Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 95/13007 2 1 7 6 3 8 0 PCTIUS94/12984
SELF CONTATNEn FRYIN~; ~qA~ TNE
CROSS--REFERENCE TO REIATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of
application Serial No. 08/150,853, filed November 12,
~ 993 .
.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIET n OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to frying machines; and, more
particularly, to a self contained frying machine for
producing a fried food product.
DES~ RTPTION OF THE P~TOR ~RT
Many types of machines are known in the prior art
for frying food products. Generally, such r-ch;nPc
reconstitute dehydrated f ood products into a dough
mixture, then cut the mixture into prPdetPrm;nPd 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
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
turns out a rlPl Pct;-hle non-oily food product in a quick
and repetitive manner.
S~ ARY OF TE'~ NTION
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 still 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.
wo gs/13007 2 1 7 6 3 8 0 PCT/Uss4/12984
These and other object~ are pre~erably ~ccomplished
by providing a self contained frying machine having a
atorage area, a mixing chamber for receiving a pre-
measured 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 lt 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 DE5CE~TPTION OF TT~F~ DRAWIN~
Fig. l 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;
Fig. 5 is a view taken along lines 5-5 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 $s 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. l to 7;
Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the fry machine of
3 0 Fig . l;
Fig. 10 is a detailed elevational view of a portion
of the fry machine of Fig. l;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the
fry machine of Fig. l;
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.
Wo 95tl300? 2 1 7 6 3 ~3 0 PCTNS94/12984
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 Flg.
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 2 0 showing a modif ication
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 showing a further
modification thereof;
Fig. 24 is an elevational view of a portion of the
apparatus of Fig. 23;
Fig. 25 is a plan view of a portion of the
apparatus of Fig. 24; and
Figs. 26A to 28C are plan views of a portion of the
apparatus of Figs. 23 to 25 illustrating the operation
thereof .
DEScRTPTION OF l'~F P~EF~RED ~MRODIM~NT
Referring now to Fig. 1 of the invention, a fry
machine 10 is ~hown having a housing 11, a front control
panel 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 .
Wo 9S/13007 2 1 7 6 3 8 0 PCT/US94112984
Referring now to Flg. 2, wherein 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 2 0 .
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 f low regulator 24 . As seen in
Fig. 3, regulator 24 can be divided into sections, such
as four, by suitable baf~les 25, and rotated in the
direction of arrow 26 to deliver a predetermined amount
of granular material 27 down product supply tube 28,
which may be a f lexible corrugated hose, by gravity .
Regulator 24 is mounted to frame 29 (see also Flg. 2) by
a housing 30 " having an integral I.-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 o~ regulator 24, is provLded 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 openlng 134 (see also Fig. 9) .
A ram assembly 32 (Flg. 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 drives a pulley 36 having a
belt 37 thereon (Fig. 4). Belt 37 extends to and
engages a pulley 38 coupled to an elongated drlve screw
39 vertically mounted in chamber 19. Drive screw 39 has
a non-threaded upper end 40 extending through a ball
bearing assembly 41 mounted in a pillow block 52 locked
in non-rotating posltion within chamber 19 by a pair of
lock screws 42. 43. A washer 186 having a central hole
wo gs,l3007 ~ 2 ~ 7 6 3 ~:3 0 PCTiUS94/l2984
5
187 (Fig. 9) for receiving end 40 is disposed within
cylindrical boss 188 integral with plate 34.
Chamber 19 is preferably cylindrical in cross
section and chamber 19 ' is preferably rectangular in
configuration (Fig. 9) and both are e~xi~lly aligned
and Yertically mounted. Chamber 19 ' is thus preferably
a U-shaped channel closed at the lower 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 19 ' (Fig. 9) mounts flush with
the wall 176 having opening 134 therethrough providing
an effective seal due to the closely ~ h;nP~ surfaces.
The upper end 200 of wall 176 slidably mounts in a plate
201 via mating edges 202 and slots 203, respectively,
the f inal assembly being shown in Fig . 3 . An outer
plate 204 (Fi r. 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 where br-ckets 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 select ve holes 207 to releasably lock plate 204
to plate 201 _or quick vertical separation for servicing
and the like.
A bushing 44 (Fig. 3) is mounted within 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 screws 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 machine 10. A resilient O-
ring 51 (Fig. 9) is mounted within chamber 19 between
wo 95/13007 2 1 7 6 3 ~3 0 pcTnls94ll298~
pillow block 52 z~nd the upper end of bu~hing 44 gripping
threaded rod 3 9 .
