NL2031151B1 - Method and device for making pancakes - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a printer for manufacturing a pancake. The printer, comprising a feeder, a nozzle, and a blower, the feeder including an outlet placed in fluid communication with the nozzle, the nozzle configured to deliver at least a jet of a liquid food product from the feeder, wherein the blower is arranged to deliver a gas stream in a direction where the gas stream from the blower crosses the jet of liquid food from the nozzle, the blower comprising a powder feed device configured to feed powder from the powder feeder into the gas stream delivered by the blower.

Description

Ref. No. P138316EN01 Method and device for making pancakes

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for making pancakes.

Dutch patent NL2004393 describes in one embodiment an assembly for baking pancakes. The assembly comprises a conveyor with a heatable carrier on which the pancakes to be manufactured are transported, and a first food printer (food jet printer) placed above the conveyor. The food printer is provided with openings for dispensing drops of a first pancake batter, while substantially each opening of the food printer can be controlled individually for whether or not to eject a drop of the first pancake batter and for setting of the frequency with which drops of the first pancake batter are ejected. Downstream of the first food printer, a second food printer is placed above the conveyor, at least viewed in a transport direction of the conveyor. The second food printer is adapted to dispense drops of a second pancake batter.

By using a second pancake batter that differs in composition and/or color from the first pancake batter, pancakes can be manufactured in which figures are visible in the pancake.

The amount of batter that falls from the various openings on the carrier must be sufficient to flow together and to form one pancake. The openings should therefore not be too far apart. The viscosity of the batter, the flow rate of batter dispensed through an orifice, and the distance between the orifices must be well matched to ensure the confluence of the batter on the carrier to produce one pancake .

It has been found that for the production of a pancake the two food printers must be properly adjusted to each other and the openings of the food printers must be placed relatively close to each other in order to form one pancake. Manufacturing and installing the printers is therefore relatively complex.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, inter alia, an object of the present invention to provide a printer for making a pancake which at least partly obviates the above-mentioned problem.

From a first aspect, the invention provides a method for manufacturing a pancake, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first supply device with a first liquid food product and a second supply device with a second liquid food product; supplying the first liquid food product on demand from the first supply device via a first outlet to a common nozzle and/or supplying the second liquid food product on demand from the second supply device via a second outlet to the common mouthpiece; dispensing a jet of the first liquid food product and/or the second liquid food product from the common nozzle to a first position on a carrier;

at least temporarily deflecting the jet of the first liquid food product and/or the second liquid food product by a deflecting device before the jet is deposited on the carrier, whereby the jet is deflected substantially in its entirety to a second position on the carrier, the second position being spaced from the first position.

The method for manufacturing a pancake according to the invention solves the above problem. Because the first and second feed devices are in fluid communication with the common nozzle, only one printer is necessary for making a pancake. As a result, it is no longer necessary to properly adjust the two food printers and installing printers is therefore less complex.

However, combining a first and a second feed device and using a common nozzle generally requires more space than the nozzles in the known food printers. Therefore, in the method according to the invention, the jet of the first liquid food product and/or the second liquid food product is substantially in its entirety at least temporarily deflected, whereby the first liquid food product and/or the second liquid food product spread over a greater surface is distributed. Each nozzle can therefore reach a larger surface area. As a result, the distance between adjacent common nozzles can be greater than in the known food printers for making a pancake.

It is noted that the jet of first and/or second liquid foodstuff may on the one hand comprise a substantially continuous jet of liquid foodstuff and on the other hand may comprise a jet of drops of liquid foodstuff. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of controlling a flow of the first liquid food to the common nozzle through a first liquid control element.

In one embodiment, the first liquid control element comprises a first valve or valve configured to open or close the supply of the first liquid food product to the common nozzle, the first valve or valve preferably being in fluid communication with the common mouthpiece is installed. The flow of the first liquid foodstuff can be controlled or switched by opening or closing the first valve or the first valve.

When the first valve or the first valve is closed, no passage of the liquid food product is possible from the first supply device to the common nozzle. In this closed state of the first valve or the first valve, the common nozzle cannot dispense a first liquid nutriment originating from the first supply device. Upon opening the first valve or the first valve, the first liquid foodstuff can be supplied from the first supply device to the common nozzle and dispensed through the common nozzle.

In one embodiment, the method includes the step of controlling a flow of the second liquid foodstuff to the common nozzle by a second liquid control element.

In one embodiment, the second fluid control element includes a second valve or valve configured to open or close a supply of the second liquid food product to the common nozzle, the second valve or valve preferably being in fluid communication. with the common mouthpiece. The flow of the second liquid foodstuff can be controlled or switched by opening or closing the second valve or valve. When the second valve or the second valve is closed, no passage of the liquid food product is possible from the second supply device to the common nozzle. In this closed condition of the second valve or the second valve, the common nozzle cannot dispense a second liquid food product from the second supply device. When the second valve or the second valve is opened, the second liquid foodstuff can be supplied from the second supply device to the common mouthpiece and dispensed through the common mouthpiece.

