Patent ID: 8161901

Claim:
An apparatus for applying a spread packaged in a container onto a food item, comprising: an applicating station for applying a pre-selected quantity of said spread onto said food item as said food item is moved therethrough; a pumping station in fluid communication with said applicating station for transporting said spread from said container to said applicating station; and wherein said pumping station includes a pump having an input and an output, said input arranged in fluid communication with said container to provide access to said spread; and a diverter positioned downstream of said pump, said diverter including a flow control valve for adjustably directing spread between said applicating station and said container, said flow control valve including first and second outputs; a first duct extending between said first output of said flow control valve and said applicating station; and a second duct extending between said second output of said flow control valve and said container whereby at least a portion of said spread exiting said pump may be diverted into said container for agitation of said spread.