Patent ID: 8707861
Filing Date: 2014-04-29
Classification: A23B,A23L

Abstract:
1. A pasteurizing apparatus for pasteurizing a dry food product based on the heat of condensation from a pasteurization medium without substantially cooking the dry food product, the apparatus comprising: (a) an impingement chamber comprising a plenum chamber and a pasteurization chamber, said plenum chamber comprising a number of plenum fingers, each of which comprises an open base portion which communicates with the plenum chamber and a number of slots which communicate with the pasteurization chamber; (b) a conveyor extending through the pasteurization chamber for conveying the dry food product through the pasteurization chamber; (c) a pasteurization medium supply system in fluid flow communication with the plenum chamber, said pasteurization medium supply system generating a pasteurization medium comprising heated, moist air; (d) a circulation system for circulating the pasteurization medium from the plenum chamber through the base portion of the plenum fingers, through the slots, into and through the pasteurization chamber and onto the dry food product being carried by the conveyor; and (e) a temperature measurement system for determining an average surface temperature of the dry food product being carried by the conveyor, said temperature measurement system comprising a simulated food product positioned on the conveyor within the dry food product, said simulated food product constructed of a highly heat conductive material and configured to resemble the dry food product, and a temperature sensor which is attached to the simulated food product to sense the temperature of the dry food product on or near the surface of the simulated food product; (f) a measurement system for measuring the temperature and humidity within the pasteurization chamber; and (g) a control system for controlling the temperature and moisture content of the pasteurization medium supplied to the pasteurization chamber and for controlling the operation of the circulation system to generate a sufficient heat of condensation on the surface of the dry food product being conveyed through the pasteurization chamber, sufficient to kill a desired percentage of pathogenic microorganisms present on the surface of the dry food product, but without substantially cooking the dry food product, said control system: