Abstract: An edible cone production assembly for streamlined production of edible cones includes a conveyor, which comprises a pair of belts. A platform is engaged to and extends between the belts. A sheet, which is resiliently flexible, is engaged to the platform. A hopper, which is engaged to the conveyor, contains a batter, and portions the batter onto the sheet. A heating unit substantially encompasses a section of the conveyor between the first end and a second end of the conveyor. A guide is engaged to the conveyor within the heating unit and is positioned to selectively engage a plurality of forming units engaged to the platform as it traverses the heating unit to mold the batter into a cone as the heating unit bakes the batter. The cone drops from the platform as the platform rounds an end of the conveyor. The platform is one of a plurality of platforms.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus including a container having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end, an opening located that the first end, an end wall located at the second end, and a cap removably attached to the first end. The sidewall and the end wall form a compartment that is sized and shaped to receive food items. The sidewall includes a wire mesh having a plurality of wires.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a coextruded meat product including a casing enclosing a meat batter after brining in which a heated, high velocity air stream is applied to the coextruded meat product thereby mechanically removing moisture from a surface of the casing and cooking the coextruded meat product. This system and method can further improve the ability for a liquid coating to be added to the coextruded meat product in a non-drenching manner because of the superior surface preparation of the casing by the jets.

Abstract: The present invention regards an oven for cooking products, particularly foods, if desired for frying or cooking frozen products or fresh, breaded products.

Abstract: An air fryer with a flip function includes a body and an internal cavity installed in a lower interior of the body. A first wind wheel is mounted on an inner side at an upper end of the internal cavity. A heating pipe is installed below the first wind wheel. A partition is arranged above the internal cavity within the body. A cold circulation channel is formed between the internal cavity, the partition and the body. A second wind wheel is mounted on an upper end of the cold circulation channel. A detachable flip rack is horizontally provided in a middle portion of the internal cavity. A drive motor is arranged on an outer side of the internal cavity to drive one end of the detachable flip rack to rotate. An opening is provided on one side of the inner cavity. A flip openable panel is provided at the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conditioning/moisturizing device for almond grains, especially designed to provide the grains of the fruit with the elasticity required in order to cut the grain into flakes, sticks, cubes or other configurations, with minimum loss through production of flour and others. The device essentially comprises an elongate body, with a generally cylindrical shape and tilted position, which includes on the inside thereof a means for sweeping the almond, made up of a spindle which sweeps the fruit in an upward direction in a steam-saturated environment with controlled temperature, for which purpose the cylindrical body comprises a plurality of steam injection nozzles, said steam being distributed externally and fed to said nozzles from an external steam distributor. The device includes temperature and steam sensors whose measurements are suitable for regulating the rotating speed of the spindle in order to adjust the time during which the almond remains in the environment inside the body.

Abstract: A cooking pot having a rotating and rolling basket, which comprises a pot body including a pot body housing, a pot body base and a lining pot body, and a pot cover including an outer cover, a heat-insulating inner cover, a heating apparatus and a fan apparatus, wherein the pot body housing is provided with an auxiliary accommodating space for accommodating a drive unit; the drive unit is provided with a drive shaft which horizontally runs through a side wall of the pot body base; an end portion of the drive shaft is provided with an axially recessed nesting hole; a side wall of the lining pot body is provided with a through hole corresponding to an outer end of the drive shaft; and a bridging portion extended towards the center of the lining pot body is disposed on a side wall facing the through hole.

Abstract: A food product press having a mold base, a press assembly having a plurality of press bodies, and blade spaces between the press bodies, a plurality of blades slidable within the blade spaces, and a blade operating mechanism for moving the blades relative to the press bodies.

Abstract: A muffin maker comprises a support device, a main body and a collecting plate. A pedestal of the support device includes a first inserted portion. Two support arms of the support device include a rotary device. The main body is used for baking muffin and is connected to the rotary device. The collecting plate is mounted on the pedestal of the support device and includes a second inserted portion. The second inserted portion is connected with the first inserted portion and the normal line of the collecting plate is perpendicular to the normal line of the pedestal.

Abstract: Provided is a barbecue apparatus which uses charcoal, gas or electricity as a main heat source and does not allow only barbecuing with the addition of auxiliary heating source such as a halogen lamp, but also enables a long term heat retention of the meat barbecued hereby.

