Abstract: A linear coating apparatus may include a coating assembly configured to apply a layer of coating to the food product as it is moved along a conveyance path. A texturizing assembly for imparting a texture to the layer of coating may include: a selective compression assembly having rotating cylindrical wheels each having a length extending substantially across a width of the conveyor system and spaced horizontally along a length of the conveyor system. The rotating cylindrical wheels are configured to apply a tangential force to the coated food product as it travels by gravity through the selective compression assembly. The tangential forces apply compression to the layer of coating and the food product for creating a texture in the layer of coating. An infeed assembly is configured to deposit the coated food product vertically above an infeed end of the selective compression assembly with a trajectory.

Abstract: A coating system (20) includes a conveyor system (22), a coating distribution assembly (24), and a coating adherence system (26). The coating material (M) may be recycled via a coating collection and return system (30). The coating distribution assembly (24) includes a container (64) for receiving and distributing the coating using a coating distribution roller (74). The roller (74) has a plurality of longitudinal channels (78) extending along the length of the roller to receive the coating material and apply the coating material onto food products by rotation of the distribution roller. A coating distribution device distributes the material metered by the coating distribution roller onto the food products.

Abstract: A coating system (20) includes a conveyor system (22), a coating distribution assembly (24), and a coating adherence system (26). The coating material (M) is recycled via a coating collection and return system (30) that coating distribution assembly (24) includes a container (64) for receiving and distributing the coating using a coating distribution roller (74). The roller (74) has a plurality of longitudinal channels (78) extending along the length of the roller to receive the coating material and apply the coating material onto food products by rotation of the distribution roller.

Abstract: A breading machine for dispensing a coating material onto a food product includes a breading chamber, a continuous conveyor for transporting food products through the breading chamber, a hopper including at least one downspout and a sloped bottom for dispensing coating material onto the food products, a hopper conveyor positioned within the hopper. At least one of an angular position or a vertical position of the hopper conveyor is adjustable to accommodate a variety of free flowing and non-free flowing coating materials. One or more air knives may be positioned in the downspouts to fluidize the coating material to alleviate bridging and/or build-up of the coating material within the downspout.

Abstract: A breading machine for dispensing a coating material onto a food product includes a breading chamber, a continuous conveyor for transporting food products through the breading chamber, a hopper including at least one downspout and a sloped bottom for dispensing coating material onto the food products, a hopper conveyor positioned within the hopper. At least one of an angular position or a vertical position of the hopper conveyor is adjustable to accommodate a variety of free flowing and non-free flowing coating materials. One or more air knives may be positioned in the downspouts to fluidize the coating material to alleviate bridging and/or build-up of the coating material within the downspout.

Abstract: A breading machine for dispensing a coating material onto a food product includes a breading chamber, a continuous conveyor for transporting food products through the breading chamber, a hopper including at least one downspout and a sloped bottom for dispensing coating material onto the food products, a hopper conveyor positioned within the hopper. At least one of an angular position or a vertical position of the hopper conveyor is adjustable to accommodate a variety of free flowing and non-free flowing coating materials. One or more air knives may be positioned in the downspouts to fluidize the coating material to alleviate bridging and/or build-up of the coating material within the downspout.

Abstract: A cooking oven includes a cooking chamber in fluid communication with respect to a heat exchanger and a conveyor extending through the cooking chamber. A plurality of louvers are connected both above and below the conveyor and adjustably control the air flow between the top of the conveyor and the bottom of the conveyor.

Abstract: A cooking oven manifold system includes a conveyor extending through a housing and a plurality of air manifolds positioned above and below the conveyor, each air manifold having a pair of sidewalls extending between a back wall and an inlet. A pair of outlet nozzles extend along a length of each air manifold. An angled surface between each pair of outlet nozzles extends along a length of the air manifold. Each air manifold is additionally spaced apart from each adjacent air manifold to create an air gap between sidewalls of adjacent air manifolds.

Abstract: A cooking oven includes a housing that encloses a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. A conveyor extends between the inlet and the outlet and through the chamber. The cooking oven additionally includes an air distribution system positioned in fluid communication with the chamber and a curved heat exchanger positioned in fluid communication with the chamber, the curved heat exchanger directing air from the air distribution system through the chamber.

Abstract: A cooking oven manifold system includes a conveyor extending through a housing and a plurality of air manifolds positioned above and below the conveyor, each air manifold having a pair of sidewalls extending between a back wall and an inlet. A pair of outlet nozzles extend along a length of each air manifold. An angled surface between each pair of outlet nozzles extends along a length of the air manifold. Each air manifold is additionally spaced apart from each adjacent air manifold to create an air gap between sidewalls of adjacent air manifolds.

Abstract: A cooking oven includes a cooking chamber in fluid communication with respect to a heat exchanger and a conveyor extending through the cooking chamber. A plurality of louvers are connected both above and below the conveyor and adjustably control the air flow between the top of the conveyor and the bottom of the conveyor.

Abstract: A cooking oven includes a housing that encloses a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. A conveyor extends between the inlet and the outlet and through the chamber. The cooking oven additionally includes an air distribution system positioned in fluid communication with the chamber and a curved heat exchanger positioned in fluid communication with the chamber, the curved heat exchanger directing air from the air distribution system through the chamber.

Abstract: The invention describes a coating machine which includes an endless pervious conveyor belt supported in an elongated frame which provides a food product conveyance path within the machine. A hopper is disposed above the food product conveyance path in which an amount of a coating material is provided to generate a falling curtain of bread crumbs or the like to cover the top and sides of food product pieces passing along the food product conveyance path. The machine also preferably includes a circular drum type conveyor which is rotatably supported along the elongated frame adjacent the hopper and includes a plurality of pockets formed therein which open into the interior of the machine and the hopper. Conveyors are provided in both the elongated frame and hopper to distribute coating material from the frame enclosure to the circular conveyor which will in turn distribute coating material to the hopper to generate the upper layer of breading material.