Direct Application Of Electrical Or Wave Energy To Food Material Patents (Class 426/237)
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Patent number: 11903400Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for fast and homogeneously heating a liquid product to a predetermined temperature by means of resistive heating. Sufficient and effective microbial inactivation is achieved upon applying an electrical field strength of between 0.1-5.0 kV/cm for a prolonged period of time, thus by selecting a relatively low electrical field strength and a pulse duration of at least 10 microseconds while the maximum temperature of the liquid product autonomously remains below 92° C. during the resistive heating. The present invention further relates to said process wherein the liquid product is pre-heated prior to subjecting the liquid product to the process. The present invention also relates to the liquid product obtainable by the process according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: STICHTING WAGENINGEN RESEARCHInventors: Rian Adriana Hendrika Timmermans, Ricardo Ermirio De Moraes, Hendrikus Cornelis Mastwijk
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Patent number: 11850315Abstract: An device is for electron-beam irradiation sterilization of flexible bags that may contain human plasma protein solutions for therapeutic use. The device has two electron accelerators, a first accelerator emitting an electron beam with energies between 400 and 500 keV and a second accelerator emitting an electron beam with an energy of at least 4 MeV. A sterilization method by electron-beam irradiation provides sterilization of such flexible bags. An in-line filling process for flexible bags can use the sterilization device and method.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Inventors: Jordi Boira Bonhora, Daniel Fleta Coit, Carlos Roura Salietti
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Patent number: 11811226Abstract: A four-stage digital voltage distribution system is provided with a multi-bridge relay assembly to deliver pulsed direct current to a dielectric actuator. A first stage of operation opens a forward voltage flow from a high voltage source through a passive signal conditioner before activating the actuator and passing through a forward diode to ground. A second stage cuts off the forward voltage flow to the dielectric actuator; thereby, shorting the dielectric actuator and causing a reverse discharge flow through a reverse diode. A third stage opens a reverse voltage flow through the signal conditioner before activating the dielectric actuator and passing through the reverse diode to ground. A fourth stage cuts off the reverse voltage flow to the charged dielectric actuator; thereby, shorting the dielectric actuator and causing a forward discharge flow through the forward diode. The four stages continuously loop to deliver pulsed DC to the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Inventor: Thomas E Hansen
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Patent number: 10822256Abstract: A domestic appliance includes at least one PEF unit having at least one pair of electrodes and a network part for supplying the electrodes with an operating voltage. The operating voltage is of a suitable magnitude to expose material in a space between the electrodes to an electrical field having a field strength of at least 500 V/mm, and the duration of the exposure is short enough to avoid a breakdown. A water pipe extends through the space. A spacing between the electrodes is a maximum of 3 mm.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Olaf Ohlhafer, Eugen Gaplikow, Karl-Friedrich Laible
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Patent number: 10694770Abstract: The present invention describes a PEF (pulsed electric field) chamber, said PEF chamber 1 comprising a tube 2 with two open ends 3, 4 having attachment means 5, 6 enabling the PEF chamber 1 to be a plug-in device, wherein the tube 2 has a length L from one open end 3 to the other open end 4 and an inner width IW from one side of the tube to the other side of the tube in a cross section being perpendicular to the length L thereof, wherein the tube 2 has a geometrical narrowing of the inner width IW somewhere along the length L of the tube 2, and wherein the PEF chamber 1 comprises a grid 9 of an insulating material being arranged at the geometrical narrowing or electrode units 7, 8 being arranged opposite each other at the geometrical narrowing of the inner width IW along the length L of the tube 2. The plug-in feature of the present invention renders the PEF chamber to function as an l attachable and disposable PEF chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Arc Aroma Pure ABInventors: Pär H Henriksson, Per Lilja
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Patent number: 10682623Abstract: Materials (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems equipment, and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, using an array of vaults.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: XYLECO, INC.Inventors: Marshall Medoff, Thomas Craig Masterman, Robert Paradis
