US5051269A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Agglomeration method
Assignee: Nestec SA
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Filing: 1986-12-31
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Granted: 1991-09-24
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Expires: 2006-12-31
Abstract
Abstract A particulate comestible material is agglomerated by forming a flowable phase on the particle surfaces, consolidating the particles by passing them through a nip and resolidifying the flowable phase. The color, texture and density may be adjusted by controlling the degree of consolidation and the conditions of flowable phase formation.
Inventors
- 👤 Philippe Noreille
- 👤 Athol R. Pot
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:07
CPC Classifications
B; B30; B30B; B30B11/00; B30B11/16; A; A23; A23F; A23F3/00; A23F3/16; A23F3/30; A23F3/32; A23F5/00; A23F5/24; A23F5/36; A23F5/38; A23G; A23G1/00; A23G1/04; A23G1/042; A23G1/047; A23G1/30; A23G1/56; A23P; A23P10/00; A23P10/20; B30B11/005; A23G2200/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A process for agglomerating particulate water-soluble materials comprising: heating and moistening particles selected from the group consisting of soluble coffee, soluble teat, soluble cocoa mix and soluble chicory for forming a flowable coating layer on the surfaces of the particles; conveying the coated particles to a nip between a pair of opposed endless surfaces moving in a downstream direction, the nip having a distance between the endless surfaces which is greater than a mean diameter of the coated particles, for converging, merging and consolidating the particles without applying substantial pressure from the endless surfaces to the particles as the particles pass through the nip for joining and bonding the consolidated particles by their coated surfaces with one another; and collecting and drying the consolidated, bonded particles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
A process for agglomerating particulate water-soluble materials comprising: heating and moistening particles selected from the group consisting of soluble coffee, soluble teat, soluble cocoa mix and soluble chicory for forming a flowable coating layer on the surfaces of the particles; conveying the coated particles to a nip between a pair of opposed endless surfaces moving in a downstream direction, the nip having a distance between the endless surfaces which is greater than a mean diameter of the coated particles, for converging, merging and consolidating the particles without applying substantial pressure from the endless surfaces to the particles as the particles pass through the nip for joining and bonding the consolidated particles by their coated surfaces with one another; and collecting and drying the consolidated, bonded particles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the coated particles are conveyed through the nip before moisture from the coating equilibrates into the interior of the particles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A process according to claim 2 wherein the particles to be heated and moistened are contacted with steam for heating and moistening the particles as the conveyed particles move toward the endless surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A process according to claim 3 wherein the nip distance between the endless surfaces is non-uniform and wherein more steam is applied for contacting particles conveyed where the nip distance is greater than is applied for contacting particles conveyed where the nip distance is lesser.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
A process according to claim 3 wherein the particles to be heated and moistened are projected vertically downwards and the endless surfaces and the nip are disposed for receiving the downwardly projected particles.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 1 further comprising fragmenting the dired, consolidated, bonded particles.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein there are voids between the consolidated, bonded particles collected from the nip.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
57 words
A method according to claim 7 wherein a volume of particles conveyed to any portion of the nip per unit time is less than the product of the width of that portion of the nip times the distance between the endless surfaces at the portion of the nip times the speeds of movement of the endless surfaces.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
29 words
A method according to cliam 3 wherein the temperature of the particles to be heated and moistened is less than about 40° C. prior to contact with the steam.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
29 words
A method according to cliam 3 wherein the temperature of the particles to be heated and moistened is less than about 40° C. prior to contact with the steam.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 3 further comprising heating the endless surfaces for avoiding condensation of steam on the endless surfaces.
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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) | 1994-09-23 | 1995-03-25 | 1995-09-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-09-23 | 1999-03-25 | 1999-09-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-09-23 | 2003-03-25 | 2003-09-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |