US3754466A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for the impregnation treatment and eventual sterilization of cocoa seeds or beans with water or alkaline solutions
Assignee: Carle and Montanari SpA
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Filing: 1972-03-10
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Granted: 1973-08-28
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Expires: 1992-03-10
Abstract
Abstract A process for impregnating a substance, such as cocoa seeds or beans, with a fluid, such as water or an alkaline solution. The substance is subjected to vacuum action in a suitable environment for a selected period of time, and then mixed with the fluid in an impregnating environment at a pressure of at least one atmosphere. The impregnated substance is rapidly dried in an environment at a pressure which is less than one atmosphere.
Inventors
- 👤 C Taralli
- 👤 E Stefani
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 09:01
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23G; A23G1/00; A23G1/04; A23G1/06; A23G1/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
An apparatus for impregnating and sterilizing a substantially solid substance with a fluid, comprising, in combination: a hopper for holding said substantially solid substance to be impregnated; a tank containing an impregnating fluid; a container having a Cylindro-conical shape for receiving said substantially solid substance to be impregnated; said container being provided with suitable vacuum type valves by means of which said container is connected to said hopper and to said tank; said container being provided with means for obtaining and maintaining internally a predetermined degree of vacuum; said container being provided with heating means for obtaining and maintaining a termperature suitable for the treatment of said substantially solid substance; said container being provided with suitable means for stirring said substantially solid substance and said impregnating fluid; and said container being provided with an opening in its base which is closed by an airtight valve by means of which the treated product may be discharged by gravity.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
157 words
An apparatus for impregnating and sterilizing a substantially solid substance with a fluid, comprising, in combination: a hopper for holding said substantially solid substance to be impregnated; a tank containing an impregnating fluid; a container having a Cylindro-conical shape for receiving said substantially solid substance to be impregnated; said container being provided with suitable vacuum type valves by means of which said container is connected to said hopper and to said tank; said container being provided with means for obtaining and maintaining internally a predetermined degree of vacuum; said container being provided with heating means for obtaining and maintaining a termperature suitable for the treatment of said substantially solid substance; said container being provided with suitable means for stirring said substantially solid substance and said impregnating fluid; and said container being provided with an opening in its base which is closed by an airtight valve by means of which the treated product may be discharged by gravity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
103 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said hopper holds cocoa seeds or beans; said tank holds the impregnating fluid which includes water or an aqueous solution of an alkaline substance; said container is a steel container of a cylindro-conical form for receiving said cocoa seeds or beans; said container being provided with heating means for obtaining and maintaining a temperature suitable for the treatment of said cocoa seeds or beans; said container being provided with suitable stirring means; and the treated product being discharged by gravity through an opening at the base of said container which is closed by an airtight valve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 2, wherein said means for obtaining and maintaining internally said predetermined degree of vacuum includes a duct connected to a suction pump through at least one airtight valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
75 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 2, wherein said stirring means includes a steel ribbon of spiral form moved by a shaft coaxial with the longitudinal axis of said container and driven by a suitable external motor by means of a reduction gear, and a segment being rigidly affixed to said spiral steel ribbon and being provided in contact with the internal cylindro-conical wall of said container and disposed along the corresponding generating lines.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 4, wherein said means for obtaining and maintaining internally said predetermined degree of vacuum includes a duct connected to a suction pump through at least one airtight valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 5, wherein said heating means is capable of bringing the temperature in said container to at least substantially 120*C. for the purpose of sterilizing the treated product.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 2, wherein said heating means is capable of bringing the temperature in said container to at least substantially 120*C for the purpose of sterilizing the treated product.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for obtaining and maintaining internally said predetermined degree of vacuum includes a duct connected to a suction pump through at least one airtight valve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 1, wherein said heating means is capable of bringing the temperature in said container to at least substantially 120*C. for the purpose of sterilizing the treated product.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
77 words
An apparatus characterized in accordance with claim 1, wherein said suitable means for stirring includes a steel ribbon of spiral form moved by a shaft coaxial with the longitudinal axis of said container and driven by a suitable external motor by means of a reduction gear, and a segment being rigidly affixed to said spiral steel ribbon and being provided in contact with the internal cylindro-conical wall of said container and disposed along the corresponding generating lines.
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) | 1976-08-27 | 1977-02-26 | 1977-08-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-27 | 1981-02-26 | 1981-08-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-27 | 1985-02-26 | 1985-08-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |