System and process for applying seasoning to a food item
US9044048B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05C19/04
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Systems and methods for applying seasoning or flavoring to food items or products, for example, taco shells, are provided. A seasoning system can include a seasoning hopper or other storage container, a scarf plate, a scalping screen, a conveyor system, and a collection bin. The scalping screen can help reduce clumps in seasoning that falls onto the food items to allow for more even and consistent seasoning distribution. The conveyor system can include a mechanism for tilting or pivoting the food items to allow for application of seasoning to multiple surfaces of the food item as the food items are conveyed under the seasoning delivery system. A method for applying seasoning to food items can include adjusting process parameters such as presentation angle of the food items, throughput, seasoning flow rate, etc. to adapt to varying conditions such as temperature, humidity, and seasoning coverage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.