Methods for preparing chocolate mixtures
US4861615A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23G1/202
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In a method of preparing a chocolate mixture in a continuous mode of operation with a high throughput, raw cocoa-bean fragments are supplied to a first housing zone of an extruder and after passing through a steam lock, are acted upon by high-pressure steam and, following thereon, the first zone is connected to a vacuum pump, the mixture being subjected in this manner to a mixing, kneading and degassing operation in the first zone. The mixture is then supplied to a second housing zone following on the first housing zone and is then supplied from the second housing zone directly to a comminuting device such as a hammer mill and, after being processed in the comminuting device, the mixture is immediately supplied to a third housing zone which follows directly on the second housing zone of the same extruder and which is likewise connected to a vacuum pump. Apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a twin-shaft screw extruder having a first housing zone to which is connected a product feed pipe, a steam-lock device and a high-pressure steam supply pipe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.