Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for continuously preparing a mixture of two or more constituents with the apparatus including a first container having an input for the reception of a first one of the constituents, an output, and advancing means for advancing the first constituent through the output. The apparatus further includes a second container having an input for the reception of a second one of the constituents, an output, and advancing means for advancing the second one of the constituents through the output of the second container. The apparatus includes a third container having an input opening for receiving the first and second constituents from the respective outputs of the first and second containers, and the third container further includes an output and mixing means for blending the first and second ones of the constituents into a blended air-free mixture and for advancing the blended mixture through the output of the third container.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for preparing shaped extruded food products are disclosed. The invention comprises providing nozzle extension means on conventional extrusion apparatus which includes an extrusion head adapted for the passage of a slurry of food particles therethrough, a first member positioned with respect to one end of the extrusion head and having a cutter edge which cooperates with the extrusion head to define an extrusion nozzle for the formation of the shaped food product, and a second member having a cutter edge and mounted for relative movement with respect to the extrusion head so as to cut off successive extrusions of the shaped food product formed at the nozzle. The nozzle extension means is positioned at the nozzle and cooperates therewith to receive the shaped extruded product as it is severed and to maintain the product in a predetermined spatial orientation with respect to the extrusion head subsequent to severance.