Abstract: A one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is provided. A method for making a one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is also provided. The one-dish frozen dinner product preferably includes a receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product, a baking shield upstanding above the receptacle, and a shipping carton. Even more preferably, the baking shield is placed at the bottom of the receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product and is configured for a nesting fit. The baking shield may have either a frustoconical sidewall or a concave trough-like sidewall.

Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a colored product comprises the steps of: melting a main body and at least one color providing body so that the main body and the at least one color providing bodies melt as fluids; filling the melted main body into a syringe needle and fill the at least one color providing body into a respective sub-syringe needle; filling the at least one color providing body into a respective hole in a mold groove of a mold; injecting the main body in the syringe needle into the mold groove after the at least one color providing bodies is solidified; and connecting the main body and the at least one color providing body so as to form a product. The materials used in the present invention can be plastic materials, or foods, or rubbers, or glasses. The mold used can be made of silicone.

Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: A measuring and storage container. The container includes one or more compartments for receiving respective portions of a substance. The compartments bear respective indicia indicating the position of at least one fill level. The fill level for a compartment is at an elevation below a maximum filling elevation for the compartment.

Abstract: This invention is a method for manufacturing candy using a first and second mold, which comprises the steps of filling a measured amount of the first mixture comprising raw materials for candy and additives into the first mold, partially cooling said mixture, printing a desired picture onto the partially cooled mixture by using one or more compositions selected among red, blue, and yellow edible ink compositions, filling a measured amount of the second mixture comprising raw materials for candy and additives into the second mold, partially cooling the first arid second mixture, joining the first mold and the second mold to combine the first mixture and the second mixture by pressing the joint pin, and hardening the mixture of the mold to form the candy product from the mold.

Abstract: An edible film and method of using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Pre-printing may be accomplished by any suitable printing process utilizing edible inks. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user.

Abstract: A method and cutting device makes incisions in an elongated food product, like a hot dog or sausage, to form a pattern or character after the product is cooked. One form of the cutter includes a hinged housing into which the food product is positioned. The housing includes blades that contact and cut the food product as the housing is closed. Another form of the cutter includes a wheeled cutter and a rack. The wheeled cutter includes gear teeth that permit the rack to be drawn under the wheel as the wheel engages gear openings formed in the rack as the wheel rotates. A food product positioned on the rack is cut by blades on the wheel as the rack travels under the wheel.

Abstract: An edible film and method of using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Pre-printing may be accomplished by any suitable printing process utilizing edible inks. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user.

Abstract: An iced cake (92) is decorated with an edible substrate sheet (100) having a color image (200) reproduced thereon by a plain paper photocopy process. The sheet (100) is passed along a straight, generally unheated copy path (24) through a plain paper, color inkjet photocopy machine (10) to reproduce thereon the color image (200) placed on the photocopy glass (12).

Abstract: An edible film and method of making and using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user.

Abstract: A dyestuff capable of undergoing a clearly visible colour change when contacted with a color-developing material is dispersed in the body of a plastics film and used in the identification of goods. The film can be used for packaging of the goods or as a label or seal affixed to the goods. When testing the authenticity of packaging goods, the plastics film is marked with the color-developing chemical to produce a colored mark on the package. The dyestuff is preferably a latent dyestuff which is colorless and invisible to the eye under ambient conditions for use of the film but which forms a clearly visible color when contacted with the color-developing material.

Abstract: An iced cake (92) is decorated with an edible substrate sheet (100) having a color image (200) reproduced thereon by a plain paper photocopy process. The sheet (100) is passed along a straight, generally unheated copy path (24) through a plain paper, color inkjet photocopy machine (10) to reproduce thereon the color image (200) placed on the photocopy glass (12).

Abstract: A method and package for packing food products with a calorie-division indicating function is disclosed. In the method, a food product is preliminarily sectioned into a plurality of portions while indicating calorie content on each of the portions prior to packing the product with a package. Thus, people are allowable to consume one or more measured portions containing a desired number of calories. On the other hand, a package for food products are sectioned into a plurality of segments while indicating calories on each of sectioned portions of a packed food product. In the above package, the calorie content is expressed separately on each of the sectioned portions while indicating the calorie content of each portion or total calorie content of partially divided portions. The invention also provides a container for food products, having a calorie scale on its sidewall. In such a case, the calorie scale indicates calorie content of portions of a food product within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decorating an edible food without substantially deforming the edible food. A container delivers a liquid decorating substance to an elongated, soft, flexible nib. When placed in contact with a surface of the edible food and moved relative to the edible food, the nib readily laterally flexes when pressure is exerted on the surface by the nib so that the nib does not substantially deform the edible food even when the edible food is soft.

