WO2015134439A1 - Apparatus and method for processing opposite sides of solid food product - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for processing opposite sides of solid food product Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015134439A1
WO2015134439A1 PCT/US2015/018409 US2015018409W WO2015134439A1 WO 2015134439 A1 WO2015134439 A1 WO 2015134439A1 US 2015018409 W US2015018409 W US 2015018409W WO 2015134439 A1 WO2015134439 A1 WO 2015134439A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
food product
solid food
conveyor
conveying
processing equipment
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/018409
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Guillaud
Original Assignee
Cuisine Solutions, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cuisine Solutions, Inc. filed Critical Cuisine Solutions, Inc.
Publication of WO2015134439A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015134439A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/04—Roasting apparatus with movably-mounted food supports or with movable heating implements; Spits
    • A47J37/045—Roasting apparatus with movably-mounted food supports or with movable heating implements; Spits with endless conveyors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L5/00—Preparation or treatment of foods or foodstuffs, in general; Food or foodstuffs obtained thereby; Materials therefor
    • A23L5/10—General methods of cooking foods, e.g. by roasting or frying
    • A23L5/15—General methods of cooking foods, e.g. by roasting or frying using wave energy, irradiation, electrical means or magnetic fields, e.g. oven cooking or roasting using radiant dry heat
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/04—Roasting apparatus with movably-mounted food supports or with movable heating implements; Spits
    • A47J37/044—Roasting apparatus with movably-mounted food supports or with movable heating implements; Spits with conveyors moving in a horizontal or an inclined plane

