Abstract: An apparatus for slicing and applying a spread packaged in a container onto a food item. The apparatus includes an applicating station for applying a pre-selected quantity of the spread onto the food item as the food item is moved therethrough. The apparatus further includes a pumping station in fluid communication with the applicating station for transporting the spread from the container to the applicating station. In one preferred embodiment, a loaf of bread is first sliced and thereafter split open about a hinge extending along the length of the loaf. A spread, e.g., a garlic/butter mixture, is then applied to the exposed bread surface.

Abstract: A method for coating tubular food-casings (2), particularly skins with flavoring substances in particle form, includes wetting the casing (2) on the inside with adhesive, and then applying desired flavoring substances (6) onto the formed adhesive layer. The tubular casing (2), coated on the inside with adhesive, is guided through a first squeezing zone (5) and a second squeezing zone (8) in the travel direction, where the respective interior cross-sections of the tubular casing are temporarily closed. The second squeezing zone (8) is positioned higher than the first squeezing zone (5). The tubular casing is brought into the form of an inflated sack (2b) in between the two squeezing zones (5, 8) by a supply of particulate flavoring substances (6) and an air pocket (7) inserted into the interior of the tubular casing. During travel, the casing entrains the flavoring substances (6) from the supply.

Abstract: Equipment for depositing a fluid deposition substance onto baked goods, comprises a reservoir for the fluid deposition substance. a deposition unit to deposit the fluid deposition substance onto the baked goods, a feed means to feed the fluid deposition substance from the reservoir into the deposition unit, a conveyor configured underneath the depositing unit to convey the baked goods relative to the deposition unit along one direction of conveyance, a collecting unit situated underneath the conveyor to collect excess deposition substance that was not received on the baked goods, and a temperature controller allowing to temperature-control the equipment at least in segments. The conveyor is fitted with substantially bar-shaped baked-goods support elements which are configured mutually spaced apart in the direction of conveyance (R1) and in a direction (R2) transverse to the direction (R1).

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated decoration of a food product, the apparatus includes: a transporter configured to move the food product to a decoration area of the apparatus; a detector configured to detect the food product in the decoration area; a deposition mechanism disposed above the decoration area, the deposition mechanism comprising a sliding plate disposed between a first fixed plate and a second fixed plate; wherein, in a first position of the sliding plate, cavities extending though the sliding plate are aligned with cavities extending through the first fixed plate, and in a second position, the cavities extending through the sliding plate are aligned with cavities extending through the second fixed plate.

Abstract: Method of treating a large number of meat products, in particular slaughtered poultry or parts thereof, in which an additive is added to the meat products. The additives products are supplied to meat products using a conveyor which is designed to feed the meat products sequentially in groups or separately. Each meat product or each group of meat products are subjected to an additive-adding treatment which is adapted to the corresponding product or to the corresponding group of meant products.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating food products with breading material has an excess breading-material circulation/re-circulation system, which itself has a main, central product-intake conveyor scraping across an up-sloping bottom panel flanked by left and right elevators that course through up-sloping gutters astride the central conveyor's bottom panel. The central conveyor is relatively broad but shallow for only carrying a relatively light load that becomes a bottom bed of breading material for conveyance of food product thereon. In contrast, the elevators are relatively deep but thin in order to carry relatively-substantial streams of breading material, and disproportionate to their thin width, which are ultimately elevated to a topcoat-applicator and becomes a top-coating of breading material. One or more plows are arranged in the overhead space above the central conveyor to divert a main stream of excess breading material into one or more diverted streams aimed at the flanking elevators.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating an item with a dry particulate material. An electrically operated sifter in a dry coating assembly generates a shower of the dry particulate material which coats the items held in an open mesh basket. A collector recovers residual material which can then be returned to the sifter. Extraneous clumps formed from the dry particulate material and any liquid coating can be readily removed from the sifter. An optional wet coating assembly allows an operator to coat the items with a batter before the application of the dry particulate material.

Abstract: A semi-automated food processing station, system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, stored and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container for serving to a customer. In one embodiment, the system includes an automated salting device, and may include a pivotable food receiving tray that automatically transfers the food items to one or more storage bins, where an infrared heater maintains the temperature of the food items by directing infrared radiation thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the infrared radiation passes through a filter that filters out the wavelengths of infrared radiation that may be irritating to an operator.

Abstract: A method of applying a solid to a container includes placing a portion of the container between two surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface to define a variable space between the surfaces; and applying the solid to a selected portion of the container. In some embodiments, the solid includes a flavor enhancer, and the selected portion is proximate a rim edge of the container.

Abstract: A system for coating tablets and other small articles is provided. The system is comprised of an elongate housing containing a drum journalled for rotation about a horizontal axis. The drum has two open ends that receive and discharge a supply of tablets respectively. The drum is rotated about the axis by a drive means to tumble the tablets and advance the tablets through the drum. The system also includes a system for delivering a selected amount of coating to the tablets while they are being tumbled and a feeder for continually feeding tablets at a first end of the housing. The system employs a weir plate for maintaining a depth of tablets within the drum and for controlling the time that the tablets remain in the drum. Finally, the system has a tablet discharge region for receiving tablets for discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating or breading food products, such as chicken parts, includes a rotating drum with end caps closing the loading and discharge ends of the drum. Apertures are defined in the end caps for the passage of the food product, in which the apertures are situated along the central axis of the drum. A spiral grate inside the drum receives the food product and conveys it toward the discharge end. The spiral grate supports the food product proximate the central axis so that the product is more fully and uniformly coated with the particulate material. The spiral grate is configured with a gap at the discharge end so that a portion of a discharge ramp may be disposed within the gap to receive the prepared food product for discharge.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing a surface coating composition for an animal food. The process involves combining, in-line along a food processing line, liquid fat and a dry additive to provide a liquid fat-dry additive composition, which then is combined with a liquid additive to provide a surface coating composition. The composition is coated on the food.

Abstract: An automatic seasoning device that includes a hopper, a seasoning dispenser positioned to receive seasoning from the hopper; and a moveable transition tray positioned to receive seasoning from the seasoning dispensing drum.

Abstract: The present invention features a telescopic turntable to allow a user to decorate a bakery item at various heights comprising a base for supporting a tube in a vertical position, a cake tray at the top of the tube, and a utensil tray at the middle portion of the tube.

Abstract: A method and a device for preparing a drinking glass, cup, mug or other beverage container, e.g. drink-ware, where any dry granular, flaked, shaved or powder substance (SPICE) is applied to the rim of the drink-ware. Where the drink-ware is inverted and introduced into the SPICE and in order to adhere the SPICE to the rim of the drink-ware, the rim is customarily first moistened with a liquid, gel or other viscous aqueous wetting substance (moistening agent). The dispenser is an all encompassing system to accommodate common large diameter drink-ware, to moisten the rim of the drink-ware, house the SPICE, preserve the moistening agent and preserve the SPICE by separating the moisture of the wetting agent from the SPICE, providing for drink-ware to be introduced into the wetting agent then into the SPICE and to re-close and secure the device and its contents with a screw or snap-on lid.

Abstract: The spill-proof coloring container is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, will when oriented in any position prevent spillage of liquid contents when filled to predetermined amount. Because of the use of vacuum formed sheet in the construction of the container, the container pieces are compactly stackable and are of substantially low manufacturing cost. The container is principally intended for use by young children to facilitate painting pictures and dying objects such as Easter eggs without the mess otherwise associated with painting and dying. The invention is also intended to help avoid the mess associated with pouring paint or paint powder concentrates otherwise encountered when preparing a cup of paint for general purpose painting.

Abstract: A process for coating frozen confection stick products (20) is provided, the process comprising providing a chamber (2) having two open ends (3,4), two sides (5,6) and a base (7); providing at least one pair of apertures (10A-10D), wherein one aperture of each pair is located on each side of the chamber, and wherein the apertures are vertical slots; supplying a liquid coating material to each aperture thereby forming curtains of the liquid coating material (14A-14D); and conveying the frozen confection (20) through the chamber with the stick uppermost so that the frozen confection passes through the curtains of coating material. An apparatus for operating the process is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing a regular film of foodstuff, comprising a first roll on to which foodstuff is applied in fluid or plastic form, and an independent second roll spaced from the first by a distance t1 on to which a film of foodstuff of thickness t1 is applied by means of the first roll. Also apparatus and method for producing a layered foodstuff produce additionally comprising a doctor blade on the second roll and a rotary former including a number of cavities in which the foodstuff is collected.

Abstract: A method and a device for preparing drinkware where a substance is applied to the rim of the drink-ware and substances can be dispensed from the device. One device includes a cabinet that can house and dispense substances, and the substances may either be filled directly into receptacles, stands, arms or drawers and/or pre-filled in contoured drawer liners. The cabinet may include a moistening reservoir and separates the moistening reservoir from the Spice by housing the moistening agent in a distinct and separate location.

Abstract: A device (10) to coat food products such as potato crisps or chips and biscuits. The device (10) includes a flavor dispenser 21 that delivers granular flavor material to the products (12) being coated. The device (10) further includes a conveyor (11) with conveyor surfaces (15 to 18) that are arranged in cascade so that the food products tumble from one surface to the next so that the granular flavor material is applied to the various surfaces of the food products.

Abstract: A food glazing system for automatically applying a glaze to an edible object. An inclined heatable surface is disposed in the path of sugar dispensed from a sugar dispenser and is positioned to heat the sugar enroute to an edible object to be glazed.

Abstract: A continuous coating process for chewing gum and bubble gum materials. Small cores or pieces of gum material are introduced into inclined rotating drums in solution material plurality cores or rotating requisite which heated air is circulated and a coating is applied (liquid or powder). The coating is dried on the pieces of material, and a of thin layers are formed on each of the small pieces of material. A series of drums can be provided to provide the number or thickness of coating layers. In an alternate embodiment, initial coatings of material can be provided on the cores by a batch-type process before the materials are introduced into the continuous coating drums. The formulas for the coating solution can also be adjusted at different stages of the coating process in order to provide a more consistent and uniform coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for arranging sprinkling material, such as seed, on a dough piece, comprising means for arranging the sprinkling material on a surface for dough pieces and means for placing the dough piece on the surface provided with the sprinkling material, and also further comprising in an advantageous embodiment means for applying an adhesive such as water to at least a part of the dough piece to be provided with the sprinkling material, wherein the means for placing the dough piece are adapted to place the dough piece with the part provided with the adhesive facing toward the surface.

Abstract: A cooking oil wipe for coating a cooking surface with cooking oil. The cooking oil wipe includes a sheet permeated with an amount of cooking oil to uniformly coat at least a typical household cooking surface. The cooking oil wipes are removable from sealed dispensers. In use, a cooking oil wipe is removed from the dispenser and wiped over the cooking surface to uniformly cover the cooking surface with cooking oil.

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 frosting dispenser apparatus including a rotatable platform is described. The frosting dispenser apparatus comprises a body having a base and a pedestal, a rotatable platform is connected with the base and configured to rotate a baked good. Further, a dispenser is connected with the pedestal. The dispenser is located above the rotatable platform. The frosting dispenser apparatus is formed to be easy to use for a child. Additionally, the present invention includes a frosting dispenser apparatus kit which includes a frosting dispenser apparatus, a frosting, a baking mix, a mixing container, a mixing utensil, and a baking container.

Abstract: A breading machine, and improvements thereto, for use in high volume food production is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an improved breading machine includes a side-mounted feed hopper, a low pressure auger assembly including an auger transfer box with an input port for accepting a cross-feed screw and paddle, and an output port for transferring coating material to a vertical screw. The improved breading machine also includes a substantially cylindrical, rod-based spreader assembly and a transport conveyor belt for feeding the spreader assembly within a top hopper of the breading machine. The improved breading machine further includes a vibrating filter assembly to filter out clumps of coating material while allowing un-clumped material to be re-used within the breading machine.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for applying a coating to an ear of corn in a high throughput manner are disclosed. The system includes means for moving the ear of corn through the system and means for coating the ear of corn with a coating while passing through the system. The apparatus includes a carrying position for an ear of corn, an automated line having a plurality of the carrying positions, and an automated coating station adapted to apply a coating to the ear of corn on the automated line. The method includes staging a plurality of ears of corn on an automated line, passing the automated line through an ear coating process, and coating the plurality of ears of corn with a coating.

Abstract: A breading machine has first and second combination battering/breading units positioned in close proximity to each other. Certain features of the invention have utility with machines having only a single battering/breading unit. Each of the combination units has a battering unit for applying a fluent batter to a food product. The battering unit includes a batter reservoir and a battering unit conveyor system for delivering food products from said batter reservoir to a battering unit conveyor discharge section that propels the food product from the battering unit. The combination units also include a breading unit for receiving food product from an associated battering unit. The breading unit includes a breading reservoir and breading unit conveyor system for applying particulate breading to the food product at a breading station by moving breading material from the breading material reservoir and food product coated with the batter to the breading station.

