| 摘要 |
Processing apparatus comprises a coating apparatus (30-42) which is adapted to divide a coating material into charges of predetermined size and apply the charges to batches of product 12 at a coating location 14. The coating location 14 is downstream of a batch forming apparatus 10 and is at or directly upstream of a packaging apparatus 16, which receives and encloses the batches 12 in discrete packages. Preferably, the coating apparatus includes a continuous feeder 30 for generating a controlled feed of the coating material at a constant volume or weight per unit time and a divider arrangement 34 (Fig. 2) for dividing the coating material into charges. Alternative apparatus for dividing the coating material may comprise diverter (106, Fig.3) or diverter valve (144, Fig.4). A control processor 1 may be utilised to adjust the rate of feed of the coating material dependant on the rate of production of the batches 12. The coating apparatus preferably injects the charges of coating material at location 14 with an injector 40,42, which may comprise a fluid-pressure device which may provide a gas stream to entrain particles of coating material. Preferably, the product is a snack food, such as crisps, and the coating material is a flowable flavouring composition, which may be solid or liquid. |