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 f its into the open upper end of a piston rod
55 which extends down to and is coupled to a pi6ton
support 56 (Fig. 4). Piston support 56 i5 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 dlameter
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 (Fig. 7) has a T-
shaped cut-out opening 61 receiving therein a like T-
shaped section 62 of a face plate 63. Face plate 63 has
a plurality 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 6traight or
vertical but the sides of holes may be slightly angled
from the vertical as indicated at angle X, e.g., about
7o ~
As seen in Figs . 6 and 9, a f luid 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 conf igured opening or port 72
(see Fig. 4) in wall 70. As seen by arrows 73 in Fig.
6, water 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 0-ring 74 may be provided in
a groove 74 ' in block 69 between block 69 and wall 70
for a fluid tight seal. Block 69 may be secured to wall
WO95/13007 21 7 6 3 ~ O PCTIUS94/1298~
70 by screws (not shown) extending through holes 132
(Fig. 9) and into panel portion 133 of panel 176 having
opening 134 therethrough.
As seen in Figs. 8 and 9, a flat slide 83 is
mounted to a panel 84. Slide 83 is activated through a
rack and pinion gear assembly 75. A silicone gasket 74
is mounted on top of slide 83 at the forward end
thereof. A die plate 66 is provided at the forward end
of panel 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 19 ' 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 19 ' as seen in Figs. 7 and 9.
An elongated gear rack 82 is mounted to s~ide 83.
As seen in Fig. 9, U-shaped panel 84 straddles base 83
and gear rack 82 is adapted to reciprocate within a slot
85 of panel 84 by means of a screw 86 ' threaded into
rack member 82 and movable within slot 85.
A pair of elongated slots 86, 87 are provided on
both sLde walls 88 of panel 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
within slots 86, 87 (see Fig. 9~. Cam followers 93, 94
have internally mounted ball bearings and screws 91, 92
are threaded thereto.
As seen in Fig. 7, as will be discussed, slide 83
is disposed below die plate 66. rn Fig. 8, it has moved
in the direction of arrow 95 moving gasket 74 ' away from
die plate 66. An air management housing 99 (Fig. 2) is
Wo 95113007 2 1 7 6 3 ~3 0 PCTIUS94/12984
provided f or exhausting the vapor~ f rom the cooking oil
used in machine 10. Thus, as seen in Figs. 10 and 11,
vapor6 from cooking compartment 97 (Fig. 2) are removed
to exhaust inlet 98 (Fig. 10) of housing 99 via exhaust
tube 135 (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2). The
exhausted vapors, as indicated by arrow 100, pass
through filter 101 and, as indicated ~y arrow 102, Fig.
10, pass through one or more filters 103 and then
through a pair of f2ms 104, 105 (Fig. 11 - of course, a
single fan, or more than two may be provided). The
vapors are then exhausted to the atmosphere as indicated
by arrows 106, 107.
Exhaust tube 135 (Fig. 2) communicates at bottom
with the final stage of the cooking procQss and
dispensing of the cooked product into cup 136, as will
be qiscussed.
Filters 101 may be media filters mounted in
removable drawers and remove oil particles ~rom 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, 113', 114,
115, (only baskets 113, 114, 115 visible in Fig. 2 - see
30Fig. 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 ball valve 118, for draining the
samQ .
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
WO 95/~3007 ' ~ 2 1 7 6 3 ~ o PCT~uS94~2984
g
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 bana
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 lO9. A control panel 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 sha~t 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 panel 147. Motor 149 rotates a shaft 151
extending generally parallel to plate 109 having an
integral first extension portion 152 extending generally
normal to shaft 151 with a second extension portion 153
extending normal 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 panel
147 to hold basket 113 in an intermediate position
(e.g., the middle dotted line position in Fig. 16)
wo 95/13007 2 1 7 6 3 ~ O PCTIUS9411~984
lifted out of the cooking oil in cooking pot 122 to
drain the same prior to flipping the basket and thus
dumping the fQod proauct into cup 136. Reversed
rotatiOn of motor 149 returns 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 12a ~otating shaft 129. Motor 127 (Fig.
13) is coupled to control panel 1~7 (Fig. 12) by conduit
159 (Fig. 13) and controlled thereby to deposit CUp6 136
f or i~illing with a f ood 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 13 6 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 to the food dispensing area shown in Fig. 1
(the forward dotted line position in Fig. 13).
Conventional cup dispensers for vending ~q-h;nP~ or
the like are well known ln the art and can be used to
dispense one cup at a time to the food dispensing area.
Water 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 particles or
contaminants are removed, is then fed through water
heater 238. The water introduced into filter 137 may
preheated, if desired. The heated water is thus
WO 95/13007 ~ 2 1 7 6 3 ~ O PCT/us94~l2984
11
injected into chamber 19 ' through inlet tube 240 coupled
to inlet 68 (Fig. 3). The water exiting heater 238 is
effectively controlled by the combined interaction of
(normally closed) solenoid ilve 237 and (normally open)
solenoid valve 141 which a=e energized simultaneousl~f.
Nhen solenoid valve 237 is in the closed state, solenoid
valve 141 remains open to allow the water chamber to
remain at ai -_ h~ric pressure regardless of the effects
of thermal expansion or contraction. When solenoid
valve 237 opens, solenoid valve 141 closes assuring no
water loss through the vent line, and assuring the
correct pre-determined water volume is introduced into
the mixing chamber 19 ' .
Compartment 142 (Fig. 11) may contain therein a
suitable source of cooking oil which may be a removable
container used to manually refill cooking pot 122 after
a predetermined number of cooking cycles.
Any suitable materials may be used. Remote
controllers and hall effect sensors may be used
0 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
water inlet temperature of about 110F to 140F and a
cooking oil temperature of about 350F.
The apparatus of Figs. l to 16 can be used to
produce any suitable fried food product, such as a
french fried potato. The apparatus 10 reconstitutes a
dried, granular vegetable 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
clai~~d in U.S. Patent No. 3,622,355.
After water is injected into chamber l9 at a
predetermined ~emperature via port 72, the water is
retained in chamber 19 ' in contact with the dried
granular product a predetermined period of time
Wo 9S/13007 2 1 7 6 3 8 0 PCT/US94/12984
12
sufficient for the dried granular product to
reconstitute and f orm 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 o~ 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 lZ2, 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 is moved into position via belts 162, 163
3 5 and a subsequent basket is also moved into the Fig . 2
position to deposit another batch of french fries.
Thus, the interior of chamber 19 ' is closed off
during the process of introduction of the granular
Wo 95113007 - 2 1 7 6 3 8 0 PCTIUSg4/12984
13
material and water charge by the sliding plate 83 below
the extrusion die plate 66. The water i5 allowed
suf f icient 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 l9 ', 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 ~min;shed 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 normal 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 internal surfaces of the pot 122 and
cover 126 may be treated with Teflon to enable thickened
and burned 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 log. Conventional ball bearing
slides 213, 214 are interposed between 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 suide rails or
legs 111, 112. A ball valve 118 is opened allowing the
oil to be drained into a suitable container (not shown).
Replacement of the cooking oil is accomplished by
pouring the new oil into the pot 122 through a suitable
opening (not shown) in the pot cover 126.
wo ss/13007 2 1 7 6 3 8 0 I~CTtUS94tl2984
14
The cooking pot 122 and cover 126 m2~y 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 cloGely coupled via conduit 135 to maintain
cl~ nl ~nF-Cc within the interior of the machine 10 and to
keep a high level of eficiency 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
particles, and an activated charcoal f ilter 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 ad~ustments are not
required, and the specific activation points are not
subject to drift. High reliabilLty of the apparatus is
obtained. The temperature of the water used may be pre-
set by the manufacturer for the optimum temperature for
vegetable product rehydration. The solenoid valve
activation time may be controlled by suitable micro-
controllers. 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 panel
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 from 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
WO 95/13007 ~ - ~ 2 1 7 6 3 8 0 PCTIUS94/12984
the rack and pinion l~c~hAnlqm 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
mounting suitable magnets. The hall effect sensors
indicate to the mlcroprocessor (as will be discussed)
the position the slide 83. At the appropriate time, the
microprocessor applies a current to the slide motor 75'.
The piston activation ~ ~hAn i F'l is described as
follows: the piston portion 60, piston support provided
by the walls of chamber 19, piston rod 55, and piston
bushing 44 are affixed to each other through the use of
pins or other f asteners, 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. 5)
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 engagement 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
ball bearing assembly 41. Screw 39 has an upper stepped
portion 39 ' extending into assembly 41. The drive screw
39, being thre~ded 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 pillow 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
WO 95/13007 2 1 7 6 3 8 0 PCT/US94/1298~
16
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 time& . One of the two specif ic locations is
directly under the extruslon die plate 66, the other is
at the product ejection area where the cooked food
product is removed from the cooking oil and ~ ronqo~l
into the paper cup 136 via a flipping action of the
basket as heretof ore described .
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 rFig. l9) 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 allowing disengagement of pulley 143, shaft portion
125l, 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
WO95/13007 ~ ~ 21 76380 PCr/US94/12984
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 normal position (basket in
pot), intP ~ te position (draining position), and
dispensing position. The electrical motor 149 receives
current at the designated time from the mi~ Lo~essor
associated with control panel 147.
Fig. 15 is a flow diagram of the operation of the
operation of machine 10. The following assumptions are
present:
1. oil is at operating temperature.
2. Water is at operating temperature.
3. Powdered product, such as a potato product, is
present in hopper 21.
