Abstract: A charging device for a baking oven, in which the baking molds that travel through its baking line are formed by the revolving top and bottom baking plates of the oven, whose baking surfaces, which face each other along the baking line, define the top and bottom sides of the molded bodies in the baking molds. The bottom baking plates pass through an input station situated in front of the baking line in a horizontal section of their revolution. The charging device comprises a dough piece setting device in the input station above the path of the bottom baking plates, which is temporarily movable jointly with the bottom baking plates and which sets the dough pieces down at predetermined locations on the baking surfaces of the bottom baking plates.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for an extruder includes an elongated extrusion member having an opened feed end. The opened feed end is attachable in fluid communication with a first manifold of the extruder. A filling tube extends through the elongated extrusion member, which is attachable to a second manifold of the extruder. An extrusion die is formed in the elongated extrusion member. The extrusion die is shaped to the general shape of a natural food piece. A cutter member has an opened drivable end, an elongated cutter wall, and an opened cutter end with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die. The cutting surface is shaped to the general shape of the extrusion die. The cutter member is disposed at least partially over and reciprocally slidable on the extrusion wall and operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter member over and away from the extrusion die.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for varying the color and/or flavor of an extruded food product during a single production run of a single extrusion device. The apparatus includes a multi-additive injection system, which is attached to a fluid supply line of an extrusion device. The injection system is comprised of a plurality of additive supply tanks, which are each in fluid communication with the fluid supply line via an injection manifold, and a metering mechanism which selectively controls the amount of additive injected into the supply line by each individual supply tank. The injection system may also include a central control mechanism for calibrating the amount of additive injected into the supply line and for maintaining a constant fluid volume added to the extrusion device. Each of the additive supply tanks may contain a different colorant and/or flavoring. Two variants of the injection manifold are provided as well as a novel injection sequence for use with the disclosed system.

Abstract: A bread maker having a main body forming an oven compartment, a door, a pair of parallel kneading drums, a barcode reader to read a barcode printed on a mixing bag and a reader holder. The reader holder includes a holder body, a sensing lever adjacent to a kneading drum with one end connected to one end of the holder body and the other end protruding from the main body towards the door, the sensing lever being pushed back by the door when the door is closed, and a reader supporting part extending from the holder body towards the door and supporting the barcode reader. The barcode reader moves into a reading position near the adjacent kneading drum when the door is opened and moves into a releasing position distant from the adjacent kneading drum when the door is closed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus for making edible articles but of a chocolate mass that is tempered and deposited directly on a conveyor web The apparatus includes a holding a holding and cooling device carrying plungers with pressing surfaces arranged above the conveyor web. The plungers with pressing surfaces are configured to be moved up and down relative to the conveyor web. The holding device with plungers as well as an underlying part of the conveyor web is arranged in a housing connected to an air dryer adapted to supply dry air into the housing.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and associated devices for casingless production of food products include: (a) providing at least one forming tube having sufficient structural rigidity to be substantially non-deformable and having a preformed internal cavity space of predetermined size and shape; (b) introducing a quantity of flowable food emulsion into the at least one forming tube; and (c) advancing the emulsion through the at least one forming tube while exposing the emulsion to predetermined processing conditions that convert the flowable emulsion held in the at least one forming tube to a non-flowable food product having the molded shape of the forming tube cavity.

Abstract: A pressing mold for receiving a foodstuff, such as ham pieces, as it is being cooked and pressed in a hermetically sealed wrap, comprises a cover to press the foodstuff being cooked and to allow the foodstuff to expel an exudate. The mold comprises at least one transverse partition bounding, inside the mold, a main pouch of the wrap. The main pouch carries the foodstuff. The wrap includes at least one lateral pouch connected to the main pouch by a bridge including passages through which the exudate flows during cooking. The lateral pouch fits into a space in the mold between the partition and an end wall of the mold. A space is provided between the upper edge of each partition and a cover of the mold. The space is such as to prevent pinching of the passages during cooking and pressing of the foodstuff.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved apparatus for processing dough intermediates that are less developed, softer or which have enhanced water or moisture levels. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of an improved dough transport module, that has one or more protuberances extending generally perpendicularly from a supporting surface which supports the dough intermediate for a sufficient interval of time during processing so as to eliminate the waste and loss of dough intermediates prior to processing or packaging steps.

