By Roasting, Toasting, Or Browning Patents (Class 426/466)
  • Patent number: 7798057
    Abstract: A cooking device comprises a cooking surface and a wall structure that extends away with respect to the cooking surface. Examples of the cooking device include a closure configured to be moved with respect to the wall structure from a first position to a second position. Access to the cooking surface is provided when the closure is oriented in the first position and the closure is configured to cooperate with the wall structure to define a cooking chamber when the closure is oriented in the second position. A handle can be attached to the closure, wherein the closure is configured to move from the second position to the first position by moving the handle away with respect to the wall structure. In addition or alternatively, the cooking device may include a rotisserie device with an arm configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to the wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas K. Ritterling
  • Patent number: 7794765
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for cooking French fries without cooking oil. The apparatus relies on high pressure inert gas at high temperature as the cooking medium. The inert gas acts both as a heat transfer medium to cook the potatoes, and as a protective atmosphere to prevent charring and oxidation of the potatoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: James Edward Maguire
  • Patent number: 7767247
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lawrence Barry, Colin Jeffrey Burnham, Pravin Maganlal Desai, Ponnattu Kurian Joseph, Henry Kin-Hang Leung, John Richard Masson, V.N. Mohan Rao, Robert William Saunders, James William Stalder, Michael Grant Topor
  • Patent number: 7763305
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lawrence Barry, Colin Jeffrey Burnham, Pravin Maganlal Desai, Ponnattu Kurian Joseph, Henry Kin-Hang Leung, John Richard Masson, V. N. Mohan Rao, Robert William Saunders, James William Stalder, Michael Grant Topor
  • Patent number: 7763304
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lawrence Barry, Colin Jeffrey Burnham, Pravin Maganlal Desai, Ponnattu Kurian Joseph, Henry Kin-Hang Leung, John Richard Masson, V. N. Mohan Rao, Robert William Saunders, James William Stalder, Michael Grant Topor
  • Patent number: 7763306
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lawrence Barry, Colin Jeffrey Burnham, Pravin Maganlal Desai, Ponnattu Kurian Joseph, Henry Kin-Hang Leung, John Richard Masson, V. N. Mohan Rao, Robert William Saunders, James William Stalder, Michael Grant Topor
  • Patent number: 7740892
    Abstract: A coffee bean roaster and a method for roasting coffee beans using the roaster are disclosed. The coffee bean roaster includes an oven having a ceramic heating plate with a gate, and a rotary sliding unit to enter the gate so as to slide into the ceramic heating plate, so that the rotary sliding unit roasts coffee beans while rolling the coffee beans and spacing the coffee beans from both the ceramic heating plate and a burner. The method for roasting coffee beans using the coffee bean roaster includes entering the rotary sliding unit containing the coffee beans into the oven through the gate so as to place the rotary sliding unit in the oven at a position spaced apart from both the ceramic heating plate and the burner, roasting the coffee beans by far-infrared radiant heat emitted from the ceramic heating plate, and reburning combustion gases, generated from the roasting of the coffee beans, by the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: HRS Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: David Chung
  • Publication number: 20100143557
    Abstract: A food heating device includes a platen (101) and a pair of conveyor segments (103). A first conveyor segment is arranged and spaced to transport a food product (201, 203, 205) between a first side of the platen (101) and the first conveyor segment (103). A second conveyor segment (103/703/903) is arranged and spaced to transport the food product between a second side of the platen (101) and the second conveyor segment (103/703/903). A transfer device (505/705) may be disposed at one end of the platen (101) such that the transfer device transfers the food product (203) from the first side of the platen (101) to the second side of the platen (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: PRINCE CASTLE INC.
    Inventors: TERRY TAE-IL CHUNG, LOREN VELTROP, BRIAN HEE-EUN LEE, DONALD VAN ERDEN, CHRISTOPHER B. LYONS
  • Publication number: 20100143556
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a food heating device includes a first platen and a first conveyor arranged and spaced to transport a food product between the first platen (501) and the first conveyor (503). A second platen (501) and a second conveyor (503) arranged and spaced to transport the food product (203) between the second platen (501) and the second conveyor (503). A first end of the first platen (501) is disposed near a first end of the second conveyor (503) and a first end of the first conveyor (503) is disposed near a first end of the second platen (501) such that the food product (203) is automatically transferred from the first platen (501) to the second platen (501).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: PRINCE CASTLE INC.
    Inventors: TERRY TAE-IL CHUNG, LOREN VELTROP, BRIAN HEE-EUN LEE, DONALD VAN ERDEN, CHRISTOPHER B. LYONS
  • Patent number: 7727570
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a bake stable nut butter emulsion which comprises the following steps (a) selecting a sugar syrup solution and diluting it with water until it contains an amount of sugar solids which is in the range 55-80 wt. %, (b) heating the solution to a temperature in the range 40-100° C., (c) dispersing a starch into the heated solution until it contains 1-5 wt. % of dissolved starch, (d) dispersing an emulsifier into the heated solution until it contains 0.5-3 wt. % of dissolved emulsifier, (e) dispersing a gelling agent into the heated solution until it contains 0.2-1 wt. % of dissolved gelling agent, (f) cooling the heated solution into which the starch, emulsifier and gelling agent have been dispersed to a temperature which is in the range of 20-50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Unilever Bestfoods, North America, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Arjan Johannes Louter
  • Publication number: 20100068364
    Abstract: Machine and process for roasting of coffee beans is disclosed. The process includes the step of rapidly depressurizing the beans. The machine includes at least one hermetically sealable receptacle for coffee beans. The receptacle is heated so that the pressure inside increased. The receptacle is then abruptly exposed to a substantially atmospheric pressure, thereby rapidly depressurizing the beans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Zev Mager, Joseph Reinberg, Shlomo Dori
  • Patent number: 7678400
    Abstract: Cone-shaped food items and cones having various food stuffs in them are cooked by placing a cone-shaped food item into a cone-shaped heating station that travels through an oven and past an inclined heater element. The heating station rotates the cone-shaped food item so that it is uniformly heated as it passes through the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Prince Castle, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Anthony Agnello
  • Publication number: 20090226594
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining grains of monocotyledonous plants, notably of poaceae and in particular of graminae, remarkable in that it comprises at least the following steps for harvesting plants in an immature condition, then separating the grains, and then removing the glumes and/or glumellae of the grains without drying or torrefaction in order to obtain immature, raw and entire grains substantially without glumes and/or glumellae. Another object of the invention relates to immature grains of monocotyledonous plants, notably of poaceae and in particular of graminae, the glumes and/or glumellae of which have been removed, capable of being obtained by a method according to the invention. The invention also relates to a food composition comprising grains according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Joël Abecassis, Alexandre Bouniol, Marc Chaurand
  • Publication number: 20090175994
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for toasting a piece of bread are disclosed. The apparatus includes a base to support the piece of bread so that the bread can rest thereon. Some heating elements are placed near to the two faces of the bread such that when the bread is conveyed in a horizontal direction while it is kept in a vertical position, the two faces of the bread can be uniformly heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Paul Wing Sun Chung, Brian Sun
  • Publication number: 20090130277
    Abstract: A coffee roasting machine for roasting coffee, particularly in small batch sizes for sale and distribution to individual customers. The coffee roaster is suitable for placement entirely within a retail sales outlet or establishment and for being operated by any person, such as, an employee, customer, or patron who has little or no knowledge, skill, or experience in roasting coffee beans. The coffee-roasting machine selects an appropriate coffee roasting instruction set, stored internally, that corresponding to information input into the coffee-roasting machine for roasting a particular type of coffee bean or coffee bean blend to a desired roast level. The information is integrally included on a package of coffee beans for roasting and is directly readable by the machine or manually inputtable by an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Gorm Bressner, Richard N. Caron, John DeCarlo, Paul Boisvert, Randy Peckham, Enzo Finelli, Kenneth P. Wlosek
  • Publication number: 20090098264
    Abstract: In a method for roasting coffee beans, in a first stage the coffee beans are roasted for 4 to 6 minutes at a temperature of about 205° C. for removing residual moisture and subsequently the coffee beans are cooled with an air mist spray at approximately 10° C to 15° C. for a time period of 4 to 7 minutes. In a subsequent second stage the coffee beans are roasted further at a temperature of approximately 205° C and cooled again as described in the previous stage. In a subsequent third stage the coffee beans are roasted further for approximately 8 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 200 to 235° C. and subsequently cooled again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Maria Krebs
  • Publication number: 20090041893
    Abstract: A coffee-like beverage is disclosed which is produced solely with cacao or cocoa beans. The product is produced by roasting the cacao beans, then grinding them into a granulated cacao substrate or dry granular coffee-like brewable product, and then brewing that granulated cacao substrate or coffee-like product into a beverage that is richly unique in flavor. A number of preferred methods for producing such a coffee-like drink and the brewable coffee-like product are also disclosed. One such method provides for the incorporation of an additional portion of husk material to enhance the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Richard J. Vanderhoven
  • Publication number: 20080305229
    Abstract: Coffee beans are roasted with heated air in a roasting chamber, and contaminant-laden exhaust air including caffeine entrained therein is discharged from the chamber. While roasting is in progress, the exhaust air from the chamber is heated, directed through a catalytic converter and cooled to a temperature between about 250° F. to 325° F. Thereafter the cooled exhaust air flows through a cooler or condenser where the temperature of the cooled exhaust air is further lowered to between about 100° F. and 155° F., and it is then directed through a HEPA filter to remove caffeine particles that are present in the cooled air. Substantially caffeine-free clean exhaust air can then be discharged from the HEPA filter directly to the surroundings of the roasting machine such as a closed room, e.g. a retail establishment, frequented by persons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Group 32 Development and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Weisberg, John R. Perkins, Kevin Allen
  • Publication number: 20080279998
    Abstract: A toaster having at least one toasting slot includes at least one sensor operative to generate a sensor signal indicating whether or not a food item is loaded in said slot and heating elements for generating heat energy to toast a food item loaded in the toasting slot by use of an electrical current. The toaster also includes at least one switching unit that is responsive to the sensor signal and operative to control the electrical current flowing through the heating elements such that the switching unit cuts off the electrical current when the slot is unloaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Chung Sik Park
  • Publication number: 20080274247
    Abstract: Methods for the production of roasted oil seed such as flax seed are disclosed, as well as products derived therefrom. The methods give rise to roasted products having desirable characteristics including, but not limited to, improved flowability, taste, aesthetic qualities, and sterility Moreover, the roasted products can be more easily broken up by chewing or processing, for example to produce a corresponding flour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Cecil Werner
  • Publication number: 20080274234
    Abstract: A method of treating seeds includes piercing a multiplicity of seeds such that shells of a majority of the seeds are pierced, aerating the pierced seeds, and reducing a water content of the pierced seeds. Another method of treating seeds includes placing a bulk quantity of seeds in a container, forming a mass of seeds and liquid in the container, sealing the container to create a substantially closed environment inside the container, and fermenting the mass in the sealed container. Another method of treating seeds includes placing a multiplicity of pierced seeds in a ventilated enclosure, forcing air through the enclosure such that the seeds are exposed to the air, and mixing the seeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Carter Robert Miller
  • Publication number: 20080268119
    Abstract: A coffee bean roaster and a method for roasting coffee beans using the roaster are disclosed. The coffee bean roaster includes an oven having a ceramic heating plate with a gate, and a rotary sliding unit to enter the gate so as to slide into the ceramic heating plate, so that the rotary sliding unit roasts coffee beans while rolling the coffee beans and spacing the coffee beans from both the ceramic heating plate and a burner. The method for roasting coffee beans using the coffee bean roaster includes entering the rotary sliding unit containing the coffee beans into the oven through the gate so as to place the rotary sliding unit in the oven at a position spaced apart from both the ceramic heating plate and the burner, roasting the coffee beans by far-infrared radiant heat emitted from the ceramic heating plate, and reburning combustion gases, generated from the roasting of the coffee beans, by one burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: David Chung
  • Patent number: 7393551
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved denatured carob flour, which includes 2 to 15% sugars, 0.2 to 1.5% cyclitols (pinitol), 2 to 10% lignins, 10 to 30% celluloses, 3 to 20% hemicelluloses, 1 to 6% pectins, 25 to 55% condensed tannins, 3 to 9% protein and less than 8% water. The invention further provides a process to obtain a denatured carob flour that includes the following steps: a. cleaning the whole fruit; b. crushing the carob fruits; c. separating the carob seeds and kibbled carob pulp, d. toasting between 130 to 200° C.; e. an extracting process; f. separating; g. milling 90% of particles below 250 pm; h. separating; i. drying below 8%; and j. classifying (sieving).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Investigacion Y Nutricion, S.L.
