Abstract: Process for granulating chemical products, according to which process, recycled granules are conveyed to a rotary drum through an end thereof and are lifted by blades protruding from the drum inner surface, thus falling onto an inner fixed structure, which cause the forming of a vertical curtain of granules, onto which curtain a solution containing the product to be granulated is sprayed; the product solidifies on the granules, which granules, after subsequent falls, are coated with a plurality of layers of solid product before leaving the drum through the other end. The process is characterized in that said inner fixed structure is conveying the falling granules in at least two vertical curtains parallel to each other and to the drum axis, while a portion of the granules, on the side of the downward movement of the drum, directly falls, without passing through a vertical curtain, onto a fixed baffle, which is arranged substantially in the lower half of the drum, on the side of the downward movement.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating pharmaceutical tablets in which a drum having a perforated periphery is provided with an adjustable insert which divides the drum into an inactive zone and a coating zone, thus permitting a relatively small quantity of tablets to be coated under conditions equivalent to those used for coating a bed of particles in a completely loaded drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to an equipment for the uniform dosage, dispersion and application of protective substances with liquid formulas, particularly seed-dressing means, on seeds under the action of compressed air, with a mixing drum having a seed inlet and a feeding duct for the protective substances, wherein a pipe for liquids (4) serving for the supply of protective substances originating from the dosage pump (3) and abutting in the mixing drum (1) is connected with an equalizing container or pipe (5) for the suction of secondary air, wherein a compressed-air duct (10) abutting in the mixing drum (1) is provided, in the outlet of the former the outlet of the pipe for liquids (4) being concentrically located and wherein a baffle plate (7) is mounted opposite to the exit of the pipe for liquids (4).

Abstract: A device for coating formed bodies, like dragees, has a device for spraying the formed the formed bodies with a drageeing suspension and a suction device for sucking off air and dust while the formed bodies are in a kettle and moved therein by rotation of the kettle about a titled axis so that the drageeing material undergoes a three-dimensional rolling movement. The suction device has one or more perforated separating walls so in the kettle that, during the rotation of the kettle, running off drageeing material flows over a portion of one side thereof and air removal from the other side of the separating walls is restricted thereto. As a result, a large part of the air flows through the running off material for more effective drying and dust removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating pharmaceutical tablets or the like with other material such as sugar or the like. The apparatus includes a cylindrical rotary drum in which the tablets are charged and tumbled, and at least one perforated area for ventilating hot gas or the like so as to dry the sugar coated on the tablets. The perforated area of the drum is covered by a baffle plate. The leading edge of the baffle plate is in contact with the inner surface of the drum, and the trailing edge of the baffle plate forms a ventilating opening through which the hot gas flows. The side edges of the baffle plate is provided with side plates. The ventilating opening is provided with a ventilating plate.

Abstract: A perforated drum coating machine which can readily be set up so as to be suitable for the coating of either tablets or the like, or spheroids. The machine contains at least one securing means which is attachable to the perforated drum, and at least one mesh member consisting of suitable mesh which is edged with thin springy material, and a strip of deformable rubber or plastics material which is positioned against the inward facing part of the edge of the perforated part of the drum at two or more arcuate portions thereof. The or each securing means is adapted to engage with and secure, on the inside of the drum, two mesh member edges. The total area of the mesh member(s) is essentially the same as the area of the perforated part of the drum. The deformable strips are positioned between at least two mesh member edges and the said arcuate portions of the perforated drum.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and process for automatically coating solid pharmaceutical dosage forms, e.g., tablets. The apparatus comprises a coating pan, having a rotating means, e.g., motor and a weighing means, e.g., scales in combination with the pan and motor. A process controller is in electronic communication with both the pan motor and scales, for controlling the pan rotation and monitoring the weight of the coating pan contents. There is also provided a plurality of material containing reservoirs having conduit means communicating with the interior of the pan. The material containing reservoirs may also have weighing means, e.g., scales in combination with the reservoirs, which are also in electronic communication with the process controller. These reservoirs may contain a water supply, a coating syrup supply, color suspension supply, and polishing ingredients for use in coating the tablets.

Abstract: A dispenser for distributing food seasoning and other cohesive solids includes a rotating auger enclosed by a tube which is fed via a hopper. The auger is divided into two sections, each with a different pitch. In a first metering section, the pitch is narrow to facilitate accurate metering of the seasoning. This is followed by a distribution section of higher pitch which reduces the bulk density of the seasoning so that it passes easily through a series of apertures in the tube. A sleeve is slidably secured to the tube and has a series of apertures registerable with the apertures in the tube. By adjusting the degree of register, the seasoning can be distributed evenly along the entire length of the distribution section. The tube contains a second set of apertures located about 180.degree. from the first set, and which are used for distribution of non-cohesive, small particle size material, such as salt.

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 pill-coating apparatus for covering granulets such as pill cores with a multilayer coating has a coating drum rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis, the drum being formed with a hub at each axial end thereof supported in two pivot bearings axially spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one of the two pivot bearings is formed as a rotatable linkage, comprising a roller bearing connected to a support rotatably adjustable in any direction.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical tablets and the like articles are coated with coating material which is sprayed onto a selected part or parts of a bed of the articles. Drying air or gas is passed through a further part or parts of the bed while the selected part or parts of the bed have little or no drying air or gas passed through them. Articles are continuously transferred between the selected part or parts of the bed and the further part or parts of the bed until all the articles are coated.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a viscous slurry of seasoning or flavoring material to a moving tumbling bed of snack food and a tumbler drum utilizes a slurry pipe with a plurality of space nozzles and a companion air manifold with a plurality of corresponding air nozzles positioned adjacent the slurry nozzles to direct and atomize the slurry. The pipe and manifold are adjustable together, both axially and rotatably to direct and position the atomized spray of slurry.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of applying glue to loose fibrous material which is revolved relatively rapidly in a confined space. While this is happening, the glue and air under slight excess pressure are fed to the material from approximately the center of the space. Apparatus for this purpose comprises a container, a hollow shaft rotatably mounted in the container, and a plurality of rod-like tools secured to the hollow shaft. Each of the tools is generally cylindrical, and is provided with a central longitudinal bore one end of which opens into the hollow shaft and the other end of which is closed. Each tool has a longitudinally-extending flat external surface portion, and a plurality of substantially radial bores communicating with the central longitudinal bore. The radial bores of each tool terminate at the external surface of that tool in the zone of said flat portion thereof.

Abstract: A particle coating apparatus is provided with a housing containing a drum open at both its ends and comprising a perforated cylindrical mantel. The drum is allowed to rotate and pivots at one of its ends with a bearing. An air transmission shoe having an opening arranged at one of the lower quadrants of the drum. The opening is adjustable and extends along the contour of the drum. The opening directs the gas through the tablets. The drum has a taking opening extending along the entire width of the mantel. The opening may be closed by a hinged pneumatic shutter. The bottom of the housing located under the drum has an opening which may be closed. When the tablets contained in the drum are coated, they may come out under the effect of gravity after the release of the taking opening and of the bottom opening of the housing.

Abstract: An improved rotating tumbler drum for use in a snack food seasoning apparatus contains, along at least a portion of its length, a plurality of interior wall segments, each of which is constructed of a material having a coefficient of friction with the snack food items different from that of the segments with which it is contiguous. Snack food items such as potato chips are passed through the drum while the drum is rotated, resulting in a random tumbling motion due to differential friction with the various wall segments. Seasoning material is dispensed onto the randomly tumbling snack food items, so that the seasoning material is uniformly distributed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the continuous dispensing and blending of a fluid material with a particulate material in predetermined quantities. A master control is provided for synchronizing the startup and interruption of the systems for furnishing the particulate material and the fluid material and for operation of the blending apparatus, thereby facilitating the continuous operation thereof. The system is particularly adapted for use in the coating of wood furnish with binder adhesive prior to the pressing and heating of the wood furnish to form particle boards and the like.

Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus and method are disclosed for coating, granulating and/or drying particles. The particles are circulated within a chamber by means of circumferential air flow. A first gas stream moves upwardly through the chamber. A second gas stream enters the chamber through openings in the side wall of the chamber. The openings extend generally horizontally and tangential to the side wall so that the second gas is directed circumferentially in the chamber for three-dimensional rotation and circulation of the particles.

