Foodstuffs imaging process and apparatus

Abstract

In an apparatus for reproducing images onto foodstuffs or the like, and the process for performing such operation, a housing includes the various electronic controls for sequencing the operations of the apparatus, a turntable for holding the especially prepared foodstuff or sheet upon which the image is to be scribed is located upon the turntable, a supporting device disposed for uniform rotation with the turntable holds the photograph or other pictorial member from which the image for reproduction is derived, the combination of light and optical members for illuminating and visually directing the reproducible image to the photosensitive means that cooperates in combination with the electronic controls for precisely manipulating an electromechanical or electronic scribing instrument for either directly or through transfer paper a reproducing of a facsimile of the pictorial image directly onto the foodstuff or the like; the foodstuff or related composition upon which the image is reproduced may comprise a fibrous material, preferably edible, and including in combination of manufacturers confections mixed with a fibrous composition, or the like, so that it can be easily manipulated and handled either manually or by machine prior to, during, and after imaging processing, and can be likewise applied, as for example, to the surface of a cake to be consumed therewith; a cassette including a combination of the specially prepared foodstuff, and the transfer paper from which one or more colors may be transferred by means of the stylus or etching device to the surface of the foodstuff has been devised to facilitate the routine usage of this imaging producing apparatus either domestically, commercially, or industrially during its intended application.