In one embodiment, the first fluid control element comprises a first valve or valve and the second fluid control element comprises a second valve or valve, as described above. The flow of the first and/or second liquid foodstuff from the first and/or second supply device can thereby be controlled. The common nozzle therefore cannot dispense either liquid food, only dispense the first liquid food from the first feeder, only dispense the second liquid food from the second feeder, or simultaneously dispense the first and second liquid food from the first th and second feeder.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of supplying the first liquid foodstuff from the first outlet to a chamber and/or supplying the second liquid foodstuff from the second outlet to the chamber, the chamber being in fluid communication with the common nozzle, and on the other hand is in fluid communication with the first and second outlets. In the chamber, the liquid foodstuffs from both feeders can come together before the foodstuffs are dispensed through the common nozzle.

In one embodiment, the chamber is configured to mix the liquid foodstuffs. When supplying both first and second liquid foodstuffs from the first and second feeders to the chamber, the first and second liquid foodstuffs are mixed and the mixture is dispensed through the nozzle.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of feeding the first liquid foodstuff through a feed tube into the chamber and feeding the second liquid foodstuff into a portion of the chamber that at least partially surrounds the feed tube, preferably feeding of the second liquid food through a wall in the chamber. In one embodiment, the supply tube comprises an outlet opening, the outlet opening being spaced from the walls of the chamber, preferably wherein the outlet opening is surrounded by walls of the chamber. The liquid food product flowing from the outlet opening enters the chamber and is surrounded by the liquid food product from the first outlet or the second outlet which opens into the wall of the chamber. When supplying both first and second liquid foodstuffs from the first and second feeders to the supply tube and into the chamber, the first and second liquid foodstuffs are dispensed in a parallel stream through the nozzle. Preferably, the first and second liquid foodstuffs are substantially not mixed here, with the one liquid foodstuff coming out of the outlet opening of the feed tube being substantially surrounded by the other liquid foodstuff.

As described above, the method according to the invention comprises the step of at least temporarily deflecting the beam by at least one deflecting device. The deflector is configured to substantially deflect the jet of the dispensed liquid food product. Preferably, the degree of deflection and the duration of the deflection are adjustable. The liquid food product can be distributed over a larger area by the deflector than a common nozzle without a deflector. Each nozzle can therefore reach a larger surface area. The nozzles can be placed at a greater distance from each other, so that fewer nozzles are required per unit length of the printer.

: In one embodiment, the deflecting device comprises a blowing device. The blower is arranged to deliver a gas stream in a direction where the gas stream crosses the direction of the liquid food product and/or where the gas flow crosses the path of the liquid food product out of the nozzle. The gas flow is hereby adapted to push the liquid foodstuff away at least temporarily, and thereby to deflect it.

In one embodiment, the blower is a first blower, and the deflector includes a second blower configured to deliver a gas stream wherein the gas stream from the second blower crosses the path of the first gas stream and the path of the liquid foodstuff. crosses out of the mouthpiece, the first blowing device and the second blowing device being located substantially on opposite sides of the mouthpiece, the method comprising the step of at least temporarily pushing the liquid food product away by the gas stream of the first blower or by the gas stream from the second blower. By means of this embodiment, the liquid food product can be pushed away by the first blowing device in a first direction and pushed away by the second blowing device in a second direction, substantially opposite to the first direction. Through the use of a first and second blowing device, the range of dispensing liquid food from a common nozzle can be increased.

In one embodiment, the gas stream is an air stream, preferably the deflecting device can be coupled to a source of compressed air. Compressed air is often already present in production environments and thus forms a simple source for a gas flow for the deflecting device. In one embodiment, the deflection device comprises a filter unit for filtering the gas flow, in particular for filtering the gas flow before it is used by the deflection device. Here-

this can at least substantially prevent the dispensed liquid foodstuff from being polluted by the air flow. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of controlling the deflection device by a control device. The controller is preferably configured to turn on or turn off the first and/or second blower. When the deflector is turned off, the jet of liquid food will not be deflected. The liquid foodstuff can therefore be applied to the carrier at a first position, for instance substantially right below the mouthpiece. If the deflector is on, the beam will be deflected substantially in its entirety. The liquid foodstuff can therefore be applied to the carrier at a second position, the second position being spaced from the first position. The liquid nutrient can therefore be spread over the surface of the carrier. The control device is preferably designed to control the deflecting device to deposit the liquid foodstuff at the desired position on the carrier.

In one embodiment, the method includes the step of controlling the degree of deflection of the liquid food product jet by the controller. Because the control device can control the degree of deflection, the control device can determine, and preferably accurately control, the position where the liquid foodstuff is dispensed onto the carrier.

In one embodiment, the blower includes a powder feeder, the method comprising the step of: feeding powder on demand from the powder feeder into the gas stream delivered by the blower. In one embodiment, the powder comprises a coloring agent and/or a flavoring agent. By supplying powder on demand, in particular dry powder,

to the gas stream delivered by the blower, powder can be added to the liquid food for making the pancake.

It is noted here that the supply of the powder to the liquid foodstuff can take place substantially independently of the deflection of the liquid foodstuff. For example, the gas flow can be set to a low level so that the gas flow does not substantially deflect the liquid food, but this gas flow still allows powder to be added to the liquid food.

It is further noted here that the dispensing of the gas stream with powder can take place substantially independently of whether or not liquid foodstuff is dispensed.

For example, the printer may dispense an amount of the liquid nutrient onto a carrier, and after the dispensing of the liquid nutrient has ceased, powder may be added to the gas stream which is then driven by the gas stream on top of the surface of the liquid foodstuff can be deposited.

