Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090242214 | Wellbore anchor and isolation system - Downhole tools for anchoring and isolating at least one zone in a wellbore are disclosed. The downhole tools comprise a mandrel having an upper end, a lower end, an outer wall surface, and a longitudinal bore disposed therethrough having an axis. One or more anchors are disposed through the outer wall surface of the mandrel. Each of the anchors has a retracted position and an extended position. An isolation element is disposed along the outer wall surface of the mandrel. The isolation element may cover the anchors or be disposed, above, below, or around the anchors. Engagement of the isolation element with the inner wall surface of the wellbore to isolate at least one zone of the wellbore may be accomplished by piercing the isolation element to permit wellbore fluid to contact a swellable material contained within the isolation element, or by pumping fluid into the isolation element. | 10-01-2009 |
20110005778 | Method and system for anchoring and isolating a wellbore - Downhole tools for anchoring and isolating at least one zone in a wellbore comprise a mandrel having an upper end, a lower end, an outer wall surface, and a longitudinal bore disposed therethrough having an axis. One or more anchors are disposed through the outer wall surface of the mandrel. Each of the anchors has a retracted position and an extended position. An isolation element is disposed along the outer wall surface of the mandrel. The isolation element may cover the anchors or be disposed, above, below, or around the anchors. Engagement of the isolation element with the inner wall surface of the wellbore to isolate at least one zone of the wellbore may be accomplished by piercing the isolation element to permit wellbore fluid to contact a swellable material contained within the isolation element, or by pumping fluid into the isolation element. | 01-13-2011 |
20110259587 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SEALING PORTIONS OF A WELLBORE - An apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a borehole in an earth formation includes: a carrier configured to be deployed in the borehole; and a shape memory device disposed at the carrier, the shape memory device including a shape memory material having a glass transition temperature, the shape memory material configured to modify the glass transition temperature to a temperature lower than a borehole temperature in response to a trigger, and change from a glass state to a rubber state in response to the borehole temperature to prevent fluid flowing through the shape memory device. | 10-27-2011 |
20120211221 | Annulus Mounted Potential Energy Driven Setting Tool - An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly. | 08-23-2012 |
20130020092 | Remote Manipulation and Control of Subterranean Tools - A subterranean tool that is self contained for actuation can be run into a desired location on an automatic set mode controlled by a timer. If a problem develops in getting the tool to the desired location in time a magnetic field created by permanent or electro-magnets can be brought to bear on the tool to stop the timer before the tool actuates. Once the tool is subsequently positioned at the desired location another magnetic field can be brought to bear near the tool to set it. Alternatively, the tool can be run to the desired location without activation with the timer and then the magnetic field can be brought to the tool to set it. The magnetic field can be lowered to the tool with wireline or can be dropped or pumped past the tool to actuate the tool. Optionally the field can be generated from within an object that ultimately lands on a seat to provide a backup way to set the tool using tubing pressure. | 01-24-2013 |
20130146144 | SHAPE-MEMORY APPARATUSES FOR RESTRICTING FLUID FLOW THROUGH A CONDUIT AND METHODS OF USING SAME - Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a tubular member having a seat member disposed within the tubular member for receiving a plug element. One or both of the seat member or the plug element comprise at least one shape-memory material to facilitate the plug element being able to land on the seat and/or to facilitate the plug element to pass through a seat member or other restriction in the tubular member either before or after landing on a seat. | 06-13-2013 |
20130312982 | THERMAL RELEASE MECHANISM FOR DOWNHOLE TOOLS - A release mechanism for use in setting a downhole tool comprises two connectors releasably connected to one other. One of the connectors includes a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from a material included in the second connector. The difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion causes one of the connectors to expand greater than the other connector when heat is applied to one or both of the connectors. As a result of the greater expansion of one of the connectors, the connectors release from each other. Upon release, an actuator within the downhole tool is permitted to move and cause actuation or setting of the downhole tool. | 11-28-2013 |
20140144653 | Annulus Mounted Potential Energy Driven Setting Tool - An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly. | 05-29-2014 |
20140318761 | Dissolvable Subterranean Tool Locking Mechanism - A hydrostatically set packer is held against setting by a locking member that is made of controlled electrolytic material (CEM). After introduction into a wellbore and exposure to thermal or well fluid inputs the lock made of CEM dissolves or is otherwise weakened to the point where relative movement can occur for the setting of the packer with available hydrostatic pressure. The locking member can also be a shape memory alloy at least in part whose shape change allows the tool to set. | 10-30-2014 |
