Food processing system and a food processing method

Abstract

A method and a food processing system for distributing within a specific time interval a batch of a specific weight of food products onto the top surface of a dough base, such as a pizza base, cake base or the like the food processing system comprising a dosing mechanism, a weighing system, a conveyor system and a controller. The method comprises the steps of: i. defining a target time interval constituting 40-90 percent of the specific time interval, ii. determining the actual weight of the batch received within a receptacle of the weighing system when the target time interval has passed, iii. dependent on the actual weight, a. determining a first operational mode provided the actual weight being reached in respect of the target weight within the target time interval, then continuing operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at the identical speed, or b. determining a second operational mode provided the actual weight exceeding the target weight within the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at a decreased speed, or c. determining a third operational mode provided the actual weight being below the target weight within the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at an increased speed.

Claims

1. A method of distributing, within a specific time interval a batch of a specific weight of food products onto the top surface of a dough base by a food processing system, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a dosing mechanism having a first conveyor and a trough, the trough including a first inlet end, a first outlet end, and a lower part, the first conveyor being positioned in the lower part of the trough; (b) providing a weighing system having a receptacle positioned below the first outlet end of the trough, wherein the specific time interval is the time interval between the presence of a first dough base being positioned under the receptacle and the presence of a subsequent dough base being positioned under the receptacle; (c) providing a conveyor system having a conveyor belt defining a conveying direction and a supporting surface for conveying a number of dough bases substantially equally spaced on the supporting surface of the conveyor belt; (d) providing a controller operatively connected to the dosing mechanism, the weighing system, and the conveyor system; (e) defining a target weight constituting 40-90 percent of the specific weight of the batch; (f) introducing the food products in bulk into the first inlet end of the trough; (g) conveying the food products from the first inlet end to the first outlet end of the trough for discharging the batch of said food products into the receptacle; (h) conveying the dough bases in the conveying direction to pass the dough bases individually under the receptacle; (i) defining a target time interval constituting 40-90 percent of the specific time interval; (j) determining an actual weight of each batch received within the receptacle when the target time interval has passed; (k) dependent on the actual weight: (1) wherein, when the actual weight is reached in respect of the target weight within the target time interval, then continuing operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at an unchanged speed; (2) wherein, when the actual weight exceeds the target weight within the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at a decreased speed; and (3) wherein, when the actual weight is below the target weight within the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at an increased speed; (l) transferring the batch of the specific weight being collected in the receptacle on top of the dough bases within the specific time interval; and (m) repeating steps (f), (g), (h), (k), and (l).

2. The method of distributing a batch of a specific weight of food products according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing a vibration mechanism having a tray in the dosing mechanism at the outlet end thereof and defining the first outlet end; and vibrating the tray for causing the batch of the food products to be individually separated and for discharging the batch of the food products from the tray to the receptacle.

3. The method of distributing a batch of a specific weight of food products according to claim 1, wherein the food processing system further comprises a guide, the method comprising the further steps of: lowering the guide from an initial position toward the dough bases during the transferring of the batch in step (1); and raising the guide to the initial position after depositing the batch on top of the dough bases.

4. The method of distributing a batch of a specific weight of food products according to claim 3, the method comprising the further step of moving the guide in the conveying direction during the transferring step (1).

5. The method of distributing a batch of a specific weight of food products according to claim 1, wherein the target weight is 45-85 percent of the specific weight of the batch, and the target time interval is 45-85 percent of the specific time interval.

6. A food processing system for distributing, within a specific time interval, a batch of a specific weight of food products onto the top surface of a dough base, the food processing system comprising a dosing mechanism, a vibration mechanism, a weighing system, a conveyor system, and a controller, wherein: the dosing mechanism includes a first conveyor and a trough, the trough including an inlet end configured for receiving the food products in bulk, and an outlet end configured for discharging a batch of the food products, the first conveyor being positioned in a lower part of the trough so as to convey the food products from the inlet end to the outlet end of the trough; the weighing system including a receptacle positioned below the outlet end of the trough and configured for receiving the batch of food products; the conveyor system including a conveyer belt defining a conveying direction and a supporting surface configured for conveying a number of dough bases equally spaced on the conveyer belt, in the conveying direction; the controller is operatively connected to the conveyor system and configured for controlling the conveying of the dough bases in the conveying direction to pass the dough bases under the receptacle; the specific time interval is defined as the time interval between the presence of a first dough base being positioned under the receptacle and the presence of a subsequent dough base being positioned under said receptacle; and the controller is operable to perform the following process steps: (i) defining a target weight constituting 40-90 percent of the specific weight of the batch; (ii) defining a target time interval constituting 40-90 percent of the specific time interval; (iii) determining an actual weight of the batch received within the receptacle when the target time interval has passed; (iv) dependent on said actual weight, (a) wherein, when the actual weight is reached with respect to the target weight within the target time interval, then continuing operating said first conveyor at an unchanged speed; (b) wherein, when the actual weight exceeds the target, weight within the target time interval, then operating said first conveyor at an increased speed; and (c) wherein, when the actual weight is below the target weight within the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor at a decreased speed; and (v) transferring the batch of the specific weight being collected in the receptacle on top of the dough bases within the specific time interval.

7. A food processing system for distributing, within a specific time interval, a batch of a specific weight of food products onto the top surface of a dough base, the food processing system comprising a dosing mechanism, a vibration mechanism, a weighing system, a conveyor system, and a controller, wherein: the dosing mechanism includes a first conveyor and a trough, the trough including an inlet end configured for receiving the food products in bulk, and an outlet end configured for discharging a batch of the food products, the first conveyor being positioned in a lower part of the trough so as to convey the food products from the inlet end to the outlet end of the trough; the weighing system includes a receptacle positioned below the outlet end of the trough for receiving the batch of food products; the conveyor system includes a conveyer belt defining a conveying direction and a supporting surface configured for conveying a number of dough bases equally spaced on the conveyer belt in the conveying direction; the controller is operatively connected to the conveyor system and configured for controlling the conveying of the dough bases in the conveying direction to pass the dough bases under the receptacle; the specific time interval is defined as the time interval between the presence of a first dough base being positioned under the receptacle and the presence of a subsequent dough base being positioned under the receptacle; and the controller is configured for controlling the following process steps: (i) defining a target weight constituting 40-90 percent of the specific weight of the batch; (ii) defining a target time interval constituting 40-90 percent of the specific time interval; (iii) determining an actual time interval within which the batch has reached the target weight; and (iv) dependent on the actual time interval, (a) wherein when the actual time interval is identical to the target time interval, then continuing operating the first conveyor at unchanged speed; (b) wherein when the actual time interval exceeds the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor at an increased speed; and (c) wherein when the actual time interval is below the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor at a decreased speed; and (v) transferring the batch of the specific weight being collected in the receptacle on top of the dough bases within the specific time interval.

8. The food processing system according to claim 7, further comprising a vibration mechanism included in the dosing mechanism and defining the outlet end of the trough, the vibration mechanism including a tray and configured for causing the batch of the food products to be individually separated, and for discharging the batch of the food products from the tray to the receptacle.

9. A method of distributing, within a specific time interval, a batch of a specific weight of food products onto the top surface of a dough base, by a food processing system, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a dosing mechanism having a first conveyor and a trough, the trough including a first inlet end, a first outlet end, and a lower part, the first conveyor being positioned in the lower part of the trough; (b) providing a weighing system having a receptacle positioned below the first, outlet end of the trough, wherein the specific time interval is the time interval between the presence of a first dough base being positioned under the receptacle and the presence of a subsequent dough base being positioned directly under said receptacle; (c) providing a conveyor system having a conveyor belt defining a conveying direction and a supporting surface for conveying a number of dough bases substantially equally spaced on the supporting surface of the conveyor belt; (d) providing a controller operatively connected to the dosing mechanism, the weighing system, and the conveyor system; (e) defining a target time interval constituting 40-90 percent of the specific time interval; (f) introducing the food products in bulk into the first inlet end of the trough; (g) conveying the food products from the first inlet end to the first outlet end of the trough for discharging the batch of the food products into the receptacle; (h) conveying the dough bases in the conveying direction to pass the dough bases individually under the receptacle; (i) defining a target weight interval constituting 40-90 percent of the specific weight; (j) determining an actual time interval within which the batch received within the receptacle has reached the target weight; (k) dependent on the actual time interval, (1) wherein, when the actual time interval is identical to the target time interval, then continuing operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at an unchanged speed; (2) wherein, when the actual time interval exceeds the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at an increased speed; and (3) wherein, when the actual time interval is below the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at a decreased speed; (l) transferring the batch of the specific weight being collected in the receptacle on top of the dough bases within the specific time interval; and (m) repeating steps (f), (g), (h), (j), (k), and (l).

10. The method of distributing a batch of a specific weight of food products according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: providing a vibration mechanism having a tray in the dosing mechanism at the outlet end thereof and defining the first outlet end; and vibrating the tray for causing the batch of the food products to be individually separated and for discharging the batch of the food products from the tray to the receptacle.

11. The method of distributing a batch of a specific weight of food products according to claim 9, wherein the food processing system further comprises a guide, the method comprising the further steps of: lowering the guide from an initial position toward the dough bases during the transferring of the hatch in step (1); and raising the guide to the initial position after depositing the batch on top of the dough bases.

12. The method of distributing a batch of a specific weight of food products according to claim 11, the method comprising the further step of moving the guide in the conveying direction during the transferring step (1).

13. The method of distributing a batch of a specific weight of food products according to claim 9, wherein the target weight is 45-85 percent of the specific weight of the batch, and the target time interval is 45-85 percent of the specific time interval.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(1) The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of examples of embodiments with reference to the schematic drawing. The accompanying drawings illustrate an exemplary non-limiting embodiment.

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the food processing system according to a presently preferred embodiment of the system.

(3) FIGS. 2A-2F are a series showing the food product being conveyed by the dosing mechanism and being deposited onto the top surface of the dough bases.

(4) FIGS. 3A-3G are a series showing the process of colleting a batch of a specific weight and transferring the batch of the specific weight being collected in the receptacle on top of a dough base within a specific time interval in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention.

(5) FIGS. 4A-4F are a series showing the process of colleting a batch of a specific weight and transferring the batch onto the top of a dough base within a specific time interval in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention.

(6) With reference to the accompanying drawings, 10 denotes in its entirety the food processing system for distributing a batch of a specific weight of food products onto the top surface of a dough base according to the present invention.

(7) The food processing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is intended to be used in the production of pizzas, cakes or the like, in particular for the distribution of the food products 12 onto the dough bases 14.

(8) FIG. 1 shows a first and presently preferred embodiment of the food processing system 10 comprising a dosing mechanism 20, a weighing system 40, a conveyor system 50 and a controller 90. The food processing system 10 further comprising an infeeder 70 being connected to the dosing mechanism 20 for feeding bulk of food products 12 into the trough 24. A frame assembly 100 is provided for supporting the dosing mechanism 20, the vibration mechanism 30, the weighing system 40, the controller 90 and the infeeder 70.

(9) The food products are delivered in bulk to the trough 24 and the trough 24 is filled in an initial step prior to the process of distributing the food products onto the top surfaces of the dough base. However, it is possible to fill the trough during the distribution steps in the event that more food product is required in order to continue the operation of the food processing system.

(10) The food processing system 10 comprises an infeeder 70 being connected to the dosing mechanism 20 for feeding food products 12 in bulk into the trough 24. The bulk food product is distributed in the trough 24 by a bulk conveyor 23 driven by an actuator 25. The bulk conveyor 23 for distributing and stirring the food products is not shown in FIG. 2A-2D.

(11) In the present invention, it is possible to use a shafted conveyor or shaftless conveyor for transferring the food products. However, the screw conveyor 22 shown in FIGS. 2A-2E is a shaftless screw conveyor driven by a motor being connected to the controller 60 and the invention would be explained in relation to a shaftless screw conveyor.

(12) FIGS. 2A-2D show a dosing mechanism 20 having a first conveyor such as a screw conveyor 22 and a trough 24 including a first inlet end 26 and a first outlet end 28. The screw conveyor is positioned in the lower part of the trough 24 in the vicinity of the bottom part of the trough 24.

(13) The shaftless screw conveyor 22 has a spiral 222 supported by the inner surface of the trough 24. The weight of the shaftless spiral is distributed over the entire length of the shaftless spiral. The shaftless spiral 222 comprising a connecting interface located in one end for allowing the shaftless spiral 222 to be connected to the screw conveyor motor 221 and the opposite end of the connecting interface of the spiral 22, which is able to rotate freely. The shaftless spiral 222 is positioned parallel with the conveying direction 2 in the lower part of the trough 24.

(14) The shaftless screw conveyor 22 is a volumetric conveying device and each revolution of the screw results in discharging a fixed volume of food products. The screw conveyor would be operated at rotational speed of 10-200 revolution per minute and the operational interval is between 100 and 4000 ms.

(15) FIGS. 2A-2C show the shaftless screw conveyor 22 in operation and from these figures it is also possible to realize that the shaftless screw conveyor 22 is suitable for conveying sticky bulk of food products because there is no center pipe onto which the sticky bulk food products will adhere.

(16) In FIGS. and 2A-2D, the vibration mechanism 30 is included in the dosing mechanism 20 at the outlet end 28 thereof and defining the first outlet end, the vibration mechanism 30 has a tray 32 connected to a vibration unit (not shown) for causing the food products to be individually separated and for discharging the food products from the tray 32 into the receptacle 42. The tray 32 includes two inclined &de walls that forms a v-shaped tray. The vibration mechanism 30 is controlled by the controller 90 and the vibration mechanism 30 receives an electrical signal dependent on the frequency at which the vibration surface will vibrate and the duration for vibrating the vibration surface. FIGS. 2A-20 show the vibration mechanism 30 in operation.

(17) As the food products tend to be sticky and having a high moisture content, the vibration mechanism 30 offers the possibility of separating the food products 12 individually from one another and of discharging the batch of the food products from the tray to the receptacle 42.

(18) The weighing system 40 comprises a receptacle 42 being positioned perpendicularly to one another in relation to the conveying direction and measuring means in the forms of load sensor connected to the receptacle, where the load sensor is able to send signal to the controller. In FIG. 2A-2E, only one receptacle 42 is shown for the sake of simplicity. The receptacle 42 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2E comprises two separate parts 421 and an actuator 422, where the two separate parts 421 are hinged in a pivotal manner to form a bucket shaped receptacle. The actuator 422 is able to pivot the two separate parts 421 in order to move the parts between an open position shown in FIGS. 2D-2E and closed position as shown in FIG. 2A-2C. The receptacle 42 could also just consist of one movable part being movable between two outer positions.

(19) In FIG. 2A-2E, FIG. 3B-3G, FIG. 4B-4F, a gate 41 is provided between the outlet end 28 of the dosing mechanism 20 and the receptacle 42. The gate 41 can be closed during the operation of the food processing system 10. The gate 41 will be closed during the step of measuring the weight of the food products in the receptacles 42 or when dosing of the food products onto the dough bases is taking place. By blocking the food products to be dropped into the receptacle during the step of measuring the weight of the batch of food products or during the step of depositing the batch of food products, it is possible to avoid excessing to be dropped onto the dough bases.

(20) The gate 41 is closed during the measuring step shown in FIG. 2C and during the depositing step shown in the FIG. 2E. The gate 41 will be open in the step shown in FIGS. 2D and 2F.

(21) The weighing system 40 is controlled by the controller 90 that receives an electrical signal from each of the measuring means positioned on or connected to the receptacles 42, representing the weight of the batch/content in the individual receptacle

(22) A guide 80 is positioned juxtaposed to the outlet end of the receptacle 42 and being movable in vertical direction relative to the dough base and being movable in the conveying direction during distributing the batch onto the top surface of the dough base 14, 14′.

(23) The guide 80 comprises a ring-shaped element 81 and guiding tracks 82, which are positioned below with the outlet end of the receptacle 42. The guide 80 is connected to the frame assembly 100 or the dosing mechanism 20. The ring-shaped element 81 is supported on the guiding tracks 82 and by using guide actuator 84, it is possible to move the ring-shaped element 81 in vertical direction relative to the dough base in a fourth operational mode and being movable in the conveying direction 2 during a fifth operational mode during distributing the batch onto the dough base. The ring-shaped element 81 is used for guiding the food products when the batch of food product being collected in the receptacle 42 is dropped down onto the top surface of the dough base being conveyed by the conveyor system 50.

