Abstract: A device to inject solid materials into foods comprising a piston, a sleeve, and a penetrating tip. Embodiments are described with both segmented and unitary sleeves. Deformation of the tip during storage is minimized by biasing members which withdraw the piston from the tip when an embodiment is not in use. A method is described for flavoring foods with solid objects.

Abstract: A breading machine, and improvements thereto, for use in high volume food production is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an improved breading machine includes a side-mounted feed hopper, a low pressure auger assembly including an auger transfer box with an input port for accepting a cross-feed screw and paddle, and an output port for transferring coating material to a vertical screw. The improved breading machine also includes a substantially cylindrical, rod-based spreader assembly and a transport conveyor belt for feeding the spreader assembly within a top hopper of the breading machine. The improved breading machine further includes a vibrating filter assembly to filter out clumps of coating material while allowing un-clumped material to be re-used within the breading machine.

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

Abstract: A frosting dispenser apparatus including a rotatable platform is described. The frosting dispenser apparatus comprises a body having a base and a pedestal, a rotatable platform is connected with the base and configured to rotate a baked good. Further, a dispenser is connected with the pedestal. The dispenser is located above the rotatable platform. The frosting dispenser apparatus is formed to be easy to use for a child. Additionally, the present invention includes a frosting dispenser apparatus kit which includes a frosting dispenser apparatus, a frosting, a baking mix, a mixing container, a mixing utensil, and a baking container.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a stick for stirring a liquid. The apparatus also comprises an ingredient that is coupled to the stick for at least a partial dissolution in the liquid.

Abstract: The rotating drum 2 rotates around an axial line A that is inclined to the horizontal at a present angle ?. Process gas flows in the rotating a drum 2 from an air vent 7a of an air duct 7 through an air inlet 5 at one end of the rotating drum 2, passes through a layer of granules 11, and flows out into an air outlet duct 8 through an air vent 21a of a first disc plate 21 and a connection hole 22a in a second disc plate 22.

Abstract: The invention, in various embodiments, is directed to machines related methods for automatedly coating a sample with a particulate. In some embodiments, the sample is a food product, such as poultry, and the particulate includes a seasoning, such as salt.

Abstract: In a method for coating at least the top of moving food products 100 with at least one layer of a free-flowing particulate coating material, coating material is poured from a storage container 60 over the moving food products. During the pouring, the coating material is partially segregated into coarse coating material 90 and relatively fine coating material, and substantially coarse coating material 90 is applied to the moving food products 100 first, followed by relatively fine coating material.

Abstract: An apparatus for a frozen food product, such as an ice cream or frozen-yoghurt product, produces an aerated and flavored base mix. The base mix is provided in a liquid form to the apparatus and is mixed with a gas in the apparatus to aerate the base mix. Flavor is added to the aerated base mix in a turbulence tube of the apparatus, and the aerated and flavored base mix is then deposited out of the turbulence tube onto a cold plate of the apparatus as a thin layer material. The cold plate may be disposed such that it is in open view of a customer. One or more solid-food mix-in additives can be added to the aerated and flavored base mix on the cold plate. The aerated and flavored base mix is allowed to at least partially freeze on the cold plate with the additive(s) dispersed therein to produce a frozen food product, which is then manually scraped from the cold plate and served to a customer.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering soluble dietary fibers in a chewable tablet form which is palatable and demonstrates a high degree of consumer acceptability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powder spray apparatus for preparing a food product having an edible pearlescent coating, comprising: a spray zone having a spray device positioned proximate to at least one food product located in the spray zone for application of an edible pearlescent powder to the food product; a chamber for holding the edible pearlescent powder that is in fluid communication with the spray device; and a vibrator and/or a continuous forced air supply that assists in fluidizing the edible pearlescent powder in the chamber for delivery to the spray device. A method of using this apparatus and an edible pearlescent powder composition adapted for use in this apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An insertion tool for food preparation includes an elongated substantially planar cover having arcuate lateral edges, a gripping means fixedly attached at one end of this cover member for the purposes of holding, inserting, and removing the insertion tool, and a rigid trough member having one beveled end and flared lateral edge flanges slidingly engageable with the arcuate lateral edges of the cover member. An optional part of the tool is an end cap having at least one sharp edge and removably disposed on the beveled end of the trough member.

Abstract: A sip and cookie dipper apparatus. The sip and cookie dipper apparatus is made up of a straw holder, a detachable cookie holder, and a cookie holder attachment mechanism. The straw holder defines a through bore with open opposite ends. At least one straw stabilizing member is located inside the through-bore. The cookie holder attachment mechanism is attached to the bottom end of the straw holder and is used to reversibly attach the detachable cookie holder to the straw holder. In one embodiment, the detachable cookie holder includes first and second outer slots and a central slot, wherein removable side-inserts fit into the first and second outer slots. Optional images of interest are disposed on the side-inserts. In another embodiment, detachable cookie holder is a one-piece detachable cookie holder lacking first and second outer slots and the central slot, and has permanent sides in place of removable side-inserts.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a layered seasoning to snack food products such as potato chips or tortilla chips using a vibratory scarf plate that is divided into two or more sections by one or more walls. A different seasoning is placed in each section. The scarf plate is placed into a rotating drum having snack food product. A seasoning from each section falls off the scarf plate to form a curtain. Each curtain provides a layer of seasoning on the snack food product.

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

Abstract: A cage for holding a filling material includes a housing have a first part and a second part. An orifice is defined between the first part and the second part for holding a filling material. The housing is shaped in a manner such that is it insertable inside a cavity and has an open position in which filling material may be inserted into the orifice. The housing also has a closed position in which the filling material is trapped within the orifice. The housing is cage-like for holding the filling material. The housing may include a handle, hinges for joining the first and second parts, and a latching mechanism for latching the first and second parts together.

Abstract: A breading machine for dispensing a coating material onto a food product includes a breading chamber, a continuous conveyor for transporting food products through the breading chamber, a hopper including at least one downspout and a sloped bottom for dispensing coating material onto the food products, a hopper conveyor positioned within the hopper. At least one of an angular position or a vertical position of the hopper conveyor is adjustable to accommodate a variety of free flowing and non-free flowing coating materials. One or more air knives may be positioned in the downspouts to fluidize the coating material to alleviate bridging and/or build-up of the coating material within the downspout.

Abstract: A device for coating a food product with a particulate coating material comprises at least one essentially horizontal, rotary drum, at least one feed line for feeding food products to be coated to one end of the drum, at least one removal line for removing coated food products at the opposite end of the drum, as well as feed means for feeding the coating material to the food products, such that when the drum rotates the food products are tumbled and move from the end of the drum that is oriented towards the feed line to the opposite end. At least one further rotary drum is provided, the width of the feed line and the removal line being greater than the diameter of a drum and said lines extending over at least two drums in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A system and method of coating a food product and the product coated by the method is disclosed. The method includes the steps of transporting a food product on a conveyor; applying a first coating to the top and bottom surfaces of the food product while the food product is on the conveyor; and subsequently applying a second coating while the food product is on the conveyor. The first coating can include a plurality of crumbs having a mean particle size of between about 2 mm and about 4 mm and provide a rough texture on the food product. The second coating can include a flour based flavoring and or seasoning.

Abstract: A method for seasoning meat comprising providing at least a portion of a processed meat, applying a first adhesive layer on a surface of the at least a portion of the processed meat, and adhering a first seasoning blend to the at least a portion of the processed meat by utilizing the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: A remotely controlled system for the preparation of a user-defined food product or beverage including an input module on a remote device configured to input user-specified parameters associated with the preparation of the user-defined food product or beverage. A user profile module on one or more servers is configured to store one or more of the user-specified parameters, predetermined alerts, and nutritional information associated with the user-specified parameters and send one or more of the user-specified parameters, predetermined alerts and nutritional information for display on the input module. A local controlling computer subsystem is responsive to the input module controlling computer subsystem and is configured to prepare the user-defined food product or beverage based on the one or more commands and interactive instructions from the user.

Abstract: A device for installing an ingredient inside a food patty, the device including first and second hinged together patty portion receptacles, and a die support with a respective patty portion shaping die for each of the patty portions in the receptacles. The dies are closed into the receptacles to shape the patty portions therein to define a respective pocket in each patty portion for holding an ingredient. With the ingredient installed in a pocket formed in one of or each of the patties, the patty portion receptacles are hingedly movable together to combine the patty portions into a patty containing the installed ingredient. The patty remains in one receptacle. A patty portion release device at one or each receptacle releases the patty portions from the respective receptacles. For example, one receptacle is of a non-stick material and/or is deformable to release the patty portion material therein.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and process for the manufacture of lollipops in which lollipops (3) are transferred from a substantially horizontal condition in a hopper (4), to a substantially vertical condition in a stick retainer (7) prior to placement in sugar confectionery. The apparatus comprises a hopper (4) for holding the sticks (3) with their longitudinal axes substantially horizontal, means (5) for ejecting a stick from the hopper in a substantially horizontal direction and feeder means (6) for feeding the ejected stick downwardly into a stick retainer (7) prior to placement in the sugar confectionery, the feeder means comprising a flexible tube (8) operable to conduct the stick from the hopper to the stick retainer whilst simultaneously changing the orientation at the stick to that of a downward direction.

Abstract: A dispenser delivers a pourable material onto the outside of a receiving vessel, for example, a flavorant like granular salt or sugar onto the rim of a beer bottle or margarita glass, or a glue, sealant, or lubricant onto the external threads of a chemical bottle. An external casing containing the pourable material has an opening at the bottom that is normally sealed by a retractable encloser held in place by a closer spring inside the casing. To dispense pourable material, the bottom of the encloser is pressed against the rim of the receiving vessel, lifting the encloser from its normally-closed position and opening an annular path through which the material is released onto the outside of the rim, but not into the interior, of the receiving vessel.

Abstract: A seasoning implement composed of an elongated hollow member loaded with a seasoning and having a plurality of axially spaced openings for inserting into a food mass. The hollow member provides a driving force to expel the seasoning. The hollow member may be a two-component assembly. A first component includes a hollow shaft defining a plurality of holes and has a point on one end and is open on its other end. The second component includes a cap. The two components are mutually engageable in a secure coupling. The seasoning is in the form of a powder or solid mass composed of a binder matrix holding a seasoning or mixture of seasonings. The binder disintegrates during heating of the food to release the seasoning and enable the implement to expel the seasoning into the food.

Abstract: A pitting machine comprises a punching head that performs a curvilinear oscillatory movement in synchronization with the translation movement of fruits to be pitted, in particular for use in industries that process food such as pitted dried or dehydrated plums and which are currently performing manual operations or using rudimentary equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for coating food items, such as dough-based products, with sugar-based toppings such as glazes, icings, chocolate coatings, and the like. The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a gentle transfer of sugar-based coatings from a first container where the coatings are maintained in a fluid form suitable for coating, to a second container which comprises an applicator for coating the food product. Also described are systems for making freshly prepared food products at the point of sale comprising having the first steps of production take place at a manufacturing unit, and the final steps of production take place at the retail setting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing flowable solids onto articles located on a moving conveyor. A flowable solid is placed on a vibrating trough and dispensed to an article on the moving conveyor through a slot in the trough. A third planar surface placed beneath the slot receives the flowable solid from the slot and provides an even dispersing pattern of the flowable solid onto the articles.

Abstract: In a method for forming a layer of coating material, a conveyor having a conveying part which is pervious to the coating material is used. This coating material is displaced on the conveying part over a guide plate into a coating zone. At the end of a coating zone, excess coating material is returned using a return part of a conveyor. To form a layer of coating material on the conveying part, the coating material is moved from the return part through the conveying part onto the conveying part.

Abstract: A multi-port, bottom-filling injection device having a filling head that splits a flow of filling among two or more spouts or needles. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an injection device comprises a filling head having several spouts attached to a spout cap, a platen for holding a chambered food item, and a holding apparatus for securing the food item during filling. The injection device can simultaneously provide a food filling to each chamber of a multi-chambered food item without leaving unsightly fill holes in the top or side surfaces.

Abstract: A dischargeable storage device instantaneously moveable between a store position and a discharge position. The dischargeable storage device includes a deck having a pair of pivotable trap doors. Each door has a guide post. The dischargeable storage device has a plunger having two guide channels. The plunger is moveable within the aperture. Each guide channel is adapted to cooperate with one of the guide posts such that when the plunger is depressed, the guide posts travel along the guide channels allowing the trap doors to open. An apparatus for for evenly distributing portions of food having a dischargeable storage device is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A food breading machine includes a lowerable cage carrier grate of two grids between which the cutlet resides. The cage supports a meat, fish or vegetable cutlet thereon, which descends into a first basin having a bath of raw egg fluid. The egg saturated product is then lifted and horizontally rotated in a plane to an adjacent basin having bread crumbs. The device can have a manually rotatable knob at the top to control flipping, or it can be automated. A protective transparent domed hood is also included. The parts are disassembled so that they can be washed.

Abstract: A drum breader and coating recirculation system that includes a spreader positioned at an end of the drum, the spreader having a plurality of angled surfaces to distribute coatings evenly; a screening platform positioned downstream of the spreader having a drive device for imparting straight-line angular displacement to the screening platform; and a drum feed conveyor positioned downstream of the screening platform, the drum feed conveyor having a belt extending at least partially along an upward angle.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a casingless sausage product. An emulsion, such as a meat emulsion, is heated by a first heating element, such as conductive element, such as a heat exchanger or a direct heating element, from a first temperature to an initial heating temperature. The initial heating forms a warm emulsion. After the first heating stage, the warmed emulsion is heated again during a second stage with a second heating element from the initial heating temperature to a higher, second heating temperature. Other numbers of heating elements can be utilized as necessary. The second heating element can be a rapid heating element, such as a microwave or radio frequency (RF). The second heating produces a casingless sausage. The casingless sausage is subsequently cooled or chilled to produce the casingless sausage product. The product can be cut to a length and packaged in a container or can.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pitting olives (or other fruit) and slicing the pitted fruit. In preferred embodiments, a pitting knife and a coring knife horizontally translate each olive to be pitted while the pitting knife, coring knife, and olive revolve together about a horizontal axis, the pitting knife pushes out the pit horizontally as the olive and cup translate along a segment of a circular first path around the axis, the apparatus includes slicing pockets (in positions horizontally separated from the first path) which translate along a circular second path parallel to the first path, after pitting, a pitting knife pulls the pitted olive horizontally away from the first path and into one of the pockets, and the pitted olive in the pocket is sliced by slicing knives as the pitted olive and pocket translate around the axis along a segment of the second path into engagement with the slicing knives.

Abstract: Seasoning for use with snack chips can be recovered and recycled. A seasoning permeable conveyor transports snack chips through a seasoning application. The seasoning applicator deposits seasoning onto the snack chips. The conveyor allows the seasoning not adhered to the moving snack chips to substantially pass through and by toward a seasoning recoverer. The seasoning recoverer, which is positioned beneath the conveyor, collects the seasoning for purification and blending with fresh seasoning. After blending, the seasoning mixture is transported to the seasoning application for use.

Abstract: A batter and breading machine including a bedplate with an upper arm including a tank for food agglutinating, and a second area with a strangling to throw the battered or breaded ingredient of the product. The first and second areas have respective endless bands, driven by a plurality of rolls, to submerge the product in the tank and to take the product with agglutinating under the breaded strangling. The endless bands are driven by a motor with speed variation and each remove, respectively, the excess of breaded and battered agglutinating. The second endless band is fitted on its own chassis that is included in the chassis of the bedplate.

Abstract: Seasoning for use with snack chips can be recovered and recycled. A seasoning permeable conveyor transports snack chips through a seasoning application. The seasoning applicator deposits seasoning onto the snack chips. The conveyor allows the seasoning not adhered to the moving snack chips to substantially pass through and by toward a seasoning recoverer. The seasoning recoverer, which is positioned beneath the conveyor, collects the seasoning for purification and blending with fresh seasoning. After blending, the seasoning mixture is transported to the seasoning application for use.

