Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating particulate material with a coating medium, in particular for sugarcoating or film-coating pharmaceutical or food preformed pieces. The apparatus comprises a container drivable to rotate about a rotation axis, a spraying device for spraying the material with the coating medium and supplying means for supplying process air. The container comprises a bottom and an upstanding wall where the rotation axis of the container is substantially vertical and where an inclined return surface is arranged in the container. The return surface extends from an upper region of the container in the direction of an inner diameter region of the bottom.

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: A system utilizing a rotary atomizer for applying a liquid based substance to particles. In one example, a motor provides an in-line, direct drive force on a cage atomizer. With some systems, the cage atomizer has a vertical axis of rotation. With some systems, the motor is mounted external to the particle path and supported by a housing structure that provides an angled particle path. With some systems, other types of rotary atomizers may be used such as disk, bowl, or hollow disk rotary atomizers. With some examples of cage atomizers, a first portion of the cage atomizer may include a thread set that screws to a thread set of a second portion to hold a perforated structure in place. With some systems, the thread sets surround the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The installation for sugarcoating or encasing of products by rotation of a cylindrical rotor includes a distribution and proportioning manifold mounted on support and guide rails external to the rotor permitting its total withdrawal from the rotor for the washing phase and its emplacement with no internal support within said rotor for the operating phase. The rails are formed by two horizontal beams, parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor which is also the longitudinal axis of the manifold, fixed at one of their ends to the chassis of the rotor and at their other end to a transverse horizontal bar supported by at least one foot. At the level of one of its ends, the manifold is secured to a parallelepipedal frame which also supports closure means for the rotor and which slides along horizontal rails. Washing nozzles are disposed above the manifold at the level of the guide rails.

Abstract: A rotary drum seeder for depositing seeds onto food products. The seeder includes a primary support structure, rotary drum assembly, seed hopper, feed gate disposed between the seed hopper and a hopper discharge, and controller. The surface of a rotatable drum of the drum assembly includes repeating patterns made up of apertures. Seeds are selectively adhered to and dislodged from the apertures by high and low pressure fluids provided to the apertures. The low and high pressure fluids come from a vacuum source and a high pressure source, respectively. The vacuum source causes seeds to adhere to the apertures, while the high pressure source generates a localized positive fluid pressure in a seed dislodging device disposed within the rotary drum, thereby forcing the seeds from the apertures when they pass over the seed dislodging device. A boundary layer air knife is used to remove excess seeds from the surface of the rotary drum.

Abstract: The method relates to a disposable device for the application of a coating (2) on a tablet, a capsule or a pill. The coating (2) is applied enclosing the tablet, capsule or pill (3) during its passage through a bowl formation (4) with a coating mass (5) and through an elastic diaphragm (12) located in the bottom (11) and provided with a centrally disposed, conveniently penetrable opening (13). During the passage of the tablet, capsule of pill (3) the opening (13) encloses the tablet, capsule or pill and simultaneously shapes a film of coating mass (5) thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating hams is provided. Sugar is uniformly dispensed on an inclined plate that is heated to melt the sugar. The sugar flows into a reservoir from which it is poured onto hams passing below the reservoir on a conveyor. Spices are poured onto the melted sugar that sticks to the ham to form a glaze. Jets of water can cool the glaze to increase retention on the ham. The process can be repeated.

Abstract: A machine for coating particulate material includes a rotatable drum with a solid or perforated sidewall. A boom extends into the drum to support one or more spray nozzles and one or more powder applicators. Particulate material is introduced into the drum and subjected to a solution coating from the nozzles and a powder coating from the powder applicators, while the drum rotates. Air may flow through the perforated drum to facilitate drying of the coating solution and powder. The powder applicators are individually regulated so as to provide even distribution of the powder throughout the length of the drum.

Abstract: The installation includes an endless conveyor belt which allows pulverulent material to pass through and has a top part and a bottom part, an element for forming a layer of pulverulent material on a portion of the top part on which products can be accommodated and can be moved in the direction of transport, as well as a device for applying a layer of pulverulent material on the products present on the top part, which device includes a container having a discharge for the pulverulent material, as well as a distributor which allows the pulverulent material to pass through, for uniformly distributing the pulverulent material over the width of the top part. The distributor includes a distribution element that is located transversely below the discharge and allows the pulverulent material to pass through, as well as a part, such as a plate, located below the distribution element, that does not allow the pulverulent material to pass through.

Abstract: An improved seasoning system 10, 11, 13 uniformly coats a food product with the desired amount of seasoning, with the seasoning rate preferably being controlled as a function of the product volume signals from the sensors 26, 34, 108 and 110. The seasoning system preferably utilizes linear motion conveyors and either a rotating drum 36 or a deflector 98 and a second seasoning unit 112, 114 between linear conveyors 94, 96. Oil may be sprayed onto food products and tumbled in a drum 16 which both rotates and moves in a reciprocating manner with the conveyor tray 14. An improved seasoning tray 123, 144, 148 has a planar floor 122, 138, 162 with an angled discharge edge 124, 137, 182 for uniformly distributing seasoning on the product. The seasoning system minimizes damage to the food product and uniformly coats the product with a desired amount of seasoning.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading particles, such as seasoning, on both sides of products conveyed in a product stream includes first and second conveyors arranged at different elevations, and a particle dispensing device arranged above a vertical overlap between the two conveyors such that particles dispensed by the spreading device falls on the product stream on the first conveyor and the product stream on the second conveyor. A turning apparatus is arranged between an outlet of the first conveyor and an inlet of the second conveyor such that the product stream is turned over as it is being deposited from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor. The turning apparatus includes a discharge lip on the outlet of the first conveyor, and a curved turning wall arranged spaced from the discharge lip.

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: 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: A method and device for manufacturing confectionery bars in the form of a three dimensional core at least partially covered with at least one layer of boiled sugar confectionery material. The method involves dimensioning at least one continuous band of boiled sugar confectionery material on a roller, cooling the band of boiled confectionery material, detaching the band from the roller, depositing the band on a core by bringing the band substantially into contact with the core on a plane that is adjacent to the most elevated surface or point of the core, and allowing the band to bend under its own weight to cover the sides of the core. The band is deposited in a viscoplastic state such that the band is capable of bending under its own weight.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for coating articles (5) includes an endless conveyer belt (4) for transporting the articles (5) to be coated through the apparatus (1). The liquid coating material circulates in a circulation direction in surplus through the apparatus (1) and freely flows in a downward direction to coat the articles (5). A tub (7) includes a run-off plate (9) being located below the endless conveyer belt (4) and being designed and arranged to collect the surplus coating material. A driven unit (17) is designed and arranged to assist the circulation of the surplus coating material being located on the run-off plate (9), and it includes a plurality of doctor blades (18) having lower edges. The doctor blades (18) are arranged above the run-off plate (9), and they extend in a transverse direction with respect to the surface of the run-off plate (9).

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.

Abstract: A rotary drum seeder for depositing seeds onto food products. The seeder includes a primary support structure, rotary drum assembly, seed hopper, feed gate disposed between the seed hopper and a hopper discharge, and controller. The surface of a rotatable drum of the drum assembly includes repeating patterns made up of apertures. Seeds are selectively adhered to and dislodged from the apertures by high and low pressure fluids provided to the apertures. The low and high pressure fluids come from a vacuum source and a high pressure source, respectively. The vacuum source causes seeds to adhere to the apertures, while the high pressure source generates a localized positive fluid pressure in a seed dislodging device disposed within the rotary drum, thereby forcing the seeds from the apertures when they pass over the seed dislodging device. A boundary layer air knife is used to remove excess seeds from the surface of the rotary drum.

Abstract: An edible novelty including an edible core mounted on a stick at one end of the core. The core having another end opposite the one end and the core having an edible coverture layer. A layer of an edible viscous material covering the coverture layer of the core from the other end of the core to, at the most, adjacent the one end of the core. The material being viscous at ambient temperature and remaining substantially unfrozen at a temperature which maintains the core frozen and also at a temperature at which the novelty is eaten. The coverture layer providing an adhesive surface for the edible viscous material. An outer layer over the edible viscous material and at least substantially all of the coverture layer. The outer layer being anchored with respect to the coverture layer.

