Abstract: A device for the longitudinal cutting of a wide food band of a soft food mass which is moved in a conveyance direction on a conveyor belt, wherein a cutting cylinder rotating in the conveyance direction is provided on which is mounted a number of cutting disks disposed coaxially to the rotational axis A for cutting into the food band with the edge thereof, wherein a comb having a plurality of comb tines is provided, which in an operating position engage into the intermediate spaces between the cutting disks during the longitudinal cutting in order to hold down the cut strips on the conveyor belt, wherein the comb is held on a comb holder so as to be pivotable about the rotational axis, wherein the comb holder can be transferred from the operating position and a maintenance position by pivoting about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A freeze-dried pet food meal bar that is 100% nutritionally complete consisting of more than 30% crude protein, 35% crude fat, less than 20% carbohydrate and less than 10% moisture. The product will consist primarily of animal protein. Vitamins and mineral will be supplied via fruits and vegetables. Since the product is freeze dried the product will be semi-fractural and can be broken into smaller pieces for feeding. Each bar will be approximately 5 to 6 inches long, 2 to 3 inches wide, approximately ½ inches thick and weigh 2 to 3 ounces. A single bar will be targeted to feed a 40 pound dog. Dogs below 40 pounds would feed less than one bar (ex. 20 pound dog gets ½ bar). Dogs above 40 pounds would feed more than one bar (ex. 80 pound dog gets 2 bars).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a venturi effect in a food product molding machine. The venturi effect accelerates food product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.

Abstract: An article of manufacture, namely a poultry cut food product, and a method of producing the article of manufacture. The article of manufacture includes a portion cut of the thigh of a poultry item or other bird.

Abstract: A kit of parts for preparing a cake comprises a core mold for preparing a core of the cake, and a finishing mold for finishing the cake. The core mold has a core mold volume, and the finishing mold has a finishing mold volume greater than the core mold volume. The finishing mold is shaped to receive the core of the cake. In some examples, the finishing mold comprises a rigid support layer comprising an inner surface, and a flexible lining layer comprising an outer surface. The lining layer may be removably receivable within the support layer such that the outer surface of the lining layer faces and contacts the inner surface of the support layer.

Abstract: The invention provides protein compositions containing structured protein products having protein fibers that are substantially aligned.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accelerating food product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.

Abstract: The coated pet food product of the present invention has more appeal to a consumer and ease of access for a pet. The coated pet food product contains a edible core; wherein said edible core has a Moisture Content of from about 16% to about 92%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of creating semi-moist pet food, and primarily dog food and dog treats, that is formed into a given shape through cooking the ingredients of the mixture contained in the dog food in an extruder and thereafter immediately transforming the mixture to a forming machine wherein the pet food is formed into a multiplicity of given shapes so that the dog food is produced as a final formed dog food or dog treat in an economically viable process. The given shape of the dog food is semi-moist and will retain its shape so that it can be broken into smaller pieces to be fed to a dog at selected times.

Abstract: A raw bone product including ground raw bone compressed into a mass, wherein the ground raw bone has been subjected to a hydrostatic pressure of at least 4000 atm for a predetermined amount of time, and wherein the mass is maintained at a temperature of at most 40° F.

Abstract: A capsule for suppressing appetite, comprising: a) a shell which dissolves in the stomach; and b) a plurality of elements inside the shell, which elements expand inside the stomach, after the shell dissolves, to form a connected mass with an envelope volume greater than the total volume of the elements, and at least 3 times the volume of the capsule.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accelerating food product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods and systems that distribute an additive in solid carbon dioxide in an interior of food processing equipment. The additive may be injected into a flow of liquid carbon dioxide upstream of an expander at or adjacent to the interior. Injection of the additive into the interior may be alternated with directing a flow of expanded carbon dioxide into the interior. In some embodiments, the freezing point of the additive with or without a diluent composition and/or additive(s) is lower than a temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a process for the manufacture of a multiple texture food product. The process includes providing a dairy material, freezing the dairy material by cooling it to a temperature of ?2° C. or less, aerating the frozen dairy material, shaping the aerated, frozen dairy material, and depositing the shaped, aerated, frozen dairy material on or between one or more layers of a food material which is not the aerated dairy material. The aerated dairy material has a Stevens firmness of 20 or more at a temperature in the range of from 5 to 10° C. and a water activity (aw) of 0.90 or more. The disclosure herein further provides an aerated dairy material as well as a multiple texture food product which comprises a core of the aerated dairy material and a shell of a food material which is not the aerated dairy material.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods of preparing a stratified frozen confection for hand consumption and the related confection. The methods include filling an aliquot container defining a three dimensional shape with at least one open end with an amount of a frozen material, reducing the temperature of the frozen material within the scoop to about ?12.2° C. (10° F.) or less; placing a first surface of the frozen material in contact with an interior surface of a first substrate, the first substrate having a length dimension an a width dimension; removing the frozen material from the aliquot container. The first surface of the frozen material is in contact with the interior surface of the first substrate and a second surface of the frozen material is positioned in a plane above the plane of the first substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are nonlimiting embodiments comprising a novel process for forming and shaping crunchy granola food products. The process comprises using rotary molding processes to form and shape a granola mass into a variety of desired shapes. The granola mass is able to be rotary molded as a result of use of a unique binder composition that comprises at least one pre-gelatinized starch in the binder composition. The pre-gelatinized starch enables the binder viscosity to increase and increases the tackiness of the granola mass such that it can be formed by a rotary molder and such that it releases from the mold as a unitary piece of shaped and formed granola food product.

