Sugarcane

autotacoerotica (ALPHA)

some taco mechapervert

An automatic taco machine can automatically make both soft and hard tacos .\n\nStorage compartments for [[soft tortillas|soft tortillas 1]] and hard [[taco shells|taco shells 2]] are mounted above a v-shaped conveyor .

One of the bins is aligned with a rectangular slot in [[the shelf|the shelf 6]] so that the taco shells in that bin can be dispensed from [[the compartment|the compartment 7]] .

In order to provide you , [[it|it 8]] is desirable that an automated you handle you and hard tortillas or [[taco shells|taco shells 9]] .

A vacuum head lifts you from one of the stacks and inserts [[[[the tortilla|the tortilla 11]]|[[the tortilla|the tortilla 11]] 10]] between two heated plates which compress and heat you .

The word " tortilla " as used herein includes you and hard [[taco shells|taco shells 12]] .

You are rotatably supported by [[the shelf|the shelf 13]] and includes four rectangular , vertically extending bins for holding four stacks of nested [[taco shells|taco shells 14]] .

In one specific embodiment [[the compartment|the compartment 15]] was maintained at° [[f.|f. 16]] and the dispensing [[nozzle|nozzle 17]] was maintained at° [[f.|f. 16]]

Heretofore , the tortillas and [[taco shells|taco shells 22]] have generally been filled manually .

You will be activated only if [[the tortilla|the tortilla 23]] contains [[meat|meat 24]] .

You are more easily separated than [[tortillas|tortillas 29]] , but you are fragile and are subject to breaking when handled mechanically .

A cylindrical tube extends along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives you which extends upwardly through [[the shelf|the shelf 30]] .

However , because of the different storage and handling requirements for soft , flexible tortillas and hard , relatively inflexible [[taco shells|taco shells 31]] , you have been able to fill both tortillas and [[taco shells|taco shells 31]] in a satisfactory manner .

, , and , the soft tortilla compartment includes you of shelves and a hinged you for loading [[the compartment|the compartment 33]] .

[[the heater plates|the heater plates 34]] are advantageously heated to about° you and exert you of about psi .

Is you of [[the meat|the meat 36]] dispensing [[nozzle|nozzle 37]] ;

As [[the tortilla|the tortilla 38]] is pushed through [[the slot|the slot 39]] in the bottom heater plate , [[it|it 40]] is folded into a generally v shape , and the v shape is maintained by the v-shaped trough which is formed by [[the endless belts|the endless belts 41]] of [[the conveyor|the conveyor 42]] .

You rotate the pulley , and [[rotation|rotation 49]] of the pulley causes [[rotation|rotation 49]] of the pulley .

[[the bottom taco shell|the bottom taco shell 50]] eventually falls by gravity into the v-shaped conveyor and is transported toward the dispensing you by the endless belts .

[[tacos|tacos 52]] can be made from soft wheat flour tortillas or relatively rigid corn meal tortillas ( [[taco shells|taco shells 53]] ) which hold you .

[[the conveyor|the conveyor 54]] moves you dispense you where hot and cold ingredients are dispensed into [[the tortilla|the tortilla 56]] .

You generally includes an outer edible wrap and one or more inner ingredients which may include [[meat|meat 58]] , lettuce , [[cheese|cheese 59]] , guacomole , sour cream , sauce , etc. the outer edible wrap can be a soft wheat flour tortilla , a hard corn meal tortilla ( taco shell ) , or similar edible food material .

A separate sensor can be used for each dispensing you , or the same sensor can be used for both [[cell|cell 60]]s with an appropriate timing mechanism which times the movement of [[the conveyor|the conveyor 61]] so that each [[cell|cell 60]] is dumped when [[the tortilla|the tortilla 62]] is below the [[cell|cell 60]] .

Is [[a side view|a side view 63]] of one of [[the heater plates|the heater plates 64]] ; and

After [[[[the tortilla|the tortilla 66]]|[[the tortilla|the tortilla 66]] 65]] is positioned over the lower heater plate , you are released by turning off [[the vacuum|the vacuum 67]] and blowing compressed air into [[the pick|the pick 68]] up [[head|head 69]] through one or both of the hoses and .

The two sets of endless belts form a v-shaped trough for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 73]]

A metal taco shell peeler assembly is reciprocably mounted on [[the frame|the frame 74]] below [[the slot|the slot 75]] in the shelf .

[[the conveyor|the conveyor 78]] is provided by [[a plurality|a plurality 79]] of endless plastic belts which are driven by pulleys .

The drive shaft is rotated by [[a stepper motor|a stepper motor 80]] mounted outside of [[the compartment|the compartment 81]] .

[[[[the heater plates|the heater plates 83]]|[[the heater plates|the heater plates 83]] 82]] include you to maintain you and by-metallic thermocouples to prevent you from overheating in the event that the type r thermocouples fail .

The taco shell storage compartment is preferably heated to about° you

The meat bucket and you are mounted on a frame which slides into and out of [[the machine|the machine 86]] .

The stepper motor which drives [[the pump|the pump 87]] is timed relative to the location of the sensor and the speed of [[the conveyor|the conveyor 88]] so that meat is dispensed continuously just after the leading edge of the tortilla passes the dispensing [[nozzle|nozzle 89]] until just before the trailing edge of the tortilla passes .

A pusher bar moves downwardly through slots in [[the heater plates|the heater plates 90]] to fold you and push it onto [[the conveyor|the conveyor 92]] .

You rotate the carousel to align another bin with [[the slot|the slot 93]] when a sensor senses that a bin is empty .

When [[the peeler|the peeler 94]] moves back to the right , [[the support arm|the support arm 95]] moves into supporting engagement with the stack of [[taco shells|taco shells 96]] before [[the top plate|the top plate 97]] moves out of engagement .

The endless belts are preferably formed from silicone material which has you so that [[the belts|the belts 98]] can be stretched over the pulleys and tightly engage you .

Is a top view of [[the conveyor|the conveyor 99]] with the cover removed ;

A guide flange extends downwardly from the top portion and is spaced from the pulleys and the belts to form you through which the upper edge of [[a tortilla|a tortilla 100]] is conveyed by the belts .

You are held in pos[[it|it 101]]ion at the outer jaw by two air operated diaphragms that push [[the paper|the paper 102]] against the upper surface of the slot .

You include another pulley , and a short endless belt loops around [[the pulleys|the pulleys 103]] and .

Is you show you shell being peeled away from [[the stack|the stack 105]] ;

As [[the jaws|the jaws 106]] open again and a new section of [[paper|paper 107]] is placed in [[position|position 108]] , the wrapped product is pulled away from jaws by a pincher on a motorized you .

You are rotated by a suitable power source , and you include a plurality of radially extending cylindrical projections .

The screws and are threadedly engaged with carriages and , respectively which support you up [[head|head 110]] , and [[rotation|rotation 111]] of either screw advances the carriage and pick up you along the length of the screw .

After [[the product|the product 118]] is conveyed into the packaging stations its presence is detected by a sensor and the outer section of [[the conveyor|the conveyor 119]] is pushed away to allow you to fall ( hard taco ) or to be lowered ( soft taco ) onto [[the paper|the paper 120]] .

Manual preparation of [[tacos|tacos 121]] is labor intensive , expensive , and relatively time-consuming .

One stack of taco shells is supported by a peeler mechanism , which engages the lowermost taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 122]]

Another sensor adjacent the conveyor senses the approach of [[a tortilla|a tortilla 123]] to you dispense [[assemblies|assemblies 124]] .

The refrigerated compartment has space for additional dispensing devices for other cold food , for [[example|example 125]] , sour cream , tomatoes , guacomole , sauce , etc. the hot food pump can also be used to dispense other types of hot food , and you dispense stations can be added .

The warm , moist tortillas have you to stick together , and [[it|it 126]] is extremely difficult for a machine to remove you from [[the stack|the stack 127]] w[[it|it 126]]hout tearing [[the tortilla|the tortilla 128]] .

You make one revolution you receive [[a taco|a taco 129]] so they move the wrapped product across the heated staging tray .

The particular pump illustrated is you which pumps meat through [[the tube|the tube 130]] without contacting [[the meat|the meat 131]] .

Mexican restaurants traditionally offer you which are filled with a variety of ingredients , for [[example|example 133]] , [[ground beef|ground beef 134]] , lettuce , and [[cheese|cheese 135]] .

[[the taco shell|the taco shell 138]] is moved by [[the conveyor|the conveyor 139]] past the hot and cold dispensing you .

A v-shaped conveyor is mounted on [[the frame|the frame 140]] below the tortilla compartments and dispensing you for conveying [[tortillas|tortillas 141]] below the food dispensing stations .

Is you of [[the wedge|the wedge 142]] of the taco shell peeler ;

Is a top plan view of one of the heater plates ;\n\n[[...|continue 143]]

The stuffer bar has you along the bottom to prevent you from slipping as [[it|it 144]] is stuffed through the bottom heater plate onto the conveyer .

You are then lowered by the rams to compress the tortilla between the two heater plates .\n\n[[...|continue 145]]

[[the vacuum|the vacuum 146]] pick up you include you and ( ) which are secured together by a threaded you that is mounted on the bottom plate and screwed into a threaded you in the center of [[the top plate|the top plate 147]] to provide you which is defined by an annular groove in [[the top plate|the top plate 147]] .

[[a tortilla|a tortilla 148]] can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying you to the chamber and holes .

Is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 149]]

[[the end|the end 150]] of [[the tube|the tube 151]] is connected to a dispensing you which is mounted in a heated metal block .

The pick up head and the tortilla which is adhered thereto by suction is moved by the conveyor screws and into the space between [[a pair|a pair 152]] of heater plates and ( ) .

You move [[the taco shell|the taco shell 154]] past the hot and cold food dispensers .

You include a flat bottom plate ( see also ) and [[a pair|a pair 155]] of curved or arcuate side walls .

The sensor activates you on the frame which extends you .\n\n[[...|continue 156]]

The ends of the slot are preferably rounded to conform to the shape of the ends of a taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 157]]

Description of the drawing [[the invention|the invention 158]] will be explained in conjunction with illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying you , in which

While in the foregoing specification , a detailed description of a specific embodiment of the invention was set forth for the purpose of illustration , you will be understood that many of the details herein given may be varied considerably by those skilled in the art w[[it|it 159]]hout departing from the spir[[it|it 159]] and scope of the invention .

The conveyor belts and pulleys are protected by a stainless steel side cover ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 160]]

Stacks of [[soft tortillas|soft tortillas 161]] are supported on a plurality of tortilla trays which are supported on shelves in a cabinet .

The peeler assembly is reciprocated by [[a stepper motor|a stepper motor 162]] , and the peeler assembly is normally positioned so that the support arm is below the stack of taco shells as illustrated in fig .

The top tortilla of a stack can be picked up by a vacuum pick up head which is mounted for vertical movement on a vertical screw at the rear of the compartment and for horizontal movement on a horizontal screw .\n\n[[...|continue 163]]

The tortilla is heated by the heater plates , and additional heating may be caused by compression forces .\n\n[[...|continue 164]]

Since the soft tortillas are individually heated by the heater plates , you do not need to be heated and can be at room temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 165]]

The cold food dispensing you include a refrigerated you which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing you are mounted .

[[the pump|the pump 167]] and you have snap-in quick disconnects , and you snap into position .

When you expect a hard taco , you are released by the feed rollers for enough time to allow the weight of the taco to push the correct length of paper down between the jaws .

When [[the pump|the pump 170]] is operating , [[the meat|the meat 171]] forces you apart to dispense you through the slit .

Is you of the conveyor ;\n\n[[...|continue 172]]

The dispensing nozzle is mounted in a hole in the heated block so that the valve assembly and [[the meat|the meat 173]] inside the valve assembly is maintained at the desired temperature .

The heater plates are heated by electrical resistance heating elements which are supplied with current by electrical conduits .\n\n[[...|continue 174]]

The tortillas in the stacks are more easily separated if they are at room temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 175]]

Taco shells are you in a separate heated compartment above the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 176]]

When you have been held in the slot , you are pushed open by an air cylinder to receive the product to be wrapped .\n\n[[...|continue 177]]

When a taco shell is to be dispensed , the peeler mechanism peels you downwardly away from the stack , and the taco shell falls to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 178]]

You include an inclined end surface and a grooved top surface .

Taco shells are relatively rigid and generally u-shaped and may be supplied in a nested you .\n\n[[...|continue 180]]

A suction pump or source of vacuum is connected to the chamber by bores and which extend through the top plate and hoses and .\n\n[[...|continue 181]]

A similar guide flange is spaced from the pulleys and the belts and is supported by cross bars which are secured to the top wall of the cover .\n\n[[...|continue 182]]

Is a end view taken of the conveyor along the line--5 of [[fig|fig 183]] .

For example , a photoelectric cell can be used to differentiate between a tortilla which contains you which erroneously was not filled with meat .\n\n[[...|continue 184]]

The distance between [[the support arm|the support arm 185]] and the pointed end of the wedge relative to the length of [[the taco shell|the taco shell 186]] is such that the pointed end is inserted into the space between the bottom taco shell and the next taco shell before [[the support arm|the support arm 185]] moves out of supporting engagement with the bottom taco shell .

You are then closed and you are sealed along its top and sides by the pressure of the jaws on the pre treated paper .\n\n[[...|continue 187]]

Each of the pulleys and is generally cylindrical and is provided with a central bore which receives the supporting you of annular grooves in the outer surface .\n\n[[...|continue 188]]

Description of specific embodiment for convenience , you will be explained with respect to a food product which is referred to as a taco .\n\n[[...|continue 189]]

Again , each taco shell is manually removed from the stack and filled .\n\n[[...|continue 190]]

When you expect a soft taco , you actually push the correct length of paper down into the gap between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 191]]

The paper is cut from by the cylindrical paper cutter ( same type of cutter as used in a fax machine ) that is located above the inner jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 192]]

You are manually peeled from the stack , positioned on a holder or support , and filled with the desired ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 193]]

As the rollers and the projections rotate , lettuce or cheese is dispensed onto the vibrating you .\n\n[[...|continue 194]]

Is a fragmentary top perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 195]]

The particular container illustrated is mounted on a turntable for rotational movement relative to [[the tube|the tube 196]] and lid .

You are removable from a stack of tortills by a vacuum pick-up head and is heated and is inserted between [[a pair|a pair 197]] of heated plates where you are compressed and heated .

Storage compartments for [[soft tortillas|soft tortillas 199]] and hard you are mounted above a v-shaped conveyor .

As the peeler moves left , the wedging you and peels you downwardly away from the second taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 200]]

The top surface of the top plate thereby supports the second taco shell and the remaining taco shells in the stack as the peeler continues to move to the left .\n\n[[...|continue 201]]

The end of the groove is enlarged to allow you to be peeled from the stack without breakage .\n\n[[...|continue 202]]

You are advanced by the conveyor to you dispense [[station|station 203]] .

The product is pulled across the top of the staging you and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 204]]

You include a first set of plastic pulleys or rollers , each of which is rotatably mounted on a metal axle or support rod , and a second set of plastic pulleys , each of which is mounted on an axle or rod .\n\n[[...|continue 205]]

The paper is fed by two rubber feed rollers through a paper cutter into a slot on the outer sealing jaw when the jaws are in the closed position .\n\n[[...|continue 206]]

You have been made to automate the preparation of [[tacos|tacos 207]] .

Is you of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 208]]

The push rod engages the edge of [[the gate|the gate 209]] which extends beyond the side wall of the chute and pivots [[the gate|the gate 209]] so that the contents of weighing and dispensing [[cell|cell 210]] are dumped onto a tortilla on the conveyor below the [[cell|cell 210]] .

The storage bins of the two dispensing you can be filled with different cold ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 212]]

For example , you can be filled with shredded lettuce and you can be filled with grated [[cheese|cheese 213]] .

The duckbill valve includes you and a pair of converging lips or flaps which are separated by a slit .\n\n[[...|continue 214]]

The inclined surface on the arm ensures that the support arm can move underneath the stack .\n\n[[...|continue 215]]

When a folded soft tortilla drops onto the conveyer , the plow ensures that the folded tortilla opens into a v-shaped and guides the upper edges of the tortilla into the channels which are formed by the flanges .\n\n[[...|continue 216]]

You include an elongated side bar , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 217]]

As the plate rotates , the rollers force meat within the tube in the direction of the arrows .\n\n[[...|continue 218]]

You are mounted within the housing and provides a check valve or one-way valve for the meat which is pumped through [[the tube|the tube 219]] .

The automatic taco machine can prepare you or hard tacos interchangeably .\n\n[[...|continue 220]]

You are activated by a sensor adjacent the conveyor , for example , a photoelectric cell , which senses the approach of a tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 221]]

Referring to - 22 , the frame includes you which holds you of [[ground beef|ground beef 222]] .

When you contain the desired amount of food , for example,/2 ounce of lettuce or/4 ounce of cheese , the weighing apparatus deactivates the vibrator mechanism so that no additional food falls into the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 223]]

Referring to , the ledge is provided with a groove which fits onto the rod so that the gate can be easily removed for cleaning .\n\n[[...|continue 224]]

You include a generally vertically extending wall which forms the front wall of the cell , a support bracket which is mounted on the rod , and a ledge which normally contacts the back wall of the chute .\n\n[[...|continue 225]]

Referring now to , the taco shell storage compartment includes you or shelf and a hinged you .\n\n[[...|continue 226]]

A hot food dispenser and a cold food dispenser dispense hot and cold food onto the tortilla as [[it|it 227]] is moved by the conveyor .

