Rotatable system for repeatedly preparing food patties from a liquid food source

Abstract

An apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly formed food products, the apparatus including a rotatable forming plate with a plurality of cavities, the plurality of cavities being grouped into one or more sets of cavities in close proximity to one another. A first cover plate is secured with the rotatable forming plate around the first cover plate. A first opening and a second opening are disposed through the first cover plate, each cavity of the plurality of cavities. A vacuum is applied to the cavity through the first opening, and a flowable food product enters the cavity through the second opening. The first cover plate has an empty space or is sized to expose a portion of the forming plate. An ejector assembly is disposed relative to the cavity when outside the first cover plate, the ejector assembly interacting with the cavity to remove a food patty from the cavity.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 338,255, filed May 4, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] The subject specification relates to a system for repeatedly preparing food patties from a supply of liquid food and placing the formed food patties on a conveyor or other location for further processing, cooking, or packaging. The subject specification has various significant advantages and improvements over conventional systems for repeatedly preparing food patties currently known and used in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first representative embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The embodiment includes an apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly formed food products. A forming plate has a plurality of cavities disposed therein, the plurality of cavities including a center and an arcuate outer edge, and is rotatable about the center. The plurality of cavities are collectively organized into a first set and a second set, the plurality of cavities in the first set are disposed with consistent spacing between adjacent cavities, the plurality of cavities disposed in the second set are disposed with consistent spacing between adjacent cavities, an end of the disposed cavities in the first set is farther from a nearest cavity in the second set than the spacing between adjacent cavities in the first set and the spacing between adjacent cavities in the second set, and there are no cavities located in the forming plate between the cavities in the first set and the cavities in the second set. A power transmission is disposed in communication with the forming plate for transmitting torque to the forming plate to rotate the forming plate about the center of the forming plate. The first cover plate is fixed with a mold plate rotatable around the first cover plate, and is disposed parallel to the mold plate, a first opening is disposed through the first cover plate, and a second opening is disposed through the first cover plate, and as the mold plate is rotated about its center, each cavity of the plurality of cavities of the mold plate is sequentially aligned with the first opening and then with the second opening, and the first cover plate defines an empty space that exposes an arc length of the mold plate as the mold plate rotates, covering the remaining portion of the mold plate, or the dimensions of the first cover plate are such that the portion of the mold plate with the plurality of cavities extends outside the first cover plate. The protruding assembly is disposed relative to the empty space of the first cover plate to interact with the mold plate disposed in line with the empty space, or is disposed outside the first cover plate, and the protruding assembly interacts with a cavity disposed within the empty space or outside the first cover plate. A filling system is disposed in register with the second opening to direct a flow of food product through the second opening in the first cover plate and into one or more cavities in the molding plate that are disposed in register with the second opening.

[0004] A second representative embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The embodiment includes an apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly formed food products. The apparatus includes a forming plate having a plurality of cavities disposed therein, the forming plate including a center and an arcuate outer edge and rotatable about the center. The plurality of cavities are consistently spaced about the forming plate such that the center of each cavity of the plurality of cavities is disposed at a consistent radial arc length from the center of the cavity adjacent the cavity. A power transmission is disposed in communication with the forming plate for transmitting torque to the forming plate to rotate the forming plate about the center of the forming plate. The first cover plate is fixed with a mold plate rotatable about the first cover plate and disposed parallel to the mold plate, a first opening is disposed through the first cover plate and a second opening is disposed through the first cover plate, and as the mold plate is rotated about its center, each cavity of the plurality of cavities of the mold plate is sequentially aligned with the first opening and then with the second opening, the first cover plate defines an empty space that exposes an arc length of the mold plate as the mold plate rotates, covering the remaining portion of the mold plate, or the dimensions of the first cover plate are such that the portion of the mold plate with the plurality of cavities extends outside the first cover plate. The protrusion assembly is disposed relative to the empty space of the first cover plate to interact with the mold plate disposed in line with the empty space, or is disposed outside the first cover plate to interact with a cavity disposed either within the empty space or outside the first cover plate. A filling system is disposed in register with the second opening to direct a flow of food product through the second opening in the first cover plate and into one or more cavities in the molding plate that are disposed in register with the second opening.

[0005] A third representative embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. This embodiment includes an apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly formed food products. The apparatus includes a forming plate having a plurality of cavities disposed therein, the forming plate including a center and an arcuate outer edge and rotatable about the center. The plurality of cavities are collectively organized in close proximity to one another to establish sets of cavities within the forming plate, the cavities within the sets being disposed with consistent spacing between adjacent cavities, and no cavities located within the forming plate between cavities disposed at opposing ends of the sets of cavities. A power transmission is disposed in communication with the forming plate for transmitting torque to the forming plate to rotate the forming plate about the center of the forming plate. The first cover plate is fixed with the mold plate rotatable about the first cover plate and disposed parallel to the mold plate, a first opening is disposed through the first cover plate and a second opening is disposed through the first cover plate, and as the mold plate is rotated about its center, each cavity of the plurality of cavities of the mold plate is sequentially aligned with the first opening and then with the second opening, the first cover plate defines an empty space that exposes an arc length of the mold plate as the mold plate rotates, covering the remaining portion of the mold plate, or the dimensions of the first cover plate are such that the portion of the mold plate with the plurality of cavities extends outside the first cover plate. The ejection assembly is disposed relative to the empty space defined in the first cover plate to interact with the mold plate disposed in line with the empty space, or is disposed outside the first cover plate to interact with the cavity disposed in the empty space or outside the first cover plate. A filling system is disposed in register with the second opening to direct a flow of food product through the second opening in the first cover plate and into one or more cavities in the molding plate that are disposed in register with the second opening.

[0006]

[0006] The advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, which have been shown and described by way of example. As will be appreciated, the disclosed subject matter is capable of other and different embodiments, and its details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a system for rapidly forming food patties using a rotating forming plate with the ejector assembly in an engaged position; [Figure 1a]

[0008] FIG. 2 is the view of FIG. 1 with the ejector assembly in the extended position. [Diagram 2]

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components of the system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3]

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of a forming plate that can be used in the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A]

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive train used to rotate the forming plate. [Figure 4]

[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the system of FIG. 1 with the second cover plate and the shaping plate shown in transparent form to allow viewing of the shaping plate and the first cover plate underneath the second cover plate, showing the cavities in the shaping plate that coincide with the ejection cups, the cavities that are partially aligned with the first and second openings in the first cover plate, and the conveyor moving underneath the ejection assembly. [Figure 4a]

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the molding plate and the first cover plate, with the molding plate shown in transparent form to enable viewing of features of the first cover plate underlying the molding plate. [Figure 4b]

[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of a forming plate using the forming plate embodiment of FIG. 5 showing the spacer positioned relative to the forming plate; the relationship between the forming plate and the spacer shown in the drawing is applicable to all of the embodiments herein. [Diagram 5]

[0015] 1 is a top view of another system for rapidly forming food patties using a rotating forming plate with the second cover plate removed and without the ejector assembly; FIG. [Figure 6]

[0016] FIG. 1 is a top view of another system for rapidly forming food patties using a rotating forming plate with the second cover plate removed and a portion of the forming plate shown in transparent form to allow viewing of various features of the first cover plate underneath the forming plate. [Figure 7]

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shaped plate usable in the system of FIG. 6 showing a shaped plate with a single set of openings. [Figure 8]

[0018] FIG. 1 is a top view of another system for rapidly forming food patties using two rotating forming plates with the second cover plate removed and portions of the forming plates shown in transparent form to allow viewing of various features of the forming plate underneath the other forming plate and the first cover plate underneath the forming plate. [Figure 9]

[0019] FIG. 9 is a side view of the system of FIG. 8 with portions of the first and second plates shown in transparent view to show the mold plate and ejection assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008]

[0020] 1-9, various related systems 10, 100, 200, 300 for forming food portions are provided. Numerous embodiments of the systems are disclosed herein. Element numbers with the same tens and units digits across different embodiments designate the same or similar components, and any particular structural or functional differences within components with the same tens and units digits are specifically described herein. The systems 10, 100, 200 are provided to rapidly form food patties of a desired size and shape from a pumped liquid food input, and then uniformly deposit the food patties (Q) onto a conveyor 2000, which may move (J) relative to the system (overview) shown in FIG. 4, or another structure within a processing or packaging system, to allow the food patties to be further processed, packaged, or cooked. The systems 10, 100, 200 disclosed herein are provided to allow for varying production rates of food patties depending on the capacity needs of the facility.