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Patent number: 10582716Abstract: Provided herein are compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceutical compositions, foods, beverages, cosmetic compositions, diet supplements) comprising deuterated caffeine. The provided compositions may be useful for treating and/or preventing various diseases and conditions, such as obesity, causing weight loss, increasing metabolic rate, reducing appetite, increasing energy expenditure, increasing urine output, increasing sodium excretion, reducing edema, a pain disorder, apnea, hypotension, an encephalopathy, a neurological or psychiatric disorder, and an inflammatory disorder.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Lennham Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventor: Bradford C. Sippy
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Patent number: 10544386Abstract: An improved system and process for rapidly producing distilled spirits having characteristics associated with a much longer maturation process is provided. The method involves (a) subjecting an unmatured spirit to ultrasonic energy at a power of at least 3 Watts/Liter for at least one hour while maintaining the temperature of the unmatured spirit between 90° F. and 150° F.; and (b) subjecting the unmatured spirit and wood to actinic light at a wavelength ranging from 400 nm to 1000 nm for a cumulative exposure of at least 2,280,000 lux hours. The disclosure also provides embodiments where a spirit processed with ultrasonic energy is mixed with a spirit that has been separately treated with light to give characteristics of a mature spirit.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Lost Spirits Technology, LLCInventor: Bryan Alexander Davis
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Patent number: 9723851Abstract: This invention relates to food processing and, in particular, blanching and dehydration of foods. Conventional blanching and dehydration requires use of steam and forced hot air. This invention is the first to effectively use infrared radiation energy to perform simultaneous blanching and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. Since this technology does not involve the addition of steam or water in the process of blanching, it has been named “infrared dry-blanching” (IDB) technology. IDB is intended to be a replacement for current steam, water and/or microwave blanching methods. It can be used to produce many kinds of value-added dried, refrigerated, frozen and dehydrofrozen foods such as fruit and vegetable products.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Department of AgricultureInventors: Zhongli Pan, Tara H. McHugh
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Patent number: 9066619Abstract: An apparatus and method for decocting ingredients in a solvent wherein said apparatus includes a first container for containing the solvent, a pipe connecting an output of the first container to an input of the first container, and a pump placed in series with the pipe for circulating the solvent from the output to the input. The apparatus also includes a second container for containing the ingredients, where the second container is placed in series with the pipe such that the solvent circulating in the pipe can circulate in between the ingredients. A wave generator is placed next to the second container for generating a field of waves towards the ingredients.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Tao Wen, Gang Wang
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Publication number: 20150110932Abstract: An electrical discharge plasma reactor system for inactivating one or more pathogens in a liquid. The reactor system includes a reactor chamber configured to hold the liquid, a silver discharge electrode and a non-discharge electrode disposed within the reactor chamber such that the two electrodes are in spaced, conductive communication when the liquid is inside the reactor chamber, and a power supply connected to at least one of the discharge and non-discharge electrodes and configured to induce the discharge electrode to generate plasma to at least partially inactivate one or more pathogens in the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: CLARKSON UNIVERSITYInventors: Selma Mededovic Thagard, Shane Rogers
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Publication number: 20150110933Abstract: Apparatus for the ohmic-heating of a particulate liquid, including degassing structure for degassing the liquid, which is turn includes a vacuum tank and at least one sprayer, in order to carry out a method that may include degassing the liquid by spraying it onto a vertical or sloping internal wall of a vacuum tank, in such a way that a vertical cylindrical inner region of the vacuum tank that is away from said wall and reaches the top region of the vacuum tank is substantially free of liquid. The apparatus also includes a conduit for passing the degassed liquid through an ohmic-heating unit, a pump located between the vacuum tank and the ohmic-heating unit, a safety valve arranged in parallel with the pump and a back-pressure valve located after the ohmic-heating unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: FRUIT TECH NATURAL S.A.Inventor: Yoram Zack
