Extrusion mold and method of use

• US 20070202228A1
• Filed: 12/28/2006
• Published: 08/30/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Availa Bank (Carroll County Bancshares, Inc. (Iowa))
• Original Assignee: Biosphere Holdings Corp.
• Inventors: Helou, Elie Jr., Dellinger, David
• Granted Patent: US 8,087,921 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 426/516
• CPC Class Codes: A21C 11/16 Extruding machines
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/06 Rod-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/09 Articles with cross-sections having partially or fully enclosed cavities, e.g. pipes or channels
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/12 Articles with an irregular circumference when viewed in cross-section, e.g. window profiles
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/32 with annular openings, e.g. for forming tubular articles
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/76 Venting , drying means; Degassing means
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2003/00 Use of starch or derivatives as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 425/812 Venting

Abstract

In one embodiment of the invention a mold system and method of use are provided such that aqueous starch-based compositions and baked goods articles that use the conversion of water to steam may be produced using an extruder that allows the venting of such gases and/or steam. The extruder is vented in such a way as to allow steam to escape, but retain the composition until the exit end.

Claims

1. An extrusion head comprising:

at least one venting gap, wherein the venting gap is dimensioned to allow for the venting of a gas but substantial retention of the remaining material to be extruded during extrusion.

2. The extrusion head of claim 1 further comprising a multi-piece extrusion head.

3. The extrusion head of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of venting gaps.

4. The extrusion head of claim 3 wherein the plurality of venting gaps comprises radial venting gaps.

5. The extrusion head of claim 3 wherein the plurality of venting gaps comprises axial venting gaps.

6. The extrusion head of claim 3 wherein the plurality of venting gaps comprises both axial and radial venting gaps.

7. An extrusion head comprising:

a plurality of venting gaps, wherein the venting gaps are dimensioned to allow for the venting of a gas but substantial retention of the remaining material to be extruded during extrusion;

wherein the venting gaps are both radial and axial and wherein the extrusion head is multi-piece.

8. A method of extruding comprising:

providing an extrusion head comprising a plurality of venting gaps for venting a gas;

providing an extrusion mixture to the extrusion head;

extruding the mixture through the extrusion head wherein the step of extruding comprises heating the mixture within the extrusion head such that the gas is release from the mixture;

venting the gas from the extrusion head through the plurality of venting gaps such that the remaining mixture is substantially retained by the extrusion head.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the mixture comprises fibers.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the mixture comprises a water based mixture.

11. A method of extruding comprising:

providing an extrusion head comprising a plurality of venting gaps for venting a gas;

providing an extrusion mixture comprising fibers and water to the extrusion head;

extruding the mixture through the extrusion head wherein the step of extruding comprises heating the mixture within the extrusion head such that the gas is release from the mixture;

venting the gas from the extrusion head through the plurality of venting gaps such that the remaining mixture is substantially retained by the extrusion head.