Involving Wave Energy Of The Sonic Or Pulsating Type Patents (Class 426/238)
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Patent number: 6326039Abstract: In a method for the manufacture of frankfurters, hot dogs and other skinless sausage products, a meat emulsion is extruded onto a flexible conveyor belt which is then conveyed through a tube whose internal diameter is equal to the desired diameter of the sausage product plus twice the thickness of the conveyor belt. In a camming type process, the conveyor belt is caused, upon its entry into the tube, to temporarily form a cylinder containing the meat emulsion. The temporary belt cylinder together with the surrounded meat emulsion extrudate is then conveyed through an ultrasonic waveform generator to cook an outer layer of the meat emulsion. The outer layer may be part of the meat emulsion or a thermoset gelling material deposited on the extruded meat emulsion. At the exit end of the tube, the conveyor belt naturally opens under internal stresses from its cylindrical shape to a flattened belt. The at least partially cooked sausage is then removed from the belt for further processing or packaging.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Misonix IncorporatedInventors: Robert F. Schiffmann, Ronald Manna
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Patent number: 6322832Abstract: In a method for the manufacture of frankfurters, hot dogs and other skinless sausage products, a meat emulsion is extruded onto a flexible conveyor belt which is then conveyed through an at least partially microwave-transparent tube whose internal diameter is equal to the desired diameter of the sausage product plus twice the thickness of the conveyor belt. In a camming type process, the conveyor belt is caused, upon its entry into the tube, to temporarily form a cylinder containing the meat emulsion. The temporary belt cylinder together with the surrounded meat emulsion extrudate is then conveyed through a microwave applicator to partially or thoroughly cook the meat emulsion. At the exit end of the tube, the conveyor belt naturally opens under internal stresses from its cylindrical shape to a flattened belt. The at least partially cooked sausage is then removed from the belt for further processing or packaging.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Misonix IncorporatedInventor: Robert F. Schiffmann
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Patent number: 6309685Abstract: A method for quick pickling of products primarily meat products is provided wherein the meat or other material to be pickled is placed into a pickling solution bath, then the solution is vibrated by ultrasound controlled by periodically repeating pulses having a space facto of 50-99% to assist in the penetration of the solution. The process includes using the ultrasound having a 30-34 kc/s frequency controlled by periodically preparing pulses of repetition frequency smaller than 10 c/s and of a space factor of 50-99%, the treatment takes 4-80 minutes depending on the mass of the pieces to be pickled. The apparatus for providing the pickling treatment includes a pickling tank, which is in cooperative relationship with one or more ultrasound sources coupled to an ultrasonic generator.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventors: József Kozári, József Gyöngyösi, Zoltán Gyöngyösi, György Naszódi
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Patent number: 6294212Abstract: Combined extrusion/sonolation apparatus (10) which is designed to continuously and efficiently incorporate components (e.g., liquid lipids or fats or meltable solids) into heterogeneous materials in order to form stable products. The apparatus (10) includes an extruder (12) having a barrel (27) and restricted orifice outlet (38); a sonolation device (14) is directly coupled to the outlet (38). Preferably a monitoring unit (50) is located downstream of the sonolation device (14) and is connected via a controller (18) with the extruder (12) and device (14) so as to control the operation of the latter. In use, starting materials are fed into the extruder (12) and are initially mixed, whereupon a component is injected through a barrel-mounted injector pipe (41). The composite extrudate is treated within device (14) by subjecting it to acoustic vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, Bradley L. Strahm, Eric S. Sevatson, David L. Kesler
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Patent number: 6254764Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for dissociating materials includes a power supply, high energy capacitor, high energy trigger device and an probe and reactor arrangement for treating both solid and medium/media materials. A near instantaneous discharge of the electrical charge stored in the capacitor via the probe can be used to dissociate the material, either medium/media or solid, for a desired result. Hazardous materials can be treated to be rendered non-hazardous, rocks or other solid material can be treated for reduction in size, plant seeds can be treated to enhance plant growth surfaces of granular material can be scored or thermally polished and milk, juices and blood could be treated for sterilization.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: E/P TechnologiesInventors: Peter D. Babington, Daniel T. Green, Maurice Laforet
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Patent number: 6224476Abstract: Water and meat pieces (P) are pumped through a conduit (100), the walls of which are made of plastic having an acoustic impedance close to that of water. The conduit is immersed in a tank (400) full of water. A shock wave generator 200 (capacitor discharge through electrodes) creates a shock wave in the water. A preferably tubular wave guide directs the shock pulse onto the conduit. The shock wave passes through the conduit without substantial reflection because the impedance of the conduit wall matches the impedance of the water. The shock wave tenderizes and sterilizes the meat. Continual plasma discharges are repeated rapidly enough that all of the meat passing through is treated.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Hydrondyne IncorporatedInventors: John B. Long, Richard A. Ayers
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Patent number: 6210721Abstract: A microwave popcorn article comprising any conventional microwave popcorn bag, and a food charge disposed therein including kernel popcorn, fat, salt and sufficient amounts of a calcium ingredient to provide a total calcium content of about 360 to 3600 mg per 100 grams of unpopped popcorn is provided. The salt ingredient includes at least a portion in coarse form having a particle size larger than 250 microns. Methods of preparing such microwave popcorn articles are disclosed wherein some of the salt and/or calcium ingredient is added to the fat, while the balance of the salt is added in particulate form in a separate step after the fat and kernel popcorn have been added to the bag.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Pamela J. Dickerson, Brian E. Glass
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Patent number: 6210728Abstract: The invention provides for the manufacture of food products. In one preferred form, methods and apparatus are provided for cutting individual confectionery products from a slab or strip of product material into a product with a particular silhouette. In another form, the invention provides methods and apparatus for both cutting and forming individual confectionery products from strips or ropes. The process can be used for simply forming products from pre-cut segments or other blanks of confectionery material, including imparting a relatively precise texture, finish or detail to such products. The products may, but need not, be subsequently enrobed in chocolate or another coating. The confectionery material may also include candied fruit bits, dry fruits, nuts, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventor: Roberto A. Capodieci
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Patent number: 6206773Abstract: An apparatus for industrial tenderization of meat by the use of an explosive creating shock waves in water in a processor tank (300) which the meat is immersed. The processor tank includes an upper opening (313). A turntable or carousel (10) rotates to bring over the upper opening: an access hole (13) for loading and unloading the meat; a blast shield (100) to contain the explosion; and a water changer (200) for removing tainted water and adding fresh water. The water changer includes an upper cistern (250), fed by a water supply line (273), and a lower hollow basin (230). When the water changer is lowered into the processing tank by pneumatic cylinder (270), tainted water in flows through basin valves (233). Then the basin valves are closed, the water changer is lifted up, and the water is drained at another position. Before the water changer is raised, the processor tank is refilled with water stored in the cistern.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Hydrodyne IncorporatedInventor: Donald Waits
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Patent number: 6200615Abstract: Bacteria on and in meat, for example hamburger, is killed by subjecting the meat to an explosive shock front pressure wave propagated through an inert liquid medium at a rate of at least 6100 meters per second.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Hydrodyne IncorporatedInventor: John B. Long
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Patent number: 6168814Abstract: Water and meat pieces (P) are pumped through a conduit (100), the walls of which are made of plastic having an acoustic impedance close to that of water. The conduit is immersed in a tank (400) full of water. A shock wave generator 200 (chemical explosive or capacitor discharge electrodes) creates a shock wave in the water. The shock wave passes through the conduit without substantial reflection because the impedance of the conduit wall matches the impedance of the water. The shock wave tenderizes and at least partially sterilizes the meat. A heavy-duty shock-reflective cylinder reflects portions of the shock pulse onto the conduit. Continual explosions are repeated rapidly enough that all of the meat passing through is tenderized. Alternatively, the meat is packed in water within a closed container in place of the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Hydrodyne IncorporatedInventor: John B. Long
