Abstract: The invention relates to novel edible laminated structures that have at least one first fluid material interleaved between thin layers of a second fluid material wherein neither of the first fluid material nor the second fluid material is a hard candy mass.

Abstract: Frozen aerated products having a mean ice crystal diameter of between about 20 and 60 microns and a mean equivalent diameter of about 32 to 36 microns and a homogeneous distribution of fats and proteins. These products are manufactured with a device having two endless screws, identical and parallel, meshing with each other and turning in the same direction, located in a casing fitted at one of its ends with a nozzle and at the other end with an inlet for feeding with composition to be frozen and, in an intermediate area, with an inlet for feeding air. The casing is provided with a jacket in which refrigerating fluids circulate.

Abstract: Provided are methods of manufacturing breadcrumb and a breadcrumb coated food product. The method of manufacture of breadcrumb involves contacting a flour mixture with an aqueous solution of a gelling agent and a bleaching agent, allowing the solution to be absorbed by the mixture to form a slurry, extruding the slurry to form pellets, and drying and milling the pellets to form breadcrumb. The method of manufacture of a breadcrumb coated food product involves contacting a breadcrumb with an aqueous solution of a gelling agent, allowing the solution to be absorbed by the crumb, drying the crumb and applying the crumb as a coating to a food substrate.

Abstract: A process for shaping into a granular form a delivery system for the controlled release of flavor or fragrance compounds. This process includes the steps of preparing a mixture of a continuous phase carrier containing a volatile flavor or fragrance compound or composition finely divided therein and having a low water content. This guarantees that the glass transition temperature of the mixture is the glass transition temperature of the final product. The mixture is then heated within a screw extruder to a temperature of between 90 and 130° C. to form a molten mass, the molten mass is extruded through a die and then chopped as it exits the die. The latter step is performed at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of making a puffed food starch material snack, in particular starch material from grains, having an improved crispy texture and a more aesthetic appearance. The products may be snack chips, cakes, crackers or the like, made from food starch material. Preferably, the starch material is provided primarily in the form of individual kernels or pellets of a cereal grain, such as rice, corn, wheat, rye, oats, millet, sorghum, barley, buckwheat, or mixtures thereof. According to one method, a puffing chamber is provided having inner surfaces and a chamber volume. An amount of the food starch material is placed into the puffing chamber. The amount of food starch material is caused to volumetrically expand. The expanding food starch material is constrained in its expansion in at least a first dimension, while permitting unconstrained expansion of the amount in at least a second dimension.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of a braid shaped puffed extrudate. A tube or other peripheral containment vessel is placed at the exit end of an extruder die that produces two or more extrudate streams. A circular air stream is then introduced into the peripheral containment vessel downstream of the glass transition point, thereby causing the extrudate streams to braid together within the containment vessel.

Abstract: A extrusion method is used to obtained leavened dough products with desirable characteristics. A chemical leavener is used to release carbon dioxide within the extruder and/or a premixer to yield an expanded dough following the extrusion process. In some embodiments, improved dough products are produced. The improved dough products following frying have improved freeze/thaw cycling performance and can be microwave cooked to yield a tender dough with desirable characteristics. The improved dough can be described by the degree of expansion and its cooking properties.

Abstract: A ready-to-eat, nutritionally valuable food bar containing an extruded mixture of (a) agglomerated particles or flakes of at least one cooked-extruded base made of amylaceous materials and milk solids and (b) a binder made of sugar, milk solids and a binding agent, wherein the extruded mixture has the shape of a bar. Also, a process for manufacturing a ready-to-eat food bar by preparing a dry mixture of particles or flakes of at least one cooked-extruded base containing amylaceous materials and milk solids; mixing the dry mixture with a binder made of sugar, milk solids and a binding agent; and forming the mass obtained into a bar shape.