Abstract: Deep fryers and associated accessories providing increased efficiency and convenience in the production of deep-fried foods. Preferred embodiments herein also may be versatile enough to, besides deep frying foods, be able to steam and boil foods. Preferred embodiments may employ multiple cooking cycles and versatile food support means to fully cook foods. These may provide special advantages for larger unitary foods, such as by way of nonlimiting example, a Thanksgiving turkey. Preferred embodiments may provide advantages including, but not limited to: minimizing countertop usage; reduction in the use of frying oil; compact storage; reduced shipping costs; lowering of warehousing costs; reduced manufacturing costs; and being lighter and more easy to handle in the kitchen. Preferred embodiments of accessory items may simplify and facilitate production of deep fried foods, including cutting foods into shapes appropriate to produce French fries and blooming onions.

Abstract: The food retainer for a rotary grill allows a wide variety of differing food articles to be grilled with a rotary grill, a rotisserie or the like. The food retainer may take the form of a flat rectangular wire mesh cage having an open side edge for inserting a slice or patty of food therein; a perforate plate or a wire rack having one or more straps for securing food thereto; a wire mesh cylindrical shell having an open end for inserting food therein; or circular end members having radially spaced spits or skewers extending between them. All embodiments of the food retainer have shaft ends extending therefrom for rotatably mounting the food retainers on a rotary grill or rotisserie.

Abstract: A method for forming a pressed, baked food product including providing a dough intermediate puck. The dough intermediate puck is processed through a first, compression station that applies a compression force and heat to the dough intermediate puck, resulting in a pressed puck. The pressed puck is processed through a second, dwell and heating station that contacts opposing major surfaces of the pressed puck in a manner allowing the pressed puck to naturally rise and applies heat to the puck, resulting in a pressed, at least partially-baked, food product. The above steps are characterized by continuous movement of the puck from an upstream end of the first station to a downstream end of the second station. In one embodiment, residual heat from the first station is applied in the second station.

Abstract: The invention is an improved process and system for producing a shaped snack chip. A shaping oven, which uses a chain edge conveyor having transverse slats with at least one spring affixed to the slats, is used to convert dough pieces into shaped pre-forms, which can optionally be further dehydrated to form shaped snack chips.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for making shaped food chip products (2) including hotplates (3) (4) that are arranged in such way that, when in use, food snacks are hold between the hotplates and where at least one hotplate surface is covered with a steam permeable membrane (5). Also a method for making food chip product (2) including feeding slices of food in a monolayered between hotplates (3, 4) where at least one of the hotplate surfaces pressing on the food snack is covered with a membrane (5) that guidance the steam away.

Abstract: A food cooking apparatus comprising: a bottom continuous belt generally adjacent to the extruder, the bottom continuous belt comprising a plurality of bottom channels on the outer surface of the belt; a top continuous belt, that meshes with the bottom continuous belt along a belt mesh length, the top continuous belt comprising a plurality of top channels on the outer surface of the belt such that at the belt mesh length, each pair of adjacent top and bottom channels form a cooking volume, where the cooking volume has a cooking surface that is configured to generally completely abut the outer surface of a food located in the cooking volume; and where the food cooking apparatus is configured to rotate the top continuous belt and the food remains in the cooking volume for such time that the food is suitably cooked when it leaves the bottom continuous belt.

Abstract: Conveyor griddle system allowing for a one-piece-flow, pull system of production holding a series of adjacent metal cooking plates, heated by several natural gas burners, electric, or infrared burners located immediately below said plates and running the length of the conveyor. The system is comprised of a drive assembly, a driven assembly, and one or more burner assemblies. Plates are located adjacent to one another, with the long dimension perpendicular to the direction of plate travel and therefore, the short dimension parallel to the direction of travel. Each plate constructed of cast iron or other metal surface suitable for commercial cooking equipment. Each plate has a single partition approximately midway through the plate that is approximately ½? high parallel to the short dimension and parallel to the direction of travel. Plates also contain a simple way to attach a clip or spike that is capable of holding a paper ticket.

