Abstract: The present invention relates to a new coating composition and especially a new coating composition to be used with a specific coating device for providing an even, thin and enclosing coating on tablets, capsules or pills of different sizes and shapes in order to improve the taste and the swallowing characteristics of the tablets, capsules or pills.

Abstract: A coater for coating a material with a solution or a suspension includes an access door and a process port separately openable within a housing. A rotating coating drum is removably connected with respect to the coater and the coater is configured for exchange of drums having a wide range of production capacities.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for buttering corn includes a tubular member sized to receive an ear of corn, a body with an open end, the body sized to receive the tubular member, and a plunger sized to fit through the tubular member. Another apparatus for buttering corn includes a tubular member sized to receive an ear of corn and having an interior surface textured to adhere to solidified butter and having an open end with an outer flange, a cylindrical body with an open end having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the tubular member and having an outer diameter about the same length as an outer diameter of the outer flange of the tubular member, the body sized to receive the tubular member, a plunger sized to fit through the tubular member, and a cap sized to fit over the outer flange of the tubular member.

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: A drinkware rimming apparatus including a wetting receptacle, a cutout, and a rotatable tray having a plurality of spice receptacles. The tray is rotatable relative to the cutout (or vice-versa) to align and provide downward access to a desired spice receptacle or to the wetting receptacle. A cover may be included and the cutout can be in the cover and/or the tray. The cover can have beverage garnish compartments on a top surface thereof. The wetting receptacle can be positioned in a tray or on the cover. The cutout can be in another tray also having one or more spice receptacles and above the first-mentioned tray and rotatable independently of the lower tray. A method of applying spice to rims of drinkware is also disclosed.

Abstract: A batter applicator with an adjustable coating mechanism is disclosed which includes a frame, a main batter tank, a structure comprising at least one of a submerger and an overflow structure that is adapted to be positioned proximate the main batter tank and actuatable means for tilting the structure relative to a reference horizontal surface.

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

Abstract: A batter applicator with an adjustable coating mechanism is disclosed which includes a frame, a main batter tank, a structure comprising a submerger or an overflow structure positioned proximate the main batter tank and actuatable means for positioning the structure vertically relative to the main batter tank. The actuatable means for positioning the structure vertically relative to the main batter tank includes a rotatable shaft operably coupled to a gear box, a screw lift assembly operably coupled to the gear box and a hand wheel operably coupled to the shaft.

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

Abstract: The 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 batter applicator with an adjustable coating mechanism is disclosed which includes a frame, a main batter tank, a structure comprising a submerger or an overflow structure positioned proximate the main batter tank and actuatable means for positioning the structure vertically relative to the main batter tank. The actuatable means for positioning the structure vertically relative to the main batter tank includes a rotatable shaft operably coupled to a gear box, a screw lift assembly operably coupled to the gear box and a hand wheel operably coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: The buttering device is a double walled vessel having an interior chamber containing liquid butter, a lid, and a handle. The vessel has a height sufficient to admit a corn on the cob and between the outer wall and the inner wall, an hollow annular space for heated water. The lid closes the top of the chamber and extends over the outer wall of the vessel. The lid has a center opening with flaps that admits the end of corn on the cob and the flaps glide upon the corn. Heated water placed in the annular space melts butter added to the chamber. Corn on the cob, inserted through the opening, coats itself in butter. Once buttered, the corn on the cob is withdrawn from the lid where the flaps retain excess butter within the chamber.

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

Abstract: The 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: An installation for coating food products with a layer of coating substance, such as for coating a meat product or a vegetable product with a batter, comprises a container in which the coating substance can be accommodated, two endless conveyor belts located one above the other, those parts of which that face one another extending through the container enclosing a gap for feeding the food products through the coating substance, as well as adjustment means for moving the conveyor belts apart or towards one another in connection with adjustment of the width of the gap. The adjustment means have a central control for adjusting the width of the gap.

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

Abstract: A convertible, combination batter-mixer and -applicator machine combines mixing and applying functions in one machine as well as affords conversion among at least three modes of use. In a first mode, the batter is preferably handled by mixing up one batch at a time from materials whose input quantities are specified in terms of defined weight-ratios, and then the batch is used up completely until depleted. In a second mode, the batter is preferably handled by mixing up one batch at a time from materials whose input quantities are adjusted in order to meet a defined-viscosity, and then the batch is used up completely until depleted. The third mode involves re-circulating the batter stock and calls for continuous re-stocking of batter by mixing in the input materials at varying intervals to the existing stock and in input quantities that are adjusted in order to meet the defined-viscosity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed and claimed for coating egg-yolks, natural or artificial, preferably in the form of disks. The apparatuses comprise a vessel for containing a first coating liquid, in which the egg yolk disks are dispensed. A preferably continuous belt is synchronized with the dispenser so that the back part of the belt is immersed in the liquid when the egg-yolk is being dispensed, while it rises during the period of time that the dispenser is getting ready to dispense a new egg-yolk, thus transferring the yolk out of the liquid. The belt has preferably perforations in its middle portion and it is pivoted in the vicinity of the front end of the vessel. The apparatuses of the present invention are useful for coating articles other than egg-yolk disks.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the gelatin coating of medicaments which includes a continuous conveyer system to advance a plurality of pallets through a loading station, at least one dipping station, at least one dryer station, a reorientation station and an unloading station. Medicaments to be coated are loaded into pallets at the loading station and advanced to the first dipping station where a vacuum is applied to secure the medicament to the pallet. The pallet is inverted and a first portion of each of the medicaments is dipped into a coating mixture. The pallet is then returned to its upright position, the vacuum is removed and the coating is dried. The medicaments are then transferred from the first pallet to a second pallet by a reorientation mechanism. The second pallet is then advanced to a second dipping station which operates in the same manner as the first dipping station.

Abstract: An novel egg holder is claimed. The egg holder is used in combination with a tray and dye containing liquid for coloring eggs.

Abstract: A condiment container comprises a housing with optional swingable lid. A flexible pouch with condiment therein is mounted within the housing, the pouch presenting a top surface having a plurality of score lines therein. Upon squeezing the housing the perforations separate to allow access to the condiment within the pouch. In one embodiment a vertical slot extends along the housing and has a tab projecting therethrough, the tab connected to a movable base which is slidable within the confines of the housing. Upon user exertion on the tab the movable base will move towards the top of the pouch so as to decrease the pouch volume and urge the condiment towards or through the top of the pouch. Alternatively, the movable bottom can be accessed by user pressure thereon through the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A reclaimer system is provided for collecting and recycling a viscous coating batter in a foods processing line, particularly such as in a production line for making batter coated French fry potato strips. The reclaimer system comprises an elongated collection trough mounted at the downstream end of a product conveyor used to transport batter coated food products to a fryer, wherein the conveyor is positioned to collect excess batter dripping from the conveyor and the food products and further wherein this excess batter would otherwise undesirably fall into the fryer. A paddle is reciprocated back and forth within the trough to sweep collected batter therein from opposite open ends of the trough into appropriate collection vessels or funnels for recycling. The trough is water cooled to prevent significant cooking of the batter therein, and the paddle includes a central overflow port to permit large quantities of batter to spill therethrough without being swept over the longitudinal edges of the trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating seed by gel comprising a seed supplying portion and a processing portion, wherein seed has fallen from a hopper of a seed supplying portion are carried to a plurality of processing nozzles of a processing portion, for encapsulating seed by gelling. A supplying portion comprising the hopper filled with seed, a carrying device disposed below the hopper for arranging seed in correspondence with the number of processing nozzle of the processing portion, and switching devices disposed respectively at the end portions of seed carriage lanes formed by the carrying device so many as the processing nozzles. The carrying device comprising a box-shaped trough, partitions disposed at the upstream portion of the trough for restriction of the height of the flowing of seed, partitions for dividing the flowing of seed into streams so many as the processing nozzles, and a vibrator disposed below the trough.

Abstract: Corn Buttering Tool is an invention created with the intent of simplifying and efficiently buttering an ear of corn, alleviating slippage and mess. The components consist of a stainless mesh screen which secures and cradles the corn; one butter bin, accommodating up to 1 lb. of butter; and one plastic cover which keeps the butter fresh. The butter is placed into the bin, the mesh is set upon the butter and the heated corn rests on the mesh. Rotating the corn on the mesh attains the desired amount of butter. Combining rotating and sideways motion will allow more butter to be applied to the corn. The design's primary function is to butter corn however it may be used as a butter storage unit. The bin's arched shaped base allows for maximum butter usage. The side lip of same prevents excess melted butter from spilling over.

Abstract: A suction tip is moved between a seed-attracting position and a seed-releasing position when a rotary member is rotated by a drive source. The suction tip is moved upwardly and downwardly by an actuator attached to the rotary member. A gel-discharging mechanism disposed in alignment with the seed-releasing position includes a reciprocatable piston. When the piston moves front, a pressure is applied on gel, by which a hollow nozzle plunger opens a valve to allow the discharge of the gel. When the piston moves back, gel is supplemented. A portion of the gel discharged drops by its own weight, while the remainder forms a gel layer that closes the lower end of the hollow nozzle plunger. At the seed-releasing position, the suction tip is driven by the actuator to be lowered into the hollow portion to release the seed on the gel layer. Extremely small seeds can be reliably supplied on the gel layer at the lower end of the hollow portion.

Abstract: A hollow needle catches each seed in a seed vessel by suction, and a nozzle section receives the seed to form a gel film. An air blow-out nozzle opens toward the tip of the hollow needle. The mechanism includes an air cylinder for elevating the seed vessel, a lowering pipe line and a lifting pipe line each connected to the cylinder, a cylinder operating solenoid valve by way of which the pipe lines communicates with an air pressure source, and a branch pipe line communicating the lowering pipe line with the air blow-out nozzle. Further, air blows out from the air blow-out nozzle as synchronizing with the descent of the seed vessel.

Abstract: The gel-covering apparatus has an inexpensive configuration that can supply the gelling agent to the seed covering portions under uniform pressure when performing simultaneously a plurality of same processes of covering the seeds with gelling agent. The gelling agent is supplied and filled into the closed spaces (73m) formed between the eight passages (73c) and the plungers (73h) in the nozzle block (73). The eight pressurizing air cylinders (77) connected to the eight gel supply passages (73B) communicating with the spaces (73m) are operated to pressurize the gelling agent in the spaces (73m) through the gel passages (75a) to cause the plungers (73h) in respective passages (73c) to move up, opening the valves (73b) at the lower ends of the passages (73c).

Abstract: The covered seed hardening apparatus of this invention has a construction suited for performing simultaneous parallel processes of hardening the gelling agent of seeds. The seeds covered with the gelling agent are dropped from the valves (73b) of the gel covering section (7) into the liquid hardener in the front half of the feed liquid tank (111a) on the reaction tank (111b) side of the flow regulating barrage (111g) in the hardening tank (111) of the gel hardening section (11). The covered seeds immersed in the hardener are moved through the hardener in the guide direction Y by the guide paddles (113b) after the guide paddles (113b) dip into the hardener in the reaction tank (111b) on the feed liquid tank (111a) side until the guide paddles (113b) move to a point in the reaction tank (111b) near the inclined surface (111m) of the hardner stopping barrage (111k) and come out of the hardener.

Abstract: A processing section in a gel coat processing unit for seeds to uniform the coating amount of seeds with gelatinizer to change a grain diameter of coated seeds without taking plenty of time and labor nor cost.

Abstract: Each suction tip on a support member is moved between a seed-sucking position and a seed-supplying position by a drive source (20) at a supplying unit, and a seed vessel is moved up and down by a drive source (40). A pressurizing plunger is moved front by a drive source (50) at a nozzle unit and pressurizes the gel inside a gel flow channel to move a cutting plunger up and open a valve to allow gel to be discharged. A part of the gel discharged drops, and the remainder forms a layer on which a seed is supplied. A counter of a controller counts the number of unsuccessful seed-sucking operations, and when the counted value reaches a predetermined number of times, the running of the apparatus is stopped. If a suction tip does not suck a seed at the seed-supplying position, instead of moving the pressurizing plunger front, another suction tip is moved to the positions.

Abstract: A device and method for decorating an object such as an egg, which has a perimeter surface. The device includes a resilient band adapted for placement about the perimeter of the object to be decorated, the resilient band having a surface and at least one prominent, resilient area for masking. The resilient area for masking is mounted against the surface of the resilient band, so that the resilient band may be placed about the perimeter surface of the object, so that the resilient band will bias the resilient area for masking against the perimeter surface, so that the perimeter surface of the object may be immersed in a colorant, and thereby producing an image on the perimeter surface of the object by preventing colorant to reach the perimeter surface. The method includes providing a resilient band with prominent areas for masking.

Abstract: A device and method for applying a coating material to a solid medicament. The device comprises a reservoir which contains the coating material, and a platform mounted with an actuator above the reservoir for holding the medicament. The medicament is placed in the platform, which is moved into and out of the coating material in the reservoir upon depression and release of the actuator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling plating rates of electroless plating solutions. The invention provides for continuous monitoring and replenishment of a one or more components of an electroless plating solution on a real time basis. The invention can be characterized in part by use of a quartz crystal microbalance.