In one embodiment, several common nozzles are placed next to each other in a row. Each common nozzle dispenses a portion of liquid food on demand, allowing a row of portions of liquid food to be dispensed substantially simultaneously, each common nozzle to spread the liquid food dispensed therefrom over an area corresponding to the range of the corresponding blower. The array of portions of liquid foodstuffs are preferably delivered onto a carrier and flow together to form a nutritional product on the carrier.

In one embodiment, the carrier is heated to a baking temperature before the jet of the first liquid foodstuff and/or the second liquid foodstuff is delivered to the carrier. The heatable movable carrier is preferably heated to a baking temperature, preferably of about 180 degrees Celsius.

In this embodiment, the carrier is preferably heated to a baking temperature before the liquid foodstuff is dispensed onto the carrier.

The liquid food product applied to the heated carrier can therefore be baked directly.

In one embodiment, the heatable carrier comprises a belt conveyor or a disc conveyor.

The food products are fried on the belt conveyor or disc conveyor and transported at the same time, so that the pancakes can be produced quickly and on an industrial scale.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first liquid foodstuff or the second liquid foodstuff comprises a batter, in particular pancake batter.

In one embodiment, the first liquid food and/or the second liquid food comprises batter, chocolate, jam or marmalade.

Optionally, the liquid foods may contain solid components, preferably in small pieces or in granular form, such as pieces of fruits, nuts, sugar, etc.

In addition, since the distance between adjacent common nozzles can be greater, the common nozzles can have a larger diameter, so that these larger diameter common nozzles can also be used for dispensing a filling for pancakes, such as, for example, chocolate and/or chocolate. or jam In one embodiment, the first liquid food has a different composition than the second liquid food, preferably wherein the second liquid food has a different color than the first liquid food.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of making a pancake with predefined shapes and/or colors, preferably with predefined decorations, figures and/or text.

The method according to the invention makes it possible to manufacture a wide range of different food products, in particular a wide range of different types of pancakes, possibly with different patterns and/or with different fillings.

The invention from a second aspect provides a printer for making a pancake, comprising a first feeder, a second feeder, a common nozzle, and a deflector, the first feeder including a first outlet placed in fluid communication with the common nozzle and the second supply device includes a second outlet placed in fluid communication with the common nozzle, the common nozzle being configured to dispense at least a jet of a liquid food product from the first and/or second supply inlet. direction at a first position on a support, the deflector being configured to deflect the beam at least temporarily and substantially in its entirety before the beam is deposited on the support, thereby deflecting the deflected beam at a second position to deposit on the carrier that differs from d The first position on the carrier. Preferably, the second position is spaced from the first position.

In the printer according to the invention, both the first liquid food product and the second liquid food product can be applied to the carrier by the same printer, and by two separate printers placed at a distance from each other, as in the assembly according to the state of the art. The printer according to the invention thus makes it possible to form a food product built up from several components more into one whole food product.

In one embodiment, the common nozzle is placed between two deflectors. Both deflectors can deflect the direction of the dispensed liquid foodstuff, preferably substantially opposite directions. In one embodiment, the two deflectors are located on opposite sides, left and right, of the mouthpiece. In one embodiment, the deflectors are configured to deflect the direction of delivery of the liquid nutrient in directions substantially parallel to a line of communication between the two deflectors.

The invention, from a third aspect, provides a printer for making a pancake, comprising a feeder, a nozzle, and a blower, the feeder including an outlet placed in fluid communication with the nozzle, the nozzle configured to dispense of at least one jet of a liquid food product from the supply device, the blower being adapted to deliver a gas stream in a direction where the gas flow from the blower crosses the jet of the liquid food from the nozzle, the blower includes a powder feeder configured to feed powder from the powder feeder into the gas stream delivered by the blower.

By adding powder, in particular dry powder, to the gas stream delivered by the blowing device, preferably on demand, powder can be added to the liquid food for manufacturing the pancake.

It is noted here that dispensing of the gas stream with powder can take place substantially independently of whether or not liquid foodstuff is dispensed.

For example, the printer may dispense an amount of the liquid nutrient onto a carrier, and after the dispensing of the liquid nutrient has ceased, powder may be added to the gas stream which is then driven by the gas stream on top of the surface of the liquid foodstuff can be deposited. In one embodiment, the powder comprises a coloring agent and/or a flavoring agent. In one embodiment wherein the nozzle is configured to dispense the at least one jet of liquid food from the delivery device at a first position on a carrier, and wherein the blower is configured to at least temporarily and deflecting substantially in its entirety before depositing the beam on a support, and thereby depositing the deflected beam at a second position on the support that differs from the first position on the support. Preferably, the second position is spaced from the first position.

It is noted here that the supply of the powder to the liquid foodstuff can take place substantially independently of the deflection of the liquid foodstuff. For example, the gas flow can be set to a low level so that the gas flow does not substantially deflect the liquid food, but this gas flow still allows powder to be added to the liquid food.

The aspects and measures described in this description and claims of the application and/or shown in the drawings of this application can, where possible, also be applied separately from each other. Those separate aspects and other aspects may be the subject of divisional patent applications directed thereto. This applies in particular to the measures and aspects which are described in themselves in the subclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the appended drawings.