A hopper is mounted on the frame above the vibrating you , and a pair of rollers are rotatably mounted with the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 228]]

You are conventionally packaged in a stack of flat tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 229]]

The wedge is somewhat l-shaped in vertical cross-section and includes a flat vertically extending you and a flat horizontally extending you .\n\n[[...|continue 230]]

The parts of the machine are preferably formed from either stainless steel or food grade plastic so that the parts can be easily sanitized .\n\n[[...|continue 231]]

A plastic storage bin with an open bottom is removably mounted on top of the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 232]]

However , you have not been entirely successful .\n\n[[...|continue 233]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 234]]

You include a curved wedging or camming edge , and you include a wedged or pointed end which mereges with the top of the edge .\n\n[[...|continue 235]]

A tortilla holder is supported on each shelf and holds you of soft flour tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 236]]

You extend from the bottom of the container through a lid on the container , through a pump , to the dispensing station .\n\n[[...|continue 237]]

The tray is inclined toward the weighing and dispensing you , and as the tray vibrates , the food on the tray moves toward the cell and drops over the end of the tray into the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 238]]

You dispense station includes a heated compartment ( ) into which the tube extends .\n\n[[...|continue 239]]

The upper heater plate is supported by vertical reciprocation by a pair of rams which are moved up and down by hydraulic cylinders or some other suitable drive mechanism .\n\n[[...|continue 240]]

Is a top view of the conveyor ;\n\n[[...|continue 241]]

Is you of the taco shell peeler and a stack of taco shells ;\n\n[[...|continue 242]]

You include a back wall which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing apparatus and a pair of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 243]]

Referring to , a v-shaped plow is attached to the leading you of the guide flanges and .\n\n[[...|continue 244]]

You are conventionally packaged in a stack of flat tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 245]]

Is you of an automatic taco machine formed in accordance with the invention ;\n\n[[...|continue 246]]

You used a roll of cold adhesive wrapping paper that is pulled off its spool by a pair of moving rollers operated by an air cylinder .\n\n[[...|continue 247]]

A hard taco shell is removable from a stack of taco shells by a reciprocably mounted you which separates you from the stack and supports you while the bottom taco shell drops to the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 248]]

Is [[a fragmentary perspective view|a fragmentary perspective view 249]] of the stuffer bar for soft tortillas .

Each screw is rotated by a stepper motor .\n\n[[...|continue 250]]

You are cut from by the cylindrical paper cutter ( same type of cutter as used in a fax machine ) that is located above the inner jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 251]]

Manual preparation of [[tacos|tacos 252]] is you intensive , expensive , and relatively time-consuming .

You are reciprocated by a stepper motor , and you are normally positioned so that the support arm is below the stack of taco shells as illustrated in [[fig|fig 253]] .

The completed tacos and soft tacos are conveyed into the packaging station .\n\n[[...|continue 254]]

Before the pump stops , you reverse to rotate the plate by/3 revolution , and the lips sealingly engage and prevent meat from dripping .\n\n[[...|continue 255]]

The weighing and dispensing you include you which is mounted on a weighting apparatus on the frame .\n\n[[...|continue 256]]

You can be controlled by an order processor which instructs the machine to dispense either a soft tortilla or you shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 257]]

The pump includes you , a housing , a rotatable plate within the housing , and rollers on the plate which compress you against the side wall of the housing .\n\n[[...|continue 258]]

Is [[a fragmentary perspective view|a fragmentary perspective view 259]] of the meat dispensing compartment ;

Is you of the gate of the weighing and dispensing you ;\n\n[[...|continue 260]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the meat pump ;\n\n[[...|continue 261]]

When the peeler moves back to the right , the support arm moves into supporting engagement with the stack of taco shells before the top plate moves out of engagement .\n\n[[...|continue 262]]

In one specific embodiment the compartment was maintained at° f. and the dispensing nozzle was maintained at° f.\n\n[[...|continue 263]]

Is you of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 264]]

A hot food dispenser and a cold food dispenser dispense hot and cold food onto the tortilla as [[it|it 265]] is moved by the conveyor .

For example , one bin can be filled with shredded lettuce and the other bin can be filled with grated you .\n\n[[...|continue 266]]

Is [[a side view|a side view 267]] of the support arm of [[the taco shell peeler|the taco shell peeler 268]] ;

You include a side portion and a top portion which is supported by the axles .\n\n[[...|continue 269]]

When the pump is operating , the meat forces you apart to dispense you through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 270]]

You are stored stacks in a separate heated compartment above the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 271]]

Is you take along the line--7 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 272]]

You then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move the heated tortilla to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 273]]

Is you of the support arm of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 274]]

Is a fragmentary side view of the bar of [[the taco shell peeler|the taco shell peeler 275]] ;

The drive shaft is rotated by a stepper motor mounted outside of the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 276]]

You dispense station includes a refrigerated compartment which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing [[assemblies|assemblies 277]] are mounted .

A cylindrical tube extends along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives you which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 278]]

You can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying suction to the chamber and holes .\n\n[[...|continue 279]]

The paper is cut from by the cylindrical paper cutter ( same type of cutter as used in a fax machine ) that is located above the inner jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 280]]

Referring now to , you include a bottom wall or shelf and a hinged front door .\n\n[[...|continue 281]]

Referring to , the ledge is provided with a groove which fits onto the rod so that the gate can be easily removed for cleaning .\n\n[[...|continue 282]]

When the stepper motor which drives the peeler is activated , the peeler moves to the left as illustrated in .\n\n[[...|continue 283]]

The heater plates are heated by electrical resistance heating elements which are supplied with current by electrical conduits .\n\n[[...|continue 284]]

The first section of the tube between the bottom of the container and you are formed from stainless steel , and the remainder of the tube is formed by a plastic hose .\n\n[[...|continue 285]]

The axles and are supported by a pair of elongated horizontal rods and , which are connected by cross rods .\n\n[[...|continue 286]]

You can therefore be adjusted to prepare a variety of menu items .\n\n[[...|continue 287]]

Is you of the heater for soft tortillas ;\n\n[[...|continue 288]]

The end of the groove is enlarged to allow a mis-shapened taco shell to be peeled from the stack without breakage .\n\n[[...|continue 289]]

A metal taco shell peeler assembly is reciprocably mounted on the frame below the slot in the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 290]]

The word " taco " as used herein includes products which are generally referred to as tacos as well as other wrapped food products such as burritos and the like .\n\n[[...|continue 291]]

In one embodiment of a packaging machine the top belts on the main conveyor are continuous through the packaging station and provide you to drive you and bottom packaging station belts .\n\n[[...|continue 292]]

You eventually falls by gravity into the v-shaped conveyor and is transported toward the dispensing stations by the endless belts .\n\n[[...|continue 293]]

The heater plates are heated by electrical resistance heating elements which are supplied with current by electrical conduits .\n\n[[...|continue 294]]

You are a peristaltic pump which pumps meat through the tube without contacting the meat .\n\n[[...|continue 295]]

Referring first to , a machine for automatically making you include you or chassis on which is mounted you , a hard tortilla or taco shell storage compartment , a hot food dispensing you , and a cold food dispensing you .

The two sets of endless belts form a v-shaped trough for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 297]]

The ledge extends rearwardly beyond the pivot rod and acts as a counterweight to assist in keeping the gate closed .\n\n[[...|continue 298]]

Is a fragmentary top view of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 299]]

The weighing you are also a commercially vended item and measures you of the weighing and dispensing you , including you in the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 300]]

After the tortilla is positioned over the lower heater plate , you are released by turning off the vacuum and blowing compressed air into the pick up head through one or both of the hoses and .\n\n[[...|continue 301]]

[[tacos|tacos 302]] usually contain you , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .

When you have been held in the slot , you are pushed open by an air cylinder to receive the product to be wrapped .\n\n[[...|continue 303]]

The heater plates are advantageously heated to about° you and exert you of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 304]]

When you are operating , you force the lips apart to dispense meat through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 305]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 306]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 307]]

Rotation of the container relative to the tube mixes the contents of the container and maintains you .\n\n[[...|continue 308]]

When you expect a soft taco , you actually push the correct length of paper down into the gap between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 309]]

Referring to , the ledge is provided with a groove which fits onto the rod so that the gate can be easily removed for cleaning .\n\n[[...|continue 310]]

You dispense station illustrated dispenses ground beef , but other types of hot food can also be dispensed .\n\n[[...|continue 311]]

Such screw conveyors are well known and conventional .\n\n[[...|continue 312]]

Is a sectional view taken along the line--7 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 313]]

One of the bins is aligned with a rectangular slot in the shelf so that the taco shells in that bin can be dispensed from the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 314]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 315]]

A definite need exists for an automated device for making tacos quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 316]]

The weighing apparatus is also a commercially vended item and measures the weight of the weighing and dispensing cell , including the food in the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 317]]

In one specific embodiment the compartment was maintained at° f. and the dispensing you are maintained at° f.\n\n[[...|continue 318]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides an apparatus for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling tortillas and taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 319]]

A similar guide flange is spaced from the pulleys and the belts and is supported by cross bars which are secured to the top wall of the cover .\n\n[[...|continue 320]]

You extend along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives a drive shaft which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 321]]

A hopper is mounted on the frame above the vibrating you , and a pair of rollers are rotatably mounted with the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 322]]

As the rollers and you rotate , you are dispensed onto the vibrating [[tray|tray 323]] .

The two sets of endless belts form you for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 324]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the meat dispensing nozzle ;\n\n[[...|continue 325]]

The stuffer bar has you along the bottom to prevent you from slipping as [[it|it 326]] is stuffed through the bottom heater plate onto the conveyer .

For example , you can be filled with shredded lettuce and you can be filled with grated cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 327]]

Referring to - 22 , the frame includes you which holds you of ground beef .\n\n[[...|continue 328]]

A pusher bar moves downwardly through slots in the heater plates to fold you and push it onto the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 330]]

Referring now to , you include a bottom wall or shelf and a hinged front door .\n\n[[...|continue 331]]

Referring to , the top heater plate includes you and which are separated by a central slot .\n\n[[...|continue 332]]

Referring to - 22 , you include a heated storage compartment which holds a container of ground beef .\n\n[[...|continue 333]]

A taco generally includes you and one or more inner ingredients which may include you , lettuce , cheese , guacomole , sour cream , sauce , etc. you can be you , a hard corn meal tortilla ( taco shell ) , or similar edible food material .\n\n[[...|continue 334]]

You traditionally offer tacos which are filled with a variety of ingredients , for example , ground beef , lettuce , and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 335]]

A stepper motor rotates you , and rotation of the pulley causes you of the pulley .\n\n[[...|continue 336]]

Before the pump stops , you reverse to rotate the plate by/3 revolution , and the lips sealingly engage and prevent meat from dripping .\n\n[[...|continue 337]]

Is you of the other side of the cold food dispensers ;\n\n[[...|continue 338]]

Each portion of the heater includes an outer rectangular casing and a semi-octagonal plate which contains the heating element .\n\n[[...|continue 339]]

When the cell contains the desired you of food , for example,/2 ounce of lettuce or/4 ounce of cheese , the weighing you deactivate you so that no additional food falls into the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 340]]

You relate to an automatic taco machine , and , more particularly , to an apparatus which automatically stores , dispenses , and fills tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 341]]

Is you view taken along the line--6 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 342]]

The particular container illustrated is mounted on a turntable for rotational movement relative to the tube and lid .\n\n[[...|continue 344]]

You lift a soft tortilla from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 345]]

Since the soft tortillas are individually heated by the heater plates , the storage compartment does not need to be heated and can be at room temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 346]]

Is a fragmentary side view of the bar of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 347]]

Is you of the taco shell storage compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 348]]

The two sets of axles and are angularly related and form an included angle of about° to° .\n\n[[...|continue 349]]

The conveyor includes you of plastic pulleys or rollers , each of which is rotatably mounted on a metal axle or support rod , and a second set of plastic pulleys , each of which is mounted on an axle or rod .\n\n[[...|continue 350]]

Referring first to , a machine for automatically making tacos includes a frame or chassis on which is mounted a soft tortilla storage compartment , a hard tortilla or taco shell storage compartment , you dispense station , and you dispense station .\n\n[[...|continue 351]]

Is you of an automatic taco machine formed in accordance with the invention ;\n\n[[...|continue 352]]

Is a fragmentary side view of the bar of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 353]]

However , fast-food restaurants are required to prepare you quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 354]]

Is you of the weighing and dispensing you ;\n\n[[...|continue 356]]

Is an end view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 357]]

Attempts have been made to automate you of tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 358]]

You eventually falls by gravity into the v-shaped conveyor and is transported toward the dispensing stations by the endless belts .\n\n[[...|continue 359]]

The endless belts fit tightly over the pulleys , and rotation of the end pulleys and moves you which in turn rotate you .\n\n[[...|continue 360]]

Is a fragmentary top perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 361]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 362]]

Is you of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 364]]

The two sets of axles and are angularly related and form an included angle of about° to° .\n\n[[...|continue 365]]

Referring to , each of the dispensing you include you , a motor-driven vibrating you on the frame , and a weighing and dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 366]]

You are removable from a stack of taco shells by a reciprocably mounted peeler which separates the bottom taco shell from the stack and supports the stack while the bottom taco shell drops to the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 367]]

After the tortilla is positioned over the lower heater plate , the tortilla is released by turning off the vacuum and blowing compressed you into the pick up head through one or both of the hoses and .\n\n[[...|continue 368]]

Is a top view of the soft tortilla holder ;\n\n[[...|continue 369]]

The turntable is rotated by a shaft which is rotated by gear mechanism and drive shaft .\n\n[[...|continue 370]]

When you expect a hard taco , you are released by the feed rollers for enough time to allow the weight of the taco to push the correct length of paper down between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 371]]

The pick up head and the tortilla which is adhered thereto by suction is moved by the conveyor screws and into the space between a pair of heater plates and ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 372]]

The weight of the gate is such that the gate will remain closed with the ledge contacting the back wall when you are filled with the desired amount of food .\n\n[[...|continue 373]]

A tube extends from the bottom of the container through a lid on the container , through a pump , to the dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 374]]

You can automatically make both soft and hard tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 375]]

The duckbill valve includes you and a pair of converging lips or flaps which are separated by a slit .\n\n[[...|continue 376]]

You can prepare either soft tacos or hard tacos interchangeably .\n\n[[...|continue 377]]

The completed tacos can be collected manually from the end of the conveyor , or the conveyor can feed you into a packaging machine .\n\n[[...|continue 378]]

Is a side view of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 379]]

The heater plates are advantageously heated to about° you and exert you of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 380]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 381]]

The jaws are then closed and the paper is sealed along its top and sides by the pressure of the jaws on the pre treated paper .\n\n[[...|continue 382]]

You include another pulley , and a short endless belt loops around the pulleys and .\n\n[[...|continue 383]]

The product is pulled across the top of the staging you and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 384]]

You are staged in two rows of tacos , you are for hard tacos and one for soft tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 385]]

A v-shaped conveyor is mounted on the frame below the tortilla compartments and dispensing you for conveying tortillas below the food dispensing stations .\n\n[[...|continue 386]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides an apparatus for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling tortillas and taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 387]]

The parts of the machine are preferably formed from either stainless steel or food grade plastic so that the parts can be easily sanitized .\n\n[[...|continue 388]]

Is a top plan view of one of the heater plates ;\n\n[[...|continue 389]]

The gate includes a generally vertically extending you which forms the front wall of the cell , a support bracket which is mounted on the rod , and a ledge which normally contacts the back wall of the chute .\n\n[[...|continue 390]]

Manual preparation of tacos is acceptable in a conventional full service , sit-down restaurant .\n\n[[...|continue 391]]

The completed tacos and soft tacos are conveyed into the packaging station .\n\n[[...|continue 392]]

The word " tortilla " as used herein includes both soft tortillas and hard taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 393]]

Is you of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 394]]

You include type r thermocouples to maintain the temperature and you to prevent the heater plates from overheating in the event that the type r thermocouples fail .\n\n[[...|continue 395]]

The turntable is rotated by a shaft which is rotated by gear mechanism and drive shaft .\n\n[[...|continue 396]]

You move [[the taco shell|the taco shell 397]] past the hot and cold food dispensers .

