Abstract:
The present invention includes a chain type cutting apparatus for continuous cutting of a rope of a center-filled consumable product into individual pieces, which includes a first continuous elongate rotary chain with a plurality of first open die cavity portions and a second continuous elongate rotary chain with a plurality of second open die cavity portions. The first and second die cavity portions are mutually engageable to form a closed die cavity about a rope of center filled consumable product, forming pieces. The invention incorporates four main variables, dwell time, chain length, chain speed and the number of closed die cavities in simultaneous engagement. These four variables can be altered to increase the output of the product, as well as maintain a satisfactory seal of the center-filled consumable product.
Abstract:
There is provided a cutter or mold having at least one sidewall defining a cavity, wherein the cavity draft angle varies. In some embodiments, the cutter may also include a base, i.e., the cutter can be a mold. The cutter or mold exhibits better release properties of food products molded or cut therewith than conventional cutters or molds having no cavity draft angle, or a uniform cavity draft angle. Rotary cutting wheels, that in some embodiments may be ultrasonically activated, as well as systems incorporating the cutters or molds are also provided, as are methods of forming food products using the cutters or molds.
Abstract:
A method of extruding products comprises varying the rate of flow of at least one material (12) through an extrusion aperture in a die (10). The method may be used to produce an extrudate body (16) whose cross-sectional area varies along its length or to produce an extrudate body comprising two or more different materials in which the proportions of the materials varies along its length. Apparatus (11) for carrying out the method comprises an extrusion die (10) defining an extrusion aperture and a material delivery system for delivering the material(s) to the die in a suitable condition for extrusion. A control system is operative to vary the rate of flow of the material. The control system may comprise a flow control mechanism (240) in a supply path for the first material upstream from the die (10). The flow control mechanism (240) may be operative to vary the volume of the supply path and may comprise a fluid actuated resiliently deformable flexible element. The method and apparatus are particularly suited for manufacturing food products, especially confectionery products such as chocolate bars.
Abstract:
The present invention includes a chain type cutting apparatus for continuous cutting of a rope of a center-filled consumable product into individual pieces, which includes a first continuous elongate rotary chain with a plurality of first open die cavity portions and a second continuous elongate rotary chain with a plurality of second open die cavity portions. The first and second die cavity portions are mutually engageable to form a closed die cavity about a rope of center filled consumable product, forming pieces. The invention incorporates four main variables, dwell time, chain length, chain speed and the number of closed die cavities in simultaneous engagement. These four variables can be altered to increase the output of the product, as well as maintain a satisfactory seal of the center-filled consumable product.
Abstract:
Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Separieren von plattenformigen Gegenständen (P), z.B. Kaugummivor- oder -Zwischenprodukten in streifenförmige oder plattenförmige Gegenstandsuntereinheiten (S), wobei folgende Verfahrensschritte und Vorrichtungsmerkmale vorgesehen sind: Bereitstellen der plattenformigen Gegenstände (P), wobei jeder plattenförmige Gegenstand (P) mindestens einen Schwächungsbereich (R) aufweist; Separieren einzelner streifenförmiger oder plattenförmiger Gegenstandsuntereinheiten (S) sukzessive aufeinander folgend von den bereitgestellten plattenförmigen Gegenständen (P), wobei das Separieren mittels einer Förder- und Separiervorrichtung (10) an den Schwächungsbereichen (R) der plattenförmigen Gegenstände (P) erfolgt; und Weiterfördern der einzelnen gebildeten streifenförmigen oder plattenförmigen Gegenstandsuntereinheiten (S).
Abstract:
A method of extruding products comprises varying the rate of flow of at least one material (12) through an extrusion aperture in a die (10). The method may be used to produce an extrudate body (16) whose cross-sectional area varies along its length or to produce an extrudate body comprising two or more different materials in which the proportions of the materials varies along its length. Apparatus (11) for carrying out the method comprises an extrusion die (10) defining an extrusion aperture and a material delivery system for delivering the material(s) to the die in a suitable condition for extrusion. A control system is operative to vary the rate of flow of the material. The control system may comprise a flow control mechanism (240) in a supply path for the first material upstream from the die (10). The flow control mechanism (240) may be operative to vary the volume of the supply path and may comprise a fluid actuated resiliently deformable flexible element. The method and apparatus are particularly suited for manufacturing food products, especially confectionery products such as chocolate bars.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing products comprising an outer casing of a first material (12) and containing at least one chamber (18) filled with a second material (14) comprises extruding the first material through a die (10) to form an extrudate body (16) and delivering the second material through at least one fluid outlet (22) in the die to form the least one filled chamber. The extrusion process is varied periodically and momentarily to produce sections (30) of extrudate body having no filled chamber. In one embodiment, the flow of the second material (14) is periodically reduced to form the unfilled sections. The flow of the second material (14) may be reduced by increasing the volume of a supply path for the second material upstream from the die (10). Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The method and apparatus are particularly adapted for producing food, and especially confectionery, products.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing a center-filled consumable product. The apparatus and method include an extruder, which extrudes a continuous tubular rope of consumable product, a rope sizer, a relaxation conveyor, and a apparatus for forming individual pieces of center- filled consumable products.