Automated food / feed pellet delivery system

Abstract

The invention relates to an automated food / feed nugget conveying processing line comprising at least one grinder, at least two mixers and at least one distribution / moulding device, and which system is particularly suitable for nuggets consisting mainly of highly viscous protein food / feed such as poultry, chicken, pork, beef, meat substitute, vegetarian meat substitute, fish or pet food. The invention further relates to a method of operating the processing line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated food / feed block conveying processing line / system comprising: at least one grinder, at least two mixers and at least one portioning / molding device, and the line / system is particularly suitable for processing blocks consisting mainly of high-viscosity protein foods / feeds such as poultry, chicken, pork, beef, meat substitutes, vegetarian meat substitutes, fish or pet food. The invention further relates to a method of operating the processing line. Background Art

[0002] A common problem with food molding lines according to the prior art is that they are highly labor intensive and / or are unable to maintain a constant level of ice crystallization. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to reduce handling, reduce the chances of errors due to the large number of transport vehicles, reduce material losses, improve product quality, improve hygiene and reduce energy consumption.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to increase the capacity of the mass conveying system so as to be able to provide a dispensing / molding device with no waiting time and sufficient mass so that it can operate continuously and supply a continuous product flow to manufacturers further downstream, so at least two mixers will be applied, and at least one of the multiple mixers will be used as a buffer, thereby extending the discharge time of the mixed mass in the system.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to further be able to maintain the level of ice crystallization and to be able to control and maintain the temperature of the food mass to obtain a consistent (weight, temperature and composition) mixed food mass and hence a consistent portioned / molded food / feed product.

[0006] This object is achieved by a food processing line, which comprises: at least one grinder for grinding or pre-grinding food to form food blocks; at least two mixers for mixing the ground or pre-ground food blocks, or at least two mixer-grinders for further mixing and grinding the ground or pre-ground food blocks; and at least one portioning / molding device for portioning and / or molding independent food / feed products, wherein the grinder, mixer and portioning / molding device are respectively connected by a conveyor.

[0007] Disclosures made with respect to one subject matter of the present invention also apply to other subject matters, and vice versa.

[0008] The present invention relates to a food processing line in which food chunks are ground, mixed, and then formed. The product can then be starched / coated, fried, cooked, refrigerated, and / or packaged. The food chunks to be processed can be frozen and / or unfrozen. The food chunks preferably comprise high-viscosity protein foods / feeds, such as poultry, chicken, pork, beef, meat substitutes, vegetarian meat substitutes, fish, or pet food.

[0009] The processing line of the present invention preferably comprises at least one grinder in which one or more different types of food masses are ground. The ground mass is then conveyed, preferably automatically, to at least two mixers in which the ground material is mixed, preferably with additional substances such as liquids, spices and / or solid substances. Optionally, downstream of the at least one grinder, there are at least two mixer-grinders which, in addition to performing the mixing described above, also perform further grinding. Subsequently, at least one dispensing / molding device is provided in the processing line for dispensing and / or molding individual food / feed products from the food mass. The dispensing / molding device preferably operates continuously or semi-continuously. Transport between the components is carried out by a conveyor, preferably a belt conveyor. No transport vehicle is used to transfer the food mass from one component to the next. This is very efficient and hygienic.

[0010] The at least two mixers or mixer-grinders are preferably identical and more preferably can be operated independently.

[0011] Preferably, each mixer or mixer-grinder is configured as a buffer for the food pieces to be dispensed or formed; that is, the food pieces can be stored in the buffer to ensure that the dispensing / molding device can operate continuously or semi-continuously. Preferably, the movement device of the mixer and / or mixer-grinder that performs the mixing or mixing and grinding is driven by a torque-controlled motor. Preferably, the torque provided by the motor depends on the temperature of the food in the mixer and / or mixer-grinder. Preferably, one mixer or mixer-grinder is being filled and / or operating as a buffer while the other mixer or mixer-grinder is being emptied.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each mixer or mixer-grinder has a device for regulating or maintaining the temperature of the food mass. Preferably, a liquid inert gas can be introduced into the chamber of the mixer or mixer-grinder. Optionally, the mixing / grinding device is cooled and / or the jacket of the mixer or mixer-grinder is cooled.

[0013] Preferably, the ice crystallization and / or temperature of the food mass is controlled. Preferably, the food mass is first cooled until it reaches its refreezing point. This cooling is preferably controlled by a temperature measuring device. The degree of ice crystallization is then controlled, preferably by a torque motor driving the mixer paddles.

[0014] The control system includes data on the torque required to mix a specific mass in the mixer, which has a certain desired degree of ice crystallization, preferably depending on the filling level of the mixer. If the required torque is low, the ice crystallization is low, and vice versa. Depending on the ice crystallization, the cooling of the food mass is controlled. The same applies to the mixer-grinder.

[0015] The ability to control ice crystallization will result in less ice crystallization. The ability to maintain temperature during and especially after the mixing or blending / grinding process is beneficial during portioning / molding and is energy-saving in particular in further processing lines, as the mixed food pieces no longer need to be cooled more than necessary, resulting in reduced cooking times in, for example, fryers and / or cooking ovens.

[0016] Each mixer or mixer-grinder is preferably equipped with a controlled opening / closing device. This controlled opening / closing device preferably shapes / produces the food mass discharged from the mixer or mixer-grinder, preferably into strands or strand segments. The opening size preferably increases during discharge. The relationship between the speed and direction of rotation of the mixer blades and the opening of the discharge outlet will determine the shape of the food mass exiting the discharge outlet, for example, a thin sheet.

[0017] During discharge of each mixer or mixer-grinder via the discharge opening, the opening of the discharge opening and / or the rotational speed of the mixing device will increase as the mixer becomes empty.

[0018] Preferably, a conveyor, preferably a belt conveyor, is provided to receive the mass mixture discharged from the mixer or mixer-grinder. The conveyor conveys the mass mixture directly to the hopper of the dispensing / molding device. Preferably, the mixer or mixer-grinder only discharges as much mass as the hopper can hold, so that no mass of food accumulates on / in the conveyor. Preferably, the conveyor is operated intermittently, preferably substantially only when it is loaded with mass of food.

[0019] Preferably, the conveyor speed and the (belt) speed are controlled such that the conveyor is not overfilled during discharge of the mixed food mass from the mixer or mixer-grinder.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grinder and / or mixer and / or mixer-grinder is equipped with a weighing device to determine the amount of ground food mass and / or the amount of brine / water / marinade and / or dry ingredients / skin cream / other additives loaded therein. The weighing device is preferably a load cell. A weighing device below the mixer can be used to determine the fill level of the mixer, mixer-grinder, and / or grinder. The signal from the weighing device can be used to control the filling / emptying of these components or the emptying of upstream equipment. The signal can also be used to initiate actions in upstream equipment, such as discharging food mass if the mixer / mixer-grinder is empty and / or reducing / stopping the discharge of food mass if the mixer / mixer-grinder is nearly full. The signal from the weighing device can also be used as input to a computer program to pre-calculate the amount of food mass to be discharged from the grinder.

[0021] Preferably, a hopper is provided upstream of the dispensing / molding device. In the hopper a certain amount of food pieces to be dispensed and / or molded can be stored. The hopper preferably comprises a measuring / detection device to measure the filling level of the hopper.

[0022] The filling of the hopper is preferably not a continuous process, but a step-by-step filling process. If the measuring / detection means determine that the hopper of the dispensing / molding device needs to be filled, the control system of the processing line of the invention will request a new food mass from the mixer 8, preferably from the mixer that acts as a buffer at that specific moment.

[0023] The food mass fed to the initial grinder is preferably provided on a transport cart. A transport cart scanner is preferably provided upstream of the grinder. This transport cart scanner scans information from an electronic storage device, such as information about the amount of food mass, its composition, and / or its origin. Later in the process, the transport cart is preferably no longer used.

[0024] The problem is also solved by the invention of a method for producing portioned and / or moulded food products in a food production line, wherein ground or pre-ground food pieces are buffered in a mixer.

[0025] Disclosures made with respect to one subject matter of the present invention also apply to the other subject matters, and vice versa.

[0026] Preferably, the temperature of the food mass in the mixer is controlled. Preferably, the torque of the motor mixing the food mass in the mixer is controlled.

[0027] Preferably, the processing line comprises a conveyor device, wherein the conveyor device is emptied after each food delivery. No food is accumulated on / in the conveyor device. Each time the conveyor device has delivered food pieces, for example from a mixer or mixer-grinder to a hopper, the conveyor device is completely emptied. Preferably, the conveyor device is stopped after all food pieces have been discharged.

[0028] Preferably, the processing line includes a hopper located upstream of the portioning / molding equipment, and the hopper includes a level sensor, wherein the signal from the level sensor is used to control the discharge of the food mass from the mixer or mixer-grinder. If the sensor senses that the hopper is approaching a desired high level, the discharge of the mixture mass from the mixer is stopped and the conveyor is emptied into the hopper.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the filling level of a mixer triggers the operation of the grinder.

[0030] Preferably, downstream of the portioning / molding device, a coating device, a frying device, a cooking device, a freezing device and / or a packaging device will request a new portioning / molding product. This will trigger a request for a new mixed food mass from the mixer or mixer-grinder.

[0031] The processing line preferably includes a brine supply to add brine to the ground food mass. Preferably, at least one buffer / surge tank is used to collect brine and / or other ingredients. The buffer / surge tank is fluidly connected to the mixer. The control system preferably requests the supply of brine from the buffer / surge tank to the mixer.

[0032] Other ingredients, particularly solid ingredients, can be supplied to the mixer. If the control system requests that the mixer be filled, the mixer or control system will request the additional ingredients, which can be supplied via a bin / carrier / loading device. Confirmation to the control system that the additional ingredients have been supplied to the mixer can be done manually or by reading from a scale.

[0033] The food product is molded in a molding apparatus comprising a mold member having side walls and preferably a bottom wall defining the dimensions of the molded product. The mold member may be a mold plate, a mold turntable, or a mold drum. Preferably, the molding apparatus is a drum-type molding apparatus comprising a rotating mold drum having rows of cavities arranged around its circumference. These cavities at least partially comprise a porous structure and are filled with the mass at a filling position. After further rotation of the drum, the molded product is discharged at a discharge position onto a conveyor.

[0034] If the conveyors between the mixer or mixer-grinder and the dispensing / molding device are emptied, the control unit will preferably control the conveyors so that they will run at a predetermined speed for a predetermined time period, the calculation being based on the distance between the discharge outlet of the mixer and the hopper of the dispensing / molding device.

[0035] Preferably, a reader / scanner is used to scan the boxes / trolleys provided to the processing line, in particular the boxes / trolleys containing meat. The collected data can be stored and / or processed in an automatic batch control system provided on a computer, preferably a computer controlling the processing line.

[0036] The following disclosure is particularly applicable to food pieces containing chicken:

[0037] The mixer may be provided with torque control to obtain a consistent discharged mix mass in terms of ice crystallization levels and temperatures from batch to batch.

[0038] At least two grinders may be provided to grind the chicken breast and the chicken leg, preferably the chicken breast and the chicken leg respectively. The two meat streams may be connected on / in a conveyor connecting the two grinders and the at least two mixers.

[0039] The mixed mass entering the dispenser / former may include at least chicken breast and chicken thigh, which may be dispensed / molded into a so-called "nugget" shape using a dispenser / molding device, and after dispense / molding, the dispensed / molded product is preferably coated with a tempura coating, then fried and / or cooked, and then frozen and / or packaged.

[0040] The following disclosure is particularly applicable to food pieces containing beef:

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the processing line includes at least two pre-grinding mills, preferably for pre-grinding lean beef and fat beef separately. The pre-ground meat is fed via a conveyor, preferably jointly, to at least two mixers. Water, brine, and / or other ingredients may be added there. The mixed beef is then conveyed via a conveyor to at least one final grinder, which is connected to the portioning / molding equipment via a conveyor. Each final grinder is preferably equipped with a weighing device, preferably a load cell.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the processing line of the present invention includes at least two pre-grinders for pre-grinding lean beef and fat beef, preferably separately. The pre-ground meat is supplied via a conveyor, preferably supplied jointly to the at least two mixer-grinders. The blended beef is then conveyed via a conveyor to a portioning / molding device.

[0043] The dispensing / molding apparatus may be provided with a grinding head in order to produce a hand-made looking product.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the mixed mass leaving the mixer preferably comprises lean beef and fatty beef, wherein the mixed mass is preferably molded into a so-called "hamburger" shape using a molding device after final grinding, and the molded product can be frozen directly after molding and / or packaged as a so-called "boxed" product.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the present invention, an automated food / feed block conveying and processing line / system comprises: at least one grinder that grinds or pre-grinds food to form food blocks; at least two mixers that mix the ground or pre-ground food blocks or at least two mixer-grinders that further mix and grind the ground or pre-ground food blocks, wherein at least one of the mixers / mixer-grinders serves as a buffer; at least one additional buffer device and at least one portioning / molding device for portioning and / or molding individual food / feed products, wherein the grinder, mixer or mixer-grinder, the buffer device and the portioning / molding device are preferably connected by a conveyor and / or wherein the buffer device is located between the mixer / mixer-grinder and the portioning / molding device. The additional buffer device is preferably located after the at least two mixer-grinders / mixers and before the at least one portioning / molding device.

[0046] In the context of this application, a buffer device is not limited to, for example, a hopper or tank, but can be a variety of devices or equipment, such as a pump, screw, belt, or mixer. If the capacity of the buffer is greater than the capacity of the hopper of the dispensing / molding device, the entire mass of the mixture can be supplied from the buffer. After a food mass is requested, the buffer can be reloaded with food mass from the mixer 8 / mixer-grinder. If the buffer is unable to supply sufficient mass to the dispensing / molding device after a food mass is requested, the mixer / mixer-grinder, acting as a buffer at that particular moment, will supply mass to the buffer and, from that moment on, supply mass to the dispensing / molding device to compensate.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an automated food / feed block conveying processing line / system comprises: at least one grinder that grinds or pre-grinds food to form food blocks; at least one mixer that mixes the ground or pre-ground food blocks; or at least one mixer-grinder that further mixes and grinds the ground or pre-ground food blocks; at least one additional buffer device and at least one portioning / molding device for portioning and / or molding independent food / feed products; wherein the grinder, mixer or mixer-grinder, buffer device and portioning / molding device are preferably connected by a conveyor, and wherein the buffer device is located between the mixer 8 / mixer-grinder and the portioning / molding device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] In the following, the present invention is explained based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. This explanation does not limit the scope of protection and is also applicable to all embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 1 A processing line according to the prior art is shown.

[0050] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An embodiment of a processing line according to the invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An embodiment of a control unit of a processing line is shown in each case.

[0052] Figure 6 An embodiment is shown having an automated food serving apparatus.

[0053] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Each shows an embodiment specifically for beef as the food substance.

