Abstract: A food product flavoring apparatus is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a removable container configured to contain a flavor target, a device for agitating the flavor target, and a housing. The housing is configured to receive the agitated flavor target when the removable container is adjacent the housing such that the container opening is aligned with the housing opening. The apparatus further includes a device for applying a flavoring agent to the agitated flavor target a device for removing substantially all residual flavoring agent from the housing after the flavor target has been flavored. A method of applying a flavoring agent to a flavor target is also provided.

Abstract: A drinkware flavor applicator comprising a housing with an opening, an internal reservoir, a stop plate, a filter and a seal. Flavoring is stored in the reservoir and/or in the filter. The flavor applicator is placed over the drinking end of a bottle and flavoring stored in the reservoir and/or filter is transferred to the bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a food product with a batter, includes a frame having a conveyor belt mounted on a rotatably driveable belt support member. The coating apparatus has a batter pump for pumping batter from a batter container towards an upper applicator positioned over the conveyor belt to form a stream of batter flow from the applicator to the conveyor belt to provide batter to an upper surface of the food product. The front roller is positioned at the food product entry section to provide a layer of batter on the conveyor belt at the entry section by a thrust on the batter towards the entry section by the front roller and/or the conveyor belt. The coating apparatus comprises a batter overflow device positioned at the entry section and is mounted between the transport run and the return run of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An automated food preparation system includes a seasoning-dispensing system, a sauce-dispensing system, and a conveyance system. The seasoning-dispensing system includes a plurality of vessels, a dispersion nozzle, and a conduit coupled to the dispersion nozzle. Each vessel contains one of a plurality of seasonings. The vessels are in selective communication with the conduit. The sauce-dispensing system includes a plurality of sauce reservoirs, a scanning head, and a plurality of tubes. Each sauce reservoirs contains one of a plurality of sauces. The scanning head includes openings each coupled with one of the sauce reservoirs via one of the tubes. The conveyance system transports a foodstuff between a seasoning position in which the foodstuff is disposed below the dispersion nozzle and a sauce position in which the foodstuff is disposed below the openings. The scanning head is movable to dispense one or more sauces onto the foodstuff.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the aseptic filling of liquids, to a method for opening and to a method for closing an opening window in a machine for the aseptic filling of liquids having an interior chamber and having an access opening in a wall of the machine which enables access to the interior chamber, wherein the access device comprises an opening window having a movable sash and a window frame which is permanently arranged in the wall, wherein there is an inflatable seal for aseptic sealing between the sash and the window frame. The invention further relates to a method for opening and closing the opening window in the machine for the aseptic filling of liquids.

Abstract: A breadcrumb coating machine includes a breadcrumb coating unit for spreading and fixing breadcrumbs on the front and rear surfaces of pork. The breadcrumb coating unit has an octagonal frame formed in a regular octagon shape and disposed on an upper surface of a base; a turntable having breadcrumbs dispersed over the surface thereof and configured to rotate on the upper surface of the octagonal frame; first and second scattering units configured to draw the breadcrumbs dispersed on the surface of the turntable and to scatter the same over the upper surface of the pork; and a pressing plate disposed at an interval from the first and second scattering units in a clockwise direction to press the upper surface of the pork, while adjusting a pressure by using a cylinder.

Abstract: A particulate duster system includes a duster used to apply particulate matter to a food product moving along a conveyor positioned beneath the duster. The duster is used to uniformly dispense particulate matter onto a moving product conveyor for carrying a food product to be dusted.

Abstract: A system for cooking pieces of protein may include a batter applicator that receives a batter made from high-gluten flour and coats the batter on pieces of protein, a thermoforming packaging machine that receives the pieces of protein coated with the batter from the batter applicator and seals the pieces of protein in plastic pouches, and a heating unit that receives the plastic pouches from the thermoforming packaging machine and cooks the battered protein in the plastic pouches. A method for cooking pieces of protein may include coating a batter made from high-gluten flour on the pieces of protein; sealing the pieces of protein coated with the batter in plastic pouches; and cooking the battered protein in the plastic pouches to make cooked, battered protein pieces in which the batter is tacky after cooking. The cooked protein pieces may be removed from the plastic pouches, breaded, and flash fried.