Abstract: Carbon black pellets are covered with rubber to prevent dusting problems. In a process and apparatus for covering carbon black pellets with rubber the carbon black pellets are introduced into a coating chamber comprising a porous cylinder into which fluid rubber containing material is injected, which material is picked up by the individual carbon black pellets while they are coated by this material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the delivery of insoluble powders, such as metal powders, to a processing station, such as a rotatable drum for impact plating of the powder onto articles. The method includes providing separate supplies of water and a slurry of the metal powder. Water is delivered from the water supply through a fluid network to the rotatable drum in a pre-flushing operation for a first predetermined length of time. Upon stoppage of the pre-flush with water, the slurry is delivered to the drum through the fluid network for a second predetermined length of time sufficient to deliver a desired quantity of the powder to the drum. Upon stoppage of the slurry delivery, a post-flush with water supplied through the fluid network is undertaken for a third predetermined length of time to remove any residual slurry within the fluid network.

Abstract: A popcorn popping and coating machine comprising a hot air popcorn popper having a discharge chute in communication with a rotary driven receptacle. The device includes a pivoting gate which blocks passage through the chute until the popper becomes filled with popped kernels so that the kernels continue to be heated until their introduction into the coating receptacle. The coating receptacle includes a cap which is rotatably secured within a yoke and frictionally engaged against a drive wheel which is rotatably driven by a motor within the housing. A confectionary preparation receptacle is secured to the chute so that the popcorn is coated as it falls into the receptacle and tumbles against both the sidewall and bottom wall of the coating receptacle. The receptacle and the chute are positioned so that the receptacle receives every kernel as well as the confectionary preparation, passing along the chute from the popper.

Abstract: A drum rotating about a horizontal axis, designed to coat dragee pellets or other granules with a hardenable substance, has a polygonal--preferably nine-sided--peripheral wall and corresponding frustopyramidal end walls. The peripheral wall consists of angularly adjoining panels and has an access aperture extending partly over two such panels, this aperture being sealable by a gabled flap hinged to the drum at its trailing edge and adapted to be locked in a closed position by a sliding bolt coacting with a latching cylinder and an unlatching cylinder in a certain angular position of the drum whereby the unlatched flap will swing open on leaving that position and will swing closed on reapproaching it.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controllably applying a liquid substance to the surfaces of a plurality of discrete fruit moving along a path at a selected rate of speed and in accordance with the quantity of fruit on said path, the application of liquid substance to the fruit being by more than one nozzle movable transversely over the path at a selected rate of speed. The apparatus includes sensors for determining the speed of advancement of the fruit, that is the speed of the conveyor, a plurality of fingers engageable by the fruit to determine, by absence of engagement of fruit, the quantity of fruit moving along the path, and a control system for regulating the amount of liquid discharged from the nozzles and to correlate the amount of liquid discharged to the speed of advancement of the fruit and the quantity of fruit being advanced. In the method, an optimum effective volume of liquid substance is applied at selected pressures to the sensed quantity of fruit on the path.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for coating particles, particularly particles of medicinal drugs. The apparatus has a rotating drum provided with a perforated cylindrical center section. Particles to be coated are introduced into the interior of the drum and form a layer in a lower quadrant of the cylindrical section during rotation of the drum. A spraying device is located in the interior of the drum for coating the particles with an appropriate mixture or solution. A device is positioned adjacent the portion of the drum containing the particles for introducing gas through the perforations into the layer of particles so as to dry the particles. A device also is provided for removing gas from the drum through the perforations. The device for introducing gas can be separated from the device for removing gas by a central partition, with both devices being carried by a common support. Also, it is possible to introduce gas into a portion of the interior of the drum that is spaced from the layer of particles.

Abstract: A seed coating machine comprising an upper mixing drum wherein a liquid adhesive coating is applied to seed and where the rate of application is regulated by a valve controlled by the seed feeder. Coated seed is dried to a state of tackiness and passed to a second, lower mixing drum. A variety of powders are applied onto the tacky seed after being mixed and sifted in a screen distributor. The resulting coated seed has an outer powder layer which adheres to the inner adhesive coating.

Abstract: A dragee-making drum, whose axis of rotation is at least approximately horizontal, has an at least approximately cylindrical shell and two at least approximately frustum-shaped end wall portions adjoining either end of the shell. These end wall portions extend into the space enclosed by the shell and terminate in annular zones whose axial distance from one another is considerably smaller than the axial length of the shell. It is thereby achieved that the dragee-making material is spread between the frustum-shaped end wall portions. This gives rise to frictional forces which, in addition to the frictional forces that are caused by gravity and are the only forces having effect in known dragee-making drums, tend to entrain the dragee-making material in an upward direction as the drum rotates. Consequently, at a given speed of rotation of the dragee-making drum, the dragee-making material ascends further and above all more uniform, in order to then finally spill down again.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device to aid in the preparation of foodstuffs that combines the functions of a breader, a marinator and a preparation unit in a single apparatus. This device is comprised of a tiltable mixing head supported by a mobile service cart disposed with a variety of catch basins depending upon the function being performed by the device.

