Edible Laminated Product Making Apparatus Patents (Class 99/450.1)
  • Patent number: 11634310
    Abstract: A container filling assembly that can be used with container filling systems to fill containers during successive filling cycles with the same or different fluid compositions at high rates of speed, with little to no machinery changeover, and/or with little to no fluid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Justin Thomas Cacciatore, Eric Shawn Goudy, Bernard George Durham, Benny Leung, John Glenn Kuley, Scott William Capeci, Vincenzo Guida, Emilio Javier Tozzi
  • Patent number: 11433607
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a discharging apparatus and a 3D printing device thereof, which pertains to the field of the 3D printing device. The discharging apparatus includes a housing, a driving module, and a heating module. The housing includes a body portion, and a movable portion detachably or rotatably connected to the body portion, wherein one end of the body portion is provided with a discharging hole, and in an operating state, the body portion and the movable portion form a relatively enclosed accommodating space. One end of the driving module is connected to the body portion, and the other end of the driving module is movable by a predetermined distance in the accommodating space. The heating module is attached to an inner wall of the body portion and/or the movable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Haipeng Zhou
  • Patent number: 11213060
    Abstract: To provide a rolled food product manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method capable of improving productivity. A rolled food product manufacturing apparatus includes an outlet from which an air stream flows, a conveyor section having a loading member provided with openings through which the air stream flowing from the outlet toward a loading surface passes and conveying a sheet-like base material put on the loading surface in one direction, and a holding part holding one part of the base material floated from the loading surface by the air stream in a floated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: NICHIREI FOODS INC.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Itou, Suguru Hirayama, Masahiko Honda
  • Patent number: 11203513
    Abstract: A method of filling containers that can be used to fill containers during successive filling cycles with the same or different fluid compositions at high rates of speed, with little to no machinery changeover, and/or with little to no fluid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Justin Thomas Cacciatore, Eric Shawn Goudy, Bernard George Durham, Benny Leung, John Glenn Kuley, Scott William Capeci
  • Patent number: 11104461
    Abstract: Embodiments include piston filling apparatuses having first and second piston pumps in fluid communication with supply reservoirs. The first and second piston pumps can each draw in a volume of fluid and simultaneously expel a volume of fluid. Fluid expelled by the first and second piston pumps can be mixed in a manifold and allowed to flow through a filler nozzle by a filler valve. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Campbell Soup Company
    Inventors: Samara Renee Perdue Heaggans, Stewart Jon Nelson
  • Patent number: 10588322
    Abstract: A system for preserving and metering ingredients, including a set of compartments arranged in a preservation chamber and a device for removing and metering ingredients for removing a predetermined quantity of ingredients from at least one compartment, the removing device including (i) a collecting vessel intended to temporarily store, in successive layers, the ingredients withdrawn from each compartment, (ii) a controlled conveying mechanism intended to move the collecting vessel into the vicinity of each compartment, and (iii) a control unit. A distribution device is intended to dispose the removed ingredients randomly and homogeneously on the surface of a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: EKIM
    Inventors: Cyrill Hamon, Sébastien Roverso, Faustine Calvarin
  • Patent number: 10130210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage preparation device (1), in particular a coffee machine, comprising a first outlet (4) and a second outlet (5) which are connected, preferably, to a common supply line (10), also comprising adjusting means for adjusting the distance between the first (4) and the second outlet (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventor: Marco Meier
  • Patent number: 9930989
    Abstract: In a beverage brewing apparatus and method for brewing a beverage from a ground ingredient, a filter is configured for containing the ground ingredient. A distribution system is coupled in fluid communication with a source of liquid. A showerhead is disposed above the filter and is coupled in fluid communication with the distribution system for receiving liquid from the source of liquid. The showerhead is rotatable about a rotation axis thereof and has an exit nozzle through which liquid delivered to the showerhead by the distribution system exits the showerhead for delivery to the filter. The exit nozzle is located other than at the rotation axis of the showerhead such that liquid is channeled into the filter in a generally circular pattern upon rotation of the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele Rosati, Mia Cheeseman, Kurt Rottier
  • Patent number: 9532575
