Pneumatic seasoning system
US8007848B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 1, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05B13/0257
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A pneumatic seasoning system and method utilizing a rotating drum for seasoning, a funnel-fed pneumatic eductor, line splitters, and a plurality of specially-designed swirl-inducing nozzle spools for inducing a broad and even seasoning plume. In a preferred embodiment, a pneumatic seasoning system transports seasoning from a seasoning hopper to food items within a rotating drum using a combination of an eductor and four in-line vacuum generators, which vacuum generators operate on compressed air. Each vacuum generator comprises a distributing nozzle roughly shaped like a collared spool, wherein compressed air is supplied to the annular region defined between the spool and its collar, and said compressed air exits through swirl ports distributed about the circumference of the spool exit. Each swirl port preferably has a pitch angle of 15° and a yaw angle of 15°.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.