Abstract: A novel pretzel chip is produced by extruding pretzel dough to form a dough extrudate comprising concentric dough rings that are interconnected and partially fused. The extrudate is sliced, and the slices are cooked following conventional pretzel cooking procedures. The dough is extruded through a die that includes a dough inlet having a plurality of metering passages arranged in concentric circles, a die interior comprised of a dough passageway containing a plurality of arcuate divider walls arranged in concentric circles, with each of said arcuate divider walls comprised of a base portion affixed to said dough inlet and a tip portion that is recessed from a dough exit port.

Abstract: Material, for example food material, is extruded through an extrusion die and cut into individual portions by a cutter blade which reciprocates across the die. A hot air blower device directs hot air against the cutter blade to prevent the food material, e.g., pretzel dough, from adhering to or accumulating on the cutter blade, thereby reducing machine down time caused by the need to periodically stop and clean the cutter blade. The hot air blower device receives cool air which is passed through the hot air tools and expelled as hot air by a fan-shaped nozzle disposed opposite the cutter blade.

Abstract: Material, for example food material, is extruded through an extrusion die and cut into individual portions by a cutter blade which reciprocates across the die. A hot air blower device directs hot air against the cutter blade to prevent the food material, e.g., pretzel dough, from adhering to or accumulating on the cutter blade, thereby reducing machine down time caused by the need to periodically stop and clean the cutter blade. The hot air blower device receives cool air which is passed through the hot air tools and expelled as hot air by a fan-shaped nozzle disposed opposite the cutter blade.

Abstract: A novel pretzel chip is produced by extruding pretzel dough to form a dough extrudate comprising concentric dough rings that are interconnected and partially fused. The extrudate is sliced, and the slices are cooked following conventional pretzel cooking procedures. The dough is extruded through a die than includes a dough inlet having a plurality of metering passages arranged in concentric circles, a die interior comprised of a dough passageway containing a plurality of arcuate divider walls arranged in concentric circles, with each of the arcuate divider walls comprised of a base portion affixed to the dough inlet and a tip portion that is recessed from a dough exit port.