Automated forming of non-refrigerated molded food products
Abstract
Abstract NON-REFRIGERATED FOOD PRODUCTS FORMED BY FEEDING A CONGLOMERATE FOOD MIX IN PLASTIC STATE TO THE MOLDS OF AN AUTOMATED MOLDING EQUIPMENT OF A TYPE CONVENTIONALLY USED TO FORM FROZEN CONFECTIONS. THE FOOD MIX IS CHARACTERIZED BY AN ESSENTIALLY SOLID STATE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AND A PLASTIC STATE WHEN HEATED ABOVE ABOUT BODY TEMPERATURE. THE MIX TYPICALLY INCLUDES AS BASIC INGREDIENTS FRAGILE, PARTICULATED FOOD SOLIDS AND AN UNCOOKED BINDING AGENT. FEEDING OF THE MIX TO THE EQUIPMENT MOLDS IS BY NONDESTRUCTIVELY INJECTING MEASURED AMOUNTS OF THE MIX THROUGH NOZZLE MEANS CYCLICALLY RECIPROCATED INTO AND WITHDRAWN FROM THE MOLDS. AFTER SOLIDIFICATION OF THE MOLDED ARE BRIEFLY HEATED AND THE PRODUCTS WITHDRAWN FROM THE MOLDS. IF DESIRED, THE FORMED PRODUCTS WHILE STILL COLD CAN BE PROVIDED WITH A HIGH GLOSS DIP COATING.
Inventors
- 👤 Ben E Rasmusson
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 0References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-31 | 1974-11-30 | 1975-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-31 | 1978-11-30 | 1979-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-31 | 1982-11-30 | 1983-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |