Method and apparatus for uniformly dispensing a seasoning material
US4907720A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 1987 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G69/0408
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for uniformly dispensing particles of a seasoning material continuously deposits seasoning material at a controlled rate onto a seasoning drop point of an oscillating spreading conveyor. The oscillating spreading conveyor spreads seasoning material in a zig-zag pattern over a receiving area on the top surface of a transfer conveyor, that in turn transfers seasoning to an elongate trough of a seasoning applicator disposed beneath the transfer conveyor. The trough has a screened bottom and includes rotating bars within the trough for fluffing seasoning in the trough and for promoting uniform dispensing of the seasoning through the screened bottom of the trough. The dispensing rate of the seasoning through the screened bottom is controlled by varying the rotational speed of the bars to maintain a desired amount of seasoning material within the trough. A moving product conveyor carries a food product under the seasoning applicator to receive seasoning dispensed through the screened bottom of the seasoning applicator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.