Abstract: An end cover for detachable connection on the end of a cylindrical shaped food roll. The end cover has an end plate with an external side that displays information such as advertising or marketing indicia. A retaining member extends from the end plate and forms an interference fit with the external surface of the food roll when the end cover is installed onto the food roll.

Abstract: A plant for producing foodstuffs is particularly suited for use as a chocolate plant, and permits facilitated tailoring thereof for a particular production purpose by including at least two sections, at least a portion of which are mechanically independent of one another. The foodstuffs are advantageously processable and/or conveyable in product carriers, and optionally delivered from one section to another by transfer devices located therebetween. Optionally, intermediate storage devices may also be provided between the portion of the sections which are mechanically independent of one another.

Abstract: An end cover for detachable connection on the end of a cylindrical shaped food roll. The end cover has an end plate with an external side that displays information such as advertising or marketing indicia. A retaining member extends from the end plate and forms an interference fit with the external surface of the food roll when the end cover is installed onto the food roll.

Abstract: An improved cutting board having a fan or similar member for drawing air across the surface of the cutting board. A housing at one side of the board contains a fan in connection with an air filter that removes airborne particles commonly associated with foods. There is another housing beneath the board that directs air back out of the lower housing and across the cutting surface. Exit passages in the side walls of the lower housing aid proper circulation of the air. A second embodiment includes the lower housing in connection with the cutting surface. The lower housing contains an air drawing member such as a fan, that is used to draw air from apertures in the cutting surface. These apertures surround the cutting surface drawing downward removing airborne particles and create a passage in connection with the lower housing. Exit passages in the side walls of the lower compartment provide a passage for the exit of air from the cutting board.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide utensils for table use or cooking use, which can easily improve the taste of food and drink and make them tasty without using particular energy in a short time. The utensils for table use or cooking use according to the present invention have their surface coated with a film of titanium oxide; when they are exposed to sunrays, an electric light or the like, electrons and positive holes are formed on the film of titanium oxide on the surface thereof according to photocatalytic reaction, whose strong oxidation-reaction decomposes residual chlorine and organic compounds dissolved in water to remove the odor of chlorine and the odor of mold and makes clusters of water in food and drink small to improve the taste of food and drink and to make them tasty.

Abstract: A generally planar rectangular base plate supports a quartet of upwardly extending outwardly angled support members each terminating in a receptacle end. The receptacle ends receive and support a rectangular generally planar cutting board at the four corners thereof. A plurality of openings are formed between the base plate and the upwardly extending support members through which a generally rectangular working pan having a bottom, opposed sides, frontal wall and rear wall is slidingly received through any of the openings to rest upon the base plate beneath the cutting board. The working pan may be partially withdrawn from the cutting board tray thus formed to extend partially beyond the overlying edge of the cutting board to facilitate the transfer of discarded materials from the cutting board to the working pan.

Abstract: A kitchen caddy that includes a main housing block formed of component parts in a manner to define a solid block having a series of grooves formed therein for stowing a variety of knives having blades of varying widths, and having connected to either side of the main housing block so formed a side housing section having slots formed therein for stowing the handle portions of various kitchen tools such as spoons, forks, spatulas and the like, in combination with a cutting board holder for stowing thereon a cutting board capable of having a width greater than that of the caddy knife block and connected tool holding side housing block.

Abstract: A chopping board system including a chopping board member having a first surface defined by a first perimeter edge and formed from a non-skid material and a second surface defined by a second perimeter edge and formed from a chopping board material, the chopping board member having a plurality of securing pin passageways formed entirely through the chopping board member between the first and second surfaces; and a plurality of anchoring pins sized to frictionally fit into the securing pin passageways, each anchoring pin having at least one pointed pin end for insertion through an item to be chopped.

Abstract: An improved defrosting plate includes a defrosting mesh plate and a tray. The defrosting mesh plate is made from aluminum laminae processed into a plate with a plurality of polygonal meshes, appearing like a honeycomb. The meshes effectively enlarge the heat exchange surface and, working in cooperation with the aluminum laminae of good heat conductivity, speed up defrosting. The meshes also promote air circulation to allow hot air reach the food on the defrosting mesh plate from all directions to prevent dead spots. The water drops formed during defrosting may also flow through the meshes into the tray below.

Abstract: Clumps of dried fruit are separated into individual fruit pieces with reduced damage to the fruit itself by passing the clumps through an apparatus containing a rotating shaft from which robber-like resilient fingers protrude. As they rotate, the fingers pass between other fingers in the apparatus, and the combination exerts a force on the dried fruit clumps that varies with the degree of deflection of the fingers and hence with the sizes and resistances of the clumps.

Abstract: A food skewering tool is used to insert a skewer into a food item, such as an apple. The tool includes a barrel having an axial bore for receiving and guiding the skewer, and a striker element which applies force to the skewer to drive it into the food item. The striker element may include a detent that receives the skewer and prevents slippage when the skewer is being driven. The length of the barrel and the length of the skewer combine to establish the depth that the skewer will penetrate into the food item.