Abstract: In a drum which is rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, inlet and outlet lines for a gas, for drying a material contained in the drum, are connected to an immersion body. The immersion body has inlet and outlet openings for the gas and is disposed within the drum to be immersed in the material. The immersion body contains a tunnel through which the material can flow and has arranged in its interior at least some of the inlet and outlet openings for the gas.

Abstract: Method for the uniform, fully enclosing surface coating of individual particles of pourable materials having nearly uniform particle size with either a smooth, rough or scabrous serrated surface, in a fluidizing fountain with heat air under use of an inorganic and or organic coating material in the form of a suspension or solution. A predetermined quantity of the material is to be coated within a steep funnel-like upwards enlarged container, having a shorter less steep funnel-like lower segment located at the bottom of the upwardly enlarged container through injection of a heat air stream at controlled velocity in ascending vertical direction, forming a fluidized fountain of limited height and diameter incident to the middle axis, thereby forming a core zone; with injection from below and in the same direction as the heat air through one or several injection nozzles, located at the lower end of the container of the suspension or solution facing in an upward direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for the uniform and complete surface coating of individual kernels of pourable materials including a container of either a circular or polygonal configuration whose upper portion constitutes a body of increasing diameter having thereto attached at the bottom part a funnel-like body with an opening towards the top portion. The apparatus is equipped at the upper and lower end with a screen whose change in diameter from the lower screen closure to the top of the lower funnel forms an angle of 20.degree. to 50.degree. perpendicular to the axis and wherein the diameter ratio of the upper part, measured from the low end to the top screen closure may be in a ratio of 1:1.5 to 1:4.5, and whose upper and lower screen closure consists of exchangeable screens of maximum free area with a mesh size smaller than the smallest particle of the material to be coated.

Abstract: Seasoning is applied uniformly to an edible snack product and excess seasoning is reapplied by directed streams of air. A rotary helical wire feeder in a tube having a variable width slotted outlet is provided with a chamber for directing an air flow along the outside of the tube on opposite sides of the outlet to control the distribution of a curtain of seasoning falling from the tube outlet. Seasoning which misses the snacks on an open conveyor is collected underneath the conveyor and reapplied to the bottom of the snacks by air flowing over the surface of collectors.

Abstract: A dragee-making drum cooperating with a partition wall in order to promote cleanliness, particularly during the manufacture of medical preparations, by increasing the isolation between the clean "grey" zone in front of the partition wall and the dirtier "black" zone behind it. This increased isolation is accomplished by providing a flanged rim at the mouth of the drum to fit within a corresponding U-shaped seal disposed at the opening of the partition wall. An opening is provided at the bottom of the seal for removal of debris.

Abstract: In a rotary drum type device for coating granular solids of the type having a rotary drum with a perforated cylindrical wall section, a supporting ring surrounding the cylindrical wall section of the drum for rotatably supporting the same, and inlet and outlet duct means defined within the supporting ring and opening to the perforated cylindrical wall section of the drum in such a way that the hot air or the like is directed from the top of the drum toward a tumbling bed of granular solids formed within the drum, the perforated cylindrical wall section is so divided that the area which faces the opening of the inlet duct means will not face the opening of the outlet duct means and vice versa, whereby the coating agent which is deposited on the walls of the small holes of the cylindrical wall section facing the opening or inlet of the outlet duct means can be prevented from being separated and falling into the drum by the hot air or the like flowing through the opening of the inlet duct means into the drum.