Abstract: A bread maker having an oven compartment, a door opening and closing the oven compartment, a fixed kneader with a first kneading roller, and a rotatable kneader with a second kneading roller. The rotatable roller rotates between a kneading position at which the first kneading roller and the second kneading roller face each other, and a released position at which the second kneading roller is spaced apart from the first kneading roller. A spring has a first end attached to a side wall of the oven compartment and a second end coupled to the rotatable kneader, and elastically returns the rotatable kneader to the kneading position as the door is closed and elastically maintains the rotatable kneader at the released position when the door is opened. A pusher in the door pushes the rotatable kneader from the released position to the kneading position as the door is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming shaped food products from an emulsion or batter. A stuffing tube includes a wall defining a central passage for emulsion, and a treating fluid passage positioned within the wall and radially outside of the central passage. The stuffing tube is slideably mounted coaxially within a mold tube. Emulsion and treating fluid are deposited into the mold tube during retraction of the stuffing tube from the mold tube, where the depositions occur substantially without relative motion between the emulsion and the treating fluid, or between the emulsion/treating fluid and the inside of the mold tube. A production machine incorporating an array of stuffing tubes can be indexed with a plurality of arrays of mold tubes.

Abstract: An appliance comprising a housing consisting of two articulated shells maintained spaced apart by a spring (4) two hot plates (5,6) arranged in the housing, locking elements for maintaining the housing closed countering the spring, elements for adjusting (12) cooking parameters, and elements for controlling the locking elements to urge them in unlocked position in accordance with cooking parameters, thereby controlling the opening of the housing under the effect of the spring (4). The locking elements include a locking component linked to one of the shells (1) so as to be mobile between an unlocked position wherein it co-operates with a locking finger (24) integral with the other shell (2), a spring for urging back the locking component in unlocked position, and a relay magnet (25) controlled by the control elements, for maintaining the locking component in locked position.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously and evenly toasting articles of differing contours and dimensions arranged upon a heated griddle. A clamshell plate, positioned in stand-off relationship above said griddle-arranged articles, has a plurality of slideably moveable fingers or pins mounted therein which float, that is, are brought into contacting and resting relation with the upper surfaces of said articles to provide a gentle pressure thereon to urge the lower surfaces into more intimate contact with the griddle until the toasting process is completed, thereby accelerating the toasting process without undesirable side effects such as distortion of, and condensation on, the upper surfaces and caramelization of the lower surfaces of said articles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for forming an emulsion or batter into shaped food products without the use of a casing. The apparatus includes a hollow stuffing tube connected to a source of suitable proteinaceous emulsion, and a molding tube mounted about the stuffing tube, the molding tube having an open end and a closed end. A supply of emulsion is conveyed under pressure into the stuffing tube to form a continuous length of shaped emulsion. Then, the shaped emulsion is directed into the molding tube, where the pressure of the emulsion bears against the closed end of the molding tube and causes the molding tube to move relative the stuffing tube. A treating fluid is directed to the interior surface of the molding tube, such that the interior surface is continuously wetted and evenly coated by the treating fluid, thereby forming a proteinaceous skin about the shaped emulsion.

Abstract: A bread maker having upper and lower rollers, a baking tray, a housing forming an oven chamber, a door attached to the front of the housing, a baking tray detachably mounted in the oven chamber, and a sensor. The sensor senses whether the baking tray is mounted in the oven chamber. The sensor is mounted in at least one of the housing and the door and moves back and forth a predetermined distance depending on contact with the baking tray. A sensing switch which senses the movement of the sensor.

Abstract: A feed pelletizing system having a conditioner having a plurality of high speed rotating paddles, steam, heat, moisture, and pressure which gelatinizes starch for improving the quality of feed pellets. The system includes a mixer/feeder, a first tube feeder, the conditioner, a second pressurized tube feeder, a discharge block connected to a pressurized cylinder, a lump breaker and a pelletizer. Steam and retention processing procedures during feed preparation within the pressurized conditioner may be used in substitution for the known processing techniques of shear and friction during the feed pelletization process.

Abstract: A briquette, which is easily pierceable and supportable, comprises compacted particulate material and has an outer region (1) and an inner region (2), said inner region (2) being provided with a well (3) having a diameter which decreases progressively in a non-linear relationship with increasing distance from the top of the well such that the sides of the well extend convexly into the well. The briquette, preferably, is a rodenticide block although it may, instead, be a block for sanitary, and/or domestic use. The briquette may be manufactured by compacting particulate material into the nip between a first rotating roll, having a surface provided with a suitable mould, and a second, counter-rotating roll.

Abstract: A flattening roller (38) is supported on horizontal guides (32, 34) and rolls alternately in opposite directions along the guides. A tray (30) is arranged horizontally between the guides, and is progressively lifted to approach to the cylindrical surface of the roller. The tray turns by a quarter turn around a vertical axis at the end of each stroke of the roller along the guides. A lump of dough placed on the tray is progressively flattened to a thin, round shape.

Abstract: The invention concerns plates in the form of superposed gutters and retained in a metallic frame, intended to receive the lumps of a bakery with the purpose of charging the lumps, wherein the said plates have to be cleaned periodically for eliminating the calcined slags which pollute the plates, the cleaning which requires a specialized material, which renders the operation burdensome. The invention allows to eliminate the costs of this cleaning by the generation of plates which play the same role in the bakery operations but which are low-cost by being produced with a new economic material and by way of a production process which is low-cost, which are requiring only little manual labor, which can be disposed of and be replaced by new plates having a lower-cost as compared to the cost of cleaning.

Abstract: A charging device for a baking oven, in which the baking molds that travel through its baking line are formed by the revolving top and bottom baking plates of the oven, whose baking surfaces, which face each other along the baking line, define the top and bottom sides of the molded bodies in the baking molds. The bottom baking plates pass through an input station situated in front of the baking line in a horizontal section of their revolution. The charging device comprises a dough piece setting device in the input station above the path of the bottom baking plates, which is temporarily movable jointly with the bottom baking plates and which sets the dough pieces down at predetermined locations on the baking surfaces of the bottom baking plates.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing individual dough products, comprising the steps of conveying a continuous dough sheet along a travel path, engaging a first die cutter with a first portion of the dough sheet to cut a first portion of the peripheral shape of at least one dough product, then conveying the continuous dough sheet along the travel path and engaging the second die cutter with the first portion of the dough sheet to cut a second portion of the peripheral shape of at least one dough product.

Abstract: The machine comprises a pair of risers and a head comprising a plurality of operating roller units with rollers supported on the top and between the risers. According to the invention, the machine comprises a cover pivotally mounted by a pin with respect to the risers and over the head so to at least cover the gap on the top and on the front between the risers, in which the operating units are arranged in its closed position. Cams are functionally associated to the cover and cam trackers are functionally associated to a micro switch. The micro switch is electrically connected to the electrical power circuit of an electrical geared motor of the machine so that the micro switch electrically closes the electrical circuit only when the cover is correctly and completely closed and consequently the electrical geared motor of the machine can be turned along with the operating unit rollers only in this condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for baking an article in a mold comprises retractable mold portions that define a mold cavity, at least one mold portion having associated therewith a mold stripper, the mold stripper fitting within the mold portion and being capable of remaining in contact with the baked article while the mold portion is retracted, to facilitate release of said baked article from said mold portion.

Abstract: A scraper device includes a scraper fixture which is adapted to be placed in a working position adjacent to a surface to be scraped. At least one flex arm is connected at its proximal end to the scraper fixture and includes a distal end extending from the fixture toward the surface to be scraped when the scraper fixture is in the working position. A scraper plate is located at the distal end of the flex arm and extends at an acute scraping angle with respect to the surface to be scraped when the fixture is in the working position. In this position, a scraping edge of the scraper plate makes contact with the surface to be scraped to provide a scraping action as the scraper device is driven over the surface to be scraped.

Abstract: Starting with stiff, flat wafers in laminar form, ready-made, the wafers are laid unitarily on trays (3) fitted on a conveyor belt (2), which causes them to pass through a tunnel (5) wherein they are subjected to heating until softened, after which the trays (3), of a three-part structure, have their side segments swivel with respect to their central segment reshaping the respective pieces of wafer into a fluted form having a U-shaped section, assisted in this wafer-shaping process by a pressing mechanism (14) equipped with a plurality of tampers (17) which act sequentially and unitarily on the respective trays, helping in the cooling of the wafers for these to retain their reshaped form in a stable manner, there being mounted immediately thereafter and on the conveyor belt (2) itself an ice-cream feeder mechanism (18), the ice cream filling the fluted bodies defined by the wafers after being reshaped.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying food dough forms blocks of food dough that are continuously supplied into a sheet or belt of food dough and then divides it into chunks of food dough that have preset weights.

Abstract: A substantially horizontal, flat shovel (30), made of thin, perforated metal plate, is integral with a slide (28) which is slidable on a guide (26), itself integral with a mounting (18). The shovel is driven by an actuator (20, 22, 24, 32, 34, 36) for moving forward and backward, while staying tangent to a facing rest shelf, at either of two speeds, a slow speed and a fast speed. The mounting (18) can move to different positions facing respective processing stations (42, 44).

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved flattening device for flattening pieces of meat so that said pieces of meat have a larger surface and a reduced thickness. The inventive device comprises a conveyor device (15, 31) on which the pieces of meat to be flattened are supplied to the flattening zone. In the area of the flattening zone mallet rolls or flattening rolls (29) are provided that can be displaced relative to the piece of meat. The distance between the mallet rolls or flattening rolls (29) that can be moved across the piece of meat to be flattened and a counter pressure device or surface (33) can be preferably reduced while the piece of meat is flattened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for removing baked products (2) from a conveyor (1), for example so-called tubs, which bear against a mold part (13) which is preferably adapted to the shape of the baked products. The device is characterized in that at least one ejector (20) is ejectable from the mould contour of the mold part (13) in order to release the baked products from the respective molds.

Abstract: The prior art cannot sufficiently solve the problem wherein food dough penetrates seal members arranged between a rotating or swinging member provided with a stirring stick or a stirring feather and an external cylinder or an external nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for the folding of croissants comprising, in series, downstream of at least one preparation station of rolls of pastry, obtained from triangles of pastry rolled up with one pointed central external end, and fed one after another, a positioning station with a pre-determined pitch distance of the rolls in a central position with respect to underlying conveying devices, an oriented positioning station of the pointed end on the underlying conveying devices and a U-folding station of the rolls, in which the folding station comprises front and rear gages for each roll and rotating side gages for the folding of opposite ends of each roll, the oriented positioning station and the folding station being movable alternately forwards and backwards.

Abstract: A process and device for producing eggs in various forms, such as among others boiled, poached or deep fried eggs, or their separate component parts, i.e. the yolk or egg white thereof or whole egg, called hereinafter the eggs. The eggs are moved in moulds through two chambers, a first one in which water vapour is maintained at a temperature which is sufficient to bring the eggs superficially in a state allowing to direct the moulds further through a second chamber in which the boiling process is completed by circulating the moulds in this chamber through boiling water, oil, steam or an appropriate liquid.

Abstract: A griller includes upper and lower cooking grill members, and a temperature sensing device mounted removably on the housing of one of the grill members. The temperature sensing device includes a casing, a temperature sensing probe, a user input unit, a processor unit, a display unit, and an alarm unit. The temperature sensing probe generates a sensor output corresponding to a cooking temperature detected thereby. The user input unit is operable so as to provide a cooking time setting. The processor unit receives the sensor output and the cooking time setting, and is operable in a timer mode, wherein the processor unit generates an alarm activate signal for activating the alarm unit upon detection by the processor unit that a predetermined time period corresponding to the cooking time setting has elapsed.

Abstract: The machine comprises a pair of risers (12) and a head (13) comprising a plurality of operating roller units (15.1, 15.2, 15.3) with roller supported on the top and between said risers. According to the invention, said machine comprises a cover (14) pivotally mounted by means of a pin (14.1) with respect to said risers (12) and over said head (13) so to at least cover the gap on the top and on the front between the risers (12), in which said operating units are arranged, in its closed position. Cam means (16, 16.1) are functionally associated to said cover (14) and cam tracker means (17, 17.1) are functionally associated to a micro switch (18).

