Abstract: A grilling appliance is disclosed for preparing various different types of food wherein the food is conveyed through the appliance, from a food insert end of the appliance to a food removal end of the appliance, by means of continuously movable flow-through upper and lower cooperating conveyors operatively associated with platen-type heating members over which the upper and lower conveyors are conveyed so as to be heated by the platen-type heating members and thereby, in turn, heat, brown, or carmelize the food as desired or required. Multiple independently controlled conveyor sets define multiple independently controlled conveyor cooking lanes within the appliance.

Abstract: A food topping dispenser includes a hopper having a pair of sidewalls, a back wall and a front wall defining an open unobstructed interior sized to receive a supply of food topping. An application roller is positioned in a discharge opening of the hopper and is rotatably mounted in and between the sidewalls. The application roller has an exterior surface configured to receive and retain the food topping from the discharge opening. A wiper element is mounted on a lower end of the back wall outside the open interior in the discharge opening, and is positioned above the application roller for engagement with the food topping received from the discharge opening. A stripping brush element is mounted on a lower end of the front wall outside the open interior in the discharge opening for engagement with the exterior surface of the application roller for removing food topping retained therein.

Abstract: A method for applying a coating to a cable, the cable having a longitudinal direction, includes A) cleaning the surface of the cable, and B) applying coating to the cable by rotating a coating application means around the cable allowing the application of the coating. The steps are performed from a platform being moved along the cable in a movement direction by at least three wheels that are fastened in a force-locking manner to the cable. Step A) is performed in the movement direction before the wheels, and step B) is performed in the movement direction behind the wheels. The wheels are driven by a motor that can be controlled in such a manner that the platform can be positioned at predefined positions reproducibly.

Abstract: A self cleaning header assembly for use within a spray application system includes a plurality of spray guns for spraying a mix of air and liquid, e.g., an adhesive, and comprises a cleaning mechanism including one or more wash nozzles and a shroud. During a cleaning cycle, the shroud is closed and the spray guns rotate to approach the wash nozzles. The wash nozzles apply pressurized liquid, e.g., water, to the spray gun nozzles to remove excess adhesive that may affect the spray pattern and flow. After the washing cycle is complete, the spray guns are rotated to again face the target of interest and the shroud is reopened.

Abstract: A method for using a semiconductor processing apparatus includes supplying an oxidizing gas and a reducing gas into a process container of the processing apparatus accommodating no product target substrate therein; causing the oxidizing gas and the reducing gas to react with each other within a first atmosphere that activates the oxidizing gas and the reducing gas inside the process container, thereby generating radicals; and removing a contaminant from an inner surface of the process container by use of the radicals.

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: 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: A hopper for cleaning a coating machine in which a rotary atomizing head extends through an opening in the upper surface of a hopper housing, a thinner for cleaning the rotary atomizing coating machine and a residual coating material are sprayed on the inside, an airstream control member for preventing flow from ascending from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing through a gap between the coating machine and the opening by the rotation of the rotary atomizing head corresponding to the gap between the coating machine and the opening, and the control member is formed with an air vent hole for supplying air to a negative pressure zone formed just below the rotary atomizing head.

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: 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: A split-pan for a panning apparatus, a panning apparatus incorporating a split-pan, and a method of coating two distinct masses of centers simultaneously with the split-pan are described. The split-pan is formed as a hollow drum, having first and second ends, an interior volume, and at least one partition, positioned between the first and second ends. The partition divides the interior volume into a plurality of coating vessels that allow the simultaneous coating of a plurality of masses of centers in the respective coating vessels.

