Gas assisted co-extrusion apparatus and process for forming foods
US8944798B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C48/87
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A gas assisted co-extrusion apparatus includes a co-extrusion die in communication with an extruder. A nozzle that is defined by a bore in the co-extrusion die extends about a nozzle axis to a nozzle exit of the co-extrusion die. An injector extends through the bore of the co-extrusion die along the nozzle axis. The injector and nozzle together form a dough into a rope that is tubular with a wall portion and an inner cavity surrounded by the wall portion as the dough is extruded out of the nozzle exit and about the injector. A compressed gas source provides a compressed gas out of an injector outlet and into the inner cavity of the rope to radially stretch the wall portion of the rope as the rope is dispersed from the injector. The co-extrusion die is spaced from the extruder to define a void therebetween. A delivery system delivers an entrainable material to the compressed gas in a pipe. The pipe is connected to an injector inlet of the injector in the void. This allows the pipe to operate within the ambient temperature of the environment and for the entrainable material to be entrained into the compressed gas prior to being introduced into the injector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.