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Patent number: 9005406Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Immunolight, LLCInventor: Frederic A. Bourke, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150050397Abstract: A process for treating a milled product to reduce microbial activity at a high confidence level is disclosed. A sterile ready to eat milled product at a high confidence of sterility is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Glen L. Weaver, Edith D. Akins-Lewenthal, Bradley T. Allen, Scott R. Baker, Dean Hoerning, Anthony E. Petersen, Richard W. Schumacher, Benjamin Warren
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Patent number: 8940345Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for treating food products, such as any species of meat (beef, pork or lamb) and ground beef, being transported in a fluid, such as carbonic acid liquid carbon dioxide, at a pressure sufficient to maintain the carbon dioxide as a liquid.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: SafeFresh Technologies, LLCInventor: Anthony J. M. Garwood
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Patent number: 8940346Abstract: A method and apparatus for infrared peeling of fruits and vegetables is disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, Del Monte Foods, Inc.Inventors: Zhongli Pan, Tara H. McHugh, James B. Valenti-Jordan, Carlos H. Masareje
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Patent number: 8894833Abstract: A beverage sterilisation device comprises a housing defining an inner space, and having a first and a second end. An electrically insulated fluid path-defining conduit extends through the inner space from the first end to the second end. A first electrode has a first part positioned adjacent to the fluid path and a second part extending perpendicular to the first part. A first counter electrode defines together with the first electrode a first capacitor, and a second electrode having a third part and a fourth part. The third part is positioned adjacent to the fluid path, and the fourth part extends substantially perpendicular to the third part. A second counter electrode defines together with the second electrode a second capacitor. The first counter electrode and the second counter electrode are short-circuited by an electrical connection, and a conductive device is electrically connected between the first electrode and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Carlsberg Breweries A/SInventors: Jan Norager Rasmussen, Steen Vesborg
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Publication number: 20140287109Abstract: This invention relates to food processing and, in particular, blanching and dehydration of foods. Conventional blanching and dehydration requires use of steam and forced hot air. This invention is the first to effectively use infrared radiation energy to perform simultaneous blanching and dehydration of fruits and vegetables. Since this technology does not involve the addition of steam or water in the process of blanching, it has been named “infrared dry-blanching” (IDB) technology. IDB is intended to be a replacement for current steam, water and/or microwave blanching methods. It can be used to produce many kinds of value-added dried, refrigerated, frozen and dehydrofrozen foods such as fruit and vegetable products.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Department of AgricultureInventors: Zhongli Pan, Tara H. McHugh
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Publication number: 20140287108Abstract: A method for marking an egg shell wherein a laser beam is directed onto the egg shell so as to discolor an outer layer of the egg shell without etching substantially into layers of the egg shell underneath the outer layer. The laser delivers a spot with a power density below about 2000 watts/sq. in. and a depth of an etching of the egg caused by the laser marking process does not exceed about 25 microns. InkJet printing may be added to the laser marking process or used instead of laser marking. Eggs may be marked in-carton, on a packer conveyor or on an apparatus fed by a packer conveyor, with eggs uniformly oriented in the package prior to (and after) printing. Marking is done in-carton, on-conveyor whether the marking is by laser, by ink, or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Mitchell Barry Chait, Allan Irwin Brown, Marco Armand Hegyi, Greg Anderson
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Patent number: 8834803Abstract: A display assembly for containing and displaying perishable products includes a case having at least one wall and defining an internal volume, a quantity of gas contained in the case, the gas including ethylene emitted from the perishable products, and an electro hydrodynamic thrust device positioned in the case. The electro hydrodynamic thrust device ionizes a portion of the quantity of gas. The ionized gas includes at least one reactive oxygen species, and the at least one reactive oxygen species reacts with the ethylene to break down the ethylene.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Hussmann CorporationInventor: Ted W. Sunderland
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Patent number: 8815320Abstract: A process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from a biological source, which composition is preserved and, especially pathogen free and is storage stable, preferably at room temperature. Further, the invention relates to the composition containing biologically active follistatin, which composition is available by the production process. The invention provides a process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from avian eggs, or from raw animal blood serum.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Myos CorporationInventors: Waldemar Buxmann, Volker Heinz, Stefan Toepfl