(24) A divider 84 is interposed between the outlet end of the receptacle 42 and the guide 80. The divider 84 comprises a cone 841 and a number of rods 842 extending from the inner surface of the cone and the divider is positioned below and coaxial with the outlet end of the receptacle 42.

(25) In FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, the conveyor system 50 includes a conveyor belt 52, which comprises a flexible material such as polyester material. The conveyor belt 52 is driven by a conveyor belt motor 54, such as an electrically operated motor, and the conveyor belt motor 54 is connected to the controller 90 for allowing the conveyor belt to be operated at constant speed.

(26) FIG. 2A shows the food processing system 10 when food products start to be conveyed from the first inlet end 26 to a first outlet end 28, where the food products are discharged onto the tray 32, where vibration of the tray causes the food products to separate, but no food product has yet been collected in the receptacle 42.

(27) FIG. 2B shows the food processing system 10 when food products collected on the tray start to drop down into the receptacle 42. The food products are simultaneously conveyed from the first inlet end 26 to a first outlet end 28 onto the tray 32, where vibration of the tray causes the food products to separate.

(28) FIG. 2C shows the food processing system 10 when food products have been conveyed and vibrated for some time so that a batch of food products has been collected in the receptacle 42.

(29) FIG. 2D shows the food processing system 10 when the batch of food products are released from the receptacle 42 and dropped down onto the top surface of a dough base. The ring-shaped element 81 supported on the guiding tracks 82 is moved in vertical direction relative to the dough base 14,14′. No food products will be discharged onto the tray 32 or conveyed from the tray 32 into the receptacle 42.

(30) FIG. 2E shows the food processing system 10, when the batch of food products has been released from the receptacle 42 and dropped down onto the top surface of a dough base. The ring-shaped element 81 supported on the guiding tracks 82 is moved in the conveying direction 2 during this operational mode during distributing the batch onto the dough base 14,14′. No food products will be discharged onto the tray 32 or conveyed from the tray 32 into the receptacle 42.

(31) FIGS. 3A-3G is a series showing the colleting a batch of a specific weight and transferring the batch of the specific weight being collected in the receptacle on top of a dough base within a specific time interval in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. For the sake of simplicity, only the first outlet end of the dosing mechanism is shown; however, it is contemplated that the food processing system comprises a dosing mechanism, a weighing system, a conveyor system and a controller.

(32) FIG. 3A shows the method according to a first aspect of the invention, disclosing a method of distributing within a specific time interval a batch of a specific weight of food products onto the top surface of a dough base, such as a pizza base, cake base or the like

(33) FIG. 3B shows the initial step (T.sub.0), where the receptacle 42 is closed and a number of dough bases 16,18 being substantially equally spaced on the supporting surface of the conveyor belt is conveyed in the conveying direction 2 for allowing the dough bases to pass individually under the receptacle 42. The food products are introduced in bulk into the first inlet end 26 of the trough (not shown). The gate 41 is open and the food product can be conveyed into the receptacle 42.

(34) FIG. 3C shows the step of conveying the food products (T.sub.1), where the receptacle has been closed and food products start being conveyed and being collected in the receptacle positioned below the first outlet end of the dosing mechanism. The food products are conveyed from the first inlet end 26 to the first outlet end 28 of the dosing mechanism 20 for discharging the batch of the food products 12 into the receptacle 42 (not shown). The gate 41 is open and the food products can be conveyed into the receptacle 42.

(35) The specific time interval (T.sub.0-T.sub.0′) is the time interval between the presence of a first dough base 16 being positioned directly under the receptacle and the presence of a subsequent or second dough base 18 being positioned directly under the receptacle 42.

(36) The controller is programmed with information in relation to the operation so that the food processing system can be operated in accordance with a first aspect of the invention. The target weight W.sub.T and the target time interval (T.sub.T) are defined and the information is entered into the controller. The target weight W.sub.T constituting 40-90 percent of the specific weight (W.sub.s) of the batch and the target time interval (T.sub.T) constituting 40-90 percent of the specific time interval (T.sub.S).

