Importance

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Abstract

An improved self-contained frying machine is disclosed and claimed with significantly enhanced reliability, repeatability and maintenance. The extruder and dibber assemblies are not attached to any surface plates, thus permitting easy removal for cleaning. More significantly, the extruder assemblies are not connected to an upper shelf, thereby alleviating misalignment concerns. Efficient motor-driven rack and gear components are disclosed for the extruder assembly, dibber assembly, slide assembly and the carousel assembly. The electrical system comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) that is preferably mounted in a housing that is external to the machine, preferably resting on the top of the frying machine. The mounting of the PLC and other electrical components in an external box diminishes the interference from background noise introduced by the various motors. Various sensors positioned on the different assemblies provide real-time information to the PLC. Based upon the information from the sensors, the PLC commands the various devices to perform their predetermined functions.

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First Claim