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Publication number: 20140234947Abstract: Method and apparatus for making biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol or animal foodstuff by treating lignocellulosic material by subjecting the material to microwave radiation at the resonant frequency of the lignin to dissociate the lignin.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: BIOFUELS WALES, LTD.Inventor: Roger Spencer Jones
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Patent number: 8771771Abstract: The present invention relates to a food composition prepared by a method of sterilizing. More specifically to a sterilizing process designed to be used in an aseptic process that comprises the steps of transferring said food composition into a heating unit; passing an electric current through said composition; maintaining a power to mass flow rate range through said heating unit from about 125 kJoules/kg to about 750 kJoules/kg; adjusting a flow rate to maintain said food composition temperature exiting the heating unit from about 75° C. to about 175° C.; and cooling said food composition to a final temperature from about 5° C. to 100° C.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: The Iams CompanyInventors: Scott Wayne Keller, Dean Larry DuVal, Raul Victorino Nunes
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Publication number: 20140154371Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of inactivation of bioactive components in milk during pasteurization for preservation. The invention discloses a method of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment of whole milk, skimmed milk, semi-skimmed milk or whey, or other liquid compositions comprising milk components or fractions. The invention is based on the finding that by selecting one or more specific process parameters, such as the PEF treatment chamber design, the specific energy applied, the field strength, pulse type, start temperature, it is possible to effectively eliminate microorganisms from the composition while conserving the activity of bioactive components in the composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventors: Alexander Mathys, Stefan Toepfl, Claudia Siemer, Laurent Favre, Jalil Benyacoub, Carl Erik Hansen
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Patent number: 8741369Abstract: Microwavable dough compositions are provided that are effective for providing products with improved texture using microwave heating. More specifically, the microwavable dough compositions include a blend of fiber, hydrocolloid, methylcellulose and functional surfactants in amounts that are effective for providing a cooked dough having improved firmness for an extended time after microwave cooking.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLCInventors: Keith E. Petrofsky, Steven P. Greiner, Amy L. Matusheski, Uraiwan Tangprasertchai, Samira Mirarefi
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Publication number: 20140134298Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: ELWHA LLCInventors: Michael H. Baym, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
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Patent number: 8691257Abstract: A water soluble bag for containing soiled textiles, said bag having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween, said bag made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds and does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, and said bag being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons. Also disclosed is a receptacle for collecting soiled textiles comprising a container and a water soluble bag. Also disclosed is a receptacle for collecting soiled textiles comprising a container, a sling, and a water soluble bag.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Cintas CorporationInventors: Keith Hartman, David Mesko, Tim Magee, Richard Gerlach
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Patent number: 8691306Abstract: A process and an installation for the improved extraction and subsequent recovery of contents from sugar beets (Beta vulgaris) or from sugar beet cossettes.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Sudzucker Aktiengesellschaft Mannheim/OchsenfurtInventors: Jochen Arnold, Stefan Frenzel, Thomas Michelberger, Peter Scherer, Timo Scheuer, Matthias Weibel
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Publication number: 20140093618Abstract: Provided are engineered meat products formed as a plurality of at least partially fused layers, wherein each layer comprises at least partially fused multicellular bodies comprising non-human myocytes and wherein the engineered meat is comestible. Also provided are multicellular bodies comprising a plurality of non-human myocytes that are adhered and/or cohered to one another; wherein the multicellular bodies are arranged adjacently on a nutrient-permeable support substrate and maintained in culture to allow the multicellular bodies to at least partially fuse to form a substantially planar layer for use in formation of engineered meat. Further described herein are methods of forming engineered meat utilizing said layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: The Curators Of the University of MissouriInventors: Gabor FORGACS, Francoise MARGA, Karoly Robert JAKAB
