Combined Patents (Class 99/484)
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Patent number: 5517906Abstract: The water is removed from food product pouches which have passed through a water bath by advancing the pouches in a continuous stream on a first tray which is vibrated with respect to a frame. The pouches are advanced beneath an air manifold which discharges air onto the pouch to blow moisture downwardly. An air outlet is formed in the tray beneath the air manifold, and air is drawn therethrough. The reduced pressure produced by the partial vacuum restrains the pouch from upstream motion, and serves to draw away the water which has been detached from the pouch. A second vibrating tray is positioned to receive pouches discharged from the first tray. An inclined ramp flips the pouches as they travel between the trays to present the underside of the pouch for drying. Once flipped the pouches progress along the second tray beneath a second air manifold and vacuum air outlet to complete the water removal prior to discharging the pouch from the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1995Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David R. Zittel, William D. Zittel
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Patent number: 5515962Abstract: An ice cream sandwich collating apparatus comprising a substantially horizontal accumulator platform; conveying means for conveying the ice cream sandwiches along a first substantially horizontal axis onto the accumulator platform; detecting means for detecting when a predetermined number of the conveyed ice cream sandwiches have accumulated on the accumulator platform; an elevator assembly disposed adjacent the accumulator platform, the elevator assembly having a substantially horizontal elevator platform that is movable along a substantially vertical axis; mounting means disposed above the accumulator platform, the mounting means being movable along a second substantially horizontal axis between a beginning position and an ending position, the second horizontal axis being substantially transverse to the first horizontal axis; pushing means mounted to the mounting means so as to be freely pivotally movable between a vertical position and a horizontal position, the pushing means assuming the vertical positionType: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: Interbake Foods, Inc.Inventors: Cory R. Kennedy, Yancey Grubzak
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Patent number: 5485779Abstract: A manually operable device for metering air through a valve system for drawing into, retaining and evacuating material from a chamber having a first air passageway operatively connected to the chamber and exposed to the atmosphere for transporting the material, a second air passageway operatively connected to the chamber, an oscillating air source for moving air within the second air passageway and a valve mechanism operatively connected to the second air passageway which when in a first position upon actuation of the oscillating air source moves air creating a partial vacuum within the chamber causing material to be drawn into the chamber, and when in a second position upon actuation of the oscillating air source causes air to be introduced under positive pressure into the chamber evacuating the material from the chamber into the first conveying mechanism and a third air passageway coupled to the valve assembly which allows the second air passageway to vent to the environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1995Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Inventors: John P. Evans, Robert H. Evans
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Patent number: 5477778Abstract: The invention relates to a circulative catering bar equipped with warming system and cold air circulation system which comprises a warming system in which a heater (26) is incorporated in a plate mounted on the crescent chain, a cold air circulation system having cold air paths formed beneath the refrigerating conveyor and circulating cold air onto the refrigerating conveyor, and a setting board (56), disposed above said warming system, and it is possible to cyclically convey ordinary goods, warmed goods and refrigerated goods at the same time by cyclically conveying ordinary goods and warmed goods on a crescent chain of the warming system and cyclically conveying refrigerated goods on the refrigerating conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Nippon Crescent Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kiyohiro Kuwahara
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Patent number: 5471917Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous countercurrent treatment of roast and ground coffee particles in which a bed of the coffee particles is suspended in an aqueous liquid and the suspended bed is agitated in a manner which facilitates removal of evolved coffee gases from the bed to thereby effect complete, uniform wetting and/or extraction of the coffee grounds. The apparatus comprises a tank in which water flows upward from the bottom and is removed from the top of the tank, with fresh coffee grounds being fed onto the liquid at the top of the tank. Two pairs of interleaved blade assemblies are mounted in the tank for relatively counter rotation to submerge coffee particles into the aqueous liquid and form a bed of suspended coffee particles. A submerging auger, mounted on a central shaft in the tank, facilitates submerging the coffee grounds in the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1995Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventor: Sheng H. Hsu
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Patent number: 5464641Abstract: A loaf of offal having a temperature no higher than -10.degree. C. is sliced to obtain slices having a thickness of between 6 cm and 15 cm and the slices then are passed through a microwave tunnel oven to heat-temper the slices to a temperature of from -5.degree. C. to -9.degree. C. The tempered slices then are size-reduced to chips and ten to cubes. Alternatively, the loaf is size-reduced to chips which are tempered as above and then, the heat-tempered chips are size-reduced to cubes. The units for slicing and size-reduction and the microwave tunnel oven are connected by conveyors.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1993Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Dominique Guyot, Remi Thevenot
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Patent number: 5460083Abstract: An improved egg washing, breaking and separating system is constructed of two side-by-side washers feeding a corresponding pair of candlers. From the candlers, a respective pair of conveyor transition ramps lead to corresponding ones of a pair of stacked upper and lower egg breaker/separator units. Each egg breaker/separator unit includes an endless chain of a plurality of individual egg cracker/separator cup assemblies with the upper chain independently driven about a four sided frame in a direction opposite to the lower chain. Eggs are shuttled into the cup assemblies from each of the conveyor transition ramps. The chains of cracker/separator cup assemblies ride via slides operating within tracks extending about the frame. Each washer allows rows of eggs to advance along an egg conveyor which travels beneath a plurality of endless chains of brushes as well as a cleaning water distribution manifold.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1994Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Seymour, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Hutchinson, Eugene A. Redding, Anatoliy V. Grushanskiy, Norman B. Guy
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Patent number: 5460082Abstract: A kitchen machine is provided having a motor housing (5) on which an attachment (25) with a rotatable tool (33) may be placed, so that the tool (33) is removably attached to an end (35) of a drive shaft (43) which is drivable by an electric motor (23) arranged in the motor housing (5). The end (35) of the drive shaft (43) is self-aligning relative to the motor housing (5) by a displacement parallel to an X-direction transverse to the drive shaft (43) and a displacement parallel to a Y-direction transverse to the drive shaft (43) and the X-direction, so that the end (35) of the drive shaft (43) can align itself with the position of the tool (33) when the attachment (25) is placed in position, and friction losses between the end (35) of the drive shaft (43) and the tool (33) are minimal during operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventors: Klaas Kooyker, Adam Weits
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Patent number: 5438918Abstract: Food contents are separated from ferrous metal cans for conversion into useful byproducts by lacerating the can bodies into strips of metal to expose their contents, advancing along a vibrating conveyor section through a liquid spray, followed by magnetic separation to remove the metal strips and separately collect the food contents and metal strips for recycling. In order to convert the food contents into animal feed, the contents are first dried to reduce their moisture level either by mechanical dehydration or by the addition of bulking agents and then advanced through an extruder section to convert the food contents into dry particle form.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: SSDE Technologies CorporationInventor: Thomas J. Peters
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Patent number: 5402715Abstract: A rolling mill for use in a noodle making apparatus, of the type adapted for rolling a noodle sheet of a predetermined width, includes a plurality of rolling sections arranged in a set and each having pairs of upper and lower rolls. The set includes a pair of grooved rolls for pressingly forming a plurality of mountain and valley portions on the noodle sheet parallel to the extending longitudinal direction thereof, and at least one pair of gear-type rolls for pressingly forming a plurality of mountain and valley portions on the noodle sheet parallel to the transverse direction thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1994Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Inventors: Masayasu Kurachi, Seiichi Kondo
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Patent number: 5394789Abstract: A manually operable device for metering air through a valve system for drawing into, retaining and evacuating material from a chamber having a first conveying mechanism operatively connected to the chamber and exposed to the atmosphere for transporting the material, a second air conveying mechanism operatively connected to the chamber, a manually operable device for moving air within the second conveying mechanism and a valve mechanism operatively connected to the second conveying mechanism which when in a first position upon actuation of the manually operable mechanism moves air creating a partial vacuum within the chamber causing material to be drawn into the chamber, and when in a second position upon actuation of the manually operable mechanism causes air to be introduced under positive pressure into the chamber evacuating the material from the chamber into the first conveying mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1993Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Inventors: John P. Evans, Robert H. Evans
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Patent number: 5385083Abstract: A cereal powder production plant includes a device for washing and measuring cereal material, a device for roasting the cereal material passed through the washing and measuring device, and a device for separating and screening carbonized substance generated during the roasting process in the roasting device from the roasted cereal. The roasting device is connected to the separating and screening device by a device for feeding the roasted cereal material. A crushing device crushes the cereal material separated and screened by the separating and screening device, and the separating and screening device is connected to the crushing device by a device for feeding the roasted material from which the carbonized substance is removed.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1994Date of Patent: January 31, 1995Assignee: Kurarich Co. Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Toyokura
