Abstract: A thermoformable film including a polyethylene composition. The polyethylene composition includes a first polyethylene which is an ethylene copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 70,000 to 250,000 and a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of <2.3, a second polyethylene which is an ethylene copolymer or homopolymer having a weight average molecular weight of less than 75,000 and a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of <2.3, a third polyethylene which is an ethylene copolymer or homopolymer having a weight average molecular weight of less than 75,000 and a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of <2.3, and a fourth polyethylene which is an ethylene copolymer or homopolymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 100,000 to 250,000 and a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of >2.3, where the first polyethylene has more short chain branching than the second polyethylene or the third polyethylene.

Abstract: Provided is pet food which is obtained by heating and foaming dough, the dough including: cereals which contain wheat; animal-derived raw ingredients; and an expanding agent, in which a wheat protein content in the dough is 1.5% by mass or greater, and the moisture content in a pet food product is in a range of 20% to 35% by mass.

Abstract: A reusable brewing filter, also known as a brewing pod or adapter, for brewing systems. The reusable filter incorporates an internal rotatable scraping or ejection mechanism to facilitate the disposal of spent coffee grounds or other extracted and brewed materials.

Abstract: An edible pet chew includes a member of Artificial Bully Stick formed from a composition material with at least 20% plant ingredient imitating existing traditional bully stick products, serving as an alternative to traditional bully stick. The imitation includes the structure, and/or appearance, and/or size, and/or color, and/or texture, and/or flavor, and/or durability, and/or palatability of traditional bully stick. Preferably it is an extruded stick processed by an extruder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollowed ball with an erratic movement for pets formed by a single piece, preferably made from an elastic material that allows the erratic movement during a rotation or rebound displacement due to its interior design. The form and dimensions and dimensions of the ball allows the storage of food in its interior, introducing and dosing such food through openings or hollows placed in the external part of the ball. The ball is structurally formed in its interior by at least two cylindrical sections with continuing radially arched thickness with a sequential projection of horizontally cylindrical truncated steps.

Abstract: Described herein are chewable articles intended to be provided to animals for purposes including dental cleaning, breath freshening, nutrition, administration to the animal of beneficial agents, satisfaction of the animal's urge to chew, and general enjoyment by the animal. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods for making such chewable articles, the methods including the use of a processing aid to lubricate the article-forming apparatus, such as extruders, portioners, and molds, and to reduce the power requirements of such apparatus in the forming process.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a seasoning bag, an edible adhesive is applied to a panel of a bag in a pattern of spaced apart lines. A granular seasoning is applied to the panel of the bag such that the granular seasoning adheres to the edible adhesive pattern to produce a seasoning layer having a pattern substantially the same as the edible adhesive pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing cattle ears into pet treats by high-pressure processing are provided. The cattle ears are covered with a liquid, such as water, and exposed to high hydrostatic pressures for about one minute. The high hydrostatic pressures remove hair and implants from the cattle ears while preserving the texture and consistency of the ears, which are appealing to dogs and other pets.

Abstract: A vulcanized latex loop or loops, wrapped by multiple spirally wound, generally non-elastic ribbons may be stretched over the legs and tail of a dressed bird to close the cavity of the bird during cooking. The loop or loops may be stretched to bind a bird in various ways depending upon the size and configuration of the bird.

Abstract: A water conservation device is disclosed. The water conservation device includes a membrane and an uninterrupted flange comprising a cross sectional cylindrical shape that is attached to an entire outer edge of the membrane. The membrane is configured to completely cover a top of a swimming pool skimmer access opening and further configured to accept an access lid of the swimming pool skimmer opening over the membrane wherein the access lid holds the water conservation device in place when the access lid is attached to the access opening by which the membrane acts to prevent water from expelling from the access lid.

Abstract: A cooking aid comprising a sheet of flexible burn resistant material and a composition disposed on one face of the sheet, the composition comprising a mixture of vegetable or animal oil with a melting point below 20° C., vegetable or animal fat with a melting point above 20° C., and one or more herbs, spices and flavor enhancers.

Abstract: A system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage comprises an exchangeable capsule and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid to the exchangeable capsule, a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet arrangement for supplying the beverage to a container, such as a cup. The capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, an entrance area and a closed exit area. The circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space that comprises an extractable product. The fluid dispensing device supplies fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage. In use, the outlet arrangement is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule. The capsule further comprises an opening element through the closed exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule.