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 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 granular feed distribution and ladder chute apparatus for use within a silo comprising a ladder chute portion with internal alternating and staggered flights. One or more nozzles are located near the upper end of the ladder chute portion. Each nozzle is directed such that a spray pattern may be formed for spraying a concentration of a conditioning agent on a falling granular feed. Predetermined selected flights include cut-out portions arranged in a predetermined alternating sequence on the flights so that a distributed portion of the granular feed can fall directly through the cut-out portion in one flight onto another flight located on a same side from which the granular feed fell. Holes are included in the ladder chute portion, which not only as access for cleaning and inspecting the flights, but also for facilitating the distribution of granular feed into an area outside the perimeter of the ladder chute portion and within the silo.

Abstract: A coating sprayer includes several sprayguns. The sprayguns are accommodated in an essentially solid-walled spraybooth. A conveyor with a motor-revolved belt conveys the articles through the spraybooth. A belt-wiping assembly extends across the belt and wipes its surface clean. The belt-wiping assembly includes a wiper that revolves around at least one axis. Since the axis is entirely or almost perpendicular to the surface of the belt, at least some of the wiper's active edge will contact the surface of the belt. The sprayer is intended for spraying such flat articles as furniture parts.

Abstract: This is a granulating-coating apparatus comprising: a spraying means for spraying a binder liquid or a coating liquid onto articles to be processed, which are received in a rotary drum; a brush provided in a manner to be movable relatively to the spraying means in the rotary drum, for contacting a spray gun formed in the spraying means and removing adhered articles on the spray gun; and an adhered article sucking device provided in the vicinity of the brush, for receiving the removed adhered articles. With this arrangement, the adhered articles on spraying openings of the spraying means can be removed completely without contamination of the articles to be processed with the removed adhered articles.

Abstract: The invention proposes the damping of grain, for example, by creating a rotating layer (20) in a damping chamber (2) with the help of acceleration rotors (3). For this, the cross-section of the rotation chamber is designed to form an outer boundary around two or, preferably, three acceleration rotors (3, 3', 3"). In this way, the rotating layer is forced into an eccentric and spiralling motion within the damping chamber (2). Damping is carried out in a very gentle manner, so that there occurs hardly any abrasion and no grain damage. Additional advantages include a longer and controllable reaction period during damping, optimized preparation for milling and a shorter, controllable tempering period.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coating materials are provided. The apparatus includes a first member located above a rotating member and including a top opening and a bottom opening. A second member is located at least partly within the first member including a bottom opening and a closed top portion. A feeder for feeding the first material through the top opening of the first member is provided. A second feeder for feeding the second material.

Abstract: A coating machine for the processing of chocolate and similar masses having a frame and a circularly driven grating belt supported thereon for the reception of the articles to be coated. The grating belt is guided by deflectors and has a tensioning device. Coating machine components are arranged below the upper run of the grating belt. The tensioning device has an extended travel enabling the lifting of the grating belt. A plurality of supports are provided to support the lifted grating belt, the supports including carriers on the frame of the coating machine.

Abstract: Particulate material for coating foodstuffs falling from a belt of a conveyor within a rotatable drum is distributed substantially evenly over the interior wall of the drum by a guiding device which includes at least one movable plate which is positioned below the belt and which has a longitudinal axis parallel to the end of the belt. The particulate material distributed from the belt to the drum is conveyed by the drum to a conveyor which delivers particulate coating material to a foodstuff to be coated.

Abstract: A breading machine is provided in which the breading recirculation system enables effective circulation of excess breading through the machine to be reused for dispending the breading material onto the surfaces of a food product. The circulation system distributes a variety of breading materials more efficiently so as to avoid congestion or build up of the breading materials within the machine which has previously required cleaning or other functions to be performed. The circulation system provides direct auger-to-auger coupling at transition zones between various breading transporting screws within the machine. Further, appropriately positioned discharge chutes are provided to enable some types of breading materials to be transferred at the transition zones without damaging the breading materials. The circulation system is also completely contained so as to be safe and effective in its operation and yet is easily cleanable to maintain sanitary conditions.