Abstract: A method for using a moisture-protective container to protect an integrated circuit is disclosed herein. The integrated circuit is placed into a container having a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface, and then the container is closed with a seal. Next, the seal is broken to remove the integrated circuit for evaluation. After evaluation without subjecting the integrated circuit to burn-in, the integrated circuit is restored to the container and the container is resealed with the seal. Lastly, the seal of the container is broken to connect the integrated circuit to a substrate without elevating the temperature surrounding the integrated circuit above the temperature at which evaluation occurred.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus that enable consumers to experience, prior to purchase, the aroma of a finished product even though the product as sold is unfinished. Further, methods and apparatus provide users of a product with a reference aroma that may be employed to determine if the product is suitable for use, while, prior to purchase, consumers can experience a selected aroma of a consumer product that has a plurality of aromas, and the aroma bouquet of a consumer product where a particular aroma in the bouquet has been intensified. Among other advantages, this invention enables marketers to employ additional sensual modalities, and particularly the sense of smell, in offering products for sale, and thus permits consumers to make better informed purchasing decisions.

Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: A dough cutting and decorating tool that includes a generally flat base with a continuous raised cutting edge defining a shape extending from one side of the base. A raised printing surface extends from the other side of the base, with the printing surface having a pattern configured to fit within the shape defined by the raised cutting edge on the other side of the base. In certain preferred embodiments, the cutting edge coincides with the peripheral edge of the base, while the printing surface is made of a resilient material, such as a compressible cellular foam material.

Abstract: A coffee filter pack apparatus has a coffee filter bag formed with a plurality of coffee filter sheets attached together to form a plurality of enclosed spaced therein, each enclosed spaced having a plurality of measured amounts of predetermined ground coffee. One of the coffee filter sheets has indicia thereon to indicate the direction of flow of heated water through the coffee bag during brewing of the coffee. A method of making a coffee filter bag includes the steps of selecting predetermined amounts of first and second ground coffee, closing each into attached first and second coffee filter bags, and labeling the combined coffee filter bags to indicate the direction of flow of heated water therethrough.

Abstract: A confectionary dispenser of the present invention is for use in association with a confectionary. The dispenser includes a body, a movable trigger, a removable internal channel and a feeder mechanism. The trigger is movably attached to the body and has an at rest position and an end of stroke position. The removable internal channel is removably attached to the body. The removable internal channel has an exit opening and is adapted to receive the confectionary. The feeder mechanism is operably attached to the trigger for operably advancing the confectionary into the removable internal channel when the trigger is moved from the at rest position towards the end of stroke position. The confectionary dispenser may include a device for controlling the confectionary that is extruded from the channel at the exit opening. Preferably the confectionary dispenser includes a heater attached to the body which is adapted to heat the confectionary in the removable internal channel.

Abstract: A frozen ice confection of fixed shape is described which has its opacity controlled in relation of the temperature of the confection. The confection may also have an imbedded indicia which becomes view able as the transparency of this frozen confection increases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to edible decorations which reproduce all types of patterns, including colored patterns. The purpose of these decorations is partially or totally to cover the cakes for which they are intended and with which they form a perfectly homogeneous whole. More precisely, the invention comprises in producing a printed decoration with five successive layers: a first layer of printed edible paper, and a second layer of a material for modifying the texture of the edible paper and sticking the first and third layers together. The third layer comprises of a material belonging to the group comprising almond paste and chocolate. The fourth layer is equivalent to the second layer, and the fifth layer is equivalent to the first layer. By virtue of this innovation, a printed decoration does not detract from the cake and remains supple and homogeneous.

Abstract: An edible cake decoration comprising a sugarpaste formulation including at least one humectant. A method of forming the decoration is also disclosed which includes exposing the sugarpaste to a humid environment. An apparatus for use in the method is also disclosed which comprises a blister (6) having a profiled surface and a plurality of ventilation holes (8) therein, which blister (6) forms a template for use in the vacuum forming of the wet sugarpaste to provide a 3-D shape to the decoration, the sugarpaste being dried after vacuum forming.

Abstract: A package and a process is provided for packaging a perishable product and providing a tamperproof visible date code on the resultant package. The process includes the steps of providing form, fill and seal package making process equipment; and providing to that equipment a supply of plastic film in strip form having opposed first and second lateral edges and a thermally sealable side. A date code is printed adjacent to the first edge on the sealable side. The film is then conveyed through a folding device to cause the printed date code to be overlaid by the opposite or second lateral edge of the plastic film. The lateral edges of the film are then thermally sealed together with the second edge overlying the imprinted area thereby forming a tube. The tube is then formed into a series of individual packages which are filled with the perishable product.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly branching each stream of at least two fluidized food materials of different colors into multiple streams, and guiding the multiple streams to predetermined locations in a mold, the nozzle assembly including: an upper nozzle plate, at least one lower nozzle plate positioned below and in contact with the upper nozzle plate, each of the upper and lower nozzle plates having at least two discrete passages, each of the passages in the upper nozzle plate guiding one of the food materials in a substantially horizontal direction, and having at least one communication port each in communication with corresponding one of the passages in the lower nozzle plate, each of the passages in the lower nozzle plate having at least one discharge port for discharging one of the food materials into one of the one or more unit cavities, at least one of the passages in the lower nozzle plate being a horizontal guide passage for guiding one of the food materials in a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method of forming chocolate mold having an image printed thereon. The method includes the steps of forming a piece of edible paper, releasably securing a first side of the edible paper to a backing sheet, printing an image on a second side of the edible paper and securing the edible paper to the chocolate mold. The image is printed on the edible paper by a printer using food coloring loaded into a cartridge of the printer. The step of securing the edible paper to the chocolate mold may include placing the edible paper within a mold with the image facing a side of the mold, pouring chocolate into the mold and atop the edible paper, allowing the chocolate poured into the mold to harden and removing the hardened chocolate and edible paper from the mold. The hardening of the chocolate forms a bond between the chocolate and the edible paper it is poured atop.

Abstract: Creating a depression in at least one surface of uncooked meat and dispensing a colorant and/or flavorant into said depression affords uncooked meat which will have the look and/or taste of grilled meat even after being cooked by some other method. Such a method may be carried out by an apparatus which comprises: (1) means for forming a depression in uncooked meat; and (2) means for dispensing a colorant and/or flavorant into said depression.

Abstract: An iced cake (92) is decorated with an edible substrate sheet (100) having a color image (200) reproduced thereon by a plain paper photocopy process. The sheet (100) is passed along a straight, generally unheated copy path (24) through a plain paper, color inkjet photocopy machine (10) to reproduce thereon the color image (200) placed on the photocopy glass (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and processing a plurality of articles includes a transport loop including a plurality of carrier bars and a plurality of pockets formed between adjacent ones of the carrier bars. The articles are laterally, longitudinally and rotationally positioned within the pockets at a predetermined position, and at least a first processing station at a first position along the transport loop performs a first operation on the articles while within the pocket in the predetermined position. The articles may be pharmaceutical tablets or capsules and the first processing station may be a drill that drills a series of holes on the pharmaceuticals to create a mechanical time-release mechanism. A second processing station coordinated with the first processing station may perform a second operation on the articles. The first and second processing stations may be first and second printers that print first and second component images in registration with another to form a composite image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to edible decorations which reproduce all types of patterns, including colored patterns. The purpose of these decorations is partially or totally to cover the cakes for which they are intended and with which they form a perfectly homogeneous whole. More precisely, the invention comprises in producing a printed decoration with five successive layers: a first layer of printed edible paper, and a second layer of a material for modifying the texture of the edible paper and sticking the first and third layers together. The third layer comprises of a material belonging to the group comprising almond paste and chocolate. The fourth layer is equivalent to the second layer, and the fifth layer is equivalent to the first layer. By virtue of this innovation, a printed decoration does not detract from the cake and remains supple and homogeneous.