20150354350 | Downhole Vibratory Communication System and Method - Systems and methods for controlling one or more downhole tools. A vibratory signal is produced by interaction between an actuation profile and a contact profile. In response to the vibratory signal, a controller actuates one or more downhole tools. | 12-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120101731 | Extending Data Retention of a Data Storage Device Downhole - A system and method for performing a wellbore operation is disclosed. A first memory device for storing data is provided at a downhole location, the first memory device having a first data retention time. A second memory device is provided at the downhole location, and controller is used to store data at the first memory device and to transfer the data to the second memory device at a selected time interval less than the first data retention time. | 04-26-2012 |
20120329387 | DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A system for communicating between a first unit and a second unit without a physical connection, the system including a magnetic element for creating a magnetic field, a sensor operatively arranged to detect changes in the magnetic field, and a driver operatively arranged to alter the magnetic field detected by the sensor in accordance with a first signal, the first signal operatively arranged to transmit data independent of an amplitude of the first signal, the sensor generating a second signal in response to changes in the magnetic field, the second signal representative of the first signal. | 12-27-2012 |
20130043048 | Systems and Methods for Selective Electrical Isolation of Downhole Tools - Systems and methods for electrically isolating selected ones of a set of downhole tools that are connected to a common electrical cable. In one embodiment, a system includes surface equipment, a plurality of downhole tools and a common electrical cable. The downhole tools are connected to the cable by coupling switches. Each switch has a closed position in which the downhole tool is electrically coupled to the cable and an open position in which the downhole tool is electrically decoupled from the cable. The coupling switches are remotely actuated by placing an actuating device in proximity to the switches, thereby alternately coupling the corresponding downhole tools to the common cable or isolating the tools from the cable. | 02-21-2013 |
20130100447 | OPTICAL SENSING UTILIZING OPTICAL CRYSTAL AND POLARIZATION MEASUREMENTS - An apparatus for measuring a parameter includes: an optical crystal having an optical axis and configured to be disposed at a selected location; an optical signal source in optical communication with a surface of the crystal and configured to transmit an optical signal having an initial polarization to the surface, the surface configured to reflect at least a portion of the signal as a reflected signal; a detector configured to receive the reflected signal; and a processor configured to determine a polarization of the reflected signal and estimate the parameter at the location based on the polarization of the reflected signal. | 04-25-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080273687 | System and Method for Providing Customer Activities While in Queue - A system and method for providing customer activities while in queue allows for one or more customers to interact with one or more customer activities while waiting to speak with a live agent. The customers engage the customer activities while holding in a queue where the customer activities reduce the boredom, frustration, and perceived hold duration associated with holding to speak to a live agent. The customers are offered one or more options of the customer activities to interact with and the system and method monitors the customers' selections and interaction with the customer activities. As agents become available, each customer is transferred to an agent along with information regarding the customer's interaction with a selected customer activity. Upon completion of the interaction between the agent and the customer, the customer has the option to return to the selected customer activity and continue interacting with the selected customer activity. | 11-06-2008 |
20080313571 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATING THE CREATION OF CUSTOMER-CENTRIC INTERFACES - An interface is provided by creating prompts for the interface. The prompts represent tasks to be accomplished by a user and are obtained based on user input. The prompts are grouped according to relationships, obtained from the user input, among the tasks. The interface is updated based on user feedback. Each of the prompts is designated using user terminology obtained from the user input. | 12-18-2008 |
20100017698 | Flexible Multiple Spreadsheet Data Consolidation System - Methods and systems are disclosed that include consolidating data from multiple spreadsheets. Consolidating data from multiple spreadsheets includes receiving a selection of a plurality of spreadsheets via a graphical control panel that includes a spreadsheet selection area. The spreadsheet selection area includes a workbook selection area to select workbooks that are not open for inclusion in the selection of the plurality of spreadsheets. Consolidating data from multiple spreadsheets further includes receiving a selection of portions of data from the plurality of spreadsheets and executing automated consolidation of the portions of data by retrieving the portions of data and generating a final report spreadsheet. Consolidating data from multiple spreadsheets further includes appending the portions of data to the final report spreadsheet. | 01-21-2010 |
20100061544 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND SOFTWARE FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN SPEECH-ENABLED APPLICATIONS USING ACTION-OBJECT MATRICES - A system, method and software are described for facilitating transitions between speech-enabled applications employing action-object matrices. In an exemplary embodiment, an automatic call router determines a service agent destination by identifying an action-object combination included in a user utterance. In addition to forwarding the user to the service agent destination, the automatic call router sends one or more aspects of the user utterance to the service agent for use therewith. The service agent may then use aspects of the forwarded information to request further information from the user or to begin performance of a user desired transaction. | 03-11-2010 |
20100174572 | Methods and Apparatus for Analyzing User Information to Identify Conditions Indicating a Need for Assistance for the User - Systems and techniques for analyzing information relating to a user to determine whether the user requires assistance. Information for a user is received from sources selected to provide information relating to the user's activities and analyzed to determine whether conditions exist indicating a possible need for assistance for the user. User location, motion, and activity information is received and analyzed against expected information stored in the user profile and analyzed to determine if assistance is needed. If a determination is made that the user's behavior indicates that assistance may be needed, communication is initiated to summon appropriate assistance. | 07-08-2010 |
20120269339 | System and Method for Providing Customer Activities While in Queue - A system and method for providing customer activities while in queue allows for one or more customers to interact with one or more customer activities while waiting to speak with a live agent. The customers engage the customer activities while holding in a queue where the customer activities reduce the boredom, frustration, and perceived hold duration associated with holding to speak to a live agent. The customers are offered one or more options of the customer activities to interact with and the system and method monitors the customers' selections and interaction with the customer activities. As agents become available, each customer is transferred to an agent along with information regarding the customer's interaction with a selected customer activity. Upon completion of the interaction between the agent and the customer, the customer has the option to return to the selected customer activity and continue interacting with the selected customer activity. | 10-25-2012 |
20130059621 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A NETWORK - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network element having a controller to obtain network information associated with establishing a network among a group of communication devices, and provide the network information to a plurality of network set-up devices removably connected to the network element, where each of the plurality of network set-up devices is connectable with a communication device of the group of communication devices to provide at least a portion of the network information to the communication device, and where the network is established based at least in part on the at least a portion of the network information. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 03-07-2013 |
20130238793 | Methods And Apparatus For Analyzing User Information To Identify Conditions Indicating A Need For Assistance For The User - Systems and techniques for analyzing information relating to a user to determine whether the user requires assistance. Information for a user is received from sources selected to provide information relating to the user's activities and analyzed to determine whether conditions exist indicating a possible need for assistance for the user. User location, motion, and activity information is received and analyzed against expected information stored in the user profile and analyzed to determine if assistance is needed. If a determination is made that the user's behavior indicates that assistance may be needed, communication is initiated to summon appropriate assistance. | 09-12-2013 |
20130326250 | MANAGING POWER CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES RESPONSIVE TO USAGE FORECAST - A system and process that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, transitioning a processor from a high-power consumption state to a low-power consumption state, wherefrom return to the high-power consumption state includes a boot process. Future demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state is predicted, while the processor is in the low-power consumption state. The processor is transitioned from the low-power consumption state to the high-power consumption state in response to predicting future demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state. Such transition of the processor from the low-power consumption state to the high-power consumption state sufficiently precedes actual demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state so as to avoid perceptible user delay. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 12-05-2013 |
