Abstract: Improved, high-capacity processing systems including a processing device such as an extruder (26) or a pellet mill (P) are provided which minimize product losses and permit the user to conduct multiple, segregated short runs with a minimum of down time between runs. The extruder systems (20, 220) include an extruder assembly (21, 221) having a special, multiple-position die assembly (28), as well as an upstream preconditioner (24) and feed bin assembly (22). A variable speed, variable output discharge screw feeder (78) is located between the preconditioner outlet (62) and extruder barrel inlet (90). A PLC-type controller (30) coupled to the extruder assembly components establishes a choke full condition at the discharge feeder (78) so that continuous uninterrupted flow of preconditioned material to the extruder (26) at a uniform mass flow rate is maintained for as long as possible.

Abstract: A bottom pan having a flat interior bottom surface and a raised peripheral lip terminating in an upfacing lip edge receives a top pan having a flat exterior bottom surface and a side wall terminating in a shoulder. The top pan is removably engagable within the bottom pan such that the top pan shoulder rests upon the bottom pan peripheral lip establishing a fixed space between the interior bottom surface of the bottom pan and the exterior bottom surface of the top pan. A roller assembly is engaged with the top pan in rolling communication such that the roller is movable in controlled linear motion across an inner surface of the top pan to assure uniform and total compression of a soft foodstuff.

Abstract: A flat bread and tortilla warmer in which a pair of spring biased rollers are rotatably mounted in a housing. Roller heating elements in the housing heat the rollers. The rollers pinch a flat bread in between for simultaneously heating the flat bread and moving it through a portion of the housing. A second set of spaced heating elements may be disposed below the roller heating elements for warming the flat bread after it passes through the rollers.

Abstract: Cooking and simultaneously forming a tostada or taco product in a cooking oil bath by inserting a pliable tortilla between adjacent molds when opened in a clamshell action, then closing the molds and conveying them through an oil bath and then opening the molds and removing the product. While cooking, the product is captured in the space between adjacent molds and permitted to cook into the desired shape. An interchange of conveyor carried molds is disclosed whereby the cooking equipment may process different product sizes and shapes.

Abstract: There is provided a manually actuated press comprising a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. The lower platen defines a generally planar top surface. Moreover, at least one upper platen is in mechanical communication with the housing and defines a generally plated bottom surface. The at least one upper platen is translatable with respect to the lower platen in a manner forming a generally parallel relationship between the bottom and top surfaces when within a prescribed distance range therefrom. Further, the at least one upper platen is rotatable with respect to the lower platen when exceeding the prescribed distance range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making bowl-shaped snack food products, e.g. tortilla chips. The method features placing chip preforms in open bowl-shaped cavities and partially frying the chip preforms by filling them with hot oil from above. Additionally, the preforms are partially fried from below by immersing the lower portions of the preforms in a vat of hot oil and transporting them through the hot oil. After cooking the preforms to a desired moisture content, at which point the preforms retain their bowl shapes outside of or independent of the mold cavities, the preforms are removed from the mold cavities and subsequently cooked to completion in a secondary frying operation. The invention also features an apparatus to carry out the method.

Abstract: Improved, high-capacity processing systems including a processing device such as an extruder (26) or a pellet mill (P) are provided which minimize product losses and permit the user to conduct multiple, segregated short runs with a minimum of down time between runs. The extruder systems (20, 220) include an extruder assembly (21, 221) having a special, multiple-position die assembly (28), as well as an upstream preconditioner (24) and feed bin assembly (22). A variable speed, variable output discharge screw feeder (78) is located between the preconditioner outlet (62) and extruder barrel inlet (90). A PLC-type controller (30) coupled to the extruder assembly components establishes a choke full condition at the discharge feeder (78) so that continuous uninterrupted flow of preconditioned material to the extruder (26) at a uniform mass flow rate is maintained for as long as possible.

Abstract: There is provided a soft ice cream in which even materials such as a strawberry easily changed in properties and containing an acid component can be used, and the unique flavor of the material other than a soft ice cream mix, such as strawberry jam and chocolate, can sufficiently be enjoyed. In the soft ice cream obtained by charging the cream flow of a cooled and semi-hardened soft ice cream mix discharged from a discharge nozzle into a cup so that the discharge shape is maintained as much as possible, the part formed of the strawberry jam is continuously disposed in the part formed of the soft ice cream mix along the cream flow charged into the cup.

Abstract: Cooking and simultaneously forming a tostada or taco product in a cooling oil bath by inserting a pliable tortilla between adjacent molds when opened in a clamshell action, then closing the molds and conveying them through an oil bath and then opening the molds and removing the product. While cooking, the product is captured in the space between adjacent molds and permitted to cook into the desired shape. An interchange of conveyor carried molds is disclosed whereby the cooking equipment may process different product sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A hands free tortilla forming machine for molding dough balls into a tortilla shell. The forming machine includes a forming portion, a linkage mechanism, a vertically extending hinge block, and a foot pedal which can be mounted to a moveable cart. The forming portion includes a base having an upwardly facing forming surface and a base having an downwardly facing forming surface. The vertically extending hinge block beings mounted relative to the base and having a first end facing the base and a second end opposite to the first end. The rear end of the push member includes a lever arm which protrudes from its rear end and which is pivotally interengaged with the hinge block at a hinge point. This provides for relative rotation of the push member relative to the base about a member axis between an access position and a formed position. The lever further includes a second pivot spaced from the first pivot which interengages with the linkage mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for forming a proteinaceous emulsion or batter into shaped food products such as sausages without the use of a casing. A supply of suitable proteinaceous emulsion is provided and such emulsion is conveyed under pressure into an elongated hollow stuffing tube to form a continuous length of shaped emulsion. Thereafter the shaped emulsion is directed into a molding tube which is slideably mounted about the stuffing tube. As the emulsion enters the molding tube, the pressure of the emulsion causes the molding tube to move away from the stuffing tube. A treating fluid, such as a diluted food grade acid, is directed to the interior surface of the molding tube at about the point where the emulsion first enters the molding tube. The treating fluid is directed to the interior of the molding tube in such a manner that the interior of the molding tube is continuously wetted by the treating fluid as the molding tube moves relative to the stuffing tube.

Abstract: A grill device includes a U-shaped frame that is pivoted to a lower grill unit and that has two lateral arms. An upper grill unit is disposed between and is pivoted to the lateral arms by two first pivots. A space adjusting unit includes second, third and fourth pivots, and pivotally connected first and second links. The first link is pivoted to the upper grill unit via the second pivot which is disposed frontwardly of and which extends in a direction parallel to the first pivot. The second link is pivoted to the first link and one of the lateral arms via the third and fourth pivots, respectively, which extend in directions parallel to the first pivots.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for dispensing predetermined quantities of dry products simply, reliably, accurately and with an appropriate amount of care so that the product being dispensed is not unduly damaged. The present invention includes a plurality of hoppers, and so is capable of dispensing more than one type of product without forcing the user to go through a reloading step.

Abstract: A baking receptacle for baking a food product in an oven, including baking items such as muffins, cakes, rolls, etc. The receptacle is comprised of a sheet of thin ovenable material formed to define a bottom, a side wall, and a folded top portion. The side wall extends from the bottom and forms readily expandable, longitudinal pleats. The folded top portion extends from the sidewall opposite the bottom and includes, in one preferred embodiment, a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section is folded relative to the side wall such that a first fold angle is defined by the side wall and the first section. Similarly, the second section is folded relative to the first section such that a second fold angle is defined by the first section and the second section. Finally, the third section is folded relative to the second section such that a third fold angle is defined by the second section and the third section.

Abstract: A machine for preparing food products, for example lasagne, comprising a feeder which is suitable to take a plurality of lines of product and to feed each line to a respective product conveyor; each line comprises product distribution units suitable to distribute the product in respective containers fed by a conveyance device. The product conveyors extend parallel to each other and one above the other and have different lengths, each product conveyor having a delivery end at a distribution station which is suitable to deposit the product, which arrives from the respective product conveyor, in a container which is supplied to the distribution station by the conveyance device.