[0009]

[0021] The system 10 generally includes a rotatable forming plate 40 including a plurality of cavities 41 configured to receive food products therein, such as previously processed food products pumped into the openings. The forming plate is supported by a first cover plate 60 and a second cover plate 70, which collectively enclose both opposing surfaces 44, 45 of the forming plate. An ejector assembly 80 is provided to interact with the plurality of openings 42 when aligned with the plurality of openings 42 to force the food products in the cavities 41 to fall off the forming plate for further use, such as cooking or packaging. The system 10 may be configured to deposit formed food products individually or to deposit several formed food products simultaneously.

[0010]

[0022] A first embodiment of a system 10 is provided and shown in Figures 1-4a. The system 10 includes a forming plate 40 sandwiched between a first cover plate 60 and a second cover plate 70. The first cover plate 60 is disposed below a bottom surface 45 of the forming plate. In conventional systems for forming food products, the first cover plate 60 is sometimes referred to as a top plate. The second cover plate 70 is disposed above a top surface 44 of the forming plate. In conventional systems, the second cover plate 70 is sometimes referred to as a forming cover.

[0011]

[0023] The molded plate 40 includes a plurality of cavities 41 disposed about the molded plate 40, the cavities 41 extending through the plate 40. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 3A, the plurality of cavities 41 are spaced apart at consistent intervals about the plate such that the centers 41a of the cavities are each a consistent arc length away from the centers 41a of adjacent cavities. In this embodiment, the molded plate 40 has four circular cavities 41 spaced apart such that their centers are 90 degrees apart. In other embodiments, the cavities 41 may be provided in a uniform but non-circular shape, in which adjacent cavities are spaced apart with the same feature of each cavity being a consistent arc length away from the same feature of an adjacent cavity. In all embodiments herein, the cavities (e.g., 41 is shown as circular, but the cavities can be other shapes, such as oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or other geometric or non-geometric shapes, or any shape that one may desire in the art to produce food patties of those shapes) are uniformly sized and shaped to provide food patties of uniform size and shape. The forming plate 40 has an arcuate outer edge 49 and is preferably circular, but can be other shapes as desired. The forming plate has a center 47 that forms an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the forming plate 40 extends to the center 47, while in other embodiments, the center 47 of the forming plate is the geometric center and axis of rotation, but is within the empty central portion of the forming plate 40.

[0012]

[0024] The forming plate 40 may be rotated directly by a motor 50 (as shown in FIG. 1 ), but alternatively, the forming plate 40 may be rotated by a power transmission 50, which may include a remote motor 53 that transmits torque to the forming plate, such as by a belt drive 52. As discussed in detail below, the power transmission 50 or direct motor drive 53 is controlled by a controller 1000, which operates to selectively rotate the forming plate 40, and in some embodiments, at different speeds when the forming plate 40 is in different positions to facilitate efficient formation of food patties within the cavity 41 and ejection of the formed food patties from the cavity 41 for further processing, packaging, or cooking.

[0013]

[0025] The forming plate 40 is supported by a first cover plate 60 that is disposed below the forming plate 40. In some embodiments, there is direct contact between the forming plate 40 and the first cover plate 60, while in other embodiments, the forming plate 40 does not directly contact the first cover plate 60. As best shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, a spacer 59 is disposed just outside the outer edge 49 of the forming plate 40 (FIG. 4b is shown with respect to forming plate 140 discussed below, but is equally applicable to forming plate 40 as well as other forming plates disclosed herein). The thickness of the spacer 59 is slightly greater than the thickness of the forming plate 40 (on the order of a few thousandths of an inch, e.g., 0.002 inches to 0.005 inches). The first and second cover plates 60, 70 rest on spacers 59, thus positioning the covers relative to the forming plate 40 such that the forming plate 40 does not contact the first and second cover plates 60, 70 as the forming plate 40 rotates. In some embodiments, the spacers may be made from the same or similar material as the forming plates. The spacers 59 may be made from multiple pieces for ease of manufacture, as shown in FIG. 4b. Although intended to be pumped into the cavity 41 (as discussed herein), the presence of a small portion of the food product that ends up between the surface of the forming plate and one of the two covers 60, 70 provides lubrication that allows the forming plate 40 to rotate relative to the covers 60, 70. In some embodiments shown in FIG. 4b, a central spacer 59a (or multiple separate central spacers) may be provided within the central hole of the molded plate to help maintain a gap between the molded plate (140 in FIG. 4b, but applicable to molded plate 40 and other molded plates disclosed herein) and the covers 60, 70 at or near the center of the molded plate 40.

[0014]

[0026] The first cover plate 60 is fixed in position and may be supported by the platform 18 or the housing. The first cover plate is configured to cover a portion, and in some embodiments a majority, of the bottom surface 45 of the mold plate 40 for purposes discussed herein. In some embodiments, the first cover plate 60 is sized to not cover a portion of the mold plate 40 such that one or more cavities 41 of the mold plate 40 are exposed under the mold plate 40 when the first cover plate 60 is aligned outside the first cover plate 60, with the cavities 41' aligned outside the first cover plate 60, as shown in FIG. 4a. In other embodiments disclosed below, the first cover plate 60 may be arranged with a cutout portion 68 that exposes one or more cavities from the mold plate 40 when aligned with the cutout portion 68.

[0015]

[0027] A second cover plate 70 is provided and extends above the upper surface 44 of the forming plate 40 to sandwich (with the first cover plate 60) the forming plate 40. The second cover plate 70 is aligned with the forming plate 40 with a minimum spacing set by the spacers 59 / 59a discussed above, which minimizes runny food product flowing between the forming plate 40 and the second cover plate 70. In some embodiments, a flexible border or spacer may be provided around each cavity 41 (or multiple adjacent cavities in the embodiments discussed below) to minimize food product leakage as the forming plate 40 rotates.

[0016]

[0028] The second cover plate 70 may be sized and shaped similarly to the first cover plate 60, and is typically aligned relative to the mold plate either based on the geometry of the second cover plate 70 not covering some of the cavities, or by the second cover plate 70 including a notch 78 similar to and aligned with the notch 68 of the first cover plate 60, such that when one or more cavities 41 are exposed below the mold plate 40, they are exposed from above the mold plate 40.

[0017]

[0029] The first cover plate 60 further comprises a first opening 64 and a second opening 66 that are aligned to interact with the cavity 41 of the forming plate 40 as the cavity 41 rotates past the first opening 64 and the second opening 66. The first opening 64 and the second opening 66 may be aligned such that the centers (which may be geometric centers) of the openings are both aligned with the center 41a of each cavity 41 as the cavity 41 rotates past the openings. The openings 64, 66 are provided to communicate within the respective cavity 41 with which they are aligned as the cavity 41 moves past. The first opening 64 and the second opening 66 are configured to be substantially covered by the forming plate 40 when the cavity 41 is not aligned with the openings 64, 66 during rotation of the forming plate as discussed below.

[0018]

[0030] As the forming plate 40 rotates, each cavity 41 first encounters the first opening 64 and then immediately thereafter the second opening 66 .

[0031] The first openings 64 are connected via piping to a vacuum system 95 for applying a vacuum force (N, FIG. 2) through the first openings 64. When the cavities 41 are aligned with the first openings 64, the vacuum force through the first openings 64 draws air (and other gases, if present) from the cavities 41. The close alignment between the bottom surface 45 of the molding plate 40 and the first cover plate 60, as well as the presence of the spacers 59, if provided, minimizes the space that exists adjacent to the molding plate 40 and adjacent to the cavities 41, such that as the molding plate 40 rotates, it minimizes and eventually eliminates the alignment between the first openings 64 and the cavities 41, with little time and air in close proximity to each cavity 41, such that the cavities retain some of their vacuum state after they leave alignment with the first openings 64.

[0019]

[0032] The second opening 66 is fluidly connected to a source of liquid food (M, FIG. 2) to be divided by the system. In some embodiments, the liquid food is pumped through the piping system 90 to the second opening 66 by a pump, such as a positive displacement pump, that provides a relatively steady flow of food towards the second opening 66 regardless of back pressure exerted on the pump.

[0020]

[0033] As best understood by reviewing FIG. 4 , when a cavity 41 is aligned with the second opening 66, food product flows into each cavity 41. The liquid food product is preferably processed (temperature, liquid food density, and pump discharge pressure) such that during the time that the cavity 41 is aligned with the second opening 66, the food product flowing into the aligned cavity 41 will very quickly fill the geometry of the cavity 41. Once a cavity 41 is cleared by the second opening 66, engagement with the trailing edge 41b of the cavity 41 (between the cavity 41 and the upper surface 44 of the forming plate 40) cuts off the flow of food product, and due to the close proximity between the first cover plate 60 and the upper surface 44 of the forming plate 40, the flow of food product is substantially prevented from flowing through the second opening 66 until another cavity 41 becomes aligned with the second opening 66. As discussed above, the presence of a relatively low pressure within cavity 41 as it approaches second opening 66 increases the velocity of food entering aligned cavity 41 (and minimizes food waste) because the food entering cavity 41 does not have to push large amounts of air out of the cavity.

[0021]

[0034] As rotation of forming plate 40 continues, the food patty formed within cavity 41 approaches a position that is outside of first cover plate 60 and second cover plate 70 (in some embodiments, such as FIGS. 4-4a), or in other embodiments, approaches notch 68 in first cover plate 60 and second cover plate 70 (embodiments discussed below).

[0022]

[0035] A knockout system 80 is provided and aligned to interact with a cavity 41 in the forming plate 40 that rotates outside of the cover plates 60, 70 or within the notches 68, 78. The knockout system 80 is adapted to engage (directly or indirectly) a food patty within the cavity 41 aligned with the knockout system, and forcefully urges the food patty downwardly out of the cavity 41 and onto a conveyor, tray, or other structure adapted to receive the food patty for further processing, packaging, or cooking. The knockout system 80 may include a motion mechanism 83 that supports a knockout cup 82 that reciprocates (direction G, FIG. 1) between an engaged position ( FIG. 1 ) and an withdrawn position ( FIG. 1 a).

[0023]

[0036] In the engaged position, the ejection cup 82 translates to a position in close proximity to the upper surface 44 of the forming plate 40, and in some embodiments, below the upper surface of the forming plate, such that a portion of the ejection cup 82 extends into the cavity 41 that is aligned with the ejection cup 82 when in the rotated position to be aligned with the ejection cup 82. The engagement between the ejection cup 82 and the food patty in the cavity 41 imparts a downward force to the food patty, causing the food patty to exit the cavity 41 and fall downwardly from the forming plate 40. In one embodiment, the movement of the ejection cup in the engaged position is such that the bottom surface of the ejection cup makes contact with the food patty, thereby directly imparting a downward force to the food patty. In another embodiment, the ejection cup 82 does not extend into the cavity, and instead of the bottom surface 82 of the ejection cup engaging a food patty disposed within the cavity 41 and forcefully moving the food patty downward and out of the cavity 41 (through the surface of the cavity 41 created by the bottom surface 45 of the forming plate 40), a positive pressure is generated above the food patty, acting downward on the upper surface of the food patty, thereby generating a downward force on the patty causing it to slide downward within the cavity 41 and out of the forming plate 40.

[0024]

[0037] When in the withdrawn position, the ejection cup 82 is withdrawn a distance away from the forming plate 40 to allow the forming plate 40 to rotate without interference from the ejection cup 82. The controller 1000 is adapted to control the reciprocation between the engagement position and the withdrawn position when the forming plate 40 is in the rotated position, such that the ejection cup 82 moves toward the cavity 41 so that the cavity 41 containing the food patty is aligned with the ejection cup 82, specifically, when the ejection cup 82 reaches the engagement position. One of ordinary skill in the art having thoroughly reviewed and grasped this disclosure could, by routine optimization alone, design and assemble an ejection system 80 and controlled rotation of the forming plate 40 that allows the ejection cup to be shuttled to the engagement position in time for the cavity to reach alignment with the ejection cup.

[0025]

[0038] The ejection system 80 may be a system that moves the ejection cup 82 linearly between the engaged and withdrawn positions, or the ejection cup 82 may move along an arc. The ejection system 80 may be moved by a linear actuator, or a power transmission via a motor. In some embodiments, the movement of the ejection system may be responsive to a measured rotational position of the forming plate 40, such as measured by an encoder (55, FIG. 3A overview), which may be located to indirectly measure the rotational position of the forming plate 40, such as by monitoring the shaft position within a power transmission associated with the forming plate 40, or by a shaft position within the power transmission associated with the forming plate 40. In these embodiments, the position of the forming plate 40 is sent to a controller, and the controller, having knowledge of the design speed of the forming plate 40 at various positions of the forming plate 40, can determine when the ejection system 80 needs to operate to align the ejection cup 82 with the cavity in the engaged position.

[0026]

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4a, a single cavity 41 is aligned at a time in a position to interact with the extrusion system 80, and thus the extrusion system includes a single extrusion cup 82. In other embodiments discussed below, multiple cavities are provided in a close arrangement that collectively are proximate to the extrusion system 80 at a time (and either within the space formed by the notches 68, 78 or outside the boundaries of the first cover plate 60 and the second cover plate 70, as discussed above). As discussed in more detail below, in these embodiments, the extrusion system 80 includes multiple extrusion cups that move in unison between the engaged position and the withdrawn position. In some embodiments, each of the multiple extrusion cups is positioned to be aligned with a corresponding one of the multiple cavities 41 when in the engaged position. Alternatively, the extrusion system 80 may have one or several extrusion assemblies, each assembly corresponding to several cavities 41, such that food patties in several cavities can be dropped downwardly out of the cavities 41 and the forming plate 40.

[0027]

[0040] In some embodiments, the forming plate 40 is rotated at different speeds (such as a relatively slow speed and a relatively fast speed) depending on the rotational position of the forming plate 40, specifically, the position of the cavity 41 of the forming plate 40 relative to the first and second openings 64 and 66 of the first cover plate 60 and relative to the uncovered portion (either the edge or the notch 68 / 78). In some embodiments, the forming plate 40 may rotate at a relatively slow first speed while the cavity 41 is moving close to and across the first and second openings 64 and 66 of the first cover plate 60 and when the cavity 41 filled with the food patty moves through the uncovered portion to interact with the ejection system 80. When the forming plate 40 is in a rotational position where neither of these occur, the forming plate 40 may be rotated at a faster speed until the forming plate 40 approaches a position where the cavity is close to the first and second openings 64 and 66 and the uncovered portion. In some embodiments, such as those described above and shown in Figures 3-4a, the shaping plate 40 is disposed with cavities 41 that are consistently spaced around the shaping plate 40. In these embodiments, the shaping plate 40 may be rotated at a constant speed.

[0028]

[0041] Turning now to FIG. 5, another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. This embodiment includes a system 100 configured to simultaneously deposit multiple formed food products. System 200 is very similar to system 100 discussed above, and the discussion of system 100 is incorporated by reference to system 200, with specific differences between the systems identified herein. The system includes a forming plate 140 that includes one or two sets 140z, 140y of cavities 141. In some embodiments, the forming plate 140 may include a single set 140z of cavities, while in other embodiments, the forming plate 140 may include two sets 140z, 140y of cavities 140. On the other hand, while FIG. 5 depicts both sets of cavities 140z, 140y, a molded plate with only the first set of cavities 140z would be the same as the molded plate 140 shown in FIG. 5, except that there would be no cavities in the second set 140y, and instead there would be flat plates in those locations on the molded plate 140.

[0029]

[0042] Each set of cavities 140z, 140y is provided with multiple cavities 140 positioned adjacent to one another so that, in some embodiments, all of the cavities in each set are simultaneously within the notches 168, 178 of the first cover plate 160 and the second cover plate 170, respectively, to enable the push-out assembly 180 to interact with all of the cavities 141 in a set at the same time, such that a single linear stroke of the push-out assembly 180 from the extended position to the engaged position (similar to the movement of the push-out assembly 80 shown herein) causes food patties removed from the cavities 141 to be simultaneously placed onto the conveyor (or other desired location). Although the sets of cavities 140z, 140y are illustrated as including five cavities in each set, these numbers of cavities per set can vary, such as including two, three, four, six, or seven cavities per set (or any other number of cavities 141 that can fit on the mold plate from a design standpoint and from the standpoint of the design of the ejection system 180 discussed below).

