GB2413475A

GB2413475A - Piercing cheeses

Info

Publication number: GB2413475A
Application number: GB0409451A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Justin Eric Bell
Original assignee: SHEPHERDS PURSE CHEESES
Current assignee: SHEPHERDS PURSE CHEESES
Priority date: 2004-04-28
Filing date: 2004-04-28
Publication date: 2005-11-02
Also published as: GB0409451D0

Abstract

Cheeses are mounted on rotatable support plates 2a, 2b etc., that are , in turn, carried on a rotatable platform 3. The cheeses are pierced with moveable needles ( Fig. 3 ) that may introduce an additive, e.g. a mould, into the cheese. The operation may be automated.

Description

241 3475

AERATOR

The invention relates to an apparatus for aerating cheese, methods of manufacture and uses thereof.

Background to the invention

The making of cheese, particularly curdled milk cheese involves the bacteriological ripening of cheese via aeration. In order to accelerate the ripening process the cheese is not only ripened by the action of air on the external surface but also by holes which are artificially introduced into the cheese and which enable air to penetrate to the interior of the cheese where bacteriological ripening can also take place.

During the manufacture of blue cheeses, mould spores, such as Penicillium roqueforti are introduced into the cheese prior to the ripening process and the aeration by spiking results in the cheeses having a characteristic blue-veined appearance and taste.

Traditionally the circumference of these substantially cylindrical cheeses have been pierced by hand using aeration pins/needles. A number of attempts to automate this process and to also enable a plurality of cheeses to be simultaneously and uniformly pierced have been described. For example, GB 2,315,203 describes an apparatus for piercing a plurality of cheeses in which the cheeses are positioned with their cylindrical periphery supported by a pair of indexing rollers. Two sets of spaced parallel needles are reciprocated in a direction lengthwise of the needles towards and away from the cheeses on the roller. Likewise, in GB 219,586 the cheese is positioned with its cylindrical periphery resting on a set of rollers.

A number of disadvantages are associated with these devices. Due to the fact that the circumferential periphery of the cheeses rest on the roller it is possible that when the cheeses, such as soft and semi-soft cheeses, are pierced the rotation of the rollers may permanently distort the periphery of the cheese. Furthermore, because the cheeses are positioned end to end on the rollers, there is also a space consideration to be taken into account when considering how many cheeses can be simultaneously pierced, as the length of the rollers is relative to the length of the horizontal column of cheeses. Also as a result of only one set of opposing needles, in which all the needles lie in the same plane, being positioned between the rollers in these devices, the cheese can only be pierced at a pre-determined angle by one set of needles at each indexing point of the roller. The piercing of the cheeses using these devices is a batch process, with a batch of cheeses being positioned on the rollers, pierced whilst being rotated 360 and then removed from the rollers, making space on the rollers for the next batch of cheeses.

We have surprisingly found an apparatus which overcomes the problems as discussed hereinbefore described.

Statements of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for use in simultaneously piercing an external surface of a plurality of cheeses with a moveable needle, the apparatus comprising a rotatable cheese support for presenting an area of the external surface of the cheese to the moveable needle, the needle being positioned to pierce the cheese at a predetermined angle relative to the external surface, characterized in that the apparatus is further provided with a rotatable platform onto which a plurality of cheese supports are rotatably mounted relative to the platform.

In a preferred embodiment if the invention the rotation of the cheese supports and the rotation of the platform comprises a rotating phase and a stationary phase, with the needles arranged to operate in timed relation to this stationary phase. The cheese is pierced during the stationary phase, with the needles being completely withdrawn from the surface of the cheese prior to the next rotating phase, thus preventing damage the likelihood of any damage occurring to the surface of the cheese. The length of time of the stationary phase may be variable. For example the length of time may be dependent on the depth that the cheeses are to be pierced. Piercing of the superficial layers will require a shorter stationary period than deeper piercing.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, if during the piercing process a substance is to be injected into the cheese, then the length of time of the stationary phase will need to be sufficient for the substance to be completely discharged from the needle.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the rotating phase comprises movement through a selected angle of rotation. In this embodiment the cheese support does not rotate freely until the stationary phase is started, but rather the rotation of the cheese support occurs in a controlled manner through a series of selected angles of rotation.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention each of the cheese supports simultaneously rotate through the same selected angle of rotation.

