Abstract: Automated systems and methods for priming a fluid chamber of a fluid dispensing valve with fluid from a fluid material source that includes a vacuum source, a valve priming station, a vacuum switch, and a controller. The valve priming station has a boot, a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum channel in the boot. The vacuum channel connects with the vacuum source via the vacuum chamber. The boot sealingly engages a valve nozzle of the fluid dispensing valve so that the vacuum chamber connects the vacuum source with the fluid chamber. The vacuum switch couples with the vacuum channel via the vacuum chamber and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. The controller is electrically connected with the vacuum source and vacuum switch and controls priming of the fluid dispensing valve based upon whether the vacuum switch is opened or closed.

Abstract: An automated system (10) and methods (11) for priming a fluid chamber (12) of a fluid dispensing valve (14) with fluid (16) from fluid material source that includes a vacuum source (46), a valve priming station (32), a vacuum switch (54), and a controller (62). The valve priming station (32) has a boot (40), a vacuum chamber (36), and a vacuum channel (42) in the boot (40). The vacuum channel (42) connects with the vacuum source (46) via the vacuum chamber (36). The boot (40) sealingly engages a valve nozzle (28) of the fluid dispensing valve (14) so that the vacuum chamber (36) connects the vacuum source (46) with the fluid chamber (12). The vacuum switch (54) couples with the vacuum channel (42) via the vacuum chamber (36) and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber (36).

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI, furthermore perform a frequency analysis of the measured pressure value in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The method is adapted to be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The can be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for efficiently transporting or dispensing transport objects including not only particles but also liquid samples. A liquid in a first liquid transport pipe (3) is fed at a liquid feed velocity (V1), and a liquid droplet is formed toward an open end of a second liquid transport pipe (4) disposed with an air gap (11) in between. The particle is released into the liquid droplet, so that the particle is enclosed in the liquid droplet. Suction with a liquid feed velocity (V2) is applied to the inside of the second liquid transport pipe. Since the relationship between V1 and V2 is V1<V2, the liquid droplet, after reaching the open end (10) of the second liquid transport pipe, is sheared off by suction, thereby forming a liquid section in the second liquid transport pipe.

Abstract: A gas recovery system for a beverage dispensing system, the gas recovery system comprising: means for drawing gas from an at least partially used beverage container, a compressor downstream of said at least partially used beverage container; a gas separator downstream of said compressor, a gas storage vessel downstream of said gas separator; wherein in use the gas recovery system is configured to draw gas from the at least partially used beverage container and to separate said gas into component gases by passing said gas through said gas separator, and to selectively direct at least one of the separated component gases to said gas storage vessel.

Abstract: A CO2-based beverage dispensing system includes a CO2 monitoring unit operative to emit a warning upon detecting excessive consumption of CO2 gas. The CO2 monitoring unit includes a gas input port, a gas output port, a CO2 monitor, an alarm, and in one embodiment a shut-off valve. The CO2 monitor may measure CO2 gas flow rate or pressure, and indicate excessive CO2 gas consumption if the measured CO2 gas flow rate is above a predetermined flow rate or the measured CO2 gas pressure is below a predetermined pressure level. The CO2 monitor may include chronological functionality, and only indicate excessive CO2 gas consumption if the measured quantity trips a threshold for a predetermined duration.

Abstract: For bubble free emptying of pasteous substances from drum-shaped containers these are pumped out through a drum follower plate placed onto the paste. In a refinement, the drum follower plate is provided hollow with a lower grid plate and before the beginning of the pumping out process through evacuation of the hollow intermediary space air, possibly present under the drum follower plate, is sucked from there into the intermediary space, so that the pump scooping from below the grid plate only feeds pasteous material right from the beginning.