Abstract: A rotary drum type apparatus for applying a coating to tablets including a rotary drum supported by a support frame for receiving a body of tablets to be coated by spraying with a solvent. The drum is inclined through about 10-20 degrees in such a manner that its front surface is turned upwardly, and an air inlet tube and an air outlet tube are connected to the support frame in positions slightly displaced toward the rear surface of the support frame from the center line of the support frame extending perpendicular to the center axis of the drum. The support frame cooperates with an outer periphery of the drum to define an air suction duct disposed on the front side of the support frame and an air exhaust duct disposed on the rear side of the support frame so that a smooth flow of hot blast through the drum can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating apparatus comprising a coating vessel rotatably supported at one end and connected to a vacuum source by a coaxially arranged and co-rotatable tube containing a spray nozzle. The tube is supported separately from the coating vessel and is arranged for movement along the axis of rotation of the coating vessel. The coating vessel includes a discharge opening closable by a cover which is carried by the tube. The tube is preferably guided for movement along the axis of the coating vessel within a piece of pipe which is rotatably supported within a bearing box which is pivotable away from the coating vessel.

Abstract: In a device for coating granular solids of the type having a double-cone rotary drum which is perforated so as to permit the flow of air or gas into and out of the rotary drum and which is tiltable about the axis at right angles of the axis of rotation of the rotary drum so that in the case of the discharge of product solids, the discharge opening of the rotary drum may be directed downwards, axially annular insulating covers are provided which ensure the effective thermal insulation of the rotary drum when the hot air or gas is blown thereinto. The present invention further provides means which are very effective in gas-tightly sealing the gas supply and exhaust passages defined in the duct around the rotary drum and the annular covers attached thereon so as to provide the air thermal insulation layers.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for spray coating discrete particles, such as pharmaceutical tablets, with liquid coating compositions which are essentially free of organic solvents, the apparatus having at least three spaced spray nozzles mounted on a spray manifold having a conical surface design which is located within a vertically disposed two-zone coating chamber, having a gas inlet at the chamber base adapted to project the particles to be coated through a coating zone for recirculation through a drying zone.

Abstract: A vacuum pump and motor drive are mounted on one side of a portable disc, and a resilient sealing element is mounted on the other side. The disc is manually pressed into sealing engagement with the mouth of a mixing pan of a tablet coating pan. A suction inlet nozzle at one end of a flexible conduit is inserted into a container in which materials to be coated are located. The other end of the conduit is mounted on and extends through the disc to thereby communicate with the interior of the pan. Actuation of the pump and motor generates a suction force which causes the materials in the container to be loaded into the pan. Insertion of the nozzle into another container in which coating materials are located causes the latter to also be loaded into the pan.

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

Abstract: Tablets are coated by tumbling a batch of tablets in a rotating coating pan and subjecting the tablets while they are in the pan to a plurality of treatment steps. Each of these treatment steps consists of a plurality of treatment cycles each including a dosing period in which a measured quantity of tablet coating liquid is introduced into the pan, a drying period in which drying air is supplied to the interior of the pan and an intermediate mixing period during which the tablets tumble in contact with the already introduced coating liquid for a pre-set time and no drying air is supplied to the pan. The temperature of the batch of tablets being coating in the coating pan is sensed by a sensor. The temperature of the batch of tablets at the end of a pre-set time interval from the commencement of the drying period is stored in a memory device as a reference temperature.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and process for automatically coating solid pharmaceutical dosage forms, e.g., tablets. The apparatus comprises a coating pan, having a rotating means, e.g., motor and a weighing means, e.g., scales in combination with the pan and motor. A process controller is in electronic communication with both the pan motor and scales, for controlling the pan rotation and monitoring the weight of the coating pan contents. There is also provided a plurality of material containing reservoirs having conduit means communicating with the interior of the pan. The material containing reservoirs may also have weighing means, e.g, scales in combination with the reservoirs, which are also in electronic communication with the process controller. These reservoirs may contain a water supply, a coating syrup supply, color suspension supply, and polishing ingredients for use in coating the tablets.

Abstract: Pellets may be provided with a water insoluble coating in a rotating pan by heating the pellets to a temperature of about two to three degrees centigrade below the melting point of the coating composition and subsequent thereto flowing molten coating composition onto the pellets. The method is particularly suitable for providing medicinal pellets with an enteric coating, specifically those enteric coatings having sustained release characteristics.

Abstract: For various purposes tablets are often provided with a coating. The coating processes are extremely time-consuming. To reduce the time for the manufacture of dragees the liquid coating material is applied to the tablet kernels in a vacuum.

Abstract: A device suitable for coating popcorn with cheese, butter, or the like comprises an axle positioned at an acute angle to a horizontal plane, means for rotating the axle, and four vessel-gripping prongs releasably secured to the axle for rotation therewith. The prongs, which are formed from two U-shaped members, are spaced radially from each other and each has a portion which lies generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the axle.