The selected angle of rotation can be determined by the formula; Selected angle of rotation of the cheese support = 360 during the rotating phase XY wherein X equals the number of cheese supports and Y equals the number of circumferential piercing points.

By calculating the selected angle of rotation of the cheese support during each rotating phase, after each rotation a different surface of the cheese is presented to the needles, thereby ensuring that the external surface of each cheese is uniformly pierced during a 360 rotation of the platform.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the cheese supports rotate in the same direction.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the platform and the cheese supports rotate in the same direction to each other. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the platform rotates in an opposing direction to the cheese supports.

In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention the rotation of the platform and/or the cheese supports is automated. The operator of the apparatus selects the appropriate programme which is dependent on parameters such as, the number of cheese supports, the number of needles piercing the cheese on any one circumferential plane and the length of time of the stationary phase.

Preferably the cheese supports are reversibly detachable with the platform. Even more preferably still the cheese supports are available in a range of sizes for use with different sizes of the cheese. Even more preferably the cheese support is a plate, with the plate comprising a retaining spike for retaining the cheese in place whilst it is being rotated and pierced.

In a still further embodiment of the invention the cheeses are substantially cylindrical, with each cheese having a base which stands on the cheese support, and wherein the external surface of the cheeses is the circumferential surface.

In alternative embodiments of the invention the cheese can be of any shape which has a base and a circumference, for example the cheese may be an ablate spheroid, frusto- conical or toroidal.

Preferably the needles comprise a tapered point, with the point being the first part of the needle to contact the external surface of the cheese.

Even more preferably the needles are hollow, thereby enabling substances to be injected into the cheese via the needles. Such substances may comprise a biological component. Preferably this biological component is a mould, such as and by way of example a Penicillium species, e.g Penicillium roqueforti.

The needles are preferably operated pneumatically.

The needles may be provided in a range of sizes, both in terms of length and girth, thereby enabling piercing to varying depths and widths. s

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the needles are substantially straight. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the needles are provided with a curvature.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the surface of the needles is substantially smooth. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the surface of the needles is rough, for example, the surface is provided with a screw thread.

In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention the needles may be radially titled in relation to the circumferential surface of the cheese. Preferably the radial tilt of the needle is horizontal and/or vertical. The ability of the needles to be radially tilted is advantageous as it allows for the generation of different piercing patterns.

These differing patterns may be required for different sizes of cheese or purely for aesthetic reasons. The ability to be able to control the angle of movement of the needles into the cheese also prevents the cheese from becoming unstable the platform.

Preferably the needles are provided with a pivoting means which facilitates this radial tilt.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention a plurality of needles extend from an arm member. Preferably the needles are positioned adjacent with one another and even more preferably they are aligned in a horizontal or vertical plane. Preferably, when in use, the needles are aligned in a vertical plane. The needles that are positioned on any one arm member may be of differing lengths and girths and retained at differing radial tilts.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the arm member can be radially titled to the horizontal and/or vertical. The needles on the arm member may also be radially tilted and therefore the number of possible combinations of angles that the needles can pierce the cheese are considerable.

In a further embodiment of the invention the apparatus further comprises a housing.

The provision of a housing overcomes many Health and Safety concerns, it prevents the needles being accessible to personnel whilst the machine is both idle and during operation and it also reduces the possibility of contamination of the cheeses from objects that may fall into the apparatus, for example dust and the housing thus increases the hygiene associated with the apparatus.

The design of the apparatus is such that it is capable of being operated by one person for load and unload, with the ergonomic design of the operator area minimising the twisting and reach hazards and hence reducing the effects of fatigue.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of simultaneously piercing an external surface of a plurality of cheeses with a moveable needle, the method comprising the step of placing a plurality of cheeses onto a plurality of rotatable cheese supports, the cheese supports being rotatably secured relative to a ratable platform.

Preferably the piercing aerates the cheese. Even more preferably the piercing introduces a substance into the cheese. Such substances may comprise a biological component Preferably this biological component is a mould, such as and by way of example a Penicillium species, e.g Penicillium roqueforti.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing an apparatus for use in simultaneously piercing an external surface of a plurality of cheeses with a moveable needle, the method comprising the step of mounting a plurality of rotatable cheese supports to a rotatable platform, such that the cheese supports and platform rotate independently.

Preferably a moveable needle is positioned adjacent with a cheese support, such that, in use, the needle pierces an external surface of the cheese.

Preferably the components of the apparatus are manufactured of food grade stainless steel. Alternative materials may be used if the are washable and hygienic.

According to a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a rotatable platform and a plurality of rotatable cheese supports adapted to be secured to the rotatable platform, wherein the rotatable cheese supports rotate independently.

Preferably the kit comprises varying sized rotatable cheese supports. Even more preferably these cheese supports are plates.

An apparatus, uses thereof, methods of manufacture or kits substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description and drawings.

Specific embodiment of the invention The unit described below is an eight station unit capable of simultaneously spiking eight cheeses with a cycle of approximately 5 seconds depending on the speed of load and unload.

The unit is constructed on a stainless steel box section chassis with levelling feet.

Welding to be fused full welds to seal joints against bug traps. All components are manufactured from food grade materials (FDA approved. Pneumatic cylinders will be of all stainless steel construction (SMC CG5S series or similar).

The unit is able to withstand low-pressure jet washing with all electrical units protected to IP56 (dust protected and protected against powerful water jets). All electrical and pneumatic controls sealed to IP56 within separate stainless steel cabinets.

Figure 1: A plan view of the apparatus comprising eight piercing stations.

Figure 2: A perspective view of a cylindrical cheese standing on one of the piercing stations being pierced by the needles arranged on four pneumatic needle arms.

Figure 3: A side view of a pneumatic needle arm.

Figure 4: A plan of the apparatus retained with the housing.

Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of the free-standing apparatus 1, which has eight substantially circular cheese support plates 2a-2j which are rotatably mounted in a symmetrical pattern around the periphery of a substantially circular rotatable platform 3. The platform 3 rotates in an anti-clockwise direction about axis 4, whilst each cheese support plate 2a-2j rotates in a clockwise direction about axes 5a-5j. The cheese support plates 2a-2j are provided with a circular arrangement of spikes 6 extending from and substantially perpendicular with the upper surface. These spikes retain the cheese in place whilst it is being rotated and pierced. The cheese support plates 2a-2j are rotated at the selected angle of 22.5 . Unspiked cheeses are loaded onto cheese support plates 2a and spiked cheese unloaded from cheese support plates 2j.

The apparatus is retained in a housing 7 which is shown by dotted outline, the housing does not cover cheese support plate 2a and 2j, allowing the operator unhindered access to these two plates.

Figure 2: A substantially cylindrical cheese 8 is shown located on a cheese support plate 2b. Four pneumatic needle arms are shown 9a-9d. Pneumatic needle arm 9a comprises a stainless steel pneumatic cylinder lea which centrally locates into a vertical wall of a substantially square arm mounting unit 1 la. Three vertically aligned cylinder guide rods 12a-c extend substantially perpendicularly from the opposing vertical wall of arm mounting unit 1 la. The interval between 12a-12b and 12b-12c is substantially the same. A substantially rectangular guard 13 is positioned with its longitudinal edges in a vertical position at the end of the cylinder guide rods 12a-c distal to the mounting unit 1 la. Four vertically aligned tapered aerating needles 14a-d (not shown) extend substantially perpendicularly from the guard 13, with the tapered end positioned distal to guard 13. The intervals between 14a- 14b, 14b-14c and 14c S 14d are substantially the same. The arrangement of components on pneumatic needle arms 9b-d is the same as for 9a.

Figure 3: illustrates a side view of pneumatic needle arm 9a which comprises a stainless steel pneumatic cylinder lea which centrally locates into a vertical wall of a substantially square mounting unit lla. Three vertically aligned cylinder guide rods 12a-c extend substantially perpendicularly from the opposing vertical wall of mounting unit 1 la. The intervals between 12a-12b and 12b-12c are substantially the same. A substantially rectangular guard 13 is positioned with its longitudinal edges in a vertical position at the end of the cylinder guide rods 12a-c distal to the mounting IS unit 1 la. Four vertically aligned tapered aerating needles 14a-d extend substantially perpendicularly from the guard 13, with the tapered end positioned distal to guard 13.