Abstract: An improved low shear extrusion and dehydrating apparatus (10) and method is provided for the continuous extrusion of various starting materials (e.g., starch-bearing grains or starch fractions thereof, proteinaceous materials and/or nutraceuticals) to yield improved products, especially cold water swelling or soluble starch products. The invention is also useful for forming pre-gelled starch products and for processing starch-bearing materials using little or no surfactant. The apparatus (10) preferably includes an elongated extruder (18) together with a tubular die assembly (20) coupled to the outlet of the extruder barrel (32), wherein the volumetric ratio of the die assembly (20) to the free volume of the extruder (18) is at least about 2, and the ratio of die assembly retention time to the extruder retention time is at least about 5.

Abstract: A method for making sausages comprises coextruding sausage paste and collagen to form a continuous sausage body having an outer tube comprising collagen in surrounding relation to the sausage paste. The continuous sausage body is separated into individual sausage links, each having an exterior surface. The sausage links are transported to an enclosure. The sausage links are loaded into baskets mounted on an endless serpentine belt contained at least in part within the enclosure. The belt is caused to circulate along a serpentine path so that the sausage links are carried boustrophedomically by the baskets through the enclosure, and the baskets are caused to successively change their orientations rotationally as the belt circulates within the enclosure so that different parts of the exterior surface of each sausage link come successively into contact with a concave interior surface of the basket in which that sausage link is carried.

Abstract: An improved low shear extrusion and dehydrating apparatus (10) and method is provided for the continuous extrusion of various starting materials (e.g., starch-bearing grains or starch fractions thereof, proteinaceous materials and/or nutraceuticals) to yield improved products, especially cold water swelling or soluble starch products. The invention is also useful for forming pre-gelled starch products and for processing starch-bearing materials using little or no surfactant. The apparatus (10) preferably includes an elongated extruder (18) together with a tubular die assembly (20) coupled to the outlet of the extruder barrel (32), wherein the volumetric ratio of the die assembly (20) to the free volume of the extruder (18) is at least about 2, and the ratio of die assembly retention time to the extruder retention time is at least about 5.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooking snack food pieces features a drum-type fryer which transports individual, die-cut piece preforms through hot oil contained within a cooking tank defined between the periphery of the drum and a housing in which the drum is contained. Vacuum transfer and feed rollers transfer the individual piece preforms from a die-cutting roller assembly onto the drum for cooking, and a similar roller transfers the cooked snack food pieces from the drum to a take-away conveyor for subsequent, downstream processing. The pieces are retained by suction against molding surfaces of frying mold elements distributed over the periphery of the frying drum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making uniformly shaped snack food chips which can be stacked for packaging, e.g., in a cylindrical canister or a canister which conforms to the contour or perimeter of the snack food chips. The apparatus features two-part mold cavities in which chip preforms are restrained and transported through hot oil to be cooked. Preferably, the mold cavities are defined between a pair of rotating belts, one lower belt and one upper belt, which together “encase” or “sandwich” and thereby restrain the chips. According to the method, a continuous sheet of dough is toasted and then proofed before being cut into individual chip preforms. The preforms are then placed into the mold cavities and transported through hot oil to be cooked. Vacuum transfer rollers are used to facilitate placement of the chip preforms into the mold cavities and extraction of the cooked chips from the mold cavities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sandwich consisting of two toasted slices of bread and an edible filling placed between said slices. According to the invention, the filling is essentially arranged in the inner region of the surfaces of the slices of bread and the slices of bread are pressed together in a peripheral edge area with greater force than in the inner region so that the slices of bread adhere to each other and form a cohesive sandwich arrangement, whereby the filling is packed between the slices of bread. The invention also relates to a method for the production of a toasted sandwich that consists of two slices of bread and an edible filling placed between said slices. According to the invention, the filling is initially and essentially arranged in the inner region of the surface of a first underlying slice of bread. A second slice of bread is subsequently placed thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calibrated cutting device for slicing foodstuffs that are suitable for cutting, more particularly meat products. Said device has the following characteristics: a base frame (1) is provided; a shaping tube (55) is also provided, through which the food product that is to be sliced is moved forward in the direction of a calibrated cavity (49); the calibrated shaping cavity (49) is a separate constructive unit different from the shaping tube (49); a knife arrangement (65) moving lengthwise is provided between the feed hole (31) of the calibrated shaping cavity (49) and the adjacent delivery hole (63) of the shaping tube (55), which is arranged between the calibrated cavity (49) and the shaping tube (55); a clamping unit (13) is also provided. The shaping tube (55) and the calibrated shaping cavity (49) can be pressed together by means of the clamping device (13) in order to achieve a negative pressure on the shaping tube (55) through the calibrated shaping cavity (49).

