Apparatuses and methods for enclosing a filling in a food product

US11311031B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Societe des Produits Nestle S.A. · CH

Inventors

• Mallory Jensen · Cambridge, US
• Joel Dupuis · Chesterfield, US
• Peter Lobar · Lausanne, CH
• Francisco Roig · Amiens, FR
• Gianni Dallaturca · Parma, IT
• Massimo Sironi · Parma, IT

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 23, 2015
• Grant date: Apr 26, 2022
• Expiry date: Feb 7, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B2220/14
• WIPO field: Food chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A filling device comprises a modified vacuum-filling head that introduces a viscous filling, such as a gravy, into a loaf matrix in a retortable can so that the filling remains enclosed by the set loaf matrix after retorting. The filling can remain as a viscous gravy or can set as a gel, depending on the formulation of the filling. Preferably the viscous filling is distributed horizontally into the loaf matrix, for example through horizontally-facing apertures, during a pause in the descent of the can away from the filling device. The flow of the filling can be controlled by synchronized pneumatic valves.