Abstract: A method of coating powder particles includes the steps of circulating an air flow containing the powder particles in a dispersed state therein in a cylinder whose inner wall is wetted with a coating liquid to bring the powder particles into contact with the coating liquid on the inner wall, and drying the powder particles thus coated with the coating liquid. An apparatus for coating powder particles comprises a drying chamber including an inner space for drying powder particles on the surfaces of which a coating liquid is deposited while floating the powder particles by an air flow, a powder-particle feeding device connected to the top of the drying chamber for feeding an air flow containing dispersed powder particles into the inner space through a cylindrical path, and a coating-liquid supplying mechanism for wetting the inner wall of the cylindrical path of the powder-particle feeding means.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating seeds includes a seed supply portion having a rotating drum with a small aperture for attracting a seed by vacuum created inside the drum and which is broken at a predetermined rotational position, and a gel-coating portion having a cylindrical cutting plunger disposed inside of a nozzle body for opening and closing a gel flow channel and forming a gel-coating layer. A curing vessel having a curing agent flow channel and a spray nozzle for washing the coated seeds are also provided.

Abstract: An Easter egg decorating and coloring kit for dyeing and painting Easter eggs and including an arrangement of dye chambers integrally formed and arranged in a linear orientation. A paint tray having paint receptacles and a paintbrush receptacle for placement of a paintbrush therein is integrally formed with and extends outwardly from a rear top edge of the dye chambers. A ladle for placement and removal of the Easter eggs from within the dye chambers is removably supported on a front of the dye chambers and includes an envelope attached to a head portion thereof containing dye tablets of a variety of colors to be dissolved within the chambers to form a dye solution.

Abstract: An assembly for speeding the process of finishing doughnuts with icings and condiments, the table being elongated and having a horizontal upper surface and an elongated opening therein providing opposed parallel ledges lengthwise of the table and, having below the table upper surface and within the elongated opening, opposed horizontal ledges of reduced spacing therebetween, and including a plurality of rectangular shallow depth pans for receiving doughnuts thereon, the pans having, at the opposed end walls, outwardly extending lip portions, the length of the pan between the end walls being such that the lip portions slide upon the spacing between the table parallel upper surface ledges, and a plurality of pans having end walls of spacing less than that of the trays and having outwardly extending lip portions which engage the lower horizontal ledges of the table so that the trays may be slid upon the table within the opening and over the icings and condiments containing pans.

Abstract: An apparatus for hand breading of food products having a support table, a fry basket rack, a removable flour pan and a removable batter pan. A pivotally mounted sifter basket is translatable over the length of the support table in substantial alignment with the basket rack, flour pan and batter pan. A removable doughball collection trough is disposed transversely of the support table between the flour pan and basket rack.

Abstract: A shaped container of a size suitable having an insert having a face coated with a dry water-soluble dyeing composition and a method of dyeing eggs using said shaped containers and a kit containing various shaped containers, each having therein different dry water-soluble dyeing compositions.

Abstract: A capsule-like medicament, method for producing such medicaments and apparatus. Such medicaments are achieved by individually dipping and drying first one end, and then the other end, of each caplet to provide a coating which is smoother and easier to swallow than an uncoated caplet. The production of these capsule-like medicaments is readily facilitated by simple and inexpensive modifications which can be made to existing empty gelatin capsule making equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating dough balls from reusable breading having a container for holding breading containing dough balls, the container having an aperture in the bottom thereof for selectably discharging the breading having dough balls commingled therewith, a sifter having foraminous portions positioned below the container bottom aperture and having a bottom with a central opening through the foraminous portions, a plurality of concentric circular walls having openings therethrough arranged to cause dough balls to be separately discharged through the sifter central opening, a divider below the sifter central opening separating into divergent downwardly inclined paths the breading sifted from the sifter, the divider having an opening therethrough, a conduit received within the divider opening having an upper end in close communication with the sifter central opening, first and second paralleled and spaced apart breading collector pans below the sifter and divider to receive breading discharged from the si

Abstract: An apparatus for separating dough balls from reusable breading having a container for holding breading containing dough balls, the container having an aperture in the bottom thereof for selectably discharging the breading having dough balls co-mingled therewith, a sifter having foraminous portions positioned below the container bottom aperture and having a bottom with a central opening therein, an actuator to cause breading to be sifted through the foraminous portions, a plurality of concentric circular walls having openings therethrough arranged to cause dough balls to be separately discharged through the sifter central opening, a breading collector container below the sifter to receive breading sifted from the sifter, and a dough ball collector directly below the sifter central opening for separately receiving dough balls passing therethrough.