Abstract:
Apparatus for processing raw cheese curd into compact, homogeneous and plasticized cheese. The apparatus is provided with means including an elevated hot water bath for softening the curd, a conveyor belt for moving the cheese curd through the bath, means for conveying the curd in a shallow layer onto the belt, means for elevating the softened curd out of the bath and discharging it downwardly, and means below the bath for agglomerating the softened curd, forming it into a shallow horizontally moving stream, and kneading the stream into a ribbon of homogeneous cheese. In the apparatus is provided kneading rolls, a plurality of gathering baffles for narrowing and thickening the curd ribbon between the rolls, radiant heaters for applying heat to the curd ribbon between the rolls, and means for delivering fine water mist sprays on the kneading rolls.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods of using the apparatus for manufacturing irregularly shaped and sized products, and in particular cheese irregularly shaped and sized crumbles from cheeses, such as semi-soft cheeses including types of cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey jack, Colby, pepper jack, provolone, Swiss, Mexican cheeses and any other combinations of two or more varieties. The apparatus preferably includes five knife assemblies that combine to reduce bulk cheese products into irregularly shaped and sized cheese crumbles in a high-speed commercial manufacturing process. In addition, the apparatus includes one or more augers having flights configured for working or reshaping peripheral edges of the cheese during the manufacturing process.