[0030]

[0043] In this embodiment, the cavities 141 in a (or each) given set 140z, 140y are disposed at a consistent location on the forming plate 140 such that the center 141a of each cavity is located at the same radius from the forming plate center point 147 and the center 141a of each cavity is spaced a consistent arc length from the center 141a of an adjacent cavity. This arrangement is provided so that all of the cavities 141 interact with the first and second openings 164, 166 at a consistent location as they pass over them. The first and second openings 164, 166 operate relative to the cavities 141 of the forming plate 140 in the same manner as the openings 64, 66 operate relative to the cavities 41 of the forming plate 40, as discussed in the embodiment above.

[0031]

[0044] In another embodiment, the knockout assembly 180 is configured to include cups 182 that rapidly interact with each cavity 141 in the plurality of cavities while each cavity 141 in the same plurality of cavities passes under a single knockout cup 182. In this embodiment, food patties from the set of cavities 141 are rapidly and repeatedly removed from the forming plate 140.

[0032]

[0045] System 100 includes the features of system 10 discussed above, including forming plate 140, first and second cover plates 160 and 170, and ejector assembly 180, and is configured to receive suction from vacuum source 95 through first opening 164 in first cover plate 160 and a flow of food product from food product pumping system 90.

[0033]

[0046] In the embodiment of Figure 5, the system 100 operates to rotate the shaping plate 140 at different speeds depending on the rotational position of the plate 140. When the plate is in a position (as shown in Figure 5) where one of the sets 141z or 141y is aligned with the holes 164, 166 in the first cover plate 160, or where one of the sets 141z, 141y is aligned with the notches 168, 178, the shaping plate is rotated at a relatively slower speed. When the forming plate 140 is rotated to a position where the last cavity in each set passes through the second opening 166, and after the set of cavities disposed within the notches 168, 178 have already been acted upon by the ejection system 180 which moves the ejection cups 182 into an engaged position to force the food patty out of each of the cavities 141 in the aligned set of cavities 141z, 141y, the forming plate 140 is rotated at a much faster speed about an arc length until the first cavity 141 from the next set of cavities approaches the first hole 164, whereby the rotational speed of the forming plate 140 is again reduced to a slower speed to draw a vacuum through the first hole 164 and then fill with food product through the second hole 166, acted upon by the ejection system 180 upon each alignment of the forming plate 140. As in other embodiments, the controller 1000 causes rotation of the shaping plate 140 (at the appropriate speed as discussed above) using knowledge of the position of the shaping plate, such as from the position of the direct shaft that rotates the shaping plate 140, or in other embodiments, a calibrated position based on the positions of other components in the power transmission device (52, all embodiments), or even a signal provided by an encoder that can monitor the output shaft position of the servo motor 50 (all embodiments) that ultimately generates the torque that rotates the shaping plate 140.

[0034]

[0047] In this and other embodiments, unless otherwise specified for those embodiments, the position of the knockout assembly 180 is monitored by an encoder that monitors the position of a direct drive shaft or shaft in the assembly's drive train, or the position of a linear actuator. A controller uses these position signals to control the movement of the forming plate 140 and knockout assembly with precise timing. In some embodiments, the knockout assembly 180 can move at a variable speed, from a slow speed initially in the movement from the extended position toward the engaged position, and then a much faster speed as the knockout cups 182 move into and out of the engaged position. This variable speed has the benefit of providing fast movement of draw toward and from the cavity 141 (cavity set 140z, 140y, or single cavity 41 discussed above) due to the short time that the cavity is properly aligned with the ejector cup 182, generating greater pressure as the bottom of the ejector cup 182 approaches the food patty, and in embodiments where the ejector cup 182 contacts the food patty, greater force applied to the food patty. A slower speed of the ejector assembly 180 at other locations may allow for accurate positioning and be acceptable due to the relatively long time between intervals where a set of cavities is matched to the ejector system (or a single cavity is matched as discussed above), minimizing design constraints on the system that may be present if the ejector assembly 180 was constantly moving at a fast speed.

[0035]

[0048] The shaping plate 140 has an arcuate outer edge 149 and is preferably circular, but can be other shapes as desired. The shaping plate has a center 147 that forms an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the shaping plate 140 extends to the center 147, while in other embodiments, the shaping plate center 147, which is the geometric center and axis of rotation, is within the hollow central portion of the shaping plate 140.

[0036]

[0049] 6, another embodiment of system 200 is provided. System 200 is very similar to system 100 discussed above, and the discussion of system 100 is incorporated by reference to system 200, with specific differences between the systems identified herein. The shaping plate 240 and extrusion assembly 280 are modified herein as discussed. The shaping plate 240 is provided with both a first set 241z and a second set 241y of cavities, or in other embodiments, only the first set 241z of the plurality of cavities 241 (as in FIG. 6, but where the second set 241y is depicted, the shaping plate 240 is continuous). The first set of cavities 241z, and, if provided, the second set of cavities 241y, are arranged in two rows of cavities that are aligned such that all cavities in a first row, e.g., 240zA, are aligned with centers 241a that are at a first radius from the center of the forming plate, and all cavities in a second row, e.g., 240zB, are aligned with centers 241a that are at a second, larger radius from the center of the forming plate.

[0037]

[0050] In some embodiments, all cavities in the same row (e.g., 241zA) are positioned with a consistent spacing between the centers 241a of adjacent cavities, similar to system 100. In some embodiments, cavities from adjacent rows (241zA and 241zB) are formed where one cavity from each row is aligned with a cavity from an adjacent row to form a line (e.g., line 2001 in FIG. 6) and all cavities are aligned in this manner, such that each cavity 241 is positioned with its center extending in a line that passes through the centers 241a of the cavities in the other row, and all lines are parallel to each other with a particular set of cavities 240z, 240y (as shown by lines 2001, 2002, 2003 in FIG. 6). This arrangement, such as aligning adjacent cavities 241 along the same row so that they are spaced the same distance apart in both rows, as well as maintaining close spacing of all cavities in a set, has various benefits for simplifying the operation and design of the ejection assembly 280, such as allowing the patties from all cavities in a set to be removed with a single stroke, or in other embodiments, a minimal number of strokes, by movement of the ejection system 280. The close spacing of all cavities 241 in a set also allows the spacing of the notches 268, 278 to be minimized.

[0038]

[0051] 6 illustrates a plurality of ejection cups 282 aligned with the plurality of cavities 241 and disposed in agreement with the notched portions 268, 278 such that when the ejection assembly 280 transitions to the engaged position, the ejection cups 282 interact with the food patties in the respective cavities 241 causing each food patty to drop from the cavity 241. FIG. 6 illustrates that pairs of ejection cups 282 aligned with adjacent cavities from two rows are constrained together with a bar 284. As discussed herein, the ejection assembly may move all of the ejection cups 282 simultaneously, or, for example, the ejection assembly 280 may simultaneously and cyclically move adjacent ejection cups connected by a bar along the two rows such that adjacent food patties in the same row are ejected one after the other.

[0039]

[0052] In other embodiments, adjacent cavities 241 from two different rows may be disposed along the same line extending to the geometric center point of the forming plate 240. This may be preferred in embodiments where the first hole 264 and the second hole 266 each extend in a direction toward the geometric center point of the forming plate 240, as it allows adjacent cavities 241 from two different rows to simultaneously access the holes 264, 266. The multiple cavities 241 may be positioned differently to obtain different spacing of the food patties dropping from the forming plate 240 onto the conveyor 2000 below, or for similar purposes.

[0040]

[0053] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a forming plate 240 usable in the system 200. As shown, the forming plate 240 includes a flat surface including a plurality of cavities 241, and a transmission surface 246. The transmission surface 246 may receive a belt 52 turned by a motor 53. The transmission surface 246 may receive torque to rotate the forming plate 240 via a direct drive or other power transmission member such as a gear drive. In some embodiments, the transmission surface 246 (which may be a hub 246) is connected to the forming plate 240 with a plurality of pins 132 to transmit torque between the hub 246 and the forming plate 240. In those embodiments, a sealing ring 130 may be provided on the forming plate to cover the pins 132. This structure shown in FIG. 7 may be used for all of the forming plates disclosed herein. In other embodiments, the forming plate may be rotated directly by a motor as shown in FIG. 8.