Abstract: A food coating apparatus has a container, cover, and dividing sieve. The container has a bottom, lower side wall extending from the bottom, a screen land extending from the lower side wall, and an upper side wall extending from the screen land. The upper side wall further includes a seal edge. The cover has a body and a seal disposed around the body. The seal of the cover is adapted for engaging the seal edge of the lower container. The dividing sieve has a screen section, sealing land disposed outwardly from the screen section, and a plurality of legs with feet extending therefrom. The dividing sieve is adapted for residing between the cover and the screen land when the seal of the cover engages the seal edge of the container.

Abstract: A device for coating food articles with a fat-containing substance has a circulating endless mesh belt having an upper belt portion for transporting the foodstuff articles in a transport direction and a lower return belt portion. A shaking device is positioned underneath the upper belt portion downstream in the transport direction of an area where the foodstuff articles are coated. The shaking device has transverse stays positioned transversely to the transport direction. The transverse stays can be reciprocated vertically with a shaking amplitude against the upper belt portion. The transverse stays are supported individually and can be reciprocated individually in a reciprocating direction.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a coating apparatus for coating articles with chocolate masses and the like with hot water includes the steps of: filling water into a tub of the coating apparatus, wherein the coating apparatus includes a driven grating conveyer belt for receiving the articles to be coated including an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the coating apparatus includes at least one aggregate being arranged in the upper region of the tub; pumping water out of the tub with at least one pump; and directing the substantially unpressurized water onto the grating conveyer belt and onto the at least one aggregate to be cleaned, the water having a temperature being higher than the melting temperature of the mass, the water flowing over the grating conveyer belt and the at least one aggregate and back into the tub in a substantially unpressurized manner.

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 which heated air is circulated and a coating solution is applied (liquid or powder). The coating material is dried on the pieces of material, and a plurality of thin layers are formed on each of the cores or small pieces of material. A series of rotating drums can be provided to provide the requisite 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: A food material dispensing apparatus for adding a sauce to a target food is claimed. The dispensing comprises a pump, a supply manifold, and a dispensing manifold. The pump draws a quantity of sauce from a source into the supply manifold and forces the sauce through the dispensing manifold to the target food. The supply manifold receives the sauce from the source. The sauce is transferred to the dispensing manifold through which the sauce material is transferred to the target food. A baffle suspended in the dispensing manifold. The baffle has a peripheral edge and a central portion displaced a distance from a substantially horizontal plane defined by the peripheral edge by a positioning portion which connects the central portion to the peripheral edge. A pattern plate is positioned downstream from the baffle and has a plurality of apertures for delivering the predetermined quantity of sauce in a predetermined pattern to the target food.

Abstract: A corn buttering device comprising preferably a cylindrical container having a side wall extending upwardly from a bottom wall with an interior cavity being defined by the bottom wall and side wall, a strip of wiping material for removing butter from an ear of corn being positioned proximate an inlet to the cavity. Butter is placed in the container, melted and then an ear of corn is inserted in the cavity to apply liquid butter thereto with the wiping means permitting removal of excess butter upon withdrawal of the ear of corn.

Abstract: A device for coating food products with granular material, for example breadcrumb material, comprises a rotating conveyor belt which is permeable to the granular material and on which the food products can be held, guide plates which extend beneath at least a section of the top part and the bottom part of the conveyor belt, a feed, which opens out above the top part of the conveyor belt, for the granular material, a diverter for guiding the granular material from the top part to the bottom part of the conveyor belt and back, as well as a conveyor for conveying granular material from the top part of the conveyor belt to the feed. A selection device to which granular material is fed from the top part of the conveyor belt is situated between the top part and the bottom part of the conveyor belt, via which selection device the selected granular material is fed to the bottom part of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The installation for sugarcoating or encasing of products by rotation of a cylindrical rotor (2), comprises a distribution and proportioning manifold (13), mounted on support and guide rails (4a, 4a′) external to the rotor (2) permitting its total withdrawal from the rotor (2) for the washing phase and its emplacement with no internal support within said rotor for the operating phase.

