Abstract: An extruder for simultaneously forming a plurality of clam strip shapes from a single source of extrudable material including particles of clams therein. The extruder includes a nozzle body which terminates in a nozzle opening and a forming member in operative relation thereto for use in forming the extruder product. A divider member within the nozzle body divides the nozzle opening into a plurality of nozzle openings and also divides the forming member into a plurality of forming members.The divider member extends upstream within the nozzle body to an upstream end which is maintained free of clam particles by virtue of a deflecting member which is mounted on the upstream end thereof. The upstream end of the deflecting member presents a downstream convex surface to the extrudable material and thereby prevents accumulation of the clam particles on the upstream end of the divider.

Abstract: A machine is provided for practicing the method of forming a comestible in one of a variety of shapes from a foodstuff slurry. The slurry includes a gel-forming material and is supplied in predetermined amounts to a cavity which has been washed with a combination release and gellation agent. Apparatus is provided for contacting the exposed surface of the slurry in the cavity with a gellation agent to gel the gelforming material at the outer surface of the formed product. Further apparatus is provided for transporting the cavity filled with the foodstuff to a product removal station. Punch apparatus is aligned with the cavity at the product removal station and is actuated to extend into and extrude the product from the cavity onto a conveyor belt to be removed for further processing.