Lyle Burkholder

Title: Lyle Burkholder: Innovator in Food Processing Technology

Introduction

Lyle Burkholder is a notable inventor based in Partridge, Kansas, who has made significant contributions to the field of food processing technology. With a focus on creating innovative methods for producing molded food pieces, Burkholder holds 2 patents that showcase his expertise and creativity in this area.

Latest Patents

One of Burkholder's latest patents is a method and apparatus for producing molded food pieces. This invention involves extruding or depositing input food between a pair of counter-rotating wheels that define mold cavities. The input food is molded into desired shapes, such as simulating pitted prunes or berries, through compression between aligned mold cavity pairs. To enhance the molding process, the input food is heated prior to molding, while the wheels are chilled to ensure the food sets up properly as it is compressed. The mold cavities are maintained at low temperatures, typically ranging from about -10°F to 32°F. After the food is molded, the rotating cavities separate at a release station, allowing the molded pieces to fall away. A positive product ejection assembly, such as air knives, can be utilized to purge each cavity before refilling, ensuring efficient production.

Career Highlights

Lyle Burkholder is currently associated with Sunsweet Growers Inc., where he applies his innovative ideas to enhance food processing techniques. His work has contributed to the development of efficient methods for producing high-quality molded food products.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Burkholder has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Robert L. Yates and Greg Roepka. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages innovation and the advancement of food processing technologies.

Conclusion

Lyle Burkholder's contributions to food processing technology through his patents and work at Sunsweet Growers Inc. highlight his role as an innovator in the industry. His inventive methods for producing molded food pieces demonstrate the potential for advancements in food manufacturing processes.