[0054] Figure 9 An embodiment of the invention is shown with an additional buffer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Figure 1 The present invention shows a processing line for processing food blocks consisting primarily of highly viscous protein foods / feeds according to the prior art. The blocks are stored in bins / carts in a cold store 2a and are manually transported to a grinder 3. The grinder is filled with blocks via a loading device 40. The ground blocks 5 are transported to a mixer 8 via a conveyor / loader 14 / 15, which in the illustrated embodiment is a screw loader. In another embodiment, the mixer 8 is filled, for example, with ground blocks via a loading device 41. To increase capacity, multiple grinders and / or mixers can be used.

[0056] For example, where the chicken pieces consist of breast and leg meat and only one grinder and one cart to hold both breast and leg meat are used, the bins / carts are filled so that the mixture consists of the correct weight / percentage of breast meat and the correct weight / percentage of leg meat to obtain the desired breast / leg meat ratio before adding the bins / carts to the grinder.

[0057] In another embodiment, a bin / cart is filled with breast meat and another bin / cart is filled with leg meat. Before the meat is added to the grinder, both bins / carts need to be pre-weighed so that material needs to be added to or removed from the respective bins / carts to match the desired breast meat / leg meat ratio.

[0058] In a further embodiment, a cart containing ground breast meat and a cart containing ground leg meat are supplied to the mixer. The bins / carts are pre-weighed so that material is added to or removed from the respective bins / carts to match the desired breast meat / leg meat ratio.

[0059] After mixing, the masses are stored in bins / carts 42 and, depending on the period of time that the mixture masses will be processed in the dispensing / molding equipment 19, for hygienic reasons the bins / carts will / must be stored in a cold store 2b to cool the masses, preferably to a temperature below that required to ensure that all masses are sufficiently cooled and do not become too hot when they are taken out of the cold store 2b and have to wait for a period of time outside the cold store before further processing.

[0060] The bins / carts containing the mixture blocks for further processing are manually transported from the mixer 8 and / or the cold store 2b to the distribution / molding device 19 and supplied to the hopper of the distribution / molding device 19 via the loading device 43. The molded products are further transported downstream via the conveyor 18.

[0061] The containers / carts require extensive handling (moving the cart, delivering it to the loading facility, emptying and removing the cart, weighing the cart, manually adding or removing material to or from the container / cart to achieve the correct weight, filling and emptying the cart with additional ingredients, etc.), and the carts require cleaning. Furthermore, there are hygiene risks due to environmental contamination and / or contamination by foreign particles. The use of containers / carts is risky because they can be exchanged / interchanged by operators. Extensive manual handling is required regarding the carts and operating the loading facility.

[0062] Figure 2 An embodiment of the food processing line 1 of the invention is shown which is particularly suitable for the production of chicken nuggets. After the food is introduced into the processing line, at the grinders 3a, 3b and / or mixers 8a, 8b, no bins / carts are used, which reduces hygiene risks and the risk of operator error.

[0063] Data-Reader Scanner

[0064] The reading / scanning device 32 is preferably used to scan bins / carts containing food blocks primarily composed of high-viscosity protein foods / feed. The reading / scanning can be performed before the blocks are ground, and the collected data can be stored in a computer system that can be part of the processing line 1, for example, for reporting reasons and / or shelf life reasons. The processing line can be connected to an intranet or the internet, and the data can be stored on a computer that is part of the internet. Data read includes, for example, the time and / or date and / or location of the bin / cart during data reading, and / or the type of food and / or its processing and / or slaughter history and / or origin of the food, such as animal tags, and / or temperature history in the bin / cart and / or the weight of the food blocks in the bin / cart. The bins / carts are read / scanned before they enter the cold storage and / or before their contents are introduced into the processing line 1. The read data can be used to control the processing line 1 and / or for labeling the final product and / or as documentation of the production process, such as in the event of a claim.

[0065] grinder

[0066] The blocks can be supplied in bins / carts and can be stored in a (cold) store 2 and when needed these bins / carts are manually and / or automatically transported to the grinders 3a, 3b. The grinders can be filled with blocks by means of a loading device 40.

[0067] The number of grinders 3 used to prepare the food / feed chunks depends primarily on the desired final mixture and the desired toughness, and can vary from one to several, preferably two or three per processing line. Each grinder is preferably operated in batches. Preferably, each grinder is stopped before the entire batch has been ground and / or discharged. The meat can be fresh or frozen, or a mixture thereof.

[0068] In the case of producing chicken nuggets comprising a mixture of breast and leg meat, the first grinder 3a is preferably loaded by a transport cart "A" containing breast meat (white meat) and, after grinding, the breast meat is discharged onto a conveyor 14, which is preferably a belt conveyor. The second grinder 3b is loaded by a transport cart "B" containing leg meat (dark meat) and, after grinding, the leg meat is also discharged onto a conveyor 14. What remains in the grinder can remain there for the next batch. Preferably, the grinder is not completely emptied, for example to prevent wear and tear of the knives and the table / perforated plates. The desired recipe of the nuggets to be further processed (ratio of fresh meat, frozen meat, breast / leg meat) will determine how much ground nuggets should be discharged from the first grinder 3a and how much ground nuggets should be discharged from the second grinder 3b.

[0069] The type of grinder you choose depends on the material you are processing and the desired final mixture. If you are processing frozen meat, a grinder like the GEA PowerGrind is the best choice. If you are only processing fresh meat, for example at a temperature of -3°C, the GEA ComboGrind is the best choice.

[0070] The volume of food mass processed in the grinder is not limited to the filling volume of one mixer 8a, 8b, i.e., a "mixer batch." This volume is preferably sufficient for multiple mixer batches prepared independently of one another, but is preferably at least substantially the same. The ground mass 5 from the grinder can be automatically pumped into the mixer 8. However, for high-quality food / feed mass, particularly meat, a belt conveyor is preferably used. In the case of multiple grinders, the discharges 5 of the grinders, in this embodiment, the discharges of grinders 3a and 3b, are combined before entering the mixer. Preferably, the discharge of grinder 3 is discharged onto the same conveyor 14 or into the same pipeline. Depending on which mixer 8 needs to be filled, the ground mass is conveyed to either mixer 8a or mixer 8b via conveyor 14, and in this embodiment, via conveyor / loader 15, preferably a screw loader capable of discharging the ground mass. In another embodiment of the present invention, the conveyors 14 and 15 are integrated so that only one conveyor 14 / 15 connects the discharge of the grinder to the mixer.

[0071] The number of grinders 3 in the processing line of the present invention is not limited to one. Figure 2 The embodiments shown with two grinders or with a plurality of grinders, for example two, three or four grinders, would also be applicable.

[0072] mixer

[0073] In order to be able to provide the filling / molding device 19 with sufficient mixture mass so that it can preferably be operated continuously or semi-continuously, at least two mixers 8 are used, wherein the at least two mixers can overlap with each other with regard to the mixing process and the mixer discharge.

[0074] Depending on the desired recipe, the mixer 8 can be supplied with ingredients, for example, received from an ingredient mixer / mixing tank 25a, such as a GEA ScanBrine. Brine and / or water and / or marinade can be mixed in, and the resulting mixture can preferably be automatically pumped into the mixer 8a and / or mixer 8b. However, to ensure a secure supply of ingredients to the mixer, one or more ingredient buffers / surge tanks 25b are preferably employed, which act as a buffer for the mixed ingredients. Once the brine mixing is complete in the mixer / mixing tank 25a, the mixed brine is pumped to the buffer / surge tank 25b.

[0075] The mixing process within mixer 8a and / or mixer 8b depends on the mass to be mixed and may include a series of process steps, such as evacuation, mixing under vacuum, venting the vacuum, and cooling. The mass within the mixer may be mixed by paddles 9 and may preferably be cooled, for example, by carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen. Each mixer preferably includes a device for determining the temperature of the food mass. This data is preferably provided to the control system of the processing line and is preferably stored.

[0076] The "9-drive" drive of the mixer device, preferably the mixer paddle 9, is preferably equipped with torque control. In the case of mixing a certain food / feed mass, such as chicken, this control ensures that differences between the final mixed food mass 13 of different and separately mixed batches are minimal. The final mixed mass 13 from different mixed batches will be more homogeneous and comparable to one another, for example, in terms of ice crystallization levels. This stable mixing process, particularly consistent ice crystallization levels, increases processing line capacity. Furthermore, since the crystallinity is well controlled, it can be reduced, which reduces energy consumption during the mixing step in the processing line and subsequent heating steps, such as cooking and / or frying, of the food mass. The data provided by the torque motor is preferably provided to the processing line's control system and is preferably stored.

[0077] According to a preferred embodiment, one mixer 8 acts at least temporarily as a buffer, while the other mixer discharges the food product to a downstream portioning / molding device 19. It is advantageous to use at least one mixer 8 as a buffer instead of a conveyor, for example in order to maintain the level of ice crystallization and / or to be able to maintain the temperature of the mass during the waiting period.

[0078] By being able to control ice crystallization and temperature of the mixture mass 13 within the mixer 8, the molded product will be consistent with less variation in weight, temperature, and composition. The ability to control ice crystallization will result in less ice crystallization and thus reduce cooking time in, for example, a fryer and / or cooking oven, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0079] The food mass is preferably at least temporarily mixed during the buffering period.

[0080] The mixer 8 is preferably connected to the Figure 1 The mixers used in the prior art are of the same relatively large type.

[0081] Preferably, the mixer is emptied in batches, and more preferably, the residence time of the food pieces 13 on / in the conveyor 16 / 17 is minimized. If the dispensing / molding device 19 comprises a hopper, the mixer 8 preferably only discharges the amount of food pieces that the hopper can hold. In this way, at least substantially no food pieces 13 remain on / in the conveyor 16 / 17.

[0082] In order to ensure that only a portion of the mass in the mixer is delivered to the dispensing / molding device 19, the outlet 11 of each of the mixers 8a and / or 8b is preferably opened and closed in an automatically controlled manner by an opening / closing device 12 between a fully closed position and a fully open position. This preferred embodiment allows the volume / weight of the mass 13 discharged to be controlled. The device can, for example, be a baffle driven by an automatically controlled motorized actuator, such as a pneumatic actuator. In another embodiment, the device can be a hinged closing plate that can be opened at a predetermined angle, and in another embodiment, the device can be a valve that performs a substantially vertical movement to open / close the outlet. All embodiments are preferably driven by an automatically controlled motorized actuator.

[0083] The discharges 13 from the discharge openings 11 of the two mixers 8a, 8b are preferably combined, preferably by a single conveyor 16, preferably a belt conveyor. This conveyor 16 is preferably connected downstream to a preferably existing hopper of a dispensing / molding device 19 and conveys the mixture mass from the respective mixer 8 to the dispensing / molding device 19. The mixture mass 13 from the mixer 8 is discharged from the discharge opening onto the conveyor 16 and conveyed via the conveyor 16, preferably via a conveyor 17, more preferably via a belt conveyor, to the hopper of the dispensing / molding device 19. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conveyors 16, 17 are integrated so that only one conveyor 16 / 17 connects the discharge opening 11 of the mixer to the preferably hopper of the dispensing / molding device 19, and the conveyors 16 / 17 convey the mixture mass 13 directly into the hopper of the dispensing / molding device 19.

[0084] The number of mixers 8 in the processing line according to the invention is at least two.

[0085] Since the food pieces 5, 13 discharged from one component 3, 8 are only as many as can be received by the downstream component 8, 19, the time during which the food pieces 5, 13 are exposed to the surrounding environment during their transport to the downstream component is as short as possible. The invention is particularly suitable for large processing lines with high production volumes, where mainly one type of product is produced per day.

[0086] Dispensing / molding equipment

[0087] The processing line of the present invention ensures that the dispensing / molding apparatus 19 is always supplied with sufficient mass to enable continuous or semi-continuous operation and ensures a continuous flow of dispensed / molded product to equipment downstream of the dispensing / molding apparatus 19, such as conveyor 18, coating equipment, frying equipment, cooking equipment, freezing equipment, and / or packaging equipment. By being able to control the ice crystallization and temperature of the mixture mass 13 within the mixer 8, the molded products will be consistent with minimal variations in weight, temperature, and composition. The ability to control ice crystallization results in optimal ice crystal formation and, therefore, reduces cooking time in, for example, a fryer and / or cooking oven, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0088] The dispensing / molding device 19 can be, for example, a reciprocating platen-type molding device, a mold turntable, or a mold drum-type molding device. The dispensing / molding device 19 preferably includes a hopper and / or pump system. The hopper and / or pump can be integrated into the dispensing / molding device 19 or can be separate devices connected to the dispensing / molding device 19 via piping. In a preferred embodiment, the drum-type molding device includes a rotating mold drum having rows of cavities arranged around its circumference. The cavities at least partially comprise a porous structure and are filled with food masses at a filling position. After further rotation of the drum, the molded product is discharged at a discharge position and further conveyed via a conveyor 18.

[0089] The number of dispensing / molding devices 19 in the processing line 1 is at least one.

[0090] product

[0091] The present invention is preferably applicable to portioned and / or molded food / feed products, particularly food / feed products produced from blocks consisting primarily of highly viscous protein foods / feeds. In an embodiment, the mixed block 13 consists of at least chicken breast and chicken thigh meat. The mixed block is molded into a so-called "chicken-like" shape by a portioning / molding device 19, and the molded product can preferably be coated with a batter coating and fried and / or cooked after molding, and then frozen and packaged.

[0092] Figure 3 A preferred embodiment of the processing line 1 of the present invention is depicted. Figure 2The processing line 1 comprises two mixers 8a and 8b, wherein, once the mixing process in mixer 8a has been completed, mixer 8a serves as a buffer for the mixed mass, while the second mixer 8b is loaded with the ground mass and, preferably, additional ingredients to match the desired recipe, after which the mixing process in this mixer 8b begins. After the first mixer 8a has been emptied, the second mixer 8b will then serve as a buffer. Therefore, the mixing process in mixer 8b should be completed at the same time as or slightly before the discharge process of mixer 8a is completed, i.e., when mixer 8a is empty or almost empty. Subsequently, mixer 8a will be filled with the ground mass and additional ingredients, and the mixing process will then proceed. Preferably, the mixing process in mixer 8a is completed before mixer 8b is emptied.

[0093] The mixers are preferably emptied in batches, more preferably according to the needs of the downstream dispensing / molding equipment. As the respective mixers are gradually emptied, the temperature and / or ice crystallization level of the food mass in the mixers is controlled and / or the food mass is mixed. The mixers are preferably cooled. The food mass is preferably mixed, while the mixers preferably act as a buffer, at least temporarily, more preferably at least during the discharge of the food product.

[0094] The control unit 30 preferably controls the filling / mixing process and / or the discharge of the food mass from one of the mixers 8 such that the mixed mass is always supplied to the portioning / moulding device 19, whereby the capacity of the processing line is increased.

[0095] In another embodiment of the present invention comprising two mixers 8a, 8b, the mixing process in mixer 8b is completed after the discharge process of mixer 8a is completed, i.e., after mixer 8a is emptied. This embodiment is preferred only if the dispensing / molding device 19 can be operated continuously within this time period and there is sufficient available mixed mass in the hopper.

[0096] In embodiments where there are more than two mixers, preferably at least one mixer will act as a buffer so that the mixed mass can be fed all the way to the dispensing / molding device 19 .

[0097] Preferably, the food masses 13 are discharged from the respective mixers 8 intermittently and only to the extent that all the discharged food masses 13 can be accommodated by the hopper of the dispensing / molding device 19 during one cycle. This ensures that the food masses 13 are exposed to the environment only for a short time and therefore do not heat up and / or become contaminated by foreign matter.

[0098] Figure 4 and Figure 5An embodiment of a control unit 30 and relevant parameters for operating the processing line 1 are depicted separately. The control unit 30 can be part of the dispensing / molding device 19, but preferably, the control unit 30 is located at a remote location from which all components of the processing line 1 are controlled. Preferably, the processing line 1 is centrally controlled. The control unit 30 can be connected to the internet and / or an intranet. The control unit 30 can also be part of the cloud.

[0099] Process Control - Loading Weight Grinder

[0100] Similar to the prior art, the bin / cart 40 may be pre-weighed before loading into the grinder. More preferably, the weight will be determined by using a weighing device, such as a load cell 6a / 6b, below each grinder 3a / 3b. The weighing device 6a / 6b can also determine whether the grinder is fully loaded and / or loaded to maximum capacity.

[0101] Process Control - Discharge Gravimetric Grinder

[0102] The discharge 5 from the grinder to the conveyor 14 / 15 and subsequently to the mixer 8 preferably takes place at a predetermined speed "4-drive" of the grinder screw 4 after the request for ground food mass 5, until the target weight of the discharged ground mass "5-w" [kg] has been reached. It may be necessary to fill the grinder again in order to be ready for the next request for food mass 5.

[0103] In order to overcome the prior art approach and measure the weight output "5-w" discharged from the grinder 3, the conveyor 14 and / or the conveyor 15 can be provided with a weighing device, which can be designed, for example, as a weighing belt. In the case of multiple grinders 3, each discharge from the grinder 3 is discharged on / in the conveyor 14 and / or on / in the conveyor 15, which is preferably designed as a weighing belt 14a / 14b, etc. Preferably, the weighing device is designed so that the weight of the food mass 5 discharged from the grinder 3b can be measured separately from the weight of the food mass 5 discharged from the grinder 3a.

[0104] More preferably, each grinder 3 can be provided with a weighing device 6, for example a load cell, so that the weight "5a-w" of the food mass 5, for example ground breast meat, discharged from the mixer 3a, the weight "5b-w" of the food mass 5, for example ground leg meat, discharged from the mixer 3b, and / or the total weight "5-w" of the ground material mass discharged from the grinders 3a, 3b can be determined. The weighing device 6 used can also determine the filling level, for example, whether the grinder is empty or nearly empty.

[0105] In order to be able to control the weight of the food pieces that are loaded into and / or discharged from the grinder, filling and discharge preferably do not take place simultaneously.

[0106] The conveyors 14 / 15 are preferably operated at predetermined speeds "14-drive" and "15-drive". The mixer for discharging the ground mass can be selected by "15-mixer selection". Preferably, the conveyors 14 and / or 15 are not operated continuously but intermittently.

[0107] Process Control - Loading Gravimetric Mixers

[0108] The mixers 8 to be filled preferably request the ingredients autonomously according to the recipe, regardless of whether or not an operator confirms it. For example, the metering of mixed brine from the buffer / surge tank 25b can be performed after receiving a request from one of the mixers. In a preferred embodiment, all ingredients will be automatically delivered to each mixer 8 via the supply pipe 26, so the mixers are preferably equipped with flow meters. Water (the mixers may be equipped with water (flow) meters) can be added to each mixer individually.

[0109] To enable the addition of ingredients that are not pumpable and / or preferably not pumpable, such as chicken skin emulsion or dry ingredients, to the mixer, and / or to create additional flexibility for the system, a container / trolley / loading device 41 can be provided. Depending on the recipe, an additional supply quantity "41-w" [kg] is requested, which can be supplied via the container / trolley / loading device 41. To prevent insufficient or excessive supply of material, the container / trolley is preferably pre-weighed. The material supplied to the mixer can be manually confirmed.

[0110] In order to determine how much ground food mass "5a-w" / "5b-w" has been loaded and / or how much brine / water / marinade "26-V" [liters] has been removed from the buffer / spooler 25b and / or how much dry ingredients / cream / other additives "41-w" [kg] has been loaded, the weight of each component is preferably determined separately, more preferably before loading into the mixer 8. More preferably, a weighing device 10 located below the mixer 8 is used. Separate measurements may be important because the individual mass / ingredients are loaded separately, with time intervals in between. The weighing device 10 used can also determine whether the mixer is fully loaded and / or filled to capacity.

[0111] Process Control - Discharge Gravimetric Mixers

[0112] In order to be able to measure the weight output 13 discharged from the mixer 8, the conveyor 16 and / or the conveyor 17 can be provided with a weighing device, for example designed as a weighing belt. In the case of multiple mixers 8, each discharge outlet of the mixer 8 discharges to a conveyor 16 and / or conveyor 17, preferably designed as a weighing belt 16a / 16b / etc. More preferably, each mixer 8 can be equipped with a weighing device, such as a weighing cell 10a / 10b, so that the discharge weight "13a / bw" of the mixed mass discharged by the mixer 8 can be determined. The applied weighing device 10 will also determine the filling level of the mixer. This signal can be used to determine when the discharge must be switched from one mixer to another.

[0113] Process Control - Dispensing / Molding Equipment

[0114] The dispensing / molding device 19, and in particular its hopper, is preferably equipped with measuring / detection devices, such as pressure sensors, but more preferably fill-level sensors. One measuring / detection device 20 senses whether the hopper needs to be refilled, while a second measuring / detection device 21 senses whether the hopper has been filled to the desired high level. In another embodiment, a single measuring / detection device 20 can detect both the refill level and the high level. Preferably, the filling of the hopper of the dispensing / molding device 19 is not a continuous process, but rather a step-by-step process, with filling occurring at any time. The dispensed / molded product can be conveyed further downstream by a conveyor 18 at a predetermined belt speed ("18-drive").

[0115] Process Control - Loading Conveyor 16 / 17 and Emptying Conveyor 16 / 17

[0116] If the measuring / detection device 20 senses that the hopper needs to be refilled, the dispensing / molding device 19 will request mixed food mass 13 from the mixer 8 and the food mass 13 will be supplied by the mixer, which acts as a buffer at that particular moment. The mixer only discharges according to the request and only discharges the amount of food mass requested by the dispensing / molding device 19.

[0117] The relationship between the rotational speed and the rotational direction (9-drive) of the mixer paddles 9 is preferably dependent on the mixer's load, which can be measured by a level sensing device, but preferably by a weighing device 10, such as a load cell, and is preferably automatically controlled by the control unit 30. If the mixer is fully loaded and the mixing process is ongoing, the paddles 9 must prevent air from being trapped within the food mass due to their rotation, and the food mass from being over-exerted. The automatic control system preferably includes a sensor to determine the amount of air in the food mass and / or the degree of mixing of the food mass. The signal from this sensor is used to control the paddle's rotational speed, rotation time, and / or rotational direction.

[0118] In the case of discharging mixed food masses 13 from a mixer, the viscosity / thickness, composition / hardness and flow behavior of the mass may be important; lower viscosity masses are easier to discharge and the volume of discharged mass is more difficult to control than higher viscosity masses.

[0119] Furthermore, when discharging the mixture mass within a certain period of time, the relationship between the rotation speed and the rotation direction "9-drive" of the mixer blades 9 and the opening "11-openness" [%] of the discharge outlet 11 determines in what shape the mass will leave the discharge outlet 11, for example, in the shape of a thin plate.