Abstract: Described herein are chewable articles intended to be provided to animals for purposes including dental cleaning, breath freshening, nutrition, administration to the animal of beneficial agents, satisfaction of the animal's urge to chew, and general enjoyment by the animal. The chews are made to be appetizing to the animal, to satisfy an urge to chew, to effect abrasive cleaning of the animal's teeth, to deliver one or more active agents to the oral cavity of the animal, or a combination of these. The chews have a resilient, chewable texture and are shaped to facilitate dental cleaning, to facilitate oral grasping by the animal, to appeal to human owners of the animal, to enhance the human-animal bond, or a combination of these. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods for making such chewable articles and for formulating and using them to effect dental health in animals.

Abstract: A food product having at least a first part and a second part, where the water activity of the first part is lower than the water activity of the second part, and a moisture barrier between the first part and the second part, wherein the moisture barrier is formed upon dehydration of an emulsion comprising lipid a biopolymer emulsifier.

Abstract: A food product dispensing device (10) includes a housing (12) with an opening (66). The device includes a drive screw (30) for driving a piston (42) towards the opening. Portions (76) of a food product are placed in the housing and are forced through the opening by the piston as the screw is rotated. There are separators (78) between each two adjacent portions. These allow one portion at a time to be ejected through the opening and used or consumed, for example by spreading.

Abstract: A consumable pacifier for an infant is provided herein. The invention provides a consumable gelatinous nipple where the gelatinous nipple may also contain a nutrient. The base of the gelatinous body is trapped between a seat and retainer. A variety of flavors and nutrients may be infused in the consumable gelatinous nipple.

Abstract: A method and an installation are provided for preserving desired seasoning flavour profiles during the manufacturing of food-seasoning sheets. The method includes the steps of; laying a thin layer of adhesive on a base sheet; removing air from the adhesive prior to the step of laying; reducing free moisture from the adhesive during the step of laying, and depositing food-seasoning ingredients onto the thin layer of adhesive. The installation for manufacturing food-seasoning sheets includes an adhesive dispenser having a reservoir and a delivery slot communicating with the reservoir for dispensing adhesive. The dispenser has a heating element mounted thereto for heating the adhesive. The adhesive is made under a partial vacuum and it is conveyed to the dispenser in a partial vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the concentration of amines and salts thereof, wherein the amines have the general chemical formula I R1R2R3N and the salts have the formula II R1R2R3N—H, wherein the amines and salts thereof exist in aqueous solution or aqueous suspension and are brought into contact with clinoptilolitic or clinoptilolite-containing mixtures. The method itself is suitable for use in food preparation and in the manufacture of foods. The inventive idea of reducing the concentration of amines and salts thereof is also useful in the manufacture of medical products for absorbing and for removing amines from the intestinal tract or the skin area of humans and animals.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus includes an outer shell defining a cavity and a volume-occupying member received within the cavity. The outer shell and the volume-occupying member cooperate to define a fluid-receiving volume therebetween. An opening in the outer shell defines a passageway for receiving a liquid to be heated therethrough. The opening includes a fastener for removably attaching to an open top of a container containing a liquid to be heated, wherein the liquid to be heated will flow from the container into the fluid-receiving volume when the apparatus is inverted and the liquid will flow back into the container when the bottle is returned to the upright position.

Abstract: Described herein is an edible coating for food products in which the coatings comprises a polysaccharide cross-linked with a cross-linking agent solution. Also described herein are methods for coating food products and forming clusters of food products. The use of the edible coating for extending the shelf-life of food products is also described.

Abstract: A drinkware rimming apparatus including a wetting receptacle, a cutout, and a rotatable tray having a plurality of spice receptacles. The tray is rotatable relative to the cutout (or vice-versa) to align and provide downward access to a desired spice receptacle or to the wetting receptacle. A cover may be included and the cutout can be in the cover and/or the tray. The cover can have beverage garnish compartments on a top surface thereof. The wetting receptacle can be positioned in a tray or on the cover. The cutout can be in another tray also having one or more spice receptacles and above the first-mentioned tray and rotatable independently of the lower tray. A method of applying spice to rims of drinkware is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sound module is positioned in an edible structure such that the gift remains intact when constructed and transported, appetizing to perceive, and safe for consumption. The sound module is sealed into the structure using an edible adhesive that is strong enough to hold the module in place without deleterious effects to the structure of the gift. The sound module remains artfully concealed yet still audible, as well as accessible to be operated.