Abstract: A textured whey protein product for use as a meat extender or meat analog is prepared by thermoplastic extrusion of a composition containing whey protein concentrate and optionally an edible polysaccharide, such as cornstarch. Puffing of the extruded product results in a snack food product. Methods of making the meat extender product and the snack food product are also included.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of a braid shaped puffed extrudate. A tube or other peripheral containment vessel is placed at the exit end of an extruder die that produces two or more extrudate streams. A circular air stream is then introduced into the peripheral containment vessel downstream of the glass transition point, thereby causing the extrudate streams to braid together within the containment vessel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for processing polyvinylacetate and other similar ingredients of a gum base or chewing gum product are disclosed. The ingredient materials are separated into individual pieces by a lump breaker and conveyed through a pneumatic conveying system to a cyclone receiver and holding bin. A volumetric feeder feeds the material into a side feeder which in turn introduces and feeds the material to the main continuous extruder used for making the final gum base or gum product. A unique adapter connects the side feeder to the main extruder which allows repair and/or modification of the side feeder without separating it from the main extruder.

Abstract: A device (10) for distributing expandable dough to plural holes (5A) is provided at a terminal end of a rotor (3) in an extruder to form plural expanded confectioneries, each of which has a rod-like configuration. A first member (20) with a through hole (22) at central portion thereof has plural and radial channels (24), and a second member (30) connected to the first member has a multi-faced pyramid-like projection (34) at a central portion of the inner wall therof. The inner wall has channels (36), each radially extending from a base of a face of the projection. The channels in the second member and the other channels in the first member are opposingly arranged in alignment to form diverging flow passages for the expandable dough. The second member has plural bores (32) arranged so as to form a concentric circle, and one each of each bore communicates with one end of the diverging flow passage while the other end is opened to form an expanding portion for the confectionery dough.

Abstract: A hydrocolloid confectionery product that includes, as a gelling agent, comprising iota-carrageenan or a mixture of carrageenans containing more than 50% iota-carrageenan in an amount sufficient to provide characteristics and properties of the product that are essentially the same as in hydrocolloid confectionery products that include gelatin as a gelling agent. Also, a process for making the hydrocolloid confectionery.

Abstract: A gelatin-free gummy confection comprising the combination of gellan gum and nu-carrageenan, nu-/iota-carrageenan or both. The gellan gum and nu-carrageenan, nu-/iota-carrageenan or both, provides a firm, resilient, gelatin-like texture in a gelatin-free gummy confection.

Abstract: The method for producing an expanded, shaped pellet products with an annular cavity includes extruding a mixture to form a tubular extrudate. This is formed by extruding dough around and through a die insert having one or more sources for injecting air, other inert gas, or liquid into an annular cavity into a portion of the tubular extrudate. After exiting the extruder, the shaped extrudate initially expands at it exits the extruder die but is then stretched so as to substantially return the extrudate to an unexpanded state. Thereafter, the stretched extrudate is cut into shaped pellets with annular cavities. Upon being further heated, for example, in a hot air puffer, the pieces are puffed to produce expanded, shaped snack products with annular cavities without the need for a dehydration and/or conditioning step.

Abstract: A process and product is taught for producing vitreous molten mass from sweeteners by means of an extruder, in particular a double screw extruder. The sweetener is introduced into an inlet zone of the extruder, is extruded in a melting zone at an increased temperature, in a vacuum zone at a reduced pressure and increased temperature, and finally in a cooling zone at a reduced temperature, forming a vitreous molten mass.

Abstract: A complexly patterned extrudate is constituted by a confectionery food piece having a main body which is formed from a compressible material, such as foam. More specifically, the body has a first color and is provided with at least one fine line or plane of a second color or hue. The fine line or plane preferably extends through the body and has a thickness of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: A food product is prepared by taking an undried or dried extruded piece of fibrous material, and combining the said piece with a protein based brine, flavors, salts and optional colorant, The extruded chunk and brine are combined under vacuum conditions for a period of time whereby the brine and soluble proteins therein are carried into the fibrous structure of the extruded chunk. This process is continued with gentle agitation of the product under vacuum until the required quantity of the brine is absorbed into the chunk. When the said absorption of the brine is complete, a known moisture content of the chunk will be achieved, with equal distribution of the solubilized proteins.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes an object holding technique for holding a tray or discrete object while depositing an extruded dough product onto the tray or discrete object. Preferably, a conveyor transports the tray or discrete object for receiving extruded dough products. A subframe preferably moves the tray or object, by way of deflecting the conveyor, to a position with respect to a dough extruder such that dough products may be placed on the tray or object. In an embodiment, a cutoff blade may be utilized to portion the dough products. Preferably, the operation of the conveyor, subframe, extruder, and cutoff blade are controlled by a control system.

Abstract: A three-phase center-filled candy product. A candy material for the outer layer or shell is extruded from a first extruder and a second material which could be a chewy material, such as gum or bubble gum, is extruded as an inner layer from a second extruder. A semi-liquid center-fill material is inserted into the inner layer. The three-phase rope of material is formed into individual pieces or tablets of candy in a forming machine. Sticks can be added to form lollipops in one embodiment. The formed products are then cooled, tumbled and prepared for further processing.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the subdivision of a relatively elastic and gummy food product shaped as a continuous tape or string (14), which is extruded or laminated, and advancing at a predetermined speed on a conveyor (15), into a plurality of single portions (14′, 14″) which are separated from one another by a predetermined distance (X). The cutting operation of said tape or string (14) is carried out by at least one blade (31, 31′), which is suitable for penetrating into the mass of the tape or string (14) and for causing the detachment of a portion (14′, 14″) of the tape or string itself. The blade (31, 31′), follows a predetermined trajectory (50) comprising a first stretch (51) wherein said tape or string is cut, a second stretch (52) along the same advancement direction of the tape or string, a third stretch opposite to the advancement direction of the tape or string (14).

Abstract: The method for producing extruded, farinaceous pellets includes extruding a mixture so that it expands upon exiting an extruder. This prepuffed ribbon is then subjected to stretching and cutting steps to produce pellets. The prepuffing reduces the moisture content of the ribbon so that cut pellets made from the ribbon can be immediately processed without the need for a moisture conditioning and/or dehydration step. In stretching, the extrudate ribbon is passed through a set of rollers to increase the extrudate ribbon's velocity thereby causing the ribbon to stretch. Stretching the extrudate ribbon causes a reduction in thickness along with an increase in density. After cutting, the pellets can then be expanded in a puffing stage to produce a product that has a desirable light and crunchy texture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for obtaining feed pellets. The method includes the addition of active ingredients to feed pellets after the pellets have been extruded. The method further includes the addition of a solution or suspension of the desired feed or ingredient in a water or oil phase to the pellets under reduced pressure and subsequently increasing the pressure. The method results in pellets with a high degree of loading and in which the active ingredients are homogeneously distributed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for forming confectionery products into desired shapes. In an embodiment, the ingredients of a confectionery product, such as a bubble gum, are blended together. The ingredients are mixed, cooled and then formed into traditional center pieces. Next, the center pieces are fed into an underwater pelletizer. The underwater pelletizer cuts the extruded confectionery pieces into miniature products. A recirculating supply of water immediately sweeps away the miniature products from the pelletizer, cools the products and transport the products to a centrifugal dryer. The centrifugal dryer separates the miniature products from the circulating water. The separated miniature products are immediately dusted with an anti-agglomerating compound. Finally, the product is coated or otherwise packaged for consumption.

Abstract: A candy product intended to be extruded in a ribbon/belt format and capable of being extruded and rolled upon itself to create a candy roll product eliminating the need of an underlying support material, and of the type generally including as ingredients, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, binders, water, stabilizers, acidulants, fruit flavorants, and coloring agents, the improvement comprising the addition of between 0.25% and 5% by weight of gelatin thereby to provide an extrudable candy.