Abstract: Provided is a bidirectional heating cooker that supplements and improves a function of a conventional infrared radiation cooker, in which the bidirectional heating cooker further includes a lower heating unit that is placed at the lower end of a cooking pan that is heated by radiant heat irradiated by an infrared lamp and that directly heats the cooking pan, to thereby heat the cooking pan quickly by the lower heating unit to thus make the upper and lower portions of food such as meat put on the cooking pan more quickly roasted than the conventional infrared radiation cooker and reduce a burden of electric charges based on a shortened heating time of the cooking pan, and to thereby make it possible to cook food rapidly by an upper heating unit with the infrared lamp and the lower heating unit that is placed on the cooking pan.

Abstract: A charcoal cooker employs a grill for cooking steaks and a rotisserie for slower cooking of ribs, chicken, turkey, or the like. A tubular spit rod has spike rings that can interchange with a grill basket assembly. The spit rod is hollow tubular stainless steel, with a thicker central portion and smaller diameter end portions. These serve as handles and remain cool to the touch, so the rotisserie spit can be lifted out by grasping the ends to remove the cooked meat for serving. A chain drive engages a sprocket on one end of the spit rod for rotating the spit. Detachable spit support arms mount on the cooker body to hold the spit rod when loading the meat. An external fire box attachment fits onto a coal chute port, so the cooker can be used as an oven for baking or roasting. The legs, lid, grills, and other parts can be detached for cleaning.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cooking food are provided. In particular, food is placed in a bowl held at an angle to horizontal. With the food in the bowl, the bowl is simultaneously heated and rotated. A scraper assembly is disposed within the bowl, to lift the food from the side and bottom surfaces of the bowl as the bowl rotates. A temperature sensor can be provided to provide a signal to discontinue rotation of the bowl and the application of heat to the bowl when the food has reached a desired temperature. A tilt mechanism can also be provided to maintain the food within a desired distance from the top edge of the bowl.

Abstract: A system (50) is provided for the production of elongated comestible products such as hot dogs, without the use of traditional casings. The system (50) includes a circular pattern of arrays (92) of elongated, open-ended, extruded synthetic resin cooking tubes (94, 96) within a rotatable cylindrical heating drum or housing (70). The tube housing (70) and arrays (92) are incrementally rotated and at each stop position certain of the tubes (94, 96) are filled with portions of meat emulsion (590) and alternating plugs (208), while previously filled tubes (94, 96) containing cooked product are unloaded, and other unfilled tubes are internally coated with a lubricant (e.g., a mixture of lecithin and vegetable oil). Energy exchange media such as hot water and/or steam are used within the housing to continuously cook the emulsion portions within the tubes (94, 96) to the desired extent.

Abstract: An oven contains a continuous chain of baking tongs that can be opened and closed, and locked in the closed state. The chain circulates in the oven and moves through the baking chamber in two transport planes, one above the other. A device for opening the baking tongs, a delivery station, a loading station, a device for closing the baking tongs, and a device for locking the tongs are successively arranged in the running direction of the baking tongs, in the front part of the oven, along the upper transport plane. A product removal device contains a flatly arranged rotating support and is arranged in the delivery station. The rotating support carries removal elements embodied as suction elements along the outer periphery thereof, which it uses to remove the baked products from the open baking tongs.

Abstract: A safe product transfer apparatus that heats refrigerated food products and then hold those heated food products in a hold drawer until they can be transferred to a heater merchandizer, preferably a roller grill as needed. The apparatus features a control assembly. A pre-heat indicator indicates when the preheat temperature has been reached so that the food products can be loaded into an operable drawer. The apparatus can heat a refrigerated product from 34° F. to greater than or equal to 140° F. in 35 minutes or less. The apparatus has a safe product transfer apparatus that has a heating cavity ranging from 250° F. to 425° F. The apparatus provides a safe product transfer apparatus that can hold the products stored therein at a safe holding temperature (ranging from greater or equal to 140° F. to not more than 205° F.), that is, not hot enough to continue heating or degrading the food product.

Abstract: A baking oven has an endless baking tong chain having openable and closable baking tongs circulating in the baking oven and moving in two transport levels disposed one above the other through a baking chamber. In the front oven part, a device for opening the baking tongs, an output station, a loading station and a device for closing the baking tongs are disposed consecutively in a running direction of the baking tongs along the upper transport level. Located in the output station is a product removal apparatus having a horizontally disposed rotary framework which carries removal elements configured as suction elements disposed along its outer circumference, by way of which the rotating rotary framework removes the baked products from the opened baking tongs.

