Abstract: The invention relates to a method for temperature controlled transport. In the method, temperature controlled products are transported. In the method, a passive transport is used, in which the product is packed in an essentially energy tight transport package. In addition, in the method a thermal element, by which the internal temperature of the transport package is maintained as desired without external energy, is included in the transport package. Further, in the method the temperature of the transport package is monitored wirelessly essentially continuously. The invention also relates to a system for temperature controlled transport.

Abstract: A method for hot-filling and closing a polymer container is disclosed in which one of the closure for the container and the head space area of the container is provided with a hole covered with a hydrophobic air permeable membrane. The container is then filled with a hot liquid and the filled container is closed but for the air permeable component. The filled container is then cooled with the pressure between the interior of the container and the ambient pressure being equalized due to the air permeable membrane. Subsequent to cooling, an air-tight seal is provided over the membrane-covered hole. An associated container and closure cap is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ice bagging system includes an ice maker unit, an ice bagger unit, and an ice storing unit. The ice bagger unit includes a sheet of ice bags disposed on a bag roll, the sheet of ice bags is threaded through a plurality of guide rollers, a pinch roller assembly, and a sealing jaw assembly. The pinch roller assembly includes first and second pinch roller wheels that are axially movable inwardly and outwardly to selectively open or close an individual ice bag in the sheet of ice bags.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling element of a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material, comprising at least one dispensing opening formed at a bottom face of the filling element for dispensing the filling material in a controlled manner, and further comprising a closure system having at least one closure element, which in an activated state of the closure system rests in a sealed position pressed against the filling element and/or an outer functional element of the filling element by the pressure of a pressure medium, specifically to create a rinsing chamber, which is closed toward the outside and encloses at least one dispensing opening and through which a cleaning and/or sterilizing medium can flow. The pressure medium is the pressurized cleaning and/or sterilizing medium.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for sealing packaging material and a chamber machine or a belted chamber machine for implementation of the method for pre-heating at least one sealing bar to a first temperature in order to facilitate the escape of liquid, preferably

Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with a beverage bottle treatment machine and a beverage bottle treatment machine in a beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.”The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A method and packaging machine for preparing rapidly disintegrating formulations for oral administration are disclosed. The present invention is characterized in that a powdery mixture including a pharmaceutically active ingredient and a sugar or a sugar alcohol powder is filled into a packaging material and, thereafter, the mixture, filled in the packaging material, is heated. The present invention can simply and economically prepare an oral formulation which undergoes rapid disintegration in the oral cavity and provides for high-quality administration to patients.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing, bagging and dispensing ice has an ice supply station, an ice collection station, a film supply, a bag forming station, and an ice transport device to transport ice from the collection station to the bag forming station. A controller controls supply of two superimposed film layers to the bag forming station, bag forming, and ice supply to the bags. A bag is partially formed from the superimposed film layers by a sealing device at the bag forming station, and ice is transported from the ice collector into the partially formed bag. The remaining open portions of the bag are sealed when sufficient ice has been supplied to the bag, which is then separated from the film supply for discharge into a storage and freezer compartment. The preceding steps are repeated until the storage and freezer compartment is filled to a predetermined level with bags of ice.

Abstract: A plant for packaging confectionary products comprises: at least one first assembly for preparation of a first thermoformable strip; a forming assembly for making on the first strip at least one compartment for housing confectionary products; an assembly for supplying/dispensing a confectionary product in the aforesaid compartment; a second assembly for preparation of a second closing strip; a welding assembly for connecting together the first strip and the second strip and closing the confectionary product within the housing compartment; and a cutting assembly for cutting the strips and making at least one container; each forming part of a respective operating module that is independent of the other modules and coupled to the adjacent modules in a releasable way.

Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.

Abstract: A system for reducing pathogens for food in packaging comprises a bagger and pathogen reducer. The bagger is for inserting a food item into a package. The pathogen reducer is for reducing pathogens by exposing the food item and the package with the food item inside using infrared energy.

Abstract: The invention provides a transportable bottling plant integrated into a container. The container has a separation wall dividing the container into a bottling room and a technical room. A preform feeder, a bottle blowing unit, a filling and closing unit and first and second transferring devices are mounted in the bottling room. A power generator, an air compressor and an air conditioning unit are mounted in the technical room. The preform feeder comprises a recipient for receiving plastic bottle preforms and an ordering unit for ordering the preforms and feeding them towards the bottle blowing unit. The first transferring device is provided for transferring the preforms from the preform feeder to the bottle blowing unit. The bottle blowing unit comprises a heater for heating the preforms and a blow-moulder for blow-moulding the preforms into bottles. The second transferring device is provided for transferring the bottles from the bottle blowing unit to the filling and closing unit.

