Patent ID: 6485569
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: A23K,B01J,B05B

Abstract:
A system for applying liquid to solid particles comprising:a constant volume apparatus having a chamber and an aperture arranged to deliver said particles in a substantially constant volume stream to a moving surface, a mass flow-measuring device having a receiving end positioned adjacent said moving surface whereby said constant volume stream flows through said mass flow-measuring device and engages a curved sliding surface of a discharge pan, said curvature discharging said particles from said mass flow-measuring device in said stream at an angle from vertical, a liquid application chamber positioned below said pan and having an internal passageway with an inlet positioned to receive said stream of particles flowing from said mass flow-measuring device, said passageway defined by at least one curved wall, said curved wall having an upper portion positioned at an angle approximately identical to said discharge angle of said pan to receive said stream of particles in sliding fashion, said curved wall continuously curving downwardly to vertical and continuing its curvature beyond vertical to an exit angle from which said particles exit in said stream, and at least one liquid dispensing apparatus positioned to dispense liquid onto said stream of particles as said stream moves through said passageway.