LV11587B - Self contained frying machine - Google Patents

Description

1 LV 11587

SELF- CONTAINED FRYING MACHINE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 081150,853, filed November 12, 1993.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to frying machines; and, more particularly, to a self contained frying machine for producing a fried food product.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Many types of machines are known in the prior art for frying food products. Generally, such machines reconstitute dehydrated food products into a dough mixture, then cut the mixture into predetermined shaped pieces and fry the same.

Prior art devices have had problems in turning out a delectable non-oily food product in a quick, repetitive and efficient manner. Some prior art devices 2 require much maintenance and attention and are thus not useful where inexperienced operators are involved.

There is thus a need for a frying machine which tums out a delectable non-oily food product in a quick and repetitive manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved self contained frying machine.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved automated self contained french fry machine.

It is stili another object of this invention to provide a fry machine for producing a food product, such as french fries, using a reconstituted dried granular vegetable product, such as potato granules.

These and other objects are preferably accomplished by providing a self contained frying machine having a storage area, a mixing chamber for receiving a premeasured amount of dehydrated food product from the storage area and rehydrating and solidifying the same, and a piston for compressing the rehydrated food product and forcing it through an orificed die plate where the rehydrated and solidified food product is formed into individual pieces. The pieces are then deposited into a hot oil chamber and, after frying, drained and deposited into a Container for consumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAVVING

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the fry machine of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the fry machine of the invention;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a portion of the machine of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an elevational view, partly in section, of another portion of the machine of Fig. 2; 3 LV 11587

Fig. 5 is a view taken along lines 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a detailed view, partly in section, of a portion of the fry machine of Figs. 1 to 5;

Fig. 7 is an elevational view, partly in section, of a portion of the fry machine of Figs. 1 to 5;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 illustrating operation of a part of the fry machine of Figs. 1 to 7;

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the fry machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is a detailed elevational view of a portion of the fry machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the fry machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is a view taken along lines 12-12 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 13 is a view taken along lines 13-13 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 14 is detailed view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 8;

Fig. 15 is a preferred flow diagram of operating the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 13;

Fig. 16 is a detailed view of a portion of the operation of the apparatus of Fig. 12; Fig. 17 is a schematic illustration of the water supply for the apparatus of the invention;

Fig. 18 is a view taken along lines 18-18 of Fig. 12;

Figs. 19 and 20 are views taken along lines 19-19 and 20-20, respectively, of Fig. 18;

Fig. 21 is an elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 20 showing a modification thereof;

Fig. 22 is a view taken along lines 22-22 of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 20 shovving a further modification thereof;

Fig. 24 is an elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a plān view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig, 24; and

Figs. 26A to 28C are plān views of a portion of the apparatus of Figs. 23 to 25 illustrating the operation thereof. 4

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to Fig. 1 of the invention, a fry machine 10 is shown having a housing 11, a front control panei 12 and a dispensing station 13. Machine 10 has an electrical cord 14 terminating in plug 15 which can be plugged into a suitable wall outlet 16. As seen in Fig. 1, a quantity of french fries 17 have been deposited into a cup 136 which is accessible in dispensing station 13.

Referring now to Fig. 2, vvherein outer housing 11 has been removed, machine 10 includes an upper chamber 19 and a lower integral mixing chamber 19’ for introducing a dried vegetable food product therein from a product supply and metering system 20.

The food product is stored in a hopper 21 having a lower funnel portion 22, the outlet 23 of which is controlled by a product flow regulator 24. As seen in Fig. 3, regulator 24 can be divided into sections, such as four, by suitable baffles 25, and rotated in the direction otarrow 26 to deliver a predetermined amount of granular material 27 down product supply tube 28, which may be a fiexible corrugated hose, by gravity. Regulator 24 is mounted to frame 29 (see also Fig. 2) by a housing 30” having an integral L-shaped mounting plate 30 (see Fig. 9) having suitable openings 31 for receiving screws or the like. A gear motor 209 (Fig. 9) having an output shaft 210, engaging the center hollow rod 211 of regulator 24, is provided for rotating the same. A closure plate 30’, having holes 31’ for securing plate 30 to housing 30”, is provided for closing off the opening leading in to housing 30”.

Product supply tube 28 terminates in an apertured plate 183 aligned with the interior of mixing chamber 19’ (Fig. 3) through opening 134 (see also Fig. 9). A ram assembly 32 (Fig. 3) is mounted in piston chamber 19 communicating with mixing chamber 19’. Ram assembly 32 includes a motor 33 (Fig. 4) coupled to a mounting plate 34 mounted to piston chamber 19. The output shaft 35 of motor 33 extends through a slot 184 (Fig. 9) in plate 34 and drīves a 5 LV 11587 pulley 36 having ā belt 37 thereon (Fig. 4). Belt 37 extends to and engages a pulley 38 coupled to an elongated drīve screvv 39 vertically mounted in chamber 19. Drīve screw 39 has a non-threaded upper end 40 extending through a bail bearing assembly 41 mounted in a pillow block 52 locked in non-rotating position vvithin chamber 19 by a pair of lock screws 42, 43. A washer 186 having a Central hole 187 (Fig. 9) for receiving end 40 is disposed vvithin cylindrical boss 188 integral with plate 34.

Chamber 19 is preferably cylindrical in cross section and chamber 191 is preferably rectangular in configuration (Fig. 9) and both are coaxially aligned and vertically mounted. Chamber 191 is thus preferably a U-shaped channel closed at the lovver end by the extrusion die plate 66, and enclosed at the top by the piston housing 19. The open side of the "U" channel portion 19" of chamber 191 (Fig. 9) mounts flush with the wall 176 having opening 134 therethrough providing an effective seal due to the closely machined surfaces. The upper end 200 of wall 176 slidably mounts in a plate 201 via mating edges 202 and slots 203, respectively, the final assembly being shovvn in Fig. 3. An outer plate 204 (Fig. 9) having integral spaced brackets 205 is secured to plate 201 by a plurality of threaded fasteners 206’ (see Fig. 9). See Fig. 3 for final assembly vvhere brackets 205 abut against the underside of frame 29. A pin 206 is provided on plate 204 which preferably a spring biased releasable pin 206 mounted to plate 204 engaging vertically spaced holes 207 (Fig. 3) in plate 201 so that peg end 208 (Fig. 9) of pin 206 can enter selective holes 207 to releasably lock plate 204 to plate 201 for quick vertical separation for servicing and the like. A bushing 44 (Fig. 3) is mounted vvithin chamber 19’ and, as seen in Fig. 9, has a cut-out keyway 45 receiving therein a key or elongated member 46 (see particularly Fig. 5) fixed to the inner wall of cylindrical housing 19 by one or more spaced screvvs 47.

Bushing 44 also has a magnet block 49 mounted therein adapted to coact with one or more sensors 50 mounted at spaced locations along housing 19 (see Fig. 4). Sensors 50 may be part of a Circuit board for controlling the operation of 6 machine 10. A resilient O-ring 51 (Fig. 9) is mounted vvithin chamber 19 betvveen pillovv block 52 and the upper end of bushing 44 gripping threaded rod 39.

As seen in Fig. 5, bushing 44 has a main body portion 53 of an outer diameter generally related to the inner diameter of housing 19 and a lower integral portion 54 (Fig. 3) relatively lesser in outer diameter. Portion 54 fits into the open upper end of a piston rod 55 which extends down to and is coupled to a piston support 56 (Pig. 4). Piston support 56 is mounted in the mixing chamber 19’, the latter having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of upper piston chamber 19 and being separated therefrom by wall 57. Thus, piston support 56 has an upper portion 58 extending through an opening 59 in wall 57 and an integral lower portion 60, of greater outer diameter than upper portion 58, disposed in chamber 19’. Piston support 56 and rod 55 thus form a ram assembly.

The bottom of lower portion 60 (Pig. 7) has a T-shaped cut-out opening 61 receiving therein a like Tshaped section 62 of a face plate 63. Face plate 63 has a plura!ity of spaced protrusions 64 adapted to fit into holes 65 of a die plate 66 (see also Fig. 8). As seen in Fig. 14, the sides of teeth 64 are straight or vertical but the sides of holes may be slightly angled from the vertical as indicated at angle X, e.g., about 7°. As seen in Figs. 6 and 9, a fluid inlet 68 is associated with the interior of chamber 19’ threaded into a block 69 mounted to the outer wall 70 of housing 19, having an elongated opening 71 in fluid communication with a like configured opening or port 72 (see Fig. 4) in wall 70. As seen by arrovvs 73 in Fig. 6, vvater can be injected into chamber 19’ through port 72 (Fig. 9) and into contact with mixture 27 for rehydrating the same as will be discussed. Port 72 may be an oblong opening. An O-ring 74 may be provided in a groove 74’ in block 69 betvveen block 69 and wall 70 for a fluid tight seal. Block 69 may be secured to wall 70 by screvvs (not shovvn) extending through holes 132 (Fig. 9) and into panei portion 133 of panei 176 having opening 134 therethrough.

As seen in Figs. 8 and 9, a flat slide 83 is mounted to a panei 84. Slide 83 is activated through a rack and pinion gear assembly 75. A silicone gasket 74 is 7 LV 11587 mounted on top of slide 83 at the forward -nd thereof. A die plate 66 is provided at the forvvard end of panei 84.

As seen in Figs. 7 and 9, assembly 75 includes a motor 75’ driving a gear 76 mounted to an L-shaped housing 77 pivotally connected at pivot pin 78 to a U-shaped bracket 210 mounted to lower housing portion 176. Upstanding extension portion 80 (Fig. 8) of housing 77 is biased against the outer wall 70 of housing 191 by a spring 81. Spring 81 is maintained in position by being disposed at each end within recesses 130 and 131 in housing 19, and housing 77 respectively, as seen in dotted lines in Fig. 7. A screw 81’ extends through portion 80 and the center of spring 81 threaded into plate 176 of housing 191 as seen in Figs. 7 and 9.

An elongated gear rack 82 is mounted to slide 83. As seen in Fig. 9, U-shaped panei 84 straddles base 83 and gear rack 82 is adapted to reciprocate within a Slot 85 of panei 84 by means of a screw 86’ threaded into rack member 82 and movable vvithin slot 85. A pair of elongated slots 86, 87 are provided on both side walls 88 of panei 84. Each Slot 86, 87 turns up slightly at ends 89, 90, respectively (Fig. 8). As seen in Figs. 8 and 9, a pair of screws 91, 92 extend through cam followers 93, 94, respectively, and ride vvithin slots 86, 87 (see Fig. 9). Cam follovvers 93, 94 have internally mounted bail bearings and screvvs 91, 92 are threaded thereto.

As seen.in Fig. 7, as will be discussed, slide 83 is disposed belovv die plate 66. In Fig. 8, it has moved in the direction of arrovv 95 moving gasket 74’ away from die plate 66. An air management housing 99 (Fig. 2) is provided for exhausting the vapors from the cooking oil used in machine 10. Thus, as seen in Figs. 10 and 11, vapors from cooking compartment 97 (Fig. 2) are removed to exhaust inlet 98 (Fig. 10) of housing 99 via exhaust tube 135 (shovvn in dotted lines in Fig. 2). The exhausted vapors, as indicated by arrovv 100, pass through filter 101 and, as indicated by arrovv 102, Fig. 10, pass through one or more filters 103 and then through a pair of fans 104, 105 (Fig. 11 - of course, a single fan, or more than tvvo may be provided). The vapors are then exhausted to the atmosphere as indicated by arrovvs 106, 107. 8

Exhaust tube 135 (Fig. 2) communicates at bottom with the final stage of the cooking process and dispensing of the cooked product into cup 136, as will be discussed.

Filters 101 may be media filters mounted in removable drawers and remove oil pārticies from the vapors. Filter 103 (or a plurality thereof) may be an activated charcoal filter, also mounted in a removable drawer, for removing odors from the filtered vapor prior to air being exhausted out of housing 99.

Cooking compartment 97 is shown in Fig. 2. Cooking compartment 97 includes a main assembly 108 mounted on frame 109 supported to the bottom wall 110 of housing 11 by a plurality of spaced support legs 111, 112. A fry pot 122 is mounted internally of assembly 108. A plurality, such as four, frying baskets 113, 1131, 114, 115, (only baskets 113, 114, 115 visible in Fig. 2 - see Fig. 12) are mounted on a carousel 123 rotatably mounted inside of fry pot 122 at member 116. A threaded hole 117 is provided in the bottom wall 119 of pot 122, normally closed by bail valve 118, for draining the same. A conventional band heater 123’ is tightly clamped to the outside of fry pot 122. If desired, thermal insulation may be provided between band heater 123’ and outer assembly 108. The carousel 123 mounts on its Central axis at 116 and provides support and mounting for baskets 113 to 115. A vertical shaft 125 extends from bushing 116’ through cover 126. A cylindrical band 127’ extends about the carousel 123 for stiffening the same.