Abstract: A flipping grilling grate includes a primary grate member with a food contact surface and four pivot posts formed in diametrically opposed pairs. The grilling grate also includes a secondary grate member with a food contact surface 7and four pivot post formed in diametrically opposed pairs. A first pair of opposed pivot posts on the primary grate member mate with a first pair of opposed pivot posts on the secondary grate member and a second pair of opposed pivot posts on the primary grate member mate with a second pair of opposed pivot posts on the secondary grate member when the primary and secondary grate members are assembled together.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a confectionery mass comprising at least one discharge passageway extending to at least one elongate discharge outlet, wherein at least one discharge passageway diverges in a direction towards the discharge outlet, and a machine for producing a confectionery product having at least one such apparatus for depositing. In a method of producing a confectionery product, the confectionery mass is deposited as at least one strip having a width in the range of 5 to 500 mm and/or thickness in the range of 0.5 to 100 mm.

Abstract: A baking pan assembly including a frame with at least three contiguous walls defining an upper opening and a lower opening, and having a lip at least partially bordering the lower opening. The assembly further includes at least one removable sheet sized to block the lower opening of the frame, and at least one divider array sized to rest on the sheet within the frame. The array defines a plurality of compartments to receive goods to be baked.

Abstract: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.

Abstract: A food cooking apparatus for converting dough into a cooked pastry product over an open flame or coals which is configured to at least one of substantially blanket a hot dog and/or retain pudding, generally including: a tubular body, wherein the tubular body includes an outer surface and an inner surface; a first end proximate to a user, wherein the first end includes an opening which is adapted to releasably receive a substrate for separating a user from an open flame or coals; and a second end distal to a user, wherein the second end includes at least one of a plurality of tabs, wherein the plurality of tabs are bent to collectively form at least one optional venting aperture, a washer, an end-cap, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A hot dog grill for cooking hot dogs or similar food products is disclosed. The grill can include a plate having a heating surface. A grill assembly can be positioned proximate to the plate and can be moveable relative to the plate. A cam can be operably coupled to a motor and a first end portion of a connecting rod can be movably received within a groove in the cam. A second end portion of the connecting rod can be operably coupled to the grill assembly. Operation of the motor can rotate the cam and drive the connecting rod to move the grill assembly back and forth along the heating surface..

Abstract: A human skin mask heating/warming device includes a case and an electrical heating device. The case includes an upper casing and a lower casing. One end of the upper casing is pivotally connected with one end of the lower casing. The upper and lower casings can be opened/closed to enclose a mask (pack) in the case. Alternatively, the case is integrally formed with the upper and lower casings or the upper and lower casings are integrally assembled with each other to form the case. One side of the case is formed with a slot or slit. The mask (pack) can be guided into the case through the slot or slit. The electrical heating device includes an electrical unit and a heating unit. The electrical unit provides a current to the heating unit for generating heat. The heating unit is disposed on the case for providing heat to the mask (pack).

Abstract: A rotisserie self-basting drum is designed to allow a user to cook rotisserie style meat at home without using a large, commercial built oven. The device may be made of stainless steel or other suitable material. A series of channels are formed into a shell to collect cooking juices that fall from a cooking food item during a cooking cycle. The rotating drum transports the juices from the bottom of the food item to the top of the food item where the juices spill from the channels onto the food item for basting. The drum may be in one section or two sections latched together that slide over a spit containing the food item.

Abstract: A flipping grilling grate includes a primary grate member with a food contact surface and four pivot posts formed in diametrically opposed pairs. The grilling grate also includes a secondary grate member with a food contact surface and four pivot post formed in diametrically opposed pairs. A first pair of opposed pivot posts on the primary grate member mate with a first pair of opposed pivot posts on the secondary grate member and a second pair of opposed pivot posts on the primary grate member mate with a second pair of opposed pivot posts on the secondary grate member when the primary and secondary grate members are assembled together.

Abstract: A fryer has an oil container, a rotatable cooking basket therein, and a body of oil in the container. The body of oil and a stream of air are heated, and the basket is positioned with the food therein at least partially above the body of oil so the heated air stream can circulate through the basket and air-cook the food. Cyclically the basket is at least partially immersed in the heated oil to also cook the food with the oil.