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Patent number: 5383396Abstract: An installation for the preparation of frozen vegetables, comprising from upstream in the downstream direction a device (10) for washing the fresh vegetables and a device (14) for the spin-drying of the washed vegetables; the freezing device (16) of the rapid individual type; at least one device (22) suitable for exerting on the frozen vegetables sufficient mechanical stresses to allow them to be broken into a plurality of fractions; at least one device (23) for sorting the frozen uniform fractions; a device (30) for packaging at least one of the frozen fractions; means for disposing of the fraction or fractions coming from the sorting device and intended not to be used; this installation being specially designed for the preparation of aromatic herbs or plants.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Assignee: Societe de developpement de l'industrie agro-alimentaire et de la pepiniere europeenne-SODIAPEInventor: Luc Darbonne
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Patent number: 5375510Abstract: This invention provides a dry butter-based flake product for incorporation into baked goods and flour confections, and methods of manufacture. The dry butter-based flake product comprises from substantially 0 to 2% moisture, from about 20% to about 60% dry dairy solids, and the balance is a butterfat. The dry dairy solids are naturally occurring milk solids from which substantially all water has been removed. The method of manufacture provides for mixture of the ingredients so that the solids are suspended in the butterfat. Butterfat or butter oil crystallization is initiated in a tempering unit, and the tempered product is deposited on a moving belt which passes through a cooling tunnel to cool and crystallize the fats to produce a dried butter-based flake product.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1994Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Inventors: Van Miller, Rene Miller
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Patent number: 5363754Abstract: A method and apparatus to convert fluffy cotton seed to an animal feedstuff, comprises delinting the fluffy cotton seed to remove lint and tails therefrom, coating the delinted cotton seed with a binder, adding a filler to the cotton seed coated with the binder, and drying the coated cotton seed to produce a flowable product. The method and apparatus converts a hitherto waste product to a valuable commercial product.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1992Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: Grainco Queensland Co-Operative Association LimitedInventors: Richard G. Coles, Ian J. Broadfoot
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Patent number: 5363755Abstract: A combination of utensils including a table defining an upperside and an underside. The upperside of the table defines a first recess, a second recess, a cutout being in communication with the first and second recesses, a third recess and two shaft-receiving recesses each defining a narrow entry. The table defines an aperture within the second recess. A chopping board is receivable in the first recess. A mandolin/grater is receivable in the second recess. A sharpening wheel is formed on a shaft. The sharpening wheel is pivotably receivable in the third recess as two ends of the shaft are retained in the shaft-receiving recesses. Two first flanges are formed on the underside of the table. A tool-receiving box includes two flanges formed thereon. The flanges of the tool-receiving box are engageable with the first flanges of the table so that the tool-receiving box is slidably mounted on the underside of the table. Two second flanges are formed on the underside of the table.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1994Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Inventor: David Liang
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Patent number: 5357852Abstract: A method and apparatus of producing reduced lactose milk products by processing raw milk through an ultra high temperature pasteurizer and simultaneously injecting the raw milk and 0.5-3 milliliters per container of lactase enzyme into containers, and immediately sealing the containers, and holding the sealed containers for a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1992Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Kohler Mix SpecialtiesInventors: James J. Kohler, Alan B. Erickson, Jenny L. Meyer
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Patent number: 5323691Abstract: An apparatus for preparing blended beverages, particular frozen drinks, in which an ice dispenser, liquid mix dispenser and blender unit are combined in a single unit. A programmable timing mechanism regulates the period of time the ice dispenser, liquid mix dispenser and the blender unit operate, so that an operator needs to only push momentary push buttons to effect operation of the apparatus. The apparatus will automatically deliver an appropriate amount of ice and liquid to the blender unit and will turn on the blender at the appropriate time and for the appropriate amount of time to prepare a frozen drink of desired size.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1992Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Inventors: Joseph J. Reese, John F. Hasson