Shown in: figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a printer for carrying out the method according to the invention, in which a common nozzle is placed next to one blowing device; Figures 2A and 2B show a schematic cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a printer for carrying out the method according to the invention, wherein the nozzle is placed between two blowing devices; figures 3A and 3B show a schematic bottom view of variants of the printer of figures ZA and 2B, with the blowers being substantially perpendicular or at an angle to a connecting line between the figure 4 shows a schematic top view of an example of a printer according to figures 3A or 3B, for carrying out the method according to the invention, in which the printer comprises several common nozzles; figure 5 shows a schematic bottom view of a variant of a printer for carrying out the method according to the invention with two sets of two blowing devices placed around the nozzle of the printer; figures 6A and 6B show a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a printer for carrying out the method according to the invention; figure 7 shows a schematic top view of a printer for carrying out the method according to the invention, the printer comprising several common nozzles; figures 8A and 8B show a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a printer;

ter for carrying out the method according to the invention, comprising a common nozzle and two blowers; figure 9 shows a schematic top view of an example of a printer for carrying out the method according to the invention, the printer comprising a plurality of common nozzles; Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle with blowers for a printer according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention, the blower being provided with powder feed devices; figure 11 shows a schematic representation of an assembly provided with a number of printers and a carrier, the carrier being a belt conveyor; figure 12 shows a schematic representation of an assembly provided with a number of printers and a carrier, the carrier being a disc conveyor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be further elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following explanation is intended to illustrate and explain the invention and not to limit the claims. The dimensional ratio of the components shown in the drawings may differ from the actual proportions. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of a printer 1 for carrying out the method according to the invention. The printer 1 comprises a first feeder 10, a second feeder 20, a common nozzle 2, and a blower 30. The first and second feeders are placed side by side and the common nozzle 2 is placed between the first feeder 10 and the second feeder 20 is placed. The blowing device 30 is placed next to the common nozzle 2.

The first supply device 10 comprises a first reservoir 12 for a first liquid food product and a first outlet 11 placed in fluid communication with the first reservoir 12 and the common nozzle 2 . The first supply device further comprises a first fluid control element 13 in the form of a valve. This valve can be opened or closed to direct a flow of the first liquid nutrient to the common nozzle 2 . By opening the valve for a certain period of time, a portion of the first liquid foodstuff can flow to the common nozzle, as a result of which the common nozzle dispenses the liquid foodstuff 4' onto the carrier 3 at a first position.

The second supply device 20 comprises a second reservoir 22 for a second liquid food product and a second outlet 21 placed in fluid communication with the second reservoir 22 and the common nozzle 2 . The second supply device further comprises a second fluid control element 23 in the form of a valve. This valve can be opened or closed to direct a flow of the second liquid nutrient to the common nozzle 2 . By opening the valve for a certain period of time, a portion of the second liquid foodstuff can flow to the common nozzle, as a result of which the common nozzle dispenses the liquid foodstuff 4' at a first position on the carrier.

When the blower 30 is activated, the direction of the liquid food 47 changes, as indicated schematically in dotted lines in Figure 1. The blower comprises a gas channel 31 arranged to deliver a gas stream 31' in the direction of the path of the liquid food product from the common nozzle 2. The direction of the gas flow 31' is at least partly transverse to the jet of the liquid food product 47. In an area 32, the gas flow 31' crosses the path of the liquid food product 4', area 32 is placed between the mouthpiece 2 and the carrier 3. As a result, the jet of the liquid foodstuff 4' is deflected substantially in its entirety to a second position on the carrier

3. By adjusting the pressure of the gas in the gas channel 31, the degree of deflection can be adjusted.

Preferably, the first supply device 10 and/or the second supply device 20 further comprises a pressure regulator (not shown) for maintaining the pressure in the first reservoir 12 and/or the second reservoir 22 substantially constant, at least during the dispensing of liquid foodstuff. If the first supply device 10 and/or the second supply device 20 are each connected to several nozzles 2, and no pressure regulator is provided, pressure variations may occur as the number of open fluid control elements 13, 23 varies. For example, the pressure in the reservoir 12, 22 may be {temporarily} lower when all fluid controls 13, 23 are open than when all fluid controls 13, 23 are closed. These pressure variations can lead to different ways in which the liquid foodstuff is applied to the carrier 3 . It is therefore advantageous to keep the pressure in the first reservoir 12 and/or the second reservoir 22 as constant as possible (or substantially) or to reduce pressure variations in the first reservoir 12 and/or the second reservoir 22 .

In the example of Figure 1, the first liquid control element 13 is shown in the closed position and the second liquid control element 23 in the open position, allowing the printer 1 to dispense a portion of the second liquid food onto the carrier 3. By closing the the second liquid control element 23 and opening the first liquid control element 13, the printer 1 can dispense a portion of the first liquid food product onto the carrier 3. By opening both the first liquid control element 13 and the second liquid control element 23, the printer 1 can delivering a portion of first and second liquid foodstuff to the carrier.

Furthermore, the printer 1 and/or the carrier 3 are movable relative to each other, preferably at least in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the gas flow 317, so that the printer can produce first and/or second liquid foodstuffs. dispensing at various locations on the carrier for printing a food product or part thereof.

Figures 2A and 2B show a second example of a printer for carrying out the method according to the invention, in which two blowers are placed on either side next to a common nozzle 13 . The common nozzle is thus placed between the two blowers 130, 140.

The first liquid nutrient comes from a first reservoir 112 and the second liquid nutrient comes from a second reservoir 122. When both valves 113, 123 are opened, both the first liquid nutrient and the second liquid nutrient flow to the common nozzle. 5. The common nozzle dispenses a portion of the liquid foodstuff 14' onto the carrier 3, at a first position substantially right below the common nozzle 5.