Abstract: A food product breading machine comprising a breading material reservoir, a breading station, a food product loading location, a discharge location from which breaded food products are discharged from the machine, and a perforate conveyor belt extending through the reservoir, the loading location, the breading station, and the discharge location. Breading material exiting the breading station falls through the conveyor and a reservoir intake opening below the conveyor belt between the breading station and the discharge location. Breaded food products remain on the belt and are conveyed to the discharge location. A breading support member is movable to a position beneath the conveyor belt between the breading station and the discharge location for preventing breading material from falling from the conveyor through the reservoir intake opening so that breading material is conveyed to the discharge location and the reservoir is emptied.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for preparing chocolate coatings having a marbled appearance, and confectionery products having a component provided with a chocolate coating having a marbled appearance thereon.

Abstract: A seed coating apparatus comprises a seed supplying unit, a coating unit, a hardening unit and a washing unit assembled in series. The coating unit is provided with an exchangeable nozzle block having the nozzles and with passages for respectively feeding the nozzles with gelling solution. All the passages are simultaneously blocked-and-resumed by two valves, which slidably cross the passages at upstream and downstream portions thereof. Each nozzle is supplied therein with a seed through a cylinder disposed at the center thereof and with gelling solution from the passage flowing toward the cylinder through discharge ports in opposite to each other. Holes of the nozzles for dropping the gel-coated seeds to the hardening unit are closed by a shutter after the gel-coated seeds are dropped therefrom.

Abstract: An installation for coating food products with a fine pulverulent material, such as flour or breadcrumbs, comprises an endless conveyor belt which allows the pulverulent material to pass through and has a top part and a bottom part, means for forming a layer of pulverulent material on a portion of the top part on which the products can be accommodated and can be moved in the direction of transport, as well as means for applying a layer of pulverulent material on the products present on the top part, which means comprise a container having a discharge for the pulverulent material, as well as distribution means which allow the pulverulent material to pass through, for uniformly distributing the pulverulent material over the width of the top part.

Abstract: A food product breading machine having a battering unit supported by a breading unit. A battering unit conveyor system delivers food products to the breading unit. The breading unit has a breading reservoir, a breading station and a breading unit conveyor system. The battering unit conveyor system propels the food products in a generally horizontal direction to the breading unit. The breading unit conveyor system propels food products toward the breading station in a generally opposite direction. The breading unit conveyor system has first and second sections, one adjacent and below the battering unit conveyor end that conveys food products downwardly and horizontally toward the breading station, the other delivering food products from the first section through the breading station and discharging the breaded products. The second section has two tiers with breaded products from the first tier falling onto the second tier before being discharged from the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing an image on a generally non-absorbent surface of a food item selected from the group consisting of chocolate, cheese and the like or a combination thereof includes a computer allowing an operator to create a unique template for the food item. The apparatus further includes software adjusting a scanned image to the created template and a production line controllably operating a process of making the food product that corresponds to the template. Also, the apparatus has a means for treating the surface of the food item so as to directly print the image on its non-absorbent surface.

Abstract: A method for coating discrete food pieces with a sweet coating such as in the preparation of a presweetened R-T-E cereal and coated food products prepared by the method is provided. The coating contains a mixture of sugars and calcium. The method of preparation comprises the steps, in sequence of: (A) providing a base of dried food pieces; (B) blending sugar syrup with an aqueous calcium slurry; (C) coating the base of dried food pieces with the sugar syrup and calcium slurry blend; and (D) drying the coated product to a shelf stable moisture content to provide a calcium fortified finished product.

Abstract: A convertible drum-type coating apparatus for applying breading material to food products includes an in-line breader section, a rotary drum section, and an outflow section. The rotary drum is mounted on an elevator for lowering and lifting between a low use position and a high non-use position. The low use position is involved with tumbling the breading material and food product together to enhance the coating by the breading material, and in a sense the tumbling gives the appearance of dusting off excess breading material. The coating apparatus is convertible in that the rotary drum can be lifted out of the way to the high non-use position to allow substitution in favor of a bypass conveyor. Bypass of the drum is desired when running "formed" food products and the like, such as patties (eg., beef) or cakes (eg., fish), which are ordinarily too delicate to tumble in the drum.

Abstract: A machine for coating particulate material is provided with a housing and a cylindrical drum rotatably mounted within the housing. The drum includes a frame having opposite end rings and rails extending longitudinal between the end rings. A plurality of screen panels are slidably mounted on the rails to form a perforated drum side wall for holding particulate material. One or more spray nozzles are positioned within the drum for spraying a liquid solution onto the particulate material. An air inlet and outlet is provided to supply heated air for drying the solution on the particulate material.

