Abstract: A methodology and product or system configurations are provided which allow food to be directly irradiated for cooking applications which involve the impingement of direct radiant energy on food or comestible items. Cooking vessels or cook-packs are used that are optically transmissive in visible or infrared narrow wavelength bands emitted in suitable narrowband cooking or heating systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a consumer-friendly, ready-to-bake food item containment product (100) containing a food item (104) disposed on a planar sheet (102) of ovenable material, wherein the sheet has a compact configuration for shipping and storage that is capable of being transformed to an expanded configuration in which the food item portions are arranged in spaced locations on the sheet in position for baking into the individual baked food item products. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing individual food item portions for baking wherein a plurality of food item portions are disposed on a planar sheet of ovenable material capable of being transformed from the compact configuration to a flat planar configuration and changing the sheet from the compact configuration to the flat planar configuration to arrange the food item portions on the sheet for baking. The food items may include appetizers, entrees, or dessert type items, including sweet doughs.

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

Abstract: A method for processing a package of eggs is disclosed which comprises adjusting a position of one or more of the eggs, after the eggs have been placed in the package, so that each of the eggs assumes a particular orientation within the package. In some embodiments, the method may also comprise marking information on a surface of one or more of the eggs after the position of the one or more of the eggs has been adjusted. Additionally, in some embodiments, the position of the one or more eggs may be adjusted using an egg orienter positioned above a conveyor of an egg packing station.

Abstract: A collectible item comprising a novelty image item and an edible confectionary image item is provided. The novelty image item may contain an image that matches the image on the confectionary image item, or an image that is related to the image on the confectionary image item. A plurality of collectible image items may be provided on a sheet, and the collectible image items may be individually removable from the sheet. An intermediate layer may also be provided which separates the confectionary image item from the novelty image item. The collectible item may include stickers as the novelty image item, and may include gum with an image formed thereon as the confectionary image item.

Abstract: Char marker rings generally include a ring body having first and second sides, an inner hole extending through the body from the first side to the second side, and an outer perimeter marking surface, and at least a first shield extending outwardly from either of the first and second sides, wherein the first shield surrounds at least a portion of the inner hole. Ring assemblies and methods of using char marker ring assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A sandwich-sized crispy chip garnish is provided with desired color, flavor and surface presentations for use in a crispy chip sandwich.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for producing a reticulate dairy based product, comprising subjecting a dairy based product to an extrusion to obtain multiple individual threads of the dairy based product and structuring said multiple individual threads of the dairy based product to obtain a reticulate dairy based product. Moreover the present invention pertains to a reticulate dairy based product obtainable by this method and to a reticulate dairy based product comprising a coherent network of multiple entangled individual threads of a dairy based product.

Abstract: System for removing a pan-prepared comestible from a pan and dividing the comestible into desired portions includes an article including a substrate with portions thereof placed between a pan-prepared comestible, such as a baked or chilled item, and portions of the substrate extending beyond at least two sides of the pan, which define handles for lifting the pan-prepared comestible from the pan. The system includes indicia which includes printed, raised or embossed markings, indicators, or symbols visible on the substrate beyond the bounds of the comestible once separated from the pan, and which define portioning lines serving as guidelines for a cutting tool whereby the comestible is divided into uniformly shaped portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for baking a food product. The apparatus comprise a first piece and a second piece, the first piece and the second piece comprise at least one mold which receives and shapes the food product. The apparatus further comprises an alignment mechanism which aligns and fastens the first piece and the second piece together.

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

Abstract: This is a method for enhancing and optimizing creative visualization and meditation techniques by writing or engraving letters, which spell out words or phrases, on solvent, edible material in an aesthetic way, and then dissolving the letters made of edible material into edible liquids which are to be consumed by a person. Alternatively, the letters are dissolved into body care liquids, such as lotions or perfumes, to be applied to the person's body. The letters spell out words and phrases that the person wants to visualize.

Abstract: At a party/gathering, people are served drinks in identical vessels (children's cups, beer bottles, wine glasses . . .) and it is very difficult to determine whose drink is whose. Mark cups, glasses, and bottles with the drink-marking device (special purpose drink marker) to identify drink ownership. And when the party is over, apply cooking oil to marks 5 minutes before cleaning/putting into dishwasher for a mark-free glass that is ready to use at the next party.

Abstract: A low cost vented hand operable food embosser/debosser for food items is used to emboss messages and/or decorative patterns on a variety of food items such as pizza dough or even ice cream. It can also be used on non-food items such as soap or wax. The message image member of the stamper is vented, with a hollow venting chimney above each image for venting excess food product away from the food product bearing the image. In addition the images are surrounded by a suppressing wall suppressing food product from being inadvertently squashed too much The venting chimneys above each letter are preferably curved, and the images are sharp at the edges with pointy tipped letters/images.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for printing a chocolate confection, the system comprising a platen, a print head, and a cartridge configured to be removably secured to the print head, wherein the cartridge contains a supply of the chocolate material.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for printing a chocolate confection, the system comprising a platen, a recirculation loop configured to circulate a flow of a chocolate material, and further configured to maintain a temper of the chocolate material; and a print head the print head being configured to receive at least a portion of the chocolate material from the recirculation loop, and further configured to extrude and deposit the chocolate material onto the platen to print at least a portion of the chocolate confection based on the commands from a controller.

Abstract: A forming roller structure for making dough sheet products from a dough sheet has a cylindrical body turned on a axle. The axle preferably has annular bodies of a greater diameter than the axle and gears for holding the roller structure in a tortilla machine and engaging the cylindrical body with the mechanism of the tortilla machine. The cylindrical body has an outer surface with a cutting border formed therein to define the edge of a dough sheet product, such as a tortilla. The outer surface also has embossing located within the cutting border, so that the embossing presses a predetermined design into the dough sheet surface as the dough sheet is moved with respect to the cylindrical body. The design may be text or a graphic image. A dough sheet product with an embossed design and a method of making same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for spraying a food product is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of disposing a first sprayer along an axis defining, at least in part, a path of movement for a food product. The method also includes the step of disposing a second sprayer along the axis axially and radially spaced from the first sprayer. The method also includes the step of directly communicating with the first and second sprayers disposed along the axis with a cavity operable to receive edible ink such that the first and second sprayers concurrently spray the edible ink to the axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a beverage can body with integral hand insulation band (10) or portions (18). The beverage can body (1) having a base (3) and a sidewall (2) and the insulation portion or portions (10, 18) arranged to separate a user's hand from the sidewall (2) of the can body (1) during use. A filled and sealed beverage can, incorporating the hand insulation band (10) or portions (18) may be heat-treated (e.g. pasteurised) as required during the production process and also may be chilled by a user post-production.

Abstract: A system and method for a beverage container configured to test for a contaminated beverage in the beverage container comprises a base of the beverage container, an upper portion of the beverage container, and a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface that extends from the base to the upper portion, and a testing material. A portion of the beverage container is the testing material configured to visibly react when the portion of the beverage container is contacted with the contaminated beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an image, such as a decoration, to a surface of a food item, such as a cake or other similar item. An input image is selected from a source of images. The input image can be displayed and then transferred, such as through a lens to form an output image. The output image can be projected onto the food item and traced into a decoration.

Abstract: A Fondant Mat that provides for application without the use of confectioner's sugar or cornstarch while rolling out their fondant, which alters the recipe and dries out the fondant.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for adhering an edible printed image to a chocolate confectionery product. The process includes providing a transfer sheet having a transparent edible film applied thereon, printing a mirrored image on the transparent edible film using edible ink, applying a layer of a colloidal solution consisting essentially of titanium dioxide and a chocolate-compatible fat overlying the mirrored image. The colloidal solution forms an edible opaque layer with the mirrored image intermediate the transparent edible film and the edible opaque layer. The edible opaque layer is then adhered to a chocolate substrate, thereby affixing the image to the chocolate confectionery product.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus for laser marking individual objects with indicia at a marking station wherein a predetermined window exists during which each object can be marked as the objects are conveyed along at least one path at a predetermined speed, the apparatus comprising, at least first and second lasers positioned adjacent one or more paths configured to direct a laser beam onto the objects to mark the same with indicia as the objects pass through the marking station, with each of the first and second lasers marking alternate following objects as they pass through the marking station.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for easy, affordable, efficient, and convenient preparation and storage of fresh, high-quality homemade baby food. The system generally comprises a blender for processing fresh produce into baby food and multiple devices to store multiple portions of freshly produced baby food resulting from one use of the system. For example, one component of the system includes a storage cup having a freshness indicator and lid to immediately store the freshly made food in an organized and convenient manner. The method comprises steps of producing the baby food, transferring the food to an appropriate storage receptacle, adjusting an indicator on the storage receptacle to indicate the freshness level of the food, and immediately serving and covering the remaining receptacles to store the unused food.

Abstract: Edible ink formulations for printing onto edible substrates and snack pieces. Methods are provided showing how to print on edible substrates and on snack pieces at high line speeds.

Abstract: A baked good marking device assembly comprises a base, an elongated marking arm, and a marker. The base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The elongated marking arm is generally perpendicular to the base. The elongated marking arm has a first side and a second side. At least one of the first side and the second side includes one of either a first channel and a first rail. The elongated marking arm has measuring indicia proximate the one of either the first channel and the first rail. The elongated marking arm is removably fixed to the base. The marker has a body portion. The marker is moveable along the first channel or the first rail of the elongated marking arm. The marker has a marking portion protruding outward from the body portion. The marking portion is disposed in a generally perpendicular relationship to the elongated marking arm.

Abstract: Customized children's feeding systems and methods of using the customized children's feeding systems are provided, in a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a packaged food product (10) including a tray (12) defining at least three compartments (20,22,24) and an individual food cartridge located in each of the compartments. Each food cartridge and compartment can be associated with a corresponding color, shape or symbol that is representative of a food category.

Abstract: The invention relates to reducing or minimising the environmental footprint comprising a water footprint and a carbon footprint of a food product.

Abstract: Breading and batter systems and methods to prepare and use the same. In at least one embodiment of a breading and batter system of the present disclosure, the system comprises at least one first package containing a known quantity of a breading, at least one second package containing a known quantity of a batter mix, wherein the known quantity of a breading and the known quantity of a batter mix are intended for consumption at a corresponding rate, and a third package sized and shaped to receive the at least one first package and the at least one second package, the third package configured to be transported commercially without damage to the at least one first package or the at least one second package.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device, apparatus, system and method and combinations thereof that provides a plate with an ornamental design such as but not limited to grooves such as found on grilled food articles in “panini” style sandwiches that attaches to a hot press machine wherein already cooked food articles, such as bread, are placed into the heated press, compressed, and removed from the press after an ornamental design has been applied to the food article.

Abstract: A crafting apparatus that performs work on a workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece includes, for example, an edible foodstuff material. In an embodiment, the edible foodstuff material includes nutritional value and is consumable by, for example, human beings, animals or the like.

Abstract: A package comprising a graphic representation of a face construct. The face construct can comprise a background forming a facial region, a first eye and a second eye, and text in the form of a plurality of letters that form a concave contour. A package for holding a food product having a nutrition fact statement printed thereon. The package further comprises a first notation positioned to identify at least one of the nutritional parameters and/or one of the ingredients of the nutrition fact statement, wherein the first notation comprises a symbol, logo, image, or text linking the nutritional parameter or the ingredient to a statement about the food product. Methods of increasing consumer recall, increasing consumer excitement, and educating consumers using packaging with a graphic representation of a face construct.

Abstract: A method of making a food product includes forming a first food component; providing a filling to the first food component; forming a second food component and providing the second food component on the first food component and the filling wherein the first food component is in contact with the second food component at least about their respective peripheries; sealing the first and second food components and the filling within a packaging and applying a vacuum to the packaging; cooking the first and second food components and the filling within the packaging to bond the first and second food components together.

Abstract: A candy for use as a game having multiple portions, e.g., layers or sections, bearing images of icons (messages, symbols, indicia, numbers, letters, etc.) which are revealed upon the consumption of the layers, or breaking away or consumption of sections. The images in the sequence of images on each candy are unpredictably (from the viewpoint of players) selected from a set of icons, and games such as Rock, Paper, Scissors may be played with two or more candies. In an alternate embodiment the icons are a heart, a bow and an arrow. If the candy is sectioned into break-away sections, then images are hidden from the opposing player(s) or all players by being located in recesses which become exposed when the sections are broken apart from each other or the main body of the candy. The break-away candy may have a vector or matrix geometry. If the candy is layered, the candy may be spherical with layers being concentric spherical shells with the images being printed on outside surfaces of the shells.

Abstract: The described apparatus and method enable the production of thin edible products having complex contoured shapes that cannot be made using conventional molding technology. In particular, chocolates having detailed surface topology can be made utilizing a pliable substrate and a vacuum mold. The process may be made substantially continuous.

Abstract: Methods and systems for grouping, recovering, and processing ice obtained from an ice source, i.e., a glacier, ice sheet, ice cap, etc., are described herein. In particular, the ice obtained from the ice source is separated and grouped according to common unique properties and processed as a beverage for consumption having the same unique properties.

Abstract: A process for stamping a pattern onto a coated frozen confection comprising the steps of: a) at least partially covering the frozen confection with a layer of coating; and b) bringing a stamping surface into contact with the coated frozen confection; characterized in that in step (b) the coating is liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for conditioning food product is disclosed. The method comprises providing a grill treatment to the food product; packaging the food product; and heating the packaged food product (e.g., partially or fully cooking the food product in its package). The system comprises an apparatus configured to apply a grill treatment to a food product that is being packaged and fully cooked in its package. The system may also comprise a co-extruder configured to extrude the a material layer and a collagen gel layer about the exterior surface of the base layer that is then at least partially coagulated before receiving the grill treatments.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method and an arrangement for printing an indicium onto an edible media. In some embodiments, the film is affixed onto a support material. In various embodiments, the film comprises a chitosan polymer. In other embodiments, the film comprises a blend of protein, polysaccharides, and lipids instead of chitosan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adhesive labels for use in food safety labeling systems and methods of using the adhesive labels to enhance food safety and food rotation.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a main wheel having a first surface and a secondary wheel having a second surface. The second surface of the secondary wheel mates with the first surface of the main wheel at a nip to form and set a grain based material disposed between the first and second surfaces. The grain based material may be dried, toasted, baked, puffed, or blistered between first and second surfaces. The method begins by disposing a cooked or uncooked grain based material over the first surface. The second surface, which corresponds to the first surface is applied to the grain based material at the nip to form and set the grain based material between the first and second surfaces. At least one of the first and second surfaces is heated to heat the grain based material disposed between the first and second surfaces to produce a ready-to-eat grain based product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to edible silk holographic elements and methods for making the same. Edible silk holographic elements are used to label pharmaceuticals and foods, or may be formulated to deliver pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A method of marking an egg is disclosed and comprises applying radiant energy to the shell of an egg so as to cause discoloration of the eggshell, thereby forming a marking comprising at least a traceability code and a freshness date. Apparatus is also disclosed for applying markings on eggs being processed by an egg-handling machine that is designed and configured to transport a plurality of eggs therethrough, wherein the apparatus comprises a radiant energy source located in proximity to the egg-handling machine, the radiant energy source being configured to apply radiant energy to the eggs as the eggs are transported past the radiant energy source to selectively discolor the shell of the eggs and form markings on the shell, including a freshness date and a traceability code.

Abstract: Non-pigmented, water-based inks are disclosed which are compatible with industrial piezojet printheads and which can be used to form high resolution images on edible substrates, including sugar shell confectionery polished with a hydrophobic wax polish. The ink comprises a hydrolyzable polysaccharide adhesive agent, such as tapioca dextrin or gum arabic, which enhances the compatibility of the ink for hydrophobic surfaces.

Abstract: A method of processing the surface of the chocolate, such that an image may be printed thereon. The method includes the steps of creating an image, placing the chocolate (5, FIG. 3) in a printing apparatus (2), heating the surface of the chocolate, printing the created image on to the heated surface using water-based edible ink and cooling down (9) the chocolate to harden it. The apparatus for heating (4) the surface of the chocolate may form part of the printing apparatus. During heating the surface may be melted to a depth of between 0.1 to 1 mm. The printing apparatus may be an ink jet printer and the chocolate may be supported on a heat resistant tray during the heating and printing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of printing high resolution images on edible substrates with dispersed pigmented inks using a drop-on-demand ink-jet printer. Dispersed pigmented white inks useful with the inventive methods are also disclosed. White images having a resolution greater than 200 dpi can be printed on chocolate using the methods and inks disclosed herein. The inventive methods and inks may also be integrated with a consumer-driven site vending or e-commerce application in which the consumer provides the image to be printed and edibles bearing the printed image are prepared for rapid turnaround.

Abstract: A chew toy of non-uniform shape may be manufactured from an edible starch composition by introducing said composition to an extruder having a barrel and subjecting the composition to shear and heat to form a melt, and conveying the melt through an adjustable orifice while varying the cross-section dimensions of the orifice to form an extrudate having thickness dimensions that varies along its length. This may be followed by cutting the extrudate to length. The extrudate may also be passed between cooperating cavities and formed to shape. The extrudate may also be guided into predetermined patterns by repositioning the die relative to a molding surface.

Abstract: The present invention is for a smart container that allows consumers the ability to quickly and easily disassembled the container to allow families to extract the substance from the bottom of the container, so families can save food and money. The smart container is equip with a tamper proof label that has a seal to alert consumers when a label of the container has been broken or tampered with. The label for said container is applied to the hollow body member and the receptacle base member. The label has advertising indicia place on the container so as to be able to market the manufacturer's brand of goods. The smart container is also able to adjust the size of the container so as to save fridge and/or counter space, when the top portion of the container has been used.