Abstract: An apparatus for evenly distributing powdered and granular food product ingredients at a controlled and variable rate. A delivery tube communicates with the interior of a hopper that holds a supply of the ingredient and an auger causes the ingredient to move from the hopper and axially along the tube. The auger has a central body with a large diameter portion extending through the hopper, a small diameter portion disposed within the tube and a land extending along and around the body to define a generally helical flute that serves as an ingredient flow path of variable cross-sectional area. A series of non-circular openings arranged along the tube allow the ingredient to escape in a uniform manner, the effective size of the openings being variable by changing the relative rotational positions of the tube and an apertured sleeve that surrounds the tube. The positions of the openings is also variable by rotating the tube and the sleeve together to further improve the uniformity of distribution.

Abstract: The present invention provides release agent compositions which are particularly useful for frozen food products and to methods for using such compositions in relatively low temperature environments. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the release agent compositions comprise one or more oils which remain liquid when held at a temperature of below about 0.degree. F. for at least 24 hours, and are characterized by having a relatively high degree of unsaturation, for instance above about 80 weight percent. Suitable oils for the first mentioned component of the inventive compositions include almond oil, apricot kernel oil, safflower seed oil, walnut oil, cherry kernel oil, grape seed oil and the like and mixtures thereof. The oil component is blended with lecithin in one embodied form, and with lecithin and white mineral oil of specified grade having a Saybolt viscosity at 100.degree. F. of at least about 250.

Abstract: A nozzle for spraying food ingredients including an inner orifice for the ingredients and an outer orifice for spray air. A piston is reciprocable in a cylinder within a housing above the orifices. Attached to the piston is a clean-out plunger that extends through an ingredient delivery tube into the inner nozzle orifice as the piston reciprocates, thereby cleaning and unclogging the inner orifice. Displacement of the piston is caused by compressed control air supplied through two air ports in the cylinder on opposite sides of the piston. Reciprocation of the piston can be initiated by a timer or by a manual override.

Abstract: A readily sanitizable spraying apparatus particularly suited for applying an ingredient coating to food products in which the products to be sprayed are carried past spray heads by a conveyor. The heads are formed by interlocking members that are freely separable once removed from a cradle in which they are nested thus exposing delivery chambers within the heads for cleaning. The conveyor may include an endless belt that circulates on a conveyor frame which is pivotably mounted on a base so that it can be removed to expose interior portions of the apparatus, also for cleaning purposes. Since the belt has openings through which the ingredient can be sprayed onto the bottom surfaces of the food product, spray heads can be located below the belt as well as above.

Abstract: A method and composition for preparing a stable clear liquid release agent comprising at least two oils of an animal or vegetable fat and from about 0.25 to 2.0 percent by weight polysorbate 80 in which the oil present in a major portion is a liquid at room temperature and the oil present in a minor portion is a solid at room temperature. The method comprises forming a uniform mixture by agitating the oils at a temperature on the order of 74.degree. C. followed by rapidly and uniformly chilling the mixture with agitation to at least about 25.degree. C. and working the chilled mixture. Preferably the mixture is pre-cooled and homogenized prior to the rapid chilling step. Further, after the rapid chilling step the resultant blend is packed with CO.sub.2 propellant to yield an environmentally safe aerosol product. The resultant blend of oils presents a brighter and clearer appearance and is less susceptible to separation than conventionally blended oil mixtures.