Mafin SPA, Italy received 2 January US Patent 6168817 for its new method for the continuous
production of three-dimensional snacks and apparatus for performing the method.

Other companies active in this technology are United Biscuits (UK), General Mills and Rheon Automatic Machinery.

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Abstract:



    A method for the continuous production of semifinished parts for three-dimensional snacks made from potatoes, cereals or the like, comprising, after preparing two layers of a gelled semifinished compound of the components and/or other starchy ingredients, the step of cutting the layers in consecutive segments along parallel lines with cutting edges which act with a relative motion constituted by a translatory motion which is substantially perpendicular to a portion to be cut, combined with a translatory motion which is parallel to the cutting lines. The method also includes a step in which the layers are superimposed and die-cut with suitable punches, separating a grid-like skeleton from the snacks, each snack being formed by two perimetrically joined layers.


First (of 20) Claims:


What is claimed is:




  1. A method for the continuous production of three-dimensional snacks which comprises, after preparing two layers of a gelled semifinished compound material, the steps of:

    cutting the layers in consecutive segments along parallel lines with cutting edges which act on the material of the layer with a relative motion constituted by a translatory motion which is substantially perpendicular to a portion to be cut;
    overlapping the cut layers and die-cutting them with punches, separating a grid-like skeleton from the snacks, each snack being formed by two perimetrically joined layers;
    said cutting step being performed by means of cutting rollers provided with teeth which act on the layer material penetrating it substantially at right angles and upsetting it at right angles with respect to the advancement direction of the layer, said cutting rollers defining through cuts.


By Navroz Havewala, just-food.com correspondent