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Patent number: 5305688Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method of treating nuts with a compressed carbon dioxide gas so as to make them oxidation-resistant. For carrying out the method, a device is used, which can contain a compressed carbon dioxide gas and which is equipped with (i) (a) door(s) or (a) gate(s) to put nuts into and take them out of itself, (ii) (a) heater(s) to heat nuts in itself, (iii) (a) chiller(s) to chill nuts in itself, and (iv) (a) valve(s) to introduce a carbon dioxide gas into itself and release the gas out of itself. Nuts as treated by the novel method with the illustrated device are to be satisfactorily oxidation-resistant when they are stored.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1993Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Assignees: Amano Jitsugyo Co., Tabata Co., Ltd., Kasho Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akeshi Kotani, Masahiro Takagaki
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Patent number: 5286121Abstract: An automatic device for making a flour strap comprises a mixing container communicating respectively with a flour container, a liquid container and a rolling container. The flour contained in the flour container and the liquid contained in the liquid container are introduced into the mixing container in which the flour and the liquid are mixed thoroughly to form a flour dough. The mixing container is in communication with the rolling container by means of an inlet through which the flour dough is transferred from the mixing container to the rolling container in which the flour dough is rolled and pressed repeatedly to become a flour strap, which is then carried away by a conveyor located under the rolling container.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1993Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Inventor: Shih-Chu Tsay
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Patent number: 5272962Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a sheet of dough, wherein powdered materials, including flour, yeast, sugar, and fats and oils, for making bread, are mixed with particles of ice, such that the particles of ice do not melt, to make them into a dough mixture. The dough mixture is formed into a continuous belt-like dough mixture having a uniform width and thickness such that the particles of ice do not melt, and then the particles of ice are melted to make the belt-like dough mixture hydrated. Finally continuous hydrated belt-like dough mixture is stretched so that a continuous sheet of dough having a gluten network is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1992Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Kageyama, Yasuo Torikata
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Patent number: 5244685Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing applesauce utilizing unpeeled apples that have been cored or reamed on the stem and blossom ends. The apples are divided into portions and pumped into a heater which raises the temperature of the portions of the apple to approximately 71.degree.-73.degree. C. A finisher then separates the waste parts from the flesh of the apple portions. The apple flesh is pulped and pumped to a second heater which raises the temperature to approximately 90.degree.-104.degree. C. The applesauce product then travels through a dwell line to an expansion chamber for collection.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: California Processing MachineryInventors: John Metcalf, Raymond E. Camezon
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Patent number: 5243899Abstract: An apparatus for making a pizza toppings disk is disclosed. An apparatus, made in accordance with the present invention includes a conveyor means for transporting forming surfaces, and a plurality of depositing means for depositing onto forming surfaces a quantity of cheese and a plurality of pizza toppings that may include but are not limited to the following items: sliced meats, ground meats, or vegetables, as well as combinations thereof. A fusing means is also included which fuses the quantity of cheese and plurality of pizza toppings to form a pizza toppings disk that may be frozen for storage and subsequent use in assembling a pizza.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1991Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: Pizza Hut, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Moshier, Larry R. Behm, Susan Jaax
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Patent number: 5237910Abstract: The material pack opening apparatus of the invention comprises: a pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart teeth shaped sting edges arranged in an front-to-end (longitudinal) direction; a transverse sting edges arranged perpendicular to, and at substantially intermediate position of, said paired sting edges; and a platform for holding thereon said sting edges, said apparatus enabling a material pack at the bottom of multiple packs each containing powder material and stacked on an article stock rack, to be cut open the bottom of the lowest material pack widely along two cut lines by pressing from above said packs, and, by vibrating said platform, enabling the bottom pack unpacked, freeing the powder material almost completely into a material accommodation unit in a short time.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1992Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Noboru Chigira
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Patent number: 5230281Abstract: An apparatus for roasting coffee beans or the like includes a controlled spinning bed or fluid bed roaster in combination with a cyclone separator for removing chaff from the heating medium. The cyclone separator is disposed above and in coaxial and abutting relationship with the roaster. The separator has a generally cylindrical shape with a plate having a plurality of louvers in the base thereof. The louvers impart rotational movement as the heating medium passes therethrough so that the chaff can be removed therefrom. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second centrifugal separator which is relatively small with respect to the first separator is disposed adjacent the first separator for making a final separation and returning the heated medium to the roaster.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1991Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Assignee: Blaw Knox Food & Chemical Equipment Co.Inventors: Jack Wireman, Daniel R. Wireman
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Patent number: 5216946Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing quick cooking and precooked filled pasta products by preconditioning a blend of a starch material with steam and small amounts of an internal lubricant to produce a semi-moist and partially cooked blend which is cooked and cooled under controlled conditions in a co-rotating twin screw extruder with low shear screw configuration and then co-extruded into the final filled pasta product by extruding the blend through a die, and cutting the extrudate, which may then be dried or otherwise processed.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1991Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Assignee: CPC International Inc.Inventors: David P. Huang, Thomas Merolla
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Patent number: 5213029Abstract: An apparatus for treating food under isostatic high pressure applied by a liquid pressure medium which comprises a high-pressure vessel forming therein a treating chamber in which food is placed, a pressure medium tank adjacent to said high-pressure vessel, pipes to deliver a pressure medium from said pressure medium tank to said treating chamber, and a cooling device to hold therein the high-pressure vessel and the pressure medium tank and to cool the high-pressure vessel and the pressure medium tank simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1992Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko ShoInventor: Hideki Yutaka
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Patent number: 5188020Abstract: A food shelving and cycling system for wrapped food items includes an elongated shelf for storing wrapped food items and unwrapping apparatus for separating each food item from its wrapping. Sensors mounted within the floor of the shelf and a controller monitor the time that a wrapped food item is positioned within the shelf and initiates its removal from the shelf if the food item is positioned within the shelf in excess of a desired period of time. The system includes heating components for heating the food items until removed from the shelf, and the unwrapping apparatus facilitates the division of a food item and its wrapping into edible and non-edible refuse.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1991Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Inventor: Kamal M. Buchnag
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Patent number: 5170698Abstract: An apparatus peels fruit, in particular citrus fruit, by washing and sterilizing the fruit in a sterilizing bath. The washed and sterilized fruit is delivered to a perforator which makes a plurality of perforations through the outer surface of the peel of the fruit over its entire surface. The perforated fruit is then delivered to a conveyor which loads and orients the fruit so that it is spinning on the stem axis with the equator of the spinning fruit exposed to a plurality of slitting knives. The knives slit an equatorial cut through the outer surface of the peel. The slit and perforated fruit is then delivered to a carousel of canisters. Each canister is filled with fruit and an aqueous solution of a commerical pectinase. The solution is vacuum infused into the fruit so that the albedo attaching the peel to the fruit substantially disintegrates over a predetermined time period.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1991Date of Patent: December 15, 1992Assignee: Sunkist Growers, Inc.Inventor: William Kirk
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Patent number: 5165331Abstract: An automatic vending machine for noodles, comprising: noodle-making means for forming grain flour into powered fish-like noodle materials, rolling said materials into a noodle web, and cutting said noodle web into noodle lines to make noodles; powder sprinkling means for sprinkling powder on the noodle lines prepared by said noodle-making means; packing means for packing the noodle lines having the powder sprinkled by said powder sprinkling means into a bag; and discharge means for discharging a bag body in which a noodle ball of the noodle lines is packed by said packing means to an outlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1991Date of Patent: November 24, 1992Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsuo Hayashi, Kazuhiko Takano
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Patent number: 5163356Abstract: An automatic food vending machine comprises: a cooking means for cooking food materials; a first storage means for preserving food materials for a long period; a second storage means for preserving food materials in a condition that they can be instantly cooked by said cooking means; a first transport means for transporting food materials from said first storage means to said second storage means; and a second transport means for transporting food materials from said second storage means to said cooking means. A large quantity of food materials may be stored in the first storage means and transported to the second storage means by the first transport means as required. In the second storage means the food materials are stored so that they may be instantly cooked. The apparatus permits on one hand preservation of a large amount of food materials without deterioration and on the other hand prepare them for quick heat treatment for sale.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1991Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Noboru Chigira