Abstract: A process for filling a container with a liquid includes providing a plastic container comprising a spout, a base, and a sidewall. The container is filled with a liquid and the spout is sealed with a closure. An internal vacuum or depression is formed within the container, resulting in visible deformation of the container. Heat is applied to the container to bring about internal pressurization of the container to at least compensate for the depression or vacuum.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging system includes a vacuum room, a delivery apparatus, a discharge device, a second heating apparatus. The delivery apparatus transport the pre-packaged container into the vacuum room. The discharge device discharges a sealing material to seal an exhaust through hole of the pre-packaged container. The discharge device includes a vessel configured for containing sealing material, a transport pipeline, a first heating, and a controlling element. The first heating apparatus softens the sealing material into viscous liquid. The second heating apparatus is mounted on the inner wall of the vacuum room between the second hatch and the transport pipeline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing beverage containers (10) with the steps: producing a plastics material container (10), wherein the plastics material container (10) is produced from a plastics material pre-form by means of a shaping device (2); conveying the container (10) to a filling device (4) filling the container (10) with a liquid and, in particular with a beverage, wherein the liquid is filled into the container (10) at a temperature which is above 50° C., wherein the container (10) is sterilized between a separating device arranged upstream of a pre-form inlet of the shaping device (2) and the filling device (4).

Abstract: A process for efficiently conveying containers along a table-top conveying system includes the steps of temporarily securing a transfer stabilizing support (1a, 1b) to a bottom end of a formed container (14) so that the container can freely move along a production line using the table-top conveying system where the transfer stabilizing support has a bottom surface (2a, 2b) with an opening (4a, 4b), a sidewall (6a, 6b) extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a ridge area (10b) surrounding the opening and inside the sidewall of the support; and after the container has gone through operations of the production line, the transfer stabilizing support is removed so that aesthetic qualities of the formed container shape are revealed.

Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.

Abstract: A base for a plastic container defining a central longitudinal axis. The base includes an annular standing ring portion defining a standing surface. The base includes a substantially cylindrical ring portion extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the standing surface. The base further includes a substantially concave dome portion extending inwardly from the substantially cylindrical ring portion to the longitudinal axis. The concave dome portion of the base includes a first plurality of substantially triangular panels circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis, and a second plurality of substantially triangular panels circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of each of the second plurality of substantially triangular panels is circumferentially and longitudinally offset from the first plurality of substantially triangular panels. A container preform and method of hot filling a plastic container are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.

Abstract: A method for packaging products utilizes a horizontal form, fill and seal (HFFS) system in combination with a vertical loading system. The packaging method includes creating product receiving cavities in a lower film, directly vertically stacking products in the product receiving cavities and then sealing the vertically stacked products in the cavities with an upper film to form product pouches. In one embodiment of the invention, a product fill station of the HFFS system is advantageously defined by a shaped packer including a stamping unit for directly vertically stacking the products. In another embodiment, a vertical lift and feed mechanism is employed to vertically stack the products in the receiving cavities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing and packaging scented wax for use with wickless candles, and for preparing and packaging other types of wax and non-wax products, are disclosed herein. A wax product manufacturing machine configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure can include a container loading assembly that loads a plurality of empty product containers onto a conveyor for transfer to container filling assembly. The container filling assembly can simultaneously fill the plurality of empty product containers with colored and/or scented wax. The manufacturing machine can further include a cooling assembly through which the filled wax containers move for cooling and hardening of the wax therein. The manufacturing machine can additionally include a discharge assembly that closes the product containers to encapsulate the wax product therein, and transfers the closed product containers to a labeling machine for automatic application of a suitable label.

Abstract: An assembly for packaging a product includes a blank of sheet material having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. The blank forms a carton having a top, a bottom and a plurality of side panels. Each side panel extends between the top and the bottom. A first side panel is movable between a first position and a second position. The first movable side panel is initially biased in the first position. A heat-shrink patch is applied to the interior surface and connected to at least a portion of the first movable side panel. The heat-shrink patch is shrinkable to urge the first movable side panel to the second position.