Abstract: A freeform fabrication system for the production of an edible three-dimensional food product from digital input data is disclosed. Food products are produced in a layer-by-layer manner without object-specific tooling or human intervention. Color, flavor, texture and/or other characteristics may be independently modulated throughout the food product. In addition, in some cases, the food products may further undergo one or more post-processing steps.

Abstract: According to the invention, in a method of preparing a sandwich by introducing a filling between two mutually-facing portions of a piece of bread, the following operations are performed: placing a filling on a filling support dish; placing the dish with the filling on a tilting dish support fitted with a pusher or a handle; engaging the top and bottom portions of the piece of bread or dough product on either side of the pivot axis of the dish support; actuating the pusher or the handle to cause the dish support to tilt together with the dish towards a space for filling as defined by said top and bottom portions of the piece of bread or dough product so as to obtain an angle of inclination for the dish that is suitable for causing the filling to slide off the dish into the space for filling, while retaining the dish on the dish support.

Abstract: A new tool set for making homemade ravioli or filled pasta in general includes at least one flat grid provided with holes or openings, at least one flat cutting grid having blades arranged around each hole, at least one flat grid-shaped dispensing device suited to dispense portions of a filling and provided with holes or openings arranged exactly as each hole or opening of said grid, at least one flat ejecting device suited to eject portions of filling and provided with a series of projections suited to fit exactly in the holes or openings of the dispensing device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods and systems that distribute an additive in solid carbon dioxide in an interior of food processing equipment. The additive may be injected into a flow of liquid carbon dioxide upstream of an expander at or adjacent to the interior. Injection of the additive into the interior may be alternated with directing a flow of expanded carbon dioxide into the interior. In some embodiments, the freezing point of the additive with or without a diluent composition and/or additive(s) is lower than a temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protein containing composition, comprising; a protein composition, wherein at least about 75 weight % of the protein composition contains at least about 15 weight % of large pieces including protein fibers at least about 4 centimeters long, protein strands at least about 3 centimeters long, and protein chunks at least about 2 centimeters long and wherein at least about 75 weight % of the protein composition has a shear strength of at least about 1400 grams. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the protein composition.

Abstract: A chewy and intermediate moisture bar is provided that uses a dairy-based binder generally without the need to employ gums, humectants, and sugar syrups as a binder to achieve the moist and chewy texture. In one aspect, the bar includes a dry base uniformly blended with a dairy-based binder that uses high levels of dairy proteins as the main binding component. A method of forming the chewy and intermediate moisture bar is also provided that may use a lay or delay period to allow moisture equilibration or migration from the binder to the dry base.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming raw meat structures from a plurality of meat pieces. Meat pieces of diverse shape, size, and quality are coated with a bonding agent such as a transglutaminase and then pressurized at low temperature. The pressure, temperature and bonding agent cause the meat pieces to form a composite, uncooked meat structure that is suitable for cutting, extruding, shaping, and other meat processing.

Abstract: By the method of producing popcorn confectionery a first sugar/glucose substance is produced. This substance is boiled at 170 -2100C for approx. 3-10 hours until the substance is dark brown/black and viscous, whereafter it is cooled down. Hereafter a second sugar/glucose substance is produced, which is boiled at 100-1300C for approx. 1-10 hours. The first substance and the second substance are mixed at a weight ratio of 1:2-1:6, whereafter the resulting mixture is boiled and popcorn is added. This mixture can be formed in formed pieces in a machine 1 including a cylindrical, horizontal buffer tank 3, which is surrounded by a chamber 11 filled with oil, and a cylindrical, horizontal main tank 2 surrounded by a chamber 23 filled with oil.

Abstract: A food product having at least one moulded body. The moulded body has a food mass and an array of baked items or a substantially centrally located baked item. At least one member of the array of baked items or the centrally located baked item form a consumable unit together with at least a portion of the moulded body. Further, at least one portion of at least one baked item is not covered with the first food mass and is visible from at least one side of the moulded body.

Abstract: A continuous method and system for processing whole muscle meat employs a mixer housing having a pair of parallel rotating shafts located therein. The parallel rotating shafts have a plurality of mixing elements thereon, such as frustoconical elements, blocking elements, or ellipsoid elements. The mixer housing has an input end to receive the meat ingredients, such as meat pieces, salt solution, water, preservatives, and other additives such as spices. The mixer housing has an output, which is separated a distance from the input, such that the output discharges the whole muscle meat product. As the ingredients including the meat move from the input to the output along the shafts, the mixing elements work the meat with the other ingredients thereby increasing ingredient incorporation including diffusion of the salt solution into the whole muscle meat pieces.

Abstract: Pet treats and methods of manufacturing pet treats comprising unprocessed meats are disclosed. The unprocessed meats are not extruded, ground, emulsified, liquefied, partially liquefied, or made into a powder. The unprocessed meats may be combined with natural and/or un-natural binding agents and may also be combined with natural and/or un-natural preservatives. The combination may be formed into shapes in which the pieces, bits, and/or parts of the unprocessed meat may, or may not, be visible within the production product, yet contained within.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a baked cheese product having two opposing pieces of exterior cheese having outer edges. An interior food product of a different type of cheese or a non-cheese product has dimensions less than the dimensions of the exterior cheese. The interior food product is positioned between the opposing slices of the exterior cheese such that outer edges of the opposing slices of the exterior cheese are placed together. The outer edges are bonded by heat to create a bond sufficient to prevent leakage of the interior food product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sandwich cooking accessory having a plurality of pockets in which may be assembled a sandwich or into which may be placed a raw (not yet cooked) sandwich. The accessory also includes a panel engagable to the pockets to contain the assembled sandwiches during handling and cooking. The panel cooperates with the pockets to slightly, but not excessively, compress the sandwiches. The pockets and panel are perforated to enable heat to the sandwiches during cooking. The panel include a plurality of shield to protect certain portions of the sandwiches from excessive toasting during cooking.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides center-filled confectionery products and apparatuses and methods for producing the center-filled confectionery products. The apparatuses include a forming device with cooperatively engaging first and second forming members. The center-filled confectionery products may be released from the forming device with or without the use of an ejection device. The ejection device may comprise plunger members that contact the center-filled confectionery or may comprise a non-contact ejection device. The apparatuses further include an extruder having a housing. The housing has an inlet for receiving a material, at least one extrusion screw within the interior of the housing, and at least device in cooperative communication with the inlet and the extrusion screw. The extruder provides a process that allows for improved blending of chewing gum ingredients and improved processability of the chewing gum product.

Abstract: A convenience desert item wherein the container is filled with portions of the desert item, which are first prepared outside the container, cut into multiple portions, and placed into the container in layers, each layer is comprised of a plurality of the cut portions, which are gently compressed before placing additional layers on top of said layer, and the final layer having a frosting applied to the top of the final layer; a method of preparing, storing, transporting, and serving a desert item, comprising the steps of preparing a desert, reducing the desert into a plurality of portions, providing a container, said container having a handle, providing a lid adapted to close the container, placing one or more of the portions into the container to create a first layer of portions, compressing the first layer of portions located in the container, placing additional one or more portions into the container to form a second layer of portions, compressing the second layer of portions located in the container, smoot