20150370307 | MANAGING POWER CONSUMPTION STATE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES RESPONSIVE TO PREDICTING FUTURE DEMAND - A system and process that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, transitioning a processor from a high-power consumption state to a low-power consumption state, wherefrom return to the high-power consumption state includes a boot process. Future demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state is predicted, while the processor is in the low-power consumption state. The processor is transitioned from the low-power consumption state to the high-power consumption state in response to predicting future demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state. Such transition of the processor from the low-power consumption state to the high-power consumption state sufficiently precedes actual demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state so as to avoid perceptible user delay. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 12-24-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100126716 | Actuator For Downhole Tools - An apparatus, method, and system for actuating a wellbore tool includes a body having a chamber in which a movable member is disposed. The movable member may connect to a selected wellbore tool. Within the chamber is a controllable fluid that substantially prevents relative movement between the body and the movable member when exposed to an applied magnetic field. A generator applies the magnetic field to the fluid and may change the applied magnetic field in response to a first control signal to release the movable member from the body. A driver displaces the movable member relative to the body once the movable member is released from the body. | 05-27-2010 |
20100132957 | DOWNHOLE SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR AND METHOD - A downhole actuator includes, a sleeve, a mandrel, and at least one of the sleeve and the mandrel is in operable communication with a downhole tool to be actuated. The actuator further includes, a follower disposed at one of the sleeve and the mandrel, a pathway disposed at the other of the sleeve and the mandrel, the pathway being receptive to the follower and configured to cause rotational motion and limit a stroke length between the sleeve and the mandrel in response to longitudinal motion between the follower and the pathway. The actuator also has a shape memory alloy in operable communication with the sleeve and the mandrel configured to longitudinally move the sleeve in relation to the mandrel in response to temperature changes thereof. | 06-03-2010 |
20110000547 | TUBULAR VALVING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tubular valving system includes, a tubular having a bore therethrough with at least one port defining fluidic communication between the bore and an outside of the tubular, and a valve stem disposed within the bore of the tubular that is longitudinally movable with respect to the tubular, the valve stem has an outer surface slidably engagable with the bore, the outer surface has features that provide variably choked fluidic communication between the bore and the at least one port, and an amount of choke varies depending upon a relative position of the valve stem with respect to the bore | 01-06-2011 |
20110000660 | MODULAR VALVE BODY AND METHOD OF MAKING - A modular valve body includes, a tubular defining an inner bore extending longitudinally therethrough and the tubular has standardized fittings at both ends that are connectable to a drillstring or tubing. The body further has a first surface disposed at the tubular that is in fluidic communication with the inner bore by at least one port, the first surface is receptive to any one of a plurality of selectable modular valves mountable thereat, and a second surface disposed at the tubular is receptive to a circuit configurable to control the selected one of the plurality of selectable modular valves. | 01-06-2011 |
20110000674 | REMOTELY CONTROLLABLE MANIFOLD - A downhole manifold configured to manage fluid flow to or from a subterranean formation including a housing in operable communication with two or more fluid pathways and having one or more ports for fluid communication with a flow channel; and a valve stem disposed within the housing and actuable to fluidly select one of the two or more fluid pathways and to fluidly communicate that pathway with the one or more ports. | 01-06-2011 |
20110000679 | TUBULAR VALVE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tubular valve system includes, a tubular, a primary valve actuatable to control occlusion of at least one port fluidically connecting an inner bore of the tubular with an outside of the tubular, and a contingency valve actuatable to control occlusion of at least one port fluidically connecting the inner bore with the outside of the tubular. | 01-06-2011 |
20110146265 | Actuator and Method of Actuating - An actuator includes, a housing, an expandable member housed within the housing configured to expand and contract, an elongated member in operable communication with the expandable member, and a ratchet in operable communication with at least one of the expandable member and the elongated member. The ratchet is configured to allow movement of the elongated member in a first direction relative to the housing in response to expansion of the expandable member and to prevent movement of the elongated member in a second direction in response to contraction of the expandable member until the elongated member has moved a selected dimension, after which the ratchet automatically permits movement of the elongated member in the second direction. | 06-23-2011 |
