Moulding
The invention provides methods for molding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption, in particular from a mass of meat. The method comprises feeding the mass of foodstuff into a mold cavity, molding the mass of foodstuff into a molded product, and removing the molded product from the mold cavity using pressurized gas.
1. A method for molding three dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption using a molding device comprising:
a mold comprising a mold cavity defined by a base and a circumferential wall and having a cavity opening opposite the base;
a mass feed component;
one or more first nozzles located in the base of the mold cavity;
a first passage in communication with the one or more first nozzles;
one or more second nozzles located in the circumferential wall or in an annular area of the base adjacent the circumferential wall;
a second passage in communication with the one or more second nozzles;
a source for gas under pressure; and
a selector device for selectively connecting the source to the first passage or the second passage,
the method comprising:
feeding the mass of foodstuff into the mold cavity via the cavity opening with the mass feed component;
molding the mass of foodstuff into a molded product; and
removing the molded product from the mold cavity by first bringing the second passage into communication with the source of gas under pressure, so that the molded product is pressed away from the circumferential wall of the mold cavity, and then bringing the first passage into communication with the source of gas under pressure, so that the molded product is removed from the mold cavity.