The direction of the liquid foodstuff 14' can be changed by both blowers 130 and 140. The first blower 130 includes a gas channel 131 arranged to deliver a gas stream 131', the gas stream 131' traversing the path of the liquid foodstuff 14 ° intersects in region 6. In operation, the gas stream 131' will push the liquid nutrient 14' away, thus changing the direction of the liquid nutrient, dispensing the liquid nutrient 14% to the right of the common nozzle 5 onto the carrier 3, as indicated by the dotted line in Figure 2A.

The second blower 140 includes a gas channel 141 arranged to deliver a gas stream 1417, with the gas stream 141' crossing the path of the liquid foodstuff 14' in region 6. In operation, the gas stream 141' will push the liquid foodstuff 14' away thereby changing the direction of the liquid nutrient, thereby dispensing the liquid nutrient 1477' to the left of the common nozzle 5 onto the carrier 3, as indicated by the dotted line in Figure 2B.

The blowers 130, 140 can alternately change the direction of the liquid food, so that the direction of the liquid food always changes. As a result, the liquid foodstuff can perform a reciprocating movement and form a stripe on the carrier 3. Furthermore, the printer and/or the carrier 3 are movable relative to each other, preferably at least in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the gas flows 131', 141", so that the printer supplies first and/or second liquid foodstuffs. can dispense at various locations on the carrier 3 for printing a food product or part thereof.

It is noted that in Figures 2A and 2B, the first reservoir 112 and the second reservoir 122 are placed in the plane of the drawing, and that the blowers 130, 140 are also placed in the plane of the drawing, also in order to be able to clearly represent the various parts of the printer according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention. However, preferably the first reservoir 112 and the second reservoir 122 lie in a plane positioned substantially perpendicular to the blowing directions 131', 141' as shown schematically in the bottom view of Figure 3A. This variant offers the possibility of placing several printing units with nozzles 5 and blowers 130, 140, optionally with joint or individual first and second reservoirs, next to each other in a line L as described in more detail below with reference to figure 4 .

In an alternative variation, the first reservoir 112 and the second reservoir 122 lie in a plane that is generally angled relative to the blowing directions 131", 141' as shown schematically in the bottom view of Figure 3B. These variant offers the possibility of placing several printing units with nozzles 5 and blowing devices 130, 140, optionally with joint or individual first and second reservoirs, next to each other in a line L, the printer being placed above a movable carrier in such a way that the carrier 3 is movable in a direction R which is substantially perpendicular to the blowing directions 1317,141", as described in more detail below with reference to figure 4.

Figure 4 shows a top view of a printer Al. This printer has a cross-section similar to that of the second example of Figures 2A and 2B, preferably with the first container 112 and the second container 122 placed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the line L, while the first blower 130 and the second blower 140 are placed in a plane that is positioned substantially parallel to the line L, as shown schematically in Figure 3A, or that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction R, as schematically shown in Figure 3B .

The printer A1 comprises a plurality of nozzles 5, which are placed substantially in a row next to each other, as shown in Figure 4. The pitch between adjacent nozzles 5 is substantially equal. Each nozzle 5 is surrounded by two deflectors, with each nozzle placed between the blowers (as shown schematically in Figures 2A and 2B). The blowing devices located next to each nozzle can change the direction of the liquid food in a direction that is substantially parallel to the straight line L or substantially transverse to the conveying direction R. During the application of liquid food, the liquid food is circulated by the blowing devices are deflected back and forth, so that the liquid food product is spread over a width of a web and is applied to the carrier 3. Each nozzle can apply the first and/or the second liquid food to the carrier 3 . In Figure 4, the liquid food product comprises batter for making a pancake as the molded food product. In this embodiment, the carrier 3 is a movable carrier, the carrier being movable in a transport direction R. On the portion of the carrier 3 downstream of the printer A1, a portion 170 of the batter has already been dispensed onto the carrier for forming the pancake 171. The dotted line 172 upstream of the printer A1 indicates the portion of the pancake still to be formed. at.

Figure 5 shows a schematic bottom view of a printer 150 according to a third exemplary embodiment. Also here are two sets of two blowers 160, 162 and 1607, 162" placed at the common nozzle 7, each set of two blowers comprising a first and a second blower placed on opposite sides of the nozzle 7 Herein all blowers 160, 162, 160', 162' are configured such that the gas streams from each of the blowers 160, 162, 160', 162' have at least a directional component in the direction of the nozzle 7. individually controlling the various blowers 160, 162, 160', 162', the jet of liquid food product from the nozzle 7 can be deflected in any direction. In this third example, the liquid food product can be deflected in substantially orthogonal directions from the nozzle 7. For example, by adjusting a gas flow 161, 161' from the blowers 160, 160', the jet of liquid food from the nozzle 7 can be deflected in the direction D.

Figures 6A and 6B are a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a printer 200 according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention.

The printer 200 includes a first feeder 210, a second feeder 220, a common nozzle 202, and two blowers 230, 240. The first and second feeders are juxtaposed and the common nozzle is located between the first feeder and the second feeder installed.

The first supply device 210 comprises a first reservoir 212 for a first liquid food product and a first outlet 211 opening into a chamber 204, which chamber 204 is placed in fluid communication with the common nozzle 202.