[0041]

[0054] The shaping plate 240 has an arcuate outer edge 249 and is preferably circular, but can be other shapes as desired. The shaping plate has a center 247 that forms an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the shaping plate 240 extends to the center 247, while in other embodiments, the shaping plate center 247, which is the geometric center and axis of rotation, is within the hollow central portion of the shaping plate 240.

[0042]

[0055] 8-9, another system 300 is provided. System 300 differs from previous systems discussed herein in that system 300 includes multiple forming plates, forming plate 340 and forming plate 440, that rotate simultaneously and in some embodiments in opposing directions T and S, respectively. Forming plates 340 and 440 may be arranged to be positioned above a single first cover plate 560, or in other embodiments above two cover plates. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, portions of forming plates 340, 440 may vertically overlap one another to minimize the footprint of system 300 and to allow food patties to be ejected from multiple cavities 341, 441 simultaneously (or within a short time frame).

[0043]

[0056] In embodiments where the forming plates 340, 440 overlap in part, the vertical overlapping portions are preferably those portions that have already dropped their food patties and are prior to being filled again with new food patties. Specifically, the overlapping portions of the forming plates 340, 440 are not closely constrained by the combination of the first and second cover plates 560, 570 and the spacers 558. The portions of the forming plates 340, 440 that have rotated past vertical alignment with the other forming plate are then surrounded by the first and second cover plates 560, 570 and spacers 558 to allow a vacuum to be drawn within the cavities 341, 441 after they have rotated past the first openings 564a, 564b that are aligned to apply suction to the cavities 341, 441 of each forming plate (as discussed above with respect to other embodiments described herein), to surround the flowable food product entering the cavities 341, 441 through the second openings 566a, 566b that are aligned second.

[0044]

[0057] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, each of the forming plates 340, 440 may include three sets of cavities, plate 340 341z, 341y, 341x, and plate 440 441z, 441y, 441x. As shown, in this embodiment, sets 341z and 441z are both aligned to be engaged simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) by a knockout assembly 580 associated with cavity 341 from the first forming plate and a knockout assembly 680 associated with cavity 441 from the second forming plate. The two knockout assemblies 580, 680 may operate simultaneously or with a short delay between each other, and the two knockout assemblies 580, 680 may be operated by the same motor (or linear actuator), either directly or through a power transmission, or each knockout assembly may be operated by a different dedicated motor (linear actuator), either directly or through a power transmission.

[0045]

[0058] As discussed above, the second set of cavities 341y, 441y may be positioned to be vertically aligned with one another (or vertically intersecting one another) and in the rotated position shown in FIG. 8, the second set of cavities 341y, 441y do not contain food products therein and are not closely constrained by the first and second cover plates 560, 570 and spacers. The third set of cavities 341x, 441x are positioned to interact with the dedicated first and second openings 564a, 564b and 566a, 566b to draw a vacuum and then fill the cavities 341, 441 with a flowable food product passing thereover. As can be appreciated, as both forming plates 340, 440 rotate, a particular cavity 341, 441 will rotate through positions set as z, y, and x depending on the rotational position of the particular cavity within the forming plates.

[0046]

[0059] The shaped plates 340, 440 each have an arcuate outer edge 349, 449 and are each preferably circular, but can be other shapes as desired. Each shaped plate has a center 347, 447 that forms an axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the shaped plates 340, 440 extend to the centers 347, 447, while in other embodiments, the shaped plate centers 347, 447, which are both the geometric center and axis of rotation, lie within the hollow central portion of the shaped plates 340, 440.

[0047]

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, the first forming plate 340 and the second forming plate 440 may be rotated by a motor that engages the respective forming plates through a power transmission. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the motor drives gears 353, 453 that engage corresponding teeth 349, 449 formed on the internal surface of each forming plate 340, 440, such that rotation of the motor causes rotation of the gears and thus rotation of the toothed forming plates. This type of internal gear system may be applied to the systems 10, 100, 200 discussed above.

[0048]

[0061] In each of the embodiments of systems 10, 100, 200, 300 discussed herein, the cavities (e.g., 40) are shown and described as circular with a center (41a) at the geometric center of the circular cavity. In other embodiments not shown, but which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art upon a thorough review and understanding of this specification, the cavities within a given molded plate may be shaped other than circular, such as rectangular, triangular, oval, or elliptical, or other arbitrary shapes. In these embodiments, the cavities will include a center defined as a consistent point within the total open volume of all cavities within a given plate that is at or near half the width of the cavity and at or near half the height of the cavity (when the width and height are measured in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the molded plate). In these embodiments, the cavities will be positioned on the mold plate such that each cavity approaches the first and second openings (e.g., 64, 66 of the first cover plate 60) at the same location and all align in the same manner when the cavity is within the exterior or notches (e.g., 68, 78) of the first and second cover plates in order for the cavity to consistently project and undergo interaction by the assembly. In these embodiments with non-circular cavities, the non-circular cavity has a "diameter" that refers to the largest linear dimension of the opening formed by that cavity on the surface of the mold plate. As can be understood by those skilled in the art by thoroughly reviewing this specification, in the situation where the cavity is non-circular, the cavity should be positioned on the mold plate such that it fully or as fully as possible coincides with the second opening on the first cover plate to facilitate flow of the liquid food into the aligned cavity during the time the cavity passes over the second opening and for the liquid food to completely fill the open volume of the aligned cavity.

[0049]

[0062] The term "about" is specifically defined herein to include the reference value and a range including ±5% of the reference value. The term "substantially the same" is satisfied when the widths of the end faces of the hole are both within the ranges stated above. In embodiments where the holes 52 in the plate are not round, the dimensions recited above refer to the major dimensions of the hole (such as the width of a rectangular or square hole, or the average cross-sectional distance of a curved but non-round or arbitrarily shaped hole).

[0050]

[0063] While preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited and modifications may be made without departing from the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalents, are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention.

[0051]

[0064] The present specification, as contemplated by the applicant, can be best understood with reference to the following representative paragraphs. Representative paragraph 1: An apparatus for preparing a plurality of uniformly formed food products, comprising: a molded plate having a plurality of cavities disposed therein, the molded plate including a center and an arcuate outer edge, the molded plate being rotatable about the center; a plurality of cavities collectively organized into a first set and a second set, the plurality of cavities in the first set being disposed with consistent spacing between adjacent cavities, the plurality of cavities disposed in the second set being disposed with consistent spacing between adjacent cavities, the last cavity in the first set of disposed cavities being farther from the nearest cavity in the second set than the spacing between adjacent cavities in the first set and the spacing between adjacent cavities in the second set, and there are no cavities located in the mold plate between the cavities in the first set and the cavities in the second set; A molded plate; a transmission disposed in communication with the forming plate for transmitting torque to the forming plate to rotate the forming plate about a center of the forming plate; a first cover plate secured to a rotatable mold plate around the first cover plate, the first cover plate being disposed parallel to the mold plate, a first opening being disposed through the first cover plate and a second opening being disposed through the first cover plate, such that as the mold plate is rotated about its center, each cavity of the plurality of cavities of the mold plate is sequentially aligned with the first opening and then with the second opening, the first cover plate defining an empty space exposing an arc length of the mold plate as the mold plate rotates, covering a remaining portion of the mold plate, or the dimensions of the first cover plate are such that a portion of the mold plate with the plurality of cavities extends outside the first cover plate; a protrusion assembly disposed relative to the empty space of the first cover plate to interact with a molding plate disposed in line with the empty space of the first cover plate or disposed on the outside of the first cover plate, the protrusion assembly interacting with a cavity disposed within the empty space or on the outside of the first cover plate; a filling system disposed in register with the second opening to direct a flow of food product through the second opening in the first cover plate and into one or more cavities in the forming plate disposed in register with the second opening; Equipment comprising:

[0052] Representative paragraph 2: The device according to representative paragraph 1, The instrument further comprises a vacuum system secured to the first cover plate and aligned with the first opening such that vacuum force from the vacuum system extends through the first opening and into one or more cavities disposed in alignment with the first opening.

[0053] Representative paragraph 3: The device according to representative paragraph 1, The apparatus further comprising a conveyor disposed beneath the void space of the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate.

[0054] Representative paragraph 4: The device according to representative paragraph 1, The apparatus further comprising a drive shaft extending from the forming plate, the drive transmission interacting with the drive shaft to rotate the forming plate about a center of the forming plate.

[0055] Representative paragraph 5: The device according to representative paragraph 1, The apparatus, wherein the ejection assembly includes a plurality of ejection cups disposed in line with the vacant spaces of the first cover plate or on the exterior of the first cover plate.

[0056] Representative Paragraph 6: The device according to Representative Paragraph 5, The instrument, wherein each of the plurality of ejector cups translates linearly in unison between an extended position and an engaged position, wherein in the extended position the plurality of ejector cups are positioned away from the forming plate, and in the engaged position the plurality of ejector cups extend to a position adjacent to or within an aligned cavity of the forming plate.

[0057] Representative Paragraph 7: The device according to Representative Paragraph 6, wherein each of the plurality of ejection cups is disposed in register with one of a plurality of cavities of a molding plate disposed within the empty space of the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate when the plurality of ejection cups are translated to the engaged position, such that a bottom surface of each of the plurality of ejection cups contacts a food product disposed in the cavity corresponding to the ejection cup, which forcefully moves the food product in the respective cavity out of the cavity so as to peel off from the molding plate.

[0058] Representative paragraph 8: The device according to representative paragraph 6, The device wherein each of a plurality of ejection cups is disposed in register with one of the first plurality of cavities or the second plurality of cavities in the forming plate when the plurality of ejection cups are translated to an engaged position, and a portion of each ejection cup extends into its respective cavity, which applies a force to a food product disposed in its respective cavity, which forcibly moves the food product out of the cavity so as to peel it off the forming plate.

[0059] Representative Paragraph 9: The device according to Representative Paragraph 1, The apparatus further comprising a spacer secured to the first cover plate and extending outwardly of an outer edge of the shaping plate.

[0060] Representative paragraph 10: The device according to representative paragraph 1, The forming plate is circular, the equipment. Representative paragraph 11: The device according to representative paragraph 1, the plurality of cavities in the first set includes a first row and a second row of cavities, the plurality of cavities in the second set includes a first row and a second row of cavities, each of the cavities in the rows of cavities in both the first and second sets of cavities respectively being aligned along a first arcuate line having a first constant radius, and each of the cavities in the second row of cavities in both the first and second sets of cavities respectively being aligned along a second arcuate line having a second constant radius that is smaller than the first constant radius.

[0061] Representative Paragraph 12: The device according to Representative Paragraph 11, The device wherein a center of each of the plurality of cavities in the first and second rows is spaced from a center of an adjacent cavity by a distance greater than a diameter of each of the plurality of cavities.

[0062] Representative Paragraph 13: The device according to Representative Paragraph 11, The device, wherein the first and second rows each include the same number of cavities, each cavity disposed along the first row being aligned with a radial line passing through a center of the respective cavity, the radial line extending through the center of one cavity disposed in the second row of the plurality of cavities.

[0063] Representative paragraph 14: The device according to representative paragraph 1, a power transmission device sequentially rotating the shaping plate at a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed slower than the first rotational speed, the power transmission device rotating the shaping plate at the second rotational speed when one of the first plurality of cavities or the second plurality of cavities is disposed in line with an empty space in the first cover plate or on the outside of the first cover plate and when one of the first and second plurality of cavities is disposed in line with at least one of the first and second openings in the first cover plate, and the power transmission device rotating the shaping plate at the first rotational speed when the first and second plurality of cavities are neither disposed in line with an empty space in the first cover plate or on the outside of the first cover plate nor disposed in line with the first and second openings in the first cover plate.

[0064] Representative paragraph 15: The device according to representative paragraph 1, The apparatus, wherein a first cover plate is disposed relative to the shaped plate with a space established between the shaped plate and the first cover plate.

[0065] Representative Paragraph 16: The device according to Representative Paragraph 1, The device, wherein the shaping plate includes a first shaping plate and a second shaping plate that are formed in the same manner, the first shaping plate rotates in a first rotational direction and the second shaping plate rotates in a second rotational direction different from the first rotational direction.

[0066] Representative Paragraph 17: The device according to Representative Paragraph 16, The apparatus, wherein the first shaped plate and the second shaped plate are aligned such that a portion of the first shaped plate overlaps a portion of the second shaped plate.

[0067] Representative Paragraph 18: The device according to Representative Paragraph 16, The appliance, wherein a first cover plate is fixed relative to the first forming plate and the second forming plate, and an empty space in the first cover plate exposes an arc of each of the first forming plate and the second forming plate, or the first cover plate does not enclose an arc of the first forming plate and the second forming plate.

[0068] Representative Paragraph 19: The device according to Representative Paragraph 18, The device, wherein the ejection assembly is adapted to simultaneously interact with the first and second shaped plates through the empty space or on the outside of the first cover plate.

[0069] Representative Paragraph 20: The device according to Representative Paragraph 18, The apparatus, wherein a first cover plate has first and second sets of first and second openings, each of the sets communicating with each of the respective first and second forming plates to enable a filling system to simultaneously direct a flow of food product through the respective second openings of the first cover plate and into one or more cavities of the respective first and second forming plates that are disposed in register with the respective second openings.

[0070] Representative Paragraph 21: The device according to Representative Paragraph 20, The instrument further includes a vacuum system secured to the first cover plate and aligned with each of the two first openings, the vacuum system extending through both of the two first openings into one or more cavities disposed in alignment with the respective first openings.

[0071] Representative paragraph 22: The device according to representative paragraph 1, The apparatus further comprising a pump connected to the second opening in the first cover plate, the pump dispensing a volume of the liquid food product through the second opening and into a cavity of the plurality of cavities aligned with the second opening.

[0072] Representative Paragraph 23: The device according to Representative Paragraph 22, the pump supplies the liquid food product through the second opening at a flow rate that enables the liquid food product to fill the cavities aligned with the second opening as the forming plate translates by rotation relative to the second opening, and each of the first plurality of cavities is filled with the liquid food product using a single pass for each respective cavity of the first plurality of cavities relative to the second opening.