Abstract: A cake and pastry decorating system incorporating a hand-held icing mixing wand having a mixing chamber and a dispensing nozzle. Base icing is supplied to the mixing chamber and one or more colorants are selectively supplied through a flexible hose to the mixing chamber. Icing is dispensed from the mixing chamber through the dispensing nozzle directly on the cake or pastry in patterns determined by the position of the hand-held icing mixing wand and shape of the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: Combined extrusion/sonolation apparatus (10) which is designed to continuously and efficiently incorporate components (e.g., liquid lipids or fats or meltable solids) into heterogeneous materials in order to form stable products. The apparatus (10) includes an extruder (12) having a barrel (27) and restricted orifice outlet (38); a sonolation device (14) is directly coupled to the outlet (38). Preferably a monitoring unit (50) is located downstream of the sonolation device (14) and is connected via a controller (18) with the extruder (12) and device (14) so as to control the operation of the latter. In use, starting materials are fed into the extruder (12) and are initially mixed, whereupon a component is injected through a barrel-mounted injector pipe (41). The composite extrudate is treated within device (14) by subjecting it to acoustic vibrations.

Abstract: The present invention is a food sharing including in combination, a holder having a proximal end for grasping by one or more users or participants, a distal end for holding a preferably replaceable food, and a design or configuration allowing multiple participants to have equal simultaneous access to the food. The food has at least one break zone allowing for at least two portions with approximately equal size segments. The invention also includes a unique method for sharing food.

Abstract: A kitchen hand press for crushing and extruding pulp, juices and oils from food items includes (i) a stationary handle having a tub located at one end with sides, a distal end and a bottom with openings communicating through it, (ii) a pressing element forming a proximal end of the tub journaling and rotating about a shaft extending through the stationary handle; (iii) a large radius, ratchet-toothed, disc segment secured to and rotating with the pressing element; (iv) a pivoting handle pivotally secured to the stationary handle radially outward from the shaft having a ratchet, driving pin for engaging and rotating the ratchet-toothed disc segment rotating it and the pressing element into the tub upon pivotal rotation of the of the pivoting handle inward toward the stationary handle and ratcheting over the ratchet-toothed disc segment upon pivotal rotation of the pivoting handle outward away from the stationary handle; and (v) a releasable ratchet, latching mechanism integral with the stationary handle for en

Abstract: A grill device includes a lower grill unit with a lower cooking member, and a frame pivoted to a rear side of the lower grill unit so as to be turnable rearwardly relative to the lower grill unit. The frame has two lateral arms defining therebetween a receiving space and confining the lower cooking member therebetween when the frame is at a closed position relative to the lower grill unit. An upper grill unit is disposed in the receiving space, is pivoted to the lateral arms of the frame so as to be turnable relative to the frame, has an upper cooking member which is registered with and which is electrically coupled to the lower cooking member of the lower grill units, and cooperates with the lower grill unit to confine a cooking space therebetween when the frame is at the closed position.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a horizontal, extensible shovel which is driven step by step through a predetermined path by motorized means; a distributor of dough loaves arranged for dropping loaves at a first stop in the shovel path; a pizza moulder arranged at a second stop in the shovel path, for pressing and spreading the loaf; several distributors of a dressing, placed at at least a third stop in the shovel path, for dropping metered portions of dressing on the pizza carried by the shovel; and an oven placed at a fourth stop in the shovel path, for receiving the pizza from the shovel.

Abstract: There is provided a manually actuated press comprising a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. The lower platen defines a generally planar top surface. Moreover, at least one upper platen is in mechanical communication with the housing and defines a generally plated bottom surface. The at least one upper platen is translatable with respect to the lower platen in a manner forming a generally parallel relationship between the bottom and top surfaces when within a prescribed distance range therefrom. Further, the at least one upper platen is rotatable with respect to the lower platen when exceeding the prescribed distance range.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed which would catch drippings from an ice cream bar or ice cream treat while a user would be eating the ice cream bar or ice cream treat. The apparatus would comprise a handle and an upper cup portion, with the upper cup portion being removably mounted on top of the handle portion. The upper cup portion has a hole in the middle, which would allow the upper cup portion to be removably mounted on top of the handle portion. The handle portion would have two ends, a top end and a bottom end, with the top end having a hole. The handle portion also has an internal slot, with the top-mounted hole being an entrance to the internal slot.