Furthermore, the first supply device comprises a first fluid control element 213 in the form of a valve.

The second supply device 220 comprises a second reservoir 222 for a second liquid food product and a second outlet 221 which also opens into the chamber 204. The second supply device further comprises a second liquid control element 223 in the form of a valve.

By closing the first liquid control element 213 and opening the second liquid control element 223, the printer 200 can dispense a portion of the second liquid food product from the common nozzle 202 onto the carrier 3. By closing the second liquid control element 223 and opening the first liquid control element 213, the printer 200 can dispense a portion of the first liquid food onto the carrier 3. By opening both the first liquid control element 213 and the second liquid control element 223, the printer 200 can dispense a portion of first and dispensing a second liquid food product onto the carrier 3. The direction of the liquid food product 214" can be changed by both a first blower 230 and a second blower 240. The first blower 230 includes a gas channel 231 arranged to produce a gas stream 232, wherein the gas stream 232 feeds the path of the liquid liquid food 214 intersects in area 206. In operation, the gas stream 232 will push the liquid food 214" away, thereby changing the direction of the liquid food, causing the liquid food 214" to the right of the common nozzle 202 on carrier 3 is dispensed, as indicated by the dotted line in figure 6A.

The second blower 240 includes a gas channel 241 that is configured to deliver a gas stream 242, with the gas stream 242 crossing the path of the liquid foodstuff 214 in region 206. In operation, the gas stream 242 will push the liquid foodstuff 2147 away and thus change the direction of the liquid nutrient, thereby dispensing the liquid nutrient 214' to the left of the common nozzle 202 onto the carrier 3, as indicated by the dotted line in Figure 6B.

Preferably, the chamber is configured to mix the liquid foodstuffs. When feeding both first and second liquid foodstuffs from the first and second feeders 210, 220 to the chamber 204, the first and second liquid foodstuffs are mixed and the mixture is dispensed through the nozzle 202 .

Furthermore, the printer 200 and/or the carrier 3 are movable relative to each other so that the printer can dispense first and/or second liquid foodstuff, or a mixture thereof, at different locations on the carrier 3 for printing a food product or part of it.

Figure 7 shows a top view of a printer A2. This printer has a cross-section similar to that of the second example of Figures 6A and 6B, preferably with the first container 212 and the second container 222 placed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the line L, while the first blower 230 and the second blower 240 are disposed in a plane disposed substantially parallel to the line L or disposed substantially parallel to the conveying direction R.

The printer A2 includes a plurality of nozzles 202 arranged side by side in substantially a row as shown in Figure 7. The pitch between adjacent nozzles 202 is substantially equal. Each nozzle is surrounded by two deflectors, with each nozzle positioned between the blowers (as shown schematically in Figures 6A and 6B). The blowers located next to each nozzle can change the direction of the liquid food in a direction substantially parallel to the straight line L. During the application of liquid food, the liquid food is moved back and forth by the blowers. deflected, whereby the liquid foodstuff is spread over a width of a web and is applied to the carrier 3.

Each nozzle can apply the liquid food to the carrier 3. In Fig. 7, the liquid food product includes batter for making a pancake as the molded food product. In this embodiment, the carrier 3 is a movable carrier, wherein the carrier is movable in a transport direction R. On the portion of the carrier 3 downstream of the printer AZ, a portion 251 of the batter has already been dispensed onto the carrier for forming the pancake 250. The dotted line 252 upstream of the printer A2 indicates the portion of the batter still to be formed. the pancake.

Figures 8A and 8B show a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a printer 300 for carrying out the method according to the invention. The printer 300 includes a common nozzle 302 and a dual blower 330, 340. The blowers 330, 340 are located on opposite sides of the common nozzle 302. The two liquid foodstuffs originate from two different reservoirs 310, 320 and flow through two different channels 311, 321 through a chamber 304 to the common nozzle 302. The supply of the two different types of liquid foodstuffs can be are individually controlled by the valves 313, 323. By opening or closing one or both valves, a first liquid food from the first reservoir 310 and/or a second liquid food from the second reservoir 320, or no liquid food can be dispensed. dispensed from the common nozzle 302 on the carrier 3.

The common nozzle 302 can dispense both the liquid food from channel 311 and from channel 321 at the same place on the carrier 3. The two different liquid foodstuffs 314' are deposited on the carrier 3, the direction of the two different liquid foodstuffs 314' being substantially perpendicular to the carrier 3 when the blowers 330, 340 are not activated.

If a first blower 330 is activated, the gas flow 332 from a gas channel 331 of the respective first blower 330 will change the direction of the first and/or second liquid food 3147 dispensed from the common nozzle 302. in that the gas stream 332 pushes away the first and/or second liquid foodstuff 314', whereby the first and/or second liquid foodstuff 314' is deposited on a side of the common nozzle 302 remote from the first blower 330 on the carrier 3, as indicated schematically by the dotted lines in Figure 8A.

If a second blower 340 is activated, the gas flow 342 from a gas channel 341 of the respective second blower 340 will direct the direction of the first and/or second liquid food 341° dispensed from the common nozzle 302. change due to the gas flow 342 pushing the first and/or second liquid foodstuff 314' away, causing the first and/or second liquid foodstuff 314' to be deposited on the carrier 3 on a side of the common nozzle 302 remote from the second blower 340 , as indicated schematically by the dotted lines in Figure 8B.

The gas streams 332, 342 from the blowers 330, 340 are directed through the respective gas channels 331, 341 to the path of the first and/or second liquid foodstuff 341'.

In region 306, the gas streams 332, 342 intersect with the path of the first and/or second liquid foodstuff 314', with region 306 positioned between the common nozzle 302 and the carrier 3 .

In use, the first and/or second liquid food 314' can be deposited on the carrier 3 by the different gas flows 332, 342 to the left or right of the common nozzle 302 .

The printer 300 in Figures 8A and 8B may also include multiple nozzles.

These nozzles are then arranged in a row, the plurality of common nozzles being placed substantially on a straight line L as shown schematically in the example of Figure 9. Figure 9 shows a plan view of a printer A3 with a plurality of common nozzles 302, the printer A3 being substantially similar in cross-section to the example in Figure 8A and Figure 8B, preferably with the first reservoir 310 and the second reservoir 320 placed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the line L, while the first blower 330 and the second blower 340 are disposed in a plane which is disposed substantially parallel to the line L or which is disposed substantially parallel to the conveying direction R.

The printer A3 includes a plurality of common nozzles 302 arranged in a straight line L with a substantially equal pitch between adjacent common nozzles 302 .

Each common nozzle 302 is surrounded by two deflectors, with each common nozzle 302 positioned between the two deflectors. Preferably, each of the deflectors includes a blower as shown in Figures 8A and 8B of the previous example. The blower(s) located next to each common nozzle 302 can change the direction of the liquid foodstuffs. The liquid nutrients are distributed on the carrier 3. Each common nozzle 302 can apply the first and/or second liquid food to the carrier 3 . Here, the deflection devices at each of the common nozzles 302 are arranged to deflect the liquid foodstuff from the respective common nozzle 302 in a direction which is directed substantially transverse to the transport direction R of the carrier 3. .

In Figure 9, at least one of the two liquid foodstuffs comprises batter for making a pancake 370 is. In this embodiment, the carrier 3 is a movable carrier, the carrier being movable in the transport direction R. By the movement of the carrier and the deflection of the streams of liquid food from the various nozzles 302, a food product can be produced. By using a printer with two different liquid foodstuffs, first portions 371 of the food product can be produced with the first liquid foodstuff, second portions 372 of the food product can be produced with the second liquid foodstuff, and third portions 373 of the liquid foodstuff can be produced. food product can be produced with both the first and the second liquid food. On the portion of the carrier 3 downstream of the printer A3, a portion 374 of the batter has already been dispensed onto the carrier for forming the pancake. The dotted line 375 upstream of the printer A3 indicates the portion of the pancake yet to be formed.

It is noted that in Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 57, 5B, 7A, 7B, the first reservoir 12, 112, 212, 310 and the second reservoir 22, 122, 222, 320 are placed in the plane of the drawing. and that the blowers 30, 130, 140, 230, 240, 330, 340 are also placed in the plane of the drawing, partly to enable the various parts of the printer according to the invention to perform the method according to the invention. Preferably, however, the first reservoir 12, 112, 212, 310 and the second reservoir 22, 122, 222, 320 lie in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, with the blowers 30, 130, 140 , 230, 240, 330, 340 remain positioned in the plane of the drawing, in the manner shown in the accompanying Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 5A, 5B, 7A, 7B.

Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of a printer for manufacturing a pancake. The printer includes a supply device (not shown) having an outlet placed in fluid communication with a nozzle 405 . The nozzle is configured to dispense at least a jet of a liquid food product 408 from the feeder. The printer includes at least one blowing device 430, 440, comprising a gas channel 431 arranged to deliver a gas stream 431' in a direction where the gas stream 431' from the blowing device 430 the jet of the liquid food 408 from the nozzle 405 intersects in region 406. In the example of Figure 10, the printer includes at least two blowers 430, 440 at each nozzle 405, with the blowers 430, 440 located on opposite sides of the nozzle 405.

Each blower 430, 440 includes a powder feeder 401, 402 configured to feed powder from the powder feeder 401, 402 to the corresponding blowers 430, 440. In line from the powder feeders 401, 402 to the respective blowers 430, 440, a valve or valve 403, 404 is placed for controlling a supply of powder to the relevant blowing devices 430, 440. By supplying powder, in particular dry powder, to the gas stream 431, preferably on demand. ' which is dispensed by the blower 430, powder can be added to the liquid food 408 to make the pancake. The powder preferably comprises a coloring agent and/or a flavoring agent, but the powder may also comprise other ingredients such as, for example, finely ground nuts, chocolate or sugar. It should be noted that the delivery of the gas stream 431' with powder can occur substantially independently of whether or not liquid food 408 is delivered. For example, the printer can dispense an amount of the liquid food 408 on a carrier 407, and after the delivery of the liquid nutrient 408 has ceased, the gas stream may be fed with powder which may then be deposited on the carrier 407 by the gas stream 431' on top of the surface of the liquid nutrient.