Abstract: A mixed-gas beverage dispensing system for driving beverages from a container to a tap with a predetermined ratio of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) gas includes one or more monitors to detect excessive consumption of N2. The system may include a N2 generator, with a monitor monitoring the N2 generator to detect excessive operation thereof. The system may include a N2 reservoir, with a monitor monitoring the pressure in the N2 reservoir. The system may include a volumetric gas flow meter interposed in one or more mixed-gas distribution lines to monitor the flow of mixed gas. Upon detecting consumption of N2 gas in excess of a predetermined threshold, a monitor may trigger an audible, visual, or electronic alarm; may shut down operation of the system; and/or may switch to one or more backup gas tanks containing CO2, N2 or a predetermined blend thereof, for continued beverage dispensing operation.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device including a dispense head configured to be placed and secured onto a bottle of liquid in a manner which enables the liquid to be dispensed. The dispense head includes a stopper having gas inlets and a liquid intake tube. A gas intake and a dispense spout are also mounted on the dispense head. A valve assembly allows pressurized gas to be introduced into the dispense head and into the bottle of liquid such that selective channeling of gas or liquid can be controlled to flow through the dispense spout thus enabling either liquid to pour through the spout or gas to clear the spout. A system utilizing this dispense head and a method of dispensing liquid using this head are possible with this device.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided which dispenses a predetermined amount of a liquid from a reservoir. It includes a negative pressure system to supply a negative pressure which acts on the liquid in the liquid reservoir while no liquid is being dispensed. The negative pressure system includes a negative pressure source, an electropneumatic regulator communicating with the negative pressure source to regulate the pressure inside the liquid reservoir to a desired negative pressure level, a pressure sensor provided between the electropneumatic regulator and reservoir, and a control means for controlling the electropneumatic regulator responsive to a signal from the pressure sensor to regulate the pressure inside the reservoir to the desired negative pressure level. It can assure a negative pressure which is stable even just after it is switched on and can thus work stably even right after the switch-on.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for efficiently transporting or dispensing transport objects including not only particles but also liquid samples. A liquid in a first liquid transport pipe (3) is fed at a liquid feed velocity (V1), and a liquid droplet is formed toward an open end of a second liquid transport pipe (4) disposed with an air gap (11) in between. The particle is released into the liquid droplet, so that the particle is enclosed in the liquid droplet. Suction with a liquid feed velocity (V2) is applied to the inside of the second liquid transport pipe. Since the relationship between V1 and V2 is V1<V2, the liquid droplet, after reaching the open end (10) of the second liquid transport pipe, is sheared off by suction, thereby forming a liquid section in the second liquid transport pipe.

Abstract: To supply a consumer (13a, 13b) with liquid carbon dioxide with a desired temperature of more than 0° C. and a desired pressure of more than 30 bar, liquid carbon dioxide is taken from a tank (1) in which it is stored at a temperature below the desired temperature and a pressure below the desired pressure. The pressure of the carbon dioxide is increased (3) and subsequently the carbon dioxide is heated to the desired temperature (14a, 14b).

Abstract: A system is disclosed that minimizes the effect of internal pressure upon weight-loss weighing systems. The system can include a flexible gas purge line that pressurizes the system as well as a pressure compensator that negates the adverse effects of internal pressure on weight sensing equipment during normal operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.

Abstract: A coffee apparatus comprises a coffee grinder which receives the coffee beans from a chamber which has a hermetically-sealed lid and a manually-operable venting valve, a sealing assembly for the outlet of the chamber, a vacuum pump capable of evacuating the chamber and a pressure switch connected to the vacuum pump and the chamber by a T-connector for turning on the pump to maintain a vacuum in the chamber when pressure in the chamber rises.

Abstract: Vacuum pneumatic conveying apparatus and method are described to provide for a simple, economical, convenient (and preferably automatic) system for conveying ice on an as-required basis from a source such as an ice maker to one or more receptors at locations remote from that source. The system can be configured such that dispensing locations can be added or eliminated from the system or temporarily taken “off line” from the system without the need to change the basic system configuration or the central ice providing apparatus. The apparatus in various embodiments includes an ice source, a conveying conduit from the source to the receptor, a vacuum pump for moving the ice through the conduit by vacuum, and the receptor to collect the conveyed ice. The receptor may be an ice/beverage dispenser, an accumulator for retention and discharge to further devices, an intermediate storage dispenser, or an air lock device from where the ice can be projected over significant distances.