Abstract: Improved, high-capacity processing systems including a processing device such as an extruder (26) or a pellet mill (P) are provided which minimize product losses and permit the user to conduct multiple, segregated short runs with a minimum of down time between runs. The extruder systems (20, 220) include an extruder assembly (21, 221) having a special, multiple-position die assembly (28), as well as an upstream preconditioner (24) and feed bin assembly (22). A variable speed, variable output discharge screw feeder (78) is located between the preconditioner outlet (62) and extruder barrel inlet (90). A PLC-type controller (30) coupled to the extruder assembly components establishes a choke full condition at the discharge feeder (78) so that continuous uninterrupted flow of preconditioned material to the extruder (26) at a uniform mass flow rate is maintained for as long as possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for rolling up laminar sheets of food material in a tubular shape. The apparatus includes an assembly having a plurality of roll-up rollers located at a terminal zone of a conveyor for the laminar sheet of food material. The rolling-up rollers are of the same diameter as well as the same revolutionary speed and are arranged on a concentric circle so that the plurality of rolling-up rollers contact an outer surface of laminar sheet of food material and thereby roll-up the laminar sheet of food material in a tubular shape.

Abstract: Improved, high-capacity extrusion systems (20, 220) are provided which minimize product losses and permit the user to conduct multiple, segregated short extrusion runs with a minimum of down time between runs. The systems (20, 220) include an extruder assembly (21, 221) having a special, multiple-position die assembly (28), as well as an upstream preconditioner (24) and feed bin assembly (22). A variable speed, variable output discharge screw feeder (78) is located between the preconditioner outlet (62) and extruder barrel inlet (90). A PLC-type controller (30) coupled to the extruder assembly components establishes a choke full condition at the discharge feeder (78) so that continuous uninterrupted flow of preconditioned material to the extruder (26) at a uniform mass flow rate is maintained for as long as possible. In preferred forms, load cells (46, 72) are operatively coupled to the bin assembly (22) and preconditioner (24) so as to monitor material flow through the systems (20, 220).

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus comprising a container (1) closed with a lid (6) storing the product to be dispensed, a cylinder communicating with the container (1) and whereof the bottom is provided with an outlet, a piston (12) traversed by at least one orifice (13), sliding in the cylinder, a check valve (25) mobile between positions opening and closing the orifice (13), said check valve (25) being urged by a spring towards its opening position, a dispensing nozzle communicating with the outlet and provided with a normally closed plug which opens by the effect of the pressure of the product contained in the cylinder, and means for actuating the piston from outside the container (1). The invention is useful for making pancakes.

Abstract: A soybean curd puree which can be applied to various foods and are useful for expansion of applications of soybean milk, and a process and apparatus for preparing the same, and the apparatus includes a system in which a raw material tank, heating apparatus, a holding pipe, first emulsifying dispersion apparatus, cooling apparatus and second emulsifying dispersion apparatus are arranged in that order, and coagulant supply apparatus connected between the heating apparatus and the holding pipe, and the process includes adding the coagulant to the soy milk, holding the temperature thereof at 40 to 90° C. to form a coagulated product, pre-crushing the product by the first emulsifying dispersion apparatus, followed by cooling to 10 to 35° C., and crushing the product by the second emulsifying dispersion apparatus into particles having the average particle diameter of 2 to 15 &mgr;m and 90% particles diameter of not more than 35 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A system for producing par-baked pizza crusts includes a pan formed from a unitary sheet of metal. The pan includes a number of recesses stamped into the sheet of metal, each recess being adapted to receive a corresponding dough portion. The pan also includes a ledge formed around a perimeter of the pan. The system for producing par-baked pizza crusts further includes a lid assembly formed from a unitary sheet of metal for use in conjunction with the pan. The lid assembly includes a number of lids stamped into the sheet of metal, each lid corresponding to one of the recesses of the pan. The lid assembly also includes a ledge formed around a perimeter of the lid assembly. The ledge is formed such that when the lid assembly is placed over and in contact with the pan, the ledge of the lid assembly aligns with and rests on the ledge of the pan to enclose dough portions in an enclosed gap between the lid assembly and the pan.

