Patent ID: 7344299
Filing Date: 2008-03-18
Classification: A23P,B01F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for controlling viscosity of a food batter material comprising: a source of a first batter component; a source of a second batter component; a mix tank and a mixer, wherein the predetermined amounts of the at least first and second components are selectively introduced into the mix tank and mixed by the mixer to form a food batter material which is selectively pumped by a first pump to supply the batter to a separate food coating system for use; a viscosity control system comprising a second pump operating to pump a uniform volume of the batter material from the mix tank through a separate supply line to an in-line viscometer housed in association with the separate supply line, wherein the viscometer continuously measures the viscosity of the food batter as it flows through a housing in which the viscometer is positioned, wherein the viscometer is an ultrasonic probe which provides a measurement of the actual viscosity of the food batter material, a filtration system provided in association with the separate supply line before the in-line viscometer to filter the batter material and supply a substantially uniform batter material to contact said ultrasonic probe; a control system receiving the signal from the viscometer and continuously controlling at least the supply of the first and second components to the mix tank to substantially maintain the batter material at a predetermined viscosity.