[0120] The relationship between the rotational speed and rotational direction (9-drive) of the mixer paddle 9 and the opening of the discharge opening 11 further depends on how much food mass is to be discharged within a predetermined time period. Preferably, at least one of these parameters is controlled during the discharge of the food mass 13. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rotational speed and / or rotational direction of the mixer paddle 9 and / or the opening of the discharge opening 11 are controlled based on the filling level of the mixer 8. The control unit 30 can be provided with parameters such as the rotational speed, rotational direction, and / or opening of the discharge opening 11 of the mixer paddle 9, and the filling level of the mixer 8 is preferably determined by a weighing device. The rotational speed and / or the opening of the discharge opening can be set values ​​related to a specific weight of food mass in the mixer 8. In another embodiment, the opening of the discharge opening 11 can be set values ​​preferably related to the weight in the mixer 8, while the rotational speed is determined based on the time period over which the weight changes.

[0121] In the case of a constant mass discharge and when the mixer 8 is fully loaded, the discharge opening 11 can be opened, for example, "11-openness" is 25% and the rotation speed "9-drive" of the blade 9 is relatively low. If the mixer is almost empty, the discharge opening 11 will be opened further, for example "11--openness" is 100% and the rotation speed "9-drive" of the blade 9 is now relatively high.

[0122] Preferably, the (belt) speed of the conveyor 16 below the discharge opening and the (belt) speed of the optionally connected conveyor 17 are controlled so that the conveyors are not overfilled during the discharge of the mixture mass. The (belt) speed of the conveyor 17 "17-drive" can preferably be higher than the (belt) speed of the conveyor 16 "16-drive".

[0123] If the mixer acting as a buffer is empty before the predetermined volume of mass to be discharged is reached and the second mixer has completed the mixing process, the second mixer can discharge food masses 13 until the desired total mass amount is reached and preferably simultaneously reload the empty mixer with mass and ingredients, after which preparation for mixing will begin.

[0124] For hygienic reasons, the mixed discharge mass 13 on the conveyor 16 / 17 is preferably covered and cooled to ensure that the food / feed mass maintains the desired temperature and to prevent contamination by exposure of the mass to the surrounding environment.

[0125] More preferably, the conveyors 16 / 17 will be emptied after loading the hopper of the dispensing / molding device 19 so that the mixture lumps 13 do not stay on the conveyors 16 / 17. Therefore, the control unit 30 can be provided with fixed parameters related to the system layout, such as the distances "19-distance 8a" [m] and "19-distance 8b" [m] from the discharge outlets of the mixers 8a and 8b to the hopper of the dispensing / molding device 19, respectively. In the case where the dispensing / molding device is provided with a sensing device 21, after the control unit senses and / or determines the high level, the conveyors 16 / 17 will be operated at a predetermined speed "16-drive" and "17-drive" for a predetermined time period "16 / 17-empty" [s], which is calculated based on the distances "19-distance 8a" and / or "19-distance 8b" between the discharge outlet of the mixer 8 and the hopper of the dispensing / molding device 19.

[0126] All food pieces 13 present on the conveyor are preferably fed to the hopper. The time period "16 / 17-empty" [s] can be a flexible parameter that can be input into the control unit 30 via a parameter input source 31, such as an operator panel. Preferably, the conveyor is emptied within 40-50 seconds, more preferably within 10-15 seconds. According to another embodiment, the processing line includes a sensor that determines whether food pieces are present on / in the conveyor. During a discharge, the conveyor 16 / 17 is preferably operated until the sensor no longer detects the presence of food.

[0127] The inclination of the conveyor 17 towards the dispensing / molding device 19 is preferably adjustable, more preferably adjusted according to the product application.

[0128] In a first embodiment of filling the hopper of the dispensing / molding device 19 by means of the mix block control unit 30, discharge starts from the buffer mixer 8 and stops when the measuring / detection device 21 senses that the hopper is sufficiently filled. To prevent the hopper from being overfilled during emptying of the conveyor 16 / 17, the "sufficient" level 21 is lower than the maximum fill level of the hopper.

[0129] Automatic conveying to the grinding machine

[0130] exist Figure 2In the embodiment of the present invention, the supply of the mass to the grinder is done manually by the operator via a bin / carriage / loading device 40. It is also possible to supply the mixer 8 with, for example, skin creams or dry ingredients via a bin / carriage / loading device 41. Figure 6 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes automatically supplying the grinder 3 and / or the mixer with the block 50. The supply can be accomplished by a conveyor, a loading device, an AGV, and / or other transport means. The block can be supplied to the grinder 3, for example, directly from a (cold) store or from a thawing device that has already thawed frozen food, preferably meat blocks. To enable automatic supply to the grinder, a device can be provided to check whether the grinder needs to be filled and whether the grinder is sufficiently filled, for example a weighing device 6 such as a load cell.

[0131] Product-Beef

[0132] Figure 7 Another embodiment of a processing line 1 is depicted, which is based on Figure 2 The system described in and in which beef products such as beef patties can be produced. At the pre-grinding position and / or the mixer position, the mass comprises at least lean beef and fat beef, and both can be separately supplied to the grinder or mixer / mixer-grinder. The mass can be pre-grinded, mixed and / or finally ground and will subsequently be distributed / molded in the distribution / molding device 19. After distribution / molding, the product can be coated and / or fried and / or cooked and then frozen and / or packaged. In the case of processing beef burgers after distribution / molding, the burgers can be fried and then frozen, or they can be distributed / molded and then directly frozen. In another embodiment of the ready-to-pack product, the finally ground product will be distributed / molded and directly packaged.

[0133] Beef - 1x pre-grinder

[0134] The number of grinders 3 used for pre-grinding the beef in the first step may depend on the desired final mixture and the desired pliability and may vary between one or more grinders 3. In order to achieve the desired temperature, the mass may comprise parts by weight of fresh meat and parts by weight of frozen meat to be pre-ground. The mass may be loaded into bins / carts and stored in a (cold) store 2. Depending on the desired mixture, cart "A" may contain fresh lean meat (low fat percentage), cart "C" may be filled with frozen lean meat, cart "B" may contain fresh fat and cart "D" may be filled with frozen fat. These bins / carts will be transported manually to the grinder 3 which will be filled with the mass by means of a loading device 40. In case only one grinder is used, the contents of the four carts should be loaded into the grinder 3 in the desired fresh / frozen ratio and lean / fat ratio. This ratio is determined according to Figure 1 The preparation of a transporter having the desired breast / thigh ratio of chicken is similar as described.

[0135] Beef - 2x pre-grinders

[0136] In a preferred embodiment, two grinders 3a and 3b are used. The first grinder 3a can be loaded with cart "A" containing fresh lean meat and subsequently loaded with cart "C" containing frozen lean meat. The desired fresh / frozen ratio determines the weight percentage of carts "A" and "C" to be loaded into grinder 3a. The second grinder 3b is loaded with cart "B" containing fresh fat meat and subsequently loaded with cart "D" containing frozen fat meat. The desired fresh / frozen ratio determines the weight percentage of carts "B" and "D" to be loaded into grinder 3b. In the second step of the process, pre-ground lean meat chunks are discharged from grinder 3a, and pre-ground fat meat is discharged from grinder 3b, according to the desired lean / fat weight ratio. Depending on which mixer-grinder needs to be filled, the discharged ground meat chunks are transported from grinders 3a and 3b to one of at least two mixer-grinders 7, such as a GEA CombiGrind. The mass is mixed in the mixer-grinder 7a / 7b. The temperature can be further controlled, for example, by adding carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen. When a new mass 13 is requested, the mass in the mixer-grinder 7 is subjected to a final grinding and supplied to the dispensing / molding device 19. Preferably, the final grinder or final mixer-grinder is equipped with a separation device to remove bones and other unwanted particles from the ground mass.

[0137] Further downstream, the operation of the automation system is based on Figure 2 In order to be able to provide the portioning / molding device 19 with a sufficient amount of mixture mass to allow it to operate continuously, at least two mixer-grinders 7 are used, wherein the mixing process and the mass discharge from the mixer-grinders can overlap, so that at least one mixer-grinder 7 acts as a buffer and can extend the time it takes for the mixture mass 13 to be discharged from the mixer. The use of two mixer-grinders is beneficial because the food mass 13 no longer has to be buffered on the conveyor 16 / 17 and is therefore not affected by the surrounding environment, and the mixer-grinder 7 can control the temperature of the mass during the waiting period, i.e., the buffering period.

[0138] exist Figure 8 Another embodiment of producing beef products is shown in FIG. At least one grinder 3, but in a preferred embodiment, two grinders 3a, 3b will be used to pre-grind the beef chunks. Figure 2Similarly, the mass will be mixed in at least two mixers 8a / 8b, and at least one mixer will act as a buffer and can discharge the mass mixture 13 onto a conveyor 16. In this embodiment, the mass mixture will be loaded into at least one grinder 3c for final grinding. This embodiment is advantageous in cases where a vacuum cannot be applied to the mixer-grinder 7.

[0139] In case a new mixture mass 13 is requested, the request may be made to the grinder 3 c , but more preferably to the mixer 8 .

[0140] The grinder 3c, loaded with the mixture mass 13, will supply the final ground mass to the dispensing / molding device 19. If the capacity of the grinder 3c is greater than the hopper capacity of the dispensing / molding device 19, the mixture mass can be supplied entirely from the grinder 3c. After a request, the grinder 3c can be reloaded with the mixture mass from the mixer 8, in which case the grinder 3c will act as a buffer. After the request, if the grinder is unable to supply enough mass to the dispensing / molding device 19, the mixer 8, acting as a buffer at that particular moment, will supply mass to the grinder and, from that moment on, to the dispensing / molding device 19 to compensate for this.

[0141] Although temperature control in the grinder is not possible, in a more preferred embodiment, the grinder 3 c will not be completely filled, but only to a certain level so that, if requested, the mass can be supplied directly to the distribution / molding device 19, after which the main volume of the mixture mass will be supplied by the mixer 8, which acts as a buffer at a specific moment. The mass 13 will be supplied to the distribution / molding device 19 via the conveyor 16 and the final grinder 3 c and, in this embodiment, the conveyor 17.

[0142] The conveyors 16, 17 may be equipped with weighing devices. More preferably, however, the grinder 3c located downstream of the mixer 8 will be equipped with weighing devices 6, preferably load cells, in order to be able to determine the mass level inside the grinder, to determine the weight input "13a / bw" [kg] of the mixture mass 13 and to determine the weight output of the final ground mass to the dispensing / molding device 19.

[0143] An analysis of the fat percentage of the mass needs to be completed in order to ultimately obtain the correct fat percentage in the portioned / molded food product. The fat analysis can be performed before grinding / pre-grinding or after grinding. Preferably, the mass analysis will be an inline measurement, more preferably by a near infrared analysis (NIR) system located, for example, between the grinder 3 and the mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7. The ground mass is placed on a conveyor 14 / 15, such as a conveyor belt or screw loader, and the analysis will be performed during the transport of the ground mass. In another embodiment, the fat analysis will be performed using an X-ray system, which is more accurate and has the potential to detect foreign particles such as bone and metal.

[0144] Assume that grinder 3a is loaded with lean beef and grinder 3b is loaded with fatty beef. If the measurement shows that the fat percentage of the ground mass discharged from grinder 3a and supplied to mixer 8 does not meet the desired percentage, a correction should be made. More or less fatty mass should be discharged from grinder 3b, then measured and supplied to mixer 8. If the measurement results show that the final mixed mass does not have the correct fat percentage, further lean and / or fatty mass should be pre-ground and supplied to mixer 8. Preferably, the correction is automatic.

[0145] In the case of beef products, the portioning / molding apparatus 19 may be equipped with a grinding head in order to produce a product with a hand-made appearance.

[0146] In the present invention Figure 9 In another embodiment depicted in FIG, an automated food / feed block conveying and processing line / system 1 comprises: at least one grinder 3 that grinds or pre-grinds food to form food blocks 5; at least two mixers 8a, 8b that mix the ground or pre-ground food blocks 5, or at least two mixer-grinders 7a, 7b that further mix and grind the ground or pre-ground food blocks 13, wherein at least one mixer / mixer-grinder serves as a buffer; at least one additional buffer device 51; and at least one portioning / molding device 19 for portioning and / or molding individual food / feed products; wherein the grinder 3, the mixer 8 or the mixer-grinder 7, the buffer device 51, and the portioning / molding device 19 are preferably connected by conveyors 14, 15, 16, 17, and / or wherein the buffer device 51 is located between the mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7 and the portioning / molding device 19. The additional buffer device 51 is preferably located after the at least two mixer-grinders 7a, 7b / mixers 8a, 8b and before the at least one portioning / molding device 19.

[0147] In the context of the present application, the buffer device 51 is not limited to, for example, a hopper or a tank, but can be a variety of devices or apparatuses such as a pump, a screw, a belt, or a mixer. If the capacity of the buffer 51 is greater than the capacity of the hopper of the dispensing / molding device 19, the entire mass of the mixture can be supplied from the buffer 51. After a request for a mass of food 5 is made, the buffer 51 can be reloaded with the mass of food from the mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7. After a request for a mass of food 5, if the buffer cannot supply enough mass to the dispensing / molding device 19, the mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7, acting as a buffer at that particular moment, will supply the mass to the buffer 51 and, from that moment on, supply the mass to the dispensing / molding device 19 to compensate.

[0148] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the automated food / feed block conveying processing line / system 1 includes: at least one grinder 3, which grinds or pre-grinds food to form food blocks 5; at least one mixer 8, which mixes the ground or pre-ground food blocks 5, or at least one mixer-grinder 7a, 7b, which further mixes and grinds the ground or pre-ground food blocks 13; at least one additional buffer device 51; and at least one dispensing / molding device 19 for dispensing and / or molding independent food / feed products; wherein the grinder 3, mixer 8 or mixer-grinder 7, buffer device 51 and dispensing / molding device 19 are preferably connected by conveyors 14, 15, 16, 17, and wherein the buffer device 51 is located between the mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7 and the dispensing / molding device 19.

[0149] Disclaimer

[0150] Figure 2-Figure 9 The combination of the system and control system described in is also applicable. The application of multiple grinders capable of processing chicken breast / chicken thigh and processing lean beef / fat beef is also applicable to other combinations of two or more grinders processing two or more different pieces.

