초록 ▼

The method and apparatus for continually molding, chilling and cutting cheese of the present invention utilizes an elongate molding tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a pump/movement mechanism for forcing cheese curd into the inlet end of the elongate molding tube. A cooling mechanism i

The method and apparatus for continually molding, chilling and cutting cheese of the present invention utilizes an elongate molding tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a pump/movement mechanism for forcing cheese curd into the inlet end of the elongate molding tube. A cooling mechanism is disposed in communication with the elongate molding tube to chill the molding tube and thereby chill the cheese as it passes through the molding tube so that cheese passing out of the outlet end of the elongate molding tube may be cut to the desired size and packaged, aged, etc. The cooling mechanism forms a cooling gradient within the molding tube, such that warmer temperature coolant is used about the inlet end of the molding tube than about the outlet end. The cooling gradient is applied in such a manner to provide a more uniform cooling in the cheese, and thereby achieve a superior end product.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [20.] A method of continuous molding cheese wherein the method comprises:providing an elongate molding tube with an inlet end and an outlet end for molding the cheese into a desired shape;selectively cooling the molding tube so as to develop a cooling gradient along the moldin

[ What is claimed is:] [20.] A method of continuous molding cheese wherein the method comprises:providing an elongate molding tube with an inlet end and an outlet end for molding the cheese into a desired shape;selectively cooling the molding tube so as to develop a cooling gradient along the molding tube with the outlet end of the molding tube being cooler than the inlet end of the molding tube; andforcibly moving cheese through the molding tube at an effective rate to achieve a gradual cooling of the cheese while maintaining slidability of the cheese within the molding tube.