Patent ID: 6860195
Filing Date: 2005-03-01
Classification: A21C,A23P

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for winding a supported strip of food having a leading end and a trailing end into a rolled food item, comprising: a motor having a shaft which rotates when said motor is activated; a spool having a slot, said spool being coupled to said shaft of said motor, whereby said slotted spool rotates when said motor is activated; a guide positioned before said slot to direct the leading end of the supported food strip into said slot; a sensor positioned above said guide to detect the leading end and to generate a presence signal in response thereto; an actuator with a displaceable member; a plate coupled to said displaceable member, said plate being positioned to permit said spool to rotate to form the rolled food item; and a control circuit associated with said motor, sensor, and actuator, said control circuit configured to activate said motor in response to said presence signal and to rotate said slotted spool a predetermined number of degrees to form the rolled food item and, after said predetermined number of degrees, and to activate said actuator to displace said plate and eject the rolled food item from said slotted spool.