Definitions

  • the present application relates to an apparatus and method for processing opposite sides of solid food product in a factory setting such that a processing step can be performed sequentially on each of the two sides of the product.
  • An apparatus for processing opposite sides of solid food product includes a first conveyor, the first conveyor having a processing portion which conveys the solid food product through first processing equipment to process a first side of the solid food product, and a ramp portion which is inclined relative to the processing portion, and a second conveyor which conveys the solid food product through second processing equipment to process a second side of the solid food product opposite the first side.
  • the first conveyor includes a processing portion which conveys the solid food product through the first processing equipment, and a ramp portion having an inclined direction of travel which is different from a direction of travel of the processing portion and a direction of travel of the second processing portion.
  • the ramp portion is configured to lift the solid food product to a vertical height from which it can drop the solid food product onto the second conveyor.
  • Conveying speeds of the first and second conveyors, an incline angle of the ramp portion, and a vertical distance between a top of the ramp portion and the second conveyor are configured such that the solid food product flips over as it drops from the top of the ramp and onto the second conveyor.
  • a method of processing opposite sides of solid food product includes a first conveying step of conveying the solid food product through first processing equipment to process a first side of the solid food product, and a second conveying step of conveying the solid food product through second processing equipment to process a second side of the solid food product opposite the first side.
  • the solid food product is conveyed in an inclined direction of travel which is different from a direction of travel through which the solid food product is conveyed through the first processing equipment and a direction of travel through which the solid food product is conveyed through the second processing equipment.
  • the solid food product is lifted and then drops. Conveying speeds of the first and second conveying steps, an incline angle of inclined direction, and a vertical distance which the solid food product drops are selected such that the solid food product flips over as it drops.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for processing opposite sides of solid food product.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus 10 for processing opposite sides 510, 520 of solid food product 500.
  • the apparatus 10 includes a first conveyor 100 which conveys the solid food product 500 through first processing equipment 200 to process a first side 510 of the solid food product 500, and a second conveyor 300 which conveys the solid food product 500 through second processing equipment to process a second side 520 of the solid food product 500 opposite the first side 510.
  • the first conveyor 100 includes a processing portion 100 which conveys the solid food product 500 through the first processing equipment 200 , and a ramp portion 120 having an inclined direction of travel which is different from a direction of travel of the processing portion 110 and a direction of travel of the second conveyor 300.
  • the ramp portion 120 is configured to lift the solid food product 500 to a vertical height from which it can drop the solid food product 500 onto the second conveyor 300.
  • Conveying speeds of the first and second conveyors 100, 300, an incline angle of the ramp portion 120, and a vertical distance between a top of the ramp portion 120 and the second conveyor 300 are configured such that the solid food product 500 flips over as it drops from the top of the ramp 120 and onto the second conveyor 300.
  • the transport speed of the first conveyor 100 is equal to the transport speed of the second conveyor 300
  • a vertical height of the processing portion 110 is equal to a vertical height of the second conveyor 300.
  • the first processing equipment 200 and the second processing equipment 400 comprise grill marking equipment to, for example, provide grill marks on pieces of raw beef or chicken.
  • the first conveyor 100 conveys the solid food product 500 by contact with the second side 520 of the solid food product 500
  • the second conveyor 300 conveys the solid food product 500 by contact with the first side 510 of the solid food product 500.
  • a first conveying step involves conveying the solid food product 500 through first processing equipment 200 to process a first side 510 of the solid food product 500
  • a second conveying step involves conveying the solid food product 500 through second processing equipment 400 to process a second side 520 of the solid food product 500 opposite the first side 510.
  • the solid food product 500 is conveyed in an inclined direction of travel which is different from a direction of travel through which the solid food product 500 is conveyed through the first processing equipment 200 and a direction of travel through which the solid food product 500 is conveyed through the second processing equipment 500.
  • the solid food product 500 is lifted and then drops, and conveying speeds of the first and second conveying steps, an incline angle of inclined direction, and a vertical distance which the solid food product 500 drops are selected such that the solid food product 500 flips over as it drops, as illustrated in Fig. 1.
  • the conveying speed of the first conveying step is equal to the conveying speed of the second conveying step, and a vertical height at which the solid food product 500 is conveyed in the first conveying step is equal to a vertical height at which the solid food product 500 is conveyed in the second conveying step.
  • the first processing equipment 200 and the second processing equipment 400 comprise grill marking equipment to, for example, provide grill marks on pieces of raw beef or chicken.
  • the first conveying step involves contacting the second side 520 the solid food product 500
  • the second conveying step involves contacting the first side 510 of the solid food product 500.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nutrition Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Meat, Egg Or Seafood Products (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus and method for processing opposite sides of solid food product includes a first conveyor which conveys the solid food product through first processing equipment to process a first side of the solid food product and a second conveyor which conveys the solid food product through second processing equipment to process a second side of the solid food product. The transport speed of the first and second conveyors, the incline angle of the ramp, and the vertical distance between the top of the ramp and the second conveyor are configured such that the solid food product flips over as it falls from the top of the ramp and onto the second conveyor.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING
OPPOSITE SIDES OF SOLID FOOD PRODUCT
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to an apparatus and method for processing opposite sides of solid food product in a factory setting such that a processing step can be performed sequentially on each of the two sides of the product.
BACKGROUND DISCUSSION
[0002] It is known to process solid food product, such as pieces of beef or chicken, in partially or fully automated food processing plants. These and other types of solid food product are typically provided in shapes in which they can lie on a first side and can also be turned over to lie on a second side opposite the first side. Food processing steps which are applied to each of the first and second sides are known, for example, making grill marks on the two sides of the solid food product. It would therefore be advantageous in some partially or fully automated food processing plants to provide an apparatus and method in which a top side of the solid food product is processed, the solid food product is turned over such that what was the top side becomes the bottom side and what was the bottom side becomes the top side, and then the former-bottom and now-top side is processed.
SUMMARY
[0003] An apparatus for processing opposite sides of solid food product includes a first conveyor, the first conveyor having a processing portion which conveys the solid food product through first processing equipment to process a first side of the solid food product, and a ramp portion which is inclined relative to the processing portion, and a second conveyor which conveys the solid food product through second processing equipment to process a second side of the solid food product opposite the first side. The first conveyor includes a processing portion which conveys the solid food product through the first processing equipment, and a ramp portion having an inclined direction of travel which is different from a direction of travel of the processing portion and a direction of travel of the second processing portion. The ramp portion is configured to lift the solid food product to a vertical height from which it can drop the solid food product onto the second conveyor. Conveying speeds of the first and second conveyors, an incline angle of the ramp portion, and a vertical distance between a top of the ramp portion and the second conveyor are configured such that the solid food product flips over as it drops from the top of the ramp and onto the second conveyor.