Abstract: An air supply apparatus includes a buffer tank for receiving and storing ultra-pure water from an ultra-pure source, a temperature/humidity controller (THC) for conditioning the air using the ultra-pure water from the buffer tank, an ultra-pure water pipe for delivering the ultra-pure water from the ultra-pure source to the buffer tank, and an air pipe for delivering the air from the THC to semiconductor device fabricating equipment. A control mechanism, including at least one valve disposed in the piping of the apparatus, allows the apparatus to be selectively operated in a normal mode in which the ultra-pure water is allowed to flow from the ultra-pure water source to the THC via the buffer tank, and a cleaning mode in which the THC runs using ultra-pure water stored in the buffer tank while the ultra-pure water pipe is being cleaned.

Abstract: A toothpaste dispensing and tube-storing unit that can neatly store multiple tubes of toothpaste in separate compartments and easily and efficiently be used to dispense toothpaste from the tubes. The unit can hold one or more toothpaste tubes, as well as several toothbrushes. Each compartment is open at the top and bottom ends and has a spring-loaded pressure squeeze-bar assembly mounted inside and near the bottom of the compartment. The front of each compartment has an open slot extending from the top opening to near the bottom of the unit for accessing a tube of toothpaste. The unit can be mounted on the wall for easy access. The toothpaste tube is inserted, cap end up, from the top of the compartment with the bottom end of the tube being inserted between two spring-loaded pressure squeeze-bars. When the bottom end of a tube is pulled downward, toothpaste is dispensed from the open top of the tube by means of pressure applied by the squeeze-bars.

Abstract: An air supply apparatus includes a buffer tank for receiving and storing ultra-pure water from an ultra-pure source, a temperature/humidity controller (THC) for conditioning the air using the ultra-pure water from the buffer tank, an ultra-pure water pipe for delivering the ultra-pure water from the ultra-pure source to the buffer tank, and an air pipe for delivering the air from the THC to semiconductor device fabricating equipment. A control mechanism, including at least one valve disposed in the piping of the apparatus, allows the apparatus to be selectively operated in a normal mode in which the ultra-pure water is allowed to flow from the ultra-pure water source to the THC via the buffer tank, and a cleaning mode in which the THC runs using ultra-pure water stored in the buffer tank while the ultra-pure water pipe is being cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relate to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a gas in equilibrium with a liquid stored in a container with the gas. The system includes a sensor to detect an equilibrium condition within the container, and to generate a first signal in response. A source gas connection allows a pressurized source gas to flow to the container, and a source gas control valve controls flow of the source gas to the container. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the first signal, and also to determine when fluid is removed from the container. The controller is further configured to operate the source gas control valve to allow the source gas to flow into the container when the controller determines that fluid has been removed from the container. The controller allows the source gas to flow into the container until an equilibrium pressure is reached which is a function of the first signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relate to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.

Abstract: A worm metering apparatus which includes a metering tube having an end, the end has an annular barrier element, made of sintered metal, that communicates with a negative-pressure source and an overpressure source gas source. A pressure meter is also provided, which measures the negative pressure that prevails in a line to the barrier element. To prevent the barrier element from becoming clogged with bulk material particles, the overpressure gas is conducted to the barrier element during the operation of the worm metering apparatus, in order to detach adhering particles of bulk material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting constant quantitative chemicals which is capable of injecting a chemical solution into ultra pure water without generating particulate contamination, and furthermore, the injection interval of the chemical solution to the cleaning nozzle is controlled in units of seconds within a range of a few seconds to 10 or more seconds, and the switching of the type of chemical solution and the changeover to ultra pure water cleaning can be conducted in a short period of time of approximately 1 second.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical delivery systems and methods for delivery of liquid chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to systems having multi-reservoir load cell assemblies for delivering chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-reservoir load cell assembly, including a controller, a buffer reservoir, a main reservoir, one or more load cells, coupled to the assembly and to the controller, operable to weigh the liquid in the reservoir(s), a plurality of supply lines, each supply line having a valve and connecting one of the supply containers to the main reservoir, and a gas and vacuum sources for withdrawing the liquid from the assembly when demanded by the controller and for refilling the assembly from the supply containers.