Abstract: The rotating drum 2 rotates around an axial line A that is inclined to the horizontal at a present angle ?. Process gas flows in the rotating a drum 2 from an air vent 7a of an air duct 7 through an air inlet 5 at one end of the rotating drum 2, passes through a layer of granules 11, and flows out into an air outlet duct 8 through an air vent 21a of a first disc plate 21 and a connection hole 22a in a second disc plate 22.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) serves for continuously producing a laminated confectionary mass (14), especially halva, from a base mass (11) and a separating mass (12). The apparatus (1) includes a stator (2) and a rotor (3) being arranged to rotate in the stator (2). An inlet (10) serves to introduce the base mass (11) and the separating mass (12). The rotor (3) does not include a center shaft such that a free space (17, 26) being located in a center portion of the apparatus (1) and being surrounded by the rotor (3) is formed. The rotor (3) includes a plurality of elements (16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 30) to combine the base mass (11) and the separating mass (12) and to coat the base mass (11) with the separating mass (12) to attain the laminated confectionary mass (14), to extract the laminated confectionary mass (14) in the free space (17, 26) and to convey the extracted laminated confectionary mass (14) along a processing path (13) extending in an longitudinal direction of the apparatus (1).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for applying a coating to an ear of corn are disclosed. An enclosure having a user accessible workspace and a motor to turn an ear of corn therein to apply a coating to the ear of corn rotated by the motor is also disclosed. The method includes providing an enclosure with a user accessible workspace for housing a motor assembly having a motor with a grip, releasably securing the ear of corn to the grip, rotating the ear of corn with the motor, and spraying the coating on the ear of corn with the coating applicator associated with the workspace. Each ear of corn has an identifier to track and index the ear corn during coating and drying.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, is directed to machines related methods for automatedly coating a sample with a particulate. In some embodiments, the sample is a food product, such as poultry, and the particulate includes a seasoning, such as salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for grasping, retaining, inverting, coating and transporting a plurality of frangible conical confection shells. The present invention also relates to a modular and reconfigurable manufacturing system for producing frozen cone confections and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for creating designs on the surface of foamed milk with a coffee solution comprising dispensing a coffee solution using an applicator, onto the surface of the foamed milk in a pattern according to the intended design. The dispensing is controlled by automated means. Further provided is an apparatus for creating designs on the surface of foamed milk with a coffee solution comprising: a) a reservoir; b) an applicator, c) an applicator mechanism d) a tray; e) a data controlling device, and f) a controller.

Abstract: A coating machine (1) for coating confectioneries (5) with a liquid coating mass (7) includes a grid belt (3) being driven in a working direction (4) for transporting the confectioneries (5). A bottom coating apparatus (2) includes a container-shaped box (6) serving to contain liquid coating mass (7). A bottom roller (10) is arranged below the grid belt (3). The bottom roller (10) serves to convey the coating mass (7) from the box (6) in an upward direction. A detaching element (15) is in sliding contact with the bottom roller (10) to remove coating mass (7) from the bottom roller (10) to form a bottom coating mass. A bottom coating mass forming element (16) is designed as a separate element in addition to the detaching element (15). The element (16) is arranged below the grid belt (3) in a way that it redirects and deforms the bottom coating mass such that a part thereof moves through the grid belt (3) in an upward direction to form an upper part of the bottom coating mass (22).

Abstract: In a method for coating at least the top of moving food products 100 with at least one layer of a free-flowing particulate coating material, coating material is poured from a storage container 60 over the moving food products. During the pouring, the coating material is partially segregated into coarse coating material 90 and relatively fine coating material, and substantially coarse coating material 90 is applied to the moving food products 100 first, followed by relatively fine coating material.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for coating food items such as coating empty ice cream cones subsequently containing ice cream. A liquid recovery apparatus is used in the method, apparatus, and system and is fashioned in a tray-like manner to form a slideway that includes a bottom section with openings that have collars along with opposing sidewalls and endwalls that together enable containment of coating liquid such as a chocolate coating. The chocolate coating is recovered and thereby reused as a subsequent topping for the filled ice cream cone.