20110232765 | VALVING DEVICE AND METHOD - A valving device includes a body having a bore hole and a slot, the slot providing fluidic communication between the bore hole and an outside of the body. A cylinder is rotationally movably engaged within the bore hole and has an opening providing fluidic communication between an outer radial surface of the cylinder and a cavity therewithin. The valving device is configured to alter a portion of the slot in fluidic communication with the opening. | 09-29-2011 |
20120168153 | WATERCUT SENSOR USING REACTIVE MEDIA - An apparatus for estimating a parameter of interest includes a conduit and a reactive media in the conduit. The reactive media interacts with a selected fluid component to control a flow parameter of the conduit. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor responsive to the flow parameter. The apparatus may be used for estimating a water content of a fluid flowing from a subterranean formation. The apparatus may include a flow path configured to convey fluid from the formation. The at least one sensor may be responsive to a pressure change in the flow path caused by interaction of the reactive media with water. | 07-05-2012 |
20120312523 | MODULAR CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DOWNHOLE TOOL - A modular control system includes a control module removably attachable to an exterior of a downhole tool. A controlled device, the controlled device providing a function for the downhole tool. The controlled device controlled by the control module. | 12-13-2012 |
20140151034 | WATERCUT SENSOR USING REACTIVE MEDIA - An apparatus for estimating a parameter of interest includes a conduit and a reactive media in the conduit. The reactive media interacts with a selected fluid component to control a flow parameter of the conduit. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor responsive to the flow parameter. The apparatus may be used for estimating a water content of a fluid flowing from a subterranean formation. The apparatus may include a flow path configured to convey fluid from the formation. The at least one sensor may be responsive to a pressure change in the flow path caused by interaction of the reactive media with water. | 06-05-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100080868 | Mash Process Offering Better Control - A method for producing a dehydrated potato product and products incorporating the dehydrated potato product. The method includes macerating uncooked whole potatoes to form a slurry. The resultant slurry is then optionally decanted to remove excess liquid. Then the slurry is cooked to form a potato mash. The potato mash is then chilled which provides an opportunity to retrograde the starch as well as reduce the mash cohesiveness. The mash is then dehydrated to form a dehydrated potato product. Throughout various stages of processing, additives can be incorporated to adjust the texture, adhesiveness, taste, color, and shape retention of the final food product. The additives may be incorporated during the slurry phase wherein they are more readily absorbed. Further, additives may also be incorporated which reduce undesirable puffing. | 04-01-2010 |
20120196010 | Continuous Process for Making a Wheat Tortilla - A continuous process for making a wheat tortilla or other similar products using a continuous pressing step that occurs during a continuous oven initial cooking step or immediately thereafter. Applicants' invention produces a final product with characteristics of a traditionally cooked flour tortilla using equipment that provides for significant increases in manufacturing throughput. The combination of the continuous oven with the concurrent, or relatively concurrent, pressing step substitutes for the hot pressing plates used in previous methods. | 08-02-2012 |
20120196015 | Continuous Process for Making a Pita Chip - A continuous process for making a pita chip or other similar products using a continuous pressing step that occurs shortly after a continuous oven initial cooking step. Applicants' invention produces a final product with characteristics of a traditionally cooked pita chip using equipment that provides for significant increases in manufacturing throughput. The use of a continuous oven with the relatively concurrent pressing step allows for the production of a flat chip piece on a continuous product line. | 08-02-2012 |
20120207892 | FABRICATED FOOD PRODUCT MADE FROM FRESH POTATO MASH - A composition and method for providing a strong dough having a substantial quantity of fresh potatoes. Fresh potatoes are made into a mash and centrifuged to reduce the water content to about 70% by weight. Such potato mash can comprise over 50% by weight of the final dough. This dough can be used to make sheeted or extruded products. Such dough results in improved, more naturally-flavored products compared to products made entirely from dehydrated or partially-dehydrated potato derivatives. The method comprises finely slicing potatoes to form a potato slurry or mash; decanting excess water from the potato slurry; heating the potato slurry to a temperature no greater than about 190 degrees Fahrenheit; cooling the slurry to under 140 degrees Fahrenheit; and imparting a low amount of work input to a mixture of the slurry and other ingredients to form a shapeable dough. | 08-16-2012 |
20120328752 | CONTINUOUS OVEN WITH A CASCADING CONVEYOR - A continuous oven comprising cascading conveyors. In one embodiment the oven comprises an oven floor, a ceiling, a left panel, and a right panel. The oven floor and ceiling are attached by the left and right sides defining an oven cavity. Located inside the oven cavity is at least one cascading conveyor. Also within the oven cavity is a partition which separates the oven into an upstream end and a downstream end. | 12-27-2012 |