Abstract: A flat bread grill has a grill formed by a housing enclosing a controllable heating element and is topped by a round, flat grill surface, which is preferably coated with a non-stick substance, and has an annular channel or recess adjacent the periphery thereof. A dough or batter spreader has an elongated pentagonal shape with a rounded pointy inner end, diverging side walls, substantially parallel side walls, and an arcuate outer wall. The inner end has an integral depending foot while to outer arcuate wall has both an upwardly directed handle and a depending arcuate foot which is readily received in the annular channel or recess of the grill. The one pair of diverging and side walls have a lesser depth than other pair of diverging and sidewalls. The spreader is held spaced above the grill surface by both feet. Preferably the volume of the pentagonal spreader member is substantially equal to that of a single piece of thin flat bread produced by the subject invention.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for the preparation of puffed cereal cakes, in particular puffed rice cakes. The processes comprise molding puffed or unpuffed cereal grains under pressure with the application of ultrasound. The ultrasound assists bonding of the cereal grains to form a solid cake. The ultrasound reduces fouling of the mold and increases processing speed. In one aspect, the starting material is prepuffed cereal grains, and these grains are coated with a binder agent and then bonded together at low temperature using ultrasound energy. This permits the formation of puffed cereal cakes with edible inclusions of temperature-sensitive foodstuffs, and also the rapid formation of puffed cereal cakes with shaped or profiled top and/or bottom surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus to produce pasta used in particular, but not exclusively, in the domestic field, comprising a box-like structure (11), a mixing assembly (12) and an extrusion assembly (13), the mixing assembly (12) comprising a receptacle (16) inside which a mixing organ (18) is commanded to rotate and the extrusion assembly comprising at least a feeding screw (32) and an interchangeable extruder (31), the mixing assembly (12) and the extrusion assembly (13) being assembled in a removable manner on the box-like structure (11), the mixing assembly (12) being equipped with an outlet aperture (26) suitable to couple in an air-tight manner with an inlet aperture (28) of the extrusion assembly (13).

Abstract: A rotisserie cradle including a trough shaped cradle constructed entirely of a rod framework to be lighter, easier to clean, and cheaper to manufacture, with food hold down grates positionable by swing arms pivoted to the inside of the cradle framework so as to allow manually settable positioning of the grates against the food to hold the same against the inside of the cradle framework. Each hold down grate is tiltable in any direction to engage any contour of the food to be held, and the swing arm movement accommodates different sized food items. Friction snubbers can be used to maintain the swing arm positions. A pair of socket blocks for receiving the rotational support shafts are mounted by the rod members forming the cradle framework.

Abstract: An aluminum foil mold is placed in a rigid back-up mold with a cavity matching the contour of the foil mold. Fluid food deposited in the foil mold is compressed therein by a mold top that is pressed down against the back-up mold. Heat applied to the back-up mold and mold top flows to the foil mold and fluid food therein to effect baking under pressure. Thus, a unified food product is formed in the foil mold that can protect the food product against handling damage until it is eaten. A foil mold of novel design is used to form a food product shaped like an upside-down pizza shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing linked food products having twisted portions such as sausages includes: a stuffing nozzle for discharging from its distal end a food product material supplied from its material inlet port and for forming a stuffed casing stuffed with the food product material; a hollow spindle for rotating the stuffing nozzle; a braking member for engaging an outer surface of the casing on the stuffing nozzle; a main body housing having a front plate provided uprightly in such a manner as to extend in the same direction as a direction in which the stuffing nozzle extends from the material inlet port toward the distal end, and a side plate extending perpendicularly to the front plate from one edge in the direction of the front plate; a spindle housing attached to the front plate so as to rotatably support the hollow spindle; and a braking-member supporting member disposed at a position opposing the side plate so as to support the braking member at a predetermined position with respect to the stuf

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for moving a trough from a lowered position to an elevated having a pair of guide tracks operably coupled to a trough cradle by a pair of roller mechanisms. A lifting arm operably couples the trough cradle to a drive mechanism. As the trough cradle is elevated, the roller mechanisms move away from the drive mechanism and the trough cradle to rotate about a transverse axis.