    Abstract: An automatic sandwich maker designed to automate the process of preparing sandwiches, including hamburgers, is included. This automated sandwich maker is designed for use in commercial kitchens, including small commercial kitchens, such as fast-food kitchens. The apparatus and method for automatically making sandwiches overcomes the drawbacks and limitations of the prior art. The individual sandwich process can be controlled by communications interface with a point of sales system. The inventive apparatus and method reduces manpower requirements for restaurants, provides enhanced ingredient control, and improves overall product quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Victor Donisi, Cordia Harrington
  • Patent number: 9253990
    Abstract: A food product applicator device has a frame on which a slidable die plate is mounted for reciprocating movement created by a pneumatic cylinder. A food hopper mounted on the frame above the die plate has a bottom opening through which food is pressed into apertures in the die plate. Tracks on the frame constrain the die plate to horizontal motion. The frame is about 1.6 times as long as the die plate. The lengths of the frame and die plate are such that when the die plate moves neither the leading edge nor the trailing edge of the die plate extends beyond the ends of the frame. A driver plate laterally spaced from the food hopper has fingers that can be lowered to eject food pieces from the apertures onto a substrate located on a shelf below the die plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Vincent Barraco
  • Patent number: 9010566
    Abstract: In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8974850
    Abstract: A confectionery composition is described. The confectionery composition includes a convoluted chocolate sheet having fold lines arranged generally along a first direction and having at least one region of weakness. Each region of weakness extends along the full width of the chocolate sheet substantially in a single plane transverse to the first direction. Also described are scraper blades for removing chocolate from a roller to form a chocolate sheet, and apparatus and methods for producing the confectionery composition described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cadbury UK Limited
    Inventors: Vincent Dolan, Caroline Foster
  • Patent number: 8925759
    Abstract: In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8850967
    Abstract: Forming machines and methods for forming a croissant dough piece in which the lateral end sides can be bent to form and join them, while they contact the upper surface of a transporting conveyor, are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the forming machines include an interception pin 75, which is arranged above the transporting conveyor 5 such that it is vertically movable and it is also movable in the conveying direction of the transporting conveyor 5. The forming machine also includes a plurality of pressing members 99, which are arranged above the transporting conveyor 5 such that they are vertically movable and are movable in the conveying direction of the transporting conveyor 5 at a velocity faster than that of the interception pin 75, and they are movable toward and away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kato, Takao Takagi, Akira Todate
  • Publication number: 20140295043
    Abstract: A device and a method produce multi-layered wafer blocks filled with a spreadable mixture such as a cream. A wafer base sheet coated with a spreadable mixture is transported along a first conveyor surface to a stacking area. A wafer cover sheet is transported along a second conveyor surface to the same stacking area. The wafer cover sheet is laid flat on the coated side of the wafer base sheet in the stacking area, and then the wafer base sheet and the wafer cover sheet are transported away together. The wafer cover sheet and wafer base sheet are moved respectively in the stacking area at a speed that is different from zero at all moments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Johannes Haas, Josef Haas, Karl Haderer, Stefan Jirascheck, Jürgen Reithner, Leopold Schiessbühl, Gerhard Schuhleitner
  • Patent number: 8714078
    Abstract: An apparatus for spacing and aligning triangular-like shaped pieces of food dough in one direction, which pieces are arranged so that they form a plurality of columns, wherein the directions of the pieces of the adjacent columns are alternately opposite each other, by rotating the pieces clockwise and counterclockwise at 90 degrees. The apparatus continues to alternately rotate the pieces 9 clockwise and counterclockwise at 90 degrees, which pieces 9 are cut and separated from a sheet 7 of food dough and are carried sequentially downstream from upstream by conveyors 3, 5, comprising pin-holding members 67 fixed to rotating rods 63, which rods 63 can move vertically and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise at 90 degrees, wherein the pieces 9 can be aligned so that one of the apexes of the triangular-like-shaped pieces 9 is oriented toward the upstream side of the direction for carrying the pieces 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadao Ueno, Hitoshi Kuwabara, Nobuo Oshima
  • Publication number: 20140087041
    Abstract: A Flatbread Dinner Ware apparatus to serve flatbreads tortillas including features to assists the consumer in properly filling folding and wrapping flatbreads by forming a recessed center cavity, creating and controlling fold lines and fold line creases that forms maintains and controls the shape of a flatbread tortilla as it is being assembled. The folding apparatus converts the shape of a flatbread tortilla by providing a plate like tool-template that controls each end section, and the top and bottom sections (folds) of a flatbread tortilla as it is being assembled (wrapped). The tortilla wrapper apparatus also provides a pocket to determine the proper amount of foodstuff to be placed into the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth Alley
  • Patent number: 8663726