Abstract: A machine for sugar coating articles of confectionery, or pharmaceutical or like products, comprises an annular receptacle having an upwardly open channel section which is resiliently mounted on a support structure so that it can be vibrated with respect to the support structure by means of a vibration generator. The articles to be sugar coated are loaded into the receptacle and vibrated together to spread the sugary substance subsequently sprayed over them. In one embodiment the annular receptacle has a mesh structure so that drying air can be blown upwardly through the articles being coated to accelerate the drying process. In another embodiment the annular receptacle is imperforate and has an arcuate auxiliary container attached thereto, which auxiliary container extends to either side of a discharge aperture of said annular receptacle and is provided with a mesh floor and its own discharge apertures.

Abstract: A coating apparatus for manufacturing of solid particles with digestive tracts-soluble film by rolling water-containing solid particles at high speed, adding a coating liquid and drying them simultaneously. Particles are disposed in a generally annular volume and supported on a generally rotary disk which is closely confined within a fixed cylinder and closely spaced from an inner fixed cylinder; said cylinder forming said annular volume. Partition means adjustably spaced from said plate, divide said volume into separate coating, water feed and drying chambers. The partitions form a sealing relationship with the particles.

Abstract: In the fluid granulating/coating apparatus to be worked by utilizing suction air current, a granulating/coating apparatus wherein a receptacle for accommodating bag filters as disposed in the upper part of the apparatus is in the shape of a cylinder with smooth interior, the suction air current is supposed to be discharged by way of one side wall of said cylindrical receptacle, a fan for generating the suction air current and a damper for stopping air suction are installed on the outside of said cylindrical receptacle, and a large-sized safety lid is installed on the upper part of the cylindrical receptacle.

Abstract: A machine is presented which is specifically designed to accept a batch of mixed cut-up poultry parts, to coat the parts in a wet coating unit with a liquid mixture of water and egg or milk solids by tumbling them in a smaller volume of the liquid mixture, to transfer the parts with a short drip time by gravity to a dry coating unit, there to tumble them in a smaller weight of flour and coat them with the flour to an appearance equal to or better than hand coating, to continue tumbling them while excess dry material is removed from the tumbling volume and stored, to stop after a pre-set dry tumbling time and present the fully coated parts with a minimum of excess flour for hand removal, while properly cycling a sifting mechanism to entrap dough balls above a desired minimum size. Each successive batch may be liquid coated while the preceding batch is hand removed. The operator may determine the number of successive batches processed before changing the liquid mixture or removing the entrapped dough balls.

Abstract: An automatic breading machine for coating food stuffs with flour, or other dry coating materials which includes an elongate hopper mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis and having agitator blades for thoroughly moving the food objects within the flour to completely coat the objects. The food objects are ejected from the hopper onto a screen which permits excess dry coating material to drop therethrough. The dry coating material supply normally moves out of the hopper through ports at one end of the hopper and through a screen sifter which separates dough balls from the flour to prevent the dough balls from returning to the system or from being delivered with the food stuffs. The flour passing out of the cylinder is collected in a hopper and conveyed to the intake chute of the hopper for reuse. A pair of flour collecting hoppers and a pair of conveyors are used so as to provide the automatic breading machine with selectivity of flour.

Abstract: Tablet coating and polishing apparatus comprising a conventional rotatable pan with a gravity discharge unloader chute connected for rotation therewith. The unloader chute has an inlet associated with the interior of the pan and an outlet exterior of the pan with a substantially truncated conical surface extending therebetween and having a progressively increasing width toward said outlet for gravity unloading of tablets from the pan.

Abstract: An apparatus for enrobing discrete objects. The device includes a perforated drum adapted to receive and tumble a charge of discrete objects to be coated and which is rotatable about its horizontal axis. The tumbling charge is periodically wetted with coating material and is dried by a stream of selectively conditioned air passed through the charge. During the initial phase of each drying operation a high velocity conditioned air stream employing a high percentage of reconditioned air is employed that effects rapid drying without deleteriously affecting the surface of the coated objects. During the final phase of each drying operation velocities are reduced and higher percentages of unrecirculated conditioned air is employed to assure continuity of drying with a concomitant production of an optimum surface of coating material thereon.