Food product forming apparatus and method
US5470596A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23P30/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming a food product and ejecting the food product onto an appropriate discharge area. One embodiment includes a mold with a three-dimensional mold face. A membrane is mounted on the mold and extends over the mold face such that raw food material directed toward the mold substantially conforms the membrane to the mold face to define a three-dimensional contour for the upper surface of the food product. A plunger assembly which includes a plurality of plungers is thereafter advanced to extend through the mold face to force the membrane away from the mold face and thereby eject the food product from the mold. During ejection the three-dimensional contour of the upper surface of the food product and the substantially planar contour of the lower surface of the food product are substantially reversed. Consequently, a separator may be passed between the membrane and upper surface of the food product.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.