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Patent number: 5156084Abstract: A food processor comprises a work bowl with a central support axle extending from the bottom thereof part way to the top opening thereof and a cover having a crank handle rotatably fixed on an outer surface thereof to drive a gear train disposed in an interior formed inside the cover which in turn drives a spindle extending from an inner surface thereof into the work bowl. The food processor further comprises a drainer basket which is supported on the central support axle and rotated by the spindle to drain vegetables and/or fruits disposed therein when the crank handle is manually rotated, a slicer member having a plurality of slicing blades radially disposed on a central shaft at different altitude thereof, and a mixer member having a triangular and a rectangular mixing blades diametrically oppositely mounted on a central shaft with a plurality of passages formed thereon. The drainer basket, the slicer member and a mixer member can be alternately used to process food in different ways.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1992Date of Patent: October 20, 1992Assignee: Waying-HHS Taiwan, Ltd.Inventor: Wen-Hsiung Lin
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Patent number: 5137155Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing impurities from plant fibrous material which constitutes residual products in the refining of tuber or root vegetables, fruits etc. The plant fibrous material is, for forming a first substance, adjusted to a TS content of at least approx. 25% whereafter the first substance is fractionated in a first screening device to form a first fraction. The TS content of the first fraction is reduced, for the formation of a first mass, whereafter the mass is dried, for the formation of a second substance. This is fractionated in a second screening device to form a second fraction which substantially exclusively consists of plant fibres.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1989Date of Patent: August 11, 1992Assignee: Fibrex ABInventors: Christer Jonsson, Arne Svensson
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Patent number: 5113755Abstract: A particulate proteinaceous product and methods for producing the same from waste raw animal parts are disclosed. The product is dry to the touch, is compressible into pellets or cakes, and comprises about 45 to 65 w/w percent partially hydrolyzed, non-denatured animal protein, about 20-35 w/w percent oil derived from the animal parts, about 10-15 w/w percent moisture, and about 0-7 w/w percent ash. The product also has less objectionable odor, less propensity to oxidize, and higher nutritional value than existing products.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1991Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Assignee: Advanced Hydrolyzing Systems, Inc.Inventors: Paul S. Anderson, Roger W. Law, Ronald R. Law, Kenneth Lum
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Patent number: 5109759Abstract: A material passage whose height decreases progressively towards the downstream side is formed and a hopper (1), a pulverizer (3), a centrifugal separator (4) and a soybean milk receiver (12) are disposed in that order in the downstream direction along the passage. Accordingly, tofu (soybean curd) can be made more readily and automatically. (2) Juice of pulverization prepared by crushing water-containing soybeans with a pulverizer (3) is put into a centrifugal separator (4) consisting of a cylindrical rotary basket (43) rotating on its axis so as to separate soybean milk and bean-curd refuse. To make the apparatus compact, the pulverizer (3) and the centrifugal separator (4) are disposed in a casing having the same space.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1989Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Inventor: Toshio Asahara
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Patent number: 5097755Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for processing produce and particularly fresh vegetables for salads. The vegetables are stored in an area near the beginning of the process line, and the storage area is partitioned by vinyl strips to create a temperature gradient for different vegetables. The vegetables are first cleaned on mesh conveyors under high pressure nozzles that spray chlorinated water at the desired storage temperature of the vegetables. A trimming table includes a lower conveyor for moving the vegetables for hand processing. An upper, cleated conveyor carries the vegetables to a slicer. Another cleated conveyor lifts the sliced vegetables vertically into a hopper where they are mixed with cooling water that then flows through a significant horizontal length of pipe. The vegetables move to shaker tables that provide the bulk of the dewatering and then vibrate the vegetables into a single layer for air drying.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1989Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Redi-Cut Foods, Inc.Inventor: Brian Hill
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Patent number: 5094156Abstract: A particulate comestible material is agglomerated by an apparatus which has two movable endless surfaces positioned to form a nip therebetween. The apparatus provides for forming a flowable phase at the surfaces of particulate material supplied to the nip which are then conveyed through the nip so that the particles converge, merge, join and consolidate, and then the flowable phase is resolidified.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1991Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Philippe Noreille, Athol R. Pot