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Patent number: 6165525Abstract: A food cooking apparatus is provided. It includes a first container, and a second container connected to the first container with a passage defined therebetween and communicating with the first container. An ultrasonically tuned basket is rotatably mounted in the first chamber. The first and second containers are pivotally mounted together, and pivot between a first, vertical position and a second, tilted position, causing a heated cooking liquid to flow from the second container to the first container. The basket is rotated in the first container for a predefined period of time. The first and second container are returned to the vertical position, while the basket is provided with an ultrasonic vibrating motion, in order to reduce the amount of fat in the food. Further, a method of ultrasonically removing cooking liquid from food is provided. An ultrasonically tuned flexible membrane, onto which food may be placed, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Reno RolleInventors: Reno Rolle, Christopher M. Goggin, Mark M. Laisure
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Patent number: 6150663Abstract: A process is provided for sanitizing fresh foods and beverage products using multiple stages of exposure to different wavelengths of ultraviolet, near infrared and infrared light. A food or beverage product is exposed to ultraviolet light at germicidal wavelengths in order to inactivate undesirable microorganisms on the product. The exposure to ultraviolet light causes damage to the organoleptic qualities product which are subsequently restored by photoreactivation upon exposure of the product to a source of polychromatic near infrared light. In addition, prior to the inactivation of microorganisms, the food or beverage may be exposed to a source of infrared light in order to inactivate enzymes responsible for decomposition of the product. Apparatus suitable for practicing the process of the present invention is also provided, including specific platform arrangements for sanitizing solid, liquid and fluid food and beverage products.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Inventor: Richard A. Rosenthal
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Patent number: 6146674Abstract: An semi-solid mixture, such as a particulate meat mixture, is brought into contact with a vibrating surface, whereby energy is transported across the surface into the mixture. The vibration is generally contemplated to be in the ultrasonic frequency range, and the energy injection is contemplated to be sufficient to cause local physical and chemical changes in mixtures susceptible to such changes, and generally to cause changes in the direction of increased tensile strength and resistance to flow. In general a skin is formed on the mixture, and with greater processing efficiency then if such skin were formed by purely thermal means.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Misonix IncorporatedInventors: Ronald R. Manna, Alvin W. Russell, Dan Voic, Theodore A. D. Novak, David Ng, Salvatore Pantano
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Patent number: 6143336Abstract: A apparatus and method for infusing flavors into cereal grains and agglomerating the grains into a unitary food product. Grains of cereal, powdered soluble flavors and a moisturizing liquid are supplied to a mixer. The flavors, liquid and cereal grains are thoroughly mixed and the grains surface moisturized and then discharged into a product-forming chamber which is ultrasonically energized for a sufficient period of time so that the flavors are infused within the interiors of the grains which are agglomerated into a unitary product.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventor: Roberto A. Capodieci
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Patent number: 6120818Abstract: A method and apparatus for instantly tenderizing meat employs a shock wave produced by an underwater electrical discharge through an electrode gap from a capacitor bank. To optimize the shock wave shape for tenderizing, the electrical pulse may be shaped by using timing the discharge of the capacitor bank.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Hydrodyne IncorporatedInventor: John B. Long
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Patent number: 6083544Abstract: An improvement to existing meals-ready-to-eat (MRE) rotational retort processes reduces the time that the food is exposed to heat. This is achieved by adding a pulsed electric field process (PEF) to the MRE process to aid in inactivating microorganisms in the food. The food may then be exposed to heat only long enough to obtain the desired sensory characteristics. Because the PEF inactivates the microorganisms in the food, the food does not have to be exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged time. As a result, the food is sterilized without losing the desired sensory characteristics or nutritional value. Moreover, the process may easily be incorporated into existing MRE production processes.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Karen M. AddeoInventor: Karen M. Addeo
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Patent number: 6074680Abstract: Bacteria on and in meat, for example hamburger, is killed by subjecting the meat to an explosive shock front pressure wave propagated through an inert liquid medium at a rate of at least 6100 meters per second.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Hydrodyne IncorporatedInventor: John B. Long