The intervals between 14a-14b, 14b-14c and 14c-14d are substantially the same.

Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of the apparatus I retained within the housing 7. The housing 7 is hexagonal. Two opposing wheels 15a and 15b each formed by eight spokes 15 radiating from a central axis 16 form the top and bottom structure of the housing. Legs 17, each of which are provided with feet 18, are located at each corner of the housing and extend towards the floor. Six of the triangular segments which are formed by the spokes 15 and legs 16 are provided with hinged door 19. When the doors are closed during the operation of the apparatus, they form a protective barrier for the cheese and a guard for the operatives against the needles. The doors can be opened to enable maintenance of the apparatus.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for use in simultaneously piercing an external

surface of a plurality of cheeses with a moveable needle, the apparatus comprising a rotatable cheese support for presenting an area of the external surface of the cheese to the moveable needle, the needle being positioned to pierce the cheese at a predetermined angle relative to the external surface, characterized in that the apparatus is further provided with a rotatable platform onto which a plurality of cheese supports are rotatably mounted relative to the platform.
2. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the rotation of the cheese supports and the rotation of the platform comprises a rotating phase and a stationary phase, with the needles arranged to operate in timed relation to this stationary phase.
3. An apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the rotating phase comprises movement through a selected angle of rotation.
4. An apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein each of the cheese supports simultaneously rotate through the same selected angle of rotation.
5. An apparatus according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the selected angle of rotation is given by the formula; Selected angle of rotation = 360

XY

wherein X equals the number of cheese supports and Y equals the number of circumferential piercing points.
6. An apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the cheese supports rotate in the same direction.
7. An apparatus according to any of Claims l to 6, wherein the platform and the cheese supports rotate in the same direction.
8. An apparatus according to any of Claims 1 or 7, wherein the platform rotates in an opposing direction to the cheese supports.
9. An apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 8 wherein the rotation of the platform and/or the cheese supports is automated.
10. An apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the cheese supports are reversibly detachable with the platform.
11. An apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the cheese support is a plate.
12. An apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein the plate comprises a retaining spike for retaining the cheese in place.
13. An apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the apparatus further comprises a housing.
14. An apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the cheeses are substantially cylindrical, each cheese having a base which stands on the cheese support, and wherein the external surface of the cheeses is the circumferential surface.
15. An apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the needle can be radially titled in relation to the circumferential surface in order to vary the position and angle of piercing.
16. An apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the radial tilt is horizontal.
17. An apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the radial tilt is vertical.
18. A method of simultaneously piercing an external surface of a plurality of cheeses with a moveable needle, the method comprising the step of placing a plurality of cheeses onto a plurality of rotatable cheese supports, the cheese supports being rotatably mounted relative to a ratable platform.
19. A method according to Claim 18, wherein the piercing aerates the cheese.
20.A method according to Claim 18 or 19, wherein the piercing is used to introduce a substance into the cheese.
21. A method according to Claim 20, wherein the substance comprises a biological component.
22. A method according to Claim 21, wherein the biological component is a mould.
23. A method according to Claim 22, wherein the mould is selected from the genus Penicillium.
24. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for use in simultaneously piercing an external surface of a plurality of cheeses with a moveable needle, the method comprising the step of mounting a plurality of rotatable cheese supports to a rotatable platform, such that the cheese supports and platform rotate independently.
25. A method according to Claim 24, wherein a moveable needle is positioned adjacent with a cheese support, such that, in use, the needle pierces an external surface of the cheese.
26. A kit comprising a rotatable platform and a plurality of rotatable cheese supports adapted to be mounted on the rotatable platform, wherein the rotatable cheese supports rotate independently from the rotatable platform.
27. A kit according to Claim 26, wherein the kit comprising varying sized rotatable cheese supports.
28. A kit according to Claim 26 or 27, wherein the cheese supports are plates.
29. An apparatus, method, use or kit as substantially herein described with reference to the accompanying description and examples.