Automated food processing system and method
US8034390B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
- Gerald A. Sus
- Ron Dorsten
- Henry T. Ewald
- Jenny Hong
- Glenn Schackmuth
- Christopher Juneau
- Steven Konold
- Richard Montafi
- Benny Nunley
- Charles E. Rose
- David Bone
- Tiffany Curry
- Eddie Mann
- Mario G. Ceste
- Curtis Clarence Pinnow
- Ly Nguyen
- Mitchell Strew
- Andrew Courier
- Kevin Keough
- Richard Terrazzano
- Douglas Greening
- John Meisner
- John A. J. Wedel
- John M. Corliss
- Joseph Gerstmann
- James Lozouski
- William Day
- Doug Jones
- Roberto Nevarez
- Keith A. Stanger
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B43/305
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automated food processing system and method are provided that allow 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 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. A conveyor system transports the filled container to a suitable pick-up location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.