Patents by Inventor Mayank T. Patel

Mayank T. Patel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20020114870
    Abstract: A portable, single-use container for separately containing a dry consumable product and a liquid consumable product. The container includes a first, outer compartment; a second, inner compartment; and a cover. The first compartment includes a bottom, a first compartment side wall and an annular rim. The first compartment side wall extends from the bottom and defines a first compartment internal storage region. The annular rim is formed at a top of the first compartment side wall. The second compartment similarly includes a base, a second compartment side wall, and an annular lip. The second compartment side wall extends from the base and defines a second compartment internal storage region. The annular lip is formed at the top of a second compartment side wall, defining a dry product opening and forming a pour opening. The dry product opening provides access to the internal storage region. The pour opening is positioned along the annular lip so as to be offset from the dry product opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: John P. Rebhorn, Mayank T. Patel, Peter C. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6419974
    Abstract: Refrigerated cultured dairy products such as yogurt having enhanced anti-mold stability are prepared by including minute quantities of a cultured dairy ingredient having been cultured with a propionic acid forming culture. The propionic bearing cultured dairy ingredient such as whey is added to a milk base that is then heat treated prior to inoculation and fermentation with a yogurt culture. Premature protein coagulation that can occur during the heat treatment step is minimized by adding minute quantities of a calcium sequestrant to the milk base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen M. Silva, Mayank T. Patel, James McGuire, Timothy T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6183802
    Abstract: Refrigerated cultured dairy products such as yogurt having enhanced anti-mold stability are prepared by including minute quantities of a cultured dairy ingredient having been cultured with a propionic acid forming culture. The propionic bearing cultured dairy ingredient such as whey is added to a milk base that is then heat treated prior to inoculation and fermentation with a yogurt culture. Premature protein coagulation that can occur during the heat treatment step is minimized by adding minute quantities of a calcium sequestrant to the milk base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen M. Silva, Mayank T. Patel, James McGuire, Timothy T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5820903
    Abstract: Nutritionally improved yogurt products are provided that include a calcium phosphate salt of reduced particle size. The calcium fortification provides yogurts containing a total calcium content of 500 to 1500 mg per 170 g of yogurt. The calcium phosphate has a particle size of less than 150 .mu.m in the product. A method for producing the calcium fortified yogurt is also provided wherein an insoluble calcium salt is admixed with a yogurt base subsequent to fermentation with minimal shear. The yogurt base is prepared by conventional fermentation to have a thickness of at least 1500 cps (at 5.degree. C.). Separately, a concentrated slurry of a calcium phosphate is prepared having a pH of 4.0 to 4.6. The pH is adjusted by adding an edible organic or mineral acid. The slurry can be subjected to a size reduction step such as homogenization. Sufficient amounts of calcium phosphate slurry are admixed with the yogurt base to provide desired levels of calcium content (native plus supplemental).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy R. Fleury, Dean F. Funk, Mayank T. Patel, Warren D. Vala