Summary of the invention the invention provides you for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling you .\n\n[[...|continue 398]]

The refrigerated compartment has space for additional dispensing devices for other cold food , for example , sour cream , tomatoes , guacomole , sauce , etc. the hot food pump can also be used to dispense other types of hot food , and you dispense stations can be added .\n\n[[...|continue 399]]

Tacos can be made from soft wheat flour tortillas or relatively rigid corn meal tortillas ( taco shells ) which hold you .\n\n[[...|continue 400]]

You make one revolution you receive a taco so they move the wrapped product across the heated staging tray .\n\n[[...|continue 401]]

The ledge extends rearwardly beyond the pivot rod and acts as a counterweight to assist in keeping the gate closed .\n\n[[...|continue 402]]

You are somewhat l-shaped in vertical cross-section and includes a flat vertically extending plate and a flat horizontally extending top plate .\n\n[[...|continue 403]]

A stuffer bar then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move you to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 404]]

You rotate the pulley , and rotation of the pulley causes rotation of the pulley .\n\n[[...|continue 405]]

The tacos are staged in two rows of tacos , one coil is for hard tacos and one for soft tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 406]]

You are moved by the conveyor past the hot and cold dispensing stations .\n\n[[...|continue 407]]

An automatic taco machine can automatically make you .\n\n[[...|continue 408]]

The top surface of the top plate thereby supports the second taco shell and the remaining taco shells in the stack as the peeler continues to move to the left .\n\n[[...|continue 409]]

A metal taco shell peeler assembly is reciprocably mounted on the frame below the slot in the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 410]]

When you have been held in the slot , you are pushed open by an air cylinder to receive the product to be wrapped .\n\n[[...|continue 411]]

The vibrating you are vibrated by a commercially purchased you below the tray .\n\n[[...|continue 412]]

You are a peristaltic pump which pumps meat through the tube without contacting the meat .\n\n[[...|continue 413]]

The taco shell storage compartment is preferably heated to about° you\n\n[[...|continue 414]]

You are provided with two concentric rings of holes which communicate with the chamber .\n\n[[...|continue 415]]

The three-sided chute includes you which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing you of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 416]]

Is [[a perspective view|a perspective view 417]] of the soft tortilla holder ;

A tortilla can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying you to the chamber and holes .\n\n[[...|continue 418]]

Is a rear fragmentary view of the soft tortilla storage compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 419]]

The vibrating tray is vibrated by a commercially purchased vibrator mechanism below the tray .\n\n[[...|continue 421]]

The cover includes you and a top portion which is supported by the axles .\n\n[[...|continue 422]]

Is a side view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 423]]

The particular pump illustrated is you which pumps meat through the tube without contacting the meat .\n\n[[...|continue 424]]

You are pulled across the top of the staging area and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 425]]

The end of the tube is connected to a dispensing you which is mounted in a heated metal block .\n\n[[...|continue 426]]

The stepper motor which drives the pump is timed relative to the location of the sensor and the speed of the conveyor so that meat is dispensed continuously just after the leading edge of the tortilla passes the dispensing nozzle until just before the trailing edge of the tortilla passes .\n\n[[...|continue 427]]

When the machine expects you , the paper is released by the feed rollers for enough time to allow you of the taco to push you of paper down between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 428]]

You include an inclined end surface and a grooved top surface .\n\n[[...|continue 429]]

A separate sensor can be used for each dispensing you , or the same sensor can be used for both cells with an appropriate timing mechanism which times the movement of the conveyor so that each cell is dumped when the tortilla is below the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 430]]

Is a sectional view taken along the line--7 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 431]]

When you have been held in the slot , you are pushed open by an air cylinder to receive the product to be wrapped .\n\n[[...|continue 433]]

The conveyor belts and pulleys are protected by a stainless steel side cover ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 434]]

In one embodiment of a packaging machine the top belts on the main conveyor are continuous through the packaging station and provide the power to drive the middle and bottom packaging station belts .\n\n[[...|continue 435]]

As the jaws open again and a new section of paper is placed in position , the wrapped product is pulled away from jaws by a pincher on a motorized you .\n\n[[...|continue 436]]

When a taco shell is to be dispensed , the peeler mechanism peels you downwardly away from the stack , and the taco shell falls to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 438]]

You dispense station illustrated dispenses ground beef , but other types of hot food can also be dispensed .\n\n[[...|continue 439]]

The particular container illustrated is mounted on a turntable for rotational movement relative to the tube and lid .\n\n[[...|continue 440]]

You are pulled across the top of the staging area and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 441]]

The bottom heater plate is similarly formed .\n\n[[...|continue 442]]

You lift a soft tortilla from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 443]]

The ends of the slot are preferably rounded to conform to the shape of the ends of a taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 444]]

Is an end view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 445]]

The warm , moist tortillas have you to stick together , and it is extremely difficult for a machine to remove you from the stack without tearing the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 446]]

Another sensor adjacent the conveyor senses the approach of a tortilla to you dispense assemblies .\n\n[[...|continue 447]]

As the rollers and the projections rotate , lettuce or cheese is dispensed onto the vibrating you .\n\n[[...|continue 448]]

You are held in position at the outer jaw by two air operated diaphragms that push the paper against the upper surface of the slot .\n\n[[...|continue 449]]

You include a bottom plate , a housing , a rotatable plate within the housing , and rollers on the plate which compress the tube against the side wall of the housing .\n\n[[...|continue 451]]

However , these attempts have not been entirely successful .\n\n[[...|continue 452]]

When you are operating , you force the lips apart to dispense meat through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 453]]

The conveyor moves you dispense you where hot and cold ingredients are dispensed into the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 454]]

Is a top plan view of one of the heater plates ;\n\n[[...|continue 455]]

Is you of an automatic taco machine formed in accordance with the invention ;\n\n[[...|continue 456]]

You include a flat bottom plate ( see also ) and a pair of curved or arcuate side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 457]]

A tortilla holder is supported on each shelf and holds you of soft flour tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 458]]

For example , you can be used to differentiate between a tortilla which contains meat and a tortilla which erroneously was not filled with meat .\n\n[[...|continue 459]]

You extend downwardly from the top portion and is spaced from the pulleys and you to form a channel through which the upper edge of a tortilla is conveyed by the belts .\n\n[[...|continue 461]]

Storage compartments for soft tortillas and hard taco shells are mounted above a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 462]]

The weighing apparatus is also a commercially vended item and measures the weight of the weighing and dispensing cell , including the food in the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 463]]

A cylindrical tube extends along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives you which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 464]]

You exist for an automated device for making tacos quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 465]]

Referring to , the top heater plate includes you and which are separated by a central slot .\n\n[[...|continue 466]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the meat dispensing compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 467]]

The end of the tube is connected to a dispensing you which is mounted in a heated metal block .\n\n[[...|continue 468]]

Each portion of the heater includes an outer rectangular casing and a semi-octagonal plate which contains the heating element .\n\n[[...|continue 469]]

When the pump is operating , the meat forces you apart to dispense you through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 470]]

However , you are required to prepare food items quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 471]]

A pusher bar moves downwardly through slots in the heater plates to fold you and push it onto the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 472]]

You are rotatably supported by the shelf and includes four rectangular , vertically extending bins for holding four stacks of nested taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 473]]

The particular hot food dispensing you dispense you , but other types of hot food can also be dispensed .\n\n[[...|continue 474]]

You activate a solenoid on the frame which extends a push rod .\n\n[[...|continue 475]]

After the product is conveyed into the packaging stations its presence is detected by a sensor and the outer section of the conveyor is pushed away to allow you to fall ( hard taco ) or to be lowered ( soft taco ) onto the paper .\n\n[[...|continue 476]]

Is a sectional view taken along the line--7 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 477]]

, , and , the soft tortilla compartment includes you of shelves and a hinged you for loading the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 478]]

You are moved by the conveyor past the hot and cold dispensing stations .\n\n[[...|continue 479]]

However , fast-food restaurants are required to prepare you quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 480]]

Is a top view of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 481]]

You are stored stacks in a separate heated compartment above the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 483]]

The sensor activates you on the frame which extends you .\n\n[[...|continue 484]]

The dispensing assembly includes a tubular metal housing which has a tapered bottom end with an elongated slot .\n\n[[...|continue 485]]

Is you of the taco shell carousel ;\n\n[[...|continue 486]]

Is a perspective view of the taco shell carousel ;\n\n[[...|continue 487]]

An automatic taco-making machine must also be able to store and dispense both hot and cold ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 488]]

The rigid taco shells are more easily separated than tortillas , but the taco shells are fragile and are subject to breaking when handled mechanically .\n\n[[...|continue 490]]

Is a top view of the soft tortilla holder ;\n\n[[...|continue 491]]

The ledge extends rearwardly beyond the pivot rod and acts as a counterweight to assist in keeping the gate closed .\n\n[[...|continue 492]]

You rotate the pulley , and rotation of the pulley causes rotation of the pulley .\n\n[[...|continue 493]]

The ends of the slot are preferably rounded to conform to the shape of the ends of a taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 494]]

Each of the pulleys and is generally cylindrical and is provided with a central bore which receives the supporting axle and a plurality of annular grooves in the outer surface .\n\n[[...|continue 495]]

The drive shaft rotates you to align you with the slot when a sensor senses that a bin is empty .\n\n[[...|continue 496]]

You are held in position at the outer jaw by two air operated diaphragms that push the paper against the upper surface of the slot .\n\n[[...|continue 497]]

A similar guide flange is spaced from the pulleys and the belts and is supported by cross bars which are secured to the top wall of the cover .\n\n[[...|continue 498]]

Manual preparation of tacos is labor intensive , expensive , and relatively time-consuming .\n\n[[...|continue 499]]

The rigid taco shells are more easily separated than tortillas , but the taco shells are fragile and are subject to breaking when handled mechanically .\n\n[[...|continue 500]]

You are mounted on the frame above the vibrating tray , and a pair of rollers are rotatably mounted with the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 501]]

An automatic taco-making machine must also be able to store and dispense both hot and cold ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 502]]

Is a bottom perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 503]]

The end of the groove is enlarged to allow you to be peeled from the stack without breakage .\n\n[[...|continue 504]]

Is a top plan view of one of the heater plates ;\n\n[[...|continue 505]]

Is you of one side of one of the cold food dispensers ;\n\n[[...|continue 506]]

You have a tendency to stick together , and you are extremely difficult for a machine to remove a single tortilla from the stack without tearing the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 507]]

The conveyor moves you past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 508]]

You are pulled across the top of the staging area and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 509]]

In one specific embodiment the compartment was maintained at° f. and the dispensing you are maintained at° f.\n\n[[...|continue 510]]

You traditionally offer tacos which are filled with a variety of ingredients , for example , ground beef , lettuce , and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 511]]

The carousel is advantageously fabricated from stainless steel .\n\n[[...|continue 512]]

The word " tortilla " as used herein includes both soft tortillas and hard taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 513]]

The product is pulled across the top of the staging you and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 514]]

You are rotatably supported by the shelf and includes four rectangular , vertically extending bins for holding four stacks of nested taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 515]]

Referring to , the ledge is provided with a groove which fits onto the rod so that the gate can be easily removed for cleaning .\n\n[[...|continue 516]]

You pick up head includes top and bottom plates and ( ) which are secured together by a threaded rod that is mounted on the bottom plate and screwed into a threaded hole in the center of the top plate to provide an annular interior chamber which is defined by an annular groove in the top plate .\n\n[[...|continue 517]]

The paper is cut from by the cylindrical paper cutter ( same type of cutter as used in a fax machine ) that is located above the inner jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 518]]

You exist for an automated device for making tacos quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 519]]

An elastomeric duckbill valve is mounted within the housing and provides you or one-way valve for the meat which is pumped through the tube .\n\n[[...|continue 520]]

You extend along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives a drive shaft which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 521]]

A tortilla holder is supported on each shelf and holds you of soft flour tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 522]]

You can be used for each dispensing cell , or you can be used for both cells with an appropriate timing mechanism which times the movement of the conveyor so that each cell is dumped when you are below the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 523]]

The top surface of the top plate thereby supports you and the remaining you in the stack as the peeler continues to move to the left .\n\n[[...|continue 524]]

You have been made to automate the preparation of tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 525]]

Storage compartments for soft tortillas and hard taco shells are mounted above a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 526]]

Is a end view taken along the line--6 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 527]]

A plastic storage bin with an open bottom is removably mounted on top of the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 528]]

You can automatically make both soft and hard tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 529]]

The pump includes you , a housing , a rotatable plate within the housing , and rollers on the plate which compress you against the side wall of the housing .\n\n[[...|continue 530]]

You can be made from soft wheat flour tortillas or relatively rigid corn meal tortillas ( taco shells ) which hold the ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 531]]

The bottom heater plate is similarly formed .\n\n[[...|continue 532]]

However , you are required to prepare food items quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 533]]

The meat pump is activated by a sensor adjacent the conveyor , for example , a photoelectric cell , which senses the approach of a tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 534]]

Description of the drawing the invention will be explained in conjunction with illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing , in which\n\n[[...|continue 535]]

Automated handling of soft tortillas is particularly difficult because the stack of tortillas must usually be kept warm and moist .\n\n[[...|continue 536]]

You are advanced by the conveyor to you dispense station .\n\n[[...|continue 537]]

The conveyor belts and pulleys are protected by a stainless steel side cover ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 538]]

A tube extends from the bottom of the container through a lid on the container , through a pump , to the dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 540]]

The plate is rotatable by a shaft , gear mechanism , drive shaft , and another stepper motor .\n\n[[...|continue 542]]

You will be activated only if the tortilla contains meat .\n\n[[...|continue 543]]

The end of the tube is connected to a dispensing you which is mounted in a heated metal block .\n\n[[...|continue 544]]

You move the taco shell past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 545]]

The tortillas in the stacks are more easily separated if they are at room temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 546]]

You make one revolution you receive a taco so they move the wrapped product across the heated staging tray .\n\n[[...|continue 547]]

The meat pump is activated by a sensor adjacent the conveyor , for example , a photoelectric cell , which senses the approach of a tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 548]]

The tacos are staged in two rows of tacos , one coil is for hard tacos and one for soft tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 550]]

The screws and are threadedly engaged with carriages and , respectively which support the pick up head , and rotation of either screw advances the carriage and pick up head along the length of the screw .\n\n[[...|continue 551]]

The tortilla is heated by the heater plates , and additional heating may be caused by compression forces .\n\n[[...|continue 552]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the taco shell storage compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 553]]

The v-shaped tortilla is advanced by the conveyor to the hot food dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 554]]

As the jaws open again and a new section of paper is placed in position , you are pulled away from jaws by a pincher on a motorized screw .\n\n[[...|continue 555]]

The conveyor moves you past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 556]]

The word " tortilla " as used herein includes both soft tortillas and hard taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 557]]

Automated handling of soft tortillas is particularly difficult because the stack of tortillas must usually be kept warm and moist .\n\n[[...|continue 558]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides an apparatus for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling tortillas and taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 559]]

When the machine expects you , the rollers actually push you of paper down into the gap between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 560]]

Is a fragmentary side view of the bar of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 561]]

The warm , moist tortillas have you to stick together , and it is extremely difficult for a machine to remove you from the stack without tearing the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 562]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the stuffer bar for soft tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 563]]

The cover includes you and a top portion which is supported by the axles .\n\n[[...|continue 564]]

Is a fragmentary top perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 565]]

Another sensor adjacent the conveyor senses the approach of a tortilla to the cold food dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 566]]

When you move back to the right , you move into supporting engagement with the stack of taco shells before the top plate moves out of engagement .\n\n[[...|continue 567]]

A tortilla holder is supported on each shelf and holds you of soft flour tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 568]]

You used a roll of cold adhesive wrapping paper that is pulled off its spool by a pair of moving rollers operated by an air cylinder .\n\n[[...|continue 569]]

The particular container illustrated is mounted on a turntable for rotational movement relative to the tube and lid .\n\n[[...|continue 570]]

You are relatively rigid and generally u-shaped and may be supplied in a nested stack .\n\n[[...|continue 571]]

A hot food dispenser and a cold food dispenser dispense hot and cold food onto the tortilla as it is moved by the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 572]]

You extend along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives a drive shaft which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 573]]

The heater plates include you to maintain you and by-metallic thermocouples to prevent you from overheating in the event that the type r thermocouples fail .\n\n[[...|continue 574]]

Referring to - 22 , you include a heated storage compartment which holds a container of ground beef .\n\n[[...|continue 575]]

Description of specific embodiment for convenience , the invention will be explained with respect to a food product which is referred to as a taco .\n\n[[...|continue 576]]

You dispense station includes a refrigerated compartment which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing assemblies are mounted .\n\n[[...|continue 577]]

Before the pump stops , the pump motor reverses to rotate you , and the lips sealingly engage and prevent you from dripping .\n\n[[...|continue 578]]

The two sets of axles and are angularly related and form an included angle of about° to° .\n\n[[...|continue 579]]

The two sets of endless belts form you for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 580]]

You can be made from soft wheat flour tortillas or relatively rigid corn meal tortillas ( taco shells ) which hold the ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 581]]

The block can be heated by electrical resistance elements or the like .\n\n[[...|continue 582]]

You move the taco shell past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 583]]

The particular container illustrated is mounted on a turntable for rotational movement relative to the tube and lid .\n\n[[...|continue 584]]

You are advantageously heated to about° f. and exert a compression force of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 585]]

The meat pump is activated by a sensor adjacent the conveyor , for example , a photoelectric cell , which senses the approach of a tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 586]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the meat pump ;\n\n[[...|continue 587]]

Before the pump stops , the pump motor reverses to rotate you , and the lips sealingly engage and prevent you from dripping .\n\n[[...|continue 588]]

When you expect a soft taco , you actually push the correct length of paper down into the gap between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 589]]

Another sensor adjacent the conveyor senses the approach of a tortilla to the cold food dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 590]]

Is a side view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 591]]

One stack of taco shells is supported by a peeler mechanism , which engages the lowermost taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 592]]

Is a sectional view taken along the line--7 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 593]]

For example , one bin can be filled with shredded lettuce and the other bin can be filled with grated you .\n\n[[...|continue 594]]

You are mounted within the housing and provides a check valve or one-way valve for the meat which is pumped through the tube .\n\n[[...|continue 595]]

The meat bucket and the pump are mounted on a frame which slides into and out of the machine .\n\n[[...|continue 596]]

You extend along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives a drive shaft which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 597]]

The upper heater plate is then lowered by the rams to compress you between the two heater plates .\n\n[[...|continue 598]]

Before the pump stops , you reverse to rotate the plate by/3 revolution , and the lips sealingly engage and prevent meat from dripping .\n\n[[...|continue 599]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 600]]