Abstract: A method involving the hot fill of foods in packaging containers constructed from a paperboard laminate comprises the food being filled in the packaging container with at least one component at a temperature of at least 80°, but below 100°, whereafter the packaging containers are closed and sealed and the packaging containers with their food contents are thereafter held hot during a predetermined period of time by contact with a heat holding medium at a temperature of at least 80°, but below 100°. The heat holding medium is present substantially in gas and/or vapour phase. An apparatus involving the hot fill of foods is also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging apparatus for packaging a granular object having adsorption ability, which does not spill out of the package when the package is opened. An apparatus for packaging a granular object having adsorption ability comprises a heating device 12 for heating a granular object having adsorption ability, a charging device 30 for charging the granular object into a storage bag 90 having an open end, a sealing device 40 for sealing the open end of the storage bag 90 into which the granular object has been charged, and a cooling device 70 for cooling a storage bag 91 with the granular object kept to be gathered at the bottom of the storage bag 91, wherein the heating device 12 is located upstream of the sealing device 40 along the flowing direction of the granular object.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with a beverage bottle treatment machine and a beverage bottle treatment machine in a beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.

Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.

Abstract: Packaging systems for storing ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses and to methods for packaging such ophthalmic devices with solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear are disclosed. A packaging system includes an ophthalmic device stored in an aqueous packaging solution comprising a brush copolymer comprising (a) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing one or more boronic acid moieties; and (b) monomeric units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated-containing hydrophilic macromonomer.

Abstract: Packaging systems for storing ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses and to methods for packaging such ophthalmic devices with solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for hot filling a container with a sterilized liquid, generally at a temperature that is between 60 to 95° C. An embodiment of the process includes (a) providing a container that is made of a polymer and following a process that can make it able to withstand the hot filling of said liquid; (b) filling the container with said hot liquid; (c) closing the filled container immediately after filling; (d) allowing the container to cool at least below a transition temperature that is on the order of from 40° C. to 50° C. and forming a depression inside the container, resulting in visible deformation; and (e) heating the container to bring about a relief of the residual stresses, whereby this relief leads to a shrinkage and consecutively generates an internal pressurization that compensates for at least the deformation undergone by the effects of the depression of stage (d).

Abstract: A hot filling system for a liquid, with heat recovery, and a corresponding method, wherein prior to heating and filling the liquid is first preheated in a heat exchanger. A portion of the heated liquid to be filled is again cooled in a recooler and recirculated. The return line of the recooler is here connected to the supply line of the heat exchanger so as to transfer heat energy from the recooler to the heat exchanger. This reduces energy losses in comparison with known systems.

Abstract: A method and packaging machine for preparing rapidly disintegrating formulations for oral administration are disclosed. The present invention is characterized in that a powdery mixture including a pharmaceutically active ingredient and a sugar or a sugar alcohol powder is filled into a packaging material and, thereafter, the mixture, filled in the packaging material, is heated. The present invention can simply and economically prepare an oral formulation which undergoes rapid disintegration in the oral cavity and provides for high-quality administration to patients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining the processing of an ingredient of a manufactured product, particularly one that is manufactured “one-the-spot” to a consumer's specification, such as ice cream, among other products. A tag encoded on a container for the product carries indicia that, directly or indirectly, define one or more formulations for the product. Apparatus into which the ingredient is loaded sets the processing of ingredients in accordance with the formulations so specified. By connecting the apparatus which is to process the ingredients to a control station, the formulations may be changed at will.

Abstract: A pasteurization station for pasteurizing a product in containers having a tunnel housing that is formed in a modular configuration from any desired number of flexible, exchangeable segments, each of which is interchangeable with at least one other of said segments and comprises a portion of the housing, a container conveyor, and liquid dispensers.

Abstract: A system and method for making a food item are for provided. The apparatus includes a food item assembly and packaging station having a first work area assembling and packaging a food item and meal order assembly station having a second work area for assembling a meal order that includes a food item packaged on the first work surface. A conveyor is positioned beneath the first work area and extends from a position proximate to the first area to a position proximate to the second work area. A conveyor access opening is proximate to the first work area to provide worker access to the conveyor to permit manual placement of a food item assembled and packaged at the first work area onto the conveyor for conveying the packaged food item beneath the first work area to the location proximate the meal order assembly station.

Abstract: A fluid filling system for a vacuum container includes a fluid supply system configured for filling fluid into a container to be filled, a vacuum exhaust system configured for vacuumizing the container to a predetermined vacuum pressure, and a refrigeration device configured for freezing the fluid filled in the container. A fluid filling method for a vacuum container is also provided.

Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.

