Flapper assembly for producing a curly puff extrudate
US6770233B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C48/12
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved method of applying a controlled pressure to the flapper in a curly puff production apparatus. The present invention uses a pneumatic system to apply a pressure to a flapper. The invention utilizes a rotary actuator that applies a near constant pressure to the flapper. Alternatively, a pair of telescoping tubes connected to the flapper and an air pressure source can apply a near constant pressure to either the proximate end or the distal end of the flapper. Further in the alternative, a linear actuator can be used to provide a near constant pressure to the flapper. As a result of applying a constant pressure to the flapper, the pitch in the curls of the curly puff extrudate can be more predictably controlled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.