(37) FIG. 3D shows the step of determining the actual weight W.sub.a of the batch received in the receptacle, when the target time interval T.sub.T has passed and dependent on the actual weight W.sub.a measured, one of the following operational modes is performed by the controller a. determining a first operational mode provided the actual weight being reached with respect to the target weight within the target time interval, then continuing operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at the identical speed, or b. determining a second operational mode provided the actual weight exceeding the target weight within the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at a decreased speed, or c. determining a third operational mode provided the actual weight being below the target weight within the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at an increased speed.

(38) According to the teaching in a first aspect of the invention, the distribution of the food products onto the top surface of the dough base is established by controlling the dosing mechanism based on determining the actual weight W.sub.a in the receptacle 42 of the weighing system 40 when the target time interval has passed (T.sub.T).

(39) The controller 100 is able to change between three operational modes depending on whether the actual weight (W.sub.a) of the batch collected and received in the receptacle is within the defined target weight (W.sub.T).

(40) The first operation mode will be initiated when the actual weight of the batch is reached in respect of the target weight within the target time interval (T.sub.T). In the first operational mode (a′), the dosing mechanism is conveying sufficient quantity of food products and the specific target weight of the batch will be reached at the end of the specific time interval. In the continuing operating (a′), the controller will operate the first conveyor at the identical speed.

(41) The second operation mode will be initiated when the actual weight of the batch exceeds the target weight within the target time interval (T.sub.T). The controller 100 will decrease the speed of the first conveyor during the second operational mode (b′), as the dosing mechanism 20 has conveyed excessive quantity of food products and the target weight (W.sub.T) of the batch has been reached before the end of the target time interval (T.sub.T).

(42) The third operation mode (c′) will be initiated when the actual weight of the batch is below the target weight within the target time interval (T.sub.T). In the third operational mode (c′), the dosing mechanism 20 has conveyed insufficient quantity of food products and the specific weight of the batch can only be reached within the specific time interval (T.sub.S), when the speed of the first conveyor controlled by the controller 100 is increased during the third operational mode (c′).

(43) FIGS. 3E-3F show the step of transferring the batch of the specific weight being collected in the receptacle onto the top of the dough bases within the specific time interval (delivery cycle). This is shown by reference sign (T.sub.S). The guide is lowered toward the dough bases in a fourth operational mode and hereafter moved in the conveying direction in a fifth operational mode during transferring of the batch. Through the use of a guide moveable both in the vertical direction and in the conveying direction, it is possible to guide the food products in a precise manner when the batch of food product being collected in the receptacle is released and dropped down onto the top surface of the dough base, hereby the amount of food products, which would otherwise fall onto the conveyor belt being conveyed by the conveyor system, can be reduced to a minimum or even eliminated. The gate 41 is closed and the food products will not enter into the receptacle 42.

(44) FIG. 3G indicates the end of the specific time interval (T.sub.S), which is shown by the reference sign (T.sub.0′). The method shown in FIG. 3B-3F is repeated for the subsequent dough bases.

(45) FIGS. 4A-4F are a series showing the process of colleting a batch of a specific weight and transferring the batch onto the top of a dough base within a specific time interval in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention. For the sake of simplicity, only the first outlet end of the dosing mechanism is shown; however, it is contemplated that the food processing system comprises a dosing mechanism, a weighing system, a conveyor system and a controller.

(46) FIG. 4B shows the initial step (T.sub.0), where the receptacle 42 is closed and a number of dough bases 16,18 being substantially equally spaced on the supporting surface of the conveyor belt is conveyed in the conveying direction 2 for allowing the dough bases to pass individually under the receptacle 42. The food products are introduced in bulk into the first inlet end 26 of the trough (not shown).

(47) FIG. 4C shows the step of conveying the food products (T.sub.1), where the gate 41 is open and the receptacle has been closed. The food products start being conveyed and being collected in the receptacle positioned below the first outlet end of the dosing mechanism. The food products are conveyed from the first inlet end 26 to the first outlet end 28 of the dosing mechanism 20 for discharging the batch of the food products 12 into the receptacle 42 (not shown).

(48) FIG. 4C′ shows the step of conveying the food products into the gate 41 to avoid food products being conveyed in the receptacle positioned below the gate 41. The food products are conveyed from the first inlet end 26 to the first outlet end 28 of the dosing mechanism 20 for discharging the batch of the food products 12 into the gate 41.

(49) The specific time interval is the time interval between the presence of a first dough base 16 being positioned directly under the receptacle and the presence of a subsequent or second dough base 18 being positioned directly under the receptacle 42.

(50) FIG. 4D shows the step of determining the actual time interval (T.sub.a) within which the batch received within the receptacle has reached the target weight(W.sub.T) and dependent on the actual time interval, d. determining a first operational mode provided the actual time interval being identical to the target time interval, then continuing operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at the identical speed, or e. determining a second operational mode provided the actual time interval exceeding the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at an increased speed, or f. determining a third operational mode provided the actual time interval being below the target time interval, then operating the first conveyor controlled by the controller at a decreased speed.

(51) According to the teaching in a second aspect of the invention, the distribution of the food products onto the top surface of the dough base is established by controlling the dosing mechanism based on determining the actual time interval within which the batch received within the receptacle has reached the target time interval. As the controller is connected to the dosing mechanism, the weighing system and the conveyor system, it is possible to distribute a precise quantity of food products on the top surface of the dough base, hereby reducing the amount of spillage in the form of batch having a weight above the specific weight.

(52) The controller in a second aspect of the invention is able to change between three operational modes depending on whether the actual time interval has been reached within the target time interval.

(53) The first operation mode (e′) according to the second aspect of the invention will be initiated when the actual time interval is identical to the target time interval. In the first operational mode, the dosing mechanism is conveying sufficient quantity of food products and the specific target weight of the batch will be reached at the end of the specific time interval.

(54) The second operation mode (f′) according to the second aspect of the invention will be initiated when the actual time interval (T.sub.a, T.sub.3) exceeds the target time interval. In the second operation mode, the dosing mechanism has conveyed insufficient quantity of food products and the specific weight of the batch can only be reached within the specific time interval, when the speed of the first conveyor controlled by the controller is increased during the second operational mode.

(55) The third operation mode (d′) according to the second aspect of the invention will be initiated when the actual time interval (T.sub.a, T.sub.2) is below the target time interval. The controller will decrease the speed of the first conveyor in the second operational mode as the dosing mechanism has conveyed excessive quantity of food products and the target weight of the batch has been reached before the end of the target time interval.

(56) FIGS. 4E-4F show the step of transferring the batch of the specific weight being collected in the receptacle onto the top of the dough bases within the specific time interval (delivery cycle). This is shown by reference sign (T.sub.5). The guide is lowered toward the dough bases in a fourth operational mode and hereafter moved in the conveying direction in fifth operational mode during transferring of the batch. Through the use of a guide moveable both in the vertical direction and in the conveying direction, it is possible to guide the food products in a precise manner when the batch of food product being collected in the receptacle is released and dropped down onto the top surface of the dough base, hereby the amount food products, which would otherwise fall onto the conveyor belt being conveyed by the conveyor system, can be reduced to a minimum or even eliminated.

(57) An advantage according to the teaching in a first aspect or second aspect of the invention is that the distributing of a batch of a specific weight of food products on the top surface of the dough base within a specific time interval provides for reducing the number of products being returned because of insufficient or incorrected weight of food products on the dough base. This is particularly advantageous for automated manufacturing processes in the production of semi-finished products like frozen pizza, bake-off product, etc.

(58) In the above description, a presently preferred embodiment of the food processing system for distributing a batch of a specific weight of food products onto the top surface of a dough base, such as a pizza base, etc. is described with reference to specific elements. However, within the scope of the present invention, numerous modifications are readily perceivable by a person skilled in the art and these modifications are all to be construed part of the present invention as defined in the depending claims.

(59) REFERENCE NUMBERS 2 conveying direction 10 food processing system 12 food products 14 top surface of a dough base 16 first dough base 18 second dough base 20 dosing mechanism 20 22 screw conveyor 22 221 screw conveyor motor 221 222 shaftless spiral 222 24 trough 26 first inlet end 28 first outlet end 30 vibration mechanism 32 tray 34 second inlet end 36 second outlet end 40 weighing system 41 gate 42 receptacle 421 separate parts 422 actuator 50 conveyer 52 conveyor belt 54 conveyor belt motor 80 guide 81 ring-shaped element 82 guiding tracks 84 divider 841 cone 842 rods 90 controller