Abstract: A marketing pouch is provided having an interior pocket region surrounded by a sealed peripheral edge and having an attachment member extending from the marketing pouch. Examples of possible attachment members include an integral portion of the pouch itself, adhesive tape bonded to the pouch, and string-like material affixed to the pouch. The pocket region contains marketing material, such as a roasting bag, coupons, recipes, and/or spice mixes. The attachment member has a sufficient length to facilitate attachment of the marketing pouch to meat or poultry package clips.

Abstract: Provided is a novel device for dispensing pastry dough, frosting or icing from a cartridge. The device has a cartridge container and a hand-held gun. An electric motor having a piston is coupled to the cartridge container. The piston acts on a plunger of the cartridge to apply pressure on the pastry dough, frosting or icing to permit the pastry dough, frosting or icing move to the gun to be dispensed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for printing indicia on confectionery products such as chewing gum. A mass of confectionery product is formed into a thin, flat sheet. The sheet may be divided into individual sheets for cooling. Next, the sheet or sheets of confectionery are passed through the printing machine to print indicia thereon. Printed confectionery products and packages thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a novel device for dispensing pastry dough, frosting or icing from a cartridge The device has a cartridge container and a hand-held gun. A hydraulic cylinder having a piston is coupled to the cartridge container. The piston acts on a plunger of the cartridge to apply pressure on the pastry dough, frosting or icing to permit the pastry dough, frosting or icing move to the gun to be dispensed. An alternative device utilizes a frosting cylinder in place of the cartridge.

Abstract: An iced cake (92) is decorated with an edible substrate sheet (100) having a color image (200) reproduced thereon by a plain paper photocopy process. The sheet (100) is passed along a straight, generally unheated copy path (24) through a plain paper, color inkjet photocopy machine (10) to reproduce thereon the color image (200) placed on the photocopy glass (12).

Abstract: A scent area (14) is integrated into or attached to a food label (12). The scent area (14) preferably contains the scent and/or taste of the contents within the food container (10). The scent area (14) preferably includes scratch and sniff technology and/or is covered with a peel-off type cover to preserve the freshness of the scent area (14) during shipping and storage. Pets, can then sniff or lick the scent areas (14) from an assortment of food containers (10) and show a preference for a meal selection. In a further embodiment, a row, column, or array of spaced-apart scent areas can be presented to a pet, and through sniff and/or taste the pet can indicate the types or flavors of food preferred. Similarly, food-scented cards, game pieces, or toys can be presented to a pet who can select a card, game piece, or toy to indicate the type and/or flavor of food preferred for the next meal. The pet owner could also use the preference indications to purchase preferred food types and/or flavors.

Abstract: A method of creating food product, such as pizza, which will produce an illustrated, decorative personalized food product by using edible symbols and or edible granules and or edible powder. The edible symbols, granules or powder, which may have coloring, are applied to the surface of food product by using a symbol placement applicator that applies precut symbols and or a stencil placement applicator, which applies granulated or powdered edibles to form designs. The symbols and or granulated or powder design is fused to the food product during a thermal fusing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing an image on a generally non-absorbent surface of a food item selected from the group consisting of chocolate, cheese and the like or a combination thereof includes a computer allowing an operator to create a unique template for the food item. The apparatus further includes software adjusting a scanned image to the created template and a production line controllably operating a process of making the food product that corresponds to the template. Also, the apparatus has a means for treating the surface of the food item so as to directly print the image on its non-absorbent surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making edible decorations which reproduce all types of patterns, including colored patterns. The purpose of these decorations is partially or totally to cover the cakes for which they are intended and with which they form a perfectly homogeneous whole. More precisely, the invention consists in producing a printed decoration with five successive layers: a first layer of printed edible paper, and a second layer of a material for modifying the texture of the edible paper and sticking the first and third layers together. The third layer consists of a material belonging to the group comprising almond paste and chocolate. The fourth layer is equivalent to the second layer, and the fifth layer is equivalent to the first layer. By virtue of this innovation, a printed decoration does not detract from the cake and remains supple and homogeneous.

