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AssigneeFrito-Lay, Inc.
InventorsJames K. Henson, Wilfred M. Bourg, Jr., William D. Henson
Estimating the term…
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.
An apparatus for uniformly dispensing particles of seasoning material onto a food product, comprising:
A method for uniformly dispensing particles of seasoning material, comprising continuously conveying particles of seasoning material to form a substantially constant mass flow of seasoning material, and continuously spreading the substantially constant mass flow of seasoning material to forma continuously moving array of seasoning material in a zig-zag pattern for depositing downstream onto a food product.
A method for uniformly dispensing particles of seasoning material, comprising continuously conveying particles of seasoning material to form a substantially constant mass flow of seasoning material, and continuously spreading the substantially constant mass flow of seasoning material to form a continuously moving array of seasoning material in a zig-zag pattern for depositing downstream onto a food product
A method for uniformly dispensing particles of seasoning material, comprising continuously conveying particles of seasoning material to form a substantially constant mass flow of seasoning material, and continuously spreading the substantially constant mass flow of seasoning material to form a continuously moving array of seasoning material in a zig-zag pattern for depositing downstream onto a food product and further including the steps of continuously collecting the moving array of seasoning material into a substantially stationary elongate mass of seasoning material, continuously tumbling the seasoning material in the elongate mass to fluff the seasoning material, and continuously and uniformly dispensing seasoning material from the elongate mass of seasoning material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.