Patent ID: 8702413

Claim:
A forming manifold for making pet treats, comprising: a manifold block having a discharge plane, a first internal manifold channel, a second internal manifold channel spaced from the first manifold channel, a plurality of core channels extending from the first manifold channel to core orifices located beyond the discharge plane, a corresponding plurality of annular channels partially surrounding the core channels and communicating with the discharge plane, and a corresponding plurality of secondary channels each communicating with the second manifold channel and a corresponding one of the annular channels; a valve assembly attached to the manifold block at the discharge plane, having a pair of reciprocable shaped valve-plates positioned such that the core orifices are positioned between the discharge plane of the manifold block and the valve plates, the valve plates being movable between a first position prohibiting flow from the annular channels and allowing flow through the core channels, and a second position permitting flow through the annular channels simultaneous with flow through the core channels; a slide valve assembly within the manifold block, communicating with each of the secondary channels, having a first position which interrupts fluid communication between the second manifold channel and the discharge plane, and a second position which permits fluid communication between the second manifold channel and the discharge plane; and control circuitry operable to operate and sequence opening and closing of the valve assembly and the slide valve assembly so as to relieve pressure in an extrudate delivered to the manifold and to prevent dribbling of the extrudate.