Abstract: A collagen processing method for thickening or hardening the collagen sufficiently by application of a liquid smoke fraction, obtained from a liquid smoke derivative (a derivative being commercially available as Code V), so that the resultant treated collagen is useful as a casing for a food product. The liquid smoke fraction may be obtained by treating Code V with both carbon and a pH adjustment whereby the method is without an effect on the taste of the food product. In another embodiment, the Code V is only pH adjusted.

Abstract: Shaker delivered savory or sweet seasoning bits formed into various shapes and formats, made from a high protein stabilized crunchy matrix with savory or sweet flavoring and seasonings imbedded within its matrix and coated on the surface thereof.

Abstract: Processes are for the co-deposition of a two component fruit snack confection including a fruit snack material jacket and a distinct center filling and the resulting products. In at least one embodiment, the center filling is jam like and is jelled in part by the action of pectin in the presence of food grade acid. The process utilized incorporates mass flow meters to monitor the specific gravities of the jacket and center filling to keep for the specific gravities of the center material and the jacket substantially the same and the creation of the multicomponent fruit snack.

Abstract: A co-extruded dual component animal food product has an outer component containing at least 60% cereal and an inner cream textured component which has water soluble components in an aqueous phase that forms a stable emulsion with a lipid free hydrocarbon phase. The hydrocarbon phase contains soluble additives. Careful stepwise addition of additives to the appropriate phases and then of the phase together ensures a stable inner component which does not leach through the outer component.

Abstract: The method relates to a disposable device for the application of a coating (2) on a tablet, a capsule or a pill. The coating (2) is applied enclosing the tablet, capsule or pill (3) during its passage through a bowl formation (4) with a coating mass (5) and through an elastic diaphragm (12) located in the bottom (11) and provided with a centrally disposed, conveniently penetrable opening (13). During the passage of the tablet, capsule of pill (3) the opening (13) encloses the tablet, capsule or pill and simultaneously shapes a film of coating mass (5) thereon.

Abstract: Composite articles of frozen confectionery are manufactured containing inclusions, by forming extrusions of a central filling surrounded by a sleeve of frozen composition by co-extrusion at a temperature for the frozen composition of less than or equal to about −8° C., and the extrusions are then processed into a mass of frozen composition incorporating the inclusions by coiling up the extrusion or folding it on itself. The filling is injected into the heart of the vein of frozen composition leaving the extruder, by a co-extrusion nozzle which may be moving of static.

Abstract: A method for automatically forming dough-based products, such as doughnuts involves pressurizing a tank containing dough. The dough is extruded to form a flight of dough-based products. The weight of the flight of dough-based products is measured. The weight data is transmitted to a computer. The measured weight is compared to a predetermined weight stored in the computer memory. The pressure in the tank is adjusted automatically before subsequent extrusions.

Abstract: Food products are prepared using co-injection molding apparatus. The food products are layered or enrobed. Preferred products expand upon cooking.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of continuously preparing caseinate from milk proteins in non-soluble powder form in an extruder machine having two co-rotating and interpenetrating screws into which water and an alkaline reagent are introduced, and the mixture formed by the milk proteins, the water, and the alkaline reagent is subjected to a plurality of steps of kneading under pressure and of shearing with the temperature rising to obtain at the outlet from the extruder machine a caseinate paste, the caseinate paste is cooled to bring its temperature to below 20° C., a continuous thin sheet of caseinate paste is formed, and the sheet is cut up into a plurality of parallel strips, and these strips are cut up into small-sized pieces of caseinate. The invention also provides an installation for continuously preparing caseinate.

Abstract: A decorative food formed of a plurality of kinds of fluid food materials and manufactured by using a mold is provided. The decorative food has an outside shape thereof conforming to an interior surface of the mold inclusive of an opening of said mold. The decorative food has a colored pattern divided into multiple divisions extending up to a central portion of the decorative food, in a direction to extrude the food materials into the mold, the colored pattern being formed such that the multiple divisions are arranged with substantially the same ratio at any of a cross sectional area intersecting the direction to extrude the food materials, and wherein the decorative food contains therein a foodstuff.

Abstract: An edible product in accordance with the present invention involves an edible inner component made from a first material and an edible outer cover component substantially completely encapsulating the edible inner component. In one form of the invention, the inner component is in the form of a hairball treatment for cats and the outer component is a dough-like material. A system for producing the edible product includes a first material source for supplying a first edible material to form the inner component of the edible product, a second material source for supplying a second edible material to form the outer component of the edible product, and an extruder for continuously coextruding the first edible material and the edible second material to produce an elongated rope of edible product. A crimping apparatus receives the longitudinal rope extruded from the extruder for crimping the longitudinal rope to separate the longitudinal rope into individual edible products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a psyllium husk containing intermediate product and a process to prepare intermediate product. The psyllium husk containing intermediate product contains a cooked-extruded mixture of from about 84 to 96% of psyllium husk, up to about 8% of oil or fat, up to about 10% of cereal bran, up to about 10% of vegetable binder, and up to about 1.5% of a stabilizer against oxidation. The invention also relates to a ready-to-eat cereal product containing psyllium husk containing the intermediate product and a process for manufacturing the ready-to-eat cereal product.

Abstract: Using an homogenizer operating at higher pressures (ca. 2000 bar) than those conventionally used in ice cream manufacturing, it is possible to generate smaller oil droplet sizes (ca. 0.3 &mgr;m) in an ice cream premix. It allows stabilization of a larger air:water interface, leading to smaller discrete gas cells which in turn modify the organoleptic quality of the ice cream.

Abstract: A candy product intended to be extruded in a ribbon/belt format and capable of being extruded and rolled upon itself to create a candy roll product eliminating the need of an underlying support material, and of the type generally including as ingredients, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, binders, water, stabilizers, acidulants, fruit flavorants, and coloring agents, the improvement comprising the addition of between 0.25% and 5% by weight of gelatin thereby to provide an extrudable candy.

Abstract: Aerated confections in the form of pieces having a body color and a body exterior surface importantly characterized by at least a portion of which has been modified to provide an appearance disparate to the body. The aerated food products comprise 50 to 98% of a saccharide component; about 0.5 to 30% of a structuring agent; and about 1 to 8% moisture. The aerated food products have a density of about 0.1 to 1.0 g/cc. The products are additionally characterized by having an external surface, and wherein at least a portion of the external surface has a distinguishing feature differing from the body in color, texture or structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for food extrusion is provided. The apparatus includes a substantially circular plate having a plurality of holes in an offsetting arrangement thereon. The arrangement of the holes provide food extruded through the apparatus with a shape which approximates the arrangement.

Abstract: A method for producing a reconstitutable dehydrated food product and an apparatus for producing such a product are described. The method calls for the use of a stationary vessel that is used as both a hydration device and a pressure cooker. A rotating member within the vessel ensures that the vessel contents are continuously mixed, and that fluids within the vessel are continuously spread through the contents. The apparatus also has a channel, wherein the food product is chopped and sized as desired, before going through a forming conduit that spreads the product into a generally flat sheet of texturized composition. The method and apparatus produce a dehydrated food product of a desired texture, with improved water absorption qualities and enhanced digestibility.

Abstract: Improved, high-capacity processing systems including a processing device such as an extruder (26) or a pellet mill (P) are provided which minimize product losses and permit the user to conduct multiple, segregated short runs with a minimum of down time between runs. The extruder systems (20, 220) include an extruder assembly (21, 221) having a special, multiple-position die assembly (28), as well as an upstream preconditioner (24) and feed bin assembly (22). A variable speed, variable output discharge screw feeder (78) is located between the preconditioner outlet (62) and extruder barrel inlet (90). A PLC-type controller (30) coupled to the extruder assembly components establishes a choke full condition at the discharge feeder (78) so that continuous uninterrupted flow of preconditioned material to the extruder (26) at a uniform mass flow rate is maintained for as long as possible.

Abstract: Corn grit is continuously processed to corn collects, or corn flour, by first treating the corn grit in a conditioner at a basic pH and a temperature in the range of about 180° F. to about 200° F. in the presence of steam and at a relatively low moisture content, i.e., no more than about 15 weight percent, preferably about 14 weight percent for a time period sufficient to effect partial gelatinization. Thereafter the obtained, partially gelatinized corn grit is passed through an extruder to produce corn collets that can be comminuted to corn flour. The corn grit moisture content in the extruder is about 20 to about 25 weight percent, and the corn collets are extruded at an exit temperature in the range of about 200 to 215° F. and a moisture content of about 9 to about 12 weight percent. The extruded corn collets have a dextrin value of about 8 to about 10.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming IQF shreds of mozzarella cheese into a bead form and depositing the bead on the periphery of a pizza crust for forming a pizza with a cheese stuffed rim. The IQF shreds are heated and then extruded to form the bead placed on the crust periphery via a high speed extrusion head. Heating and extrusion techniques are disclosed that work the IQF shreds into an extrudable mass or paste that, although lacking the desired stringiness quality, reconstitutes upon baking such that stringiness comparable to more expensive string mozzarella cheese is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing granulates which contain enzymes and which are suited for feeding animals. The granulates are produced by mixing at least one enzyme with a supporting material and by extruding this mixture. The inventive method is characterized in that the supporting material is firstly plasticized in a screw mixer which is equipped with at least one horizontally arranged screw. Afterwards, the enzyme is introduced into the screw mixer and is processed with the plasticized supporting material to produce a homogeneous material which is then extruded.

Abstract: A mineral or vitamin fortification ingredient which does not deleteriously affect palatability and appearance of foods is obtained by encapsulation of the mineral or vitamin in a grindable, glassy matrix composition. The glassy matrix composition includes an oligosaccharide, such as &bgr;-2-1 fructofuranose materials, preferably fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, which not only forms a glassy matrix, but also beneficially increases the fiber content of the food. At least one edible oil is included in the encapsulating composition to prevent substantial adverse interaction between the mineral or vitamin encapsulant and the glass-forming oligosaccharide matrix material, and to achieve controlled release of the encapsulant from the glassy matrix.

Abstract: Food product 17 obtained by extrusion baking of a mixture of dairy or cheese origin with a fibrous structure characterised in that the fibres form a network of macroscopic fibres whose diameters are in the order of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, ramified into microscopic fibres with diameters in the order of 1 &mgr;m to 0.1 mm, with the dry matter of the product at least partially originating from whey.

Abstract: Improved, high-capacity processing systems including a processing device such as an extruder (26) or a pellet mill (P) are provided which minimize product losses and permit the user to conduct multiple, segregated short runs with a minimum of down time between runs. The extruder systems (20, 220) include an extruder assembly (21, 221) having a special, multiple-position die assembly (28), as well as an upstream preconditioner (24) and feed bin assembly (22). A variable speed, variable output discharge screw feeder (78) is located between the preconditioner outlet (62) and extruder barrel inlet (90). A PLC-type controller (30) coupled to the extruder assembly components establishes a choke full condition at the discharge feeder (78) so that continuous uninterrupted flow of preconditioned material to the extruder (26) at a uniform mass flow rate is maintained for as long as possible.

Abstract: A three-phase center-filled candy product. A candy material for the outer layer or shell is extruded from a first extruder and a second material which could be a chewy material, such as gum or bubble gum, is extruded as an inner layer from a second extruder. A semi-liquid center-fill material is inserted into the inner layer. The three-phase rope of material is formed into individual pieces or tablets of candy in a forming machine. Sticks can be added to form lollipops in one embodiment. The formed products are then cooled, tumbled and prepared for further processing.