Method and apparatus for removing water from pouches

Abstract

The water is removed from food product pouches which have passed through a water bath by advancing the pouches in a continuous stream on a first tray which is vibrated with respect to a frame. The pouches are advanced beneath an air manifold which discharges air onto the pouch to blow moisture downwardly. An air outlet is formed in the tray beneath the air manifold, and air is drawn therethrough. The reduced pressure produced by the partial vacuum restrains the pouch from upstream motion, and serves to draw away the water which has been detached from the pouch. A second vibrating tray is positioned to receive pouches discharged from the first tray. An inclined ramp flips the pouches as they travel between the trays to present the underside of the pouch for drying. Once flipped the pouches progress along the second tray beneath a second air manifold and vacuum air outlet to complete the water removal prior to discharging the pouch from the apparatus.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.