20130196040 | METHOD FOR COOKING PRODUCT USING AN ELECTROMAGNETIC OVEN - A method for cooking a product in an electromagnetic oven. In one embodiment product is conveyed to a convection oven. The product is then cooked to a moisture content of between about 3% and about 20%. The product is then conveyed to an electromagnetic oven where the moisture content is reduced to below 2.5%. The combination of the convection oven and the electromagnetic oven reduces the moisture gradient within the product which results in decreased post packaging stress cracks. | 08-01-2013 |
20140037789 | Continuous Process and Apparatus for Making a Pita Chip - A continuous process and the accompanying equipment for making a chip product, such as pita chips. The process involves cutting sheeted dough into continuous longitudinal strips, and cooking them to form hollow tubes. In some embodiments, these tubes are split longitudinally. Also disclosed is a vacuum-assisted splitter. These bread tubes or strips are cured in an accelerated process. The bread tube is trimmed into chip-sized pieces. In one embodiment, the pita bread strips are cut into chip-sized pieces using a continuous, low-pressure water jet cutting system. The resulting chip-sized pieces are nearly uniform in size, shape, and texture. | 02-06-2014 |
20140079861 | FABRICATED FOOD PRODUCT MADE FROM FRESH POTATO MASH - A composition and method for providing a strong dough having a substantial quantity of fresh potatoes. Fresh potatoes are made into a mash and centrifuged to reduce the water content to about 70% by weight. Such potato mash can comprise over 50% by weight of the final dough. This dough can be used to make sheeted or extruded products. Such dough results in improved, more naturally-flavored products compared to products made entirely from dehydrated or partially-dehydrated potato derivatives. The method comprises finely slicing potatoes to form a potato slurry or mash; decanting excess water from the potato slurry; heating the potato slurry to a temperature no greater than about 190 degrees Fahrenheit; cooling the slurry to under 140 degrees Fahrenheit; and imparting a low amount of work input to a mixture of the slurry and other ingredients to form a shapeable dough. | 03-20-2014 |
20140242245 | SHELF-STABLE BAKED CRISPS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME - A shelf-stable baked crisp and method for making the same. In one embodiment the shelf-stable crisp comprises a cooked batter which comprises oil, gluten, flour, baking powder, and egg. The crisp comprises a moisture content of between 2 and 5% and is shelf-stable. In one embodiment the crisp does not comprise artificial ingredients such as artificial preservatives, flavorings, or colorings. To manufacture the crisp, in one embodiment, the ingredients are first mixed to form a batter which is deposited into a pan and baked. Thereafter, the product is cooled, sliced, and then dried. | 08-28-2014 |
20150150268 | CONTINUOUS PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A PITA CHIP - A method and apparatus for forming chips, for example, pita chips, from a continuous mass of dough. In a first aspect, the apparatus comprises a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a first trimmer. The first conveyor and the second conveyor are spaced apart a distance to form a gap. The first trimmer, which can comprise a liquid jet nozzle, is positioned above the gap. In a second aspect, the method comprises using a first conveyor to convey a continuous mass of dough to a first trimmer positioned over a gap between the first conveyor and a second conveyor. The method also comprises using the first trimmer to longitudinally trim a first portion of the continuous mass of dough to form thinner strips of the continuous mass of dough. The thinner strips can be integral with the first portion. | 06-04-2015 |
20150150269 | CONTINUOUS PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A PITA CHIP - A method and apparatus for processing dough, for example, to form pita chips. The dough is split longitudinally to form a first portion of dough and a second portion of dough. In a first aspect, the apparatus comprises a first roller, a second roller, and at least one source of vacuum to provide a first vacuum in the first roller and a second vacuum in the second roller. The first roller and the second roller are spaced apart a distance so that the dough can pass between. In a second aspect, the method comprises providing dough with a first portion and a second portion; conveying the dough between a first roller and a second roller; exposing the first portion to a first vacuum within the first roller, rotating the first roller; exposing the second portion to a second vacuum within the second roller; and rotating the second roller. | 06-04-2015 |
20150150270 | CONTINUOUS PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A PITA CHIP - A method and apparatus for processing dough, for example, curing dough to make a pita chip. In a first aspect, the method comprises providing a first portion of dough on a first conveyor, conveying the first portion into an oven, directing a heating medium at the first portion using a first discharge array, and conveying the first portion out of the oven. In a second aspect, the apparatus comprises an oven, a first conveyor for conveying a first portion of dough, and a first discharge array. The oven comprises an oven housing, a first entrance of the oven housing for the first portion of dough, and a first exit of the oven housing for the first portion of dough. The first discharge array is positioned and oriented to direct a heating medium at the first portion of dough when the first portion of dough is positioned for conveyance by the first conveyor. | 06-04-2015 |