Abstract: An oat crimping device which is characterized by a housing fitted with a feed barrel and including a hopper located inside the housing for receiving raw oats to be crimped or processed. A pair of rotating, knurled drums are provided in the hopper and raw oats are fed from the feed barrel through top slots or openings in a feed auger tube to a rotating feed auger inside the feed auger tube, which feed auger distributes the raw oats through bottom slots in the feed auger tube, to the rotating drums for dispensing through the lower portion of the hopper into a collection container. Manual adjustment of the raw oat feed stream is accomplished by rotation of the feed auger tube to adjust the slots for dispensing the raw oats from the feed barrel to the feed auger crimping rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing potato chips. The apparatus has a slicer for the slicing of potatoes, means for conveying sliced potatoes through a heated oil bath and for removal of cooked potato chips from the heated oil bath. The slicer has a knife blade that rotates at the lower end of a hopper for potatoes, the speed of rotation of the knife blade being controlled so that the knife blade is stationary when the temperature of the oil bath is below a predetermined temperature, and the speed of rotation of the knife blade being further controlled so that the speed of rotation increases as the temperature is increased above said predetermined temperature. The slicer preferably has a chute that tapers to an orifice above the slicer blade, with the orifice tapering in the direction of rotation of the slicer blade. The apparatus may also be adapted for use with corn chips or tortilla chips.

Abstract: A cooking device comprises two L-shaped supports, a lower cooking plate on the supports, an upper cooking plate matingly engaged with the lower plate and including a hollow protrusion at either side, a handle pivotably secured to the supports and including two first side slots, two sliding members inserted through the first slots and the protrusions for pivotably securing the upper plate to the handle and being adjustable for taking account of variations in thickness of steaks, and a second side slot adjacent one first slot, and a fastening mechanism secured to the handle. The device further guides oil drops formed by the thoroughly cooked steaks to flow from the pivoted, slanted upper plate to the lower plate, and is capable of standing upright for saving storage.

Abstract: The system and method for molding a shaped snack chip use various components to form chips having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. Essentially flat chip preforms are fed to a series of molds disposed about a mold conveyor. The preforms are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. A continuous conveyor with plungers extending outward is synchronized to operate in conjunction with the mold conveyor. At desired and determined intervals, a multiple of plungers extend downward and into the molds thereby molding the chip preforms into shaped chips. The shaped chips are evacuated from the molds and subjected to additional processing.

Abstract: A barbecue grill with an adjustment device comprises a cover, a rack, a post, a tooth plate, an adjusting gear, a spring, a knob, a bolt and a nut, wherein the tooth plate has teeth along one inner side, and the knob comprises a threaded hole, the adjusting gear meshes with the teeth of the tooth plate, the bolt is inserted through the knob, the spring, the adjusting gear, the cover, and: is tightened by the nut from the other end. This secures the tooth plate to the cover while the post of the rack is placed in the tooth plate. When the knob is turned to loosen the adjusting gear, the adjusting gear is able to adjust with respect to the teeth of the tooth plate and the gap between the cover and the rack is adjustable.

Abstract: A method of producing shredded cheese according to the present invention comprises producing cheese in a mixer; forming the cheese into cubes, the cubes being sized for shredding in a shredder; salting the cubes in a brine solution; and shredding the cubes in the shredder. The cheese may be cubed in a cubing device according to the present invention, which comprises an extrusion transfer tube connected to an infeed line. The extrusion transfer tube has an output end, where the cheese exits in the form of a log. A trim knife disposed at the output end of the extrusion transfer tube squares the log, and a cross-cut knife disposed adjacent to the trim knife cuts the log into cubes.

Abstract: The baking device produces endless strips of baked goods from pourable baking dough. A cylindrical baking ring of metal is disposed to rotate about its central axis, while it is supported outside its center. The baking ring has one or more endless baking surfaces on which the strips are produced. A stationary depositing device deposits baking mass onto the rotating baking surface before the baking surface travels into a baking zone. A stationary receiving device removes the at least partially baked strips from the baking ring for further processing. A stationary electrical induction coil is disposed in the baking zone. The induction coil is arranged adjacent the baking ring so that the ring, as it moves through the magnetic field of the coil, is heated by induction for generating heat with which the strips are baked from below.

Abstract: To provide a method of manufacturing waved noodles, which saves labor of controlling weight of noodle lines at the time of cutting the noodle lines and restrains apparatus cost.