Abstract: Food Injection Device has an injection tube member and integral handle, and a piston holding stand. The tube member is rigid and has a thin wall structure capable of piercing and penetrating a variety of food items and retaining the food items for future deposit into a second food item. The piston is positioned within the piston holding stand in such a way that the injection tube can fit over the piston and be retained by the piston holding stand so that when the tube handle is pushed down, the tube moves down the stationary piston and the food item within the tube is prevented from moving by the piston and is therefore left within the second food item. A preferred embodiment includes a variety of shaped injection tubes such as heart shaped, star shaped, and circular shaped.

Abstract: An improved ice cream blending apparatus has a hopper support system that incorporates a hopper guidance mechanical linkage that supports the linear motion of the hopper and translates non-linear circular motion of the operating handle into the linear motion of the hopper.

Abstract: A device to inject solid materials into foods and other objects. The device utilizes a hollow needle with a moving cover at one end. A plunger moves inside the hollow needle to push contents from the needle into the object to be injected. Various apparatus for moving the can be utilized.

Abstract: A dischargeable storage device instantaneously moveable between a store position and a discharge position. The dischargeable storage device includes a deck having a pair of pivotable trap doors. Each door has a guide post. The dischargeable storage device has a plunger having two guide channels. The plunger is moveable within the aperture. Each guide channel is adapted to cooperate with one of the guide posts such that when the plunger is depressed, the guide posts travel along the guide channels allowing the trap doors to open. An apparatus for for evenly distributing portions of food having a dischargeable storage device is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: An automatic filling stuffing apparatus aims to automatically stuff filling in an elongated and unprocessed pastry. It includes a transporting unit and a pastry supply unit to supply the elongated pastry, a cutting unit to cut off the elongated pastry to individual pastry during the pastry supply process, a filling stuffing unit and a compression unit to dispose the filling on the pastry held on the surface of a holder, a forming unit to wrap the pastry with the filling contained therein to form a foodstuff desired, and a conveying unit to carry the formed and finished foodstuff to the next processing step.

Abstract: A dischargeable storage device instantaneously moveable between a store position and a discharge position. The dischargeable storage device includes a deck having a pair of pivotable trap doors. Each door has a guide post. The dischargeable storage device has a plunger having two guide channels. The plunger is moveable within the aperture. Each guide channel is adapted to cooperate with one of the guide posts such that when the plunger is depressed, the guide posts travel along the guide channels allowing the trap doors to open. An apparatus for for evenly distributing portions of food having a dischargeable storage device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grill device includes a base unit, a seasoning retaining vessel, and a seasoning supply unit. The base unit includes a housing, a cooking member mounted in the housing, and at least one supply tube connected to the cooking member and extending downwardly relative to the cooking member. The vessel has a tube immersing portion disposed under the cooking member for extension of the supply tube thereinto, and a container mounting portion in fluid communication with the tube immersing portion. The seasoning supplying unit includes a flow control member connected to a container member and mounted adjustably in the container mounting portion. The flow control member controls the flow of seasoning in the container member into the vessel in accordance with the level of the seasoning in the vessel.

Abstract: For basting a substance is sucked into the cylinder and expelled from the cylinder, a removable injecting element is connected with the cylinder and has a front part having an outlet opening, at least the front part of the injecting element connected with the cylinder is inserted into an object and the substance is injected from the cylinder through the injecting element and through an opening in the front part of the injecting element into an interior of the object, and alternatingly the injecting element can be disconnected and removed from the cylinder, and the substance can be expelled from the cylinder through an outlet opening which is wider than the opening in the front part of the injecting element, directly onto an exterior of the object.

Abstract: A dual deposit stencil apparatus for discharging filler materials onto parallel lanes of base cakes comprises a stencil tube having two inlet openings, one communicating with a source of first filler material, and the other communicating with a source of second filler material. The stencil tube has four discharge openings therein. A stencil carried on the stencil tube has pairs of openings therein for receiving two filler materials. Provided in the stencil tube are a first shutoff valve and a second shutoff valve. First and second actuating mechanisms control the shut off valves and are coordinated to simultaneously provide first and second filler material to each pair of openings in the stencil. A wire mechanism cooperates with the stencil for simultaneously removing the first and second filler materials from each pair of openings.