Abstract: A pet treat is disclosed, which includes a rotatable, lickable spherical portion; and a support having an internal cavity shaped to conform to the outside of the spherical portion, and wherein the spherical portion is freely rotatable within the support.

Abstract: A container has first and second sections with an opening into hollow interiors. They mate together to form a sealed enclosure, and to form a ridge having a cross-sectionally curved outer surface. An appendage is connected to the ridge including an aperture for receiving a hook. A coating of edible material is on the outer surface of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second sections. An external flange extends around the periphery of the opening of the first section, an internal flange extends around the periphery of the opening of the second section, wherein the internal flange is sized to contact and fit inside the external flange during mating. An aperture passes through the internal flange, wherein mating the first and second sections causes the external flange to cover and seal the internal flange aperture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a packaging material for unbaked dough products which includes a container that is impermeable to water vapor transmission, a relative humidity control device in the container, dough, and a water permeable sheet forming a cover for the container wherein the relative humidity control device includes a water vapor permeable container containing a solidified humectant composition which further includes a humectant salt, water and carrier.

Abstract: A kit includes a plurality of food ingredients to form at least a part of an edible construction, and a plurality of low voltage electrical components able to be electrically coupled and assembled with the edible construction to visually enhance the edible construction. Among the electrical components may be a base that provides a substantially flat support surface on which the edible construction may be positioned and an overlay sheet to overlie the support surface and visually present indicia indicating at least one location at which a portion of the edible construction or electrical components such as lighting or audio components may be positioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holder for frozen food items and confections. The holder includes a grippable shaft having a first receptacle at a first end of the shaft and a second receptacle at a second end of the shaft. The first receptacle is adapted to receive a cone, such as those served with ice cream, or other frozen confection. The second receptacle is adapted to receive a stick, such as those served with frozen ice confections and ice cream bars. The receptacles are further adapted to receive drippage from melting frozen food items and confections. Furthermore, the holder is invertible to conveniently use either the first or second receptacle for receiving frozen food items supported in a cone, or on a stick. The receptacle not in use may be used as a support member to place the holder on a table or similar flat surface, if desired. The holder also includes a mounting cap that attaches to the holder for preparation and consumption of a frozen food item.

Abstract: A treated paper product is provided according to the invention. The treated paper product comprises a result of applying a water based emulsion to a paper base sheet to provide an impregnated paper product, and drying the impregnated paper product to a water content of less than about 8 wt. % to provide the treated paper product. The water based emulsion includes a barrier and/or release forming component comprising at least one of stearylated melamine, polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, isoparaffin wax, microcrystalline wax, fluoropolymer wax, silicone wax, alkyl ketene materials, octyl succinic anhydride, Werner chrome complex, natural wax, and mixtures thereof. The water based emulsion can have a solids content of between about 2 wt. % and about 50 wt. % when it is applied to the paper base sheet. Methods for manufacturing and using the treated paper product, and a combination food and treated paper product are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for actively releasing food additives to deliver aromatic compounds to consumers during food or drink consumption. The food additives may be contained within an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer may be configured to release the food additives in response to being exposed to energy provided by an activation source proximate to the food additives. The activation source may be incorporated into, or connected with, an eating utensil or an oral implant. The activation source can be manually controlled by a consumer, can be controlled based on conditions near the food additives, or can be programmed with a release schedule that defines how and when food additives are to be released.

Abstract: A candy holder for receiving and securing an elongated candy therein is provided. The candy holder includes a handle portion defining an elongated cavity with a central axis. The handle portion has a plurality of protrusions extending toward the central axis and circumferentially around an inner surface of the handle portion. A top portion of the candy holder has a lip defining an opening. The opening receives the elongated candy that is dimensioned to correspond to a size of the opening. The lip and protrusions apply friction to a surface of the elongated candy when the elongated candy is inserted therein.

Abstract: Vase apparatus and decorating methods for associating flowers and other decorative items with cakes and other food products are described. Vase embodiments include a water-holding reservoir having a bottom wall, an upright rim, and plural flower-stem-receiving wells. Each well is defined by at least one well wall depending from the bottom wall and has an opening capable of receiving water from the reservoir. Vase embodiments may include a reservoir of various shapes and sizes. Vases may be placed on a cake or other food product permitting the cake or food product to be attractively and easily decorated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for the preparation of bread and oil or bread and tomato. It is an easy-to-open package that contains one or more pieces of toasted bread (of the Granetti type) and a container containing a seasoning, for example olive oil. The kit, that is easily transportable, therefore contains what is necessary for the simple and easy preparation a healthy snack such as bread and oil.

Abstract: A drink sample apparatus having an elongated stick, an indicia of the drink mixture marked on said stirring stick, a small mixture of an mixed drink or oil extract of the same, an edible bond to affix or cover said small mixture of an alcohol drink to said stirring stick that functions to provide a sample taste of a drink or beverage before making the decision to purchase the drink or beverage.

Abstract: A preformed serving of a frozen confection configured to be received in a substantially hollow edible container is provided including a body of a frozen confection. A first portion of the body has a shape generally complementary to the edible container. When the body is received within the container, the first portion extends substantially below a surface of the container such that the body of the frozen confection is substantially wedged therein.

Abstract: An illuminated, color-changing, interchangeable drinking vessel assembly that includes an upper fluid retaining vessel, a neck, a collar on a stem, and a base. Magnets are located in the neck of the upper fluid retaining vessel and light emitting diodes (SMD LED's) and a magnetically actuated switch are located in the collar of the stem. A controller and battery are located in the base of the stem and are also electrically connected to the light emitting diodes. When the upper fluid retaining vessel and neck are magnetically attached to the collar of the stem, the magnetically operated switch detects the magnetic field and closes the circuit, activating the SMD LED's.

Abstract: A pod holder for brewing a single cup beverage with infused heated water consist of a holder body having an open top and a base with an egress hole. A body inner cup, to with a keyhole shaped opening in the bottom, is placed within the holder body. A pod ejector pin extend through both the inner cup keyhole shaped opening and the holder body egress hole and protrudes beneath. A single cup pod is manually compressed into the inner cup, and a lid is attached to the body. The lid has an integral water inlet hollow duct with a pod cushion, permitting the cushion to press against the pod without piercing the pod cover, such that when hot water is introduced into the pod the water seeps through the pod's contents and a beverage is brewed. The brewed liquid drains through the inner cup and body and is discharged into a cup beneath, with the spent pod expelled when the lid is removed and the ejector pin is manually depressed.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and transporting food and a method for forming the same. The apparatus comprises a flexible substrate and at least one food article located on the substrate. The food article is freezable and substantially flexible. The substrate and at least one food article are rolled together to form a tubular transportation and storage form. The method comprises the steps of providing a flexible substrate, arranging a plurality of food articles on the substrate and rolling the substrate and the food articles into a tubular structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wrapper for rice covered with layer, which is used to wrap a lump of rice. The wrapper comprising, two films forming sealing parts that are sealed to each other at outer peripheral parts thereof and including laver therebetween, a first cutting groove including a lateral groove formed toward a lateral direction of the film for cutting the film toward a longitudinal direction at a longitudinal upper part of one of the two films, and a covering part attached to seal the first cutting groove. In this case, the first cutting groove is formed under the sealing part longitudinally.

Abstract: A pet treat having a sugar-based edible portion including a palatant material and a support portion. Incorporation of starch provides a hard-candy texture for the edible portion. The pet treat may be formed as a lollipop, a toy, or a lozenge using either a batch process or a continuous process. Features to interest a pet include a resilient mount, or a rotatable mount. An adhesive mount can attach the support to a variety of surfaces. A replaceable cover and rejuvenant container may be used.

Abstract: The disclosure involves producing edible cupcakes, each cupcake having an image transfer film positioned on an inside surface of a conventional cupcake baking cup wrapper, the image transfer film having an image of an edible ink thereon, inserting cake batter into the cupcake baking cup wrapper, and baking the batter, for producing a finished cupcake, which melts the edible ink due to the elevated temperatures during baking and causes the image of the edible ink to be transferred upon a wall of the baked cupcake. When people in social groups randomly select the cupcakes, and peel away the cupcake wrappers, the images, which can be printed messages, are suddenly revealed to the surprised person and can be used in connection with entertaining contests or games. The images could also be graphic pictures suggesting seasons of the year or holidays, or messages of welcome.

