William Charles Nicholas

US Patent:

46089195, Sep 2, 1986

Filed:

Nov 1, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/667415

Inventors:

Reed N. Prows - Rowland Heights CA
William J. Nicholas - Rowland Heights CA

International Classification:

A21C 900
A21C 1100

US Classification:

994506

Abstract:

The machine includes a first horizontal moving belt onto which flat, flexible tortillas are placed. Burrito filling is placed thereon near the tortillas' leading edge. The leading edge of each tortilla contacts a first spinning transfer rod and a hinged plate at the end of the first belt. The plate folds the leading edge flap of the tortilla up and over the burrito filling and the rod transfers the partially formed burrito to a second horizontal moving belt. The second belt moves the partially formed burrito shell under a weighted curtain which presses the flap over the burrito filling. A second spinning transfer rod transfers the shell to a third moving belt which is narrower than a flat tortilla. Each tortilla then passes under creasing means which act downwardly against the tortilla and the third belt to crease the tortilla adjacent its side edges which are lifted by side ramps over a pair of spaced rods which slide in the creases so that the side ramps alternately fold the sides of the tortilla up and over the front flap. A plurality of transverse ridges on the third belt engage the underside of the shell, rolling it over and over against a spring loaded curtain to finish the burrito formation.