Patent ID: 7987774
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: A23K,A23L,A23N,A23P,B30B

Abstract:
1. A cooking extruder comprising: an elongated, tubular barrel having an inlet, an outlet spaced from said inlet, and an elongated bore extending between the inlet and outlet and presenting a longitudinal axis; at least one elongated, axially rotatable, helically flighted extrusion screw located within said bore and operable to convey material from said inlet toward and through said outlet; a plurality of elongated steam injection ports formed in said barrel between said inlet and said outlet and communicating with said bore at respective steam injection points, said ports being oriented at an oblique angle relative to said longitudinal axis; and a restricted orifice die adjacent said barrel outlet, said screw having a first section adjacent said ports with a first screw fighting pitch length, and second screw sections on opposite ends of said first section, said second screw sections being axially spaced from said steam injection points and having second fighting pitch lengths, said first screw fighting pitch length being greater than said second screw fighting pitch lengths.