Extrusion mold and method of use

Abstract

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.