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Patent number: 8651015Abstract: This invention relates to a processing machine of the food industry, specifically, a new electronic sterilization device for liquid beverage or liquids. One pole of the electric voltage device is connected to the voltage connector sleeve with an outlet of hollow capillary emitter, and the other pole of the electric voltage device is connected to the collection container. The inner diameter of the exit end of the hollow capillary emitter is very small. Liquid forms a Taylor cone at the exit end under the electric field force, thus a high electric field area is formed on the surface of the Taylor cone. Bacteria passing through the high electric field area will be fully polarized, thoroughly disrupted or electroporated, and finally killed.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Zhejiang Haochuang Biotech Co., Inc.Inventors: Yixin Zhu, Tingting Lu
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Publication number: 20140010922Abstract: Methods previously shown to be effective in imparting a prolonged, non-temperature-related, increase in an intrinsic energy of fluids, including water and ethanol, have been applied to heat generated vapors of these fluids, leading to effective activation of the fluids upon their condensation. In a specific embodiment, a Van de Graaf generator was used to apply an electrostatic field to the vapors. The condensed fluids from these electrostatically activated vapors display enhanced internal mobility, more dynamic solubillization patterns using of sprinkled particles of neutral red dye and a progressive, but limited, reduction in measured weight. Fluids condensing from electrostatically-energized vapors can also impart intrinsic energy to other fluids by simple dilution. The described methods are relevant to an understanding of homeopathy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2012Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventor: William John Martin
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Publication number: 20130287907Abstract: A method for processing non-pasteurized grape juices to prepare soft wines, characterized in that said method comprises a step of processing said grape juices by high frequency radio waves to microbically deactivate said grape juices in absence of any thermal effects.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Isabella Spagnolo, Loris Casonato
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Publication number: 20130287908Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for decocting ingredients (2) in a solvent (3), said apparatus comprising: -a first container (4) for containing the solvent, a pipe (5) connecting an output (O1) of said first container to an input (I1) of said first container, -a pump (6) placed in series with said pipe for circulating the solvent from said output (O1) to said input (I1), -a second container (7) for containing the ingredients, said second container being placed in series with said pipe, such that the solvent circulating in the pipe can circulate in between the ingredients, -a wave generator (8) placed next to said second container for generating a field of waves (FW) towards the ingredients. The dynamic circulation of the solvent in combination with the application of a field of waves towards the ingredients allows accelerating the extraction of the compounds in the ingredients, and leads to improved extraction efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Tao Wen, Gang Wang
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Publication number: 20130280388Abstract: Disclosed herein are solid food products comprising an isothiocyanate compound. Also disclosed are methods of preserving solid food products comprising such isothiocyanate compounds. In one embodiment, the methods comprise providing a solid food product comprising an isothiocyanate compound and exposing the solid food product to energy input to cause thermal heat. In one embodiment the energy input may be microwave radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Athula Ekanayake, Jairus R. David, Clinton Lewis Johnson, Kari Dalene Sweeney
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Patent number: 8563060Abstract: The invention relates to a plant food material comprising at least one cryoprotective agent present in the intracellular space of the cells of said plant. The invention also relates to a freezing method for a plant food product comprising the steps of; providing a plant food material comprising at least 70% water, applying a pulsed electrical field to said plant food material, adding a cryoprotective agent to said plant food material, applying a pressure to said plant food material followed by, a resting period of at least 30 minutes and freezing said plant food material. Thereby it is for the first time possible to conserve a plant food material and maintaining the texture as well as the taste of the plant food material.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventors: Petr Dejmek, Ingegerd Sjöholm, Federico Gómez Galindo, Pui Yeu Phoon