Abstract: A image creating apparatus, said apparatus comprising a printing assembly having a reservoir and at least one opening, the reservoir containing a liquid substance, surface of a liquid sublayer and the printing assembly further comprises a means to release the substance from the opening onto the surface. Embodiments of the apparatus are capable of creating and reproducing images on non-uniform and liquid surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is a dispensing machine (10) to enhance the visual appeal of prepared foods. The dispensing machine includes one or more temperature controlled storage containers (36) that stores sauces, syrups, or other flowable foods and includes one or more dispensing nozzles (44) for dispensing the same. The dispensing nozzles (44) couple to a movable nozzle assembly (202). Additionally included is a controller (100) that controls the temperature and dispensing of the sauces, syrups, and other flowable foods. The dispensing machine further includes a temperature selection panel (18), a flow rate selection panel (14), and a pattern selection panel (16). Additionally included is a spinning assembly (206) that spins the food serving piece (22). Further included is a centering assembly (204) that centers the food piece (22). And further included is a data port (102) that allows additional access to the controller (100) and the stored patterns (106).

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and transferring a selected pattern of pigment material to a target surface including a quantity of pigment material; and a mask formed of substrate sheet having a forward contact surface on which a selected pattern of the pigment material is deposited and a rearward surface. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a cover sheet removably covering the contact surface, for preventing unwanted pigment transfer and smearing of the pigment pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a layered seasoning to snack food products such as potato chips or tortilla chips using a vibratory scarf plate that is divided into two or more sections by one or more walls. A different seasoning is placed in each section. The scarf plate is placed into a rotating drum having snack food product. A seasoning from each section falls off the scarf plate to form a curtain. Each curtain provides a layer of seasoning on the snack food product.

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: Apparatus and method for applying a sticky coating to a rim of a drinking container to add flavor to a drink and/or facilitate applying a granulated flavoring material to the rim. The apparatus includes a bottle containing a sticky liquid which may be flavored, and a removable applicator. The applicator includes a handle which may serve as a cap for the container, a stem, and a swab. The swab is immersed in the sticky liquid, and wiped round the rim of the drinking container. When desired, the drinking container is then inverted and the rim pressed into the granulated flavoring material to coat the rim with the granulated flavoring material. The drinking container may then be placed upright and filled with a liquid drink. The applicator may also be used to apply a flavoring to an inside edge of the drinking container to directly add flavor to a drink.

Abstract: A device for coating a food product with a particulate coating material comprises at least one essentially horizontal, rotary drum, at least one feed line for feeding food products to be coated to one end of the drum, at least one removal line for removing coated food products at the opposite end of the drum, as well as feed means for feeding the coating material to the food products, such that when the drum rotates the food products are tumbled and move from the end of the drum that is oriented towards the feed line to the opposite end. At least one further rotary drum is provided, the width of the feed line and the removal line being greater than the diameter of a drum and said lines extending over at least two drums in the transverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for grasping, retaining, inverting, coating and transporting a plurality of frangible conical confection shells. The present invention also relates to a modular and reconfigurable manufacturing system for producing frozen cone confections and the like.

Abstract: Seasoning for use with snack chips can be recovered and recycled. A seasoning permeable conveyor transports snack chips through a seasoning application. The seasoning applicator deposits seasoning onto the snack chips. The conveyor allows the seasoning not adhered to the moving snack chips to substantially pass through and by toward a seasoning recoverer. The seasoning recoverer, which is positioned beneath the conveyor, collects the seasoning for purification and blending with fresh seasoning. After blending, the seasoning mixture is transported to the seasoning application for use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cake-surrounded, self-standing device for applying, and a method for applying a decorative colorful rain of edible particles or sugars to the existing frosting, icing or prepared surface of same cake by launching small edible and delicate candy particles or sugars from a particle containing chamber within the cake by the use of a pressure controlled remote air pump, internal mechanical spring release piston, or pyrotechnic activated gas pressure piston in such a manner so as to control the height, direction and effect of the particles being released to a pre-determined height and returning back down onto and only onto the surface of the cake in a distinct and well defined pattern and in an entertaining and surprise fashion. Such an expelling device is known in the industry as a mine or a fountain.

Abstract: A food preparation turntable system consists of two main parts: a base member having a round vertical axis member centrally disposed on an upper horizontal surface thereof, and a turntable member including a round hole extending vertically through a central portion. The turntable member in one embodiment is in the shape of a circle or wheel, and it sits on the base so that the vertical axis of the base extends through the hole in the turntable, thereby gravitationally securing the turntable to the base and allowing the turntable to freely rotate about the vertical axis member. Turntables of different sizes and shapes may be used interchangeably as desired, depending on the size and shape of the cake or confection that is being decorated or prepared.