Abstract: An improved coating pan apparatus and spray arm assembly are disclosed for providing facilitated maintenance and cleaning of sensitive spray nozzles. The spray arm assembly includes means for varying the spray length and spray angle from a position external to the coating drum. Additionally, this invention provides adjustment means for removing the fixture containing the spray nozzles entirely from the coating drum and laterally from the coating apparatus housing for purging.

Abstract: In a pivoted drum, e.g., a dragee coating drum for coating granular surfaces, a pivoted nozzle carrier (26b) projects along the drum axis, while forming an annular chamber (57), from which extends a multitude of similarly arranged elbows (64) with spray nozzles (65). A casing tube (22) surrounding the nozzle arrangement forms a lid (73) which, when in operating position, is opened by the spray nozzles, so that a spray can be sprayed into the coating chamber outside the casing tube (22). When in cleansing position (65'), the spraying device is completely sealed off to the outside and can be thoroughly rinsed with a cleansing agent which is drained off inside the casing tube (22) by the gutter (69) and the drain pipe (71). The cleansing processes can then be executed during the short intervals between coating, without interrupting the overall program.

Abstract: A breading machine for selectively dispensing flour breading or free flowing breading and wherein the machine has a frame and conveyor means supported in the frame defining a conveyance path having a product inlet end and a product outlet end, and a hopper pivotally attached to the frame at the inlet end and movable between a breading dispensing position and a hopper cleaning position, frame support means pivotally attached to the frame at the outlet end and selectively adjustable to provide for flour breading of a food product wherein the said product is flipped over at the outlet end of the conveyor means or for free flowing breading to be applied to the food product wherein the said product exits from the conveyor means in the same manner in which it is initially introduced to the conveyor means, and wherein the frame support means is also adjustable between a conveyor means supporting position and a cleaning position above said conveyor means, and breading pumping slot means pivotally attached to the fram

Abstract: An installation for coating baked products, such as wafer sheets, with a viscous, edible spreading mass, such as caramel, includes a transport installation for moving the wafers and a revolvable, generally cylindrical coating roll above the transport installation. An application reservior cooperates with the coating roll to spread a layer of the spreading mass on the surface of the coating roll. A coating roll squeegee controls the thickness of the spreading mass on the coating roll, and a coating roll blade removes the spreading mass from the coating roll in the form of a layer. This layer of spreading mass is then deposited on the wafers transported by the transport installation. The viscous material of the spreading mass will be continuous and will tend to join the separate wafer sheets together when the layer is deposited on the wafer sheets. In this regard, a separating device is disposed downstream of the coating roll.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for printing an indicium on objects, fruits and the like with an ink which may or may not be water soluble, but which is preferably of a type which may be readily consumed by humans without damaging effect, the fruit being successively pre-oriented and delivered by a conveyor to a printing station where inked printing dies carried by a printing roller are utilized to apply the indicia, after which the fruit is then discharged from the conveyor in a free-fall trajectory path onto a receiver, an air-brush type nozzle being utilized to jet-spray the indicium with a quick drying sealant coating as the fruit is moved through the trajectory path. The spray nozzle is directed towards a collecting opening having a connection with a suction source. Also, a selector valve is provided to permit disconnection of the coating material supply to the nozzle, and connection of the nozzle to a supply of cleaning solvent.

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

Abstract: A conveyor system including a wetting station having a container adapted for holding a wetting agent; a slack conveyor belt having at least its transfer path portion extending through the container and at least a part of that portion dipping below the level of the wetting agent; and a ballast roller, at least partially submerged in the wetting agent and bearing on the part of the transfer path portion of the conveyor belt which dips into the wetting agent, for compelling conveyed objects to pass submerged in the wetting agent between the ballast roller and the conveyor belt; and a rotating conveyor station including a hollow drum open at one end; means for rotating the drum about a generally horizontal longitudinal axis; and a plurality of pick-up elements extending generally radially inwardly from the inner surface of the drum for picking up items accumulated in the lower position in the drum and carrying them to the upper position in the drum for release onto an intermediate conveyor; and a self cleaning co