Abstract: A process for efficiently conveying containers along a table-top conveying system includes the steps of temporarily securing a transfer stabilizing support (1a, 1b) to a bottom end of a formed container (14) so that the container can freely move along a production line using the table-top conveying system where the transfer stabilizing support has a bottom surface (2a, 2b) with an opening (4a, 4b), a sidewall (6a, 6b) extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, and a ridge area (10b) surrounding the opening and inside the sidewall of the support; and after the container has gone through operations of the production line, the transfer stabilizing support is removed so that aesthetic qualities of the formed container shape are revealed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for antimicrobial injection in a web packaging pasteurization system are provided. A pressurized mixture of pasteurizing medium and at least one antimicrobial agent is applied to the surfaces of a food product. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one microbial agent is injected into and thereby mixed with the pressurized supply of pasteurizing steam prior to its discharge into a pressurized chamber and application to the food surfaces. Preferably, the mixture is introduced into the pressurized chamber at an inflow rate and vented from the chamber at an outflow rate that is slower than the inflow rate such that the pressure in the chamber increases to increase the temperature of the mixture to an effective temperature for killing bacteria.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for formulating and aseptically filling liquid products. A first liquid source includes at least one first liquid component; a second liquid source includes at least one second liquid component; and a container includes a body defining an empty, sterile storage chamber therein that is sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. The container is introduced into a sterile filling chamber. A first filling member coupled in fluid communication with the first liquid source is placed in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the container located in the sterile filling chamber, and the first liquid component is aseptically introduced through the first filling member and into the storage chamber.

Abstract: A shrink film comprising a polyethylene film of thickness 5 to 500 ?m, wherein the polyethylene comprises an ethylene homopolymer-copolymer mixture having a molecular weight distribution in the range of 5 to 40, and a weight average molecular weight of at least 100 kD.

Abstract: A method for packaging in block form a sheathed hot-melt adhesive product comprises the steps: (a) of continuously supplying a sheathed hot-melt adhesive product, (b) of immersing the sheathed hot-melt adhesive product in a liquid refrigerant, (c) of pressing the sheathed adhesive product at a portion thereof, (d) of ultrasonically welding the sheathed adhesive product at the pressed portion; and (e) of cutting the sheathed adhesive product into a block at the pressed portion. A block of sheathed hot-melt adhesive product and an installation for packaging a sheathed hot-melt adhesive product are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling apparatus having a filling device for filling packages with a hot filling, a sealing device for sealing the package, wherein the package has a package seal for opening the package and a swivelling arrangement for swivelling the package so that the package seal contacts the hot filling. Furthermore the invention relates to a filling method in which a hot filling is filled into a package that is sealed thereafter, wherein the package has a package seal and the package is swivelled so that the package seal contacts the hot filling.

Abstract: A method for producing prefillable syringes includes the steps of producing syringe bodies with a cylindrical drum portion which has a first open end for receiving a syringe plunger and has a second open end for discharging of contents. An inner surface of each syringe body is then cleaned. Siliconization is then performed by applying a quantity of silicone oil or silicone emulsion to at least a partial area of the inner surface of each syringe body. Some of the applied quantity of silicone is then removed. Finally, the syringe bodies are packaged. The siliconization, removing and packaging steps are all carried out under controlled clean-room conditions.

Abstract: In one embodiment of an apparatus and process for packaging foodstuffs or other materials in a rigid container sealed by a flexible cover, a desired quantity of material to be packaged containing or together with some water or other liquid is placed in the container, the flexible cover is secured on the container so as to leave at least one unsealed opening, the container is heated and/or placed in a partial vacuum to bring the liquid above its boiling point to cause or permit vapor generated by the boiling liquid to expel other gases from the container through the unsealed opening, and the container is sealed while gas or vapor is still flowing out of the container through the unsealed opening.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to ice-bagging apparatuses with an ice maker and a hopper for receiving ice from the ice maker. The apparatus utilizes rotating drums designed for delivering ice into a bag. The apparatus also possess bagging and drop mechanism which fills and mechanically seals each bag of ice and drops it into a freezer for storage. The apparatus has an electronic operating system that has been greatly simplified using infrared technology and/or laser technology. The operating system is connected with the internet and a central processing center to allow for complete managing and monitoring of the system.

Abstract: A plastic container comprised of a closed base, a body portion, and a neck portion with a dispensing opening. The closed base includes a substantially rigid support portion and a flexible portion. The body portion preferably includes a shoulder portion and a substantially rigid wall portion that includes a plurality of reinforcement formations. The container is configured so that the flexible portion of the base contracts upwardly about the support portion in response to vacuum pressures generated within the container, while the substantially rigid support portion of the sidewall remains substantially firm, for example, to accept or receive a label. If desired, the shoulder portion may include a logo and/or one or more pressure relief formations. A method for producing hot-filled, labeled containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.