The distance between the support arm and the pointed end of the wedge relative to the length of the taco shell is such that the pointed end is inserted into the space between the bottom taco shell and the next taco shell before the support arm moves out of supporting engagement with the bottom taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 601]]

A tortilla holder is supported on each shelf and holds you of soft flour tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 602]]

You are advanced by the conveyor to you dispense station .\n\n[[...|continue 603]]

The heater plates are advantageously heated to about° you and exert you of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 604]]

The jaws are then closed and the paper is sealed along its top and sides by the pressure of the jaws on the pre treated paper .\n\n[[...|continue 606]]

You can be made from soft wheat flour tortillas or relatively rigid corn meal tortillas ( taco shells ) which hold the ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 607]]

The vacuum pick up you include you and ( ) which are secured together by a threaded you that is mounted on the bottom plate and screwed into a threaded you in the center of the top plate to provide you which is defined by an annular groove in the top plate .\n\n[[...|continue 608]]

You are then lowered by the rams to compress the tortilla between the two heater plates .\n\n[[...|continue 609]]

The pump and turntable drives have you , and the frame snaps into position .\n\n[[...|continue 610]]

You are pulled across the top of the staging area and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 611]]

When the tortilla between the heater plates is heated to the desired temperature , which may take only a few seconds , the stuffer bar is lowered through the slots in the heater plates to push you downwardly toward the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 612]]

You are advantageously heated to about° f. and exert a compression force of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 613]]

The completed tacos can be collected manually from the end of the conveyor , or the conveyor can feed you into a packaging machine .\n\n[[...|continue 614]]

The weighing apparatus is also a commercially vended item and measures the weight of the weighing and dispensing cell , including the food in the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 615]]

The inclined surface on the arm ensures that the support arm can move underneath the stack .\n\n[[...|continue 616]]

When the tortilla between the heater plates is heated to the desired temperature , which may take only a few seconds , you are lowered through the slots in the heater plates to push the tortilla downwardly toward the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 617]]

Each screw is rotated by a stepper motor .\n\n[[...|continue 618]]

As the jaws open again and a new section of paper is placed in position , you are pulled away from jaws by a pincher on a motorized screw .\n\n[[...|continue 619]]

As the plate rotates , the rollers force meat within the tube in the direction of the arrows .\n\n[[...|continue 620]]

You dispense station illustrated dispenses ground beef , but other types of hot food can also be dispensed .\n\n[[...|continue 621]]

When a taco shell is to be dispensed , the peeler mechanism peels you downwardly away from the stack , and the taco shell falls to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 622]]

As the peeler moves left , the wedging edge engages the bottom taco shell and peels the bottom taco shell downwardly away from the second taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 623]]

The parts of the machine are preferably formed from either stainless steel or food grade plastic so that the parts can be easily sanitized .\n\n[[...|continue 624]]

This is a continuation of application ser .\n\n[[...|continue 625]]

The heater plates are heated by electrical resistance heating elements which are supplied with current by electrical conduits .\n\n[[...|continue 626]]

You lift a soft tortilla from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 627]]

The upper heater plate is supported by vertical reciprocation by a pair of rams which are moved up and down by hydraulic cylinders or some other suitable drive mechanism .\n\n[[...|continue 628]]

You extend from the bottom of the container through a lid on the container , through a pump , to the dispensing station .\n\n[[...|continue 629]]

The tortillas in the stacks are more easily separated if they are at room temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 630]]

You can automatically make both soft and hard tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 631]]

The vertical plate includes a curved wedging or camming edge , and the top plate includes a wedged or pointed you which mereges with the top of the edge .\n\n[[...|continue 632]]

The tortillas in the stacks are more easily separated if they are at room temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 634]]

The two sets of endless belts form a v-shaped trough for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 635]]

Each tortilla is manually peeled from the stack , positioned on a holder or support , and filled with the desired ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 636]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 637]]

One of the bins is aligned with a rectangular slot in the shelf so that the taco shells in that bin can be dispensed from the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 638]]

Description of specific embodiment for convenience , the invention will be explained with respect to a food product which is referred to as a taco .\n\n[[...|continue 640]]

Is a side view of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 641]]

The heater plates are heated by electrical resistance heating elements which are supplied with current by electrical conduits .\n\n[[...|continue 642]]

You are mounted within the housing and provides a check valve or one-way valve for the meat which is pumped through the tube .\n\n[[...|continue 643]]

A stuffer bar then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move you to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 644]]

You include an elongated side bar , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 645]]

The apparatus can therefore be adjusted to prepare you of menu items .\n\n[[...|continue 646]]

You rotate the pulley , and rotation of the pulley causes rotation of the pulley .\n\n[[...|continue 647]]

A stuffer bar then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move you to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 648]]

Storage compartments for soft tortillas and hard taco shells are mounted above a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 650]]

You can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying suction to the chamber and holes .\n\n[[...|continue 651]]

A stepper motor rotates you , and rotation of the pulley causes you of the pulley .\n\n[[...|continue 652]]

The end of the tube is connected to a dispensing you which is mounted in a heated metal block .\n\n[[...|continue 654]]

Such screw conveyors are well known and conventional .\n\n[[...|continue 656]]

The three-sided chute includes you which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing you of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 658]]

You are advanced by the conveyor to you dispense station .\n\n[[...|continue 659]]

As the tortilla is pushed through the slot in the bottom heater plate , it is folded into a generally v shape , and the v shape is maintained by the v-shaped trough which is formed by the endless belts of the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 660]]

This is a continuation of application ser .\n\n[[...|continue 661]]

In one specific embodiment the compartment was maintained at° f. and the dispensing you are maintained at° f.\n\n[[...|continue 662]]

You are inclined toward the weighing and dispensing cell , and as the tray vibrates , the food on the tray moves toward the cell and drops over the end of the tray into the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 663]]

The rear belts on the pulleys are fixed in position , but the front belts on the pulleys move away from the rear belts when a taco or you are in position to allow it to fall or be lowered on the wrapping paper into the gap between the sealing jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 665]]

A soft tortilla is removable from a stack of tortills by a vacuum pick-up head and is heated and is inserted between a pair of heated plates where it is compressed and heated .\n\n[[...|continue 666]]

You include another pulley , and a short endless belt loops around the pulleys and .\n\n[[...|continue 667]]

However , because of the different storage and handling you for soft , flexible tortillas and hard , relatively inflexible taco shells , no prior machines have been able to fill you and taco shells in a satisfactory manner .\n\n[[...|continue 668]]

Is a fragmentary view of the heater for soft tortillas ;\n\n[[...|continue 669]]

The upper heater plate is supported by vertical reciprocation by a pair of rams which are moved up and down by hydraulic cylinders or some other suitable drive mechanism .\n\n[[...|continue 670]]

You are mounted within the housing and provides a check valve or one-way valve for the meat which is pumped through the tube .\n\n[[...|continue 671]]

The first section of the tube between the bottom of the container and the pump is formed from stainless steel , and the remainder of the tube is formed by a plastic hose .\n\n[[...|continue 672]]

Referring to , you include front and rear portions and which are separated by a central slot .\n\n[[...|continue 673]]

Heretofore , the tortillas and taco shells have generally been filled manually .\n\n[[...|continue 674]]

Is a perspective view of one side of one of the cold food dispensers ;\n\n[[...|continue 675]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 676]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the stuffer bar for soft tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 677]]

A hopper is mounted on the frame above the vibrating you , and a pair of rollers are rotatably mounted with the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 678]]

Such screw conveyors are well known and conventional .\n\n[[...|continue 680]]

You activate a solenoid on the frame which extends a push rod .\n\n[[...|continue 681]]

While in the foregoing specification , a detailed description of a specific embodiment of the invention was set forth for the purpose of illustration , it will be understood that many of the details herein given may be varied considerably by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .\n\n[[...|continue 682]]

The weighing and dispensing cell includes a three-sided metal chute which is mounted on a weighting apparatus on the frame .\n\n[[...|continue 683]]

Each tortilla holder includes you ( see also ) and a pair of curved or arcuate side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 684]]

The two sets of endless belts form a v-shaped trough for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 685]]

The first section of the tube between the bottom of the container and the pump is formed from stainless steel , and the remainder of the tube is formed by a plastic hose .\n\n[[...|continue 686]]

You used a roll of cold adhesive wrapping paper that is pulled off its spool by a pair of moving rollers operated by an air cylinder .\n\n[[...|continue 687]]

The tacos are staged in two rows of tacos , one coil is for hard tacos and one for soft tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 688]]

Is an elevational view of the drive pulley ;\n\n[[...|continue 689]]

A definite need exists for an automated device for making tacos quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 690]]

Each side of a v-shaped tortilla is supported by three endless belts .\n\n[[...|continue 692]]

The refrigerated you have you for additional dispensing you for other cold food , for example , sour cream , tomatoes , guacomole , sauce , etc. you can also be used to dispense you of hot food , and additional hot food dispensing you can be added .\n\n[[...|continue 694]]

The word " taco " as used herein includes products which are generally referred to as tacos as well as other wrapped food products such as burritos and the like .\n\n[[...|continue 695]]

One of the bins is aligned with a rectangular slot in the shelf so that the taco shells in that bin can be dispensed from the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 696]]

You are advantageously heated to about° f. and exert a compression force of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 697]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides you for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling you .\n\n[[...|continue 698]]

Is a top view of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 699]]

Tacos can be made from soft wheat flour tortillas or relatively rigid corn meal tortillas ( taco shells ) which hold you .\n\n[[...|continue 700]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the meat dispensing compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 701]]

The endless belts are preferably formed from silicone material which has you so that the belts can be stretched over the pulleys and tightly engage you .\n\n[[...|continue 702]]

You relate to an automatic taco machine , and , more particularly , to an apparatus which automatically stores , dispenses , and fills tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 703]]

Again , each taco shell is manually removed from the stack and filled .\n\n[[...|continue 704]]

A cylindrical tube extends along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives you which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 706]]

You can be collected manually from the end of the conveyor , or you can feed the tacos into a packaging machine .\n\n[[...|continue 707]]

You include a flat bottom plate ( see also ) and a pair of curved or arcuate side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 709]]

The upper heater plate is then lowered by the rams to compress you between the two heater plates .\n\n[[...|continue 712]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 713]]

The word " tortilla " as used herein includes both soft tortillas and hard taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 715]]

The conveyor belts and pulleys are protected by a stainless steel side cover ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 716]]

You can be controlled by an order processor which instructs the machine to dispense either a soft tortilla or you shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 717]]

, , and , the soft tortilla compartment includes you of shelves and a hinged you for loading the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 718]]

You move the taco shell past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 719]]

As the peeler moves left , the wedging you and peels you downwardly away from the second taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 720]]

As the peeler moves left , the wedging edge engages the bottom taco shell and peels the bottom taco shell downwardly away from the second taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 721]]

Is you of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 722]]

You include a bottom plate , a housing , a rotatable plate within the housing , and rollers on the plate which compress the tube against the side wall of the housing .\n\n[[...|continue 723]]

The pump and turntable drives have you , and the frame snaps into position .\n\n[[...|continue 724]]

You make one revolution you receive a taco so they move the wrapped product across the heated staging tray .\n\n[[...|continue 725]]

Each tortilla holder includes you ( see also ) and a pair of curved or arcuate side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 726]]

You can therefore be adjusted to prepare a variety of menu items .\n\n[[...|continue 727]]

Each tortilla holder includes you ( see also ) and a pair of curved or arcuate side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 728]]

You are preferably heated to about° f.\n\n[[...|continue 729]]

The particular hot food dispensing you dispense you , but other types of hot food can also be dispensed .\n\n[[...|continue 730]]

As the rollers and you rotate , you are dispensed onto the vibrating tray .\n\n[[...|continue 731]]

A v-shaped conveyor is mounted on the frame below the tortilla compartments and dispensing you for conveying tortillas below the food dispensing stations .\n\n[[...|continue 732]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 737]]

The parts of the machine are preferably formed from either stainless steel or food grade plastic so that the parts can be easily sanitized .\n\n[[...|continue 738]]

When you expect a hard taco , you are released by the feed rollers for enough time to allow the weight of the taco to push the correct length of paper down between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 739]]

When the machine expects you , the rollers actually push you of paper down into the gap between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 740]]

You are advantageously heated to about° f. and exert a compression force of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 741]]

Referring to , a v-shaped plow is attached to the leading you of the guide flanges and .\n\n[[...|continue 742]]

A vacuum head lifts you from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat you .\n\n[[...|continue 744]]

Is a top view of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 745]]

In order to provide you , it is desirable that an automated you handle you and hard tortillas or taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 746]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the meat pump ;\n\n[[...|continue 747]]

The weight of the gate is such that the gate will remain closed with the ledge contacting the back wall when the cell is filled with the desired you of food .\n\n[[...|continue 748]]

You extend rearwardly beyond the pivot rod and acts as a counterweight to assist in keeping the gate closed .\n\n[[...|continue 749]]

The tacos are staged in two rows of tacos , one coil is for hard tacos and one for soft tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 750]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the stuffer bar for soft tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 751]]

Background this invention relates to an automatic taco machine , and , more particularly , to an apparatus which automatically stores , dispenses , and fills you .\n\n[[...|continue 752]]

You include a bottom plate , a housing , a rotatable plate within the housing , and rollers on the plate which compress the tube against the side wall of the housing .\n\n[[...|continue 753]]

A hot food dispenser and a cold food dispenser dispense hot and cold food onto the tortilla as it is moved by the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 754]]

You rotate the carousel to align another bin with the slot when a sensor senses that a bin is empty .\n\n[[...|continue 755]]

The heater plates include you to maintain you and by-metallic thermocouples to prevent you from overheating in the event that the type r thermocouples fail .\n\n[[...|continue 756]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the meat dispensing nozzle ;\n\n[[...|continue 757]]

Referring to , the top heater plate includes you and which are separated by a central slot .\n\n[[...|continue 758]]

The word " taco " as used herein includes products which are generally referred to as tacos as well as other wrapped food products such as burritos and the like .\n\n[[...|continue 759]]

Referring to - 22 , the frame includes you which holds you of ground beef .\n\n[[...|continue 760]]

As the jaws open again and a new section of paper is placed in position , you are pulled away from jaws by a pincher on a motorized screw .\n\n[[...|continue 761]]

A cylindrical tube extends along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives you which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 762]]

The two sets of endless belts form a v-shaped trough for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 763]]

The product is pulled across the top of the staging you and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 764]]

Referring to , you are attached to the leading end of the guide flanges and .\n\n[[...|continue 765]]

The heater plates are heated by electrical resistance heating elements which are supplied with current by electrical conduits .\n\n[[...|continue 766]]

In one specific embodiment the compartment was maintained at° f. and the dispensing nozzle was maintained at° f.\n\n[[...|continue 767]]

, , and , the soft tortilla compartment includes you of shelves and a hinged you for loading the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 768]]

You include a back wall which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing apparatus and a pair of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 769]]

The sensor activates you on the frame which extends you .\n\n[[...|continue 770]]

Is a perspective view of the soft tortilla holder ;\n\n[[...|continue 771]]

The two sets of endless belts form you for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 772]]

Another sensor adjacent the conveyor senses the approach of a tortilla to you dispense assemblies .\n\n[[...|continue 773]]

The endless belts fit tightly over the pulleys , and rotation of the end pulleys and moves you which in turn rotate you .\n\n[[...|continue 774]]

Storage compartments for soft tortillas and hard taco shells are mounted above a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 776]]

You can be made from soft wheat flour tortillas or relatively rigid corn meal tortillas ( taco shells ) which hold the ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 777]]

When the machine expects you , the rollers actually push you of paper down into the gap between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 778]]

As the rollers and the projections rotate , lettuce or cheese is dispensed onto the vibrating you .\n\n[[...|continue 780]]

You are rotated by a suitable power source , and you include a plurality of radially extending cylindrical projections .\n\n[[...|continue 781]]

The hot food dispensing you include you ( ) into which the tube extends .\n\n[[...|continue 782]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides an apparatus for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling tortillas and taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 783]]

Mexican restaurants traditionally offer you which are filled with a variety of ingredients , for example , ground beef , lettuce , and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 784]]

You relate to an automatic taco machine , and , more particularly , to an apparatus which automatically stores , dispenses , and fills tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 785]]

Attempts have been made to automate you of tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 786]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the stuffer bar for soft tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 787]]

Storage compartments for soft tortillas and hard taco shells are mounted above a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 788]]

Is an elevational view of the drive pulley ;\n\n[[...|continue 789]]

Storage compartments for soft tortillas and hard taco shells are mounted above a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 790]]

You then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move the heated tortilla to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 791]]

A suction pump or source of vacuum is connected to the chamber by bores and which extend through the top plate and hoses and .\n\n[[...|continue 792]]

You include an inclined end surface and a grooved top surface .\n\n[[...|continue 793]]

One of the bins is aligned with a rectangular slot in the shelf so that the taco shells in that bin can be dispensed from the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 794]]

You can prepare either soft tacos or hard tacos interchangeably .\n\n[[...|continue 795]]

The coils make you every time they receive you so they move you acro the heated staging tray .\n\n[[...|continue 796]]

When you move back to the right , you move into supporting engagement with the stack of taco shells before the top plate moves out of engagement .\n\n[[...|continue 797]]

Heretofore , the tortillas and taco shells have generally been filled manually .\n\n[[...|continue 798]]

You include a back wall which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing apparatus and a pair of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 799]]

Referring to , the top heater plate includes you and which are separated by a central slot .\n\n[[...|continue 800]]

Is a fragmentary view showing a taco shell being peeled away from the stack ;\n\n[[...|continue 801]]

The coils make you every time they receive you so they move you acro the heated staging tray .\n\n[[...|continue 802]]

You have been made to automate the preparation of tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 803]]

The sensor activates you on the frame which extends you .\n\n[[...|continue 806]]

However , you are required to prepare food items quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 807]]

As the peeler moves left , the wedging you and peels you downwardly away from the second taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 808]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the meat dispensing compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 809]]

You have a tendency to stick together , and you are extremely difficult for a machine to remove a single tortilla from the stack without tearing the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 811]]

The completed tacos can be collected manually from the end of the conveyor , or the conveyor can feed you into a packaging machine .\n\n[[...|continue 812]]

The drive shaft rotates you to align you with the slot when a sensor senses that a bin is empty .\n\n[[...|continue 814]]

You include type r thermocouples to maintain the temperature and you to prevent the heater plates from overheating in the event that the type r thermocouples fail .\n\n[[...|continue 815]]

The coils make you every time they receive you so they move you acro the heated staging tray .\n\n[[...|continue 816]]

You then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move the heated tortilla to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 817]]

The parts of the machine are preferably formed from either stainless steel or food grade plastic so that the parts can be easily sanitized .\n\n[[...|continue 818]]

You include an elongated side bar , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 819]]

Such screw conveyors are well known and conventional .\n\n[[...|continue 820]]

You include type r thermocouples to maintain the temperature and you to prevent the heater plates from overheating in the event that the type r thermocouples fail .\n\n[[...|continue 821]]

The particular pump illustrated is you which pumps meat through the tube without contacting the meat .\n\n[[...|continue 822]]

You extend along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives a drive shaft which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 823]]

The conveyor moves you past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 824]]

Each portion of the heater includes an outer rectangular casing and a semi-octagonal plate which contains the heating element .\n\n[[...|continue 825]]

A tortilla can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying you to the chamber and holes .\n\n[[...|continue 826]]

You lift a soft tortilla from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 827]]

The paper is cut from by the cylindrical paper cutter ( same type of cutter as used in a fax machine ) that is located above the inner jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 828]]

Is a end view taken along the line--6 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 829]]

A vacuum head lifts you from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat you .\n\n[[...|continue 830]]

You include a flat bottom plate ( see also ) and a pair of curved or arcuate side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 831]]

The bottom plate is provided with two concentric rings of holes which communicate with the chamber .\n\n[[...|continue 832]]

You activate a solenoid on the frame which extends a push rod .\n\n[[...|continue 833]]

Is you of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 834]]

When you are to be dispensed , you peel the bottom taco shell downwardly away from the stack , and you fall to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 835]]

The particular container illustrated is mounted on a turntable for rotational movement relative to the tube and lid .\n\n[[...|continue 836]]

The end of the tube is connected to a dispensing nozzle assembly which is mounted in a heated metal block .\n\n[[...|continue 837]]

You include a side portion and a top portion which is supported by the axles .\n\n[[...|continue 839]]

The cold food dispensing you include a refrigerated you which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing you are mounted .\n\n[[...|continue 840]]

You are preferably formed from silicone material which has some elasticity so that the belts can be stretched over the pulleys and tightly engage the pulleys .\n\n[[...|continue 841]]

The ledge extends rearwardly beyond the pivot rod and acts as a counterweight to assist in keeping the gate closed .\n\n[[...|continue 842]]

You are stored stacks in a separate heated compartment above the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 843]]

For example , a photoelectric cell can be used to differentiate between a tortilla which contains you which erroneously was not filled with meat .\n\n[[...|continue 844]]

This is a continuation of application ser .\n\n[[...|continue 845]]

As the jaws open again and a new section of paper is placed in position , the wrapped product is pulled away from jaws by a pincher on a motorized you .\n\n[[...|continue 846]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the meat dispensing nozzle ;\n\n[[...|continue 847]]

A stuffer bar then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move you to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 848]]

The inclined surface on the arm ensures that the support arm can move underneath the stack .\n\n[[...|continue 850]]

You are mounted within the housing and provides a check valve or one-way valve for the meat which is pumped through the tube .\n\n[[...|continue 851]]

Each screw is rotated by a stepper motor .\n\n[[...|continue 852]]

Is a side view of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 853]]

The wedge is somewhat l-shaped in vertical cross-section and includes a flat vertically extending you and a flat horizontally extending you .\n\n[[...|continue 854]]

When you expect a soft taco , you actually push the correct length of paper down into the gap between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 855]]

The completed tacos can be collected manually from the end of the conveyor , or the conveyor can feed you into a packaging machine .\n\n[[...|continue 856]]

You can be controlled by an order processor which instructs the machine to dispense either a soft tortilla or you shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 857]]

An elastomeric duckbill valve is mounted within the housing and provides you or one-way valve for the meat which is pumped through the tube .\n\n[[...|continue 858]]

Is a perspective view of one side of one of the cold food dispensers ;\n\n[[...|continue 859]]

When the machine expects you , the rollers actually push you of paper down into the gap between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 860]]

The conveyor moves you dispense you where hot and cold ingredients are dispensed into the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 862]]

For example , one bin can be filled with shredded lettuce and the other bin can be filled with grated you .\n\n[[...|continue 864]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides an apparatus for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling tortillas and taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 865]]

Stacks of soft tortillas are supported on a plurality of tortilla trays which are supported on shelves in a cabinet .\n\n[[...|continue 866]]

The weight of the gate is such that the gate will remain closed with the ledge contacting the back wall when you are filled with the desired amount of food .\n\n[[...|continue 867]]

The taco shell is moved by the conveyor past the hot and cold dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 868]]

, , and , the soft tortilla compartment includes you of shelves and a hinged you for loading the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 870]]

Is a perspective view of an automatic taco machine formed in accordance with the invention ;\n\n[[...|continue 871]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 872]]

You include an elongated side bar , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 873]]

For example , a photoelectric cell can be used to differentiate between a tortilla which contains you which erroneously was not filled with meat .\n\n[[...|continue 874]]

The push rod engages the edge of the gate which extends beyond the side wall of the chute and pivots the gate so that the contents of weighing and dispensing cell are dumped onto a tortilla on the conveyor below the cell .\n\n[[...|continue 875]]

The particular container illustrated is mounted on a turntable for rotational movement relative to the tube and lid .\n\n[[...|continue 876]]

You are then closed and you are sealed along its top and sides by the pressure of the jaws on the pre treated paper .\n\n[[...|continue 877]]

The heater plates are advantageously heated to about° you and exert you of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 878]]

You lift a soft tortilla from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 879]]

The endless belts are preferably formed from silicone material which has you so that the belts can be stretched over the pulleys and tightly engage you .\n\n[[...|continue 880]]

The top tortilla of a stack can be picked up by a vacuum pick up you which is mounted for vertical movement on a vertical screw at the rear of the compartment and for horizontal movement on a horizontal screw .\n\n[[...|continue 882]]

You are a peristaltic pump which pumps meat through the tube without contacting the meat .\n\n[[...|continue 883]]

Is you of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 884]]

You move the tortilla past dispensing stations where you are dispensed into the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 885]]

The heater plates are advantageously heated to about° you and exert you of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 886]]

You include a curved wedging or camming edge , and you include a wedged or pointed end which mereges with the top of the edge .\n\n[[...|continue 887]]

The bottom heater plate is similarly formed .\n\n[[...|continue 888]]

You dispense station illustrated dispenses ground beef , but other types of hot food can also be dispensed .\n\n[[...|continue 889]]

The apparatus can therefore be adjusted to prepare you of menu items .\n\n[[...|continue 890]]

Is a side view of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 891]]

The conveyor belts and pulleys are protected by a stainless steel side cover ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 892]]

And the bottom taco is supported in the groove in the top surface .\n\n[[...|continue 894]]

You can be controlled by an order processor which instructs the machine to dispense either a soft tortilla or you shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 895]]

The completed tacos can be collected manually from the end of the conveyor , or the conveyor can feed you into a packaging machine .\n\n[[...|continue 896]]

You are relatively rigid and generally u-shaped and may be supplied in a nested stack .\n\n[[...|continue 897]]

The heater plates are heated by electrical resistance heating elements which are supplied with current by electrical conduits .\n\n[[...|continue 898]]

When you are to be dispensed , you peel the bottom taco shell downwardly away from the stack , and you fall to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 899]]

A tortilla holder is supported on each shelf and holds you of soft flour tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 900]]

You can therefore be adjusted to prepare a variety of menu items .\n\n[[...|continue 901]]

The stuffer bar has you along the bottom to prevent you from slipping as it is stuffed through the bottom heater plate onto the conveyer .\n\n[[...|continue 902]]

You move the tortilla past dispensing stations where you are dispensed into the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 903]]

The machine can be controlled by an order processor which instructs you to dispense you or a hard taco shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 904]]

You rotate the carousel to align another bin with the slot when a sensor senses that a bin is empty .\n\n[[...|continue 905]]

Such screw conveyors are well known and conventional .\n\n[[...|continue 906]]

Background this invention relates to an automatic taco machine , and , more particularly , to an apparatus which automatically stores , dispenses , and fills you .\n\n[[...|continue 908]]

You are stored stacks in a separate heated compartment above the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 909]]

Each tortilla is manually peeled from the stack , positioned on a holder or support , and filled with the desired ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 910]]

The end of the groove is enlarged to allow a mis-shapened taco shell to be peeled from the stack without breakage .\n\n[[...|continue 911]]

A stepper motor rotates you , and rotation of the pulley causes you of the pulley .\n\n[[...|continue 912]]

Is a bottom perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 913]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 914]]

You are a peristaltic pump which pumps meat through the tube without contacting the meat .\n\n[[...|continue 915]]

When the peeler moves back to the right , the support arm moves into supporting engagement with the stack of taco shells before the top plate moves out of engagement .\n\n[[...|continue 916]]

You are then lowered by the rams to compress the tortilla between the two heater plates .\n\n[[...|continue 917]]

The bottom heater plate is similarly formed .\n\n[[...|continue 918]]

You extend along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives a drive shaft which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 919]]

A taco shell carousel is rotatably supported by the shelf and includes four rectangular , vertically extending you for holding four stacks of nested taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 920]]

The tortilla is heated by the heater plates , and additional heating may be caused by compression forces .\n\n[[...|continue 922]]

You include a side portion and a top portion which is supported by the axles .\n\n[[...|continue 923]]

You are then closed and you are sealed along its top and sides by the pressure of the jaws on the pre treated paper .\n\n[[...|continue 925]]

As the plate rotates , the rollers force meat within the tube in the direction of the arrows .\n\n[[...|continue 926]]

However , you are required to prepare food items quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 927]]

Is a top view of the conveyor ;\n\n[[...|continue 929]]

The completed tacos can be collected manually from the end of the conveyor , or the conveyor can feed you into a packaging machine .\n\n[[...|continue 930]]

Before the pump stops , you reverse to rotate the plate by/3 revolution , and the lips sealingly engage and prevent meat from dripping .\n\n[[...|continue 931]]

Such screw conveyors are well known and conventional .\n\n[[...|continue 932]]

You relate to an automatic taco machine , and , more particularly , to an apparatus which automatically stores , dispenses , and fills tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 933]]

As the jaws open again and a new section of paper is placed in position , the wrapped product is pulled away from jaws by a pincher on a motorized you .\n\n[[...|continue 934]]

As the plate rotates , the rollers force meat within the tube in the direction of the arrows .\n\n[[...|continue 936]]

The weight of the gate is such that the gate will remain closed with the ledge contacting the back wall when you are filled with the desired amount of food .\n\n[[...|continue 937]]

For example , a photoelectric cell can be used to differentiate between a tortilla which contains you which erroneously was not filled with meat .\n\n[[...|continue 938]]

Manual preparation of tacos is labor intensive , expensive , and relatively time-consuming .\n\n[[...|continue 939]]

An automatic taco machine can automatically make you .\n\n[[...|continue 940]]

One stack of taco shells is supported by a peeler mechanism , which engages the lowermost taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 942]]

Is a perspective view of an automatic taco machine formed in accordance with the invention ;\n\n[[...|continue 943]]

When you move back to the right , you move into supporting engagement with the stack of taco shells before the top plate moves out of engagement .\n\n[[...|continue 945]]

The stuffer bar has you along the bottom to prevent you from slipping as it is stuffed through the bottom heater plate onto the conveyer .\n\n[[...|continue 946]]

As the peeler moves left , the wedging edge engages the bottom taco shell and peels the bottom taco shell downwardly away from the second taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 947]]

When the machine expects you , the paper is released by the feed rollers for enough time to allow you of the taco to push you of paper down between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 948]]

When the stepper motor which drives the peeler is activated , the peeler moves to the left as illustrated in .\n\n[[...|continue 949]]

The conveyor moves you past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 950]]

Is perspective view of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 951]]

The rear belts on the pulleys are fixed in position , but the front belts on the pulleys move away from the rear belts when a taco or tortilla is in position to allow you to fall or be lowered on the wrapping paper into the gap between the sealing jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 952]]

Is a end view taken of the conveyor along the line--5 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 953]]

When the machine expects you , the paper is released by the feed rollers for enough time to allow you of the taco to push you of paper down between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 954]]

When you are to be dispensed , you peel the bottom taco shell downwardly away from the stack , and you fall to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 955]]

The meat pump is activated by a sensor adjacent the conveyor , for example , a photoelectric cell , which senses the approach of a tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 956]]

Is a fragmentary top view of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 957]]

The stuffer bar has you along the bottom to prevent you from slipping as it is stuffed through the bottom heater plate onto the conveyer .\n\n[[...|continue 958]]

You can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying suction to the chamber and holes .\n\n[[...|continue 959]]

And the bottom taco is supported in the groove in the top surface .\n\n[[...|continue 960]]

Is a end view taken along the line--6 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 961]]

The first section of the tube between the bottom of the container and the pump is formed from stainless steel , and the remainder of the tube is formed by a plastic hose .\n\n[[...|continue 962]]

When you have been held in the slot , you are pushed open by an air cylinder to receive the product to be wrapped .\n\n[[...|continue 963]]

A stepper motor rotates you , and rotation of the pulley causes you of the pulley .\n\n[[...|continue 964]]

Is a fragmentary view of the soft tortilla storage compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 965]]

The automatic taco machine can prepare you or hard tacos interchangeably .\n\n[[...|continue 966]]

Is a fragmentary top view of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 967]]

Referring to - 22 , the frame includes you which holds you of ground beef .\n\n[[...|continue 968]]

When the peeler moves back to the right , the support arm moves into supporting engagement with the stack of taco shells before the top plate moves out of engagement .\n\n[[...|continue 970]]

You are advanced by the conveyor to you dispense station .\n\n[[...|continue 971]]

A taco shell carousel is rotatably supported by the shelf and includes four rectangular , vertically extending you for holding four stacks of nested taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 972]]

You are moved by the conveyor past the hot and cold dispensing stations .\n\n[[...|continue 973]]

The heater plates are advantageously heated to about° you and exert you of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 974]]

Referring to - 22 , you include a heated storage compartment which holds a container of ground beef .\n\n[[...|continue 975]]

You eventually falls by gravity into the v-shaped conveyor and is transported toward the dispensing stations by the endless belts .\n\n[[...|continue 977]]

Is a side view of the conveyor ;\n\n[[...|continue 979]]

The peeler assembly includes an elongated you , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 980]]

Is a top plan view of one of the heater plates ;\n\n[[...|continue 981]]

The jaws are then closed and the paper is sealed along its top and sides by the pressure of the jaws on the pre treated paper .\n\n[[...|continue 982]]

For example , you can be used to differentiate between a tortilla which contains meat and a tortilla which erroneously was not filled with meat .\n\n[[...|continue 983]]

The turntable is rotated by a shaft which is rotated by gear mechanism and drive shaft .\n\n[[...|continue 984]]

The word " taco " as used herein includes products which are generally referred to as tacos as well as other wrapped food products such as burritos and the like .\n\n[[...|continue 985]]

It is held in position at the outer jaw by two air operated diaphragms that push you against the upper surface of the slot .\n\n[[...|continue 986]]

When a taco shell is to be dispensed , the peeler mechanism peels you downwardly away from the stack , and the taco shell falls to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 988]]

Description of the drawing the invention will be explained in conjunction with illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing , in which\n\n[[...|continue 989]]

A hot food dispenser and a cold food dispenser dispense hot and cold food onto the tortilla as it is moved by the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 990]]

You include a curved wedging or camming edge , and you include a wedged or pointed end which mereges with the top of the edge .\n\n[[...|continue 991]]

The drive shaft is rotated by a stepper motor mounted outside of the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 992]]

The packaging machine uses you of cold adhesive wrapping paper that is pulled off its spool by a pair of moving rollers operated by an air cylinder .\n\n[[...|continue 994]]

Is a side view of the support arm of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 995]]

The hot food dispensing you include you ( ) into which the tube extends .\n\n[[...|continue 996]]

You are held in position at the outer jaw by two air operated diaphragms that push the paper against the upper surface of the slot .\n\n[[...|continue 997]]

A guide flange extends downwardly from the top portion and is spaced from the pulleys and the belts to form you through which the upper edge of a tortilla is conveyed by the belts .\n\n[[...|continue 998]]

Is a top view of the soft tortilla holder ;\n\n[[...|continue 999]]

A tortilla holder is supported on each shelf and holds you of soft flour tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1000]]

The particular container illustrated is mounted on a turntable for rotational movement relative to the tube and lid .\n\n[[...|continue 1002]]

You are pulled across the top of the staging area and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 1003]]

The turntable is rotated by a shaft which is rotated by gear mechanism and drive shaft .\n\n[[...|continue 1004]]

The two sets of endless belts form a v-shaped trough for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1005]]

The endless belts fit tightly over the pulleys , and rotation of the end pulleys and moves you which in turn rotate you .\n\n[[...|continue 1006]]

You are pulled across the top of the staging area and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 1007]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1009]]

A similar guide flange is spaced from the pulleys and the belts and is supported by cross bars which are secured to the top wall of the cover .\n\n[[...|continue 1010]]

Is a fragmentary top perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 1011]]

Another sensor adjacent the conveyor senses the approach of a tortilla to the cold food dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 1012]]

You include a curved wedging or camming edge , and you include a wedged or pointed end which mereges with the top of the edge .\n\n[[...|continue 1013]]

Each screw is rotated by a stepper motor .\n\n[[...|continue 1014]]

You generally includes an outer edible wrap and one or more inner ingredients which may include meat , lettuce , cheese , guacomole , sour cream , sauce , etc. the outer edible wrap can be a soft wheat flour tortilla , a hard corn meal tortilla ( taco shell ) , or similar edible food material .\n\n[[...|continue 1015]]

Is a side view of the taco shell peeler and a stack of taco shells ;\n\n[[...|continue 1017]]

The conveyor is provided by a plurality of endless plastic belts which are driven by pulleys .\n\n[[...|continue 1018]]

Is a fragmentary view of the heater for soft tortillas ;\n\n[[...|continue 1019]]

However , fast-food restaurants are required to prepare you quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 1020]]

You include type r thermocouples to maintain the temperature and you to prevent the heater plates from overheating in the event that the type r thermocouples fail .\n\n[[...|continue 1021]]

When a taco shell is to be dispensed , the peeler mechanism peels you downwardly away from the stack , and the taco shell falls to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1022]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 1023]]

Before the pump stops , the pump motor reverses to rotate you , and the lips sealingly engage and prevent you from dripping .\n\n[[...|continue 1024]]

You dispense station includes a refrigerated compartment which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing assemblies are mounted .\n\n[[...|continue 1025]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the meat pump ;\n\n[[...|continue 1027]]

Automated handling of soft tortillas is particularly difficult because the stack of tortillas must usually be kept warm and moist .\n\n[[...|continue 1028]]

You are held in position at the outer jaw by two air operated diaphragms that push the paper against the upper surface of the slot .\n\n[[...|continue 1029]]

Is you of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 1030]]

You can prepare either soft tacos or hard tacos interchangeably .\n\n[[...|continue 1031]]

When the pump is operating , the meat forces you apart to dispense you through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 1032]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the meat dispensing compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 1033]]

The bottom plate is provided with two concentric rings of holes which communicate with the chamber .\n\n[[...|continue 1034]]

The top surface of the top plate thereby supports the second taco shell and the remaining taco shells in the stack as the peeler continues to move to the left .\n\n[[...|continue 1035]]

Each portion of the heater includes you and a semi-octagonal plate which contains you .\n\n[[...|continue 1036]]

Is a side view of the gate of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 1037]]

One stack of taco shells is supported by a peeler mechanism , which engages the lowermost taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 1038]]

The top surface of the top plate thereby supports the second taco shell and the remaining taco shells in the stack as the peeler continues to move to the left .\n\n[[...|continue 1039]]

One stack of taco shells is supported by a peeler mechanism , which engages the lowermost taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 1040]]

The end of the groove is enlarged to allow a mis-shapened taco shell to be peeled from the stack without breakage .\n\n[[...|continue 1041]]

For example , a photoelectric cell can be used to differentiate between a tortilla which contains you which erroneously was not filled with meat .\n\n[[...|continue 1042]]

However , because of the different storage and handling requirements for soft , flexible tortillas and hard , relatively inflexible taco shells , you have been able to fill both tortillas and taco shells in a satisfactory manner .\n\n[[...|continue 1043]]

Is a side view of the conveyor ;\n\n[[...|continue 1045]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1046]]

You rotate the carousel to align another bin with the slot when a sensor senses that a bin is empty .\n\n[[...|continue 1047]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1048]]

The meat pump is activated by a sensor adjacent the conveyor , for example , a photoelectric cell , which senses the approach of a tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 1050]]

You are preferably heated to about° f.\n\n[[...|continue 1051]]

A suction pump or source of vacuum is connected to the chamber by bores and which extend through the top plate and hoses and .\n\n[[...|continue 1052]]

Before the pump stops , you reverse to rotate the plate by/3 revolution , and the lips sealingly engage and prevent meat from dripping .\n\n[[...|continue 1053]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1054]]

This is a continuation of application ser .\n\n[[...|continue 1055]]

As the rollers and you rotate , you are dispensed onto the vibrating tray .\n\n[[...|continue 1057]]

The conveyor is provided by a plurality of endless plastic belts which are driven by pulleys .\n\n[[...|continue 1058]]

You extend downwardly from the top portion and is spaced from the pulleys and you to form a channel through which the upper edge of a tortilla is conveyed by the belts .\n\n[[...|continue 1059]]

Each tortilla is manually peeled from the stack , positioned on a holder or support , and filled with the desired ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 1060]]

A tube extends from the bottom of the container through a lid on the container , through a pump , to the dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 1062]]

The endless belts fit tightly over the pulleys , and rotation of the end pulleys and moves the endless belts which in turn rotate the other pulleys .\n\n[[...|continue 1063]]

As the peeler moves left , the wedging you and peels you downwardly away from the second taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 1064]]

, , and , you include a plurality of shelves and a hinged front door for loading the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 1065]]

As the jaws open again and a new section of paper is placed in position , the wrapped product is pulled away from jaws by a pincher on a motorized you .\n\n[[...|continue 1066]]

The storage bins of the two dispensing assemblies can be filled with different cold ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 1067]]

A tortilla can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying you to the chamber and holes .\n\n[[...|continue 1068]]

You are advantageously heated to about° f. and exert a compression force of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 1069]]

Each portion of the heater includes you and a semi-octagonal plate which contains you .\n\n[[...|continue 1070]]

The top surface of the top plate thereby supports the second taco shell and the remaining taco shells in the stack as the peeler continues to move to the left .\n\n[[...|continue 1071]]

The rigid taco shells are more easily separated than tortillas , but the taco shells are fragile and are subject to breaking when handled mechanically .\n\n[[...|continue 1072]]

Is a top plan view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1073]]

The bottom heater plate is similarly formed .\n\n[[...|continue 1074]]

You include an elongated side bar , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 1079]]

When you move back to the right , you move into supporting engagement with the stack of taco shells before the top plate moves out of engagement .\n\n[[...|continue 1081]]

Manual preparation of tacos is you intensive , expensive , and relatively time-consuming .\n\n[[...|continue 1082]]

Is a fragmentary side view of the bar of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1083]]

And the bottom taco is supported in the groove in the top surface .\n\n[[...|continue 1084]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1085]]

The stepper motor which drives you are timed relative to the location of the sensor and the speed of the conveyor so that meat is dispensed continuously just after the leading you of the tortilla passes the dispensing you until just before the trailing you of the tortilla passes .\n\n[[...|continue 1086]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 1087]]

Stacks of soft tortillas are supported on a plurality of tortilla trays which are supported on shelves in a cabinet .\n\n[[...|continue 1088]]

The pump and you have snap-in quick disconnects , and you snap into position .\n\n[[...|continue 1089]]

The packaging machine uses you of cold adhesive wrapping paper that is pulled off its spool by a pair of moving rollers operated by an air cylinder .\n\n[[...|continue 1090]]

You have a tendency to stick together , and you are extremely difficult for a machine to remove a single tortilla from the stack without tearing the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 1091]]

The cover includes you and a top portion which is supported by the axles .\n\n[[...|continue 1092]]

The coils make you every time they receive you so they move you acro the heated staging tray .\n\n[[...|continue 1094]]

You relate to an automatic taco machine , and , more particularly , to an apparatus which automatically stores , dispenses , and fills tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 1095]]

The packaging station includes you , and a short endless belt loops around the pulleys and .\n\n[[...|continue 1096]]

You can be controlled by an order processor which instructs the machine to dispense either a soft tortilla or you shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 1097]]

The block can be heated by electrical resistance elements or the like .\n\n[[...|continue 1098]]

In order to provide you , it is desirable that an automated you handle you and hard tortillas or taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1100]]

You are moved by the conveyor past the hot and cold dispensing stations .\n\n[[...|continue 1101]]

Description of the drawing the invention will be explained in conjunction with illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying you , in which\n\n[[...|continue 1102]]

Is a perspective view of the taco shell carousel ;\n\n[[...|continue 1103]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides you for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling you .\n\n[[...|continue 1104]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1106]]

You can prepare either soft tacos or hard tacos interchangeably .\n\n[[...|continue 1107]]

Before the pump stops , the pump motor reverses to rotate you , and the lips sealingly engage and prevent you from dripping .\n\n[[...|continue 1108]]

When you are to be dispensed , you peel the bottom taco shell downwardly away from the stack , and you fall to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1109]]

A stepper motor rotates you , and rotation of the pulley causes you of the pulley .\n\n[[...|continue 1110]]

Is an end view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1111]]

Mexican restaurants traditionally offer you which are filled with a variety of ingredients , for example , ground beef , lettuce , and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1112]]

When the stepper motor which drives the peeler is activated , the peeler moves to the left as illustrated in .\n\n[[...|continue 1113]]

However , these attempts have not been entirely successful .\n\n[[...|continue 1114]]

Taco shells are you in a separate heated compartment above the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1116]]

As the rollers and you rotate , you are dispensed onto the vibrating tray .\n\n[[...|continue 1117]]

The parts are readily disassembled for closing .\n\n[[...|continue 1118]]

You include a flat bottom plate ( see also ) and a pair of curved or arcuate side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 1119]]

Is a bottom perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 1123]]

The end of the groove is enlarged to allow you to be peeled from the stack without breakage .\n\n[[...|continue 1124]]

The storage bins of the two dispensing assemblies can be filled with different cold ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 1125]]

When the pump is operating , the meat forces you apart to dispense you through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 1126]]

The paper is cut from by the cylindrical paper cutter ( same type of cutter as used in a fax machine ) that is located above the inner jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 1128]]

You are rotated by a suitable power source , and you include a plurality of radially extending cylindrical projections .\n\n[[...|continue 1129]]

You rotate the carousel to align another bin with the slot when a sensor senses that a bin is empty .\n\n[[...|continue 1131]]

Heretofore , the tortillas and taco shells have generally been filled manually .\n\n[[...|continue 1132]]

The two sets of axles and are angularly related and form an included angle of about° to° .\n\n[[...|continue 1133]]

The ledge extends rearwardly beyond the pivot rod and acts as a counterweight to assist in keeping the gate closed .\n\n[[...|continue 1134]]

Rotation of the container relative to the tube mixes the contents of the container and maintains a uniform temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 1135]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1136]]

Is a fragmentary top perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 1137]]

And the bottom taco is supported in the groove in the top surface .\n\n[[...|continue 1138]]

You dispense station includes a refrigerated compartment which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing assemblies are mounted .\n\n[[...|continue 1139]]

The tortilla is heated by the heater plates , and additional heating may be caused by compression forces .\n\n[[...|continue 1140]]

Referring to - 22 , you include a heated storage compartment which holds a container of ground beef .\n\n[[...|continue 1141]]

The conveyor moves you past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 1142]]

You move the taco shell past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 1143]]

Taco shells are relatively rigid and generally u-shaped and may be supplied in a nested you .\n\n[[...|continue 1144]]

You include a flat bottom plate ( see also ) and a pair of curved or arcuate side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 1145]]

Referring to , a v-shaped plow is attached to the leading you of the guide flanges and .\n\n[[...|continue 1146]]

Is a side view of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 1147]]

The two sets of endless belts form you for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1148]]

The top surface of the top plate thereby supports the second taco shell and the remaining taco shells in the stack as the peeler continues to move to the left .\n\n[[...|continue 1149]]

You are held in position at the outer jaw by two air operated diaphragms that push the paper against the upper surface of the slot .\n\n[[...|continue 1151]]

The parts of the machine are preferably formed from either stainless steel or food grade plastic so that the parts can be easily sanitized .\n\n[[...|continue 1152]]

You can be made from soft wheat flour tortillas or relatively rigid corn meal tortillas ( taco shells ) which hold the ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 1153]]

The drive shaft is rotated by a stepper motor mounted outside of the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 1154]]

The top surface of the top plate thereby supports the second taco shell and the remaining taco shells in the stack as the peeler continues to move to the left .\n\n[[...|continue 1155]]

As the rollers and the projections rotate , lettuce or cheese is dispensed onto the vibrating you .\n\n[[...|continue 1156]]

You have grooves along the bottom to prevent the tortilla from slipping as it is stuffed through the bottom heater plate onto the conveyer .\n\n[[...|continue 1157]]

The cover includes you and a top portion which is supported by the axles .\n\n[[...|continue 1158]]

You include a flat bottom plate ( see also ) and a pair of curved or arcuate side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 1159]]

In one specific embodiment the compartment was maintained at° f. and the dispensing you are maintained at° f.\n\n[[...|continue 1160]]

Another sensor adjacent the conveyor senses the approach of a tortilla to you dispense assemblies .\n\n[[...|continue 1161]]

The peeler assembly is reciprocated by a stepper motor , and the peeler assembly is normally positioned so that the support arm is below the stack of taco shells as illustrated in fig .\n\n[[...|continue 1162]]

You include another pulley , and a short endless belt loops around the pulleys and .\n\n[[...|continue 1163]]

For example , one bin can be filled with shredded lettuce and the other bin can be filled with grated you .\n\n[[...|continue 1164]]

You are preferably formed from silicone material which has some elasticity so that the belts can be stretched over the pulleys and tightly engage the pulleys .\n\n[[...|continue 1165]]

A similar guide flange is spaced from the pulleys and the belts and is supported by cross bars which are secured to the top wall of the cover .\n\n[[...|continue 1166]]

Rotation of the container relative to the tube mixes the contents of the container and maintains a uniform temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 1167]]

The pump includes you , a housing , a rotatable plate within the housing , and rollers on the plate which compress you against the side wall of the housing .\n\n[[...|continue 1168]]

You rotate the carousel to align another bin with the slot when a sensor senses that a bin is empty .\n\n[[...|continue 1169]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1170]]

Referring to - 22 , you include a heated storage compartment which holds a container of ground beef .\n\n[[...|continue 1171]]

When the paper has been held in the slot , the jaws are pushed open by an air cylinder to receive you to be wrapped .\n\n[[...|continue 1172]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the meat dispensing nozzle ;\n\n[[...|continue 1173]]

The inclined surface on the arm ensures that the support arm can move underneath the stack .\n\n[[...|continue 1174]]

You lift a soft tortilla from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 1175]]

The machine can be controlled by an order processor which instructs you to dispense you or a hard taco shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 1176]]

Is perspective view of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1177]]

Referring now to , the taco shell storage compartment includes you or shelf and a hinged you .\n\n[[...|continue 1178]]

You are mounted within the housing and provides a check valve or one-way valve for the meat which is pumped through the tube .\n\n[[...|continue 1179]]

A pusher bar moves downwardly through slots in the heater plates to fold you and push it onto the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1180]]

You relate to an automatic taco machine , and , more particularly , to an apparatus which automatically stores , dispenses , and fills tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 1181]]

Is a side view of the conveyor ;\n\n[[...|continue 1183]]

The paper is cut from by the cylindrical paper cutter ( same type of cutter as used in a fax machine ) that is located above the inner jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 1184]]

Is a fragmentary view of the soft tortilla storage compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 1185]]

The completed tacos can be collected manually from the end of the conveyor , or the conveyor can feed you into a packaging machine .\n\n[[...|continue 1186]]

You can be controlled by an order processor which instructs the machine to dispense either a soft tortilla or you shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 1187]]

The rigid taco shells are more easily separated than tortillas , but the taco shells are fragile and are subject to breaking when handled mechanically .\n\n[[...|continue 1188]]

The ends of the slot are preferably rounded to conform to the shape of the ends of a taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 1190]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1191]]

A stuffer bar then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move you to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1192]]

Is a side view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1193]]

The tortillas in the stacks are more easily separated if they are at room temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 1194]]

You dispense station includes a refrigerated compartment which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing assemblies are mounted .\n\n[[...|continue 1195]]

The dispensing you are mounted in a hole in the heated block so that the valve assembly and the meat inside the valve assembly is maintained at the desired temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 1196]]

You used a roll of cold adhesive wrapping paper that is pulled off its spool by a pair of moving rollers operated by an air cylinder .\n\n[[...|continue 1197]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the meat dispensing compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 1199]]

Is a top view of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 1201]]

The packaging station includes you , and a short endless belt loops around the pulleys and .\n\n[[...|continue 1202]]

The heater plates are advantageously heated to about° you and exert you of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 1204]]

Is a end view taken along the line--6 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 1205]]

A hot food dispenser and a cold food dispenser dispense hot and cold food onto the tortilla as it is moved by the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1206]]

You can prepare either soft tacos or hard tacos interchangeably .\n\n[[...|continue 1207]]

Is a sectional view taken along the line--7 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 1209]]

Referring to , a v-shaped plow is attached to the leading you of the guide flanges and .\n\n[[...|continue 1210]]

You are pulled across the top of the staging area and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 1211]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1212]]

