Food or edible material: processes – compositions – and products – Processes – Molding – casting – or shaping
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-15
2001-07-31
Yeung, George C. (Department: 1761)
Food or edible material: processes, compositions, and products
Processes
Molding, casting, or shaping
C426S660000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06268006
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for the production of comestibles having an outer husk composed of a flowable mass which is introduced into a mold, a thermally controlled ram penetrating into the mold and extruding the mass.
In a whole range of comestibles, it is necessary to produce an outer husk composed of a flowable mass, this flowable mass being pressed into a cavity, solidifying there as a result of appropriate thermal control and thus assuming a solid form. This applies, for example, to dog food, when an outer fatty husk encasing a meat mixture or the like is produced. In this case, heated flowable fat is introduced into a mold and is given a husk-like form by means of a pressure ram, the ram being cooled and the fat-like husk solidifying during the molding operation.
Primarily, and the present invention is to refer particularly to this, this operation relates to the production of a chocolate husk which is subsequently filled with a filling. For example, it is known from GB Patent 207 974 to introduce a ram, through which a coolant flows, into the chocolate mass, penetration taking place to an extent such that the chocolate husk obtained acquires the desired thickness. So that the ram can be separated from the chocolate mass again, the ram is provided with a corresponding separating agent, so that the chocolate mass does not remain adhering to the surface of the ram.
Furthermore, it is known from Utility Model 93 21 186 that the ram or the projections or cooling bodies on the ram are cooled to a temperature below 0° C. and then penetrate into the chocolate mass. Cooling gives rise, on the surface of the ram, to an extremely thin ice layer, since the dewpoint of the ambient air is above the die temperature separating the ram from the chocolate mass. As a result of the thin ice layer, however, stains may form on the inside of the comestible, this again being undesirable.
The same also applies to the proposal according to EP 0 715 813, whereby the ram element is cooled at least to a temperature such as to reach or fall below the dewpoint of the atmosphere surrounding the chocolate mass. In this case, too, that surface of the ram element which faces the chocolate mass becomes fogged before contact with the chocolate mass.
The object on which the present invention is to provide a method of the above-mentioned type, in which these disadvantages and, in particular, the formation of stains do not occur.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing object is achieved by providing a method wherein the dewpoint of the atmosphere surrounding the comestible is maintained below the temperature of the ram.
This method according to the invention avoids fogging of the ram or of the ram surfaces facing the chocolate mass, so that there is no formation of stains. In practice, however, it has become clear that the ram is nevertheless released very easily from the chocolate mass, since the operation is carried out at relatively low temperatures. There is, however, neither the formation of ice nor the formation of condensation water on the die.
Another feature of the present invention, for which independent protection is also requested, relates to the fact that the mold is vibrated during or after, preferably immediately after the introduction of the mass. Preferably, vibration takes place uniformly and prior to the penetration of the ram. The particular advantage of the invention is that, as a result of the vibration, a uniform distribution of the mass forming the outer husk occurs, so that a mirrorsmooth surface is obtained here.
The method can be carried out particularly effectively if the ram and/or the mold is/are produced from material having very high thermal conductivity. In this case, above all, copper, which possesses high thermal conductivity, is appropriate. The method is improved even further if the basic body of the ram and/or mold consists of copper and the surfaces coming into contact with the mass of the comestible are coated with silver or a silver alloy. Silver has an even higher thermal conductivity than copper, so that, ultimately, the thermal conductivity on the surface of the ram is between those of copper and silver. Silver also has the advantage that the mass of the comestible does not remain adhering. Separate protection is also requested for these features.
So that the entire method can be carried out continuously, the ram and mold are to be moved jointly during the thermal control and extrusion operation. In this case, it is necessary for the mold and ram to be centered relative to one another, for which reason corresponding centering pins are provided which engage into corresponding centering bores.
It was found, moreover, that the mold, which may consist, for example, of plastic, tends to become distorted after being used several times. Consequently, according to the invention, preferably resilient pressure pins are to be provided on the ram, which, when the die is being closed, press onto the mold and compensate these unevennesses.
Although the present invention is particularly well suited to the production of chocolate husks, it is not to be restricted to this, since other comestibles can also be produced very advantageously by means of this method.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4421773 (1983-12-01), Akutagawa
patent: 5409722 (1995-04-01), Binley
patent: 207974 (1923-12-01), None
patent: 616053 (1978-07-01), None
Bachman & LaPointe P.C.
KMB Produktions
Yeung George C.
LandOfFree
Method for producing consumable items does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method for producing consumable items, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method for producing consumable items will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2482639