Abstract: An improved low shear extrusion and dehydrating apparatus (10) and method is provided for the continuous extrusion of various starting materials (e.g., starch-bearing grains or starch fractions thereof, proteinaceous materials and/or nutraceuticals) to yield improved products, especially cold water swelling or soluble starch products. The invention is also useful for forming pre-gelled starch products and for processing starch-bearing materials using little or no surfactant. The apparatus (10) preferably includes an elongated extruder (18) together with a tubular die assembly (20) coupled to the outlet of the extruder barrel (32), wherein the volumetric ratio of the die assembly (20) to the free volume of the extruder (18) is at least about 2, and the ratio of die assembly retention time to the extruder retention time is at least about 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plated frozen meal comprising a plate, a first group of individually frozen predominantly meat-based ingredients positioned on the plate, a second group of individually frozen predominantly carbohydrate-based or predominantly vegetable-based ingredients positioned on the plate, and at least one pellet of frozen sauce. The at least one pellet of frozen sauce is positioned such that when it thaws it facilitates the thawing or heating of at least one of the first or second groups of ingredients. This invention is also directed to a method of increasing the rate of thawing or heating of a frozen plated meal.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying food dough is provided. It can be made compact, easily assembled, and easily cleaned. The apparatus includes a hopper (3) for receiving a food dough F, a first cutter (7) for dividing the food dough into dough pieces, a transmitting conveyor (11) for transmitting the dough pieces, a dough feeder (9) for forming a dough sheet from the dough pieces, a feeding conveyor (13) for feeding the dough sheet, a metering conveyor (15) for weighing a part of the dough sheet, and a second cutter (19) for cutting out the part of the dough sheet when the valve measured by the first metering conveyor (15) reaches a predetermined value. The first cutter (7) and the dough feeder (9) are arranged such that when the dough piece is cut out by the first cutter, the lower end fans into an inlet of the dough feeder. The belt of the transmitting conveyor (11) is wound around the uppermost roller (55A) of the dough feeder (9).

Abstract: A die ring for a dough pressing machine is provided which is to surround a die carried on a movable platen. The die ring, which must be vertically movable relative to the die and platen, is held onto the platen by a plurality of fasteners extending through a flange at an outer periphery of the ring. The flange is elevated above a lower face of the die ring so that the fasteners will be spaced above any dough positioned under the die ring on a dough supporting surface.

Abstract: A digitally controlled, manually actuated press comprising a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. The lower platen defines a generally planar top surface. Pivotally connected to the housing are left and right actuation handles, each of which is selectively movable between a loading/unloading and a press position. The press further comprises left and right transitional leveling members which are cooperatively engaged to respective ones of the actuation handles. Also included in the press are left and right upper platens which are cooperatively engaged to respective ones of the leveling members. Each of the upper platens define a generally planar bottom surface. In the press, each of the leveling members is configured to facilitate the rotation of the bottom surface of the corresponding upper platen into generally parallel relation to the top surface during the movement of the corresponding actuation handle from its loading/unloading position to its press position.

Abstract: An improved food extrusion apparatus includes a main body which has two or more rollers to form a squeezing space therebetween, a funnel located at the top end of the main body above the squeezing space and a conveyor located at the bottom end of the main body below the squeezing space. The roller has a plurality of equally spaced teeth formed on the peripheral surface thereof for squeezing a dough feeding from the funnel into the squeezing space to form troughs on the dough. The main body also has a pair of rollers which has smooth peripheral surface to smooth the dough from the squeezing space. The dough thus formed has less area subject to the squeezing force of the roller and will result in resilience in the dough for producing better taste food products.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a printed spring-roll skin includes a forming drum having a circumferential heating surface to form a skin from dough, a dough feeder having an outlet adjacent to the heating surface, a scraper disposed adjacent the heating surface to remove the skin from the heating surface, and a printing roller disposed rotatably adjacent the forming drum and having a circumferential printing surface in contact with the heating surface. First and second intermeshed gears are respectively disposed coaxially with the forming drum and the printing roller so as to drive the same simultaneously. A coloring agent is supplied to the printing roller to print the drum surface which transfers a print to the skin.