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Publication number: 20130226268Abstract: The present invention relates inter alia to devices comprising quantum dots, ionic species, and further organic functional materials, their preparation and use.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: Merck Patent GmbHInventor: Junyou Pan
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Patent number: 8519311Abstract: An RF timber drying apparatus includes a pair of capacitor plates within the chamber and spaced from each other across the chamber such that a timber load can be contained into the chamber between the capacitor plates, a resonator circuit, and an RF generating circuit with adjustable power output for adjusting the voltage output from the RF generator to compensate for changes in moisture content as the timber dries.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: A. J. ParkInventor: Christopher Roy Paice
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Patent number: 8501256Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing cocoa beans wherein freshly harvested, unfermented, and preferably non-depulped, beans are pre-treated and are then immersed a first time within an aqueous acidic medium until the pH of said cocoa beans reaches a value of between 3.6 and 5.5 and incubated at a temperature of between 25 and 70° C. for less than 24 hours. Optionally the beans can then be immersed for a second time within an aqueous acidic medium or the first aqueous acidic medium can be alkalified until the pH of said cocoa beans reaches a value of between 4.5 and 6.5 and incubated at a temperature of between 25 and 70° C. for less than 24 hours. The obtained cocoa beans are then further dried.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Barry Callebaut AGInventors: Herwig Bernaert, Nicholas Camu, Tobias Lochmueller
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Publication number: 20130164419Abstract: Shock waves are applied to clean and sterilize fluids in containers and conveyances. Shock waves destroy pathogens and pollutants in blood, water, food liquids and other fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: SANUWAVE, INC.Inventor: SANUWAVE, INC.
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Patent number: 8473235Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for scanning a product to detect metal in that product. The apparatus comprises a drive coil (4), for generating an electromagnetic field in the product, and a detection coil arranged to detect fluctuations in the magnetic field caused by the presence of a metallic particle in the product. A drive circuit (26) for the drive coil (4) comprises a plurality of switches (19 to 22) driven by a controller (16), which switch alternately connect the drive coil across a potential difference to cause the drive coil to be driven at an operating frequency determined by operation of the switches. Using a switching circuit to drive the drive coil (4) greatly increases the number of frequencies at which the drive coil may be operated. The invention has particular application to the food industry.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Clive Francis Kittel, Paul Jeffrey King
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Publication number: 20130115335Abstract: Disclosed is a preparation method of weakly basic, ionized, mineralized and healthy drinking water including purifying the tap water by precipitation, filtration and other conventional methods to obtain clean water; and getting the said clean water through reverse osmosis (RO) membrane to obtain RO pure water; heating the said RO pure water to 35-100 degrees celsius by magnetic oscillation or by heating, and then making the RO pure water through weak alkaline, ionized, and mineralization composition, and then filtering the RO pure water by coconut carbon cartridge and PP cotton filter element in turn. The water prepared by the method of the present invention is beneficial to the health of human body and suitable for long-term consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventor: CHEN-SHENG TSAI
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Patent number: 8420140Abstract: A package for fruits and vegetables having galvanic functionality is formed by using two or more metals with different galvanic activity properties on the surface of a nonmetallic substrate. The metals may be deposited electrolytically, by vacuum, autocatalytically, or by other methods. The metals are selected to create a galvanic reaction after the package is filled with a low pH food product and its associated liquids, juices, brine, etc. The package may extend the shelf-life of the food product contained therein, for example, by making metal ions available to the food product.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Del Monte CorporationInventors: Karim Nafisi-Movaghar, Loren Druz
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Patent number: 8404291Abstract: A method for using a novel dense PTFE article in the form of a surface for a food preparation device is described in one embodiment, the surface being fabricated from a sheet of PTFE with a thermal resistance of 1.3° C. in2/W or less and having desirable tensile strength.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Malay A. Patel, John M. Squeri
