Croissant dough, and a method and machine for forming that dough

Abstract

Forming machines and methods for forming a croissant dough piece in which the lateral end sides can be bent to form and join them, while they contact the upper surface of a transporting conveyor, are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the forming machines include an interception pin, which is arranged above the transporting conveyorsuch that it is vertically movable and it is also movable in the conveying direction of the transporting conveyor. The forming machine also includes a plurality of pressing members, which are arranged above the transporting conveyorsuch that they are vertically movable and are movable in the conveying direction of the transporting conveyorat a velocity faster than that of the interception pin, and they are movable toward and away from each other. When the interception pinintercepts the center portion of the croissant dough piecein the length thereof at the leading side thereof along the conveying direction, the pressing membersbend both sides of the croissant dough pieceabout the interception pinthat is centered thereon to form or join them, while downward components of force are applied to both sides thereof. The circumferential surface of the interception pinejects air when the pressing membersare lifted up and the interception pinis pulled up from the croissant dough piece