Rotatable system for repeatedly preparing cake-like food from flowing food source

Abstract

An apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly shaped food products. The apparatus includes a rotatable template having a plurality of voids gathered into one or more sets of voids adjacent to each other. The first cover plate is connected with the template, and the template can rotate around the first cover plate. First and second apertures are disposed through the first cover plate, wherein each void of the plurality of voids. The void is evacuated through the first aperture and the flowing food enters the void through the second aperture. The first cover plate has a vacant space or is sized to expose a portion of the template. The demolding assembly is arranged outside the first cover plate relative to the gap, so that the demolding assembly interacts with the gap to remove cake food from the gap.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 338,255 filed on May 4, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for repeatedly preparing cake foods from a mobile food source and placing the formed cake foods on a conveyor or other location for further processing, cooking or packaging. The present invention has various significant advantages and improvements over conventional systems for repeatedly preparing cake foods used in currently known industries. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first representative embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment includes an apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly shaped foods. A template having a plurality of voids disposed therein, the template including a center and an arcuate outer edge, the template being rotatable about the center. The plurality of voids are collectively organized into a first group and a second group, adjacent voids in the plurality of voids in the first group are arranged with a uniform spacing, and adjacent voids in the plurality of voids in the second group are arranged with a uniform spacing, wherein after being arranged, a void at an end of the first group of voids is farther from the nearest void in the second group than the spacing of adjacent voids in the first group and the spacing of adjacent voids in the second group, wherein no void is located in the template between the voids in the first group and the voids in the second group. A transmission device is provided in conjunction with the template to transmit torque to the template so that the template rotates about the center of the template. A first cover plate is connected to the template, the template can rotate around the first cover plate, the first cover plate is arranged parallel to the template, a first hole is arranged through the first cover plate, and a second hole is arranged through the first cover plate, wherein when the template rotates around its center, each of the multiple voids of the template is aligned with the first hole in turn and then aligned with the second hole. The first cover plate defines an empty space, when the template rotates, the empty space exposes the arc length of the template, and the first cover plate covers the remaining part of the template, or the size of the first cover plate is such that the portion of the template having the multiple voids extends to the outside of the first cover plate. A demoulding assembly is arranged relative to the empty space to interact with the template, the template is arranged to align with the empty space of the first cover plate, or the demoulding assembly is arranged outside the first cover plate, wherein the demoulding assembly interacts with the void arranged in the empty space or outside the first cover plate. The filling system is arranged in alignment with the second hole of the first cover plate to guide the food flow through the second hole and into one or more voids of the template aligned with the second hole.

[0005] According to a second representative embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment includes an apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly shaped foods. The apparatus includes a template having a plurality of voids disposed therein, and the template includes a center and an arcuate outer edge, the template being rotatable about the center. The plurality of voids are arranged at uniform spacings around the template so that the center of each of the plurality of voids is arranged at a radial arc length equidistant from the center of a void adjacent to the void. A transmission is provided in conjunction with the template to transmit torque to the template so that the template rotates about the center of the template. A first cover plate is connected to the template, the template being capable of rotating about the first cover plate, the first cover plate being arranged parallel to the template. A first hole is disposed through the first cover plate, and a second hole is disposed through the first cover plate, wherein each of the plurality of voids of the template is sequentially aligned with the first hole and then with the second hole as the template rotates about its center, the first cover plate defining an empty space, the empty space exposing an arc length of the template as the template rotates, and the first cover plate covers the remainder of the template, or the first cover plate is sized such that the portion of the template having the plurality of voids extends outside of the first cover plate. A demolding assembly is disposed relative to the empty space to interact with the template, the template being disposed to align with the empty space of the first cover plate, or the demolding assembly is disposed outside of the first cover plate, wherein the demolding assembly interacts with a void disposed within the empty space or a void disposed outside of the first cover plate. A filling system is disposed in alignment with the second hole of the first cover plate to direct a flow of food through the second hole and into one or more voids of the template aligned with the second hole.

[0006] According to a third representative embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment includes a device for preparing a plurality of uniformly formed foods. The device includes a template having a plurality of gaps disposed therein, and the template includes a center and an arcuate outer edge, and the template is rotatable around the center. The plurality of gaps are collectively organized to be in close proximity to each other to establish a gap group within the template, wherein the gaps within the group are uniformly arranged with spacing between adjacent gaps, and wherein there is no gap between the gaps at opposite ends of the gap group within the template. A transmission device is arranged in combination with the template to transmit torque to the template so that the template rotates around the center of the template. A first cover plate is fixed to the template, the template is rotatable around the first cover plate, the first cover plate is arranged parallel to the template, a first hole is arranged through the first cover plate, and a second hole is arranged through the first cover plate, wherein, when the template rotates around its center, each of the plurality of gaps of the template is aligned with the first hole in turn, and then aligned with the second hole. The first cover defines an empty space that exposes an arc length of the template when the template is rotated, and the first cover covers the remaining portion of the template, or the first cover is sized so that the portion of the template having multiple voids extends outside the first cover. The demolding assembly is arranged relative to the empty space to interact with the template, and the template is aligned with the empty space defined in the first cover, or the demolding assembly is arranged outside the first cover, wherein the demolding assembly interacts with the voids arranged in the empty space or outside the first cover. The filling system is aligned with the second hole of the first cover to guide the flow of food through the second hole and into one or more voids of the template aligned with the second hole.

[0007] From the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, which have been shown and described by way of illustration, the advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art. It should be appreciated that the disclosed subject matter is capable of other different embodiments, and that its details are capable of modification in various aspects. Therefore, the drawings and description should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a side view of a system for rapidly forming biscuit-like foods using a rotating template, wherein a demolding assembly is in an engaged position.

[0009] Figure 1a yes Figure 1 , with the demolding assembly in the retracted position.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the components of the system.

[0011] Figure 3 It is available for Figure 1 Top view of the template in the system.

[0012] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a transmission device for rotating the template.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of a system in which the second cover plate and template are shown in a transparent form to enable viewing of the first cover plate beneath the template and the second cover plate, showing the gap in the template aligned with the demolding cup, and the gap partially aligned with the first and second holes in the first cover plate, and the conveyor moving beneath the demolding assembly.

[0014] Figure 4a is a top view of the template and first cover plate, wherein the template is shown in a transparent form to enable the features of the first cover plate to be seen below the template.

[0015] Figure 4b is a top view of the template, where Figure 5 The template of the embodiment shows the spacer positioned relative to the template, and the relationship between the template and the spacer depicted in the figure is applicable to all embodiments of this specification.

[0016] Figure 5 is a top view of another system for quickly forming a biscuit-like food product using a rotating template, with the second cover plate removed and without a demolding assembly.

[0017] Figure 6 is a top view of another system for quickly making pancake-like foods using a rotating template, wherein the second cover plate is removed and a portion of the template is shown in a transparent form so that various features of the first cover plate can be seen below the template.

[0018] Figure 7 It is available with Figure 6 A perspective view of a template for use with a system depicting a template having a single set of holes.

[0019] Figure 8 is a top view of another system for quickly making pancake-like foods using two rotating templates, with the second cover removed and a portion of the template shown in transparent form to enable viewing of the template below the other template and various features of the first cover below these templates.

[0020] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A side view of a system in which the first plate and the second plate are partially shown in a transparent view to illustrate the template and demolding assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] refer to Figures 1 to 9Various related systems 10, 100, 200, 300 for molding food portions are provided. Multiple embodiments of the system are disclosed herein. Component numbers having the same tens and units digits in different embodiments represent the same or similar components, and any specific structural or functional differences within the components having the same tens and units digits will be described in detail herein. Systems 10, 100, 200 are provided to quickly form a desired size and shape of cake food from a pumped flowing food input, and then place the cake food (Q) in a uniform manner on a conveyor 2000, which can be relative to, for example, Figure 4 The system (schematic diagram) shown in FIG. 1 is moved (J) or moved (J) relative to another structure in a processing or packaging system so that the cake food is further processed, packaged or cooked. The systems 10, 100, 200 disclosed herein are provided to allow different cake food production rates to be achieved according to the volume requirements of the facility.

[0022] The system 10 generally includes a rotatable template 40 including a plurality of voids 41 configured to receive food therein, such as food that has been previously processed and pumped into the holes. The template is supported by a first cover plate 60 and a second cover plate 70, which together enclose two opposing surfaces 44, 45 of the template. A demolding assembly 80 is provided to interact with the plurality of holes 42 when aligned therewith to cause the food within the voids 41 to fall from the template for further use, such as cooking or packaging. The system 10 can be configured to place molded food products individually or to place several molded food products simultaneously.

[0023] Figures 1 to 4a A first embodiment of a system 10 is provided and described. The system 10 includes a mold plate 40 sandwiched between a first cover plate 60 and a second cover plate 70, the first cover plate 60 being disposed below a bottom surface 45 of the mold plate. In conventional molded food systems, the first cover plate 60 is sometimes referred to as a top plate. The second cover plate 70 is disposed above the top surface 44 of the mold plate. In conventional systems, the second cover plate 70 is sometimes referred to as a mold cover.

[0024] The template 40 includes a plurality of voids 41 disposed around the template, and the voids 41 extend through the plate 40. In some embodiments, for example Figure 3 and Figure 3AIn the embodiment shown in , a plurality of voids 41 are spaced apart at uniform intervals around the plate, so that the centers 41a of the voids are all spaced apart by uniform arc lengths from the centers 41a of adjacent voids. In this embodiment, the template 40 has four circular voids 41, which are spaced apart so that their centers are 90 degrees apart. In other embodiments, the voids 41 may be provided with uniform but non-circular shapes, and in those embodiments, adjacent voids are spaced apart, wherein the same feature of each void is spaced apart by uniform arc lengths from the same feature on the adjacent void. In all embodiments of the present specification, the voids (e.g., 41 are depicted as circular, but the voids may be other shapes that may be desired in the art, such as oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or other geometric or non-geometric or arbitrary shapes to produce cake foods with corresponding shapes) are uniformly sized and shaped to produce cake foods of uniform size and shape. The template 40 has an arcuate outer edge 49, and is preferably circular, but may also be other shapes as desired. The template has a center 47 that forms an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, template 40 extends to center 47 , while in other embodiments, center 47 of the template is both the geometric center and the axis of rotation, but within a hollow center portion of template 40 .

[0025] The template 40 can be directly driven by a motor 50 (such as Figure 1 The template 40 is rotated by a transmission 50, which may include a remote motor 53 that transmits torque to the template, such as through a belt drive 52. As discussed in detail below, the transmission 52 or direct motor drive 53 is controlled by a controller 1000, which operates to selectively rotate the template 40, and in some embodiments, rotate the template 40 at different speeds when the template 40 is in different positions, so as to effectively make the cake food in the gap 41 and eject the made cake food from the gap 41 for further processing, packaging or cooking.

[0026] The template 40 is supported by a first cover plate 60 disposed below the template 40. In some embodiments, the template 40 and the first cover plate 60 are in direct contact with each other, while in other embodiments, the template 40 does not directly contact the first cover plate 60. Figure 4a and Figure 4b As best shown in FIG. 1 , there is a spacer 59 ( Figure 4b140 discussed below, but is equally applicable to template 40 and other templates disclosed herein), spacer 59 is disposed just outside of outer edge 49 of template 40. Spacer 59 has a thickness that is barely greater than the thickness of template 40 (e.g., on the order of a few thousandths of an inch, such as 0.002 to 0.005 inches thick). First cover plate 60 and second cover plate 70 rest on spacer 59 and thereby position the covers relative to template 40 so that when template 40 is rotated, template 40 does not contact first cover plate 60 and second cover plate 70. In some embodiments, the spacer can be made of the same or similar material as the template. As shown in FIG. Figure 4b As shown, for ease of manufacture, spacer 59 may be made of multiple parts. The presence of a small portion of food intended to be pumped into gap 41 (discussed herein) but ending up between the template surface and cover 60 or the template surface and cover 70 provides lubrication to allow rapid rotation of template 40 relative to covers 60, 70. In some embodiments, as Figure 4b As shown, a center spacer 59a (or a plurality of discrete center spacers) may be disposed within the center hole of the template and may help to maintain the template at and near the center of the template 40 (eg, Figure 4b 140 in the figure, but also applies to the gap between the template 40 and other templates disclosed herein) and the covers 60, 70.

[0027] The first cover plate 60 is fixed in place and can be supported by the bracket 18 or the housing. For the purposes of this discussion, the first cover plate is configured to cover a portion of the bottom surface 45 of the template 40, and in some embodiments, a majority of it. In some embodiments, the first cover plate 60 is sized to not cover a portion of the template 40, so that when one or more voids 41 of the template 40 are aligned with the exterior of the first cover plate 60, one or more voids 41 of the template 40 are exposed below the template 40, such as Figure 4a As shown, voids 41' are aligned with the exterior of first cover plate 60. In other embodiments disclosed below, first cover plate 60 may be provided with cutout portions 68 that expose one or more voids of template 40 when aligned with cutout portions 68.

[0028] The second cover plate 70 is disposed above the upper surface 44 of the template 40 and extends above the upper surface 44 to sandwich the template 44 together with the first cover plate 60. The second cover plate 70 is aligned with the minimum spacing from the template 40, set by the spacers 59 / 59a as described above, which minimizes the flow of food between the template 40 and the second cover plate 70. In some embodiments, a flexible border or spacer can be set around each gap 41 (or multiple adjacent gaps in the embodiments discussed below) to minimize leakage of food when the template 40 rotates.

[0029] The second cover plate 70 can be similar in size and shape to the first cover plate 60 and is typically aligned relative to the template so as to expose one or more voids 41 from above the template 40 while exposing them below the template 40. Alternatively, the geometry of the second cover plate 70 is configured to not cover some voids; alternatively, the second cover plate 70 includes a cutout 78 that is similar to and aligned with the cutout 68 of the first cover plate 60.

[0030] The first cover plate 60 also includes a first hole 64 and a second hole 66. The first hole and the second hole are aligned to interact with the void 41 of the template 40 when the void rotates through the first hole 64 and the second hole 66. The first hole 64 and the second hole 66 can be aligned so that the centers (which can be geometric centers) of these holes are aligned with the center 61a of each void 61 when the void 61 rotates through the holes. The holes 64, 66 are arranged to communicate within the corresponding void 61, and the void 61 is aligned with the hole when the void 61 moves through the hole. The first hole 64 and the second hole 66 are configured to be substantially covered by the template 40 when the void 41 is not aligned with the holes 64, 66 during the rotation of the template, as described below.

[0031] When the template 40 rotates, the corresponding void 41 first encounters the first hole 64 and then encounters the second hole 66 shortly thereafter.

[0032] The first hole 64 is connected to the vacuum system 95 through a pipeline to apply a vacuum force (N, Figure 2 ). When the void 41 is aligned with the first hole 64, the air (and other gases (if any)) in the void 41 is exhausted by the vacuum force of the first hole 64, and the close alignment between the bottom surface 45 of the template 40 and the first cover plate 60 and the presence of the spacer 59 (when the spacer 59 is provided) minimizes the space near the template 40 and adjacent to the void 41, so that when the template 40 is rotated, the alignment between the first hole 64 and the void 41 is minimized and eventually eliminated, and there is little time and little air adjacent to the corresponding void 41, so that the void maintains a portion of its evacuated state after alignment with the first hole 64.

[0033] The second port 66 is fluidly connected to a source of fluid food (M, Figure 2 In some embodiments, the flowing food is pumped to the second aperture 66 through the tubing 90 by a pump, such as a positive displacement pump, which provides a relatively steady flow of food toward the second aperture 66 regardless of the back pressure provided to the pump.

[0034] pass Figure 4As can be best understood, when a void 41 is aligned with a second aperture 66, food flows into the corresponding void 41. Preferably, the flowing food is processed (temperature, density of the flowing food, and discharge pressure of the pump) so that the food flowing into the aligned void 41 will fill the geometry of the void 41 very quickly during the period of alignment of the void 41 with the second aperture 66. As the void 41 passes the second aperture 66, the engagement between the trailing edges 41b of the void 41 (between the void 41 and the upper surface 44 of the template 40) cuts off the food flow, and due to the close proximity between the first cover plate 60 and the upper surface 44 of the template 40, the food flow is substantially prevented from flowing through the second aperture 66 until another void 41 is aligned with the second aperture 66. As described above, when a void 41 is close to the second aperture 66, there is a relatively low pressure within the void 41, increasing the speed at which food enters the aligned void 41 (and minimizing waste) because the food entering the void does not need to force a large amount of air out of the void 41.

[0035] As the template 40 continues to rotate, the cake food already formed in the gap 41 approaches the position outside the first cover plate 60 and the second cover plate 70 (in some embodiments, such as Figure 4 to Figure 4a ), or in other embodiments, close to the cutout 68 of the first cover plate 60 and the second cover plate 70 (embodiments discussed below).

[0036] A demolding system 80 is provided and aligned with the void 41 in the template 40 rotated within the exterior of the cover plate 60, 70 or the cutout 68, 78 to interact with the void 41. The demolding system 80 is adapted to engage (directly or indirectly) the pancake food within the void 41 aligned with the demolding system and push the pancake food downward out of the void 41 and onto a conveyor, tray or other structure adapted to receive the pancake food for further processing, packaging or cooking. The demolding system 80 may include a moving mechanism 83 supporting a demolding cup 82 that is movable in an engaged position ( Figure 1 ) and retracted position ( Figure 1a ) reciprocating motion between Figure 1 direction G).

[0037] In the engaged position, the knockout cup 82 translates to a position proximate to the upper surface 45 of the template 40, and in some embodiments, translates to a position below the upper surface of the template such that a portion of the knockout cup 82 extends into the void 41 that is aligned with the knockout cup 82 when in the rotated position to align therewith. The engagement between the knockout cup 82 and the biscuit food in the void 41 exerts a downward force on the biscuit food, which causes the biscuit food to leave the void 41 and fall downward from the template 40. In one embodiment, the travel of the knockout cup in the engaged position causes the bottom surface of the knockout cup to contact the biscuit food, thereby exerting a downward force directly on the biscuit food. In another embodiment, the demolding cup 82 does not extend into the void a, in which the bottom surface 82 of the demolding cup engages the cake food arranged in the void 41 to push the cake food downward out of the void 41 (through the surface of the void 41 created by the bottom surface 46 of the template 40), and instead creates a positive pressure above the cake food, which acts downward on the top surface of the cake food, thereby creating a downward force on the cake food to cause it to slide downward in the void 41 and slide out of the template 41.

[0038] When in the retracted position, the demolding cup 82 is withdrawn a distance from the template 40 to allow the template 40 to rotate without interference from the demolding cup 82. The controller 1000 is adapted to time the reciprocating motion between the engaged position and the retracted position so that the demolding cup 82 moves toward the void 41 when the template 40 is in the rotated position so that the void 41 containing the pancake food is aligned with the demolding cup 82, and specifically, so that they are aligned when the demolding cup 82 reaches the engaged position. A person of ordinary skill in the art, through an overall reading and understanding of the present disclosure, should be able to design and assemble the demolding system 80 and the controlled rotation of the template 40 to allow the demolding cup to reciprocate to the engaged position in a timely manner while aligning the void with the demolding cup only through conventional optimization.

[0039] The demolding system 80 can be a system that linearly moves the demolding cup 82 between the engaged position and the retracted position, or the demolding cup 82 can be moved through an arc length. The demolding system 80 can be moved by a linear actuator, or by a transmission via a motor. In some embodiments, the movement of the demolding system can be performed in response to the measured rotational position of the template 40, such as the rotational position measured by an encoder disposed on a shaft that provides torque to rotate the template 40, or the encoder can be positioned to indirectly measure the rotational position of the template 40, such as by monitoring the position of a shaft within a transmission associated with the template 40 (55, Figure 3A Schematic diagram). In these embodiments, the position of the template 40 is sent to the controller, which, knowing the design velocity of the template 40 at various positions of the template 40, is able to determine when it is necessary to operate the demolding system 80 to align the demolding cup 82 with the gap in the engaged position.

[0040] exist Figures 1 to 4a In the illustrated embodiment, a single void 40 is aligned at a position so as to interact with the demoulding system 80 at a time, so the demoulding system includes a single demoulding cup 82. In other embodiments discussed below, multiple voids are arranged in a close arrangement, which are close to the demoulding system 80 at a time (and in the space formed by the cutouts 68, 78, or outside the boundary of the first cover plate 60 and the second cover plate 70 discussed above). As discussed in further detail below, in these embodiments, the demoulding system 80 includes multiple demoulding cups that move in unison with the movement between the engagement position and the retracted position. In some embodiments, each of the multiple demoulding cups is arranged to align with a corresponding one of the multiple voids 41 when in the engagement position. Alternatively, the demoulding system 80 can have one or more demoulding components, each of which is aligned with multiple voids 41 and can cause the cake food in several voids to fall out of the voids 41 and the template 40 downward.

[0041] In some embodiments, the template 40 is rotated at different speeds (e.g., a relatively slow speed and a relatively fast speed) depending on the rotational position of the template 40, and specifically, depending on the position of the void 41 of the template 40 relative to the first hole 64 and the second hole 66 of the first cover plate 60 and relative to the uncovered portion (edge ​​or cutout 68 / 78). In some embodiments, the template 40 can be rotated at a relatively slow first speed during the period when the void 41 approaches and moves through the first hole 64 and the second hole 66 of the first cover plate 60, and when the void 41 filled with biscuit food moves through the uncovered portion to interact with the demolding system 80. When the template 40 is in a rotational position where these situations do not occur, the template 40 can be rotated at a faster speed until the template 40 approaches a position where the void is close to the first hole 64 and the second hole 66 and the uncovered portion. In some embodiments, such as those described above and Figures 3 to 4a In the embodiments shown in FIG. 4 , the template 40 is arranged with gaps 41 arranged at uniform intervals around the template 40. In these embodiments, the template 40 can be rotated at a constant speed.

[0042] Reference now Figure 5 , another representative embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. This embodiment includes a system 100 configured to place multiple formed food products simultaneously. System 200 is very similar to system 100 described above, and the discussion of system 100 is incorporated by reference into system 200, with specific differences in the systems noted herein. The system includes a template 140 that includes one or two groups of voids 140 (140z, 140y). In some embodiments, template 140 may include a single group of voids 140z, while in another embodiment, template 140 may include two groups of voids 140 (140z, 140y). Although Figure 5A template drawn with two sets of gaps 140z, 140y, but only the first set of gaps 140z, will be Figure 5 The template 140 depicted in FIG. 1 is identical to that depicted in FIG. 1 except that the second set of voids 140 does not have voids within it, but rather is flat at those locations on the template 140 .