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Patent number: 8389035Abstract: The present invention provides a method for imprinting water so as to emit Terahertz radiation and a method for maintaining the freshness of foodstuff with an article containing the imprinted water.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: MCM BioTechnologies, LLCInventors: Cord R. Vollmers, Mark J. Hepp, Manfred Bauer
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Patent number: 8383177Abstract: A method and system is provided whereby pathogens in food are reduced by first sealing food in a package and then applying high hydrostatic pressure to the sealed package. The package is moved to a clean area having pathogen-reducing treatment such as a cleansing plasma. The food is removed from the sealed package and then transferred to a food processor such as a grinder or dicer having internal pathogen reducing treatment. The food may then be transferred to a patty maker having internal cleansing plasma. The food may then be transferred to a freezer or freeze dryer having internal cleansing plasma.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Stella & Chewys, LLCInventors: James L. Marsden, Marie Moody
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Patent number: 8326134Abstract: An integrated wiring assembly electrically connects components of a multi-zone boiler heating system. The integrated wiring assembly includes a plurality of connection terminals which are commonly connected to facilitate connecting thermostats and zone valves for each zone, end switches of each zone valve to a start switch of the boiler, and a transformer to supply electrical power to the components, in such a way that the complexity of the electrical connections is simplified.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventor: James T. Harper
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Publication number: 20120294993Abstract: An apparatus for treating food must, such as grape must, may include a food must chamber configured to apply an electric pulse to the food must in a manner that causes an electric field to be generated within the food must. A pulse generator may be configured to deliver an electric pulse to the chamber that has a pulse width of between 10 and 100 nanoseconds. The chamber and the pulse generator may be configured such that they cause the electric field that is generated within the food must to be at least 1 kV/cm.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAInventors: Dan Singleton, Jason Sanders, Martin Gundersen
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Publication number: 20120276256Abstract: A method for decontaminating beef is disclosed. The method includes dicing beef into diced particles, chilling the diced particles into chilled particles, compressing and/or flexing the chilled particles to separate fat from the chilled particles to produce fat particles and lean particles, mixing the fat particles and lean particles with a fluid, wherein a density of the lean particles is initially less than a fluid density, treating the lean particles and fat particles with energy harmful to pathogens as the fluid and lean and fat particles pass through an energy-emitting device at least while the lean particles are less dense than the fluid, increasing the temperature of the lean particles to increase the density which causes the lean particles to sink in the fluid, and separating the lean particles from the fat particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: SAFEFRESH TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Anthony J.M. Garwood
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Patent number: 8278610Abstract: The resonance chamber (1) has the form of an elongated closed shape. Microwave generators are fastened to the walls (1.1,1.2) of the chamber (1), their antennae (3,4) directed to the inside of the chamber (1). The microwave generators with antennae (3) are fastened to the chamber wall (1.1), while the microwave generators with antennae (4) are fastened to the wall (1.2) of the resonance chamber. The microwave generators on the wall (1.1) of the chamber are fastened so that in an orthogonal projection into the opposite wall of the chamber the antennae of two neighboring magnetrons are situated on the opposite sides of the product flow conduit (2). The antennae (3) of the successive magnetrons of the first series are situated alternately on the left and on the right side of the product flow conduit (2). Similarly distributed are the antennae (4) of the successive magnetrons of the second row.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Enbio Technology SP.Z.O.O.Inventor: Mikolaj Liskin
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Publication number: 20120244259Abstract: A sanitized, ready-to-use and ready-to-eat celery pack is disclosed wherein the package consists of limbs that are from 6- to 18-inches in length and weigh from 0.10 to 11.75 pounds. The limbs are prepared by removing the butt, heart and leaves from celery stalks, cut to lengths from 6 to 18-inches, sorted by length, sanitized and packaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: A. DUDA & SONS, INC.Inventors: Robert P. GRAY, Dean DIEFENTHALER, William Guy MUNGER, JR., Manuel L. ALCALA, Daniel SALDIVAR, Lauri Duda BUCKLEY, Lawrence K. Pierce