Abstract: A method for coating discrete food pieces with a sweet coating such as in the preparation of a presweetened R-T-E cereal and coated food products prepared by the process. The coating resists dissolution in cold milk. The coating contains a mixture of sugars, gelatin and calcium material. The method of preparation comprises the steps, in sequence of: (A) providing a base of dried food pieces; (B) blending an aqueous sugars solution with an aqueous gelatin solution and calcium material; (C) coating the base of dried food pieces with the aqueous sugar, gelatin solution and calcium material; and (D) drying the coated product to a shelf stable moisture content.

Abstract: A bakery dough flour applicator 10 for applying flour 12 to a dough piece 22 as the dough piece 22 travels along a processing path 134 includes a hopper 32 for supplying flour 12 and a transfer assembly 54 for providing flour 12 from the hopper 32 to an aerator 34 which creates an airborne flow of flour 40. The airborne flow of flour 40 is delivered to the interior of an enclosure 130 disposed about the dough processing path 134 through a plurality of spray nozzles 44 which direct the airborne flow of flour 40 to a dough piece 22 travelling through the enclosure 130 along the processing path 134 so that flour 12 from the airborne flow 40 adheres to the exterior surface of the dough piece 22. Flour 12 that does not adhere to a dough piece 22 is collected and filtered and provided back to the hopper 32 for later use.

Abstract: A tablet coating machine for applying a coating to a bed of tablets, the machine comprising a circular drum with frusto-conical ends which is rotated about its axis. The periphery of the drum is perforated to allow air to flow through the bed of tablets disposed in the drum under the action of a suction shoe. In order to be able to optimise the efficiency of the tablet coating process for different quantities of tablets, the volumetric capacity of the drum is adjustable to achieve a desired tablet depth for the quantity of tablets being processed. More particularly an axially adjustable wall portion is provided within the drum to adjust the length of the tablet containing portion of the drum. The wall portion is made up of segments which are dimensioned to fit through an opening into the drum by which tablets are introduced into the drum.

Abstract: A method and apparati for preparing and displaying a donut having a "fresh-baked" quality in a retail environment principally uses standard equipment available in a typical convenience store or quick-service restaurant. The method utilizes pre-frozen donuts manufactured at a centralized manufacturing facility and involves thawing, storing and heating the frozen donuts at the point-of-service. The donuts are thawed under refrigeration but in a generally humidity-constant environment. This on-site procedure allows a retailer to quickly and conveniently produce a moist, fresh-tasting donut with minimum equipment and effort. Furthermore, the present production method allows the retailer to control the number and type of donuts produced for sale, thereby substantially eliminating waste and allowing the retailer to immediately tailor donut production to local consumer demand. An improved applicator eases the glazing process to permit relatively inexperienced personnel to properly glaze the donuts.

Abstract: A sprinkling apparatus for sprinkling powder material onto food products. The apparatus includes a hopper for holding the powder material that is mounted above a conveyor. A drum is rotatably mounted within the hopper and stirs the powder material. The drum has a rotation surface provided with recesses thereon for receiving the powder material. A narrow passageway is provided between the rotation surface of the drum and an inner wall of the hopper. The narrow passageway presses the powder material against the rotation surface of the drum. A wiper is attached to an exit opening of the hopper and wipes the compressed powder material from the rotation surface of the drum. The wiped powder material leaves the exit opening of the hopper and is sprinkled on the food products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a browning composition which, when applied to a foodstuff, in particular meat or a meat product, imparts a browning effect to the surface of the substrate to which it is applied. More in particular, the present invention relates to a browning composition which can be applied by spraying on the foodstuff. This is achieved by dissolving or dispersing a browning agent in a water phase, and mix such water phase with an oil or fat phase to form an emulsion.