The nozzle 405 is preferably configured to dispense the at least one jet of a liquid food product 408 from the delivery device at a first position 414' on a carrier 407, the blowers 430, 440 being configured to direct the jet of the liquid food. deflecting agent 408 at least temporarily and substantially in its entirety prior to depositing the jet of liquid foodstuff 408' onto carrier 407, thereby depositing deflected jet 408' at a second position 414” on carrier 407 which differs from the first position 414' on the carrier 407. Preferably, the second position 414" is spaced from the first position 4147. It is noted that the supply of the powder to the liquid food 408 is substantially independent can occur from the deflection of the liquid food product 408'. By adjusting the gas flow 431' to a level such that the gas flow 431' substantially does not deflect the liquid food 408, the gas flow 4317 can still feed powder to the liquid food 408 without distorting the jet of liquid food. agent 408 is deflected. Figure 11 is a schematic view of printers A4, and a movable carrier in the form of a belt conveyor 380 movable in a transport direction R. The printers A4 include several common nozzles, as for example in one or more of the above. described exemplary embodiments, such as in the printers A1, A2 or A3 described above.

The multiple common nozzles or multiple nozzles of the printers A4 are placed above the belt conveyor 380 . At least one liquid food product is applied to the belt conveyor 380, the at least one liquid food product comprising batter for forming a pancake. The belt conveyor 380 is preferably heated by a heating unit 381. The heating unit is located upstream of the printers A4. Thus, the batter from the printers A4 is printed directly onto a heated carrier, in particular belt conveyor 380, whereby the baking of the batter from the printers A4 starts when the batter hits the belt conveyor 380. The pancakes are baked on the belt conveyor 380 and transported at the same time. Optionally, the printers A4 may be different printers or filled with batter with different recipes for substantially simultaneous production of different pancakes 171, 250, 370.

Figure 12 is a schematic plan view of an assembly comprising at least one printer AL and a movable carrier in the form of a disc conveyor 382 rotatable in a transport direction R. The printers A5 each comprise a plurality of common nozzles, as e.g. according to the examples of printer A1, A2 or A3. The plurality of common nozzles or plurality of nozzles of the printers A5 are disposed above the disc conveyor 382 .

At least one liquid food product is applied to the disc conveyor 382, the at least one liquid food product comprising batter for forming a pancake. The disc conveyor 382 is preferably heated by a heating unit (not shown), which is preferably located upstream of the printers A1, so that, in use, the printers A5 deposit the liquid food onto a hot disc conveyor 382 . Thus, the batter from the printers A5 is printed directly onto a heated carrier, in particular disc conveyor 382, whereby the baking of the batter from the printers AS starts when the batter hits the disc conveyor 382. The pancakes are baked on the disc conveyor 382 and transported at the same time. Optionally, the printers A5 may be different printers or filled with batter with different recipes for substantially simultaneous production of different pancakes 171, 250, 370.

In summary, the invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a pancake. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first and a second supply device with a first and a second liquid foodstuff, respectively; supplying on demand to a common nozzle the first liquid food product from the first supply device via a first outlet and/or the second liquid food product from the second delivery device via a second outlet;

dispensing a jet of the first and/or second liquid foodstuff from the common nozzle to a first position on a carrier; at least temporarily deflecting the jet of the first and/or second liquid foodstuff by a deflecting device before the jet is deposited on the carrier, wherein the jet is deflected substantially in its entirety to a second position on the carrier at a distance from the first position.

Claims (10)

CONCLUSIONS A printer for making a pancake, comprising a feeder, a nozzle, and a blower, the feeder including an outlet placed in fluid communication with the nozzle, the nozzle configured to deliver at least a jet of a liquid food product from the delivery device, the blower being arranged to deliver a gas stream in a direction where the gas flow from the blower crosses the jet of the liquid food from the nozzle, the blower comprising a powder delivery device configured is for feeding powder from the powder feeder into the gas stream dispensed by the blower. 2. Printer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printer is adapted to dispense the gas stream with powder substantially independently of whether or not liquid food is dispensed. A printer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the powder comprises a coloring agent and/or a flavoring agent. The printer of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the nozzle is configured to dispense the at least one jet of a liquid food product from the delivery device at a first position on a carrier, and the blower configured to dispense the jet of deflecting the liquid food product at least temporarily and substantially in its entirety prior to depositing the jet onto a carrier, thereby depositing the deflected beam at a second position on the carrier which differs from the first position on the carrier . The printer of claim 4, wherein the second position is spaced from the first position. A printer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the printer is adapted to supply the powder to the liquid food product substantially independently of the deflection of the liquid food product. A method of making a pancake with a printer comprising a feeder, a nozzle, and a blower, the feeder including an outlet placed in fluid communication with the nozzle, the nozzle having at least one jet of a liquid food product from the feeding device, the blowing device delivering a gas stream in a direction where the gas flow from the blowing device crosses the jet of the liquid food from the nozzle, the blowing device comprising a powder feeding device that feeds powder from the powder feeding device into the gas stream released by the blower. The method of claim 7, wherein the printer dispenses an amount of the liquid foodstuff onto a carrier, and after the dispensing of the liquid foodstuff has ceased, the gas stream is supplied with powder which is then released by the gas stream on top of the surface of the liquid food is deposited. A method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the nozzle dispenses the at least one jet of a liquid food product from the supply device at a first position on a carrier, and wherein the blowing device releases the jet of the liquid food product at least temporarily and in deflects substantially in its entirety before depositing the beam on a support, thereby depositing the deflected beam at a second position on the support that differs from the first position on the support. 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the gas flow is set to a low level so that the gas flow substantially does not deflect the liquid foodstuff, whereby powder is still supplied to the liquid foodstuff with this gas flow.