Abstract: A kit for disseminating location specific geographical information and confections comprising essentially of a container sized and configured to house a map, a map, a protective sheath and confections. The container further comprises a lid containing information referencing a known geographic location such as a major city or the metropolitan area surrounding a major city. The map is sized and configured to be housed in the container d the map corresponds to the geographic location referenced on the lid of the container. The confections are sized and configured to be housed in the container. The protective is sheath sized and configured to protect the map from direct contact with the confections, thereby preventing the map from becoming sticky or otherwise covered with residue or contamination from the confections. The kit is then distributed to specific geographic locations.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a multi-tiered cake is presented. A multi-tiered cake display system includes a main support, first and second bushings, and first and second cake boards. A first layer of the multi-tiered cake is assembled around the first bushing and a second tier of the multi-tiered cake is assembled around the second bushing. When the multi-tiered cake display system is assembled, the bottom end of the main support is adjacent the first cake board. Additionally, when assembled, the first bushing is slidably inserted onto the main support with the bottom end of the first bushing adjacent the first cake board and the top end of the first bushing is adjacent the second cake board. Also the second cake board and the second bushing are at least partially slidably inserted onto the main support.

Abstract: Compositions that include a shelf-life stability component are provided. In some instances, the compositions are ingestible compositions which include the shelf-life stability component and an ingestible component. Aspects of the invention further include methods of making and using the compositions.

Abstract: A cooking aid comprising a sheet of flexible burn resistant material and a composition disposed on one face of the sheet, the composition comprising a mixture of vegetable or animal oil with a melting point below 20° C., vegetable or animal fat with a melting point above 20° C., and one or more herbs, spices and flavour enhancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the preparation of beverage and food products and, in particular, to an improved composition for preparing beverage and food products in machines. The composition is 10 prepared by the addition of a liquid to said composition and comprises one or more beverage or food ingredients and at least one preparation aid. The preparation aid comprises a plurality of bodies formed from a substantially insoluble material and the preparation aid is selected to have a 15 predetermined effect on the interaction between the liquid and the composition. The bodies have a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 200 mm, and preferably in the range of 1 to 20 mm or in the range of 100 to 200 mm.

Abstract: A treated paper product is provided according to the invention. The treated paper product comprises a result of applying a water based emulsion to a paper base sheet to provide an impregnated paper product, and drying the impregnated paper product to a water content of less than about 8 wt. % to provide the treated paper product. The water based emulsion includes a barrier and/or release forming component comprising at least one of stearylated melamine, polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, isoparaffin wax, microcrystalline wax, fluoropolymer wax, silicone wax, alkyl ketene materials, octyl succinic anhydride, Werner chrome complex, natural wax, and mixtures thereof. The water based emulsion can have a solids content of between about 2 wt. % and about 50 wt. % when it is applied to the paper base sheet. Methods for manufacturing and using the treated paper product, and a combination food and treated paper product are provided.

Abstract: A molded animal chew toy including a resin, a fluid such as water, and meat jerky, particularly chicken jerky, is provided. Processes for forming such resin/water/jerky composition into shapes by direct injection molding, including a desired screw design, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A handling apparatus for solidified livestock feed supplement blocks is disclosed. The handling apparatus includes a handle incorporated into the block at the time of manufacturing such that the handle is inherent or intrinsic to the block. A method of producing a handling apparatus for a solidified livestock feed supplement block is also disclosed, including incorporation of a handle into the block at the time of manufacturing such that the handle is inherent or intrinsic to the block.

Abstract: Compositions for nematode growth and methods for using the same for nematode viability are described. The compositions contain a solid matrix material that is dispersed in a liquid medium. The solid matrix can be immersed, bathed, and/or interspersed in a liquid medium to form a composite culture that is capable of maintaining or growing nematodes at unexpectedly high densities and/or with nominal stress pathway activity. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A treated paper product is provided according to the invention. The treated paper product comprises a result of applying a water based emulsion to a paper base sheet to provide an impregnated paper product, and drying the impregnated paper product to a water content of less than about 8 wt. % to provide the treated paper product. The water based emulsion includes a barrier and/or release forming component comprising at least one of stearylated melamine, polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, isoparaffin wax, microcrystalline wax, fluoropolymer wax, silicone wax, alkyl ketene materials, octyl succinic anhydride, Werner chrome complex, natural wax, and mixtures thereof. The water based emulsion can have a solids content of between about 2 wt. % and about 50 wt. % when it is applied to the paper base sheet. Methods for manufacturing and using the treated paper product, and a combination food and treated paper product are provided.