Patent ID: 6026738
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: A21C

Abstract:
A self-contained apparatus for forming a crust from a raw supply of dough, the apparatus comprising:a support frame defining a crust-forming path extending between an upstream end and a downstream end of the support frame;an infeed conveyor belt positioned on the support frame for transporting the raw supply of dough from the upstream end of the support frame, the infeed conveyor belt extending between an infeed end and a discharge end;a press assembly mounted to the support frame between the infeed end and the discharge end of the infeed conveyor belt, the press assembly being operable to press the raw supply of dough into the desired crust shape;a docking station mounted to the support frame adjacent to the discharge end of the infeed conveyor belt, the docking station being operable to perforate the crust and transport the crust from the discharge end of the infeed conveyor belt through the docking station; anda panner mounted to the support frame adjacent to the docking station, the panner being operable to receive the perforated, formed crust from the docking station on a crust container.