[0004] A method of processing opposite sides of solid food product includes a first conveying step of conveying the solid food product through first processing equipment to process a first side of the solid food product, and a second conveying step of conveying the solid food product through second processing equipment to process a second side of the solid food product opposite the first side. After conveying the solid food product through the first processing equipment and prior to conveying the solid food product through the second processing equipment, the solid food product is conveyed in an inclined direction of travel which is different from a direction of travel through which the solid food product is conveyed through the first processing equipment and a direction of travel through which the solid food product is conveyed through the second processing equipment. When the solid food product is conveyed in the inclined direction of travel, the solid food product is lifted and then drops. Conveying speeds of the first and second conveying steps, an incline angle of inclined direction, and a vertical distance which the solid food product drops are selected such that the solid food product flips over as it drops.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0005] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for processing opposite sides of solid food product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0006] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawing. Dimensional ratios of the drawing are magnified and may be different from actual ratios, for convenience of description.
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus 10 for processing opposite sides 510, 520 of solid food product 500. The apparatus 10 includes a first conveyor 100 which conveys the solid food product 500 through first processing equipment 200 to process a first side 510 of the solid food product 500, and a second conveyor 300 which conveys the solid food product 500 through second processing equipment to process a second side 520 of the solid food product 500 opposite the first side 510.
[0008] The first conveyor 100 includes a processing portion 100 which conveys the solid food product 500 through the first processing equipment 200 , and a ramp portion 120 having an inclined direction of travel which is different from a direction of travel of the processing portion 110 and a direction of travel of the second conveyor 300. The ramp portion 120 is configured to lift the solid food product 500 to a vertical height from which it can drop the solid food product 500 onto the second conveyor 300. Conveying speeds of the first and second conveyors 100, 300, an incline angle of the ramp portion 120, and a vertical distance between a top of the ramp portion 120 and the second conveyor 300 are configured such that the solid food product 500 flips over as it drops from the top of the ramp 120 and onto the second conveyor 300.
[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, the transport speed of the first conveyor 100 is equal to the transport speed of the second conveyor 300, and a vertical height of the processing portion 110 is equal to a vertical height of the second conveyor 300. In a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, the first processing equipment 200 and the second processing equipment 400 comprise grill marking equipment to, for example, provide grill marks on pieces of raw beef or chicken. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, the first conveyor 100 conveys the solid food product 500 by contact with the second side 520 of the solid food product 500, and the second conveyor 300 conveys the solid food product 500 by contact with the first side 510 of the solid food product 500.
[0010] In an exemplary method of processing opposite sides of solid food product using the apparatus of Fig. 1 , a first conveying step involves conveying the solid food product 500 through first processing equipment 200 to process a first side 510 of the solid food product 500, and a second conveying step involves conveying the solid food product 500 through second processing equipment 400 to process a second side 520 of the solid food product 500 opposite the first side 510. In the exemplary method, after conveying the solid food product 500 through the first processing equipment 200 and prior to conveying the solid food product 500 through the second processing equipment 400, the solid food product 500 is conveyed in an inclined direction of travel which is different from a direction of travel through which the solid food product 500 is conveyed through the first processing equipment 200 and a direction of travel through which the solid food product 500 is conveyed through the second processing equipment 500. When the solid food product 500 is conveyed in the inclined direction of travel, the solid food product 500 is lifted and then drops, and conveying speeds of the first and second conveying steps, an incline angle of inclined direction, and a vertical distance which the solid food product 500 drops are selected such that the solid food product 500 flips over as it drops, as illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the method, the conveying speed of the first conveying step is equal to the conveying speed of the second conveying step, and a vertical height at which the solid food product 500 is conveyed in the first conveying step is equal to a vertical height at which the solid food product 500 is conveyed in the second conveying step. In a further exemplary embodiment of the method, the first processing equipment 200 and the second processing equipment 400 comprise grill marking equipment to, for example, provide grill marks on pieces of raw beef or chicken. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment of the method, the first conveying step involves contacting the second side 520 the solid food product 500, and the second conveying step involves contacting the first side 510 of the solid food product 500.
[0012] The detailed description above describes an apparatus and method for processing opposite sides of solid food product. The apparatus and method for processing opposite sides of solid food product are disclosed by way of example. The invention is not limited, however, to the precise embodiment and variations described. Various changes, modifications and equivalents can be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. It is expressly intended that all such changes, modifications and equivalents which fall within the scope of the claims are embraced by the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. An apparatus for processing opposite sides of solid food product, comprising:
a first conveyor which conveys the solid food product through first processing equipment to process a first side of the solid food product; and
a second conveyor which conveys the solid food product through second processing equipment to process a second side of the solid food product opposite the first side,
wherein the first conveyor includes a processing portion which conveys the solid food product through the first processing equipment, and a ramp portion having an inclined direction of travel which is different from a direction of travel of the processing portion and a direction of travel of the second conveyor,
wherein the ramp portion is configured to lift the solid food product to a vertical height from which it can drop the solid food product onto the second conveyor, and
wherein conveying speeds of the first and second conveyors, an incline angle of the ramp portion, and a vertical distance between a top of the ramp portion and the second conveyor are configured such that the solid food product flips over as it drops from the top of the ramp and onto the second conveyor.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the transport speed of the first conveyor is equal to the transport speed of the second conveyor.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a vertical height of the processing portion is equal to a vertical height of the second conveyor.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first processing equipment and the second processing equipment comprise grill marking equipment.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first conveyor conveys the solid food product by contact with the second side of the solid food product, and the second conveyor conveys the solid food product by contact with the first side of the solid food product.
6. A method of processing opposite sides of solid food product, comprising:
a first conveying step of conveying the solid food product through first processing equipment to process a first side of the solid food product; and
a second conveying step of conveying the solid food product through second processing equipment to process a second side of the solid food product opposite the first side,
wherein, after conveying the solid food product through the first processing equipment and prior to conveying the solid food product through the second processing equipment, the solid food product is conveyed in an inclined direction of travel which is different from a direction of travel through which the solid food product is conveyed through the first processing equipment and a direction of travel through which the solid food product is conveyed through the second processing equipment, wherein, when the solid food product is conveyed in the inclined direction of travel, the solid food product is lifted and then drops, and
wherein conveying speeds of the first and second conveying steps, an incline angle of inclined direction, and a vertical distance which the solid food product drops are selected such that the solid food product flips over as it drops.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the conveying speed of the first conveying step is equal to the conveying speed of the second conveying step.
8. The method according to claim 6, wherein a vertical height at which the solid food product is conveyed in the first conveying step is equal to a vertical height at which the solid food product is conveyed in the second conveying step.
9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first processing equipment and the second processing equipment comprise grill marking equipment.
10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first conveying step involves contacting the second side the solid food product, and the second
conveying step involves contacting the first side of the solid food product.
PCT/US2015/018409 2014-03-04 2015-03-03 Apparatus and method for processing opposite sides of solid food product WO2015134439A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201461947706P 2014-03-04 2014-03-04
US61/947,706 2014-03-04

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WO2015134439A1 true WO2015134439A1 (en) 2015-09-11

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020006257A1 (en) * 2018-06-27 2020-01-02 Prince Castle LLC Systems and methods of bun holding and toasting

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4213380A (en) * 1979-06-18 1980-07-22 Kahn Arthur R Cooking machine
US4428280A (en) * 1980-11-21 1984-01-31 Ronald Harry Williams Cooking apparatus
US20010001462A1 (en) * 1998-10-08 2001-05-24 The Frymaster Corporation Food cooking apparatus
US20110084056A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2011-04-14 Hendrikus Antonius Jacobus Kuenen Oven and process to control the air-flow and air-leakages between two chambers
US20120328752A1 (en) * 2011-06-22 2012-12-27 Frito-Lay North America, Inc. Continuous oven with a cascading conveyor

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4213380A (en) * 1979-06-18 1980-07-22 Kahn Arthur R Cooking machine
US4428280A (en) * 1980-11-21 1984-01-31 Ronald Harry Williams Cooking apparatus
US20010001462A1 (en) * 1998-10-08 2001-05-24 The Frymaster Corporation Food cooking apparatus
US20110084056A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2011-04-14 Hendrikus Antonius Jacobus Kuenen Oven and process to control the air-flow and air-leakages between two chambers
US20120328752A1 (en) * 2011-06-22 2012-12-27 Frito-Lay North America, Inc. Continuous oven with a cascading conveyor

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020006257A1 (en) * 2018-06-27 2020-01-02 Prince Castle LLC Systems and methods of bun holding and toasting
US11129498B2 (en) 2018-06-27 2021-09-28 Marmon Foodservice Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods of food preparation automation

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