Patent ID: 6158332
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: A23G,A23L,A23P

Abstract:
A convertible station for a food product line in which an up-line process has a discharge end discharging to said convertible station an inflow of a combination food product and a coating material therefor, said convertible station comprising:a bypass conveyor; and,a convertible drum-type tumbling apparatus, which comprises a rotary drum, drum-transporting means for supporting the drum and transporting the drum between a use position and a non-use position, and, stand means for supporting the drum-transporting means;wherein the rotary drum extends between an intake end and a discharge end and is mounted on the drum-transporting means such that in the use position, the product discharged by the up-line process's discharge end is deposited in the drum's intake end;wherein the stand means includes installation means for installation of the bypass conveyor in the place of the drum after the drum has been transported out of the way to the non-use position, such that the installation of the bypass conveyor allows product discharged by the up-line process's discharge end to be deposited on the bypass conveyor; and,said convertible station including drive means for driving the drum and conveyor.