Shaft 125 terminates at top in a pulley 143, Fig. 12, shown in dotted lines, having a belt 144 extending to a motor shaft 145 rotated by motor 146 mounted to mounting plate 109. A control panei 147 is coupled in any suitable manner, e.g., by conduit 148, to motor 146 to control the operation thereof and rotation of shaft 145.

It can be appreciated that rotation of shaft 145 rotates shaft 125 via belt 144 and pulley 143 and thus carousel 123 to rotate baskets 113 to 115.

As seen in Fig. 12, a second motor 149 is also mounted to mounting plate 109 coupled via conduit 150 to control panei 147. Motor 149 rotates a shaft 151 9 LV 11587 extending generally parallel to plate 109 having an integral first extension portion 152 extending generally normai to shaft 151 with a second extension portion 153 extending normai to extension portion 152 and generally parallel to shaft 151. Extension portion 153 terminates in a U-shaped bracket 154 (see also Fig. 16).

Each basket 113 to 115 has a collar member 155 (Fig. 2) at top with an extension bracket 156 pivotally connected via pivot pin 157 to carousel 123. Each basket 113 to 115 has a pin 158 loosely disposed within bracket 154.

After the food products in the basket nearest the cup 136 are finished cooking, motor 149 is activated to lift shaft 151 (and thus bracket 154) from the solid line position shown in Fig. 16 to the dotted line or flipped position (see also the solid line position) shown in Fig. 2. Motor 149 (Fig. 12) is preferably controlled by suitable electronics associated with panei 147 to hold basket 113 in an intermediate position (e.g., the middle dotted line position in Fig. 16) lifted out of the cooking oil in cooking pot 122 to drain the same prior to flipping the basket and thus dumping the food product into cup 136. Reversed rotation of motor 149 retums basket 113 to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 2 and the solid line position of basket 115 in Fig. 16. Rotation of carousel 123 rotates basket 115 and presents a subsequent basket, as basket 114 in Fig. 12, for emptying.

Cups 136 are moved selectively into operative position by an electric gear motor 127 (Fig. 2) mounted in sub-frame 128 rotating shaft 129. Motor 127 (Fig. 13) is coupled to control panei 147 (Fig. 12) by conduit 159 (Fig. 13) and controlled thereby to deposit cups 136 for filling with a food product.

Thus, motor 127 rotates shaft 129 and spaced pulleys 160, 161 coupled thereto for rotation therewith. Belts 162, 163 engage pulleys 160, 161, respectively, at one end, and like pulleys 164, 165, respectively, mounted at the other end. Cups 136 are disposed on top of belts 162, 163 (see Fig. 2) are pulled therealong by friction as motor 127 rotates shaft 129. Thus, as seen in Fig. 13, one cup 136 can be pulled to the basket position (solid line position) in the direction of arrow 166 as shaft 129 is rotated. The filled cups 136 are then moved 10 to the food dispensing area shown in Fig. 1 (the forvvard dotted line position in Fig. 13).

Conventional cup dispensers for vending machines or the like are well knovvn in the art and can be used to dispense one cup at a time to the food dispensing area. VVater is introduced into machine 10 from any suitable source via an inlet leading to a normally closed solenoid valve 237 (Fig. 17). From there, the water passes through a pressure regulator 174 to filter 137. The filtered water from filter 137, which ensures that hard water deposits, sold pārticies or contaminants are removed, is then fed through vvater heater 238. The water introduced into filter 137 may preheated, if desired. The heated vvater is thus injected into chamber 191 through inlet tube 240 coupled to inlet 68 (Fig. 3). The vvater exiting heater 238 is effectively controlled by the combined interaction of (normally closed) solenoid valve 237 and (normally open) solenoid valve 141 vvhich are energized simultaneously. When solenoid valve 237 is in the closed State, solenoid valve 141 remains open to allovv the vvater chamber to remain at atmospheric pressure regardless of the effects of thermal expansion or contraction. When solenoid valve 237 opens, solenoid valve 141 closes assuring no vvater lors through the vent line, and assuring the correct predetermined vvater volume is introduced into the mixing chamber 191.

Compartment 142 (Fig. .11) may contain therein a suitable source of cooking oil vvhich may be a removable Container used to manually refill cooking pot 122 after a predetermined number of cooking cycles.

Any suitable materiāls may be used. Renote controllers and hall effect sensors may be used throughout. Suitable remote controllers that may be used are the RF 300 models manufactured by VISITECT, Inc. of Fremont, California.

Any suitable temperatures may be used, such as a vvater inlet temperature of about 110 °F to 140 °F and a cooking oil temperature of about 350 °F.

The apparatus of Figs. 1 to 16 can be used to producē any suitable fried food product, such as a french fried potato. The apparatus 10 reconstitutes a 11 LV 11587 dried, granular vegētable product, such as potato granules, fed by hopper 21 into chamber 19'. Dried granular potato products that may be used are well known in the prior art. One such product is described and claimed in U.S. Patent No. 3,622,355.

After water is injected into chamber 19 at a predetermined temperature via port 72, the water is retained in chamber 19’ in contact with the dried granular product a predetermined period of time sufficient for the dried granular product to reconstitute and form a dough.

Piston rod 55 is now activated to move downwardly as seen in Fig. 4 wherein piston portion 60 is shown in dotted lines 60 in one position, then in dotted lines 60” in a subsequent position.

Slide 83 (Figs. 7 and 8) is in a blocking position (Fig. 7) under die plate 66 during reconstitution of the dried food product. Thus, piston portion 60 pushes dough 167 (Fig. 7) against slide 83 to form a block of dough. As seen in Fig. 8, motor 75’ rotates gear 76 engaging gear rack 82 (Fig. 8) thus moving the same with pins 91, 92 riding in slots 86, 87. This retracts slide 83 to move it to the Fig. 8 position. Further actuation of piston rod 55 forces piston portion 60 against dough 167 through the openings 65 in the die plate 66, the teeth 64 entering openings 65 (see Fig. 8) forcing the dough 167 through the holes 65 in die plate 66 forming strips 168 of shape retaining dough, e.g., potato strips. The holes 65 and engagement of the same by teeth 64 serve to form strips 168 into a specific shape.

The extruded potato strips are then deposited into contact with the cooking oil in baskets 113 to 115 (Fig. 2). After frying the strips to a predetermined fried State, the baskets, such as basket 113 in Fig. 2 and as heretofore discussed, are lifted out of contact with the cooking oil in fry pot 122, drained, then flipped so that the fried strips fall out of basket 113 into cup 136 (the latter having been moved into operative position, as seen in Fig. 2, by rotation of belts 162, as heretofore discussed). Cup 136, as seen in Fig. 1, is now moved to dispensing station 13 and the french fries 17 can be removed and consumed by the user. A subsequent cup 12 is moved into position via belts 162, 163 and a subsequent basket is also moved into the Fig. 2 position to deposit another batch of french fries.

Thus, the interior of chamber 191 is closed off during the process of introduction of the granular material and water charge by the sliding plate 83 below the extrusion die plate 66. The vvater is allowed sufficient time to permeate the granular material to form a homogenous mass of reconstituted dough. When the plate 83 is opened, and piston 60 pushes the dough through the orifices 65 in die plate 66, the food product is shaped and the shaped dough is deposited by gravity into the frying oil in fry pot 122.

Teflon may be provided, on the blade 63 of piston portion 60. That, in conjunction with the vertical positioning of chamber 19’, eliminates the need for any cut-off mechanism to separate the formed food product from die plate 66. Additionally, residual build-up of food material is diminished thereby reducing the need for non-periodic cleaning.

The piston 60 may be easily removed and replaced by non-technical Service persons without need of special tools for normai and periodic maintenance and cleaning.

The cooking pot 122 and cover 126 may be easily separated through the use of activating over-center toggle clamps, (not shown) facilitating cleaning activities. The internai surfaces of the pot 122 and cover 126 may be treated with Teflon to enable thickened and bumed oil to be easily removed.

The cooking oil in pot 122 may be easily removed and replaced. Thus, as seen in Fig. 2, legs 111, 112 are stationary and brackets 211, 212 are mounted to the underside of frame 109. Conventional bail bearing slīdes 213, 214 are interposed betvveen brackets 211, 212 and legs 111, 112, respectively. Thus, in order to facilitate the process, the cooking pot 122 may be pulled outwardly of the enclosure on its guide rails or legs 111, 112. A bail valve 118 is opened allovving the oil to be drained into a suitable Container (not shovvn). Replacement of the cooking oil is accomplished by pouring the new oil into the pot 122 through a suitable opening (not shovvn) in the pot cover 126. 13 LV 11587

The cooking pot 122 and rover 126 may be thermally insulated to reduce the chance of burn hazard to maintenance personnel, and to reduce power consumption of the apparatus 10.

The cooking pot 122 and air management system (Fig. 11) may be closely coupled via conduit 135 to maintain cleanliness within the interior of the machine 10 and to keep a high Ievel of efficiency of the air filter system (Fig. 11).

The air filter assembly is comprised of a plurality of media air filters 101, for the removal of oil pārticies, and an activated charcoal filter 103 may be used to remove or reduce cooking odors.

Hall effect sensors 50 are preferably used throughout the apparatus 10. The sensors 50 are incorporated so that periodic adjustments are not required, and the specific activation points are not subject to drift. High reliability of the apparatus is obtained. The temperature of the water used may be preset by the manufacturer for the optimum temperature for vegetable product rehydration. The solenoid valve activation time may be controlled by suitable microcontrollers. The duration of the solenoid valve open cycle may be used to determine the volume of water which is injected into the rehydration chamber 19’. Pressure regulators may be used to assure consistent water volume regardless of inlet line pressure.

Slide 83 rides between side walls 177, 178 of panei 84 (Fig. 9), and below the extrusion die plate 66. The slide 83 retracts prior to extrusion of the vegetable dough as a result of the activation of the ram assembly, the face of which is the blade portion 63. The formed dough pieces separate fron the extrusion die plate 66 as a result of their weight. At the end of the extrusion cycle, the ram is activated and the piston rod 55 is retracted to a position effectively blocking the opening 134. After the vegetable product is extruded, the slide 83 closes. The slide 83 is activated through the use of the rack and pinion mechanism 76, 82. The gear 76 meshes with the adapter or rack member 82 which is in turn mounted to the slide 83 via slot 85 (Fig. 9) and screw 86’ engaging member 82. Plate 74 is free to move in a linear direction perpendicular to the bore of chamber 19’ along machined notches provided by walls 86, 177. The member 82 may also have provisions for 14 mounting suitable magnets. The hall effect sensors indicate to the microprocessor (as will be discussed) the position the slide 83. At the appropriate time, the microprocessor applies a current to the glide motor 75’.

The piston activation mechanism is described as follows: the piston portion 60, piston support provided by the vvalls of chamber 19, piston rod 55, and piston bushing 44 are affixed to each other through the use of pins or other fasteners, and are non-rotating elements that are capable of linear, vertical movement on a common axis with the chamber 19. This movement is accomplished through the use of a key 46 (Fig. 15) attached to the bore of the chamber 19’, and a keyway 45 in the bushing 44. The bushing 44 is threaded on its inside diameter to allow engacjeraent with the drive screw 39. The top end of the support chamber tube 19’ is mounted to a bearing pillow block 52 which contains a bail bearing assembly 41. Screw 39 hag an upper stepped portion 39’ extending into assembly 41. The drive screw 39, being threaded into the bushing 44 and attached to the bearing assembly 41, is capable of rotary motion about its axis. This rotary action causes linear, vertical motion along the axis of the chamber 19 by the piston rod 55.

An additional function of the bearing pillovv block 52 is to allow a mounting location for the drive motor mounting plate 34. The drive motor 33 is attached to the motor mounting plate 34 on its under side with the axis of the motor parallel to the axis of the drive screw 39. The motor shaft 35 and drive screw 39 are coupled through the use of pulleys 36, 38 and cog belt 37. The speed of the motor 33, size of the drive pulleys 36, 38 and belt 37 are selected to drive the piston rod 55 at the required speed.

Product measuring regulator 24 (see also Fig. 9) regulates product flow from the hopper 21 into the product transfer tube 28. The carousel 123 indexes about the fry pot centerline 90’ at a time, positioning the baskets 113 -115 at two specific locations at the correct times. One of the two specific locations is directly under the extrusion die plate 66, the other is at the product ejection area where the cooked food product is removed from the cooking oil and dispensed into the paper cup 136 via a flipping action of the basket as heretofore described. 15 LV 11587

The upper end of the carousel shaft 125 is coupled to the carousel drive motor 146 (Fig. 12) by a cog belt and pulley 143 (see also Fig. 12). A sliding sleeve 143’ (Fig. 18) may be coupled to shaft portion 125’ coupled to pulley 143 to disconnect the drive belt to aid in cleaning. Locking pin 243 (Fig. 19) extends through sleeve 143’ and a slot 250 in shaft 125 to retain the same thereto. A set screw 244 (Fig. 18) locks sleeve 143’ to shaft portion 125’ to prevent relative rotation. A resilient removable clip 245 snaps into spaced slots 250’ in the lower end 247 (Fig. 18) of sleeve 143’ and a groove 246 in shaft 125 to couple sleeve 143’ to shaft 125. It can be seen that removing clip 244 enables sleeve 143’ to be disengaged from shaft 125 allovving disengagement of pulley 143, shaft portion 125’, pin 243, sleeve 143’, and belt 144 for cleaning. This enables disconnecting the motor 146 from the carousel shaft 125 so that the pot 122 may be pulled partially out of the operating position for cleaning and refilling of the cooking oil.

The mechanism that empties the basket consists of the electrical gear motor 149, and basket shaft 151. The basket shaft 151 has a notched bracket 154 (Fig. 16) that engages with a pin 158 on the fry basket when the basket is positioned for product dispensing. Hall effect sensors, such as sensors may be radially mounted near the electrical motor output shaft 151. The sensors detect three positions, the normai position (basket in pot), intermediate position (draining position), and dispensing position. The electrical motor 149 receives current at the designat ed time from the microprocessor associated with control panei 147.

Fig. 15 is a flow diagram of the operation of the operation of machine 10. The follovving assumptions are present: 1. Oil is at operating temperature. 2. VVater is at operating temperature. 3. Povvdered product, such as a potato product, is present in hopper 21. 4. Cup supply is full. 16 8. Baskets are at rest (not flipped). 9. Baskets rotate approximately each 24 seconds -time is settable to control cooking time in the oil.

As seen in Fig. 15, there are three positions. First, or Fig. 15A, System Start where the baskets are rotated. Second, or Fig. 15b, a New Order is entered and the extrusion process begins. Third, or Fig. 15C, the first basket is flipped to dump the fried product.

In the Fig. 15A position, the baskets start turning, then are stopped at the home position. If the electronic Controls provided by the hall sensors, magnets, and other components forming the microprocessor controller of panei 147 do not detect an order, no product is extruded into the baskets. If there is an order, extrusion is begun (see Fig. 15B) (point B in Fig. 15A coincides with point B in Fig. 15B). Location 1 referred to in Fig. 15A would be the basket directly below the strips 168 in Fig. 8 and not visible in Fig. 2.

At station Fig. 15C, the cooked fries in basket 113’ (not visible in Fig. 2 see Fig. 12) are drained and flipped into cup 136.

Any suitable temperatures may be used, such as 350 °F for the cooking oil and about 140 °F for the incoming water. Any suitable electronics known in the art may be used to carry out automatically the steps set forth in the flow diagram of Fig. 15. For example, so called smart blocks manufactured by Z-World, Inc. may be used to send impulses to the various motors and signal an IO board when to open a solenoid valve, such as valves 141, 171. Hall effect sensors are well known in the art which cooperate with strategically placed magnets mounted at suitable locations as heretofore discussed. Such sensors emit electric signāls which are fed to the microprocessor controller 175. Of course, other means may be used to operate machine 10. Any suitable povvdered vegetable product that can be reconstituted by the introduction of water may be used. However, machine 10 is particularly suited to making french fries and a suitable dehydrated potato product that may be used as described in U.S. Patent Wo. 3,622,355 to Beck, et al. 17 LV 11587

Although the' embodiment of Figs. 1 to 20 works quite well, there may be clumping problems with the extruded shaped strips 168 extruded from die 63 into the frying baskets 113, 113’, 114 and 115 as seen in Fig. 8. The fries 168, at roughly room temperature, enter the hot oil in the baskets 113, 113’, 114 and 115, which may be at a temperature of 350 0 Fārenheit, his difference in temperature rnay cause strips 168 to clump together in the baskets into which they are deposited.

Thus, as seen in Fig. 21 wherein like numerals refer to like parts of the machine of Figs. 1 to 20, machine 300 may have clump preventing means 301 associated therewith. Thus, instead of one heater 123’, a pair of band heaters 302, 303 are provided, for better heat control, on the side of pot 122 as discussed with respect to aforementioned single heater 123’. The view in Fig. 21 is of the rear of the apparatus Fig. 8; thus, the strips 168 have already been deposed in the baskets 113, 114 and the baskets 113, 114 have moved as heretofore discussed to the position shovvn in Fig. 21. A reversible motor 309 rotates an elongated drīve screvv 304 passing through sleeve 305 to motor 309. A nut 306 on screvv 304 is fixedly coupled to a dibber housing 307 having a plurality, such as six, of downwardly extending vertical dibber rods 308. Rods 308 are spaced from each other and in a pair of three rods to a set so that three rods 308 are vertically aligned with the interior of basket 113 and three rods 308 are vertically aligned with basket 114.

As will be discussed, these rods 308 are preferably of stainless Steel so that a temperature differential is provided betvveen rods 308 and the hot oil in pot 122. Thus, any suitable materiāls may be used that creates such differential and can be used repeatedly. Stainless Steel is also preferred inasmuch as the rods 308 vvould then be self cleaning.

As sen in Figs. 21 and 22, an actuator arm 310 is mounted on housing 307 having a magnetic contact 313 thereon and extends to a magnetic sensing svvitch 311 mounted to control panei 147. As seen in Fig. 21, a second magnetic sensing 18 switch 312 is disposed on pane! 147 be!ow switch 311. These switches are similar to aforementioned svvitches 50, such as hall effect sensors coupled via suitable electronics to panei 147 and operated therevvith.

The normai position of rods 308 is shown in solid lines in Fig. 21. After strips 168 are deposited into baskets 113, 114, as heretofore described with respect to Fig. 8, the baskets 113, 114 are rotated to the Fig. 21 position also as heretofore described. When the baskets 113, 114 reach this position, motor 309 is activated to move dibber housing 307 downwardly in Fig. 21 no that the rods 308 extend into the hot oil in pot 113 inside of baskets 113, 114 as shown in dotted lines. When actuator arm 310 reaches the lower svvitch 312, the svvitch is tripped and motor 309 is reversed to return dibber housing 307 to the solid line position, the upward movement thereof being stopped when svvitch 311 is tripped via contact 313. Motor 309 is stopped at this point by suitable electronics coupling svvitches 311, 312, via panei 147, to motor 309.

When the rods 308 contact the hot oil in pot 122, the temperature differential created results in excessive bubbling. This agitation and aeration causes any clumping of the uncooked strip 168 to break up. The strips 168 are then cooked for the time previously discussed and cooked french fries are dumped out of baskets 113,114 as previously discussed.

Although the cup assembly shovvn in Figs. 2 and 13 may be used, a cup drop assembly 320 (Fig. 21) may be used. This modification provides for a storage of a greater number of cups 136 which can be dropped one at a time onto belt 162, 163.

Thus, cup drop assembly 320 includes a cup drop housing 321 (see also Figs. 22 and 23) having a bottom shelf 322, an arcuate movable front wall 323, a movable vertical rear wall 324, a vertical side wall 325 and a top wall comprised of a pair of telescoping sections, such as the mechanism used in dravver slīdes. Thus, upper section 328 may be fixed receiving therein, in slidable telescoping engagement, a movable lower section 327. Lower section 327 has at least one downwardly extending flanges 329 providing a guide for spring 330. Spring 330 is coupled at 19 LV 11587 one end to wall flang e portion 331’ and at the other end to a flange 328’ integral with top section 328.

Wall 324 is coupled at top via bracket 402 to movable section 327 by a releasable spring biased pin assembly 400. Pin assembl 400 has a pin releasably adapted to enter a mating hole in movable section 327 to lock wall 324 thereto. A U-shaped panei 331 (see also Fig. 26A) is pivotally connected, via pivot 332, to wall 324. A knob 333 is provided on the outside of wall 324 for grasping the same. Thus, pin 401 can be released from engagement with bracket 402 and knob 333 can be grasped to pull back wall 324 and panei 331 against bias and spring 330 and re-stack cups on shelf 322 when the cups are exhausted. The wall 324 and panei 331 are then returned to the Fig. 23 position and pin 401 is locked to bracket 402. A pair of spaced elongated strips 334, 335 of material, such as Teflon tape, may be provided along the top of shelf 322. Teflon is a registered trademark of Dupont and is a synthetic fluorine-containing resin used to prevent sticking. As can be seen in Fig. 23, a plurality of stacks of cups 136 are mounted on top of shelf 322 between panei 331 and curved wall 323. A motor mounting plate 336 extends from shelf 322 and has mounted thereon a pair of motors 337, 338. Suitable electronic assemblies 339, 340 are also provided on top of plate 336. As can be seen in Fig. 23, and also in Fig. 25, a cup drop assembly 341 is provided at the forward end of shelf 322, movable wall 323 curving about opening 342 therethrough.

As seen in Fig. 26A, when indexing motor 337 is activated to rotate drīve gear 349, gear 349 rotates ring gear 347. Movable wall 323 is fixed to index gear 347 and is in the Fig. 26A blocking position. Three rows of stacked cups 136 are mounted on shelf 322. Elongated spaced guides 351, 352 are provided on each side of the stacked cups to guide the same as they move along shelf 322. Guides 351, 352 are not visible in, Fig. 23.

When cups are exhausted from opening 342, as will be discussed, suitable electronics associated with motor 337 senses this and rotates ring gear 347 (and 20 blocking wall 323) in the direction of arrow 353 (Fig. 26B) thus unblocking the next row of stacked cups 136 by movement of wall 323 to the position shown in Fig. 26B. Simultaneously, spring 330, and the engagement of the rearmost stack of cups 136 by wall 331, pushes the stacked cups 136 in the direction of arrow 354. A new stack of cups 136 fails into opening 342, as seen in Fig. 26C, while gear 347 continues to rotate blocking wall 323 in the direction of arrow 355 back to the Fig. 26A position. Wall 323 thus separates the rows of stacked cups.

When a stack of cups 136 are disposed in opening 342, a plurality of spaced cams 344 disposed about cup drop assembly 341 (Fig. 25) engage the līp of the bottommost cup. Cup drop assembly 341 includes upper and lower spaced plates 345, 346 with a can plate 356 having a plurality of rotatably mounted cams 344 mounted thereon. Cam plate 356 is rotated by a link 357 (Fig. 24) coupled thereto by connector 358. Link 357 terminates at one end in an elongated slot 359 (Fig. 25) receiving a pin 360 therein. Pin 360 is integral with a plate assembly 361 coupled via shaft 362 (Fig. 24) to motor 338. Link 357 is also connected via pin 363, fixed thereto, to a spacer 364 secured to the underside of mounting plate 336.

The foregoing mechanism is known in the trade as a cup drop assembly and a suitable cup drop assembly that may be used with the apparatus of this invention is manufactured and sold by Lisern Enterprises of Mamaroneck, New York. Thus, reference to such apparatus should be made for a complete understanding of the operation of cams 344.

However, as is well known in such assemble, when the stacked cups are deposited in opening 342, when motor 338 is activated to move plate assembly 361 in the direction of arrow 364, pin 360 moves in siot 359.

Link 357 thus reciprocates bracket 358 which rotates selective ones of cams 344 to disengage from the lip of a bottommost cup, then engage the lip of the next cup, until the bottommost cup drops and the cans 344 engage the lip of the next cup. Thus, a form of screvving action takes place between the lip of the cups and the cams. Again, the foregoing is well knovvn in the cup drop assembly 21 LV 11587 and forms no part of the teachings of the intention other than in the environment get forth herein.

The aforementioned clump preventing means 301 nay be easily made part of the automatic Controls of the system by interposition after final extrusion of french fries as illustrated in Fig. 15b. The cup drop assembly 320 may also be easily. incorporated in the system as seen in Fig. 15c at the "drop cup 136” stage.

Obviously, variations and other means of carrying out the teachings of the invention may occur to an artisan and the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the scope of the appended claims. 23 a water inlet having a Slot opening into fluid communication with the interior of said mixing chaitber between said opening leading therein and said die plate; and a fry pot mounted below said slide having at least one basket mounted therein. 2. In the machine of claim 1 vvherein said piston portion has a lower end configured similarly to the configuration of said openings through said die plate and receivable therein. 3. In the machine of claim 1 vvherein at least four baskets are disposed in said fry pot spaced about the Central axis thereof. 4. In the machine of claim 1 including basket removal means associated with said basket for lifting said basket out of said fry pot. 5. In the machine of claim 4 vvherein said basket removal means includes flipping means for flipping said basket over so that anything in said basket can fall by gravity out of said basket. 6. In the machine of claim 5 including a cup station mounted in said machine adjacent said fry pot for receiving therein a cooked product from said basket. 7. In the machine of claim 6 including cup delivery means associated with said cup station for selectively delivering one cup at a time to said station. 8. In the machine of claim 7 vvherein said cup delivery means includes cup drop means mounted above said cup station, said cup drop means being adapted 24 LV 11587 to hold a plurality of stacked cups.and drop one of said stacked cups one at a time on to said cup station. 9. In the machine of claim 8 including a shelf adapted to retain said stacked cups thereon, said shelf having a cup stack holding aperture at one end and a spring biased movable wall at the other end, and first motivē means for moving said spring biased movable wall against any cups stacked on said shelf and pushing the same until the forvvardmost stack of cups fails into said aperture. 10. In the machine of claim 9 including a curved movable wall partially surrounding the periphery of said aperture, said first motivē means coupled to said curved movable wall for selectively moving said curved movable wall to block off subsequent stacks of cups disposed on said shelf when said forvvardmost stack is disposed in said aperture. 11. In the machine of claim 10 when said cup delivery means includes movable cams associated with said aperture surrounding the peripheral wall thereof adapted to engage the lip of the bottommost one of said cups when said forvvardmost stack is disposed in said aperture to retain said bottomost cup vvithin said aperture until said cams are moved out of engagement with the lip of the bottommost one of said cups. 12. In the machine of claim 11 vvherein said cup delivery means includes can moving means associated vvith said cams for selectively moving said cams into and out of engagement of the lip of the bottommost one of selective ones of said cups to release the same from said aperture. 13. In the machine of claim 8 vvherein said cup delivery means includes indexing means for moving a plurality of separate stacks of cups disposed tovvard said cup station. 25 14. In the machine of claim 13 vvherein said cup delivery means includes a shelf having a stack of cups receiving aperture at one end and a spring biased movable wall at the other end, said wall being adapted to bear against a stack of cups disposed on said shelf and push the same toward said aperture. 15. In the machine of claim 1 including air removal and filtering means associated with said fry pot for removing odors from said fry pot and filtering the same. 16. In the machine of claim 1 vvherein said hopper includes a delivery tube coupled to said opening leading into said mixing chamber and including valve means associated with said delivery tube for delivering a predetermined amount of dehydrated food product from said hopper through said opening leading into said mixing chamber. 17. In the machine of ciaiml vvherein the interior of said mixing chamber is rectangular in cross-rection, the cross-section of said piston portion conforming to said rectangular cross-section of the interior of said mixing chamber. 18. In the machine of claim 1 vvherein said fry basket is mounted on a rotatable carousel. 19. In the machine of claim 18 vvherein a plurality of baskets are disposed in said fry pot spaced about the Central axis thereof whereby said carousel can be rotated to selectively move said baskets one at a time belovv said slide. 20. In the machine of claim 19 including a shaft coupled to the center of said carousel, and motivē means coupled to said shaft for rotating the same. 26 LV 11587 21. In the machine of claim 1 including alignment means associated with said slide for reciprocating the same in a substantially linear movement. 22. In the machine of claim 1 vvherein the lovver surface of said piston portion is coated with Teflon material. 23. In the machine of claim 1 vvherein the longitudinal axis of said piston rod and the Central axis of said piston portion are coaxial and vertically disposed. 24. In the machine of claim 1 vvherein the upper end of said piston rod extends through a bail bearing assembly mounted in a pillovv block, said piston chamber surrounding the upper end of said piston rod vvith securing means extending through the portion of said piston chamber surrounding the upper end of said piston rod and said pillovv block and engaging said bail bearing assembly. 25. In the machine of claim 24 vvherein the upper termiņai end of said piston rod is fixedly secured to a first pulley, a second pulley spaced from said first pulley, a belt encircling both of said pulleys and driven thereby, and motor means engaging said second pulley for selectively rotating the same and thereby rotating said piston rod. 26. In the machine of claim 25 including a bushing surrounding said piston rod and threadably coupled thereto, said piston chamber having an inner wall and said bushing being keyed to the inner wall of said piston chamber. 27. In the machine of claim 1 including sensing means associated vvith both said piston chamber and said bushing for sensing the position of said bushing along said inner wall of said piston chamber. 27 28. In the machine of claim 1 vvherein said fry baskets ara mounted on a rotatable carousel, a plurality of spaced baskets being disposed in said fry pot spaced about the center thereof, motivē means for rotating said carousel and sensing means associated with said motivē means for sensing the position of said carousel and thus the location of a basket disposed in said fry pot. 29. In the machine of claim 1 wherein said spaced openings have inner walls at an angle from the vertical. 30. In the machine of claim 29 wherein said inner walls are at an angle of about 7° from the vertical. 31. In the machine of claim 1 wherein said piston portion has a lovver end configured similarly to the configuration of said openings through said die plate and receivable therein. 32. In the machine of claim 31 vvherein said piston portion has a plurality of spaced protrusions conforming to said spaced openings, said spaced protrusions having outer vertical peripheral walls. 33. In the machine of claim 1 including clump preventing means associated with said fry pot adapted to selectively extend into and out of said fry pot to break up clumps of uncooked food product disposed in said pot when hot oil is present in said pot. 34. In the machine of claiin 33 vvherein said clump preventing means includes a plurality of elongated spaced rods having lovver ends novably mounted from a first position vvherein the lovver ends of said rods extend into said one basket mounted in said fry pot to a second position vvherein the lovver ends of said rods extend out of said one basket mounted in said fry pot. 28 LV 11587 35. In the machine of claim 34 including at least a second basket mounted in said fry pot spaced from said at least one basket, said clump preventing means including a second plurality of elongated spaced rods spaced from said first mentioned plurality of elongated spaced rods having lower ends adapted to extend into said second basket. 36. In the machine of claim 34 vvherein said rods are of stainless Steel. 37. In the machine of claim 35 wherein said rods are of stainless Steel. 38. In a machine for forming french fries from a reconstituted previously dehydrated potato mixture vvherein a die plate having a plurality of spaced holes is engaged by a piston having a plurality of like spaced protrusions to force said reconstituted potato mixture therethrough to form french fries, the improvement which comprises: the protrusions having outer vertical peripheral vvalls, said holes having inner peripheral vvalls conforming to said protrusions and being at an angle from the vertical. 39. In the machine of claim 38 vvherein said angles are at about 7°.

