Automated device and method for packaging food
First Claim
1. An automated device for packaging cooked French fries into an individual portion-sized French fry container comprising:
- a French fry dispensing chute to contain and discharge cooked French fries, said French fry dispensing chute having a discharge location;
an automated French fry container holding device for holding the individual portion-sized French fry carton in position to receive French fries from the discharge location of the dispensing chute.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food.
In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system. After a food container is filled, a conveyor system transports the filled container to a suitable pick-up location.
96 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An automated device for packaging cooked French fries into an individual portion-sized French fry container comprising:
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a French fry dispensing chute to contain and discharge cooked French fries, said French fry dispensing chute having a discharge location;
an automated French fry container holding device for holding the individual portion-sized French fry carton in position to receive French fries from the discharge location of the dispensing chute. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification