Patent ID: 8327998
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: A21C

Abstract:
1. A method for aligning a plurality of columns of pieces of food dough that are conveyed downstream by a conveyor so that the leading edges of the pieces are aligned on a line perpendicular to a direction that the pieces of food dough are conveyed, by using a plurality of aligning members corresponding to the columns of the pieces for aligning the pieces, wherein the aligning members can reciprocate in the direction to convey the pieces and move up from and down onto the conveyor, wherein while the aligning members are moving downstream at a lower speed than that of the conveyor, the respective aligning members contact the respective leading edges of the pieces of the columns, which pieces are conveyed by the conveyor, the aligning members moving downstream at a speed that is relatively low in comparison with the speed of the pieces of food dough that are in contact with the aligning member such that adhesion between the aligning members and the pieces contacting the aligning members is reduced and then the aligning members move up and are separated from the pieces.