Abstract: A method of applying an indicia to the surface of a cellulose casing by non contact printing wherein the indicium is applied in-line with the casing manufacture at a location between the wet end and the dry end of the casing manufacturing process wherein the indicia comprises an ink that is cured and cross linked with the cellulose prior to the casing reaching the dry end of the process. The indicia preferably is in the form of a dot matrix pattern that is visible yet presents no barrier to the passage of smoke.

Abstract: A chocolate coating having a marbled appearance, a confectionary product provided with a chocolate coating having a marbled appearance, and methods for preparing the same. The chocolate coating may be water or chocolate based.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for baking letters of the alphabet and/or numerals. The apparatus includes a cake pan blank foldable into a cake pan, a grid insert template and one or more space-occupying insert blanks foldable into space-occupying inserts. The grid template insert contains removable grid-defined sections which sections are selectively removable so as to leave openings in the grid template insert. The space-occupying inserts are interfitted with the openings and the grid template insert and space-occupying inserts are then placed into the cake pan so that the volume of the cake pan not occupied by the space-occupying inserts takes the shape of a letter or numeral for receiving batter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence or absence of contaminating bacteria in a packaged food sample comprising storing food in a package having as a lining a hydrophilic polymeric composition, said composition preferably being permeable to water and at least one gas dissolved in water or water vapor and being selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen and ammonia gas and containing an indicator for detecting the presence or abscence of said gas; said indicator being polymerized or dispersed throughout said polymeric composition or coated onto a hydrophobic polymeric composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for printing indicia on confectionery products such as chewing gum. A mass of confectionery product is formed into a thin, flat sheet. The sheet may be divided into individual sheets for cooling. Next, the sheet or sheets of confectionery are passed through the printing machine to print indicia thereon. Printed confectionery products and packages thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Method for marking an object where the object is placed in a package whereby a pattern in said package is caused to make a marking in said object. Objects being marked with the above method. The invention is especially useful for marking solid or semi-solid formulations of drugs, candy and food-stuff. Specifically the invention is useful to mark nicotine-containing chewing gums. Other solid or semi-solid objects can equally well be marked using the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of decorating a surface of an item that has an area adapted to display a design. The method comprises spreading onto the area a quantity of a viscous surface preparatory composition that has an initial first state that allows it to be spread onto the surface and is curable to a final state that forms a stable layer adhered to the surface. A pattern sheet is provided with the pattern formed thereon in a medium that will transfer onto the surface of the preparatory composition when in the initial state. The preparatory layer is contacted with the pattern sheet and the pattern thereon for a sufficient time to allow the medium to transfer onto the preparatory layer. After the transfer pattern has been transferred thereon yet before the preparatory layer has cured into the final state, the pattern sheet is removed from contact with the viscous preparatory layer. The preparatory layer is then cured into the final state thereby fixing the transferred pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently making grill marks on both sides of a plurality of food products while simultaneously cooking the plurality of food products. The food products may include hamburgers, chicken breast, soy products, etc. A continuous grilling belt transports products along a path of conveyance in which heat, speed, and other variables are controlled. The product is automatically turned over during the conveyance period. The food product may be produced in industrial quantities.

Abstract: Concave portions, in which patterns to be put to a surface of a confectionery are formed, are provided to one surface of a confectionery pattern intaglio, the concave portions are charged with ingredients paste, and the ingredients paste are solidified. As a result, the same pattern can be mass-produced successively. In the case where the intaglio is removed from the ingredients paste, a printed material is bond to the ingredients paste so that a confectionery sheet is manufactured, and in the case where the intaglio is not removed, the print material is or is not bond to the ingredients paste so that a confectionery sheet is manufactured. When a side face of a confectionery main body is covered with this confectionery sheet, for example, confectionery with excellent decoration can be manufactured by simple operation.

Abstract: A package which allows for butchering and packaging of a fresh red meat product at a centralized facility is provided. The package includes a support member which contains the product; a first, preferably permeable film sealed to the support member for enclosing the product; a second, preferably impermeable film enclosing the first film and removably secured to the package; and labeling means including a label removably affixed to an outer surface of the support member. Upon removal of the second film, the label may be removed from the outer surface of the support member and adhered to the first film, thereby providing a package labeled with individualized information relating to the particular product.