Apparatus and method for encapsulating fillers in food products

Abstract

The present invention provides a filling apparatus that includes a modified vacuum filling head that introduces a viscous filling such as gravy into a bar matrix in a retort tank such that the filling remains set after cooking Bar matrix package. The filling may remain as a viscous gravy, or may set into a gel, depending on the formulation of the filling. Preferably, the viscous filler is distributed horizontally into the bar matrix during pauses in the descent of the tank away from the filling device, for example through horizontally facing holes. The flow of the packing can be controlled by synchronized pneumatic valves.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 62 / 030,666, filed July 30, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background technique

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to devices and methods for encapsulating fillers in food products. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to introducing a viscous filler, such as gravy, into the bar base so that the filler remains encapsulated by the bar base after cooking.

[0004] Conventional bar-type food products are usually congealed porridge sold in containers having the shape of a bar-type food product. Bar-type food products are often used as pet food because they are easy to manufacture, easily digested by animals, have excellent palatability to animals, and are easy to formulate to contain essential nutrients and trace elements.

[0005] Pet owners are constantly seeking canned food formats or varieti...

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