Abstract: There is provided a cleaning device in which both sidewalls of a scraper holding unit are formed so that a center line between both the sidewalls of the scraper holding unit is directed substantially toward the center of a fur brush.

Abstract: Embodiments are related to systems and methods for fluidic assembly, and more particularly to systems and methods for increasing the efficiency of fluidic assembly.

Abstract: A container assembly moistens a neck of a bottle and then applies a dry flavoring to the moistened neck. The container assembly includes a base with two side-by-side dispenser trays. One dispenser tray includes a liquid used to moisten the bottle, and another dispenser tray includes the dry flavoring used to coat portions of the moistened bottle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic frying machine comprising: a frying process part having divided spaces, wherein a plurality of module-type process units which carry out each of predetermined frying processes are detachably disposed in the divided spaces; and a transfer part which is in communication with the plurality of process units of the frying process part and which carries a basket having frying materials in and out of the plurality of process units and moves the basket, wherein the transfer part comprises: a basket which carries the frying material in and out through an opening formed on the plurality of process units; a transfer unit which raises and lowers the basket and slides it back and forth; and a horizontal moving part which moves the transfer unit horizontally.

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 device for coating food products, of the type having a coating area includes: a coating conveyor provided to drive said food products in a longitudinal direction; and a device for applying a coating compound on the food products driven on the conveyor. The coating conveyor includes a chassis, a plurality of rotary brushes fastened in the longitudinal direction relative to the chassis, and a motorized assembly for driving the brushes in rotation around respective transverse axes relative to the chassis, the brushes being arranged so as to define, together, a support and driving surface for the food products and being provided to make the food products roll during the application of the coating compound.

Abstract: In a pan coating apparatus including a rotary drum which rotates about a horizontal rotation axis, an air supply chamber having a larger sectional area than that of an opening portion is arranged on a front stage with respect to the front-surface opening portion of the rotary drum. The air supply chamber is formed in a chamber door attached to a front of a casing, and has one end side communicating to the opening portion and another end side connected to an air supply duct via an air supply hole. The air flowing into the air supply chamber from the air supply duct is reduced in flow rate in the air supply chamber and supplied from the opening portion into the rotary drum with the air flow thereof in a stable state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for continuously coating individual pieces of confectionary product, the system including a product feed device, at least one drum coating arrangement configured to continuously receive the individual pieces of confectionary product from the product feed device, the drum coating arrangement including a first rotating drum rotatable about a first drum axis and a second rotating drum rotatable about a second drum axis, a first drum volume defined by the first rotating drum, and a second drum volume defined by the second rotating drum, the first drum volume being communicable with the second drum volume, wherein the drum coating arrangement is configured such that the confectionary product has a longer residence time in the second drum volume than the first drum volume.

Abstract: A spray gun (31) is attached to a multi-function unit (32) movable in a horizontal direction and a perpendicular direction. The spray gun (31) is mounted to a support holder (33), and the support holder (33) is connected to a support arm (35) of the multi-function unit (32). The support arm (35) is attached to a unit cover (36) which is openable/closable with respect to a casing (2). The support holder (33) and the support arm (35) can hide and house a liquid hose and an air hose therein so that the hoses and the like are arranged in an apparatus in such a state as to be completely free from being exposed. An installation position of the spray gun (31) can be finely adjusted by the multi-function unit (32) during a coating process, thereby enabling a control for keeping constant distances between tablet surfaces and the spray gun (31).