    Abstract: An object is to provide a method and an apparatus for lapping strip-shaped food dough onto a transporting unit without repeatedly applying tension or relaxation. A method of lapping food dough in which strip-shaped food dough being continuously conveyed is lapped onto the transporting unit configured to transport the food dough in a direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the food dough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Oderaotoshi, Tomokuni Akutsu, Hiroyuki Okaizumi, Norio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8663727
    Abstract: A cooked rice molding method includes a first supplying step of spreading cooked rice in a plate form on rolling-up plates deployed horizontally, a second supplying step of placing a dried laver sheet and ingredients on the cooked rice, a first pressing step of folding a first rotating plate and a second rotating plate disposed on two sides of a base plate in a direction to erect at approximate right angles with respect to the base plate, and a second pressing step of folding the third rotating plate rotatably attached to the first rotating plate at a side opposite to the base plate, to a base plate side. Then, the method includes a repositioning step of deploying the rolling-up plates in the horizontal state, and rotating the cooked rice about 90 degrees on the rolling-up bamboo plate. Finally, the first pressing step is repeated again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-Technica
    Inventors: Takashi Hosogane, Atsushi Numabe
  • Publication number: 20140047984
    Abstract: An automatic spring-roll shaping apparatus converts a spring-roll semiproduct into a spring-roll product, and includes a conveying belt disposed on a machine bed, and a rolling device. The rolling device includes a circular rotating tube rotatable between a shaping position, where the spring-roll semiproduct is rotated in a direction, and a release position, where the spring-roll semiproduct is released from the circular rotating tube so as to be moved by the conveying belt to pass past the circular rotating tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Chao-Hung LIN
  • Publication number: 20130330450
    Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing control of at least partial treatment of the one or more portions of the one or more ingestible substrate structures according to the treatment instructional information regarding the one or more subsequent ingestible substrate structure parts assembly operations including assembling one or more substrate structure parts to form at least in part the one or more portions of the one or more ingestible substrate structures to be used for forming at least in part the one or more selected ingestible products subsequent to and based at least in part upon the electronically receiving the user status information and the electronically receiving the selection information. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Holman, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, Neal Stephenson, Christopher Charles Young
  • Patent number: 8393263
    Abstract: An object is to provide a food dough extending apparatus capable of adjusting a vertical position of an extending roller unit in an obliquely vertical direction in accordance with a thickness of food dough. A food dough apparatus includes an inclined transporting unit 7 inclined and configured to transport to-be-extended food dough 9 upward, a horizontal direction transporting unit 11 configured to transport the food dough 9 transported from the inclined transporting unit 7 in a horizontal direction, and an extending roller unit 13 provided above over an area from an upper end of the inclined transporting unit 7 to the horizontal direction transporting unit 11 and configured to extend the food dough 9. The extending roller unit 13 is vertically adjustable in a direction intersecting an inclination direction of the inclined transporting unit 7 and being upwardly inclined toward the inclined transporting unit 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Oderaotoshi, Tomokuni Akutsu, Hiroyuki Okaizumi, Norio Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20130034633
    Abstract: A freeform fabrication system for the production of an edible three-dimensional food product from digital input data is disclosed. Food products are produced in a layer-by-layer manner without object-specific tooling or human intervention. Color, flavor, texture and/or other characteristics may be independently modulated throughout the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Kyle William von Hasseln
  • Publication number: 20120258218
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device, by which eggs in shells are subjected to heat treatment using a liquid or gaseous or vaporous medium, wherein pasteurization is carried out at a temperature in a range from 70 to 75° C. The object of the invention is to destroy or temporarily render dormant harmful microorganisms that can be destroyed at low heat, and further harmful microorganisms and viruses that cannot be destroyed at low heat, wherein altering of the eggs and/or denaturation of the proteins thereof should be prevented. It is proposed to subject the eggs, prior to pasteurization, to a preheating step at a temperature of substantially 60° C., followed by shock-like cooling to 4° to 5° C., and to carry out pasteurization for a duration of between 12 to 18 seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Ismail Koyun
  • Publication number: 20120251689
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for printing a chocolate confection, the system comprising a platen, a print head, and a cartridge configured to be removably secured to the print head, wherein the cartridge contains a supply of the chocolate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: STRATASYS, INC.
