Method for preparing a delivery system of one or more active ingredients in an edible composition

Abstract

A method for preparing a first component of a comestible composition is provided including forming an extrudate of the first component. The extrudate is cooled to a first temperature. The extruder is further cooled to a second temperature. The first temperature is greater than the second temperature.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for preparing a first component of a comestible composition, comprising:
 an extruder for forming an extrudate of the first component;   a transport device for receiving said extrudate output from said extruder, wherein said transport device is configured to cool said extrudate to a first temperature; and   a pelletizer positioned to receive said extrudate output from said transport device, said pelletizer being configured to cut said extrudate into a plurality of substantially identical pieces.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the pelletizer includes a wheel having a plurality of teeth extending radially outward therefrom, said wheel being configured to rotate about an axis arranged substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of said transport device. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein each piece includes a cut surface having a diameter larger than a thickness of said piece. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a cooling mechanism configured to receive and cool said pieces to a second temperature, said second temperature being cooler than said first temperature.   
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a milling machine arranged downstream from and in-line with said cooling mechanism, said milling machine being configured to grind said plurality of pieces into a powder having particles of a desired size.