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Patent number: 6068868Abstract: The invention provides processes for the preparation of puffed cereal cakes, in particular puffed rice cakes. The processes comprise molding puffed or unpuffed cereal grains under pressure with the application of ultrasound. The ultrasound assists bonding of the cereal grains to form a solid cake. The ultrasound reduces fouling of the mold and increases processing speed. In one aspect, the starting material is prepuffed cereal grains, and these grains are coated with a binder agent and then bonded together at low temperature using ultrasound energy. This permits the formation of puffed cereal cakes with edible inclusions of temperature-sensitive foodstuffs, and also the rapid formation of puffed cereal cakes with shaped or profiled top and/or bottom surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1999Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventor: Roberto A. Capodieci
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Patent number: 6048555Abstract: A method is provided for bonding together the layers of a laminated food product, such as farinaceous dough layers. The method comprises applying ultrasonic energy (12 kPa-25 kHz, 1,000 to 4,000 watts) to form acoustically created bonds between the food layers. The method is particularly suitable for use in preparing multilayered R-T-E cereal pieces, especially those that are center filled, exhibiting greater seam integrity and reduced leakage of the center filling.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Susan L. Kamper, Vinod W. Padhye
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Patent number: 6030653Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for cold pasteurizing a food product such as a ground beef food product, using visible and near infrared light. The invention includes radiating the food product with pulsed near infrared light having a wavelength capable of penetrating the food product to at least about one centimeter in depth and further, radiating nonionizing radiation into the food product to inactivate bacterium, particularly iron dependent bacterium, therein. The nonionizing radiation preferably includes visible and near infrared wavelengths, with ultraviolet wavelengths filtered therefrom. The invention may further include using a pulsed heat exchanger to supercool the food product during the pulsed radiation treatment.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: Richard A. Rosenthal
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Patent number: 6027754Abstract: A deactivation approach for deactivating microorganisms in a high-strength-electric field treatment system, can be characterized as an apparatus for reducing microorganism levels in products. The apparatus has an inlet tube of substantially uniform cross-sectional area extending from a distance before a treatment zone to at least into the treatment zone; a substantially ogival electrode nose positioned in the treatment zone; and an outer electrode forming an interior of the inlet tube in the treatment zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Purepulse Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew H. Bushnell, Samuel W. Lloyd
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Patent number: 5997916Abstract: Disclosed are microwave popcorn articles comprising any conventional microwave popcorn bag, and a food charge disposed therein comprising kernel popcorn, fat, salt and sufficient amounts of a calcium ingredient to provide a total calcium content of about 360 to 3600 mg per 100 grams of unpopped popcorn. Preferably the salt and calcium ingredients are essentially characterized by having a mean particle size of less than 25 .mu.m. Methods of preparing such microwave popcorn articles are disclosed wherein some of the salt and/or calcium ingredient is added to the fat slurry while the balance is added in particulate form in a separate step after the fat and kernel popcorn have been added to the bag.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Pamela J. Dickerson, Brian E. Glass
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Patent number: 5993872Abstract: A food cooking apparatus is provided. It includes a first container, and a second container connected to the first container with a passage defined therebetween and communicating with the first container. An ultrasonically tuned basket is rotatably mounted in the first chamber. The first and second containers are pivotally mounted together, and pivot between a first, vertical position and a second, tilted position, causing a heated cooking liquid to flow from the second container to the first container. The basket is rotated in the first container for a predefined period of time. The first and second container are returned to the vertical position, while the basket is provided with an ultrasonic vibrating motion, in order to reduce the amount of fat in the food. Further, a method of ultrasonically removing cooking liquid from food is provided. An ultrasonically tuned flexible membrane, onto which food may be placed, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Reno RolleInventors: Reno Rolle, Christopher M. Goggin, Mark M. Laisure
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Patent number: 5958228Abstract: An apparatus for producing a mineral water is provided with a mineral source having a mineral element containing a soluble mineral component. Plain water is supplied to the mineral source. The mineral component dissolves in the plain water when the soluble mineral of the mineral element is brought into contact with the plain water. Ultrasonic waves are applied to the mineral source by an ultrasonic source. The conditions for applying ultrasonic waves to the mineral source is controlled to prepare a mineral water which contain mineral component according to a user's requirements or liking.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Tokushima, Akiko Ito
