Patent ID: 8043644
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: A23B,A23G,A23L

Abstract:
1. A method of exposing a comminuted foodstuff by forcing the comminuted foodstuff through a reducing section of conduit having a first internal surface portion and a second internal surface portion, the first internal surface portion tapering from an input dimension to the minimum transverse dimension of the flowing sheet of comminuted foodstuff to form a conical shape, the conical shape being symmetrical about the longitudinal center axis of the reducing section of conduit, and the second internal surface portion being defined by an elongated slot opening substantially maintaining the input dimension in a longitudinal plane of the reducing section so as to form a V-shape along the longitudinal plane at an intersection of the first internal surface portion and the second internal surface portion to a processing fluid, the method including: (a) producing a flowing sheet of the comminuted foodstuff, the flowing sheet having a minimum transverse dimension substantially equal to a dimension of the pieces of material making up the comminuted foodstuff; and (b) placing the processing fluid in contact with the flowing sheet of the comminuted foodstuff within one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material by forcing the processing fluid through a porous and permeable material included in one of two opposing surfaces that define a flow area for the sheet of comminuted foodstuff.