[0043] In some embodiments, each group of voids 140z, 140y is provided with a plurality of voids 140 that are arranged close to one another and such that all of the voids within a respective group will be simultaneously within the cutouts 168, 178 of the respective first plate 160 and second plate 170 to allow the demolding assembly 180 to interact with all of the voids 141 within the group simultaneously using a single linear stroke of the demolding assembly 180 from the retracted position to the engaged position (similar to the movement of the demolding assembly 80 as described herein) so that the pancake food removed from the voids 141 will fall simultaneously onto the conveyor (or other desired location). The two groups of voids 140z, 140y are shown as including 5 voids in each group, but the number of these voids in each group may vary, such as including 2, 3, 4, 6, or 7 voids per group (or other numbers of voids 141 may be assembled on the template from a design perspective and from a design perspective of the demolding system 180), as described below.

[0044] In this embodiment, the voids 141 within a given group 140z, 140y (or within each given group) are arranged at consistent positions on the template 140, for example, the center 141a of each void is located at the same radius from the center point 147 of the template, and the center 141a of each void is separated from the center 141a of the adjacent void by a consistent arc length. This arrangement is provided so that all voids 141 interact with the first hole 164 and the second hole 166 at consistent positions when passing through the first hole 164 and the second hole 166. The first hole 164 and the second hole 166 operate in the same manner relative to the voids 141 in the template 140 as the holes 64, 66 discussed in the above embodiments operate relative to the voids 41 in the template 40.

[0045] In other embodiments, the demolding assembly 180 is configured to include a single demolding cup 182. The demolding cup 182 interacts with each void 141 in the plurality of voids in a rapid manner as each void 141 in the plurality of voids passes under the cup 182. In this embodiment, the pancake food items from the set of voids 141 are removed from the template 140 in a rapid and repetitive manner.

[0046] System 100 includes features of system 10 described above, including mold plate 140, first cover plate 160 and second cover plate 170, demolding assembly 180, and is configured to receive suction from vacuum source 95 through first hole 164 in first cover plate 160, and food flow from food pumping system 90.

[0047] exist Figure 5 In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 operates to rotate the template 140 at different speeds depending on the rotational position of the plate 140. When the plate is in a position where one of the groups (141z or 141y) is aligned with the holes 164, 166 in the first cover plate 160 or one of the groups (141z or 141y) is aligned with the cutouts 168, 178 (such as Figure 5 When the template 140 is rotated to the position where the last void in each group passes through the second hole 166 and the demolding system 180 moves the demolding cup 182 into the engaged position and has acted on the group of voids located in the cutouts 168, 178 to force the biscuit food out of each void 141 in the aligned void group 141z, 141y, the template 140 is rotated at a much faster speed for an arc length until the first void 141 of the next group of voids approaches the first hole 164, whereupon the rotation speed of the template 140 is slowed down again to a slower speed - to be evacuated through the first hole 164 and the second hole 166, and then filled with food, and acted upon by the demolding system 180 whenever the template 140 is aligned. As with other embodiments, the controller 1000 rotates the template 140 (at an appropriate speed as described above) knowing the template position, for example based on a signal provided by an encoder that monitors the position of a direct shaft that rotates the template 140, or in other embodiments, the position may be calibrated based on the position of other components in the transmission (52, all embodiments) or even the output shaft position of the servo motor 50 (all embodiments) that generates torque to ultimately rotate the template 140.

[0048] In this and other embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the position of the demolding assembly 180 is monitored by an encoder that monitors the position of the shaft within the transmission of the direct drive shaft or assembly, or the position of the linear actuator. The controller uses these position signals to control the operation of the template 140 and the demolding assembly for precise timing. In some embodiments, the demolding assembly 180 can move at a varying speed, slow in the early stages of the journey from the retracted position toward the engaged position, and then much faster when the demolding cup 182 travels to the engaged position and withdraws from the engaged position. Due to the short time that the gap is accurately aligned with the demolding cup 182, this varying speed can move toward the gap 141 (the gap group 140z, 140y or the single gap 40 as described above) and withdraw quickly from the gap 41, and generate a large pressure when the bottom of the demolding cup 182 approaches the cake food-and in the embodiment where the demolding cup 182 contacts the cake food, a large force is applied to the cake food. In other locations, the slow speed of the demolding assembly 180 enables precise positioning because there are relatively long periods of time between the intervals of aligning a group of gaps with the demolding system (or aligning a single gap as described above), and this slow speed is acceptable so as to minimize design constraints on the system that might arise if the demolding assembly 180 were to move continuously at a high speed.

[0049] The template 140 has an arcuate outer edge 149 and is preferably circular, but may be of other shapes as desired. The template has a center 147 that forms an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the template 140 extends to the center 147, while in other embodiments, the center 147 of the template is the geometric center and the axis of rotation, but within a hollow center portion of the template 140.

[0050] Reference now Figure 6 , another embodiment provides a system 200. System 200 is very similar to system 100 described above, and the discussion of system 100 is incorporated by reference into system 200, wherein specific differences in the system are noted herein. As described below, template 240 and demolding assembly 280 are modified. Template 240 is provided with a first group of voids 241z and a second group of voids 241y, or in other embodiments, only a first group 241z consisting of a plurality of voids 241 (similar to Figure 6 , although template 240 is continuous at the location where the second group 241y is drawn). The first group of voids 241z and the second group of voids 241y (if any) are arranged to have two rows of voids, and the two rows of voids are aligned so that all voids in the first row (e.g., 240zA) are aligned with the center 241a at a first radius from the center of the template, and all voids in the second row (e.g., 240zB) are aligned with the center 241a at a second, larger radius from the center of the template.

[0051] In some embodiments, similar to system 100, all voids in the same row (e.g., 241zA) are arranged with a uniform spacing between the centers 241a of adjacent voids. In some embodiments, adjacent rows (241zA and 241zB) of voids are formed, wherein one void in each row is aligned with the voids in the adjacent row to form a line (e.g., Figure 6 200a) and all the voids are aligned in such a way that each void 241 is positioned with its center extending in a line passing through the center 241a of a void in another row and all the lines about a particular void group 240z, 240y are parallel to each other (e.g. Figure 6 2001, 2002, 2003 in FIG. 2001). This arrangement has various benefits, such as aligning adjacent voids 241 along the same row, being spaced the same distance apart in two rows, and maintaining the spacing of all voids within a group in a compact manner to simplify the operation and design of the demolding system 280, such as allowing the cake food of all voids within a group to be removed with the movement of the demolding assembly 280 in a single stroke or in a minimum number of strokes in other embodiments. The compact arrangement of all voids 241 within a group also minimizes the space for the cutouts 268, 278.

[0052] Figure 6 A plurality of demolding cups 282 are shown aligned with the plurality of voids 241 which are aligned with the cutout portions 268 , 278 such that when the demolding assembly 280 is transitioned to the engaged position, the demolding cups 282 interact with the biscuit food within the corresponding voids 241 to cause each biscuit food to fall from the void 241 . Figure 6 Pairs of knockout cups 282 are depicted aligned with two adjacent rows of voids and are restrained together by rods 284. As discussed herein, the knockout assembly can move all knockout cups 282 simultaneously, or, for example, the knockout assembly 280 can simultaneously and in a cyclic manner move adjacent knockout cups connected to the rods along two rows so that adjacent biscuit foods in the same row are ejected one after the other.

[0053] In other embodiments, adjacent voids 241 from two different rows may be arranged along the same line extending to the geometric center point of template 240. This may be preferred because in embodiments where holes 264, 266 each extend in a direction toward the geometric center point of template 240, this allows adjacent voids 241 from two different rows to simultaneously approach first hole 264 and second hole 266. Multiple voids 241 may be arranged differently so that pancake foods fall from template 240 to conveyor 2000 below at different intervals or for similar purposes.

[0054] Figure 7240 is a perspective view of a template 240 that can be used with the system 200. As shown, the template 240 includes a flat surface and a drive surface 246, the flat surface including a plurality of voids 241. The drive surface 246 can accommodate a belt 52 rotated by a motor 53. The drive surface 246 can receive torque to rotate the template 240 through other drive components, such as a direct drive, a gear drive, etc. In some embodiments, the drive surface 246 (which can be a hub 246) is connected to the template 240 by a plurality of pins 132 to transmit torque between the hub 246 and the template 240. In those embodiments, a sealing ring 130 can be set on the template to cover the pins 132. Figure 7 This structure shown in can be used for all templates disclosed in this article. In other embodiments, the template can be composed of Figure 8 The motor shown in is directly rotating.

[0055] The template 240 has an arcuate outer edge 249 and is preferably circular, but may be of other shapes as desired. The template has a center 247 that forms an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the template 240 extends to the center 247, while in other embodiments, the center 247 of the template is the geometric center and the axis of rotation, but within a hollow center portion of the template 240.

[0056] Reference now Figures 8 to 9 , another system 300 is provided. System 300 differs from the prior art systems discussed herein in that system 300 includes a plurality of templates: template 340 and template 440, which rotate simultaneously and in some embodiments rotate in opposite directions T and S, respectively. Templates 340 and 440 can be arranged to be positioned above a single first cover plate 560, or in other embodiments positioned above two cover plates. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the illustrated embodiment, portions of the templates 340 , 440 may overlap each other in the vertical direction to minimize the footprint of the system 300 and to allow pancake food to be discharged from multiple gaps 341 , 441 simultaneously (or within a short period of time).

[0057] In the embodiment of partial overlap of the templates 340, 440, the vertically overlapping portion is preferably the portion from which the cake food has fallen and before it is filled again with new cake food. Specifically, the overlapping portion of the templates 340, 440 is not tightly constrained by the combination of the first cover plate 560, the second cover plate 570 and the spacer 558. Then, the portion of the plate 340, 440 that has been rotated through the vertical alignment with the other template is then closed by the first cover plate 560, the second cover plate 570 and the spacer 558 to allow suction to be applied to the voids 341, 441 in each template when rotating through the aligned first holes 564a, 564b, so that a vacuum is drawn in the voids 341, 441 (as described above with respect to other embodiments described herein), and the flowing food entering the voids 341, 441 from the second aligned second holes 566a, 566b is closed.

[0058] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the mold plates 330, 340 may each include three groups of voids, 341z, 341y, 341x in plate 340 and 441z, 441y, 441x in plate 440. As shown, in this embodiment, the groups 341z and 441z are aligned to be engaged simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) by the demolding assembly 580 associated with the voids 341 from the first mold plate and the demolding assembly 680 associated with the voids 441 from the second mold plate. The two demolding assemblies 580, 680 may be operated simultaneously or with a short delay between each other, and the two demolding assemblies 580, 680 may be operated directly by the same motor (or linear actuator) or through a transmission, or each demolding assembly may be operated directly by a different dedicated motor (linear actuator) or through a transmission.

[0059] As described above, the second set of voids 341y, 441y may be positioned to be aligned with each other in the vertical direction (or to cross each other in the vertical direction), and Figure 8 In the rotational position shown, the second set of voids 341y, 441y do not include food therein and are not tightly constrained by the first cover plate 560 and the second cover plate 570 and the spacer. The third set of voids 341x, 441x are positioned to interact with the dedicated first holes 564a, 564b and the second holes 566a, 566b to draw a vacuum and then fill the voids 341, 441 with the flowable food passing thereon. It will be appreciated that because both templates 340, 440 are rotated, a particular void 341, 441 will rotate through such a position that it is set to z, y and x according to the rotational position of the particular void within the template.

[0060] Templates 340, 440 each have an arcuate outer edge 349, 449, and each is preferably circular, but may be of other shapes as desired. Each template has a center 347, 447 that forms an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, templates 340, 440 extend to center 347, 447, while in other embodiments, center 347, 447 of the template is the geometric center and axis of rotation, but within a hollow center portion of templates 340, 440.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, the first and second templates 340, 440 can be rotated by a motor that is engaged with the corresponding templates through a transmission. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the motor drives the gear 353, 453, and the gear 353, 453 engages with the corresponding gear teeth 349, 449 formed in the inner surface of each template 340, 440, so that the rotation of the motor causes the rotation of the gear, and thus causes the rotation of the toothed template. This type of internal gear system can be applied to the above-mentioned systems 10, 100, 200.

[0062] In each of the embodiments of systems 10, 100, 200, 300 discussed herein, the voids (e.g., 40) are shown and described as being circular with a center (41a) at the geometric center of the circular void. In other embodiments, not shown but readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon full reading and understanding of this specification, the voids within a given template may be shapes other than circular, such as rectangular, triangular, oval, or elliptical, or any other arbitrary shape. In these embodiments, the voids will include a center defined as a consistent location within all open volumes of all voids within a given plate that is at or near half or approximately half of the void width and half or approximately half of the void height (because the width and height are measured in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the template). In these embodiments, the voids will be arranged on the template so that each void is proximate, for example, the first hole 64 and the second hole 66 of the first cover plate 60 at the same location, and so that when on the outside of the first and second cover plates or within the cutouts (e.g., 68, 78), the voids are all at the same location. in such a manner that the demolding assembly acts on these voids in unison. In those embodiments with non-circular voids, the non-circular voids have a "diameter" that refers to the maximum linear dimension of the opening formed by the void on the surface of the template. It should be understood by those skilled in the art, by reading this specification in its entirety, that in the case where the voids are non-circular voids, the voids should be arranged on the template so that during the passage of the voids through the second hole, these voids are completely or as far as possible aligned with the second voids on the first cover plate to facilitate the flow of the fluent food into the aligned voids and to help the fluent food completely fill the open volume of the aligned voids.

[0063] The term "about" is specifically defined herein to include a reference value and a range of ±5% of the reference value. The term "substantially the same" is satisfied when the widths of the end faces of the holes are within the above ranges. In embodiments where the holes 52 in the plate are not circular, the dimensions listed above refer to the major dimensions of the holes (e.g., the width of a rectangular or square hole, or the median cross-sectional distance of a curved but not circular hole or a hole of any shape).

[0064] Although the disclosed preferred embodiments have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and can be modified without departing from the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and all devices within the meaning of the claims, whether literally or by equivalent means, are intended to be embraced therein.

[0065] Applicants' contemplated specification may best be understood with reference to the following representative passages:

[0066] Representative paragraph 1: An apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly shaped food products, comprising:

[0067] a template having a plurality of voids disposed therein, the template including a center and an arcuate outer edge, the template being rotatable about the center;

[0068] The plurality of voids are organized into a first group and a second group, adjacent voids in the plurality of voids in the first group are arranged at a uniform spacing, and adjacent voids in the plurality of voids in the second group are arranged at a uniform spacing, wherein, after arrangement, the distance between the voids at the end of the first group of voids and the nearest void in the second group is farther than the spacing between adjacent voids in the first group and the spacing between adjacent voids in the second group, and no void is within the template between the voids in the first group and the voids in the second group,

[0069] a transmission device arranged in combination with the template, for transmitting torque to the template to rotate the template about the center of the template;

[0070] a first cover plate connected to the template, the template being rotatable about the first cover plate, the first cover plate being disposed parallel to the template, a first hole being disposed through the first cover plate, and a second hole being disposed through the first cover plate, wherein each of a plurality of voids of the template is sequentially aligned with the first hole and then with the second hole as the template rotates about its center, the first cover plate defining a vacant space that exposes an arc length of the template as the template rotates, and the first cover plate covering a remainder of the template, or the first cover plate being sized such that a portion of the template having the plurality of voids extends outside of the first cover plate;

[0071] a demolding assembly arranged relative to the empty space to interact with the template, the template being arranged to align with the empty space of the first cover plate, or the demolding assembly being arranged outside the first cover plate, wherein the demolding assembly interacts with a void arranged within the empty space or outside the first cover plate;

[0072] A filling system is disposed in alignment with the second aperture of the first cover plate to direct food product flow through the second aperture and into one or more voids of the template aligned with the second aperture.

