Patent ID: 7703411
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: A23G,A23P

Abstract:
1. An excited frame apparatus for coating food product with a coating comprising: a first elongate frame, a first elongate pan having first proximal and distal portions, the first elongate pan mounted to the first elongate frame, a plurality of springs adapted to mount the first elongate pan to the first elongate frame, the springs mounted at an angle θ above horizontal x-axis, and, a motorized vibrator mounted and adapted to impart energy to the first elongate frame at an angle β below horizontal x-axis, a second elongate pan adapted to vibrate, having longitudinal and vertical vector components at a predetermined amplitude and frequency, and having second proximal and distal portions, the second elongate pan mounted to the first elongate pan and adapted to feed coating to the first elongate pan, a waterfall distributor member mounted to the second elongate pan, the waterfall distributor including one or more transverse rows of a plurality of angular slots, a screen located in the first distal portion and adapted to screen coating, a second elongate frame, a plurality of dampeners adapted to mount the first elongate frame to the second elongate frame, a soft roller adapted to be rotationally actuated by one or more ratchet assemblies, the ratchet assembly adapted to be engaged by the first elongate pan, a transverse blower assembly adapted to blow at least a portion of loose coating from the top of coated food product into the screen, and a recycle assembly adapted to transfer screened coating to the first and second elongate pans, wherein the first elongate frame is adapted to operate in a tuned and excited mode, and wherein the first and second elongate pans are adapted to vibrate having longitudinal and vertical vector components at a predetermined amplitude and frequency.