Abstract: A method and an installation are provided for preserving desired seasoning flavour profiles during the manufacturing of food-seasoning sheets. The method includes the steps of; laying a thin layer of adhesive on a base sheet; removing air from the adhesive prior to the step of laying; reducing free moisture from the adhesive during the step of laying, and depositing food-seasoning ingredients onto the thin layer of adhesive. The installation for manufacturing food-seasoning sheets includes an adhesive dispenser having a reservoir and a delivery slot communicating with the reservoir for dispensing adhesive. The dispenser has a heating element mounted thereto for heating the adhesive. The adhesive is made under a partial vacuum and it is conveyed to the dispenser in a partial vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying solid edible particulates to an exposed 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 exposed surface of the substrate, and a vacuum system that supplies a directed stream of air to transfer the particulates from the dosing system through the conduit and 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 exposed surface of the substrate, to deposit and adhere a substantial amount of the particulates in a desired pattern onto the exposed surface of the substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a coating apparatus capable of continuously producing coated rice having powdered coating material adhered to the grains and including a drying process to prevent the grains from being bonded to one another and make the grain surfaces smoother upon drying of the grains. The coating apparatus comprising a binder coating unit for applying liquid binder to the grains being conveyed through a coating and stirring chamber to coat the grain surfaces with the binder; a adhering unit for adding powder material to the grains conveyed through a adhering and stirring chamber to adhere the powdered material to the grain surface by the binder; and a drying unit including a drying and stirring chamber through which the grains are conveyed while being stirred, a blow passage for blowing hot air into the drying chamber to dry the grains, and an exhaust passage for exhausting the hot air from the drying chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for forming an active-containing film product, while significantly reducing the amount of wasted active material. The resulting product is an active-containing film product that meets the user's predetermined criteria of physical properties and is suitable for use.

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 device for coating food products, of the type having a coating area includes: a coating conveyor provided to drive said food products in a longitudinal direction; and a device for applying a coating compound on the food products driven on the conveyor. The coating conveyor includes a chassis, a plurality of rotary brushes fastened in the longitudinal direction relative to the chassis, and a motorized assembly for driving the brushes in rotation around respective transverse axes relative to the chassis, the brushes being arranged so as to define, together, a support and driving surface for the food products and being provided to make the food products roll during the application of the coating compound.

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: A spray gun (31) is attached to a multi-function unit (32) movable in a horizontal direction and a perpendicular direction. The spray gun (31) is mounted to a support holder (33), and the support holder (33) is connected to a support arm (35) of the multi-function unit (32). The support arm (35) is attached to a unit cover (36) which is openable/closable with respect to a casing (2). The support holder (33) and the support arm (35) can hide and house a liquid hose and an air hose therein so that the hoses and the like are arranged in an apparatus in such a state as to be completely free from being exposed. An installation position of the spray gun (31) can be finely adjusted by the multi-function unit (32) during a coating process, thereby enabling a control for keeping constant distances between tablet surfaces and the spray gun (31).

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: 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 pneumatic seasoning system and method utilizing a rotating drum for seasoning, a funnel-fed pneumatic eductor, line splitters, and a plurality of specially-designed swirl-inducing nozzle spools for inducing a broad and even seasoning plume. In a preferred embodiment, a pneumatic seasoning system transports seasoning from a seasoning hopper to food items within a rotating drum using a combination of an eductor and four in-line vacuum generators, which vacuum generators operate on compressed air. Each vacuum generator comprises a distributing nozzle roughly shaped like a collared spool, wherein compressed air is supplied to the annular region defined between the spool and its collar, and said compressed air exits through swirl ports distributed about the circumference of the spool exit. Each swirl port preferably has a pitch angle of 15° and a yaw angle of 15°.

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: A breading machine 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. A conveyor drive system includes a machine housing and a drive unit rotatably supported by the machine housing that provides motive power to the breading unit conveyor.

Abstract: A processing chamber actually performs a heating process for a substrate. The processing chamber has an upper plate, a lower plate, and an exhaust opening. The upper plate heats a resist from a front surface of the substrate. The lower plate heats the resist from a rear surface of the substrate. The exhaust opening exhausts gas from the processing chamber. The upper plate is disposed in such a manner that it can be raised and lowered in the processing chamber by an upper air cylinder that composes an upper driving mechanism. The lower plate is disposed on a floor of the processing chamber. The exhaust opening is connected to a pump through a pipe. Heating temperature and heating time of the upper plate and the lower plate are controlled by a heating control portion. A pressure in the processing chamber is controlled by a pump. The pump is controlled by a pressure controlling portion.

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 distribution apparatus for a breading machine comprising a hopper having a number of hopper sections includes a downspout for conveying the breading material to the hopper and a spreader plate which is adjustably supported between the downspout and the hopper. By adjusting the position of the spreader plate relative to the hopper, the flow of breading material from the downspout may be distributed as desired between the hopper sections.

Abstract: A tumble breading system for applying a breading material to a food includes a housing designating an internal clean area, and an infeed belt for conveying the breading material and the food, arranged across the infeed belt in an infeed order, into the clean area. A rotary assembly with a plurality of vertically offset, rotating tumblers accepts and tumbles the food with the breading material as the tumblers rotate, to bread the food. An output belt accepts the breaded food from the tumblers and conveys the breaded foods from the clean area and the housing. The food arrives at the output belt in substantially the infeed order.

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: A system for creating a decorative edible item from a selected image. The system includes at least one image source, such as a scanner and/or a library of stored images, a controller unit and a printer. An edible media is inserted into the printer. The user then selects the image source, such as the scanner for scanning in a photograph reminiscence of a person or event being honored. The size of the printed image is then selected as well as the number of copies to be printed from the image. The print sequence is then activated. The controller unit applies color correction to the digital image and converts the digital image into printer control signals to operate the printer. The printer then prints a rendition of the image with edible inks as the edible media travels through the printer. A high-quality pictorial rendition of the image is thus created. The printed edible media can then be applied onto a product, shipped to a separate location or eaten as is.

Abstract: A device and a method used when coating a wafer is described. The fluid coating is provided by an inside coating as well as an edge coating. The fluid chocolate in a container is stirred by displacing a vat up and down. During this displacement, the vat will be brought in contact with the wafer, so the chocolate substance, which is provided in there, provides an edge coating. Displacement of the first vat provides a repression of the chocolate substance, which through a nozzle is injected into the wafer in order to provide an inside coating. By repression, a pumping occurs, which is interrupted substantially simultaneously with the edge of the wafer getting in contact with the surface of the chocolate in vat, when it is elevated up towards the wafer, which is suspended in a commonly known apron conveyor (not shown).

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: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing a sauce on a receiving surface comprises a rotating table configured to support and rotate the receiving surface thereon around an axis generally perpendicular to the receiving surface for receiving the sauce. A sauce dispensing member has a dispensing outlet disposed above the rotating table to dispense the sauce on the receiving surface disposed on the rotating table. The sauce dispensing member is movable between an edge position above an outer edge of the receiving surface and a center position above a center of the receiving surface. A controller is coupled with the sauce dispensing member and configured to control a speed of movement of the sauce dispensing member between the edge position and the center position to form a layer of sauce on the receiving surface.

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: 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: 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: Apparatus and method for applying liquid coating to pellets in a flowing feed stream are provided. An incoming bulk material feed is conditioned to produce a ribbon-like agglomerated flow pattern, and the bulk material is passed through a first spray section which coats an exposed surface of the pellets flowing therethrough. The flow direction is reversed in a second spray station, which operates to expose an opposite surface of the pellets, such that the second spray section coats substantially the remainder of the outer surface of the pellets.

Abstract: A pizza-topping apparatus for dispensing automatically various toppings for pizzas at a pizzeria. The pizza-topping apparatus includes a conveyor assembly. including a housing having side, back, and bottom walls and also having an open top, and also including a conveyor belt movable through and along the open top of said housing; and also includes a storage assembly including a cabinet being mounted in the housing; and further includes a condiment dispensing assembly being securely mounted above the conveyor belt and including a plurality of dispenser members; and also includes an assembly for cleaning the dispenser members.

Abstract: The invention relates first of all to a method for covering areas of damaged protective coating on containers or the like, in which, according to the invention, protective coating material is stamped on to the zone in which the damaged areas occur. The invention also describes an apparatus for carrying out the method in which a carrier unit is provided for stamping protective coating material on to the damaged area. Apparatus is provided for positioning the carrier unit with respect to the container.

Abstract: A particulate, such as grated cheese, distributor for breaking up and distibuting clumps of cheese over a defined surface of a tiltable conveyor (30, 31). The distributor includes a housing (10, 11) with a throat axle (22, 23), with a plurality of radial paddles (21), is positioned at the lower end of the throat to strike and break up the clumps of cheese in the charge and distribute the cheese over a wide area. The cheese particles follow trajectories that include a plurality of downwardly extending stationary rods (44, 45) spaced radially outwardly of the axle, and a shroud (42, 43) spaced radially outwardly of the stationary rods.

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: 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: 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 good 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 passes through the curved conduit and is operatively connected at a first end to the motor and at a second end to a distributing blade.