Claims

1. A device for preparing multiple uniformly formed food products, A molded plate having multiple cavities, including a center and an arched outer edge, which is rotatable around the center, The plurality of cavities are collectively organized into a first set and a second set, the plurality of cavities in the first set are arranged at a consistent interval between adjacent cavities, the plurality of cavities in the second set are arranged at a consistent interval between adjacent cavities, the last cavity in the first set is farther from the nearest cavity in the second set than the interval between adjacent cavities in the first set and the interval between adjacent cavities in the second set, and there are no cavities located within the molded plate between the cavities in the first set and the cavities in the second set. Molded plate and A power transmission device is provided, connected to the molding plate, in order to transmit torque to the molding plate so as to rotate the molding plate around its center, A first cover plate fixed to a molding plate rotatable around a first cover plate, the first cover plate being disposed parallel to the molding plate, having a first opening disposed through the first cover plate, and a second opening disposed through the first cover plate, wherein when the molding plate is rotated around its center, each of the plurality of cavities in the molding plate is sequentially aligned with the first opening, then with the second opening, and the first cover plate defines an empty space that exposes the arc length of the molding plate when the molding plate rotates, covers the remaining portion of the molding plate, or the dimensions of the first cover plate are such that the portion of the molding plate with the plurality of cavities extends outside the first cover plate, A protruding assembly disposed in relation to the empty space, or disposed on the outside of the first cover plate, which is disposed in relation to the molded plate disposed in relation to the empty space of the first cover plate, and which interacts with a cavity disposed in the empty space or on the outside of the first cover plate, A filling system, which is disposed in conjunction with the second opening, is provided to guide the flow of food products through the second opening of the first cover plate into one or more cavities in the molded plate, which is disposed in conjunction with the second opening. A device equipped with the following features.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, A vacuum system fixed to the first cover plate, further comprising a vacuum system coinciding with the first opening such that a vacuum force from the vacuum system extends through the first opening into one or more cavities coinciding with the first opening.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, The apparatus further comprises a conveyor disposed below the empty space in the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, A device further comprising a drive shaft extending from the molded plate, wherein the power transmission device interacts with the drive shaft to rotate the molded plate around the center of the molded plate.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, The apparatus includes a plurality of protruding cups, the protruding assembly being arranged to coincide with the empty space in the first cover plate or to the outside of the first cover plate.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, The apparatus wherein each of the plurality of protruding cups moves simultaneously in a linear parallel motion between a pull-out position and an engagement position, wherein in the pull-out position, the plurality of protruding cups are positioned away from the molded plate, and in the engagement position, the plurality of protruding cups extend to a position adjacent to or within a aligned cavity in the molded plate.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, The apparatus wherein each of the plurality of ejector cups is positioned to coincide with one of the plurality of cavities in the molding plate, which is located outside the first cover plate or within the empty space of the first cover plate, when the plurality of ejector cups are moved parallel to the engagement position, and the bottom surface of each of the plurality of ejector cups comes into contact with a food product located in the cavity that coincides with the ejector cup, thereby forcefully moving the food product in each of the cavities out of the cavity so as to peel off from the molding plate.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, A device wherein each of the plurality of ejector cups is positioned to coincide with one of the first plurality of cavities or the second plurality of cavities in the molding plate when the plurality of ejector cups are moved parallel to the engagement position, and a portion of each ejector cup extends into the respective cavity, thereby applying force to the food product disposed within the respective cavity, thereby forcefully moving the food product out of the cavity so as to peel off the molding plate.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, The apparatus further comprises a spacer fixed to the first cover plate and extending to the outside of the outer edge of the molded plate.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, A device in which the molded plate is circular.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, A device wherein the plurality of cavities in the first set include a first row and a second row of cavities, and the plurality of cavities in the second set include a first row and a second row of cavities, and each of the cavities in the row of both the first set and the second set of cavities in each set is aligned along a first arc-shaped line having a first constant radius, and each of the cavities in the second row of both the first set and the second set of cavities in each set is aligned along a second arc-shaped line having a second constant radius smaller than the first constant radius.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, An apparatus in which the centers of each of the plurality of cavities in the first row and the second row are separated from the centers of adjacent cavities by a distance greater than the diameter of each of the plurality of cavities.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, A device wherein each of the first and second rows contains the same number of the plurality of cavities, and each cavity arranged along the first row is aligned with a radial line passing through the center of each of the cavities, and the radial line extends through the center of one of the cavities located within the second row of the plurality of cavities.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The power transmission device sequentially rotates the molded plate at a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed slower than the first rotational speed, and when one of the first plurality of cavities or the second plurality of cavities is located in conjunction with the empty space of the first cover plate or on the outside of the first cover plate, and when one of the first or second plurality of cavities is located in conjunction with at least one of the first opening and the second opening of the first cover plate, the power transmission device rotates the molded plate at the second rotational speed, and when the first plurality of cavities and the second plurality of cavities are located in conjunction with the empty space or on the outside of the first cover plate, or are not located in conjunction with the first opening and the second opening of the first cover plate, the power transmission device rotates the molded plate at the first rotational speed.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, An apparatus in which the first cover plate is disposed relative to the molded plate, with a space established between the molded plate and the first cover plate.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, The apparatus comprises a first molded plate and a second molded plate formed in the same manner, wherein the first molded plate rotates in a first rotational direction and the second molded plate rotates in a second rotational direction different from the first rotational direction.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, A device in which the first molded plate and the second molded plate are aligned such that a portion of the first molded plate overlaps a portion of the second molded plate.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, An apparatus in which the first cover plate is fixed to the first molded plate and the second molded plate, and the empty space in the first cover plate exposes the respective arcs of the first molded plate and the second molded plate, or the first cover plate does not surround the arcs of the first molded plate and the second molded plate.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, The apparatus wherein the protruding assembly is adapted to interact simultaneously with the first molded plate and the second molded plate through the empty space or outside the first cover plate.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, The apparatus comprising a first cover plate having first and second sets of first and second openings, each set communicating with each of the first and second molded plates, thereby enabling the filling system to simultaneously guide the flow of food product through each of the second openings of the first cover plate into one or more cavities in each of the first and second molded plates, which are arranged to coincide with each of the second openings.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, The apparatus further comprises a vacuum system fixed to the first cover plate and coinciding with each of the two first openings, wherein the vacuum system extends through both of the two first openings into one or more cavities that coincide with each of the first openings.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1, The apparatus further comprises a pump connected to the second opening of the first cover plate, wherein the pump supplies a certain volume of liquid food product through the second opening into the cavities of the plurality of cavities that coincide with the second opening.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, A device wherein, as the molded plate moves in parallel by rotation relative to the second opening, the pump supplies the liquid food through the second opening at a flow rate that allows the liquid food product to fill the cavity that coincides with the second opening, and each of the first plurality of cavities is filled with the liquid food product using a single path for each of the first plurality of cavities relative to the second opening.

24. A device for preparing multiple uniformly formed food products, A molded plate having multiple cavities, including a center and an arched outer edge, which is rotatable around the center, The plurality of cavities are arranged at consistent intervals around the molded plate such that the center of each of the plurality of cavities is positioned with a consistent radial arc length from the center of a cavity adjacent to it. Molded plate and A power transmission device is provided, connected to the molding plate, in order to transmit torque to the molding plate so as to rotate the molding plate around its center, A first cover plate fixed to a molding plate rotatable around a first cover plate, the first cover plate being disposed parallel to the molding plate, having a first opening disposed through the first cover plate, and a second opening disposed through the first cover plate, wherein when the molding plate is rotated around its center, each of the plurality of cavities in the molding plate is sequentially aligned with the first opening, then with the second opening, and the first cover plate defines an empty space that exposes the arc length of the molding plate when the molding plate rotates, covers the remaining portion of the molding plate, or the dimensions of the first cover plate are such that the portion of the molding plate with the plurality of cavities extends outside the first cover plate, A protruding assembly disposed in relation to the empty space, or disposed on the outside of the first cover plate, which is disposed in relation to the molded plate disposed in relation to the empty space of the first cover plate, and which interacts with a cavity disposed in either the empty space or on the outside of the first cover plate, A filling system, which is disposed in conjunction with the second opening, is provided to guide the flow of food products through the second opening of the first cover plate into one or more cavities in the molded plate, which is disposed in conjunction with the second opening. A device equipped with the following features.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, A vacuum system fixed to the first cover plate, further comprising a vacuum system coinciding with the first opening such that a vacuum force from the vacuum system extends through the first opening into one or more cavities coinciding with the first opening.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, The apparatus further comprises a conveyor disposed below the empty space in the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate.

27. The apparatus according to claim 24, A device further comprising a drive shaft extending from the molded plate, wherein the power transmission device interacts with the drive shaft to rotate the molded plate around the center of the molded plate.

28. The apparatus according to claim 24, The apparatus further comprises a spacer fixed to the first cover plate and extending to the outside of the outer edge of the molded plate.

29. The apparatus according to claim 24, A device in which the molded plate is circular.

30. The apparatus according to claim 24, The power transmission device sequentially rotates the molded plate at a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed slower than the first rotational speed, and when one of the plurality of cavities is located in conjunction with the empty space of the first cover plate or on the outside of the first cover plate, or when one of the plurality of cavities is located in conjunction with at least one of the first opening and the second opening of the first cover plate, the power transmission device rotates the molded plate at the second rotational speed, and when none of the plurality of cavities are located in conjunction with the empty space or on the outside of the first cover plate, or on the first opening and the second opening of the first cover plate, the power transmission device rotates the molded plate at the first rotational speed.

31. The apparatus according to claim 24, An apparatus in which the first cover plate is disposed relative to the molded plate, with a space established between the molded plate and the first cover plate.

32. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 31, The apparatus comprises a first molded plate and a second molded plate formed in the same manner, wherein the first molded plate rotates in a first rotational direction and the second molded plate rotates in a second rotational direction different from the first rotational direction.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, A device in which the first molded plate and the second molded plate are aligned such that a portion of the first molded plate overlaps a portion of the second molded plate.

34. The apparatus according to claim 32, An apparatus in which the first cover plate is fixed to the first molded plate and the second molded plate, and the empty space in the first cover plate exposes the respective arcs of the first molded plate and the second molded plate, or the first cover plate does not surround the arcs of the first molded plate and the second molded plate.

35. The apparatus according to claim 24, The apparatus wherein the protruding assembly is adapted to interact simultaneously with the first molded plate and the second molded plate through the empty space or outside the first cover plate.