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Patent number: 5090306Abstract: For the extraction of juice pulp from fruits, berries and/or vegetables the raw material, which may consist of whole fruits, is first comminuted in a comminuting device (1) and subsequently squeezed out with the help of a press (2). Press (2) is constructed in such a way, that together with the juice separated from the raw material, a high proportion of valuable cell material is pressed off. Through this process a viscous juice pulp results, which subsequently is further processed for refining purposes, for example for the manufacture of clear juice, in a crossflow filtration device (7) which follows press (2). Through the process according to the invention the quality of the refined products as well as the economy of the unit and the yield are significantly improved, especially in connection with a recycling press (4) assigned to press (2).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1989Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Bucher- Guyer AG MaschinenfabrikInventor: Walter Gresch
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Patent number: 5074201Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing tonyu which has a cylindrical pan (17) having a larger diameter in relation to its depth, a cylindrical filter (44) fixed in the inner wall of the cylindrical pan (17), a hollow shaft (19 and 33) whereto the cylindrical pan (17) is fixed, a rotary cutter (16) whose axle being concentrically and rotatably supported by the hollow shaft (19), an inverted cup which is mounted on the bottom of the pan (17) to cover the rotary cutter (16) and has plural inlet openings at lower part, plural outlet openings at upper part and plural blades on its outside wall, a heater placed near said pan (17) for heating said pan, a driving motor (29), and a pair of one way clutchcoupled to said hollow shaft (19 and 33), in a manner that when the motor (29) is driven in one direction the cutter axle is driven holding the cylindrical pan (17) stopped to smash soybeans, and when the motor is driven in opposite direction the cylindrical pan (17) is rotated for dewatering the tonyu, and the motor is fixedType: GrantFiled: May 4, 1990Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kojiro Takeyama, Yukio Hayashida
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Patent number: 5069273Abstract: A food server for simultaneously cold storing foods to be served hot and foods to be served cold, and for heating the foods to be served hot while keeping cold the foods to be served cold. The server comprises a cabinet having a first insulated food storage compartment for cold storing foods to be served hot and a second insulated food storage compartment, adjacent the first compartment, for cold storing foods to be served cold. The server also includes a mechanism for refrigerating the first compartment, a mechanism for refrigerating the second compartment, a mechanism for heating the first compartment, and a control mechanism for selectively activating and deactivating the mechanisms for heating and refrigerating the first compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1990Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Robert L. O'Hearne
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Patent number: 5050809Abstract: A flavored shaved cube ice machine that includes a cube ice shaver arranged within a cabinet. A shaving head, of the cube ice shaver is adjacent to receive cubes of ice from a bin and mounts a ring shaped blade wherein lateral slots are formed at intervals therealong that include outwardly projecting cutting edges. A wheel mounting paddle is journalled to be turned by an electric motor within the shaving head and is open to receive and move ice cubes feed from the bin against the ring-shaped blade that peels ice shavings from the individual cubes of ice and forces that shave ice through the slots and out through a discharge chute into a catchment vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1990Date of Patent: September 24, 1991Inventor: Carl A. Rupp
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Patent number: 5033371Abstract: A wheat flouring system comprises a polishing machine for polishing wheat grains, a humidifying machine for humidifying the grains, a conditioning machine for subjecting the grains to conditioning and a milling machine for milling the grains to produce a flour. The polishing machine, the humidifying machine, the conditioning machine and the milling machine are successively arranged from an upstream side to a downstream side as viewed in a direction of flow of the wheat grains. There is provided an agitating machine for agitating the grains humidified by the humidifying machine, thereby preventing the humidified grains from sticking together into lumps of the grains.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1989Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: Satake Engineering Co., LtdInventors: Toshihiko Satake, Yukio Hosaka
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Patent number: 5027698Abstract: A vending machine stores a plurality of cups that are filled with primary food products and sealed with covers, and on command, dispenses one cup from the plurality of cups, removes the cover from the one cup, and adds secondary food products to the primary food product in the one cup. The primary food product can be heated. The operation of the vending operation is automatically controlled.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1990Date of Patent: July 2, 1991Inventor: Munroe Chirnomas
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Patent number: 5025716Abstract: An installation for processing foods such as fresh fruits and sea foods in a sterilized condition for subsequent freezing and storage operation is disclosed.The present invention is characterized by that said installation comprises a tunnel shaped sterilized chamber, a number of glove pairs provided on so many openings on the both lateral sides of the sterilized chamber, a partition wall formed at the inlet of sterilized chamber and a solution circulator channel for circulation of washing and sterilizing solution which conveys fresh foods such as fruits and sea foods from outside into the sterilized chamber while washing and sterilizing them.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1989Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Inventor: Jitsuo Inagaki