You are mounted on the frame below the tortilla compartments and dispensing stations for conveying tortillas below the food dispensing stations .\n\n[[...|continue 1213]]

The bottom taco shell eventually falls by gravity into the v-shaped conveyor and is transported toward the dispensing you by the endless belts .\n\n[[...|continue 1214]]

You used a roll of cold adhesive wrapping paper that is pulled off its spool by a pair of moving rollers operated by an air cylinder .\n\n[[...|continue 1215]]

The plate is rotatable by a shaft , gear mechanism , drive shaft , and another stepper motor .\n\n[[...|continue 1216]]

A hopper is mounted on the frame above the vibrating you , and a pair of rollers are rotatably mounted with the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 1218]]

Is a perspective view of an automatic taco machine formed in accordance with the invention ;\n\n[[...|continue 1219]]

One stack of taco shells is supported by a peeler mechanism , which engages the lowermost taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 1220]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the meat dispensing nozzle ;\n\n[[...|continue 1221]]

A tortilla can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying you to the chamber and holes .\n\n[[...|continue 1222]]

Is a top plan view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1223]]

The completed tacos and soft tacos are conveyed into the packaging station .\n\n[[...|continue 1224]]

You can be made from soft wheat flour tortillas or relatively rigid corn meal tortillas ( taco shells ) which hold the ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 1225]]

A suction pump or source of vacuum is connected to the chamber by bores and which extend through the top plate and hoses and .\n\n[[...|continue 1226]]

Referring to , the top heater plate includes you and which are separated by a central slot .\n\n[[...|continue 1228]]

You include an elongated side bar , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 1229]]

A cylindrical tube extends along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives you which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 1230]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 1231]]

The rollers are rotated by a suitable power source , and each roller includes you of radially extending you .\n\n[[...|continue 1232]]

When you move back to the right , you move into supporting engagement with the stack of taco shells before the top plate moves out of engagement .\n\n[[...|continue 1233]]

The pick up head and the tortilla which is adhered thereto by suction is moved by the conveyor screws and into the space between a pair of heater plates and ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 1234]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the stuffer bar for soft tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1235]]

A pusher bar moves downwardly through slots in the heater plates to fold you and push it onto the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1236]]

You move the taco shell past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 1237]]

Is you of the meat dispensing compartment ;\n\n[[...|continue 1238]]

In order to provide maximum efficiency , you are desirable that an automated taco machine handle both soft tortillas and hard tortillas or taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1239]]

A v-shaped conveyor is mounted on the frame below the tortilla compartments and dispensing you for conveying tortillas below the food dispensing stations .\n\n[[...|continue 1240]]

You are a peristaltic pump which pumps meat through the tube without contacting the meat .\n\n[[...|continue 1241]]

The machine can be controlled by an order processor which instructs you to dispense you or a hard taco shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 1242]]

You have been made to automate the preparation of tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 1243]]

For example , one bin can be filled with shredded lettuce and the other bin can be filled with grated you .\n\n[[...|continue 1244]]

Referring now to , you include a bottom wall or shelf and a hinged front door .\n\n[[...|continue 1245]]

The cold food dispensing you include a refrigerated you which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing you are mounted .\n\n[[...|continue 1246]]

You traditionally offer tacos which are filled with a variety of ingredients , for example , ground beef , lettuce , and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1247]]

The completed tacos and soft tacos are conveyed into the packaging station .\n\n[[...|continue 1248]]

For example , you can be filled with shredded lettuce and you can be filled with grated cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1249]]

Manual preparation of tacos is you intensive , expensive , and relatively time-consuming .\n\n[[...|continue 1250]]

Is a fragmentary view of the heater for soft tortillas ;\n\n[[...|continue 1251]]

The paper is cut from by the cylindrical paper cutter ( same type of cutter as used in a fax machine ) that is located above the inner jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 1252]]

Is a side view of the gate of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 1253]]

A hot food dispenser and a cold food dispenser dispense hot and cold food onto the tortilla as it is moved by the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1254]]

Manual preparation of tacos is labor intensive , expensive , and relatively time-consuming .\n\n[[...|continue 1255]]

A hot food dispenser and a cold food dispenser dispense hot and cold food onto the tortilla as it is moved by the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1256]]

You include a tubular portion and a pair of converging lips or flaps which are separated by a slit .\n\n[[...|continue 1257]]

The upper heater plate is then lowered by the rams to compress you between the two heater plates .\n\n[[...|continue 1258]]

Is a top view of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 1259]]

Is a side view of the gate of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 1261]]

You are somewhat l-shaped in vertical cross-section and includes a flat vertically extending plate and a flat horizontally extending top plate .\n\n[[...|continue 1263]]

Is you of the meat dispensing nozzle ;\n\n[[...|continue 1264]]

The ends of the slot are preferably rounded to conform to the shape of the ends of a taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 1266]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 1267]]

You are preferably formed from silicone material which has some elasticity so that the belts can be stretched over the pulleys and tightly engage the pulleys .\n\n[[...|continue 1269]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1270]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1271]]

Manual preparation of tacos is acceptable in a conventional full service , sit-down restaurant .\n\n[[...|continue 1272]]

The end of the tube is connected to a dispensing you which is mounted in a heated metal block .\n\n[[...|continue 1274]]

You can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying suction to the chamber and holes .\n\n[[...|continue 1275]]

Is a side view of the taco shell peeler and a stack of taco shells ;\n\n[[...|continue 1277]]

The parts are readily disassembled for closing .\n\n[[...|continue 1278]]

You used a roll of cold adhesive wrapping paper that is pulled off its spool by a pair of moving rollers operated by an air cylinder .\n\n[[...|continue 1279]]

The conveyor belts and pulleys are protected by a stainless steel side cover ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 1280]]

You are advantageously heated to about° f. and exert a compression force of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 1281]]

The particular container illustrated is mounted on a turntable for rotational movement relative to the tube and lid .\n\n[[...|continue 1282]]

You can therefore be adjusted to prepare a variety of menu items .\n\n[[...|continue 1283]]

Manual preparation of tacos is you intensive , expensive , and relatively time-consuming .\n\n[[...|continue 1284]]

The end of the tube is connected to a dispensing nozzle assembly which is mounted in a heated metal block .\n\n[[...|continue 1285]]

The cold food dispensers will be activated only if the tortilla contains you .\n\n[[...|continue 1286]]

When you are operating , you force the lips apart to dispense meat through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 1287]]

The support arm includes you and a grooved you .\n\n[[...|continue 1288]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides you for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling you .\n\n[[...|continue 1290]]

Is a perspective view of one side of one of the cold food dispensers ;\n\n[[...|continue 1291]]

You then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move the heated tortilla to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1293]]

As the peeler moves left , the wedging you and peels you downwardly away from the second taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 1294]]

, , and , you include a plurality of shelves and a hinged front door for loading the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 1295]]

The end of the groove is enlarged to allow you to be peeled from the stack without breakage .\n\n[[...|continue 1296]]

The endless belts fit tightly over the pulleys , and rotation of the end pulleys and moves the endless belts which in turn rotate the other pulleys .\n\n[[...|continue 1297]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides an apparatus for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling tortillas and taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1299]]

Each screw is rotated by a stepper motor .\n\n[[...|continue 1300]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1301]]

The parts of the machine are preferably formed from either stainless steel or food grade plastic so that the parts can be easily sanitized .\n\n[[...|continue 1302]]

Is a top view of the conveyor ;\n\n[[...|continue 1303]]

You relate to an automatic taco machine , and , more particularly , to an apparatus which automatically stores , dispenses , and fills tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 1305]]

The v-shaped tortilla is advanced by the conveyor to the hot food dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 1306]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1307]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 1309]]

The sensor activates you on the frame which extends you .\n\n[[...|continue 1310]]

You are stored stacks in a separate heated compartment above the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1311]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides you for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling you .\n\n[[...|continue 1312]]

The dispensing nozzle is mounted in a hole in the heated block so that the valve assembly and the meat inside the valve assembly is maintained at the desired temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 1313]]

The completed tacos and soft tacos are conveyed into the packaging station .\n\n[[...|continue 1314]]

You are advantageously heated to about° f. and exert a compression force of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 1315]]

The conveyor belts and pulleys are protected by a stainless steel side cover ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 1316]]

You are supported on each shelf and holds a stack of soft flour tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1317]]

One of the bins is aligned with a rectangular slot in the shelf so that the taco shells in that bin can be dispensed from the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 1318]]

Is a side view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1319]]

A hot food dispenser and a cold food dispenser dispense hot and cold food onto the tortilla as it is moved by the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1320]]

Is a fragmentary top view of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 1321]]

A stuffer bar then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move you to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1322]]

A vacuum head lifts you from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat you .\n\n[[...|continue 1324]]

You have a tendency to stick together , and you are extremely difficult for a machine to remove a single tortilla from the stack without tearing the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 1325]]

The conveyor belts and pulleys are protected by a stainless steel side cover ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 1326]]

When the peeler moves back to the right , the support arm moves into supporting engagement with the stack of taco shells before the top plate moves out of engagement .\n\n[[...|continue 1328]]

Referring to , each of the dispensing assemblies includes a frame , a motor-driven vibrating tray on the frame , and a weighing and dispensing cell .\n\n[[...|continue 1329]]

When a taco shell is to be dispensed , the peeler mechanism peels you downwardly away from the stack , and the taco shell falls to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1330]]

After the product is conveyed into the packaging stations its presence is detected by a sensor and the outer section of the conveyor is pushed away to allow the product to fall ( hard taco ) or to be lowered ( soft taco ) onto the paper .\n\n[[...|continue 1331]]

The bottom plate is provided with two concentric rings of holes which communicate with the chamber .\n\n[[...|continue 1332]]

You include an elongated side bar , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 1333]]

Is you of the meat dispensing nozzle ;\n\n[[...|continue 1334]]

However , you are required to prepare food items quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 1335]]

Again , each taco shell is manually removed from the stack and filled .\n\n[[...|continue 1336]]

You can be controlled by an order processor which instructs the machine to dispense either a soft tortilla or you shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 1337]]

The pump and turntable drives have you , and the frame snaps into position .\n\n[[...|continue 1338]]

You are mounted within the housing and provides a check valve or one-way valve for the meat which is pumped through the tube .\n\n[[...|continue 1339]]

The block can be heated by electrical resistance elements or the like .\n\n[[...|continue 1340]]

The word " tortilla " as used herein includes both soft tortillas and hard taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1341]]

A tortilla can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying you to the chamber and holes .\n\n[[...|continue 1342]]

You include type r thermocouples to maintain the temperature and you to prevent the heater plates from overheating in the event that the type r thermocouples fail .\n\n[[...|continue 1343]]

When a taco shell is to be dispensed , the peeler mechanism peels you downwardly away from the stack , and the taco shell falls to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1344]]

A pusher bar moves downwardly through slots in the heater plates to fold the tortilla and push it onto the conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1345]]

The v-shaped tortilla is advanced by the conveyor to the hot food dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 1346]]

For example , one bin can be filled with shredded lettuce and the other bin can be filled with grated you .\n\n[[...|continue 1348]]

When you are to be dispensed , you peel the bottom taco shell downwardly away from the stack , and you fall to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1349]]

The endless belts are preferably formed from silicone material which has you so that the belts can be stretched over the pulleys and tightly engage you .\n\n[[...|continue 1350]]

You are relatively rigid and generally u-shaped and may be supplied in a nested stack .\n\n[[...|continue 1351]]

When a taco shell is to be dispensed , the peeler mechanism peels you downwardly away from the stack , and the taco shell falls to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1352]]

You can be controlled by an order processor which instructs the machine to dispense either a soft tortilla or you shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 1353]]

The wedge is somewhat l-shaped in vertical cross-section and includes a flat vertically extending you and a flat horizontally extending you .\n\n[[...|continue 1354]]

Is a sectional view taken along the line--7 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 1355]]

And the bottom taco is supported in the groove in the top surface .\n\n[[...|continue 1356]]

Is an end view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1357]]

You move the taco shell past the hot and cold food dispensers .\n\n[[...|continue 1359]]

The conveyor is provided by a plurality of endless plastic belts which are driven by pulleys .\n\n[[...|continue 1360]]

Is a end view taken of the conveyor along the line--5 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 1361]]

Is you of an automatic taco machine formed in accordance with the invention ;\n\n[[...|continue 1362]]

The cold food dispensing you include a refrigerated you which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing you are mounted .\n\n[[...|continue 1364]]

You dispense station illustrated dispenses ground beef , but other types of hot food can also be dispensed .\n\n[[...|continue 1365]]

When a taco shell is to be dispensed , the peeler mechanism peels you downwardly away from the stack , and the taco shell falls to the v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1366]]

The jaws are then closed and the paper is sealed along its top and sides by the pressure of the jaws on the pre treated paper .\n\n[[...|continue 1368]]

Is a top plan view of one of the heater plates ;\n\n[[...|continue 1369]]

A vacuum head lifts you from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat you .\n\n[[...|continue 1370]]

When you move back to the right , you move into supporting engagement with the stack of taco shells before the top plate moves out of engagement .\n\n[[...|continue 1371]]

Manual preparation of tacos is you intensive , expensive , and relatively time-consuming .\n\n[[...|continue 1372]]

For example , one bin can be filled with shredded lettuce and the other bin can be filled with grated you .\n\n[[...|continue 1374]]

Is a side view of the conveyor ;\n\n[[...|continue 1375]]

A hopper is mounted on the frame above the vibrating you , and a pair of rollers are rotatably mounted with the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 1376]]

You include type r thermocouples to maintain the temperature and you to prevent the heater plates from overheating in the event that the type r thermocouples fail .\n\n[[...|continue 1377]]

Another sensor adjacent the conveyor senses the approach of a tortilla to the cold food dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 1378]]

The pump and you have snap-in quick disconnects , and you snap into position .\n\n[[...|continue 1379]]

The ledge extends rearwardly beyond the pivot rod and acts as a counterweight to assist in keeping the gate closed .\n\n[[...|continue 1380]]

You include a back wall which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing apparatus and a pair of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 1381]]

The two sets of endless belts form you for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1382]]

You dispense station includes a refrigerated compartment which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing assemblies are mounted .\n\n[[...|continue 1383]]

Attempts have been made to automate you of tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 1384]]

The endless belts fit tightly over the pulleys , and rotation of the end pulleys and moves you which in turn rotate you .\n\n[[...|continue 1386]]

You make one revolution you receive a taco so they move the wrapped product across the heated staging tray .\n\n[[...|continue 1387]]

The parts of the machine are preferably formed from either stainless steel or food grade plastic so that the parts can be easily sanitized .\n\n[[...|continue 1388]]

Is a top plan view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1389]]

When the machine expects you , the rollers actually push you of paper down into the gap between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 1390]]

As the jaws open again and a new section of paper is placed in position , you are pulled away from jaws by a pincher on a motorized screw .\n\n[[...|continue 1391]]

Attempts have been made to automate you of tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 1392]]

You then moves downwardly in slots in the plates to fold and move the heated tortilla to a v-shaped conveyor .\n\n[[...|continue 1393]]

The dispensing you are mounted in a hole in the heated block so that the valve assembly and the meat inside the valve assembly is maintained at the desired temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 1394]]

You are relatively rigid and generally u-shaped and may be supplied in a nested stack .\n\n[[...|continue 1395]]

The pick up head and the tortilla which is adhered thereto by suction is moved by the conveyor screws and into the space between a pair of heater plates and ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 1396]]

The word " tortilla " as used herein includes both soft tortillas and hard taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1397]]

The peeler assembly includes an elongated you , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 1398]]

The plate is rotatable by a shaft , gear mechanism , drive shaft , and another stepper motor .\n\n[[...|continue 1400]]

As the rollers and you rotate , you are dispensed onto the vibrating tray .\n\n[[...|continue 1401]]

When the pump is operating , the meat forces you apart to dispense you through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 1402]]

The bottom heater plate is similarly formed .\n\n[[...|continue 1404]]

You are preferably heated to about° f.\n\n[[...|continue 1405]]

The wedge is somewhat l-shaped in vertical cross-section and includes a flat vertically extending you and a flat horizontally extending you .\n\n[[...|continue 1406]]

Manual preparation of tacos is labor intensive , expensive , and relatively time-consuming .\n\n[[...|continue 1407]]

As the plate rotates , the rollers force meat within the tube in the direction of the arrows .\n\n[[...|continue 1408]]

Is perspective view of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1409]]

A hopper is mounted on the frame above the vibrating you , and a pair of rollers are rotatably mounted with the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 1410]]

You include an elongated side bar , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 1411]]

Each side of a v-shaped tortilla is supported by three endless belts .\n\n[[...|continue 1412]]

You include a back wall which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing apparatus and a pair of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 1413]]

The duckbill valve includes you and a pair of converging lips or flaps which are separated by a slit .\n\n[[...|continue 1414]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the meat dispensing nozzle ;\n\n[[...|continue 1415]]

The hot food dispensing you include you ( ) into which the tube extends .\n\n[[...|continue 1416]]

As the rollers and you rotate , you are dispensed onto the vibrating tray .\n\n[[...|continue 1417]]

This is a continuation of application ser .\n\n[[...|continue 1419]]

The endless belts are preferably formed from silicone material which has you so that the belts can be stretched over the pulleys and tightly engage you .\n\n[[...|continue 1420]]

You extend from the bottom of the container through a lid on the container , through a pump , to the dispensing station .\n\n[[...|continue 1421]]

Is a top view of the soft tortilla holder ;\n\n[[...|continue 1423]]