Abstract: An improved cutting board having a fan, or other means for directing air, in connection with the board. The fan may be mounted in a housing that pivots upward so that the housing and the fan are at an angle of, approximately, 115 degrees to the cutting surface of the board. The edges of the board may be raised in order to keep onions or other materials from falling off of the board.

Abstract: An improvement of a sanitary chopping plate of the Ser. No. 08/284,854 application now U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,937, wherein it comprises at least a bottom disk having a plain plane and at least a chopping plate, and is characterized by that: the bottom of the chopping plate has a recess which is conformed in shape with the bottom disk for receiving the chopping plate; the bottom disk is structurally simplier and is easier and more convenient for manufacturing and processing, and more, cost of production thereof is largely reduced; the bottom disk further is provided with a plurality of annular and radiant grooves having heat sinking function, thereby the bottom disk can also be used as a defrosting plate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a joining sleeve assembly for joining a metal cookware with a cookware handle. Principally, when a metal cookware piece is bent to form a hollow joining sleeve assembly, a pair of protruding pieces and a pair of corresponding rectangular through holes are joined together by means of inter-coupling linkages or hook-coupling linkages, which are very secure. As a result, effects, such as configuration flexibility, simple construction, attractive appearance, strong joining strength and long working life, can be achieved.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A lower surface of a plate made of material with a well heat transfer characteristics such as pure aluminum or aluminum alloy is provided with a plurality of heat radiation fins and further with legs in order to provide a natural thawing pan capable of shortening a thawing time more remarkably than that of the prior art even though the natural thawing process is applied. In this case, the surface of the plate or the heat radiation fins may be processed with Almite or special coating or a plurality of irregular portions may be arranged there or the lower ends of the legs can be fixed with soft anti-slipping members.

Abstract: A covered cutting board assembly for outdoor use includes a cutting board having a cutting surface, a truss structure attachable to the cutting board forming a support structure for a transparent or semi-transparent cover which encloses the truss structure and cutting board. The cover is structured with at least one opening, closeable by a flap securable thereto, to permit insertion of user's hands therethrough to access the cutting surface. The cover remains in position over the cutting surface to provide protection to food prepared and served on the cutting surface, but allows access to the cutting board as needed. The cutting board assembly also includes a waterproof top sized to fit over the cover to prevent entry of moisture. The top also may have an opening to provide access to the cutting surface for use of the cutting board in rain or snow, and the top may have insulative properties to retain heat within the disclosure.

Abstract: A quantity of disposable super absorbent pads of uniform size, stacked one upon the other, and packaged in a disposable tube. The purpose of the pads being the removal of fats from home cooked foods, through absorption into the bottom pad, thereby lowering the cholesterol content of the food. Means are provided to eject the soiled bottom pad.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for a continuous compressing operation involving receiving pliable articles, compressing them along a single axis, and releasing them once compresssed. The apparatus and method each involve the use of a pair of disks arranged in a V-shaped configuration, with their opposing surfaces contoured to form opposing recesses which, together with a flexible barrier spanning the space between the disks, define a pocket opening toward the rims of the disks for receiving the article and retaining it during compression. The disks are rotated while maintaining the V shape, thereby causing the pocket and hence the retained article to become compressed. Once the narrowest point of the V is passed, the compressed article is released by gravitational force.

Abstract: A lateral end upright for the feeding roll pair in chocolate refining machines is formed by two half-uprights in mutual abutment relationship and individually mounted to one of the feeding rolls. The abutment sides of the half-uprights have a thickness dimension which is selected to ensure continuity thereof even with the feeding roll axles tilted to their full oscillated positions. A flexible insert may be interposed to the upright halves.Offsetting play due to wear can be taken up, as can differences in the working lengths of the feeding rolls.

Abstract: The combined multi-purpose kitchen appliance includes a bracket unit for attachment beneath a kitchen cabinet and an appliance assembly which is pivotally mounted within the bracket unit to permit movement of electric kitchen appliances mounted on opposite sides of the appliance assembly into use positions. The appliance assembly is a unitary assembly which may be inserted or removed from the bracket unit without the use of additional mounting components, and the appliance assembly is designed to enhance the rigidity of the bracket unit when the appliance assembly is in a use position.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus mountable on a mobile cart or shelf for transferring a liquid or slurry pie filling such as is used for pumpkin and custard pie to pre-formed pie crusts within the confines of an oven. The device is used in small 1-3 man bakery in the manufacture of pumpkin or custard pie.The device features a housing having a pump and motor and an inlet pipe to bring the filling to the pump from which it is transferred to other locations within an oven by an outlet hose connected to a loading arm. The flow of filling is controlled by the operator via a switch mounted on the arm.

Abstract: An improved breather system for a sealed storage structure. The roof of the storage structure is provided with an opening and a generally cylindrical, vertically disposed, breather bag is located within the structure with the neck of the bag being sealed within the opening. A cable is attached to the inner surface of the bag at the lower end of the bag and extends upwardly through a series of vertically spaced tubular guides and exits through the neck of the bag to the exterior. Each of the tubular guides is connected to the inner surface of the bag by a series of cables. A storage sleeve can be mounted on the roof in communication with the opening. By pulling upwardly on the cable, the bag will be drawn upwardly out of the storage structure and into the storage sleeve to a location where the bag will not interfere with filling of the storage structure with a stored material.

