Patent ID: 8684234
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: B01F

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: providing separate metering flow channels for dry ingredients including at least a first metering flow channel and a second metering flow channel, wherein the first metering flow channel is at least partially hollow to at least partially contain the second metering flow channel; providing a first material to the first metering flow channel and a second material to the second metering flow channel, wherein one of the first and second materials comprises multiple dry ingredients, wherein the first and second metering flow channels are operated independently at different feed rates; advancing the first material through the first metering flow channel and the second material through the second metering flow channel to a shared exit; providing a mixing zone, the mixing zone initially combining and mixing the first material and second material together to provide mixed first and second materials, the mixing zone having a conically shaped outside wall in which an outlet is narrower in cross section than a main body portion disposed at the shared exit of the first and second metering flow channels, the mixing zone having first and second rotatable plates positioned within the outside wall to direct the first and second materials to the outside wall; rotating the first and second rotatable plates to generate a centrifugal force such that the first material and second material are moved toward the outside wall and mixed together; and directing the mixed first material and second material to a container.