Abstract: An extruder die assembly and method for using same is disclosed which is designed for adaptation to a wide variety of commercial-grade extrusion devices common in the food industry. The extruder die assembly is inserted into an appropriate compartment within an extrusion device such that a first extrudate is directed down a coaxially aligned passageway within the forming section and combined with a fluid additive in the injection section whereupon the resulting food mass is compressed through a converging nozzle bore in the nozzle section to produce an extruded food product. The forming section and injection section are fabricated as a matching set.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for producing pizza by a mechanical, automated system without using baking tins for the dough bases and without using pre-prepared or pre-shaped bases. Dough bases are individually prepared from fresh pre-proportioned dough ingredients by a kneading and extrusion device. The dough base is then passed through a series of processing stations, such as a shaping press, a metering and distribution device for tomato purees or sauces, at least one metering and distribution station for garnishing (topping) ingredients and a baking station. The dough bases pass through the series of stations on a preheated or continuously heated transportation sheet. No pre-produced or pre-cooked, semi-finished products are used in the method. Each dough base is prepared and provided with toppings according to individual orders selected from a list.

Abstract: A food-turnover making method and machine invention is capable to produce turnovers sealed and ready to be post-processed by simple combined action between forming rollers and conveyor belt over a flat dough and desired inner filling, all in a single step. Being turnovers different forms and sizes by interchanging forming rollers accordingly to the type or size to be produced.

Abstract: The temperature of an extrusion die head having a stator means is selectively controlled as a function of the bulk density of the final extruded product, thereby to maintain the bulk density at a targeted value by regulating the temperature of the extruding product. A programmable logic computer for regulating a multi-tasking processor to constantly monitor, control, and display speed, head gap position, gross temperature, feed rate and target moisture additionally regulates the flow of cooling liquid through a water jacket formed in the stator means of the extruder die head surrounding the extrusion die opening or gap.

Abstract: A system and method of ultrasonic processing of pre-baked food product and/or food product rework is provided that includes an ultrasonic horn and a forming member for receiving and forming unprocessed pre-baked food product into a desired shape. The ultrasonic horn is actuated to compress the unprocessed pre-baked food product between the ultrasonic horn and the forming member thereby forming compressed pre-baked food product. The ultrasonic horn ultrasonically energizes the compressed pre-baked food product to form an agglomerated food product. The system also includes an ejection member, such as an ejection piston, for ejecting the formed agglomerated food product away from the forming member. The forming member may be a forming cavity defined by a food product collection chamber. Alternatively, the forming member may include a forming block having a forming chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making pizza includes a housing and a plurality of canisters containing fresh dough stored in the housing. A cutting blade is disposed in the housing and is movable between an upper limit position and a lower limit position to cut a slice of dough from one of the plurality of canisters. A press plate is disposed in the housing and receives the slice of dough. The press plate includes a first plate and a second plate that selectively move into engagement with each other to define an internal chamber therebetween to press flat and preheat the slice of dough. A rotary index table station is disposed in the housing and includes a plurality of plates, with each of the plates being rotatable about a central axis of the rotary index table station. Preheated pizza crust is deposited on the plates. Each of the plates is then movable between an innermost radial position and an outermost radial position.

Abstract: The invention is based on a drive device for a movable part, especially a mold closure device for an injection molding machine. A conventional mold closure device possesses a hydraulic cylinder-and-piston unit having a first hydraulic piston, which borders with a first active surface on a first pressure chamber and with a second active surface, which is smaller than the first active surface and faces in the opposite direction thereto, on a second pressure chamber, and comprises a further hydraulic piston, which is fixedly connected to the first hydraulic piston, and possesses a third active surface, which borders on a third pressure chamber and is active in the same direction as the second active surface. Via a valve arrangement, the second pressure chamber can be connected to the first pressure chamber and can be relieved of pressure separately from the first pressure chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rehydrating a predetermined quantity of food granules with a predetermined quantity of water. For this purpose, the water is first of all sprayed as a fine shower onto a portion of the food granules forming a first layer of granules in a chamber (22). Food granules are then deposited in layers on the first layer of granules and sprayed with water in the form of a fine shower in the chamber (22) until the predetermined quantity of food granules and water has been obtained.

Abstract: A hamburger patty making system including a housing having a central aperture extending therethrough. The housing has a channel extending inwardly thereof in communication with the central aperture. A press is coupled with respect to the housing. The press includes a handle portion having a first end and a second end. The first end is hingedly coupled with the housing. The press includes an upper container portion disposed over the central aperture of the housing in a lowered orientation. A lower container portion is removably received within the central aperture of the housing. The lower container portion includes a cup portion adapted for being seated within the central aperture. The cup portion has an open upper end and a closed lower end. The closed lower end has a central opening therethrough. A piston is removably coupled with respect to the lower container portion. The piston includes an upper circular plate. The plate is seated on the closed lower end of the cup portion.