Abstract: The food retainer for a rotary grill allows a wide variety of differing food articles to be grilled with a rotary grill, a rotisserie or the like. The food retainer may take the form of a flat rectangular wire mesh cage having an open side edge for inserting a slice or patty of food therein; a perforate plate or a wire rack having one or more straps for securing food thereto; a wire mesh cylindrical shell having an open end for inserting food therein; or circular end members having radially spaced spits or skewers extending between them. All embodiments of the food retainer have shaft ends extending therefrom for rotatably mounting the food retainers on a rotary grill or rotisserie.

Abstract: A method of producing baked egg using a horizontal rotating cylinder-type continuous frying apparatus, which baked egg has a small size and a strong fried flavor, is disclosed. Egg liquid is sprayed onto the inner surface of a heating drum while rotating the heating drum to solidify the egg liquid and then to make the solidified egg liquid detach from the inner surface of the heating drum, which egg liquid is sprayed within an area of the inner surface of the heating drum, which area expands at an angle of 60° to 150° in the direction of rotation of the heating drum from a rotation origin defined as the intersection of a vertical line and the rotation axis of the heating drum, wherein the angle is indicated taking the angle of the direction of the vertical line as 0°.

Abstract: A machine for toasting a marshmallow loaded on a pick and concurrently melting at least a portion of a chocolate bar provided on a separate support. A housing has an internal heat source, a rotatable pick holder shaped to removably and securely receive a pick and support the marshmallow in proximity to the heat source, and a coupling to rotate a so engaged pick. The coupling can be a manual control gearingly coupled to the pick holder. A moveable cover can support the heat source and place it in proximity with a marshmallow-bearing portion of the pick when in a closed position yet move aside for loading and unloading ingredients. A method for making s'mores toasts marshmallows while actively melting chocolate and provides for selective rotation of the marshmallow within the housing during the toasting step by moving a control that is safely disposed exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A kebab machine (10) is disclosed for inserting sticks (12) into various food components (14a-f), such as meat, vegetables and the like, automatically. The food components are held within carriers (500, 600) while the individual sticks are conveyed by a stick conveyor (22). The sticks are driven through the carriers (500, 600) and food components therein to form the kebab. As the carriers (500, 600) pass over a sprocket (66), adjacent carrier elements (502, 602) tilt relative each other with finger like extensions (504, 506, 604, 606) tilting up to release and eject the kebabs from the carriers for further processing.

Abstract: A multi-purpose basket, particularly well suited for boiling, steaming, blanching, rinsing, straining, chilling, drying and storing items. The basket includes a flexible basket made from silicone, along with silicon top that attaches to the pod by having a plurality of protrusions from the top extend through holes in the pod. The pod includes multiple holes to allow fluid and/or gasses to enter and exit the pod but, are sized such that the contents generally remain within the pod interior. The basket includes a handle that has a cord attached to the top on one end and to a handle grip on the other end. Further, the handle grip includes a slotted cavity that allows the handle to be attached to other items, such as the side of a pot.

Abstract: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.

Abstract: A mold 10, 30, 40 particularly for use in food preparation comprising a base 11, and a collar 12 having a continuous wall 14 that upstands from the base with a lower edge 16 of the collar abutting the base 11. The mold may be for single use with the base and the collar being formed from fiberboard and in a particular form the collar wall incorporates a releasable connection to enable opening of the collar. In one form, the collar includes tabs 25 that extend from the lower edge 16 and retaining means (18, 19, 31) which are operative to retain the tabs in relation to the base so as to retain the lower edge 16 of the collar in proximity with the base. The mold further includes in one form an insert 19 which is locatable within the mold cavity 17 and in another form a support arrangement (29, 42, 43) is provided to support the collar wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating food comprising a frame, a pan or basket having an opening into which the food to be heated can be placed, which pan or basket can be coupled to the frame by means of coupling means and in which the frame comprises a heating element and a fan for circulating heated air in the pan or basket, and a drive for rotating the pan or basket about a non-vertical rotation axis during the heating of food in a heating position of the frame. The frame is designed such that the pan or basket can be coupled to the frame while the pan or basket is on a supporting surface with its opening directed upwards. The invention also comprises a method for heating food.

