Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying solid edible particulates to an exposed upper surface of an edible substrate. The apparatus includes a particulate supply, a metered dosing system, a conduit through which the measured particulates are to the edible substrate, an applicator nozzle to direct the measured particulates from the conduit onto the upper surface of the substrate, and a vacuum system that supplies a directed stream of air to accelerate the particulates from the dosing system through the conduit and at least substantially vertically through the nozzle. The particulates are ejected at a velocity sufficient to cut through air currents between the nozzle and substrate, but insufficient to fully penetrate the upper surface of the substrate, to deposit and adhere a substantial amount of the particulates in a desired pattern onto the upper surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A device for accurately metering food. The device includes an outer part and an inner metering part having a dosing chamber and a piston block slideably mounted therein. The housing outer part has three passageways, and the dosing chamber is configured, dimensioned and positioned to alternately connect two of the three passageways of the outer part. The inner metering part is configured, dimensioned and positioned for rotation within the outer part. The outer housing part and the inner metering part are mounted concentrically with the inner metering part and the inner metering part has only one degree of liberty in rotation around a central axis of rotation.

Abstract: A visually-appealing, multi-component, packaged microwaveable frozen meal that includes at least two different, discrete, individually frozen edible components assembled on a support member to form the frozen meal that mimics a prepared meal, and a microwaveable film disposed adjacent the frozen components that conforms and adheres sufficiently tightly to the components and the support member is disclosed. The film and the support member form an enclosure having a reduced pressure therein. The film is at least sufficiently translucent or transparent so that a consumer can readily view a portion of the frozen meal as a complete, multi-component meal ready for serving.