Abstract: Concave portions, in which patterns to be put to a surface of a confectionery are formed, are provided to one surface of a confectionery pattern intaglio, the concave portions are charged with ingredients paste, and the ingredients paste are solidified. As a result, the same pattern can be mass-produced successively. In the case where the intaglio is removed from the ingredients paste, a printed material is bond to the ingredients paste so that a confectionery sheet is manufactured, and in the case where the intaglio is not removed, the print material is or is not bond to the ingredients paste so that a confectionery sheet is manufactured. When a side face of a confectionery main body is covered with this confectionery sheet, for example, confectionery with excellent decoration can be manufactured by simple operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a material to a substrate. A material application station includes a shutter assembly having at least one horizontally extending blade which is rapidly displaceable from a closed configuration in which an outlet path of the shutter assembly is obstructed to an open configuration in which the outlet path is open. While the blade of the shutter assembly is in the closed configuration, a coating material is applied to a first predetermined area on an upper surface of the shutter assembly. A substrate is located beneath the shutter assembly in the outlet path. The blade of the shutter assembly is rapidly opened so that the coating material falls onto the substrate over a second predetermined area on an upper surface of the substrate. The second predetermined area is substantially equal to the first predetermined area. The resulting deposit is of a controlled diameter. A rapid opening of the blade allows the deposit to fall a short distance onto a substrate such as a pizza base.

Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating seed by gel of the present invention, wherein seed are drawn from a hopper of a seed supply portion into a stocker, are absorbed by an absorption head from a stocker, and are conveyed by move of the absorption head. The stocker comprising a vibrator and a vibratory plate, wherein one side of the vibratory plate forms a recess for storing the seed thereon, and the other side of the vibratory plate is connected with the vibrator, so that the seed on the vibratory plate are suspended by vibration of the vibrator. Thrust pins exsertably inserted into end nozzles of the absorption head and connected with an actuator, so that the thrust pins project at the period of casting the seed from the end nozzles.

Abstract: A food material dispensing apparatus for adding a topping to a target food is described. The apparatus comprises a first hopper and a first food distributing system. The first hopper is adapted for receiving the food material at an inlet and delivering the food material through an outlet toward a target location. The first food distributing system is designed for spreading the food material over the target food. The food distributing system includes a motor positioned a horizontal distance from the inlet of the first hopper, a curved conduit, and a flexible, rotary shaft. The curved conduit has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is releaseably connected to the motor, and the distal end is adapted for insertion into the hopper. The flexible, rotary shaft is for stirring and/or mixing the food material. The flexible, rotary shaft passing through the curved conduit and is operatively connected at a first end to the motor.

Abstract: A coating of drystuff particles on the outside of an ice dome projecting from a cone is effected by pressing down the inversed cone against a spherical resilient membrane having a overlying layer of a particulate material. The invention proposes to coat the domes projecting further from the cone with the use of compressed air for pressing the membrane against the dome surface and by arranging for a vertical movement of the membrane relative to the overlying layer of the particle material.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing cheese includes a dispenser for applying salt to the cheese at a rate which varies in response to a control signal. The cheese travels across a platform to which a first sensor is attached for measuring the weight of the cheese. A second sensor measures the linear amount of cheese traveling across the platform. A controller derives the rate of cheese production based on the weight and the linear amount of cheese. The controller utilizes the rate of cheese production to produce the control signal and thereby control application of salt to the cheese.

Abstract: An electromechanical food preparation apparatus comprising a turntable and base for supporting a food product while it is being prepared, a weight sensing circuit for determining the weight of the food product supported by the turntable and for outputting a voltage signal proportional to the weight of the food product as it is being prepared, a signal processing circuit for receiving the voltage signal and for converting the voltage signal into display information which can be displayed on a digital display, and a digital display for receiving the display information and for displaying a digital number which corresponds to the weight of the food product supported on the turntable.

Abstract: A method for applying and embedding dry toppings to both rolled and biscuit-like dough products and the resulting dough piece of the method. The method includes applying dry toppings on the surface of the dough product in a sheeting line. Then, the roll pairs in the sheeting line embed the dry toppings into the surface of the dough product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating food with batter, the apparatus including two hollow generally cylindrical containers open at one end and closed at the other end, and a generally hollow cylindrical coupling member open at both ends, each end being adapted to receive the open end of each of said cylindrical containers, the coupling member having a perforated platform therein which divides the coupling member into two cylindrical sections; the method including placing batter in one of the two containers, placing food in one of the two containers, connecting the coupling member to the container having batter therein, connecting the other container to the coupling member to the coupling member, and shaking the assembled coupling member and two containers to cause batter to coat the food.