Abstract: A chocolate manufacturing machine includes a chocolate dispenser and a chocolate cooler downstream from the chocolate dispenser. There is also a walking beam conveyor to advance a plurality of chocolate molding trays along a path of travel from the chocolate dispenser toward the chocolate cooler. The walking beam conveyor may comprise a pair of spaced apart tray guide rails to guide the plurality of chocolate molding trays. There may be at least one pair of walking beams adjacent the pair of spaced apart tray guide rails. A drive arrangement may cooperate with the at least one pair of walking beams to advance the plurality of chocolate molding trays along the path of travel.

Abstract: A convection oven for use in a food delivery vehicle comprises an oven cavity with an air inlet and an air outlet, an air feed conduit for feeding an air feed into the oven cavity through the air inlet and a heating arrangement for heating the air feed before it is fed into the oven cavity, the heating arrangement comprising a heating device that is electrically powered and being arranged to maintain a temperature of at least 130° C. in the oven cavity. A food delivery vehicle may comprise such an oven and the oven may be heatable from an electric current provided by the engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture are provided for cooking. A shell, made of high temperature material is disclosed for use in a frying apparatus. Thus, conductive heating and so cooking occurs on the food contained within the shell.

Abstract: A cooking grid assembly includes a frame having first and second frame portions. The first and second frame portions each have one of a plurality of notches and a plurality of holes formed therein. A plurality of rods have first and second ends, such that the first end of each rod is disposed in one of the notches and holes of the first frame portion. The second end of each rod is disposed in one of the notches and holes of the second frame portion. A locking bar is removably attached to one of the first and second frame portions. The locking bar is movable between a closed position wherein the rods are retained in the one of the notches and holes, and an open position wherein the rods may be inserted and removed from the one of the notches and holes. An extension member is provided that is fixed to and outwardly movable relative to the frame to provide support to the frame.

Abstract: A baking tray includes an outer shell and a bottom plate positioned within the outer shell for supporting a food item. The bottom plate is removable from the outer shell to separate the food item from the outer shell. The baking tray also includes a divider assembly positionable within the outer shell adjacent to the bottom plate. The divider assembly is configured to divide the food item supported on the bottom plate into a plurality of pieces.

Abstract: A system (50) is provided for the production of elongated comestible products such as hot dogs, without the use of traditional casings. The system (50) includes a circular pattern of arrays (92) of elongated, open-ended, extruded synthetic resin cooking tubes (94, 96) within a rotatable cylindrical heating drum or housing (70). The tube housing (70) and arrays (92) are incrementally rotated and at each stop position certain of the tubes (94, 96) are filled with portions of meat emulsion (590) and alternating plugs (208), while previously filled tubes (94, 96) containing cooked product are unloaded, and other unfilled tubes are internally coated with a lubricant (e.g., a mixture of lecithin and vegetable oil). Energy exchange media such as hot water and/or steam are used within the housing to continuously cook the emulsion portions within the tubes (94, 96) to the desired extent.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for mass producing cooked, cooled egg products having a grill fried egg appearance. One device includes a portion for positioning whole, intact, shelled eggs positioned laterally across and above a cooking mold conveyor, and a portion for cracking the eggshells and depositing the eggs into cooking molds on the conveyor. Some devices and methods include an egg yolk splitter for rupturing the egg yolk sac to deposit a whole egg having a ruptured egg yolk into each mold. Other devices and methods include irregular shaped egg molds for providing a mass produced cooked egg having a natural, irregular shaped outlines and/or surfaces. Devices and methods according to the present invention can be used to produce irregular, outlined shaped cooked egg products including whole eggs, formulated eggs, or eggs made from scrambled egg mixes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inverting device which takes one or more articles from a first device, inverts the article(s), and discharges the article(s) onto a second device that may be at essentially the same relative height as the first device. The inverting device has a rotating device with two opposed surfaces that are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the height of the article. Once the article(s) has been moved into position in the rotating device, the rotating device rotates 180 degrees about a transverse axis, resulting in the inversion of the article. The new orientation of the article may facilitate further processing in a manufacturing environment, such as cleaning, filling, labeling, stacking or any other activity that relies on a specific product disposition.