Abstract: Apparatus for flame peeling onions comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart rails along which onions are conveyed by a worm conveyor having a central shaft mounted above and parallel to the rails and having a periphery formed by helical teeth positioned in close proximity to the rails. Curved guards extend outwardly and upwardly from the rails adjacent to the worm conveyor periphery and direct onions displaced from the rails back onto them. A plurality of gas burners located directly below the rails are adapted to scorch the skins of onions being conveyed on the rails. Onions are loaded singly onto the rails from a container by a rotatable wheel having peripheral scoops, the wheel being mounted so that the scoops pass through and collect onions from the container and deposit them onto a chute leading to the rails.

Abstract: A prefabricated aeration block for silo bases in which at least two aeration blocks are mounted on the top side of a flat plate and shaped, hollow support sections are fixed on the bottom side of the plate, defining air channels for distribution of air to the aeration blocks.

Abstract: An improved breather system for a sealed storage structure. An annular flexible diaphragm is located within the upper portion of the storage structure and the inner periphery of the diaphragm is sealed to a central inlet feed tube, while the outer periphery is sealed to an impervious platform that is mounted on the wall of the structure beneath the roof. A manhole is provided in the roof for entry onto the platform by workmen in order to repair or replace the diaphragm. The diaphragm and platform separate the storage structure into a lower storage chamber and an upper chamber which is exposed to the atmosphere. The diaphragm will move up and down within the structure in accordance with the pressure differential between the chambers. The diaphragm has a substantially greater surface area than the cross section area of the storage structure, so there is substantial travel between its uppermost and lowermost positions to thereby greatly increase the breathing capacity over conventional breather systems.

Abstract: A relatively low-power egg beating device for scrambling an egg within its shell. The device includes an improved smoothly curved axially offset needle which is rotated by a motor. The configuration of the needle permits effective beating at relatively low RPMs. The motor is normally off, and in addition, a brake limits rotation of the axially offset needle to facilitate the user grasping the egg shell and impaling it upon the needle. As the egg is fully impaled on the needle, the shell engages and moves a control member which automatically turns on the motor and releases the brake. As the user holds the shell, the needle rotates to beat the egg within the shell. When the user then begins to withdraw the egg shell from the needle, the shell disengages from the control member which automatically turns the motor off and reengages the brake. This permits ready removal of the egg from the stopped needle. Because of its low power requirements the device may be battery powered, fully self-contained and portable.

Abstract: A frame structure having a pre-dewatering unit fixedly mounted thereon and a final-dewatering and inspection table unit movably mounted thereon. The pre-dewatering unit includes a vertically extending receiving compartment through which the mixture of water and vegetables passes upwardly from bottom to top and a pre-dewatering chute adapted to receive the mixture flowing over the top of the receiving chamber. The pre-dewatering chute includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a screen member. The screen member is positioned at an angle to the horizontal so that the solid material in the mixture will pass over the top surface of the screen member and a substantial portion of the liquid material will pass through the screen member into the lower chamber. The final-dewatering and inspection table unit includes a final-dewatering section and an inspection table section, both of which are vibrated by a suitable vibratory means.

Abstract: In a grill for cooking, of the type popularly used for outdoor barbequeing, wherein a gas flame is used as a heat source, a meat support is provided, and a grizzly is positioned between the heat source and the meat support, on which grizzly non-flamable "briquettes" are scattered, a plurality of aluminum briquettes are used, arranged in spaced relation to one another through at least a part of their perimeter, so as to provide a plurality of heat-communicating channels between the heat source and the meat support. The aluminum briquettes are preferably provided with a broad convex surface which for high heats is oriented toward the meat support, which surface is provided with liquid-retaining means, in the form of channels, pits or the like. A broad flat surface is preferably provided to be oriented toward the meat support for cooking at lower heats, the flat face preferably being provided with distributing channels.

Abstract: A machine for inserting pliable handles into soft food articles, such as apples, pears, corn cobs, etc. Pliable, nonsplintering handles, made of coiled paper, are used to avoid accidents, especially when the food is eaten by a child. The handle is loaded into a spring holder, supported by a cylindrical jacket, and the food article is forced down on the handle against the force of the spring. The jacket supports the handle as it enters the food, preventing bending or buckling.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for making a feed stuff for cattles, pigs, or poultry by subjecting a mixture of bagasse, Candida utilis or a variety of yeast fungus, var major, and Tichoderma viride to a fermentation treatment, mixing a fermentation product with the crushed and dried top portion of sugar canes, having added thereto cereals, and rolling and drying a resultant mixture into a desired shape.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for separating blocks of dried fruit composed of individual fruit pieces such as raisins which are bonded or cohered to one another. One or more pairs of rotating high friction surfaces, such as rolls having rubber projections on their surfaces, are mounted on a framework such that the fruit pieces pass between the surface pairs, being conducted downward sequentially through the pairs when more than one pair is employed, and are separated into individual fruit pieces by the action of the differential speed of the surfaces.