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Patent number: 5007334Abstract: Apparatus, method, and product resulting therefrom in which fruit having skins, seeds, and meat is extruded through a perforated drum to provide a small particle size pulp. The pulp is immediately heated quickly to a temperature above the inactivating temperature of the discoloring enzymes of the fruit within a time period less than is necessary for the enzymes to cause discoloration. The pulping process maximizes pectin in the pulp to give the pulp a high viscosity. Particles remain in the pulp to give the pulp a good, discernible bite or mouth feel. The volatile flavors and aromas are trapped in the pulp by heating the pulp in a closed container while causing the enzymes to be inactivated with heat.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1990Date of Patent: April 16, 1991Assignee: Tree Top, Inc.Inventors: Gerald W. Kobes, Thomas A. Eisele
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Patent number: 4974500Abstract: A portable cabinet is provided for facilitating the operation of espresso and coffe-making machines and for the merchandising of espresso and coffee. The cabinet includes a counter top with at least two beverage preparation stations at different levels, one for preparing espresso and the other for preparing coffee. An internal fresh water supply and plumbing system enables the cabinet to be used at locations where a continuous supply of fresh water is unavailable. Filtered water from a holding tank is supplied to both beverage preparation stations on the top counter. A power distribution system built into the cabinet supplies electric power to both beverage preparation stations and to built-in lighting within the canopy which extends over the top counter. An internal waste water collection system drains waste water from the espresso-making machine to a waste water holding tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1989Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Assignee: Boyd Coffee CompanyInventors: David D. Boyd, Michael W. Johnson
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Patent number: 4974504Abstract: Dead animal material, such as offal, is in subsequent steps and in a continuous manner comminuted in a comminuter, pumped to a pre-heating/sterilization installation by a pump, heated to the sterilization temperature in a number of successive tubular heat exchangers and, for some time, kept at the sterilization temperature in a long tube, reduced in pressure in a sluice system fed through a cyclone and finally further processed to the desired end product. The heat exchangers and the tube are connected to one another to a long closed tube through which the material flows in a plug flow. Vapors set free in the cyclone are used for the first pre-heating of the material.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1989Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Assignee: Stork Duke B.V.Inventor: Oscar E. D. Walraven
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Patent number: 4947742Abstract: Disclosed is a tofu manufacturing apparatus. The tofu manufacturing apparatus comprises a raw material tank containing soybean powder, a soy milk generator vessel connected to the raw material tank, a soy milk boiling caldron connected to the soy milk generator vessel, a suction means to suck boiling soy milk from the soy milk boiling caldron, a control container receiving soy milk from the suction means, and a tofu forming tank receiving soy milk from the control container.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1989Date of Patent: August 14, 1990Inventor: Seitaro Nishibayashi
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Patent number: 4930409Abstract: The egg storing and processing appliance comprises a single-piece casing, a storage drawer for eggs, a refrigeration system to preserve the eggs in the storage drawer and a dispensing and metering system for delivering a timed series of consecutive measured portions of eggs having an egg breaker immediately above a sieve for egg shells, a motor-driven mixer located immediately below the sieve and a funnel hopper located immediate below the mixer with a reciprocating substantially horizontal hopper door and with a door drive mechanism for measuring the egg portions, a dispensing spout connected to the funnel hopper outlet and a control unit for the door drive mechanism and the mixer.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1988Date of Patent: June 5, 1990Inventor: Stamatios Stefanakis
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Patent number: 4905585Abstract: A system and corresponding process for cleaning sugarbeet pulp comprising: (a) a tank wherein a sufficient amount of water is added to the pulp to form a first slurry containing about 0.1 to 4 wt-% pulp; (b) a screening apparatus for separating the first slurry into a top portion containing substantially all of the pulp and a bottom portion containing a major proportion of the free foreign material; (c) a mill for reducing the particle size and loosening of adherent foreign material from the pulp; (d) a tank for adding a sufficient amount of water to the top portion to form a second slurry containing about 0.1 to 4 wt-% pulp; (e) a screening apparatus for separating the second slurry into a upper portion containing substantially all of the pulp and a minor proportion of the loosened foreign material and a lower portion containing a major proportion of the loosened foreign material; (f) a tank for adding a sufficient amount of water to the upper portion to form a third slurry containing about 0.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1989Date of Patent: March 6, 1990Assignee: American Crystal Sugar CompanyInventor: Benedict C. Lee