EXTRUSION MOLD AND METHOD OF USE
In one embodiment of the invention a mold system and method of use are provided such that aqueous starch-based compositions and baked goods articles that use the conversion of water to steam may be produced using an extruder that allows the venting of such gases and/or steam. The extruder is vented in such a way as to allow steam to escape, but retain the composition until the exit end.
1 - 11 . (canceled)
12 . An extrusion head comprising:
a multi-piece extrusion head comprising at least two pieces, wherein the at least two pieces define at least a portion of an inner cavity that extends the length of the multi-piece extrusion head;
an material inlet on a first side of the multi-piece extrusion head and a material outlet on a second side of the multi-piece extrusion head; and
a first axial venting gap, the first axial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along the length of the multi-piece extrusion head and in fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion.
13 . The extrusion head of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of venting gaps.
14 . The extrusion head of claim 13 further comprising a radial venting gap.
15 . The extrusion head of claim 13 wherein the plurality of axial venting gaps comprises the first axial venting gap and at least a second axial venting gap, the second axial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along the length of the extrusion head and in fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion.
16 . An extrusion head comprising:
a multi-piece extrusion head comprising at least two pieces, wherein the at least two pieces define at least a portion of an inner cavity that extends the length of the multi-piece extrusion head;
a first radial venting gap, the first radial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along a circumference of the inner cavity of the multi-piece extrusion head and in direct fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion.
17 . The extrusion head of claim 16 further comprising a second radial venting gap.
18 . The extrusion head of claim 17 wherein the second radial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along a circumference of the inner cavity of the extrusion head and in direct fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion.
19 . The extrusion head of claim 18 wherein at least a portion of the second radial venting gap is formed at a second intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head.
20 . An extrusion head comprising:
a multi-piece extrusion head comprising at least two pieces, wherein the at least two pieces define at least a portion of an inner cavity that extends the length of the multi-piece extrusion head;
a first axial venting gap, wherein the first axial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along the length of the multi-piece extrusion head and in fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion; and
a first radial venting gap, wherein the first radial venting gap comprising a first portion extending in a substantially continuous manner along a circumference of the inner cavity of the multi-piece extrusion head and in direct fluid communication with the inner cavity, and a second portion in direct fluid communication with the first portion, wherein the second portion is wider than the first portion, and
wherein at least a portion of the first axial or radial venting gap is formed at a first intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head.
21 . The extrusion head of claim 20 wherein the first axial venting gap is formed at a first intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head and the first radial venting gap is formed at a second intersection of at least two pieces of the multi-piece extrusion head.
22 . The extrusion head of claim 20 further comprising at least a second axial venting gap and at least a second radial venting gap.
23 . The extrusion head of claim 20 further comprising at least a second axial venting gap and at least a second radial venting gap.
24 . The extrusion head of claim 20 further comprising a plurality of axial venting gaps and a plurality of radial venting gaps.