Patent ID: 7975604
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: A21C

Abstract:
1. A dough proofing apparatus having an improved air flow arrangement, comprising: a chamber for holding dough during proofing operations and having a door for accessing the chamber, an air duct extending on a first side of the chamber and having a plurality of openings distributed both vertically and horizontally in the chamber, an air duct extending on a second side of the chamber and having a plurality of openings distributed both vertically and horizontally in the chamber, the second side opposite the first side; an opening in the chamber for receiving air from within the chamber; a heating element for heating air received through the upper opening wherein the heating element is located outside the chamber; a collection/distribution area for collection and uniform distribution of air heated by the heating element, the collection/distribution area being in a location downstream and separate from the heating element and in substantially the same horizontal plane as the heating element; a blower for causing air to flow from the chamber through the upper opening for heating, over the heating element, and to the collection/distribution area, a first air flow path leading from the collection/distribution area to the air duct on the first side of the chamber; a second air flow path leading from the collection/distribution area to the air duct on the second side of the chamber; wherein heated air is distributed uniformly through each of the first and second air flow paths leading to each of the air duct on the first side of the chamber and the air duct on the second side of the chamber, respectively.