[0073] Representative paragraph 2: The device according to representative paragraph 1 also includes a vacuum system, which is fixed to the first cover plate and aligned with the first hole, so that the vacuum force from the vacuum system extends through the first hole and into one or more gaps aligned with the first hole.

[0074] Representative paragraph 3: The apparatus according to representative paragraph 1 further includes a conveyor arranged below the empty space in the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate.

[0075] Representative paragraph 4: The apparatus of representative paragraph 1 further comprising a drive shaft extending from the template, wherein the transmission interacts with the drive shaft to rotate the template about the center of the template.

[0076] Representative paragraph 5: The apparatus according to representative paragraph 1, wherein the demolding assembly includes a plurality of demolding cups, the plurality of demolding cups being arranged to align with the empty spaces in the first cover plate or being arranged outside the first cover plate.

[0077] Representative paragraph 6: An apparatus according to representative paragraph 5, wherein each of the plurality of demolding cups linearly translates in unison between a retracted position and an engaged position, wherein in the retracted position the plurality of demolding cups are disposed away from the template, and wherein in the engaged position the plurality of demolding cups extend to a position proximate to or within the aligned voids of the template.

[0078] Representative paragraph 7: An apparatus according to representative paragraph 6, wherein each of the plurality of demolding cups is configured to align with one of a plurality of voids in the template disposed in a vacant space of the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate when the plurality of demolding cups are translated to the engagement position, so that a bottom surface of each of the plurality of demolding cups contacts the food disposed in the void aligned with the demolding cup, causing the food in the corresponding void to fall from the void and leave the template.

[0079] Representative paragraph 8: An apparatus according to representative paragraph 6, wherein each of the plurality of demolding cups is configured to align with one of the plurality of first voids or the plurality of second voids of the template when the plurality of demolding cups are translated to the engagement position, wherein a portion of each demolding cup extends within the corresponding void to apply a force to the food disposed within the corresponding void such that the food is pushed out of the void to fall from the template.

[0080] Representative paragraph 9: The apparatus of representative paragraph 1 further comprising a spacer secured to the first cover plate and extending outside of the outer edge of the template.

[0081] Representative paragraph 10: An apparatus according to representative paragraph 1, wherein the template is circular.

[0082] Representative Paragraph 11: An apparatus according to Representative Paragraph 1, wherein the plurality of voids within the first group includes a first row of voids and a second row of voids, and the plurality of voids within the second group includes a first row of voids and a second row of voids, wherein each void in the row of voids in the corresponding first group of voids and second group of voids is aligned along a first arc having a first constant radius, and each void in the second row of voids in the corresponding first group of voids and second group of voids is aligned along a second arc having a second constant radius, the second constant radius being smaller than the first constant radius.

[0083] Representative paragraph 12: The apparatus of representative paragraph 11, wherein the centers of the plurality of voids in each of the first and second rows are spaced apart from the centers of adjacent voids by a distance greater than a diameter of each of the plurality of voids.

[0084] Representative paragraph 13: An apparatus according to representative paragraph 11, wherein each of the first row and the second row includes the same number of multiple gaps, wherein each gap arranged along the first row is aligned with a radial line passing through the center of the corresponding gap, wherein the radial line extends through the center of a gap of the multiple gaps arranged in the second row.

[0085] Representative paragraph 14: An apparatus according to representative paragraph 1, wherein the transmission device rotates the template at a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed in sequence, wherein when the plurality of first voids or one of the plurality of second voids is arranged to be aligned with the vacant space of the first cover plate or the void is arranged outside the first cover plate, and when one of the plurality of first and second voids is arranged to be aligned with at least one of the first hole and the second hole of the first cover plate, the transmission device rotates the template at the second rotational speed, wherein when the plurality of first voids and the plurality of second voids are not arranged to be aligned with the vacant space, are not arranged outside the first cover plate, or are not arranged to be aligned with the first hole and the second hole of the first cover plate, the transmission device rotates the template at the first rotational speed.

[0086] Representative paragraph 15: The apparatus of representative paragraph 1, wherein the first cover plate is disposed relative to the template, wherein a space is established between the template and the first cover plate.

[0087] Representative paragraph 16: An apparatus according to representative paragraph 1, wherein the template includes a first template and a second template formed in the same manner, wherein the first template rotates along a first rotation direction and the second template rotates along a second rotation direction different from the first rotation direction.

[0088] Representative paragraph 17: The apparatus of representative paragraph 16, wherein the first template and the second template are aligned such that a portion of the first template overlaps a portion of the second template.

[0089] Representative paragraph 18: An apparatus according to representative paragraph 16, wherein the first cover plate is fixed relative to the first template and the second template, wherein the vacant space of the first cover plate exposes the arc of each of the first template and the second template, or the first cover plate does not enclose the arc of the first template and the second template.

[0090] Representative paragraph 19: The apparatus of representative paragraph 18, wherein the demolding assembly is adapted to interact with the first template and the second template simultaneously through the empty space or on the exterior of the first cover plate.

[0091] Representative paragraph 20: An apparatus according to representative paragraph 18, wherein the first cover plate has a first group of first holes, a first group of second holes, a second group of first holes, and a second group of second holes, each of these groups being connected to each of the corresponding first templates and the second templates to allow the filling system to simultaneously guide the food flow through the corresponding second holes of the first cover plate and into one or more gaps of the corresponding first templates and the second templates aligned with the corresponding second holes.

[0092] Representative paragraph 21: The apparatus according to representative paragraph 20 further includes a vacuum system fixed to the first cover plate and aligned with each of the two first holes, wherein the vacuum system extends through the two first holes and into the one or more gaps aligned with the corresponding first holes.

[0093] Representative paragraph 22: The apparatus according to representative paragraph 1 further includes a pump connected to a second hole in the first cover plate, wherein the pump supplies a certain volume of the fluid food through the second hole and supplies the certain volume of the fluid food into a gap among the multiple gaps aligned with the second hole.

[0094] Representative paragraph 23: An apparatus according to representative paragraph 22, wherein the pump supplies flowing food through the second hole at a certain flow rate that allows the flowing food to fill the gaps aligned with the second hole when the template translates by rotation relative to the second hole, and wherein each of the multiple first gaps is filled with the flowing food by a single pass of each of the corresponding gaps in the multiple first gaps relative to the second hole.

Claims

1. An apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly shaped foods, comprising: a template having a plurality of voids disposed therein, the template including a center and an arcuate outer edge, the template being rotatable about the center; The plurality of voids are organized together into a first group and a second group, adjacent voids in the plurality of voids in the first group are arranged at a uniform spacing, and adjacent voids in the plurality of voids in the second group are arranged at a uniform spacing, wherein after being arranged, the voids at the ends of the first group of voids are farther away from the nearest voids in the second group than the spacing between adjacent voids in the first group and the spacing between adjacent voids in the second group, wherein no void is located in the template between a void in the first group and a void in the second group; A transmission device, which is arranged in combination with the template and is used to transmit torque to the template so that the template rotates around the center of the template; a first cover plate connected to the template, the template being rotatable about the first cover plate, the first cover plate being disposed parallel to the template, a first hole being disposed through the first cover plate, and a second hole being disposed through the first cover plate, wherein each of a plurality of voids of the template is sequentially aligned with the first hole and then with the second hole as the template rotates about its center, the first cover plate defining a vacant space that exposes an arc length of the template as the template rotates, and the first cover plate covering a remainder of the template, or the first cover plate being sized such that a portion of the template having the plurality of voids extends outside of the first cover plate; a demolding assembly arranged relative to the empty space to interact with the template, the template being arranged to align with the empty space of the first cover plate, or the demolding assembly being arranged outside the first cover plate, wherein the demolding assembly interacts with a void arranged within the empty space or outside the first cover plate; A filling system is disposed in alignment with the second aperture of the first cover plate to direct a flow of food through the second aperture and into one or more voids of the template aligned with the second aperture.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a vacuum system secured to the first cover plate and aligned with the first hole such that a vacuum force from the vacuum system extends through the first hole and into one or more voids aligned with the first hole.

3. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a conveyor disposed below the empty space in the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a drive shaft extending from the template, wherein the transmission interacts with the drive shaft to rotate the template about the center of the template.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The demolding assembly includes a plurality of demolding cups, which are arranged to be aligned with the empty spaces in the first cover plate or are arranged outside the first cover plate.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the plurality of knockout cups linearly translates in unison between a retracted position wherein the plurality of knockout cups are disposed away from the template and an engaged position wherein the plurality of knockout cups extend to a position proximate to or within the aligned voids of the template.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the plurality of demoulding cups is configured to be aligned with one of a plurality of voids in the template disposed in the vacant space of the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate when the plurality of demoulding cups are translated to the engagement position, so that a bottom surface of each of the plurality of demoulding cups contacts the food disposed in the void aligned with the demoulding cup, causing the food in the corresponding void to fall from the void and leave the template.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the plurality of knockout cups is configured to align with one of the plurality of first voids or the plurality of second voids of the template when the plurality of knockout cups are translated to the engaged position, wherein a portion of each knockout cup extends within the corresponding void to apply a force to a food product disposed within the corresponding void such that the food product is pushed out of the void to fall from the template.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a spacer secured to the first cover plate and extending outside the outer edge of the template.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The template is circular.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The plurality of voids within the first group include a first row of voids and a second row of voids, and the plurality of voids within the second group include a first row of voids and a second row of voids, wherein each of the voids in the row of voids in the respective first group of voids and the second group of voids are aligned along a first arc having a first constant radius, and each of the voids in the second row of voids in the respective first group of voids and the second group of voids are aligned along a second arc having a second constant radius, the second constant radius being smaller than the first constant radius.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein A center of the plurality of voids in each of the first and second rows is spaced apart from a center of an adjacent void by a distance greater than a diameter of each of the plurality of voids.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the first row and the second row includes the same number of multiple voids, wherein each void arranged along the first row is aligned with a radial line passing through a center of the corresponding void, wherein the radial line extends through a center of a void among the multiple voids arranged in the second row.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The transmission device rotates the template at a first rotation speed and a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed in sequence, wherein the transmission device is designed to rotate the template at the second rotation speed when one of the plurality of first voids or the plurality of second voids is arranged to be aligned with the vacant space of the first cover plate or the outside of the first cover plate, and when one of the plurality of first voids or the plurality of second voids is arranged to be aligned with at least one of the first hole and the second hole of the first cover plate, wherein the transmission device is arranged to rotate the template at the first rotation speed when the plurality of first voids and the plurality of second voids are not aligned with the vacant space, the outside of the first cover plate, the first hole or the second hole of the first cover plate.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The first cover plate is arranged relative to the template, and a space is established between the template and the first cover plate.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The template includes a first template and a second template formed in the same manner, wherein the first template rotates in a first rotation direction and the second template rotates in a second rotation direction different from the first rotation direction.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The first template and the second template are aligned such that a portion of the first template overlaps a portion of the second template.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein: The first cover plate is fixed relative to the first template and the second template, wherein the empty space of the first cover plate exposes an arc of each of the first template and the second template, or the first cover plate does not surround the arc of the first template and the second template.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: The demoulding assembly is adapted to interact with the first and second mold plates simultaneously through the empty space or the exterior of the first cover plate.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein: The first cover plate has a first group of first holes, a first group of second holes, a second group of first holes, and a second group of second holes, and each of the first and second groups is connected to each of the corresponding first and second templates so that the filling system simultaneously guides the food flow through the corresponding second holes of the first cover plate and into one or more gaps aligned with the corresponding second holes in the corresponding first and second templates.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a vacuum system secured to the first cover plate and aligned with each of the two first holes, wherein the vacuum system extends through the two first holes and into the one or more voids aligned with the corresponding first holes.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21 further comprises a pump connected to the second hole in the first cover plate, wherein the pump supplies a volume of the fluent food through the second hole and into a void among the plurality of voids aligned with the second hole.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein: The pump supplies flowing food through the second hole at a flow rate that allows the flowing food product to fill the gaps aligned with the second hole when the template translates by rotation relative to the second hole, and wherein each of the plurality of first gaps is filled with the flowing food product by a single pass of each of the corresponding gaps in the plurality of first gaps relative to the second hole.

24. An apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly shaped food products, comprising: a template having a plurality of voids disposed therein, the template including a center and an arcuate outer edge, the template being rotatable about the center; The plurality of voids are arranged at uniform spacing around the template such that a center of each void in the plurality of voids is arranged at a radial arc length equidistant from a center of a void adjacent to the void; A transmission device, which is arranged in combination with the template and is used to transmit torque to the template so that the template rotates around the center of the template; a first cover plate, the first cover plate being connected to the template, the template being rotatable about the first cover plate, the first cover plate being disposed parallel to the template, a first hole being disposed through the first cover plate, and a second hole being disposed through the first cover plate, wherein each of a plurality of voids of the template is sequentially aligned with the first hole and then with the second hole as the template rotates about its center, the first cover plate defining a vacant space that exposes an arc length of the template as the template rotates, and the first cover plate covering a remaining portion of the template, or the first cover plate being sized such that a portion of the template having the plurality of voids extends outside of the first cover plate; a demolding assembly arranged relative to the empty space to interact with the template, the template being arranged to align with the empty space of the first cover plate, or the demolding assembly being arranged outside the first cover plate, wherein the demolding assembly interacts with a void arranged within the empty space or outside the first cover plate; A filling system is disposed in alignment with the second aperture of the first cover plate to direct a flow of food through the second aperture and into one or more voids of the template aligned with the second aperture.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a vacuum system secured to the first cover plate and aligned with the first aperture such that a vacuum force from the vacuum system extends through the first aperture and into one or more voids aligned with the first aperture.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 25, further comprising a conveyor disposed below the empty space in the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate.

27. Apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 26, further comprising a drive shaft extending from the template, wherein the transmission interacts with the drive shaft to cause the template to rotate about the centre of the template.

28. Apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 27, further comprising a spacer secured to the first cover plate and extending outside the outer edge of the formwork.

29. Apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein The template is circular.

30. An apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the transmission device causes the template to rotate at a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed in sequence, wherein when one of the multiple voids is arranged to be aligned with the vacant space of the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate, or when one of the multiple voids is arranged to be aligned with at least one of the first hole and the second hole of the first cover plate, the transmission device causes the template to rotate at the second rotational speed, wherein when none of the multiple voids is arranged to be aligned with the vacant space, outside the first cover plate, or aligned with the first hole and the second hole of the first cover plate, the transmission device causes the template to rotate at the first rotational speed.

31. Apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein: The first cover plate is disposed relative to the template, and a space is established between the template and the first cover plate.

32. Apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein: The template includes a first template and a second template formed in the same manner, wherein the first template rotates in a first rotation direction and the second template rotates in a second rotation direction different from the first rotation direction.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein: The first template and the second template are aligned such that a portion of the first template overlaps a portion of the second template.

34. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein: The first cover plate is fixed relative to the first template and the second template, wherein the empty space of the first cover plate exposes an arc of each of the first template and the second template, or the first cover plate does not surround the arc of the first template and the second template.

35. Apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein: The demoulding assembly is adapted to interact with the first and second mold plates simultaneously through the empty space or the exterior of the first cover plate.

36. Apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein: The first cover plate has a first group of first holes, a first group of second holes, a second group of first holes, and a second group of second holes, and each of the first and second groups is connected to each of the corresponding first and second templates, so that the filling system simultaneously guides the food flow through the corresponding second holes of the first cover plate and into one or more gaps in the corresponding first and second templates that are aligned with the corresponding second holes.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising a vacuum system secured to the first cover plate and aligned with each of the two first holes, wherein the vacuum system extends through both of the two first holes and into the one or more gaps aligned with the corresponding first holes.

38. The apparatus of any one of claims 34 to 37, further comprising a pump connected to the second hole in the first cover plate, wherein the pump supplies a volume of the fluid food through the second hole and into a void among the plurality of voids aligned with the second hole.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein: The pump supplies flowing food through the second hole at a flow rate that allows the flowing food product to fill the gaps aligned with the second hole when the template translates by rotation relative to the second hole, and wherein each of the plurality of first gaps is filled with the flowing food product by a single pass of each corresponding gap in the plurality of first gaps relative to the second hole.

40. An apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly shaped food products, comprising: a template having a plurality of voids disposed therein, the template including a center and an arcuate outer edge, the template being rotatable about the center; the plurality of voids are collectively organized in close proximity to one another to establish a group of voids within the template, wherein the voids within the group are arranged with a uniform spacing between adjacent voids, wherein no voids are located within the template between the voids arranged at opposite ends of the group of voids, A transmission device, which is arranged in combination with the template and is used to transmit torque to the template so that the template rotates around the center of the template; a first cover plate connected to the template, the template being rotatable about the first cover plate, the first cover plate being disposed parallel to the template, a first hole being disposed through the first cover plate, and a second hole being disposed through the first cover plate, wherein each of the plurality of voids of the template is sequentially aligned with the first hole and then with the second hole as the template rotates about its center, the first cover plate defining a vacant space that exposes an arc length of the template as the template rotates, and the first cover plate covering a remainder of the template, or the first cover plate being sized such that a portion of the template having the plurality of voids extends outside of the first cover plate; a demolding assembly disposed relative to the empty space to interact with the template, the template being disposed to align with the empty space defined within the first cover plate, or the demolding assembly being disposed on the exterior of the first cover plate, wherein the demolding assembly interacts with a void disposed within the empty space or on the exterior of the first cover plate; A filling system is disposed in alignment with the second aperture of the first cover plate to direct a flow of food through the second aperture and into one or more voids of the template aligned with the second aperture.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising a vacuum system secured to the first cover plate and aligned with the first hole such that a vacuum force from the vacuum system extends through the first hole and into one or more voids aligned with the first hole.

42. The apparatus of any one of claims 40 to 41 further comprising a conveyor disposed below the empty space in the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate.

43. The apparatus of any one of claims 40 to 42, further comprising a drive shaft extending from the template, wherein the transmission interacts with the drive shaft to cause the template to rotate about the center of the template.

44. Apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein: The demolding assembly includes a plurality of demolding cups disposed to be aligned with the empty spaces in the first cover plate or disposed outside the first cover plate.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein: Each of the plurality of knockout cups linearly translates in unison between a retracted position wherein the plurality of knockout cups are disposed away from the template and an engaged position wherein the plurality of knockout cups extend to a position proximate to or within the aligned voids of the template.

46. ​​The apparatus of claim 45, wherein: Each of the plurality of demoulding cups is configured to be aligned with one of a plurality of voids in the template that are disposed in an empty space of the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate when the plurality of demoulding cups are translated to the engagement position, so that a bottom surface of each of the plurality of demoulding cups contacts the food disposed in the void aligned with the demoulding cup, causing the food in the corresponding void to fall from the void and leave the template.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein: Each of the plurality of knockout cups is configured to align with a plurality of voids of the template when the plurality of knockout cups are translated to the engaged position, wherein a portion of each knockout cup extends within a corresponding void to apply a force to a food product disposed within the corresponding void such that the food product is pushed out of the void to fall from the template.

48. Apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 47, further comprising a spacer secured to the first cover plate and extending outside the outer edge of the template.

49. Apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 48, wherein The template is circular.

50. Apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 49, wherein The plurality of voids within the first group include a first row of voids and a second row of voids, and the plurality of voids within the second group include a first row of voids and a second row of voids, wherein each of the voids in the first row is aligned along a first arc having a first constant radius, and each of the voids in the second row is aligned along a second arc having a second constant radius, and the second constant radius is smaller than the first constant radius.

51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein a center of the plurality of voids in each of the first and second rows is spaced apart from a center of an adjacent void by a distance greater than a diameter of each of the plurality of voids.

52. An apparatus according to claim 50, wherein each of the first row and the second row includes the same number of multiple gaps, wherein each gap arranged along the first row is aligned with a radial line passing through the center of the corresponding gap, and wherein the radial line extends through the center of a gap among the multiple gaps arranged in the second row.

53. Apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 52, wherein: The transmission device causes the template to rotate at a first rotation speed and a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed in sequence, wherein the transmission device is configured to rotate the template at the second rotation speed when the multiple gaps are arranged to be aligned with the vacant space of the first cover plate or are set outside the first cover plate and when the multiple gaps are arranged to be aligned with at least one of the first hole and the second hole of the first cover plate, wherein the transmission device is configured to rotate the template at the first rotation speed when the multiple gaps are not aligned with the vacant space, are not set outside the first cover plate, or are not set to be aligned with the first hole and the second hole of the first cover plate.

54. Apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 53, wherein: The first cover plate is disposed relative to the template, and a space is established between the template and the first cover plate.

55. Apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 54, wherein: The template includes a first template and a second template formed in the same manner, wherein the first template rotates in a first rotation direction and the second template rotates in a second rotation direction different from the first rotation direction.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein: The first template and the second template are aligned such that a portion of the first template overlaps a portion of the second template.

57. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 56, wherein: The first cover plate is fixed relative to the first template and the second template, wherein the empty space of the first cover plate exposes the arc of each of the first template and the second template, or the first cover plate does not enclose the arc of the first template and the second template.

58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein: The demoulding assembly is adapted to interact with the first and second mold plates simultaneously through the empty space or the exterior of the first cover plate.

59. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein: The first cover plate has a first group of first holes, a first group of second holes, a second group of first holes, and a second group of second holes, each group of first holes and second holes communicating with each of the corresponding first and second templates to allow the filling system to simultaneously direct the flow of food through the corresponding second holes of the first cover plate and into one or more gaps of the corresponding first and second templates, the gaps being arranged to align with the corresponding second holes.

60. The apparatus of claim 59, further comprising a vacuum system secured to the first cover plate and aligned with each of the two first holes, wherein the vacuum system extends through the two first holes and into the one or more gaps aligned with the corresponding first holes.

61. The apparatus of any one of claims 40 to 60, further comprising a pump connected to the second hole in the first cover plate, wherein The pump supplies a volume of fluent food through the second aperture and into a void of the plurality of voids that is aligned with the second aperture.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein: The pump supplies flowing food through the second hole at a certain flow rate, which allows the flowing food product to fill the gap aligned with the second hole when the template translates by rotation relative to the second hole, and wherein each of the plurality of first gaps is filled with the flowing food product through a single pass of each of the corresponding gaps in the plurality of first gaps relative to the second hole.

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