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Patent number: 5939115Abstract: An apparatus for bacteriologically decontaminating poultry carcasses and then chilling the carcasses to a preservation temperature includes a decontaminating tank and a chilling tank. The decontaminating tank holds a disinfectant solution, which is maintained at a temperature from about 45.degree.-75.degree. C. The poultry carcasses are immersed in the tank for a period of about 3-10 seconds, depending upon the temperature, higher temperatures requiring less time than lower temperatures. Sonic transducers are used to sonicate the poultry to dislodge bacteria, and spray curtains wash the bacteria off of the carcasses. The heated temperature increases the effect of the disinfectant solution. After removal of the carcasses from the decontaminating tank, they are transferred to a chilling tank, which contains a liquid maintained at a temperature from about 0.degree.-3.degree. C. The carcasses remain in the chilling tank for at least 45 minutes, to assure that the carcasses are thoroughly cooled.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignees: Zheko V. Kounev, Venalin Z. Kounev, Louis D. CaraccioloInventors: Zheko V. Kounev, Venelin Z. Kounev
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Patent number: 5928695Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonically energized slitting of a slab of confectionery material wherein a slitting tool incorporates a plurality of slitting knives spaced apart in accordance with the desired width of the product, which strips are further processed by transverse cutting and/or molding or other processing steps such as chocolate enrobing to provide improved confectionery products.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventor: Roberto A. Capodieci
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Patent number: 5914140Abstract: A method is provided for bonding together the layers of a laminated food product, such as farinaceous dough layers. The methods comprise applying ultrasonic energy (12 kPa-25 kHz, 1,000 to 4,000 watts) to form acoustically created bonds between the food layers. The method is particularly suitable for use preparing multilayered R-T-E cereal pieces, especially those that are center filled, exhibiting greater seam integrity and reduced leakage of the center filling. The resultant food product has two layers with an acoustic bond between the layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1998Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Susan L. Kamper, Vinod W. Padhye
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Patent number: 5900211Abstract: A method of deactivating microorganisms in food products, packaging material, water, air, and other products involves illuminating the microorganisms using at least one short-duration, high-intensity pulse of broad-spectrum polychromatic light. In variations of this embodiment, the light has an intensity of at least 0.1 J/cm.sup.2, the pulse duration is from between about 10 nanoseconds and 10 milliseconds, and/or at least 50% of the at least one pulse's energy is transmitted in light having wavelength from between about 170 and 2600 nanometers. Advantageously, the microorganisms may be Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, Bacillus pumilus spores or poliovirus.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Purepulse TechnologiesInventors: Joseph E. Dunn, Reginald Wayne Clark, Andrew H. Bushnell, Kenton J Salisbury
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Patent number: 5871793Abstract: The invention provides processes for the preparation of puffed cereal cakes, in particular puffed rice cakes. The processes comprise molding puffed or unpuffed cereal grains under pressure with the application of ultrasound. The ultrasound assists bonding of the cereal grains to form a solid cake. The ultrasound reduces fouling of the mold and increases processing speed. In one aspect, the starting material is prepuffed cereal grains, and these grains are coated with a binder agent and then bonded together at low temperature using ultrasound energy. This permits the formation of puffed cereal cakes with edible inclusions of temperature-sensitive foodstuffs, and also the rapid formation of puffed cereal cakes with shaped or profiled top and/or bottom surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventor: Roberto A. Capodieci
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Patent number: 5871783Abstract: The invention provides for the manufacture of food products. In one preferred form, methods and apparatus are provided for cutting individual confectionery products from a slab or strip of product material into a product with a particular silhouette. In another form, the invention provides methods and apparatus for both cutting and forming individual confectionery products from strips or ropes. The process can be used for simply forming products from pre-cut segments or other blanks of confectionery material, including imparting a relatively precise texture, finish or detail to such products. The products may, but need not, be subsequently enrobed in chocolate or another coating. The confectionery material may also include candied fruit bits, dry fruits, nuts, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventor: Roberto A. Capodieci
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Patent number: 5861185Abstract: The invention provides for the manufacture of food products. In one preferred form, methods and apparatus are provided for cutting individual confectionery products from a slab or strip of product material into a product with a particular silhouette. In another form, the invention provides methods and apparatus for both cutting and forming individual confectionery products from strips or ropes. The process can be used for simply forming products from pre-cut segments or other blanks of confectionery material, including imparting a relatively precise texture, finish or detail to such products. The products may, but need not, be subsequently enrobed in chocolate or another coating. In still other embodiments, the confectionery material may comprise grains of a puffed cereal. In some instances, a matrix of plasticizable material holds the grains together and the confectionery material may also include, in addition to the puffed cereal, candied fruit bits, dry fruits, nuts, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1996Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventor: Roberto A. Capodieci
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Patent number: 5853783Abstract: Method and device for relaxing a sheet of dough, comprising a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor belt, a supporting device disposed between the first and second conveyor belts and a vibration generator interacting with the supporting device, in which the first conveyor belt conveys the sheet of dough at a first speed of conveyance on the supporting device, the vibration generator by way of the supporting device exerts a mechanical vibration with an essentially constant frequency on the sheet of dough, and the second conveyor belt discharges the sheet of dough at a second speed of conveyance which is essentially the same as the first speed of conveyance of the supporting device.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Sasib Bakery Holland N.V.Inventor: Cornelis Rijkaart
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Patent number: 5846584Abstract: A apparatus and method for infusing flavors into cereal grains and agglomerating the grains into a unitary food product. Grains of cereal, powdered soluble flavors and a moisturizing liquid are supplied to a mixer. The flavors, liquid and cereal grains are thoroughly mixed and the grains surface moisturized and then discharged into a product-forming chamber which is ultrasonically energized for a sufficient period of time so that the flavors are infused within the interiors of the grains which are agglomerated into a unitary product.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventor: Roberto A. Capodieci
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Patent number: 5837303Abstract: An improved method for treating liquid foodstuffs to prolong their shelf life wherein the liquid is exposed to intense agitation, preferably through sonication, to disrupt cell walls and membranes of any microorganisms present in the liquid. The liquid is either simultaneously or subsequently exposed to an electrical field. The intense agitation disrupts the cell walls and membranes of the microorganisms so that an electrical current can be introduced through any openings formed in the cell walls and membranes and through their intracellular matrices to kill the microorganisms. It is preferable to expose the liquids to torsional forces so that any microorganisms will be rotating through the stationary electrical field. As a result any openings in the cell walls and membranes of the microorganisms will at some point become aligned with the electrical field so that current can be introduced within the cells to destroy the microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Mark HaydenInventor: Steven Mark Hayden
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Patent number: 5670199Abstract: An electroconductive heater for heating a liquid product such as a liquid whole egg product which has a conductivity which increases with temperature, is disclosed. The electroconductive heater comprises an enclosed chamber defining a liquid product flow space, the enclosed chamber having an upstream end portion, a downstream end portion, and first and second electrically conductive plates positioned opposite one another in spaced relationship with the liquid product flow space therebetween. The first and second electrically conductive plates longitudinally extend from the upstream end portion to the downstream end portion. The chamber has a characteristic resistivity of the electrical pathway between the first electrically conductive plate and the second electrically conductive plate which is greater in the downstream end portion than in the upstream end portion. Apparatus and methods of using such electroconductive heaters are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Kenneth R. Swartzel, Sevugan Palaniappan
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Patent number: 5667829Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating meat products with ultrasonic energy in an ozonated water environment to eradicate harmful pathopens from the surface of the meat products.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1996Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Medagri, Inc.Inventor: Richard K. Herlig