Abstract: A vacuum storage and dispensing container for use with perishable items, particularly food products, and more particularly for use with roasted whole-bean coffee in any retailing application, to extend shelf life of the perishable item. The invention includes a storage and dispensing container, and further includes a valve mechanism for opening the cylinder to the atmosphere. A merchandising unit for storing and dispensing perishables includes a plurality of the above described vacuum storage and dispensing containers.

Abstract: An injection system and method for feeding a particulate material to a process vessel, including a valve with at least one cavity adapted for receipt of a predetermined volume of particulate and a sweep stream source for providing a sweep stream having flow in a direction generally toward the valve to remove substantially all of the particulate from the cavity of the valve.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum storage and dispensing container for use with perishable items, particularly food products, and more particularly for use with roasted whole-bean coffee in any retailing application, to extend the shelf life of the perishable item for several months. The invention comprises a storage and dispensing container having a cylinder with a top end and a bottom end. An upper enclosure is attached to the top end and a lower enclosure to the bottom end. There is provided a system for releasing and creating a vacuum in the cylinder, upper enclosure, and lower enclosure for maintaining freshness of the perishable item. In another aspect, there is disclosed a merchandising unit for storing and dispensing perishables comprising a plurality of storage and dispensing containers. Each container includes a cylinder having a top end and a bottom end. An air-tight upper enclosure is attached to the top end and an air-tight lower enclosure to the bottom end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for feeding a mud-like catalyst mixture into a polymerization reactor. The catalyst mixture is fed from a container into a batching space of a feeder connected thereto, from which channel the catalyst mixture is further fed by batches into the polymerization reactor by the use of the pressure of a medium fed into the feeder. In accordance with the invention, after each catalyst batch fed into the polymerization reactor, the medium is substantially removed from the batching space of the feeder by leading the medium via an outlet channel into a space between two on/off valves before filling the batching space with a new catalyst batch.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquefying a thermoplastic, high-polymer material has a supply container for the thermoplastic material, heating means for heating the material in the supply container, a base part disposed beneath the supply container and containing a collecting trough for the liquefied thermoplastic material and control means regulating the heating means in dependence upon a comparison between a predetermined desired value and an actual value detected by a sensor. In order to be able to follow even rapid changes of the operating conditions the amount of liquefied thermoplastic material conveyed out of the collecting trough is detected as actual value and supplied to the control means; a suitable measure of this amount is in particular the speed of rotation of a pump serving as conveying means to convey the liquefied material from the collecting trough.

Abstract: The hoppers of several dust precipitators are connected to a common readily accessible monitoring station by discrete conduits each of which has a first open end at a preselected level in the respective hopper, a second open end at the monitoring station and an intermediate portion extending above the corresponding preselected level. Suction which normally prevails in the hoppers tends to maintain closed pivotable flaps for the second open ends of the conduits. If the dust in a hopper accumulates to or rises above the respective preselected level, the corresponding flap is opened by a counterweight and such movement of the flap entails the generation of a signal which is used to evacuate dust from the corresponding hopper and/or to actuate an alarm for the convenience and attention of the persons in charge.

Abstract: Device and process for introducing a powder with catalytic activity into a fluidized bed polymerization reactor (1), the said device comprising:a storage enclosure (2) for powder with catalytic activity, provided with a feed line (3) for powder with catalytic activity and a shut-off valve (26), this enclosure being connected to a metering device (4) making it possible to deliver periodically a given volume of powder with catalytic activity,an intermediate chamber (5), placed below the metering device to receive direct the powder delivered by the latter, this intermediate chamber comprising in its upper part a tube (6) bringing in a inert carrier gas, provided with a shut-off valve,piping for conveying the powder (8) connecting the bottom part of the intermediate chamber to the fluidized-bed reactor, this piping having a portion which is more or less horizontal, the said powder conveying piping being provided with a full-bore rapid-opening valve (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the metering of predetermined quantities of at least one product to be delivered to at least one mobile receiver by means of a distribution station which comprises means effecting the discharge of a product from a container, a device effecting simultaneously the preliminary storage, homogeneization and the transfer of the product to a weighing assembly comprising a metering feeder equipped with means to deliver the product to a mobile receiver, means to effect static weighings and dynamic weighings, means to conduct automatically the operations of weighing and the delivery of the product to the mobile receiver, means to effect the transfer of the product to the mobile receiver and to obturate the outlet of the weighing assembly, and the elements of the distributor station are further equipped with means to create and to maintain the impermeability of the apparatus with respect to the product involved and the elements of the environment.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for wine has a first reservoir which holds an inverted bottle of wine and a second reservoir connected to the first reservoir through a check valve for holding a supply of wine received from the first reservoir. A solenoid actuated valve is interposed in a wine dispense line connected to the second reservoir. A source of pressurized nitrogen gas is connected to both the first and second reservoirs for supplying the discharge pressure for dispensing the wine from the second reservoir upon actuation of the solenoid, and for maintaining a nitrogen enriched atmosphere in contact with the wine at all times in the reservoirs to prevent secondary fermentation of the wine in the reservoirs by the oxygen in the air. Nitrogen is supplied automatically to the first reservoir through a demand control valve each time wine is removed from the second reservoir to occupy the space vacated by the dispensed wine.