[0151] Reference Signs List

[0152] 1 Food processing lines / systems

[0153] 2 Storage area, cold storage area

[0154] 3 grinders

[0155] 4 Screw grinder

[0156] 5 Grinding material discharged from grinder 3

[0157] 6 Weighing device of the grinding machine 3, such as a weighing sensor

[0158] 7 Mixer-Grinding Machine

[0159] 8 Mixer

[0160] 9 Paddle mixer 8 / Paddle mixer-grinder 7

[0161] 10 Weighing device for mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7, e.g. weighing sensor

[0162] 11 Discharge outlet of mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7

[0163] 12 Opening / closing device outlet for mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7

[0164] 13. Mass / product discharged from mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7

[0165] 14 Conveyor / weighing device connected to the discharge outlet of grinder 3, conveyor / weighing belt

[0166] 15 Conveyor / weighing belt / loader between grinder 3 and mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7

[0167] 16 Conveyor / weighing belt connected to the outlet of mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7

[0168] 17 Conveyor / weighing belt to hopper 19 of dispensing / molding equipment

[0169] 18 Conveyor after dispensing / molding equipment 19

[0170] 19 Dispensing / molding equipment

[0171] 20 Measuring / detection devices, such as low-level / high-level sensing devices, pressure sensing devices

[0172] 21 Measuring / detection devices, such as high-level sensing devices, pressure sensing devices

[0173] 25a Mixer / mixing tank for batching

[0174] 25b Buffer / surge tank for mixed ingredients

[0175] 26 Ingredient supply line to mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7

[0176] 30 control unit

[0177] 31 Parameter input source, such as an operator panel

[0178] 32 Reading devices, scanning devices, transport vehicle scanners

[0179] 40 Material box, transport vehicle, loading equipment at grinding mill 3

[0180] 41 Material bins, transport vehicles, loading equipment at the mixer 8 / mixer-grinder 7 location

[0181] 42 Material box and transport vehicle at the outlet of mixer 8

[0182] 43 Dispensing / molding equipment 19 position of the material box, transport vehicle, loading equipment

[0183] 50 Automatically supply blocks to grinder 3

[0184] 51 Buffer device

[0185] "4-drive" The drive / rotation speed / direction of the screw 4 of the grinding mill 3

[0186] "5-w" Weight of the ground mass discharged from the mixer 3a / 3b [kg]

[0187] "9-drive" mixer 7 / 8 controls the drive / rotation speed / direction / torque of the blades

[0188] "11-openness" The opening of the outlet 11 of the mixer 8a / 8b [%]

[0189] "13-w" Weight of the mass discharged from the mixer-grinder 7 or grinder 8 [kg]

[0190] "14-drive" drive conveyor 14

[0191] "15-drive" drive conveyor 15

[0192] "15-mixer selection" drive selection mixer for discharging ground material

[0193] "16-drive" conveyor 16 drive / belt speed

[0194] "17-drive" conveyor 17 drive / belt speed

[0195] "16 / 17-empty" The time in seconds that conveyor 16 / 17 will be emptied

[0196] "18-drive" drive conveyor 18

[0197] “19-distance 8a” The distance from the outlet of mixer 8a to hopper 19 [m]

[0198] “19-distance 8b” The distance from the mixer 8b outlet to the hopper 19 [m]

[0199] "26-V" The amount of material discharged from the buffer / surge tank 25b [liters]

[0200] “41-w” Ingredients discharged from bin / trolley 41 [kg]

Claims

1. A food processing line comprising: at least one grinder to grind or pre-grind food to form food chunks; at least two mixers for mixing the ground or pre-ground food pieces, or at least two mixer-grinders for further mixing and grinding the ground or pre-ground food pieces; and at least one dispensing / molding device for dispensing and / or molding individual food / feed products; wherein said grinder, said mixer and said dispensing / molding device are connected by a conveyor, wherein each of the mixers or mixer-grinders is configured as a buffer, wherein the moving device of the mixer or the mixer-grinder is driven by a torque motor, the torque provided by the motor being dependent on the temperature of the food in the mixer or the mixer-grinder, wherein the mixer or the mixer-grinder is provided with torque control to obtain a consistent discharged mixed mass in terms of ice crystallization level and / or temperature from batch to batch, wherein at least one mixer or mixer-grinder is used instead of a conveyor as a buffer in order to maintain the ice crystallization level and / or to be able to maintain the temperature of the mass during the waiting period, Therein, the control system of the food processing line includes data on the torque required to mix a specific mass in a mixer or mixer-grinder, the mass having a certain desired degree of ice crystallization depending on the filling level of the mixer or mixer-grinder.

2. The food processing line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dispensing / molding equipment operates continuously and filling of the hopper will be semi-continuous.

3. The food processing line according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each of the mixers or mixer-grinders is provided with a controlled opening / closing device.

4. The food processing line according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The mixer or the mixer-grinder has a device for regulating or maintaining the temperature of the food mass.

5. The food processing line according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A conveying device is provided for conveying the food mass from the mixer or the mixer-grinder to the portioning / molding device.

6. The food processing line according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The grinder and / or the mixer and / or the mixer-grinder are provided with a weighing device.

7. The food processing line according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A hopper is provided upstream of the dispensing / molding apparatus.

8. The food processing line according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A transporter scanner is positioned upstream of the grinder.

9. A food processing line comprising: at least one grinder to grind or pre-grind food to form food chunks; at least two mixers for mixing the ground or pre-ground food pieces, or at least two mixer-grinders for further mixing and grinding the ground or pre-ground food pieces; wherein at least one of the mixers / mixer-grinders serves as a buffer, at least one additional buffer device is provided, and at least one portioning / molding device is provided for portioning and / or molding individual food / feed products, The movement of the mixer or mixer-grinder is driven by a torque motor, the torque provided by the motor being dependent on the temperature of the food in the mixer or mixer-grinder, wherein the mixer or the mixer-grinder is provided with torque control to obtain a consistent discharged mixed mass in terms of ice crystallization level and / or temperature from batch to batch, wherein at least one mixer or mixer-grinder is used instead of a conveyor as a buffer in order to maintain the ice crystallization level and / or to be able to maintain the temperature of the mass during the waiting period, Therein, the control system of the food processing line includes data on the torque required to mix a specific mass in a mixer or mixer-grinder, the mass having a certain desired degree of ice crystallization depending on the filling level of the mixer or mixer-grinder.

10. The food processing line of claim 9, wherein the grinder, the mixer or the mixer-grinder, the buffer device and the portioning / molding equipment are connected by a conveyor.

11. A food processing line according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the buffer means is located between the mixer and / or the mixer-grinder and the portioning / molding equipment.

12. A food processing line comprising: at least one grinder to grind or pre-grind food to form food chunks; at least one mixer for mixing ground or pre-ground food pieces, or at least one mixer-grinder for further mixing and grinding ground or pre-ground food pieces; at least one additional buffer device; and at least one portioning / molding device for portioning and / or molding individual food / feed products; wherein the grinder, the mixer or the mixer-grinder, the buffer device and / or the portioning / molding device are connected by a conveyor, and wherein the buffer device is located between the mixer / the mixer-grinder and the portioning / molding device, wherein the moving device of the mixer or the mixer-grinder is driven by a torque motor, the torque provided by the motor being dependent on the temperature of the food in the mixer or the mixer-grinder, wherein the mixer or the mixer-grinder is provided with torque control to obtain a consistent discharged mixed mass in terms of ice crystallization level and / or temperature from batch to batch, wherein at least one mixer or mixer-grinder is used instead of a conveyor as a buffer in order to maintain the ice crystallization level and / or to be able to maintain the temperature of the mass during the waiting period, Therein, the control system of the food processing line includes data on the torque required to mix a specific mass in a mixer or mixer-grinder, the mass having a certain desired degree of ice crystallization depending on the filling level of the mixer or mixer-grinder.

13. A method for producing portioned and / or molded food products using a processing line according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The ground or pre-ground food pieces are buffered in the mixer.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the temperature of the food mass in the mixer is controlled.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the processing line comprises a conveying device, characterized in that The conveying device is emptied after each conveyance of food products.

16. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the processing line comprises a hopper having a level sensor upstream of the dispensing / molding device, characterised in that The signal of the level sensor is used to control the discharge of food pieces from the mixer or the mixer-grinder or the finish grinder.

17. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The filling level of a mixer triggers the operation of the grinder.

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