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Patent number: 5629037Abstract: A steady flow process converts a fluid proteinaceous mix to a cuttable interstage enzymatic curd and thereafter converts the enzymatic curd to a desired end cheese product. The process includes the step of initially combining an accurately metered and proportioned pumpable stream containing proteins, fats and/or oils and other components, and an accurately metered proportioned pumpable acidified water stream containing an enzyme and other non-enzymatic components. A bacterial agent is included in the enzyme stream. The two streams are admixed by directing the streams through an orifice into an acoustic resonating chamber to produce a turbulent jet stream.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Inventor: Bernard J. Gaffney
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Patent number: 5593713Abstract: Cooking of dough-based food products such as corn tortillas is effected with a considerably reduced cooking time by applying to the uncooked tortilla very low and low frequency radio frequency waves simultaneously on both sides of the tortilla in order to quickly cook both surfaces of the tortilla. This cooking forms the capping layers that retain a high degree of moisture within the body of the tortilla without unduly drying it. The radio frequency waves are preferably applied by an antenna formed by two parallel arrays of electrodes, one on each side of the tortilla, the arrays of electrodes having alternate electrodes of opposite polarity to constitute dipoles which irradiate the radio frequency waves approximately parallelly to both sides of the tortilla.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1994Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Inventors: Jose De La Luz-Martinez, Jesus Gonzalez-Hernandez, Feliciano Sanchez-Sinencio, Juan de Dios Figueroa C., Fernando Martinez-Bustos, Maximiano Ruiz-Torres
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Patent number: 5589209Abstract: A method and a system for a non-destructive determination of quality parameters in fresh produce. Ultrasonic sound waves are transmitted into the produce from a transducer and are received by a nearby transducer, both gripped via special arrangement cage, allowing local ultrasonic tests on the produce. Various acoustical parameters such as wave velocity and signal attenuation of the detected sound waves are analyzed in conjunction with the maturity of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: State of Israel, Ministry of AgricultureInventors: Amos Mizrach, Naftali Galili, Giora Rosenhouse
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Patent number: 5498431Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for detoxicating and decontaminating produce, in particular cereals and other seeds used as foodstuffs and/or fodder. The produce or cereals are subjected to an ultrasonic treatment in an aqueous medium. It has been discovered that such a treatment surprisingly causes effective decontamination or detoxication of the contaminated produce, without affecting the appearance, taste, nutritive value of the decontaminated produce, above all cereal produce.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1993Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Inventor: Wolfgang Lindner
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Patent number: 5484615Abstract: Apparatus for decontaminating poultry carcasses is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tank which has an auger to transport the carcasses from the inlet to the outlet while a disinfectant solution is introduced into the tank. The apparatus also includes one or both of the following devices: 1) an ultrasonic wave generator which directs ultrasonic waves at the carcasses in the tank; or 2) a fluid pump and conduit terminating in the tank to direct a pressurized curtain of fluid at the carcasses passing through the tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1993Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Maple Leaf Farms, Inc.Inventor: Zheko V. Kounev
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Patent number: 5482726Abstract: A method is described herein to disinfest, decontaminate and extend the shelf life of shellfish by using an open-end system where trawled shellfish are placed on a computer controlled conveyor belt after being washed with seawater. Shellfish are then transported into pressurized treatment tanks that contain either gas or gas molecules (i.e., 1-ascorbic acid). After exiting the tank the shellfish are automatically placed in rows on a conveyor belt for their controlled, sequential irradiation. The shellfish then enter the irradiation chamber in the presence of carbon dioxide and it is then irradiated with machine generated electron beams. Upon completion, the shellfish exit the irradiation chamber via a conveyor belt and are then transported to an agitated continuous flow depuration tank that is equipped with ultra-sonification devices. The shellfish remain in these tanks until arrival at the port.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1992Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: US Harvest Technologies CorporationInventor: William L. Robinson, Jr.
