Automated food processing system and method

US7343719B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• RESTAURANT TECHNOLOGY INC. · US

Inventors

• Gerald A. Sus · Frankfort, US
• Ron Dorsten · Oak Brook, US
• Henry T. Ewald · Schaumburg, US
• Jenny Hong · Palatine, US
• Glenn Schackmuth · Oswego, US
• Christopher Juneau · Hayward, US
• Steven Konold · San Ramon, US
• Richard Montafi · Daly City, US
• Benny Nunley · Rue de l'Église, US
• Charles E. Rose · Nashua, US
• David Bone · Usk, GB
• Tiffany Curry · Fayetteville, US
• Eddie Mann · Fayetteville, US
• Mario G. Ceste · Wallingford, US
• Curtis Clarence Pinnow · Libertyville, US
• Ly Nguyen · Plano, US
• Mitchell Strew · Richardson, US
• Andrew Courier · Mansfield, US
• Kevin Keough · Canton, US
• Richard Terrazzano · Salem, US
• Doug Christian Greening · Calgary, CA
• John Meisner · New Richmond, US
• John A. J. Wedel · Stillwater, US
• John M. Corliss · Lynn, US
• Joseph Gerstmann · Framingham, US
• James Lozouski · Marlborough, US
• William Day · Janesville, US
• Doug Jones · Franklin, US
• Roberto Nevarez · Hudson, US
• Keith A. Stanger · New Port Richey, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 9, 2005
• Grant date: Mar 18, 2008
• Expiry date: Feb 9, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B43/305
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system. After a food container is filled, a conveyor system transports the filled container to a suitable pick-up location.