US3580161A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for processing cheese curd into homogenous cheese
Assignee: NICHOLAS E PONTECORVO
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Filing: 1969-08-11
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Granted: 1971-05-25
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Expires: 1989-08-11
Abstract
Abstract Cheese processing apparatus comprising a circular tub containing heated water for softening raw cheese curd delivered to it by a fixed hopper, the tub being rotatable to carry the cheese in a circular path of nearly 360* to an elevating conveyor operating adjacent the back side of the hopper to remove the softened curd from the bottom of the tub and elevate it over the tub rim to a kneading unit of the apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Nicholas E Pontecorvo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:16
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01J; A01J27/00; A01J27/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
30 words
A processing machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said curd delivering means is a hopper having a discharge mouth extending generally radially of the tub adjacent the bottom thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
45 words
A processing machine as defined in clam 1, wherein said curd-softening means comprises a means for delivering hot water into the tub to provide a heated bath in which the curd is steeped during its period of travel between the points of entry and discharge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A processing machine as defined in claim 1, including means defining a sump at the center of the tub, extending upwardly from the bottom thereof, and defining outwardly thereof an annular chamber in which said annular stream of raw curd is developed and transported between the points of entry and discharge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
62 words
A processing machine as defined in claim 1, including: means defining a sump at the center of the tub, extending upwardly from the bottom thereof, and defining outwardly thereof an annular chamber in which said annular stream of raw curd is developed and transported between the points of entry and discharge; and means in said sump for overflow discharge of excess water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A processing machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said gathering means comprises a rotatable paddle wheel having peripheral conveyor blades dipping into the tub adjacent the back of said raw curd delivery means anD operable to engage the softened curd at the end of said revolution and to convey it upwardly to the rim of the tub.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
104 words
A processing machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said gathering means comprises: a rotatable paddle wheel having peripheral conveyor blades dipping into the tub adjacent the back of said raw curd delivery means and operable to engage the softened curd at the end of said revolution and to convey it upwardly to the rim of the tub; said tub having an upwardly flaring frustoconical peripheral wall; and said paddle wheel being rotatable in a plane tilted outwardly generally parallel to the adjacent area of said peripheral wall and on an axis extending in a generally radial direction over the rim of the tub.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
110 words
A processing machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said gathering means comprises: a rotatable paddle wheel having peripheral conveyor blades dipping into the tub adjacent the back of said raw curd delivery means and operable to engage the softened curd at the end of said revolution and to convey it upwardly to the rim of the tub; and a ramp supported in a fixed position in said tub, extending upwardly from the tub bottom beneath said paddle wheel in close proximity to the path of sweep of said conveyor blades, providing a supporting and guiding surface along which the curd is swept upwardly and outwardly to the tub rim.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-24 | 1974-11-23 | 1975-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-24 | 1978-11-23 | 1979-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-24 | 1982-11-23 | 1983-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |