Method and line for the continuous production and packaging of burrata cheese

Abstract

A method for the continuous production and packaging of burrata cheese (100) comprises: automatically forming portions (107) of stretched curd; automatically forming strings (103) of stretched curd and mixing them with a creamy substance (104) to obtain a filling (102) for said burrata cheese (100); automatically filling the individual portions (107) of stretched curd with said filling (102), obtaining said burrata cheese (100); automatically introducing said burrata cheese (100) into respective packages (111).

Description

[0001] “METHOD AND LINE FOR THE CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION AND PACKAGING OF BURRATA CHEESE”

[0002]

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention concerns a method and an automated line for continuously producing filled cheeses, in particular burrata cheese, starting from stretched curd and ending with packaging inside a tray, substantially without the need for any intervention by an operator downstream of an initial starting step.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is known that the production of burrata cheese involves a plurality of steps carried out in succession one after the other, which are traditionally carried out by hand by an operator, and provide the formation of a ball of stretched curd, inside which the filling of cream and strings is injected, the subsequent sealing of the filling aperture and finally the packaging into trays or small bags together with a preserving liquid, generally called a governing liquid.

[0007] Given the nature of stretched curd, it is necessary to pay close attention to the handling of the balls of stretched curd, in particular in the steps that follow the filling, since the casing could be damaged, causing the filling to leak.

[0008] In recent years, machines have been developed that provide an automated execution of the steps of filling the balls of stretched curd; other steps are however still carried out manually by an operator.

[0009] In particular, known machines provide to release the burrata cheese inside a common tank filled with governing liquid, and the operators manually recover the burrata cheese and introduce it into a package.

[0010] The packages are then positioned inside blast cabinets, in which, however, cooling is slow and several hours are required to cool them to the temperature suitable to reduce possible bacterial contamination and promote the preservation of the products. This increases the time required to obtain a finished product and also requires considerable space for the blast cabinets.

[0011] The products obtained through the known production methods also have a limited shelf life, generally around 12-16 days, which reduces the area in which the finished products can be marketed as well as the amount of time that they can remain on the market.The limited duration is also a result, as well as of the production methods itself, of the fact that the handling of the products by operators, even if equipped with gloves, can be a source of contamination.

[0012] There is therefore the need to perfect a method and a line for the production of filled cheeses, in particular burrata cheese, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0013] To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of reducing operator interventions to a minimum and obtaining a finished and packaged product in a shorter time compared to known solutions.

[0014] One purpose of the present invention is to perfect a method for producing filled stretched curd cheeses that allows to reduce any contaminations of the products to a minimum and achieve a shelflife longer than the 12-16 days generally provided in the prior art.

[0015] Another purpose of the invention is to perfect a method and a production line that implements this method which allow to obtain products with an average shelf life exceeding 20 days.

[0016] Another purpose of the invention is to perfect a method and a production line which allow to reduce any risks of damaging the filled burrata cheese as a result of unreliable handling to a minimum, and which do not require specialized labor. A further purpose of the invention is to quickly and efficiently identify the presence of any damage to the casing of the burrata cheese, so that the damaged product can be discarded before completing the processing thereof.

[0017] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0020] In accordance with the above purposes and to solve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a method for the continuous production and packaging of burrata cheese according to the present invention comprises:- automatically forming portions of stretched curd, preferably with a rounded shape;

[0021] - automatically forming strings of stretched curd and mixing them with a creamy substance to obtain a filling;

[0022] - automatically filling the individual portions of stretched curd with a mixture of strings and cream, and closing them so as to obtain the burrata cheese; - automatically introducing the burrata cheese into respective packages; - automatically filling the packages with a preserving liquid;

[0023] - automatically closing the packages;

[0024] - automatically cooling the packages.

[0025] Thanks to the method according to the invention, in which substantially all the burrata cheese production and packaging operations are automated and, during steady state operation, no manual intervention is required, with the exception of an initial transitional step of preparing and starting the machines, it is possible to effectively reduce the risk of possible bacterial contamination and therefore extend the shelflife of the products, even increasing it to 24-28 days, compared to the 12-16 of the prior art.

[0026] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the step of automatically introducing the burrata cheese into the packages comprises tilting support elements, which are able to each house and support a respective burrata cheese, in correspondence with a packaging zone, in order to promote the exit of the burrata cheese from the support elements and its fall by gravity into the packages.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, downstream of the step of filling the packages with the preserving liquid, the method provides a step of automatically checking the packages in order to determine whether there are any leaks of the filling from the casing of stretched curd.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the step of automatically checking the turbidity of the preserving liquid comprises the acquisition of an image of the inside of the package by means of a camera, and the subsequent processing of the image by means of a control unit in order to determine, on the basis of a comparison with one or more stored reference images, whether there are any leaks of the filling and, if these are present, activate means for signaling or diverting from a primary path the package judged to be defective.In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the cooling step provides to make the packages pass inside a cooling tunnel at temperatures below 0 °C, preferably lower than 10 °C, and cool them while they are in transit.

[0029] Thanks to the use of the low-temperature cooling tunnel, it is possible to reduce the cooling times of the finished products and therefore the risk of possible contamination or presence of bacteria, consequently extending the shelflife of the products.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the cooling step provides to cool the packages in the tunnel at a temperature comprised between -40 °C and - 10 °C.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the step of automatically forming strings of stretched curd comprises rolling out a sheet of stretched curd with a substantially constant thickness, cutting the sheet in a longitudinal direction into parallel strips, and subsequently cutting the strips in a transverse direction. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the method provides to cut the sheet in a longitudinal and transverse direction while it is fed downward in a substantially vertical direction, so that the strings obtained can fall by gravity. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the step of preparing the strings and the mixture of strings and cream can occur continuously.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an automated line for the continuous production and packaging of burrata cheese comprises:

[0033] - a forming machine configured to form portions of stretched curd;

[0034] - a filling preparation machine configured to form strings of stretched curd and mix them with a creamy substance;

[0035] - a filling machine able to fill the portions of stretched curd with the filling and obtain the finished burrata cheese;

[0036] - introduction means able to introduce the burrata cheese into respective packages;

[0037] - dispensing means disposed downstream of the introduction means and configured to dispense a preserving liquid into the packages;

[0038] - closing means for closing the packages;

[0039] - cooling means able to cool the packages in transit;

[0040] a control unit operationally connected to the machines and to theintroduction, dispensing, closing and cooling means, and configured to control and coordinate the operation of each of them.

[0041] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the filling machine comprises one or more injectors able to inject a dose of filling into the portions of stretched curd, and respective closing members, each associated with an injector and configured to close a casing of stretched curd upon the removal of the injector. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the filling machine comprises a plurality of support elements, each configured to position and support a respective portion of stretched curd and / or a respective burrata cheese, wherein the support elements are attached to a plurality of transverse bars, in turn connected with their opposite ends to a respective chain or belt wound in a loop onto respective drive and return rollers. This solution allows to increase hygiene and cleanliness, it being possible to clean and wash the machine effectively since, even in the event a product accidentally overturns, there are no elements which it risks sticking to.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, the introduction means comprise a sliding transport member able to transport a plurality of packages and bring them into alignment with respective support elements in correspondence with a rotation zone of the support elements, so as to receive by gravity a respective burrata cheese released by one of the support elements during the rotation.

[0043] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the introduction means comprise tilting members configured to tilt the packages toward the respective aligned support elements, thus facilitating the receiving of a respective burrata cheese.

[0044] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an image acquisition device is disposed upstream of the closing means which is configured to acquire an image of the inside of the package and send the data to the control unit, which is configured to process the acquired image in order to assess, based on a turbidity of the preserving liquid, whether there are any leaks of the filling.

[0045] According to another aspect of the invention, the cooling means comprise a cooling tunnel provided with a transport member for transporting the closed packages and with cooling devices able to cool the closed packages to temperatures below 0 °C, preferably between -40 °C and -10 °C.In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the filling preparation machine comprises a pressing apparatus able to obtain a sheet of stretched curd with a substantially constant thickness, a sliding support member able to transport the sheet toward first cutting members which are able to cut the sheet in a longitudinal direction obtaining strips of stretched curd, and second cutting members able to cut the strips in a transverse direction so as to obtain the strings. According to another aspect of the invention, the sliding support member comprises a final segment inclined upward, and the cutting members are aligned below one end of the final segment in such a way as to interfere with the sheet on a vertical plane, while the sheet descends by gravity.