Abstract: A fireproof cabinet system for electronic equipment including a wall shield with an outer metal layer that acts as a radiation shield, an inner support layer and an insulation layer. A water supply nozzle is mounted on top of the fireproof cabinet system for providing a continuous stream of cooling water on the cabinet shield for minimizing fire damage of the shield and also providing a temperature barrier for the electronic equipment. A forced air cooling system provides cool air from a supply located outside of the equipment room to the cabinet where the coolant air is ducted along the top and side walls of the cabinet in a sheath formed between the cabinet wall and the interior so that the coolant air in combination with the cooling water act to cool both the equipment and to remove heat caused by the external fire.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering bulk material includes a downwardly open supply chute; a metering screw having an intake length portion for receiving bulk material from the supply chute; a motor operatively connected to the metering screw for imparting rotation thereto; and a tubular metering screw casing accommodating the metering screw and arranged for guiding therein the bulk material advanced by the metering screw during rotation thereof. The metering screw is oriented obliquely with respect to the horizontal. There is further provided a spout supported at the discharge end of the metering screw and arranged for receiving the bulk material advanced thereby. The spout has a downwardly curving configuration and a substantially vertically downwardly oriented outlet opening.

Abstract: A system for automatically purging heating mantles and other apparatus including an enclosed volume capable of low level pressurization. The system comprises a pressure sensor for sensing the fluid pressure within the enclosure, which may be the space between a heating mantle poncho and the enclosed flask, and a fluidic logic circuit which is responsive to a low pressure condition within the enclosure to deactivate the heating element in the mantle. At the same time, the logic circuit causes a predetermined volume of purging gas to flow through the enclosure and, after this has been accomplished, reactivates the heating element and reestablishes the minimum pressure conditions by flowing a small volume of purging gas into the enclosure. The system is particularly intended for use in hazardous locations where explosion-proof electrical equipment enclosures are normally mandatory.

Abstract: A system for automatically purging heating mantles and other apparatus including an enclosed volume capable of low level pressurization. The system comprises a pressure sensor for sensing the fluid pressure within the enclosure, which may be the space between a heating mantle poncho and the enclosed flask, and a fluidic logic circuit which is responsive to a low pressure condition within the enclosure to deactivate the heating element in the mantle. At the same time, the logic circuit causes a predetermined volume of purging gas to flow through the enclosure and, after this has been accomplished, reactivates the heating element and reestablishes the minimum pressure conditions by flowing a small volume of purging gas into the enclosure. The system is particularly intended for use in hazardous locations where explosion-proof electrical equipment enclosures are normally mandatory.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system and process for producing discrete chilled products having preselected weights from a semi-fluid mixture. The semi-fluid mixture is pumped along a distribution path to an extruding manifold which extrudes a plurality of parallel continuous lengths of the mixture. The continuous lengths are directed through a chilling station in a parallel relationship in order to chill and firm the lengths such that the lengths maintain their extruded cross-sectional configuration. A cutter periodically severs the continuous lengths at predetermined intervals to provide a plurality of discrete products having predetermined weights. The pumping rate, rate of travel through the freezer and periodic severing of the continuous lengths may be selectively varied in order to maintain any desired weight of the discrete products.