    Inventor: J. Samuel Batchelder
  • Publication number: 20120148715
    Abstract: A dipping system and method for coating of stemmed fruit, includes a conveyer, for transporting stemmed fruit from a loading station to a receiving station, a UV station disposed between the loading and receiving stations, the conveyer running through the UV station for surface microbial disinfection of the stemmed fruit carried by the conveyer. A dipping station is disposed between the UV and receiving stations and includes a heated coating reservoir. Coating of the fruit occurs upon passage of the conveyer over the heated coating reservoir. Fruit holding clips enable suspension of the fruit from the conveyer and enable coating of the fruit without submersion of the conveyer and fruit leaves in the coating reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Alex Dupré
  • Publication number: 20120128844
    Abstract: A Fondant Mat that provides for application without the use of confectioner's sugar or cornstarch while rolling out their fondant, which alters the recipe and dries out the fondant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Katherine Gentry
  • Patent number: 8181592
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating products is disclosed herein. An exemplary apparatus comprises a vibration generating portion and a product coating portion. The product coating portion can include a coating application portion, a sifting portion, and an aligning portion. The exemplary apparatus can include a coating recycle portion as well. The vibration generation portion further comprises a motor vibration assembly secured to a frame wherein the frame is in communication with the product coating portion, such as a pan assembly, by springs that move the pan assembly with a vibratory motion. The product coating portion includes a series of angled steps that guide the coating and vibrating product upwards and forward, while simultaneously allowing the product to be agitated against the coating resting on the step surface. Additionally, the product coating portion can include a moveable wire belt conveyor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Vibratory Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James Karpinsky, James Bakos, Scott Rose, Travis Renkly
  • Publication number: 20120024170
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. McCoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
  • Publication number: 20110305796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to equipment for preparing cheese or a cheese product containing at least one heat-sensitive compound having a positive nutritional effect such as a probiotic bacterium. The preparation method of the invention comprises: hot mixing a cheese paste and at least one compound having a positive nutritional effect, such as a probiotic bacterium, a seric protein, a vitamin or a micronutrient; and hot-metering the mixture thus obtained into a container (10) that is the subsequent packaging of the cheese or cheese product. According to the invention, the mixing is carried out immediately before the metering for a duration lower than 10 seconds and at a temperature higher than or equal to 60° C. in order to achieve a minimized thermal spoilage rate of the compound or each compound in said container for the entire product shelf life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Florence Coulon, Beudon Didier, Russo Paul
  • Publication number: 20110280999
    Abstract: A crafting apparatus that performs work on a workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece includes, for example, an edible foodstuff material. In an embodiment, the edible foodstuff material includes nutritional value and is consumable by, for example, human beings, animals or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Provo Craft and Novelty, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Crystal, Rebecca Sego, Jeffery V. Gubler, James T. Davis, II
  • Publication number: 20110274795
    Abstract: The present invention provides processes and systems for preparing self-supporting film-forming compositions. The process generally includes the steps of: (a) providing a self-supporting film-forming matrix including an edible polymer component and a fluid carrier selected from the group consisting of water organic solvents and combinations thereof: (b) degassing the matrix via the steps of: (i) directing a flow of the matrix having a first density through at least one volume reduction device: and (ii) increasing the density of the matrix to form a second density. The present invention further includes the addition of actives to the matrix so as to provide an active-containing degassed film forming matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: MONOSOL RX, LLC
    Inventors: Beuford A. BOGUE, Garry L. MYERS, Patrick DAILEY, Greg SLOMINSKI
  • Publication number: 20110206814
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for making portions of food products stuffed with a filling, formed of a main ingredient containing pieces of animal meat, in particular raw minced meat, surrounding the filling material. The method comprises: making, by extrusion, a main continuous stuffed vein (V1) including an outer layer (C1) of a main material surrounding an inner layer (G1) of a liquid, semi-liquid or pasty filling material; processing the main material before, during and/or after the production of said main vein in order to increase the cohesion of the animal meat pieces constituting said main material; portioning said main vein by nipping the outer layer at least transversally in order to expel the filling material of the inner layer, and by cutting said main vein at the nipped area in order to form portions (P1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: MAREL STORK FOOD SYSTEMS FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Jacques Le Paih
  • Publication number: 20110195159
    Abstract: Described is a system and a method for making a co-extruded food product. The system is for continuously making individual co-extruded food products and may comprise: a food supply system comprising a first extrudable food supply and a second extrudable food supply that are horizontally co-extruded at a predetermined extrusion rate into a substantially linear stream of coextrudate comprising a substantially continuous layer of the first food supply surrounding a substantially continuous layer of the second food supply; and a cutting system, comprising a cutting element for cutting the stream of coextrudate supplied by the food supply system, wherein the timing of movement of the cutting element is synchronized with the extrusion rate to provide individual co-extruded food products having an approximately predetermined size and weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jay David Parker, Phillip J. Rincker, Brock Aaron Zentz
  • Publication number: 20110192289
    Abstract: An fully automatic egg roll making machine includes a machine bed, a loading device, a loading device disposed on the machine bed, a material-pouring unit for pouring a dough material onto a lower frying tray, a baking unit for baking the dough material on the lower frying tray to form a baked dough sheet on the lower frying tray, and a wrapping unit operable to allow the sheet to form an egg roll product. The baking unit includes two upper frying trays positioned such that, when one of the upper frying trays is moved to a working position for baking the dough material, the other one of the upper frying trays is moved to a non-working position whereat it can be cleaned easily and conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Kuan-Tsung LIN
  • Patent number: 7987774
    Abstract: An improved extruder (10) is provided which permits successful introduction of very high quantities of injected steam into material being processed, on the order of 6-8% or more by weight steam. The extruder (10) includes an elongated extruder barrel (12) having at least one elongated, axially rotatable, helically flighted extrusion screw (16,18) therein. The barrel (12) is equipped with obliquely oriented steam injection ports (44, 46) along the length thereof, housing steam injectors (48, 50). The barrel (12) includes relatively high free volume steam injection heads (32 and 38, 40) having therein screw sections (78, 82) of relatively long pitch length, together with steam restriction heads (30, 34, and 42) on opposite sides of the injection heads (32, and 38, 40) having therein relatively short pitch length screw sections (76, 80, 84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: LaVon Wenger, Galen J. Rokey, Allan Spellmeier
  • Publication number: 20110183044
    Abstract: A food item is prepared by depositing food (14) as lanes in the form of rows of discrete patterns (14a) on strips (16a-16c) of support material (16) defined by fold lines defined by perforations (62a, 62b). In a strip sheeter (12), the first roller (18) is heated and is smooth for abutting with the support material (16). The outer periphery of the second roller (20) including depressions (24) forming the patterns (14a) is formed of material to which food (14) has less tendency to stick to than the support material (16), with the patterns (14a) arranged to create tensional removal. An edible, liquid release agent can be sprayed upon the second roller (20). Perforations (62a, 62b) are cut by rotary knives (62). The first strip (16a) is folded to overlie the first lane of food (14) on the second strip (16b), and the third strip (16c) is folded to abut the second lane of food (14) thereon and opposite to the second strip (16b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Craig E. Zimmermann, Richard O. Benham, Philippea Vandewghe, Thomas Luehrs
  • Patent number: 7963216
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving surface smoothness and internal firmness of cylindrical food products is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt for conveying cylindrical food products to a concave rolling zone below an output end, such that each of the cylindrical food products rolls in the rolling zone for an appropriate amount of time. Thus, surface smoothness and internal firmness of each of the cylindrical food products are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Ou-Young
  • Publication number: 20110135795
    Abstract: A device and method for making Tamales having: a lower surface, an upper surface, connecting means for attaching said upper surface to the lower surface, the lower surface has means for receiving a tamale wrapper, the upper surface has a cut out portion in the middle of the upper surface for applying a masa spread to the tamale wrapper on the lower surface, wherein a user desires to make tamales, the tamale wrapper is positioned such that the front of the tamale wrapped is positioned over the cut out hole in the upper surface, then the upper surface is positioned on the tamale wrapper to prevent the wrapper from moving, then said masa spread is applied to the tamale wrapper through the cut out portion, then a leveling device is used to compact the masa, then the leveling device is used to scrap away any excess masa spread, and wherein the masa spread has been applied to the tamale wrapper, then a tamale filling is placed on a portion of the masa spread, then the tamale wrapper with the masa spread is folded o
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Leandro J. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20110070346
    Abstract: An intervention system for treating a food product in a food conditioner. The system comprises a tank that receives and buffers an intervention solution from a mixing system, a pump that receives the intervention solution from the tank and pressurizes the intervention solution to output a pressurized intervention solution, a flow monitor that receives the pressurized intervention solution from the pump and monitors a predetermined characteristic of the pressurized intervention solution, a first applicator that receives a first portion of the pressurized intervention solution from the flow monitor and ejects a first mist in the direction of the food product, and a second applicator that receives a second portion of the pressurized intervention solution from the flow monitor and ejects a second mist in the direction of the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Ross Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: WAYNE SPILLNER, Lee Clarkson, Charlie Degges, James Spisich
  • Publication number: 20110059209
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing and cooking pizza using fresh ingredients, the apparatus being in the form of a vending type of machine. By way of a keypad, touchpad, display or other user interface provided on the machine, a user specifies the type of pizza that they want. The machine then proceeds to combine the ingredients needed to create the requested pizza, cooks the pizza, as appropriate, places it in a box, and dispenses the boxed pizza to the user or customer. The dough may be provided in the form of sealed canisters or tubes, which are opened in an automated fashion. Slices of dough may be cut from the dough canisters for each pizza which is to be made. Sauce may be provided in the form of sealed tubes, bags, or containers, whereby a controlled amount of the sauce may be dispensed by way of a controlled dispensing system, such as a pump or similar mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: K & G Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Puzant Khatchadourian
  • Patent number: 7896038
    Abstract: A frozen confectionary vending machine employs robotics and other features to provide a customized frozen confectionary product, with or without toppings, in an entertaining environment. At least portions of the vending machine interior are visible to customers as the machine assembles a frozen confectionary product according to specifications selected by the customer. A robotic arm moves a product receptacle between various dispensing stations that dispense measured amounts of a frozen confectionary and one or more optional toppings into the receptacle. After assembly, the product is moved by the robotic arm to a product delivery port that provides customer access to the product in a sanitary manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Puffin Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Allan S. Jones, Jack F. Rutledge, James S. Wolf, Jeffrey L. Redington
  • Publication number: 20110036245
    Abstract: An apparatus for spacing and aligning triangular-like shaped pieces of food dough in one direction, which pieces are arranged so that they form a plurality of columns, wherein the directions of the pieces of the adjacent columns are alternately opposite each other, by rotating the pieces clockwise and counterclockwise at 90 degrees. The apparatus continues to alternately rotate the pieces 9 clockwise and counterclockwise at 90 degrees, which pieces 9 are cut and separated from a sheet 7 of food dough and are carried sequentially downstream from upstream by conveyors 3, 5, comprising pin-holding members 67 fixed to rotating rods 63, which rods 63 can move vertically and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise at 90 degrees, wherein the pieces 9 can be aligned so that one of the apexes of the triangular-like-shaped pieces 9 is oriented toward the upstream side of the direction for carrying the pieces 9.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: RHEON AUTOMATIC MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sadao Ueno, Hitoshi Kuwabara, Nobuo Oshima
  • Publication number: 20110020492