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Patent number: 5415882Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of electroheating and pasteurizing liquid egg and particularly liquid whole egg so as to provide an extended refrigerated shelf life. The method utilizes generally minimum pasteurization parameters coupled with packaging and storage at 40.degree. F. or below.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Inventors: Aloysius J. Knipper, David Reznik
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Patent number: 5387426Abstract: A method of preparing reduced fat foods is provided which employs a retrograded, hydrolyzed, heat-treated, and fragmented, amylose starch. Amylose is precipitated and hydrolyzed with acid or .alpha.-amylase, solubles are removed by a heat treatment and the resulting solids are then fragmented to form an aqueous dispersion that is useful in replacing fat in a variety of food formulations. The amylose can be derived from a native starch which contains amylose, e.g. common corn starch and high amylose corn starch, by gelatinizing the starch followed by precipitation of the amylose.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1992Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: A.E. Staley Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Donald W. Harris, Jeanette A. Little, Keith D. Stanley
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Patent number: 5372835Abstract: A method of preparing a material useful in reduced fat foods is provided. This method involves debranching an amylopectin starch in the presence of ultrasonic waves. The debranched amylopectin starch is precipitated and then fragmented to form an aqueous dispersion that is useful in replacing fat in a variety of food formulations. The debranched amylopectin starch can be derived from a starch which contains amylopectin, e.g. common corn starch and waxy maize starch, by gelatinizing the starch followed by treatment with a debranching enzyme, e.g. isoamylase or pullulanase, in the presences of ultrasonic waves followed by precipitation of the debranched starch.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1993Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Assignee: A. E. Staley Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jeanette A. Little, Henry D. Scobell
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Patent number: 5358725Abstract: A method for extracting the effective ingredients from dried plant materials such as coffee, black tea, green tea, herbs, and the like as a concentrated liquid, and a device for implementing that method, are disclosed whereby an effective ingredient is extracted as an extracted liquid with high clarity and high concentration from dried plant material in a short time without loss of aroma and flavor without extracting the unpleasant bitter or astringent taste resulting from the extraction of tannin, while also sterilizing the extracted liquid.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: McCoffee Co., Ltd.Inventors: Maremitsu Izumitani, Yoshimi Sawada
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Patent number: 5328403Abstract: Tenderized meat of good quality and uniformity is obtained by supporting meat in a tank along a hemispherical wall equidistant from an explosive charge, and detonating the explosive. The shock wave produced is propagated through the water within the tank, couples with the meat to compress the meat as the shock wave strikes the meat, and then is reflected by the tank wall to effect a substantial doubling of the shock wave effect.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1993Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Inventor: John B. Long
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Patent number: 5290583Abstract: Provided herein is a method for electroheating liquid egg. Also provided herein is an apparatus specifically designed for heating and cooling materials and preferably liquid egg and apparatus for pasteurizing liquid egg by electroheating.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1992Date of Patent: March 1, 1994Inventors: David Reznik, Aloysius Knipper
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Patent number: 5273766Abstract: Tenderized meat of good quality and uniformity is obtained by supporting meat in a tank along a hemispherical wall equidistant from an explosive charge, and detonating the explosive. The shock wave produced is propagated through the water within the tank, couples with the meat to compress the meat as the shock wave strikes the meat, and then is reflected by the tank wall to effect a substantial doubling of the shock wave effect.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1992Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Inventor: John B. Long