Patent ID: 7258288
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: A23L,B02C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for comminuting foodstuff particles selected from the group consisting of phytosterol, neutraceutical, dietary mineral, food additives and food fortifiers particles to an average particle size suitable for inclusion in liquid or solid foods comprising: controlled delivery means for delivering foodstuff particles having an average particle size in the range of between about 40 microns and about 200 microns, at a controlled mass velocity; precooling means, in communication with said controlled delivery means, for precooling said foodstuff particles; freezing means, in communication with said precooling means, for freezing said precooled foodstuff particles to below their glass transition temperature; comminution means, in communication with said freezing means, for comminuting said frozen foodstuff particles; particle size separating means, in communication with said comminution means, for separating foodstuff particles having an average particle size larger than about 25 microns from foodstuff particles having an average particle size smaller than about 25 microns; packaging means, in communication with said particle size separating means, for packaging said foodstuff particles smaller than about 25 microns; secondary freezing means, in communication with said particle size separating means, for freezing said foodstuff particles larger than about 25 microns to below their glass transition temperature; secondary comminution means, in communication with said secondary freezing means, for comminuting said frozen foodstuff particles; and said packaging means, in communication with said secondary comminuting means, for packaging said comminuted foodstuff particles having an average particle size smaller than about 25 microns.