[0046] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: -Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a line for the continuous production of burrata cheese according to the present invention;

[0048] - Fig. la is a section view of a burrata cheese;

[0049] - Fig. lb shows a final product obtained with the production line and method according to the invention;

[0050] - Figs. 2(a)-(c) show a sequence of steps for filling the burrata cheese in accordance with a production method according to the invention;

[0051] - Figs. 3(a)-(c) show a sequence of steps for releasing the burrata cheese into respective individual trays in accordance with a production method according to the invention;

[0052] - Fig. 4 shows a detail of the production line of fig. 1.

[0053] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0054] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be convenientlycombined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0055] With reference to fig. 1 , this shows a production line 10 according to the present invention, able to implement a method for the continuous production of burrata cheese 100.

[0056] Burrata cheese 100 is understood as a fresh cheese comprising a casing 101 made of stretched curd 105, similar to mozzarella, and a filling 102 made with fresh dairy products, in particular strings 103, that is, cuttings of stretched curd and a creamy substance 104 such as cream or suchlike (Fig. la).

[0057] Hereafter, we will refer mainly to the production of burrata cheese, although the production line 10 and method described here can also be used for the production of other stretched curd fresh cheeses with at least partly different fillings.

[0058] The production line 10 comprises a plurality of machines and operating stations, operationally connected to each other and able to carry out the continuous production of burrata cheese 100, starting from a mixture of stretched curd 105 and ending with a packaged product 110, substantially ready to be sent to a warehouse or for sale.

[0059] The final packaged product 110 (Fig. lb) comprises a sealed package 111 inside which a burrata cheese 100 is enclosed, immersed in a preserving liquid 106, generally called governing liquid.

[0060] The package 111 is preferably composed of a tray 112 closed at the top by a lid 113, although other packages can also be provided, of the sealed bag-type.

[0061] The method according to the present invention provides to automatically perform the following steps:

[0062] - form portions 107 of stretched curd 105, preferably with an at least partly rounded shape;

[0063] - form strings 103 of stretched curd 105 and mix them with a creamy substance 104, obtaining a filling 102;

[0064] - fill the individual portions 107 of stretched curd 105 with the filling 102 and subsequently close an external casing 101 thereof in order to seal the filling 102, obtaining respective burrata cheese 100, that is, filled portions; - transfer the burrata cheese 100 into respective packages 111;

[0065] - automatically fill the packages 111 with a preserving liquid 106;- automatically close the packages 111;

[0066] - cool the closed packages 111 in transit.

[0067] In the following, with reference to Fig. 1 , a line 10 for the continuous production of burrata cheese able to perform a method according to the invention will be described. The production line 10 comprises:

[0068] - a forming machine 11 configured to form portions 107 of stretched curd; - a filling preparation machine 12 configured to form strings 103 of stretched curd 105 and mix them with a creamy substance 104;

[0069] - a filling machine 13 able to fill the portions 107 of stretched curd with the filling 102 and obtain the finished burrata cheese 100;

[0070] - introduction means 14 able to introduce the burrata cheese 100 into respective packages 111;

[0071] - dispensing means 15 disposed downstream of the introduction means 14 and configured to dispense a preserving liquid into the packages 111;

[0072] - closing means 16 for closing the packages 111;

[0073] - cooling means 17 able to cool the closed packages 111 in transit.

[0074] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the step of automatically forming portions 107 of stretched curd comprises feeding a mass of stretched curd into a forming machine 11 provided with portioning means 21 able to divide the mass of stretched curd into individual portions 107.

[0075] In accordance with the invention, the portioning means 21 can comprise a linear extruder configured to create a strip of curd, associated with cutting means able to cut the strip into the individual portions 107, or a roller extruder, of the type normally used for the production of mozzarella, which is provided with a plurality of apertures 22, each able to release a portion 107 of stretched curd.

[0076] In accordance with the invention, the method provides to automatically feed the portions 107 obtained to the filling machine 13.

[0077] In this regard, it can be provided that the portions 107 are released directly into support elements 18 of the filling machine 13, or alternatively that there is a transfer device 23 provided with at least one articulated arm 24 having a gripping member 25 at the free end, which is configured to grip a portion 107 at exit from the forming machine 11 and feed it to the filling machine 13.

[0078] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the support elements 18 areattached to a sliding transport member 26, wound in a loop onto respective drive and return rollers 28a, 28b.

[0079] In accordance with some embodiments, the sliding transport member 26 comprises a plurality of bars 27 disposed transverse to a direction of feed D and parallel to each another, on which one or more support elements 18 are attached.

[0080] The bars 27 are connected with their opposite ends to a respective chain or belt 29, wound in a loop onto the rollers 28a, 28b and drawn thereby.

[0081] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the filling machine 13 comprises one or more injectors 30, preferably in a number equal to the number of support elements 18 provided on each bar 27, able to inject a dose of filling 102 into the portions 107 of stretched curd, and respective closing members 31 (fig. 2(c)) each associated with one injector 30 and configured to close the casing 102 of stretched curd around the filling 102 upon the removal of the injector 30.

[0082] The closing members 31 can be, for example, of the diaphragm or clamp type. Figs. 2(a)-2(c) show a sequence of steps for filling the portions 107. In particular, fig. 2(a) shows a portion 107 of stretched curd housed in a seating 32 of the support element 18. Fig. 2(b) shows an injector 30 inserted into the portion 107 so as to form a casing 101, wherein the injector 30 comprises a through channel 33 through which the filling 102, prepared by the filling preparation machine 12, is fed. The closing members 32 can be conformed in such a way as to cooperate with the casing 101 and keep it open at the top.

[0083] The injectors 30 can be connected in a known manner to respective valves 34 and / or pumping members able to regulate the feed of desired doses of the filling 102.

[0084] Fig. 2(c) shows the injector 30 removed from the casing 101 filled with the filling 102, while the closing members 31 close and seal the casing 101 of stretched curd, so as to obtain a burrata cheese 100.

[0085] In accordance with possible variants, it can also be provided that the injectors 30 are conformed in such a way that they can be introduced into the portion 107 and deform it, so as to create the casing 101 directly through the introduction of the filling 102.

[0086] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the filling preparation machine 12 comprises a pressing apparatus 35 able to exert a pressure on a massof stretched curd 105 and obtain a stretched sheet 108 with a substantially constant thickness.

[0087] The pressing apparatus 35 can comprise one or more rollers able to thin out the stretched curd 105 as it passes between them.

[0088] The filling preparation machine 12 further comprises first cutting members 37 configured to cut the sheet 108 into strips 109 in a longitudinal direction, and second cutting members 38 configured to cut the strips 109 in a transverse direction so as to obtain the strings 103.

[0089] The filling preparation machine 12 further comprises a sliding transport member 36, for example a conveyor belt wound onto a plurality of rollers 39a, 39b, which is able to transport the sheet 108 at least toward the first cutting members 37. According to one aspect of the invention, the transport member 36 comprises at least one final segment 40 inclined upward, preferably by an angle comprised between 40° and 80°, having a free end 41 able to define an outlet end for the sheet 108, and the cutting members 37, 38 are aligned below the free end 41 in such a way as to interfere with the sheet 108 as it descends by gravity.

[0090] The filling preparation machine 12 can further comprise a plurality of guide elements 44, for example in the form of idle rollers, able to cooperate with the transport member 36 and keep the sheet 108 rolled out during the movement thereof.

[0091] The strings 103 obtained through the action of the cutting members 37, 38 can fall into a tank 42, in which they are mixed with the creamy substance 104, thus forming the filling 102.

[0092] Mixing members 43, for example of the blade or auger type, can be provided in the tank 42, which are able to blend the filling 102.

[0093] The tank 42 can be operationally connected to the filling preparation machine 13 so as to feed the injectors 30 with the filling 102, for example by means of conduits, pumping means or suchlike.

[0094] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the introduction means 14 comprise a transport member 45 able to transport a plurality of individual packages 111 and bring them into alignment with respective support elements 18 at exit from the filling machine 13.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the step of automatically introducingthe burrata cheese 100 into the packages 111 provides to tilt the support elements 18 in correspondence with a packaging zone downstream of the filling machine 13 in order to promote the exit of the burrata cheese 100 from the support elements 18 and the fall by gravity into the packages 111.

[0096] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the introduction means 14 comprise tilting members 46 configured to tilt the packages 111 toward the respective aligned support elements 18, so as to facilitate the receiving of a respective burrata cheese 100.

[0097] The tilting members 46 can comprise cam elements, or actuators of a mechanical or hydraulic type, able to act, for example, on a lower surface of the transport member 45 or on the individual packages 111.

[0098] Figs. 3(a)-(c) show the introduction step in sequence. Fig. 3(a) shows a burrata cheese 100 carried by a support element 18 located in correspondence with an exit zone of the sliding support member 26, that is, in proximity to a return roller 28b. Fig. 3(b) shows the support element 18 tilted and a package 111, in particular a tray 112, aligned therewith and ready to receive the burrata cheese 100. A dashed line indicates the tray 112 in a position tilted toward the support element 112. Fig. 3(c) shows the burrata cheese 100 inside the package 111, while the freed support element 18 continues the rotation toward the lower side of the sliding support member 26.

[0099] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the method provides to introduce the burrata cheese 100 into respective packages 111, substantially empty or in any case containing only a minimum amount of preserving liquid, preferably less than half of the amount normally required for the finished product 110.

[0100] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the dispensing means 15 can comprise a nozzle 47 connected by means of valve means 48 to a tank 49 containing the preserving liquid.

[0101] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the closing means 16 can comprise a device 50 for dispensing lids 113, and pressing members 51 able to pressure-apply a respective lid 113 onto a tray 112 or, alternatively, in the case of packages 111 of the bag type, the closing means 16 can be configured to close the open end of the bags with wires or hooks of the metal type.

[0102] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, downstream of the step offilling the packages with the preserving liquid, the method provides a step of automatically checking the turbidity of the preserving liquid in the package 111, in order to determine whether there are any leaks of the filling 102 from the casing 101 of stretched curd.

[0103] In accordance with some embodiments, the line 10 comprises an image acquisition device 52, such as a video camera or a camera, disposed between the dispensing means 15 and the closing means 16 and able to acquire an image of the inside of the package 111.

[0104] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the step of automatically checking the turbidity of the preserving liquid comprises the acquisition of the image and the subsequent processing by means of a control unit 20 in order to evaluate, on the basis of a comparison with one or more stored reference images, the level of turbidity of the preserving liquid and determine whether there are any leaks of the filling 102 and, if these are present, to activate means for signaling or diverting from a primary path the package 111 judged to be defective.

[0105] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the cooling step provides to make the packages pass inside a cooling tunnel 17 at temperatures lower than 0 °C.

[0106] The cooling tunnel 17 comprises a transport device 53, for example a conveyor belt, which can be connected to, or made in continuity with, the transport member 45, able to transport the closed packages 110, that is, the finished products, so as to cool them while they are in transit.

[0107] The cooling tunnel 17 further comprises cooling devices 54, which can be chosen from air cooling devices or air heat exchangers, able to cool the packages 111 to temperatures below 0 °C, preferably down to -50 °C.

[0108] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the cooling step provides to cool the packages 111 in the tunnel 17 to a temperature comprised between -40 °C and -10 °C.

[0109] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts or steps may be made to the method and to the line 10 for producing and packaging burrata cheese as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0110] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described withreference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of method and line for continuously producing and packaging burrata cheese, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0111] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method for the continuous production and packaging of burrata cheese (100) comprising:- automatically forming portions (107) of stretched curd;- automatically forming strings (103) of stretched curd and mixing them with a creamy substance (104) to obtain a filling (102);- automatically filling the individual portions (107) of stretched curd with said filling (102);- automatically introducing said burrata cheese (100) thus obtained into respective packages (111);- automatically filling said packages (111) with a preserving liquid;- automatically closing said packages (111);- automatically cooling said packages (111).

2. Method as in claim 1, characterized in that the step of automatically introducing said burrata cheese (100) into the packages (111) comprises tilting support elements (18), which are able to each house and support a respective burrata cheese (100), in correspondence with a packaging zone in order to promote the fall by gravity of said burrata cheese (100) from said support elements (18) into said packages (111).

3. Method as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that downstream of the step of filling the packages (111) with the preserving liquid, said method provides a step of automatically checking said packages (111) in order to determine whether there are any leaks of the filling (102) from a casing (101) of said burrata cheese (100).

4. Method as in claim 3, characterized in that said checking step comprises the acquisition of an image of the inside of the package (111) by means of an image acquisition device (52), and the subsequent processing of the image by means of a control unit (20) in order to determine a level of turbidity of the preserving liquid on the basis of a comparison with one or more stored reference images, and, in the event that leaks of the filling are detected, activating means for signaling or diverting from a primary path the package (111) judged to be defective.

5. Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said cooling step provides to make the packages (111) pass inside a cooling tunnel (17) at temperatures below 0 °C, preferably between -40 °C and -10 °C, and cool themwhile they are in transit.

6. Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said step of automatically forming strings (103) of stretched curd comprises rolling out a sheet (108) of stretched curd with a substantially constant thickness, cutting the sheet (108) in a longitudinal direction into parallel strips (109) and subsequently cutting the strips (109) in a transverse direction.

7. Method as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that the method provides to cut said sheet (108) in a longitudinal and transverse direction while it is fed downward in a substantially vertical direction so that said strings (103) can fall by gravity into a tank (42).

8. Automated line (10) for the continuous production and packaging of burrata cheese (100) comprising:- a forming machine (11) configured to form portions (107) of stretched curd; - a filling preparation machine (12) configured to form strings (103) of stretched curd and mix them with a creamy substance (104) obtaining a filling (102) for said burrata cheese (100);- a filling machine (13) able to fill the portions (107) of stretched curd with said filling (102) and obtain the burrata cheese (100);- introduction means (14) able to automatically introduce said burrata cheese (100) into respective packages (111);- dispensing means (15) disposed downstream of the introduction means (14) and configured to dispense a preserving liquid into the packages (111);- closing means (16) configured to close said packages (111);- cooling means (17) to cool said packages (111), and- a control unit (20) operationally connected to said machines (11, 12, 13) and said means (14, 15, 16, 17) and configured to control and coordinate their operation.

9. Automated line (10) as in claim 8, characterized in that said filling machine (11) comprises a plurality of support elements (18), each configured to position and support a respective portion (107) of stretched curd and / or a respective burrata cheese (100), which are attached to a plurality of transverse bars (27) in turn connected with their opposite ends to a respective chain or belt (29) wound in a loop onto respective drive and return rollers (28a, 28b), and one or more injectors (30) able to inject a dose of filling (102) into each of the portions (107) while theyare supported by said support elements (18).

10. Automated line (10) as in claim 9, characterized in that said introduction means (14) comprise a sliding transport member (45) able to transport a plurality of packages (111) and bring them into alignment with respective support elements (18) in correspondence with a rotation zone of said support elements (18) so as to receive by gravity a respective burrata cheese (100) released by one of said support elements (18) during the rotation.

11. Automated line (10) as in any claim from 8 to 10, characterized in that an image acquisition device (52) is disposed upstream of said closing means (16) which is configured to acquire an image of the inside of the package (111) and send the data to the control unit (20), which is configured to process the acquired image in order to assess, based on the turbidity of the preserving liquid, whether there are any leaks of the filling (102).

12. Automated line (10) as in any claim from 8 to 11, characterized in that said cooling means (17) comprise a cooling tunnel provided with a transport device (53) for transporting the closed packages (111) and with cooling devices (54) for cooling said packages (111) while they are in transit at temperatures below 0 °C, preferably between -40 °C and -10 °C.

13. Automated line (10) as in any claim from 8 to 12, characterized in that said filling preparation machine (12) comprises a pressing apparatus (35) able to obtain a sheet (108) of stretched curd, first cutting members (37) able to cut the sheet (108) in a longitudinal direction obtaining strips (109) of stretched curd and second cutting members (38) able to cut said strips (109) in a transverse direction, and a sliding transport member (36) able to transport the sheet (108) toward said cutting members (37, 38) and having a final segment (40) inclined upward, and said cutting members (37, 38) are aligned below one end of said final segment (40) in such a way as to interfere with said sheet (108) on a vertical plane.

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