Claims (39)

1 EN 11587 Formula 1. An automatic machine for the preparation of oil-fried products comprising: a funnel for filling a dehydrated foodstuff in a mixer; a mixing chamber having a top, a bottom and an inlet connected to said funnel; a chamber with a plunger positioned above said mixing chamber and connected to its top; insert a reciprocating piston rod with a top and bottom end into the piston chamber, with a plunger at the bottom end, which in one end of the piston rod is removable from the lower end of the mixing chamber, and the other end end is close to the lower end of the mixing chamber, which is open and closed in working position with the product molding plate; a product molding plate having a plurality of shaped openings; a latch positioned below said product molding plate and movable from the first position in which it closes the openings of the molding plate to the second position in which it releases the openings; a water inlet having an entrance into the mixing chamber between the inlet opening of the mixing chamber and the forming plate; a roasting boiler placed beneath that damper and containing at least one basket inserted into the boiler. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom of the plunger is formed by the openings of the molding plate and can be retracted therein. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least four baskets arranged around the central axis of the boiler are placed in the roasting pot. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with a basket lift which can contact the basket and highlight it from the baking pot. 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the basket lift comprises a rotor for rotating the basket in such a way that the contents of the basket may fall under the influence of gravity. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in the vicinity of the roasting boiler a container is provided for the glass, in which the baked product is transferred from the basket. 2 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the device comprises a device for delivering the glasses to said container one by one. 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the device for delivering glasses comprises a device for dropping glasses, which is suitable for storing a larger number of broken glasses and dropping them one at a time into the cupboard. 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that it is provided with a shelf for storing broken glasses, with a hole corresponding to the shape of a glass stack at one end of the shelf, and a spring-loaded sliding wall at the other end; provided with a first shear designed to push said wall against the glasses stacked on the shelf so that they move as long as the first stack of cups falls into said opening. 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a curved moving wall partially obscuring the edge of said aperture, said wall being associated with said first slide in such a way that it moves the movable wall to clog the rest of the wall. the shelf's existing glasses after the first stack falls into the opening. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the device for delivering glasses comprises movable bosses arranged at the edge of the opening of the shelf and suitable for supporting the edges of the lower glass when the first stack of glasses is pushed into said opening and is intended to hold the lower glass until the bumps are released from contact with the edges of the lower glass. 12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the device for delivering glasses comprises means for moving the bumps associated with said bumps and for sliding said bumps under the edges of the lower cup and for releasing contact with the edges of the lower glass when providing said glasses. out of the hole. 13. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the device for delivering glasses comprises a separator which moves in the form of individual stacks in the direction of the glass towards the cup holder. 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the device for delivering glasses comprises a opening corresponding to the shape of a cup with a cup at one end and a spring-loaded sliding wall at the other end, said wall being arranged to be slidable against the glasses stacked. on the shelf to move in the direction of that opening. 15. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an air extraction and filtering device associated with a baking boiler for suction and filtering of the fumes from the boiler. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hopper is provided with a loading tube connected to the inlet of the mixing chamber and provided with a valve to introduce a certain amount of dehydrated food from the hopper into the inlet opening. 3 EN 11587 17. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal cross-section of the mixing chamber is rectangular and the cross-section of the piston corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the mixing chamber. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the baking basket is mounted on a rotatable carousel-type construction. 19. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that a number of baking baskets are arranged around the central axis of the baking pot in such a way that the baskets can be placed one by one under said molding plate by turning said carousel. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises a axis in the center of said carousel and a drive for cutting said axis. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the position of said shutter so that it can be shifted back and forth without displacement. 22. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the piston is covered with Teflon. 23. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the piston rod and the central axis of the piston coincide and are oriented vertically. 24. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper end of the piston rod is passed through a ball bearing block inserted into a housing formed at the top of the piston chamber. 25. Apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the upper end of the piston rod is connected to the first roll associated with the second roller, which in turn is driven by the motor, thereby ensuring rotation of the piston rod. 26. Apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the piston rod comprises a threaded bushing associated therewith, which engages inwardly with the inner wall of the piston chamber. 27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with sensors connected to the piston chamber and to the bushing and to determine the position of the bushing relative to the inner wall of the piston chamber. 28. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the baking baskets are arranged on a carousel-type construction around the center of the roasting boiler, equipped with a drive for carousel cutting and a sensor for determining the condition of the carousel and, consequently, the position of the basket inserted in the roasting pot. 29. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner walls of the molding plate openings are formed with a certain deviation from the vertical. 30. An apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said inner walls are displaced from the vertical by about 7 °. 4 31. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the piston bottom is formed by the corresponding molding plate openings and can engage therein. 32. An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said plunger is provided with a plurality of projections corresponding to the apertures of the plate, the outer walls of the projections being vertical. 33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for preventing the product from sintering, which is placed at the roasting boiler and is intended to be pushed and pushed out of the baking pot when filled with hot oil. 34. An apparatus as claimed in claim 33, wherein the device for preventing the sintering of the product is formed as a plurality of long moving rods, the lower ends of which are in the same position in a basket placed in a roasting pot, and in the second position outside the basket placed in the roasting pot. 35. An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein at least one further basket spaced from the first basket is disposed in the roasting boiler, and the counter-baking device comprises a second set of moving rods disposed so that their lower ends extend into the second basket. . 36. An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said rods are made of stainless steel. 37. An apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said rods are made of stainless steel. 38. An apparatus for making oil-fried potato slices from a dough obtained from dehydrated potato pulp by squeezing the dough through the openings of the product-forming plate with a plunger having projections in the shape of openings, the outer edges of the projections being vertical, but the inner walls of the openings corresponding to said projections are formed with a certain deviation from the vertical. 39. An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said deviation is about 7 °.