AMF Bakery Systems Awarded U.S. Patent for Oven Chain Management System

Richmond, VA – September 8, 2017 –

AMF Bakery Systems (AMF) today announced that the United States Patent Office has awarded the company a new patent (Patent 9,730,456) for the Guardian Oven Chain Management System. AMF’s Chain Management System monitors several important conditions of the oven chain extending the life of the chain while greatly reducing lubrication costs for traveling tray, tunnel, and continuous ovens. The Guardian Chain Management System can be easily applied to continuous final proofers, product coolers, conveyors or other bakery equipment with long lengths of chain.

The oven chain is recognized as the most critical part in a high-speed bread or bun bakery, as a chain failure can result in an astronomical loss in both repair costs and production downtime. AMF’s Guardian System allows bakery operators to easily determine thermal expansion of the chain, the power required to drive the chain, variations in chain tracking, tensioning pressure and distance, and hydraulic chain tensioning, all of which are unprecedented in oven technology.

“Predictable lubrication can save tens of thousands of dollars per year in lubricant,” mentioned Philip Domenicucci, Thermal Product Manager for AMF.  “With proper maintenance, regular lubrication, and cleaning, it is possible to have oven chains running for upwards of 30 years or more. Conversely, if a chain is poorly maintained the life span can be reduced to 1 to 2 years.”

AMF is known for its innovative, high performance approach to thermal solutions. This patent further solidifies the company’s position as a pioneer in proofing, baking, and cooling solutions.

About AMF Bakery Systems

AMF Bakery Systems is the world leader in bakery automation solutions supplying state-of-the-art commercial equipment for an ever-changing market. AMF’s systems set the standard in the baking industry providing complete solutions for the production of bread, buns, rolls, tortillas and English muffins. Along with the latest bakery innovation, AMF provides expert design and applications engineering, production expertise, full-system integration, project management, installation, training and lifetime parts and service support. AMF Bakery Systems serves its customers as a proud member of the Markel Food Group, a subsidiary of Markel Ventures.