. A film production process having a film tentering step, characterized by controlling the clamp start position of a film arriving at a tenter by clamp means, in the range from 5 mm to 1,000 mm from the tip of the film in the longitudinal direction of the film.

Abstract: This device ensures insertion of a film into the entrance of a transverse drawing machine, leaving a longitudinal drawing machine. This device includes a fixed cylinder with an axis perpendicular to the travel axis of the film, located upstream of the entrance to the transverse drawing machine, whose lower generatrix is located in the film travel plane in the transverse drawing machine, a chest whose axis is perpendicular to the travel axis of the film, mounted on a movable support, so that it can be displaced between a retracted position and a position in which the chest is located between the fixed cylinder and the entrance to the transverse drawing machine, the upper surface of the chest then being disposed substantially in the plane in which the film travels in the transverse drawing machine.

Abstract: A support assembly, a knife support assembly operatively linked with the support assembly, and a control system assembly operatively linked with the support assembly and with the knife support assembly deliver an adhesive sheet into a mold. The support assembly includes a side clamp and a center clamp. An adhesive sheet assembly, in cooperative engagement with the support assembly, feeds a continuous supply of adhesive sheet to the support assembly. Accordingly, the adhesive sheet travels across the support assembly and is clamped by the side clamp for cutting by the knife support assembly. The side clamp moves the cut adhesive sheet from the support assembly and, along with a side clamp rib brace coupled with the side clamp, positions the sheet in the mold. The center clamp maintains the remaining adhesive sheet in a position relative to the support assembly ensuring that the side clamp optimally clamps the adhesive sheet upon returning to the support assembly.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of semifinished parts for three-dimensional snacks made from potatoes, cereals or the like, comprising, after preparing two layers of a gelled semifinished compound of the components and/or other starchy ingredients, the step of cutting the layers in consecutive segments along parallel lines with cutting edges which act with a relative motion constituted by a translatory motion which is substantially perpendicular to a portion to be cut, combined with a translatory motion which is parallel to the cutting lines. The method also includes a step in which the layers are superimposed and die-cut with suitable punches, separating a grid-like skeleton from the snacks, each snack being formed by two perimetrically joined layers.