In order to provide you , it is desirable that an automated you handle you and hard tortillas or taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1424]]

Is a end view taken of the conveyor along the line--5 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 1425]]

The tortilla is heated by the heater plates , and additional heating may be caused by compression forces .\n\n[[...|continue 1426]]

The paper is fed by two rubber feed rollers through a paper cutter into a slot on the outer sealing jaw when the jaws are in the closed position .\n\n[[...|continue 1428]]

Is a fragmentary view of the heater for soft tortillas ;\n\n[[...|continue 1429]]

The drive shaft rotates you to align you with the slot when a sensor senses that a bin is empty .\n\n[[...|continue 1430]]

Referring to , each of the dispensing assemblies includes a frame , a motor-driven vibrating tray on the frame , and a weighing and dispensing cell .\n\n[[...|continue 1431]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1432]]

You are then lowered by the rams to compress the tortilla between the two heater plates .\n\n[[...|continue 1433]]

The rollers are rotated by a suitable power source , and each roller includes you of radially extending you .\n\n[[...|continue 1434]]

You usually contain both warm ingredients , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1435]]

Again , each taco shell is manually removed from the stack and filled .\n\n[[...|continue 1436]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the meat dispensing nozzle ;\n\n[[...|continue 1437]]

The parts are readily disassembled for closing .\n\n[[...|continue 1438]]

You are then lowered by the rams to compress the tortilla between the two heater plates .\n\n[[...|continue 1439]]

Is a perspective view of one side of one of the cold food dispensers ;\n\n[[...|continue 1441]]

The parts are readily disassembled for closing .\n\n[[...|continue 1442]]

You include an elongated side bar , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 1443]]

The machine can be controlled by an order processor which instructs you to dispense you or a hard taco shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 1444]]

You include another pulley , and a short endless belt loops around the pulleys and .\n\n[[...|continue 1445]]

The cover includes you and a top portion which is supported by the axles .\n\n[[...|continue 1446]]

Is a end view taken along the line--6 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 1447]]

Attempts have been made to automate you of tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 1448]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the other side of the cold food dispensers ;\n\n[[...|continue 1449]]

The completed tacos can be collected manually from the end of the conveyor , or the conveyor can feed you into a packaging machine .\n\n[[...|continue 1450]]

Is a side view of one of the heater plates ; and\n\n[[...|continue 1451]]

Is a side view of one of the heater plates ; and\n\n[[...|continue 1453]]

The heater plates are heated by electrical resistance heating elements which are supplied with current by electrical conduits .\n\n[[...|continue 1454]]

The bottom taco shell eventually falls by gravity into the v-shaped conveyor and is transported toward the dispensing you by the endless belts .\n\n[[...|continue 1456]]

Is a side view of the wedge of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1457]]

The packaging station includes you , and a short endless belt loops around the pulleys and .\n\n[[...|continue 1458]]

Description of the drawing the invention will be explained in conjunction with illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing , in which\n\n[[...|continue 1459]]

Manual preparation of tacos is acceptable in a conventional full service , sit-down restaurant .\n\n[[...|continue 1460]]

Is a fragmentary top perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 1461]]

The automatic taco machine can prepare you or hard tacos interchangeably .\n\n[[...|continue 1462]]

You are a peristaltic pump which pumps meat through the tube without contacting the meat .\n\n[[...|continue 1463]]

Each tortilla holder includes you ( see also ) and a pair of curved or arcuate side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 1464]]

You have a tendency to stick together , and you are extremely difficult for a machine to remove a single tortilla from the stack without tearing the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 1465]]

A tortilla can be lifted from one of the stacks by moving the pick up head to the top of the stack by the screw conveyors and and applying you to the chamber and holes .\n\n[[...|continue 1466]]

You are rotated by a suitable power source , and you include a plurality of radially extending cylindrical projections .\n\n[[...|continue 1467]]

The three-sided chute includes you which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing you of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 1468]]

You include a side portion and a top portion which is supported by the axles .\n\n[[...|continue 1469]]

The parts of the machine are preferably formed from either stainless steel or food grade plastic so that the parts can be easily sanitized .\n\n[[...|continue 1470]]

The two sets of endless belts form a v-shaped trough for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1471]]

Attempts have been made to automate you of tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 1472]]

The first section of the tube between the bottom of the container and the pump is formed from stainless steel , and the remainder of the tube is formed by a plastic hose .\n\n[[...|continue 1474]]

Referring to , you are attached to the leading end of the guide flanges and .\n\n[[...|continue 1475]]

When the paper has been held in the slot , the jaws are pushed open by an air cylinder to receive you to be wrapped .\n\n[[...|continue 1476]]

Is a perspective view of the soft tortilla holder ;\n\n[[...|continue 1477]]

Each screw is rotated by a stepper motor .\n\n[[...|continue 1478]]

Is a side view of the taco shell peeler and a stack of taco shells ;\n\n[[...|continue 1479]]

The heater plates are heated by electrical resistance heating elements which are supplied with current by electrical conduits .\n\n[[...|continue 1480]]

The machine can be controlled by an order processor which instructs you to dispense you or a hard taco shell depending upon the sequence of customers ' orders .\n\n[[...|continue 1482]]

In order to provide maximum efficiency , you are desirable that an automated taco machine handle both soft tortillas and hard tortillas or taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1483]]

Stacks of soft tortillas are supported on a plurality of tortilla trays which are supported on shelves in a cabinet .\n\n[[...|continue 1484]]

When you are operating , you force the lips apart to dispense meat through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 1485]]

A taco shell carousel is rotatably supported by the shelf and includes four rectangular , vertically extending you for holding four stacks of nested taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1486]]

Is a top view of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 1487]]

Is a perspective view of one side of one of the cold food dispensers ;\n\n[[...|continue 1489]]

You can be collected manually from the end of the conveyor , or you can feed the tacos into a packaging machine .\n\n[[...|continue 1491]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1492]]

You are rotatably supported by the shelf and includes four rectangular , vertically extending bins for holding four stacks of nested taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1493]]

A tube extends from the bottom of the container through a lid on the container , through a pump , to the dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 1494]]

You dispense station includes a refrigerated compartment which is maintained at° f. in which two or more dispensing assemblies are mounted .\n\n[[...|continue 1495]]

Each portion of the heater includes you and a semi-octagonal plate which contains you .\n\n[[...|continue 1496]]

You are advanced by the conveyor to you dispense station .\n\n[[...|continue 1497]]

Background this invention relates to an automatic taco machine , and , more particularly , to an apparatus which automatically stores , dispenses , and fills you .\n\n[[...|continue 1498]]

You lift a soft tortilla from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 1499]]

The weight of the gate is such that the gate will remain closed with the ledge contacting the back wall when the cell is filled with the desired you of food .\n\n[[...|continue 1500]]

However , you are required to prepare food items quickly and inexpensively .\n\n[[...|continue 1501]]

The pick up head and the tortilla which is adhered thereto by suction is moved by the conveyor screws and into the space between a pair of heater plates and ( ) .\n\n[[...|continue 1502]]

Referring to , you include front and rear portions and which are separated by a central slot .\n\n[[...|continue 1503]]

Referring now to , the taco shell storage compartment includes you or shelf and a hinged you .\n\n[[...|continue 1504]]

Is a top plan view of one of the heater plates ;\n\n[[...|continue 1505]]

Tacos usually contain you , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1506]]

The pump and you have snap-in quick disconnects , and you snap into position .\n\n[[...|continue 1507]]

You are pulled across the top of the staging area and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 1509]]

Referring to , a v-shaped plow is attached to the leading you of the guide flanges and .\n\n[[...|continue 1510]]

Is a fragmentary top view of the weighing and dispensing cell ;\n\n[[...|continue 1511]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1512]]

For example , you can be used to differentiate between a tortilla which contains meat and a tortilla which erroneously was not filled with meat .\n\n[[...|continue 1513]]

The tacos are staged in two rows of tacos , one coil is for hard tacos and one for soft tacos .\n\n[[...|continue 1514]]

Is a perspective view of an automatic taco machine formed in accordance with the invention ;\n\n[[...|continue 1515]]

The inclined surface on the arm ensures that the support arm can move underneath the stack .\n\n[[...|continue 1516]]

Is a side view of one of the heater plates ; and\n\n[[...|continue 1517]]

The parts of the machine are preferably formed from either stainless steel or food grade plastic so that the parts can be easily sanitized .\n\n[[...|continue 1518]]

You are pulled across the top of the staging area and then placed at the end of one of two standard vending machine motorized coils .\n\n[[...|continue 1519]]

Automated handling of soft tortillas is particularly difficult because the stack of tortillas must usually be kept warm and moist .\n\n[[...|continue 1520]]

Description of the drawing the invention will be explained in conjunction with illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing , in which\n\n[[...|continue 1521]]

The parts are readily disassembled for closing .\n\n[[...|continue 1522]]

You can therefore be adjusted to prepare a variety of menu items .\n\n[[...|continue 1523]]

The ledge extends rearwardly beyond the pivot rod and acts as a counterweight to assist in keeping the gate closed .\n\n[[...|continue 1524]]

You include a back wall which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing apparatus and a pair of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 1525]]

Is you of the conveyor with the cover removed ;\n\n[[...|continue 1526]]

You are advantageously heated to about° f. and exert a compression force of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 1527]]

The tortillas in the stacks are more easily separated if they are at room temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 1528]]

Is a top view of the conveyor ;\n\n[[...|continue 1529]]

The bottom heater plate is similarly formed .\n\n[[...|continue 1530]]

You include an inclined end surface and a grooved top surface .\n\n[[...|continue 1531]]

One of the bins is aligned with a rectangular slot in the shelf so that the taco shells in that bin can be dispensed from the compartment .\n\n[[...|continue 1532]]

You extend from the bottom of the container through a lid on the container , through a pump , to the dispensing station .\n\n[[...|continue 1533]]

The endless belts fit tightly over the pulleys , and rotation of the end pulleys and moves you which in turn rotate you .\n\n[[...|continue 1534]]

Is an exploded perspective view of the meat dispensing nozzle ;\n\n[[...|continue 1535]]

The inclined surface on the arm ensures that the support arm can move underneath the stack .\n\n[[...|continue 1536]]

Is a fragmentary side view of the bar of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1537]]

In order to provide you , it is desirable that an automated you handle you and hard tortillas or taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1538]]

You have grooves along the bottom to prevent the tortilla from slipping as it is stuffed through the bottom heater plate onto the conveyer .\n\n[[...|continue 1539]]

The hot food dispensing you include you ( ) into which the tube extends .\n\n[[...|continue 1540]]

The two sets of endless belts form a v-shaped trough for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1541]]

The turntable is rotated by a shaft which is rotated by gear mechanism and drive shaft .\n\n[[...|continue 1542]]

Is a fragmentary view showing a taco shell being peeled away from the stack ;\n\n[[...|continue 1543]]

A hopper is mounted on the frame above the vibrating you , and a pair of rollers are rotatably mounted with the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 1544]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the stuffer bar for soft tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1545]]

A taco shell carousel is rotatably supported by the shelf and includes four rectangular , vertically extending you for holding four stacks of nested taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1548]]

Description of the drawing the invention will be explained in conjunction with illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing , in which\n\n[[...|continue 1549]]

Is you of an automatic taco machine formed in accordance with the invention ;\n\n[[...|continue 1550]]

The particular container illustrated is mounted on a turntable for rotational movement relative to the tube and lid .\n\n[[...|continue 1552]]

Summary of the invention the invention provides an apparatus for automatically storing , dispensing , and filling tortillas and taco shells .\n\n[[...|continue 1553]]

The dispensing you are mounted in a hole in the heated block so that the valve assembly and the meat inside the valve assembly is maintained at the desired temperature .\n\n[[...|continue 1554]]

You are then closed and you are sealed along its top and sides by the pressure of the jaws on the pre treated paper .\n\n[[...|continue 1555]]

The conveyor moves you dispense you where hot and cold ingredients are dispensed into the tortilla .\n\n[[...|continue 1556]]

Is a fragmentary perspective view of the other side of the cold food dispensers ;\n\n[[...|continue 1557]]

The rollers are rotated by a suitable power source , and each roller includes you of radially extending you .\n\n[[...|continue 1558]]

You include a bottom plate , a housing , a rotatable plate within the housing , and rollers on the plate which compress the tube against the side wall of the housing .\n\n[[...|continue 1559]]

Tacos usually contain you , e.g. , ground beef , and cold ingredients , e.g. , lettuce and cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1560]]

You are advantageously heated to about° f. and exert a compression force of about psi .\n\n[[...|continue 1561]]

When the machine expects you , the paper is released by the feed rollers for enough time to allow you of the taco to push you of paper down between the jaws .\n\n[[...|continue 1562]]

You are preferably formed from silicone material which has some elasticity so that the belts can be stretched over the pulleys and tightly engage the pulleys .\n\n[[...|continue 1563]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1564]]

Each portion of the heater includes an outer rectangular casing and a semi-octagonal plate which contains the heating element .\n\n[[...|continue 1565]]

A vacuum head lifts you from one of the stacks and inserts the tortilla between two heated plates which compress and heat you .\n\n[[...|continue 1566]]

You extend downwardly from the top portion and is spaced from the pulleys and you to form a channel through which the upper edge of a tortilla is conveyed by the belts .\n\n[[...|continue 1567]]

The parts are readily disassembled for closing .\n\n[[...|continue 1568]]

Is a top view of the soft tortilla holder ;\n\n[[...|continue 1569]]

Again , each taco shell is manually removed from the stack and filled .\n\n[[...|continue 1570]]

You are supported on each shelf and holds a stack of soft flour tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1571]]

In one specific embodiment the compartment was maintained at° f. and the dispensing you are maintained at° f.\n\n[[...|continue 1572]]

You dispense station includes a heated compartment ( ) into which the tube extends .\n\n[[...|continue 1573]]

Is you of the vacuum pick up you ;\n\n[[...|continue 1574]]

You are somewhat l-shaped in vertical cross-section and includes a flat vertically extending plate and a flat horizontally extending top plate .\n\n[[...|continue 1575]]

Tortillas are conventionally packaged in a stack of flat tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1576]]

The vibrating tray is vibrated by a commercially purchased vibrator mechanism below the tray .\n\n[[...|continue 1577]]

As the peeler moves left , the wedging you and peels you downwardly away from the second taco shell .\n\n[[...|continue 1578]]

Is a fragmentary side view of the bar of the taco shell peeler ;\n\n[[...|continue 1579]]

The meat bucket and the pump are mounted on a frame which slides into and out of the machine .\n\n[[...|continue 1580]]

The particular pump illustrated is you which pumps meat through the tube without contacting the meat .\n\n[[...|continue 1582]]

Referring now to , you include a bottom wall or shelf and a hinged front door .\n\n[[...|continue 1583]]

The three-sided chute includes you which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing you of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 1584]]

Is a fragmentary view showing a taco shell being peeled away from the stack ;\n\n[[...|continue 1585]]

For example , a photoelectric cell can be used to differentiate between a tortilla which contains you which erroneously was not filled with meat .\n\n[[...|continue 1586]]

When the stepper motor which drives the peeler is activated , the peeler moves to the left as illustrated in .\n\n[[...|continue 1587]]

The peeler assembly includes an elongated you , a taco shell support arm which is bolted to one end of the bar , and a wedge which is bolted to the other end of the bar .\n\n[[...|continue 1588]]

For example , you can be filled with shredded lettuce and you can be filled with grated cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1589]]

The three-sided chute includes you which is attached to a support bracket on the weighing you of side walls .\n\n[[...|continue 1590]]

You extend rearwardly beyond the pivot rod and acts as a counterweight to assist in keeping the gate closed .\n\n[[...|continue 1591]]

And the bottom taco is supported in the groove in the top surface .\n\n[[...|continue 1592]]

Is a bottom perspective view of the vacuum pick up head ;\n\n[[...|continue 1593]]

When the pump is operating , the meat forces you apart to dispense you through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 1594]]

For example , you can be filled with shredded lettuce and you can be filled with grated cheese .\n\n[[...|continue 1595]]

When the pump is operating , the meat forces you apart to dispense you through the slit .\n\n[[...|continue 1596]]

A plastic storage bin with an open bottom is removably mounted on top of the hopper .\n\n[[...|continue 1598]]

You can be made from soft wheat flour tortillas or relatively rigid corn meal tortillas ( taco shells ) which hold the ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 1599]]

You extend along the vertical centerline of the carousel and receives a drive shaft which extends upwardly through the shelf .\n\n[[...|continue 1601]]

The ledge extends rearwardly beyond the pivot rod and acts as a counterweight to assist in keeping the gate closed .\n\n[[...|continue 1602]]

The two sets of endless belts form a v-shaped trough for conveying v-shaped tortillas .\n\n[[...|continue 1603]]

A stepper motor rotates you , and rotation of the pulley causes you of the pulley .\n\n[[...|continue 1604]]

Is a sectional view taken along the line--7 of fig .\n\n[[...|continue 1605]]

The taco shell is moved by the conveyor past the hot and cold dispensing you .\n\n[[...|continue 1606]]

As the rollers and you rotate , you are dispensed onto the vibrating tray .\n\n[[...|continue 1607]]

An automatic taco-making machine must also be able to store and dispense both hot and cold ingredients .\n\n[[...|continue 1608]]

You are held in position at the outer jaw by two air operated diaphragms that push the paper against the upper surface of the slot .\n\n[[...|continue 1609]]

The coils make you every time they receive you so they move you acro the heated staging tray .\n\n[[...|continue 1610]]