Automatic seasoning device

• US 7,975,642 B2
• Filed: 04/18/2007
• Issued: 07/12/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Franke Technology and Trademark Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Franke Technology and Trademark Ltd.
• Inventors: Rudesill, Brian R., Allegra, Mark Edward
• Primary Examiner(s): EDWARDS, LAURA ESTELLE
• Application Number:
  US11/736,961
• Publication Number:
  US 20080023101A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,546 Days
• Field of Search: 118/13, 118/24, 118/31, 118/308, 994/94, 239/650, 239/651, 239/658, 239/671, 239/689, 239/102.1, 222/414, 222/485, 222/486, 141/131, 141/248, 141/83, 426/289, 426/438
• US Class Current: 118/13
• CPC Class Codes: A23P 20/10 Coating with edible coatings, e.g. with oils or fats
• CPC Class Codes: A23P 20/12 Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering

Abstract

An automatic seasoning device that includes a hopper, a seasoning dispenser positioned to receive seasoning from the hopper; and a moveable transition tray positioned to receive seasoning from the seasoning dispensing drum.

Claims

1. An automatic seasoning device, comprising:

a hopper;

a seasoning dispenser positioned to receive a seasoning from the hopper, wherein the seasoning dispenser comprises a seasoning dispensing drum comprising one or more grooves;

a moveable transition tray positioned to receive the seasoning from the seasoning dispensing drum;

a transition tray rotation system comprising;

a transition tray motor;

at least one cam arm connected to and driven by the transition tray motor; and

at least one hinge block; and

an automatic actuating sensing device that automatically starts a seasoning process when food of a predetermined weight is detected on a surface of the transition tray.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the seasoning dispenser further comprises a seasoning dispensing slide plate system.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of seasoning diverter rods positioned between the seasoning dispenser and the transition tray.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a waste collection tray positioned to collect waste form the moveable transition tray.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a packaging area positioned to collect foodstuffs from the moveable transition tray.