    Abstract: A method and system for preparing naan bread is provided. A conveyor oven is used to bake flattened and pre-shaped naan bread loaves. The conveyor oven uses high temperature gas heat to bake the naan, imparting traditional characteristics such as the slightly smoky or scorched appearance. The oven interior is preferably lined with stone, granite, clay or porcelain to enhance baking and provide traditional flavour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Sam Ajmera, John Gordon, Dragan Janus
  • Publication number: 20100297317
    Abstract: A method of making an edible serving dish made of baked cookie includes forming a dough into a disk; cooling the disk of dough so that the disk generally maintains its shape; placing the disk on a mold; and baking the disk and mold, so that some of the dough flows down the sides of the mold, thereby forming a bowl
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Valerius
  • Patent number: 7836805
    Abstract: A cam follower plate used in a product processing line such as a pizza making assembly line. The cam follower plate includes a panel of synthetic resin having side grooves to engage rails of the assembly line, a forward located slot surrounded by a wall, the slot having a predefined geometry such that the slot wall is engaged by a cam roller to impart motion to the panel, and a rearward located row of holes for receiving a pin carrying connector to facilitate the connection of the driven panel to other elements of the assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Quantum Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Freudinger, David J. White
  • Publication number: 20100251904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for making egg patties which have been cooked, folded, frozen and which may be reheated to provide an egg patty which resembles an egg patty made from fresh eggs. The invention includes an egg folding apparatus, a method for folding cooked liquid whole egg and a system for cooking and folding a cooked egg composition. The egg folding apparatus includes an endless linear array of egg cooking pans movable as an endless conveyor. One side of the pans has a ramp which extends downward to the bottom pan. A plurality of spatulas are disposed above the pans in an array above the pans. The spatulas are rotatable about an axis which is perpendicular to the linear array of pans, the pans movable upwardly away from the pans and downwardly toward the pans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Donald ROBERTS, Jamie STOUT, Anthony L. SEIDENKRANZ, Nancy ULLRICH
  • Publication number: 20100247729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for curling up dough slices, comprising a conveyor for the dough slices, a gripping element, arranged above the conveyor, for curling up a dough slice conveyed under the gripping element by the conveyor, pressure means, for pressing curled up dough slices on the conveyor, wherein the distance along which the gripping element grips dough slices is adjustable in the direction of conveyance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: RADEMAKER B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Josephus Antonius Van Blokland
  • Publication number: 20100242743
    Abstract: A pastry producing apparatus (3) produces a pastry in which overlying dough (53) is placed on core dough (15). On a downstream side of the pastry producing apparatus (3), an upper curved surface forming apparatus (5) presses the overlying dough against the core dough, thereby forms the overlying dough and the core dough integrally with each other. On a downstream side of the upper curved surface forming apparatus (5), a shaping apparatus (7) horizontally moves such a pastry formed by the upper curved surface forming apparatus (5), and performs a shaping action for the pastry. Moreover, on a downstream side of the shaping apparatus (7), an imprinting apparatus (9) presses a template against an upper portion of the pastry subjected to the shaping action by the shaping apparatus (7), and imprints, to the upper portion, an appropriate groove-shaped pattern provided in the template. The pastry producing apparatus (3) composes one unit (U1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: RHEON AUTOMATIC MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Hashimoto, Yasunori Kondo
  • Publication number: 20100224082
    Abstract: An object is to provide a food dough extending apparatus capable of adjusting a vertical position of an extending roller unit in an obliquely vertical direction in accordance with a thickness of food dough. A food dough apparatus includes an inclined transporting unit 7 inclined and configured to transport to-be-extended food dough 9 upward, a horizontal direction transporting unit 11 configured to transport the food dough 9 transported from the inclined transporting unit 7 in a horizontal direction, and an extending roller unit 13 provided above over an area from an upper end of the inclined transporting unit 7 to the horizontal direction transporting unit 11 and configured to extend the food dough 9. The extending roller unit 13 is vertically adjustable in a direction intersecting an inclination direction of the inclined transporting unit 7 and being upwardly inclined toward the inclined transporting unit 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: RHEON AUTOMATIC MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi ODERAOTOSHI, Tomokuni AKUTSU, Hiroyuki OKAIZUMI, Norio KOBAYASHI