Patent ID: 7771767
Filing Date: 2010-08-10
Classification: A21C

Abstract:
1. A cutter assembly for an extruder, comprising: an elongated extrusion member having an open feed end, said open feed end being attachable in fluid communication with a manifold of the extruder for supplying a mash to said elongated extrusion member; an extrusion die supported on said elongated extrusion member, said extrusion die including a plurality of extrusion outlets formed therein; and a cutter member having an open drivable end, an elongated cutter wall, and an open cutter end with a cutting surface for cutting extrudate to a desired length as the extrudate exits the die, said cutter member being disposed at least partially over and reciprocally slidable on the extrusion member in a direction of elongation of the extrusion member, said cutter member being operably connectable at the drivable end to a drive device of the extruder for reciprocatably sliding the cutting surface of the cutter member over and away from the extrusion die, wherein each of said plurality of extrusion outlets is shaped to have at least one wide portion and at least one narrow portion, the shape of the extrusion outlets twisting the mash as the mash exits the extrusion die in order to form a twisted food product.