4. Cup supply is full.
5. Piston rod 55 is in the DOWN position.
6. Valve 74 is in the OPEN position.
7. Baskets are all in cooking position.
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 sensor6,
magnets, and other components forming the microprocessor
- controller of panel 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
wo 9s/l30n7 2 1 7 6 3 ~ O Pcrluss4ll2984
.
18
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 f lipped into cup 13 6 .
Any suitable temperatures may be used, such as
3 5 0 ~ F f or the cooking o i l and about 14 0 F f or the
in--r-in~ 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 I0 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 signals which are
fed to the mi~:~u~-~uc~ssor controller 175. Of course,
other means may be used to operate machine 10. A n y
suitable powdered 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 No.
3,622,355 to Beck, et al.
Although the r-mhnll;r-nt of Figs. 1 to 20 works
quite well, there may be clumping problems with the
extruded shaped strips 168 extruded ~rom 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 Farenhelt. This difference
in temperature may 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 ',
Wo 95/13007 ; , i 2 1 7 6 3 ~3 0 PCTrOSs4/l2984
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 of Fig. 8;
thus, the strips 168 have already been deposited in the
baskets 113, 114 and the baskets 113, 114 havc moved as
heretofore discussed to the position shown in Fig. 21.
A reversible motor 309 rotates an elongated drive
screw 304 passing through sleeve 305 to motor 309.
A nut 306 on screw 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 between rods 308 and the hot oil in pot 122.
Thus, any suitable materials may be used that cre_ 3
such differential and can be used repeatedly. Stainl~s
steel is also preferred inasmuch as the rods 308 would
then be self cleaning.
As sen in Figs. Z1 and 22, an actuator arm 310 is
mounted Ol housing 307 having a magnetic contact 313
thereon and extends to a magnetic sensing switch 311
mounted to control panel 147. As seen in Fig. 21, a
second magnetic sensing switch 312 is disposed on panel
147 below switch 311. These switches are similar to
aforementioned switches 50, such as hall effect sensors
coupled via suitable electronics to panel 147 and
operated therewith.
The normal 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
wo 95/13007 2 1 7 6 3 8 0 PCTIUS94/12984
activated to move dibber housing 307 down~ardly in Fig.
21 80 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 switch 312, the
switch i8 tripped and motor 309 is reversed to return
dibber housing 307 to the solid line position, the
upward movement thereof being stopped when switch 311 is
tripped via contact 313. Motor 309 i8 stopped at this
point by suitable electronics coupling switches 311,
312, via panel 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
fl;ql`llRq~fl and coo3ced french fries are dumped out of
baskets 113, 114 as previously discussed.
Although the cup assembly shown in Figs. 2 and 13
may be used, a cup drop assembly 320 (F~g. 21) may be
used. ~his modification provides for a storage of a
greater number of cups 136 which can be dropped one ~t
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 ~ An; qm used in drawer slides. Thus,
upper section 328 may be f ixed 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 one end to wall flange portion
331 ' and at the other end to a f lange 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 assembly 400 has a pin releasably
WO95/13007 ,, ~ - 21 7 6 3 ~3 0 PCT/US94/12984
adapted to enter a mating hole in movable section 327 to
lock wall 324 thereto. A U-shaped panel 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 panel 331 against bias
and spring 330 and re-stack cups on shelf 322 when the
cups are exhausted. The wall 324 and panel 331 are then
returned to the Fig. 23 position and pin 401 is locked
to bracket 4 02 .
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 panQl 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 ls
activated to rotate drive 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 . 2 3 .
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 blocking
wall 323) in the direction of arrow 353 (Fig. 26B) thus
wosstl3007 21 76~i~30 PcrtUS9~tl298~
unblocking the next row o~ stacked cups 13 6 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 falls 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 13 6 are disposed in opening
342, a plurality of spaced cams 344 disposed about cup
drop assembly 341 (Fig. 25) engage the lip of the
bottommost cup. Cup drop assembly 341 includes upper
and lower spaced plates 345, 346 with a cam 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,
f ixed thereto, to a spacer 3 64 secured to the underside
of mounting plate 336.
The foregoing r--hPnis~ 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 o~ cams 344.
E~owever, as is well known in such assemblies, 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 slot 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
WO9S/13007 ,~ ; ~ 2 1 763~0 PCT/US94,l2984
23
cup, until the bottommost cup drops and the cams 344
engage the lip of the next cup. Thus, a form of
screwing action takes place between the lip of the cups
and the cams. Again, the foregoing is well known in the
cup drop assembly and forms no part of the t~fh;n~s of
the invention other than in the environment set forth
herein .
The aforementioned clump preventing means 301 may
be easily made part of the automatic controls o~ 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.