Abstract: A device and method for making Tamales having: a lower surface, an upper surface, connecting means for attaching said upper surface to the lower surface, the lower surface has means for receiving a tamale wrapper, the upper surface has a cut out portion in the middle of the upper surface for applying a masa spread to the tamale wrapper on the lower surface, wherein a user desires to make tamales, the tamale wrapper is positioned such that the front of the tamale wrapped is positioned over the cut out hole in the upper surface, then the upper surface is positioned on the tamale wrapper to prevent the wrapper from moving, then said masa spread is applied to the tamale wrapper through the cut out portion, then a leveling device is used to compact the masa, then the leveling device is used to scrap away any excess masa spread, and wherein the masa spread has been applied to the tamale wrapper, then a tamale filling is placed on a portion of the masa spread, then the tamale wrapper with the masa spread is folded o

Abstract: A single serving of a food product can comprise a first cracker, a second cracker, and a non-cracker filling disposed between these crackers to form a cracker-and-filling sandwich. By one approach, the cracker-and-filling sandwich is sized and comprised of ingredients such that eating the cracker-and-filling sandwich as a between-meal snack satisfactorily sates an average adult human being's appetite. By one approach, these crackers have savory shelf-stable filling. By another approach, the savory shelf-stable filling includes a particulate component, such as a particulate meat component. By this approach, the shelf-stable savory filling has a low water activity and covers at least 50 percent of the surface area of the meat particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protein containing composition, comprising; a protein composition, wherein at least about 75 weight % of the protein composition contains at least about 15 weight % of large pieces including protein fibers at least about 4 centimeters long, protein strands at least about 3 centimeters long, and protein chunks at least about 2 centimeters long and wherein at least about 75 weight % of the protein composition has a shear strength of at least about 1400 grams. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the protein composition.

Abstract: A method for creating hexahedron or cubed nut cluster having a high level of nuts or seeds. The invention is an improved process for manipulating and shaping high content nut and seed food products. In one aspect, the invention manipulates processing conditions to provide a nut slab high nut content nut slab that is conducive to slicing and cutting. In one aspect, the invention manipulates unit operation conditions so as to provide a method of slicing a high content nut slab into longitudinal strips in a continuous operation that minimizes or eliminates jamming at the cutting and/or stabbing conveyors.

Abstract: Pet food products and methods of manufacture are provided, the pet food product comprising a helical body having a first material formed to include an outer surface, and a second material having a striping portion deposited on the outer surface of the first material and positioned to lie along a length of the first material, the pet food product optionally having a stuffing portion positioned within a cavity in the first material. Illustratively, the second material has a composition that provides lubrication during an extrusion process to manufacture the food product.

Abstract: Agglomerates of cereals are held together by a binding matrix, rather than sugars, and are formed by providing a dry mix of cereals in particular form, such as flakes, and starch-based matrix—forming material, optionally along with other components. These are then mixed with water to hydrate the binding matrix and allow it to swell to form a paste and to bind the bulk materials together. The resulting blend is extruded to an outlet using a relatively open or no die so that any back pressure and heat generated is sufficient to permit the matrix material to set and bind the particular cereal without excess heat. The agglomerate extruded from the extruder are cut into pieces of the desired size and dried to final desired moisture content.

Abstract: A system and method wherein meat product constituents are mixed under a high shear force to combine the constituents into a mixture having a stable protein matrix is disclosed. The system incorporates mixing devices in a housing into which the input streams are directed. The system then applies a high shear force over a small volume to mix the constituents together, thereby rapidly combining the meat constituents and other ingredients to rapidly form a stable protein matrix and eliminate the need for a curing stage for protein extraction.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising i) a wax in an amount of 10 to 40 wt. % based on the composition ii) a compound in an amount of 60 to 90 wt. % based on the composition, having the formula wherein t is an integer, wherein each R1, R2 and R3 is independently selected from an acyl group or a hydrogen atom, wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is H or an acyl group (a short acyl group) having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is an optionally branched chain acyl group (a long acyl group) consisting of a saturated chain having 10 to 20 carbon atoms and an optional hydrophilic branch group.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a process for the manufacture of a multiple texture food product. The process includes providing a dairy material, freezing the dairy material by cooling it to a temperature of ?2° C. or less, aerating the frozen dairy material, shaping the aerated, frozen dairy material, and depositing the shaped, aerated, frozen dairy material on or between one or more layers of a food material which is not the aerated dairy material. The aerated dairy material has a Stevens firmness of 20 or more at a temperature in the range of from 5 to 10° C. and a water activity (aW) of 0.90 or more. The disclosure herein further provides an aerated dairy material as well as a multiple texture food product which comprises a core of the aerated dairy material and a shell of a food material which is not the aerated dairy material.

Abstract: A method for producing a confectionery product from at least two pieces with at least one interface between the two pieces and including meltable material at least in parts of the interface, comprising the step of heating the interface during or after the two pieces have been brought into contact with each other. An apparatus for producing a confectionery product from two or more pieces comprising at least one heater in or downstream of a station where at least two pieces of the confectionery product are brought into contact with each other. A mold for the production of a confectionery product having at least two pieces has at least one component or portion heatable by induction heating. A heatable component, preferably a ferromagnetic component provided in the vicinity of a confectionery product, is used for partially heating the confectionery product, preferably by induction heating.

Abstract: Improved granola and granola products containing chocolate and their methods of preparation are provided. The methods include adding chilled chocolate containing dextrose to granola ingredients prior to the addition of a sugar binder formulated to perform as required at about 29-32° C. (85-90° F.) or colder. The methods include baking granola containing chocolate, cooling and packaging granola products such as breakfast cereals and granola bars. By using chilled chocolate and the sugar binder formulated for this method the problems of chocolate separation, smearing and off-flavors can be avoided in granola products containing chocolate.

Abstract: An edible pet chew 114 has a first casing 10 of plant base material and a second protein 12 of flavored material for example jerky that is wrapped with the first sheet to form alternating layers in the edible pet chew.

Abstract: A puffed pet treat and method of making are disclosed. The puffed pet treat is comprised of a starting material that is an animal part, which is treated, sliced into small portions, and exposed to high velocity hot air causing rapid heat transfer within the small portions causing the water contained in the material as moisture to undergo a rapid phase change from liquid to steam which softens and expands the material thereby forming a puffed product.

Abstract: By the method of producing popcorn confectionery a first sugar/glucose substance is produced. This substance is boiled at 170-2100C for approx. 3-10 hours until the substance is dark brown/black and viscous, whereafter it is cooled down. Hereafter a second sugar/glucose substance is produced, which is boiled at 100-1300C for approx. 1-10 hours. The first substance and the second substance are mixed at a weight ratio of 1:2-1:6, whereafter the resulting mixture is boiled and popcorn is added. This mixture can be formed in formed pieces in a machine 1 including a cylindrical, horizontal buffer tank 3, which is surrounded by a chamber 11 filled with oil, and a cylindrical, horizontal main tank 2 surrounded by a chamber 23 filled with oil.

Abstract: A method that entails blending an egg-based substance, a water-absorbent thickener, and pieces of supplemental food together to form an egg-based material, the egg-based substance including a natural liquid egg component, the water-absorbent thickener distributed throughout the egg-based material, and the water-absorbent thickener effective to maintain distribution of the pieces of supplemental food throughout the egg-based material.

Abstract: A layered cereal bar with at least two cereal layers having identifiable RTE cereal pieces and at least one visible filling layer in between the two cereal layers is described. In one embodiment, the cereal bar is a non-cooked cereal bar having a total nutrient level equal to or greater than the nutrient level of a single serving of RTE cereal with milk. In one embodiment, the cereal layer is comprised of a cereal composition containing RTE cereal, high-protein rice pieces and TVP in a ratio of about 2:1:1. The cereal layer further comprises a binder to hold the cereal composition together. In one embodiment, the filling layer is a confectionery center high in milk content, but with a relatively low water activity. In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a layered cereal bar having a visible filling layer is described.

Abstract: A cereal-based food preparation in the form of a bar containing, in percentages by weight based on the total weight of the bar, a quantity of lipids not higher than 18% and a quantity of monosaccharides and disaccharides not higher than 33%, and further containing 0.20-0.40% Vitamin C, 0.10-0.20% Vitamin E and 0.10-0.20% catechins; a regular consumption of such food preparation permits reducing the degenerative phenomena caused by oxidizing agents in the organism; a process is moreover described for the production of the aforesaid food preparation.

Abstract: An ink-based image is releasably printed onto a substrate for transferring to the skin. Flavoring is incorporated with the ink-based image, yielding a selected scent and taste. Unlike generally known candy flavored appliques, the flavored ink tattoo has a long shelf life, achieves an intense flavor, and has a wide range of taste selections.

Abstract: A layering mass comprising protein and carbohydrate, where between 10% and 55% by weight of the layering mass is protein, is described together with methods of making the same. Also described are confectionery type bars and nutritional bars comprising the confectionery layering material of the present invention.