Patent ID: 6582214
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: A23P

Abstract:
An apparatus for opening a food product mold, having a first mold portion and a second mold portion which can be latched together, said apparatus comprising:a conveyor for receiving a latched mold thereon with a food product in the mold and for moving the mold; a delatcher adjacent to said conveyor and comprising: a mold engagement means for engaging the first portion of the mold; and a mold support for supporting the second mold portion when the first mold portion is engaged by said mold engagement means; wherein, the first mold portion is held substantially stationary against the mold support while the first mold portion is moved toward the second mold portion such that the first and second mold portions are unlatched from one another; and a staging gate adjacent to said conveyor, said staging gate being selectively actuable between a closed position wherein molds are prevented from moving on said conveyor to said delatcher and an open position wherein molds are allowed to move on said conveyor.