36. The apparatus according to claim 24, The apparatus comprising a first cover plate having a first and second set of first and second openings, each set communicating with each of the first and second molded plates, thereby enabling the filling system to simultaneously guide the flow of food product through each of the second openings of the first cover plate into one or more cavities in each of the first and second molded plates, which are arranged to coincide with each of the second openings.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, The apparatus further comprises a vacuum system fixed to the first cover plate and coinciding with each of the two first openings, wherein the vacuum system extends through both of the two first openings into one or more cavities that coincide with each of the first openings.

38. The apparatus according to claim 24, The apparatus further comprises a pump connected to the second opening of the first cover plate, wherein the pump supplies a certain volume of liquid food product through the second opening into the cavities of the plurality of cavities that coincide with the second opening.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, A device wherein, as the molded plate moves in parallel by rotation relative to the second opening, the pump supplies the liquid food through the second opening at a flow rate that allows the liquid food product to fill the cavity that coincides with the second opening, and each of the first plurality of cavities is filled with the liquid food product using a single path for each of the first plurality of cavities relative to the second opening.

40. A device for preparing multiple uniformly formed food products, A molded plate having multiple cavities, including a center and an arched outer edge, which is rotatable around the center, The plurality of cavities are organized collectively in close proximity to each other to establish sets of cavities within the molded plate, the cavities within the sets are arranged at consistent intervals between adjacent cavities, and there are no cavities located within the molded plate between the cavities located at opposing ends of the sets of cavities. Molded plate and A power transmission device is provided, connected to the molding plate, in order to transmit torque to the molding plate so as to rotate the molding plate around its center, A first cover plate fixed to a molding plate rotatable around a first cover plate, the first cover plate being disposed parallel to the molding plate, having a first opening disposed through the first cover plate, and a second opening disposed through the first cover plate, wherein when the molding plate is rotated around its center, each of the plurality of cavities in the molding plate is sequentially aligned with the first opening, then with the second opening, and the first cover plate defines an empty space that exposes the arc length of the molding plate when the molding plate rotates, covers the remaining portion of the molding plate, or the dimensions of the first cover plate are such that the portion of the molding plate with the plurality of cavities extends outside the first cover plate, A protruding assembly disposed in relation to the empty space, or disposed outside the first cover plate, such that it interacts with the molded plate disposed in relation to the empty space defined within the first cover plate, and the protruding assembly interacts with a cavity disposed within the empty space or outside the first cover plate, A filling system, which is disposed in conjunction with the second opening, is provided to guide the flow of food products through the second opening of the first cover plate into one or more cavities in the molded plate, which is disposed in conjunction with the second opening. A device equipped with the following features.

41. The apparatus according to claim 40, A vacuum system fixed to the first cover plate, further comprising a vacuum system coordinating with the first opening such that a vacuum force from the vacuum system extends through the first opening into one or more cavities coordinating with the first opening.

42. The apparatus according to claim 40, The apparatus further comprises a conveyor disposed below the empty space in the first cover plate or outside the first cover plate.

43. The apparatus according to claim 40, A device further comprising a drive shaft extending from the molded plate, wherein the power transmission device interacts with the drive shaft to rotate the molded plate around the center of the molded plate.

44. The apparatus according to claim 40, The apparatus includes a plurality of protruding cups, the protruding assembly being arranged to coincide with the empty space in the first cover plate or to the outside of the first cover plate.

45. The apparatus according to claim 44, The apparatus wherein each of the plurality of protruding cups moves simultaneously and linearly in parallel between a pull-out position and an engagement position, in the pull-out position the plurality of protruding cups are positioned away from the molding plate, and in the engagement position the plurality of protruding cups extend to a position close to or within the aligned cavity of the molding plate.

46. The apparatus according to claim 45, The apparatus wherein each of the plurality of ejector cups is positioned to coincide with one of the plurality of cavities in the molding plate, which is located outside the first cover plate or within the empty space of the first cover plate, when the plurality of ejector cups are moved parallel to the engagement position, and the bottom surface of each of the plurality of ejector cups comes into contact with a food product located in the cavity that coincides with the ejector cup, thereby forcefully moving the food product in each of the cavities out of the cavity so as to peel off from the molding plate.

47. The apparatus according to claim 46, A device wherein each of the plurality of protruding cups is positioned to coincide with the plurality of cavities in the molding plate when the plurality of protruding cups are moved parallel to the engagement position, and a portion of each protruding cup extends into its respective cavity, thereby applying force to the food product disposed within its respective cavity, thereby forcefully moving the food product out of the cavity so as to detach it from the molding plate.

48. The apparatus according to claim 40, The apparatus further comprises a spacer fixed to the first cover plate and extending to the outside of the outer edge of the molded plate.

49. The apparatus according to claim 40, A device in which the molded plate is circular.

50. The apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 49, A device in which the plurality of cavities in the first set include a first row and a second row of cavities, and the plurality of cavities in the second set include a first row and a second row of cavities, each of the cavities in the first row of cavities is aligned along a first arc-shaped line having a first constant radius, and each of the cavities in the second row of cavities is aligned along a second arc-shaped line having a second constant radius smaller than the first constant radius.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, An apparatus in which the centers of each of the plurality of cavities in the first row and the second row are separated from the centers of adjacent cavities by a distance greater than the diameter of each of the plurality of cavities.

52. The apparatus according to claim 50, A device wherein each of the first and second rows contains the same number of the plurality of cavities, and each cavity arranged along the first row is aligned with a radial line passing through the center of each of the cavities, and the radial line extends through the center of one of the cavities located within the second row of the plurality of cavities.

53. The apparatus according to claim 40, A device wherein the power transmission device sequentially rotates the molded plate at a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed slower than the first rotational speed, and when the plurality of cavities are arranged to coincide with the empty space of the first cover plate or to the outside of the first cover plate, and when the plurality of cavities are arranged to coincide with at least one of the first opening and the second opening of the first cover plate, the power transmission device rotates the molded plate at the second rotational speed, and when the plurality of cavities are arranged to coincide with the empty space or to the outside of the first cover plate, and are not arranged to coincide with the first opening and the second opening of the first cover plate, the power transmission device rotates the molded plate at the first rotational speed.

54. The apparatus according to claim 40, An apparatus in which the first cover plate is disposed relative to the molded plate, with a space established between the molded plate and the first cover plate.

55. The apparatus according to claim 40, The apparatus comprises a first molded plate and a second molded plate formed in the same manner, wherein the first molded plate rotates in a first rotational direction and the second molded plate rotates in a second rotational direction different from the first rotational direction.

56. The apparatus according to claim 55, A device in which the first molded plate and the second molded plate are aligned such that a portion of the first molded plate overlaps a portion of the second molded plate.

57. The apparatus according to claim 40, An apparatus in which the first cover plate is fixed to the first molded plate and the second molded plate, and the empty space in the first cover plate exposes the respective arcs of the first molded plate and the second molded plate, or the first cover plate does not surround the arcs of the first molded plate and the second molded plate.

58. The apparatus according to claim 57, The apparatus wherein the protruding assembly is adapted to interact simultaneously with the first molded plate and the second molded plate through the empty space or outside the first cover plate.

59. The apparatus according to claim 57, The apparatus comprising a first cover plate having a first and second set of first and second openings, each set communicating with each of the first and second molded plates, thereby enabling the filling system to simultaneously guide the flow of food product through each of the second openings of the first cover plate into one or more cavities in each of the first and second molded plates, which are arranged to coincide with each of the second openings.

60. The apparatus according to claim 59, The apparatus further comprises a vacuum system fixed to the first cover plate and coinciding with each of the two first openings, wherein the vacuum system extends through both of the two first openings into one or more cavities that coincide with each of the first openings.

61. The apparatus according to claim 40, The apparatus further comprises a pump connected to the second opening of the first cover plate, wherein the pump supplies a certain volume of liquid food product through the second opening into the cavities of the plurality of cavities that coincide with the second opening.

62. The apparatus according to claim 61, A device wherein, as the molded plate moves in parallel by rotation relative to the second opening, the pump supplies liquid food through the second opening at a flow rate that enables the liquid food product to fill the cavity that coincides with the second opening, and each of the first plurality of cavities is filled with the liquid food product using each of the cavities of the first plurality of cavities relative to the second opening.

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