Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing seasoning on lanes of stackable chip product using a series of vibrating funnel fingers. A narrowed discharge end for each funnel finger is positioned over a lane of chips, thereby directing the seasoning on each chip and limiting the amount of seasoning that must be recycled or discarded. Oscillation of the funnel fingers insures even seasoning distribution on the chips and precludes accumulation of the seasoning on the distribution apparatus.

Abstract: The method for producing extruded, farinaceous pellets includes extruding a mixture so that it expands upon exiting an extruder. This prepuffed ribbon is then subjected to stretching and cutting steps to produce pellets. The prepuffing reduces the moisture content of the ribbon so that cut pellets made from the ribbon can be immediately processed without the need for a moisture conditioning and/or dehydration step. In stretching, the extrudate ribbon is passed through a set of rollers to increase the extrudate ribbon's velocity thereby causing the ribbon to stretch. Stretching the extrudate ribbon causes a reduction in thickness along with an increase in density. After cutting, the pellets can then be expanded in a puffing stage to produce a product that has a desirable light and crunchy texture.

Abstract: A dewatering system for separating a stream of liquid from the items traveling therein. The dewatering system includes a primary grid which catches the stream of liquid from a flume or other device. The liquid stream, but not the solid items, passes through the primary grid and is caught by a baffle which smoothly redirects the liquid. The baffle is arranged with respect to the primary grid so that the surface of the stream flow through the grid is substantially tangential to a leading portion of the baffle.

Abstract: A novel potato cultivar of the genus and species Solanum tuberosum, designated FL1889, is disclosed. The invention relates to the tubers of potato variety FL1889, to the plants of potato variety FL1889, to the seeds of potato variety and to methods for producing hybrid potato variety. The invention further relates to potato variety tubers, seeds and plants produced by crossing the potato variety FL1889 with another potato plant, and to Single Gene Converted plants.

Abstract: An aligning apparatus for aligning food product chips having a generally curved shape includes a longitudinally extending rib positioned with respect to a chip transport surface. As chips are transported along the transport surface, they straddle the aligning rib with respective opposed side edges thereof supported on the transport surface. Engagement with the aligning rib causes the chips to become generally aligned with the aligning rib and thus, with each other.

Abstract: A novel potato cultivar of the genus and species Solanum tuberosum, designated FL1889, is disclosed. The invention relates to the tubers of potato variety FL1889, to the plants of potato variety FL1889, to the seeds of potato variety and to methods for producing hybrid potato variety. The invention further relates to potato variety tubers, seeds and plants produced by crossing the potato variety FL1889 with another potato plant, and to Single Gene Converted plants.