    Inventors: Baltasar Ruiz-Roso Calvo De Mora, Ana Maria Requejo Marcos, Lourdes Perez-Olleros Conde, Metodio Martin Casero, Bernd Haber
  • Patent number: 7364766
    Abstract: A novel toasted flavor additive for enhancing the toasted flavor and appearance of food products. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, toasted corn flavor additive (“TCF”) is made by the steps of cooking whole corn kernels in a solution of lime and water; steeping the corn; draining and washing the corn; grinding, sheeting and cutting the corn into pieces; toasting the pieces until significant browning has occurred beyond the level normally associated with consumed masa products; and grinding the toasted pieces into a powder that can be administered as toasted corn flavor additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheri Lynn Baker, John Mampra Mathew, Renu Mathew, Bruce Edward Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080089986
    Abstract: Contemplated fully automated coffee roaster have significantly reduced energy demands, use electrical heat as a heat source in a temperature-only driven program mode, and eliminate smoke and smell within the roaster. Most preferably, contemplated fully automated roasters will consume only about 10 percent of the energy as compared to known devices on a per kilogram basis of beans and require no operator experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Eugene Song
  • Publication number: 20080050473
    Abstract: Disclosed is process for formation of a baked fruit filled bar comprising omega-3 fatty acids and a carrier oil wherein the bar is stable for over 12 weeks at 85° F. 50% relative humidity with no development of a fishy taste or aroma over the storage period. The preferred carrier oils have oxidative stability indexes of at least 30 hours and solid fat contents at 21° C. of at least 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Katy Nemeth, Anthony Bello, Cherie Floyd
  • Patent number: 7285300
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of roasting foodstuff such as coffee beans employ a roasting chamber for roasting the beans. An air circulation system operatively coupled with the chamber flows heated air over the beans and thereby roasts the beans, and an air cleaning arrangement is operatively coupled with the air circulation system and located downstream of the chamber for removing substantially all particulates, smoke and volatiles entrained in the used air as it flows through the container and into the air cleaning arrangement to provide substantially pollutant-free used air. The circulation system uses atmospheric air and heats, cleans and cools it within as little as ¼ second. Sensors and a electronic controller are provided to monitor various parameters in the roasting apparatus and control the roasting characteristics. The darkness and/or color of the beans during roasting is monitored to ensure proper roasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Group 32 Development & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Allington, Philip A. Torbet
  • Patent number: 7264841
    Abstract: The present invention discloses organic, gluten-free savory food products, including gluten-free pre-mixes, gluten-free broths, and gluten-free snack foods, as well as the methods for making them. The present invention provides tasteful alternatives for people sensitive to commercially available foods prepared with gluten-containing wheat flour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventors: Linda Kalustian Lester, Eleanor Chicolo
  • Patent number: 7169432
    Abstract: The invention relates to toasted full fat, enzyme active soybean flakes, and method of making same. The inventive flakes are excellent for use in hot and cold cereal compositions including with rolled oats, in soybean flakes-potato flakes compositions for making soy protein enriched mashed potato products, in granola and power bar type compositions, in shake-and-bake type compositions, and in meat analogue veggie-burger type compositions. The inventive toasted full fat, enzyme active soybean flakes are prepared by subjecting full fat, enzyme active soybean flakes made from dehulled soybeans to relatively high heat from dry heated air for a relatively short time while moving on and/or above a moving or vibrating surface. The invention further relates to use of the inventive toasted soybean flakes in soybean flakes-potato flakes compositions, and said compositions per se.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoy Corporation
    Inventors: Itaru (Terry) Tanaka, Safir Moizuddin
  • Patent number: 7163710
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a bake stable nut butter emulsion which comprises the following steps (a) selecting a sugar syrup solution and diluting it with water until it contains an amount of sugar solids which is in the range 55–80 wt. %, (b) heating the solution to a temperature in the range 40–100° C., (c) dispersing a starch into the heated solution until it contains 1–5 wt. % of dissolved starch, (d) dispersing an emulsifier into the heated solution until it contains 0.5–3 wt. % of dissolved emulsifier, (e) dispersing a gelling agent into the heated solution until it contains 0.2–1 wt. % of dissolved gelling agent, (f) cooling the heated solution into which the starch, emulsifier and gelling agent have been dispersed to a temperature which is in the range of 20–50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Unilever Bestfoods, North America, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Arjan Johannes Louter
  • Patent number: 7144596
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for cooking meat are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a base having at least one liquid container connected to an upper surface of the base and a liquid collecting cavity formed in the upper surface of the base between outer walls of the liquid container and outer peripheries of the base. The apparatus also preferably includes at least one separate meat infusor positioned to contact the base and to overlie and substantially surround at least inner walls of the liquid container. The meat infusor preferably has an infusor body and a plurality of openings positioned in side peripheries of the infusor body so that when liquid positioned in the liquid container heats, steam from the liquid travels through the infusor body, through the openings therein, and toward meat positioned to overlie the infusor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Innovative Culinary Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Jack Snoke, George C. McKerrow, Jr., Ronald William Scharbo
  • Patent number: 7001628
    Abstract: Container for heating food in an electrical bread toaster or other radiant heating device comprises a closed or partially open pouch formed of flexible sheet material comprsing a woven fabric, such as glass or KEVLAR fibers, coated or impregnated with an electrically non-conductive heat resistant material, for example PTFE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Guy Darell Unwin
  • Patent number: 6986912
    Abstract: The present Invention comprises compositions and methods for preparing foods and beverages using novel peanut powder compositions. Embodiments of the Invention include, among others, flavorful foods and beverages made with cocoa and peanut powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Sigmund Kramer
  • Patent number: 6967036
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus and method is provided which includes a rotatable food support member for supporting a food item thereon. A drive mechanism is connected to the food support member for rotating the food support member. The cooking apparatus further includes upper and lower housings disposed above and beneath a portion of the food support member. The upper and lower housings include an upper and lower heating member respectively with each of the upper and lower heating members providing a heat output which varies from a first end adjacent to an outer edge of the food support member to a second end adjacent to an inner center portion of the food support member, wherein the heat output is greater at the first end than at the second end. The drive mechanism rotates the food support member with the upper and lower heating members applying heat to the food support member to cook the food item contained thereon. Preferably, the food support member includes a solid base portion for supporting the food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: National Presto Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James Alan Hedrington, Brent William Dressel
  • Patent number: 6942887
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pan roasting a mass of green coffee beans at rest by heat conduction from the pan bottom to the beans mass. A glass cover and smoke filter closes the roasting chamber. A radial blower operates at slow speed to draw ambient air and vacate smoke from the chamber to permit visual monitoring of roasting beans. Periodically, the fan can operate a high speed for a short time to mix or swirl the bean mass without substantial cooling them. The blower can sequence through high and low speed cycles until roasting completes and heating ceases. A high speed cool down phase removes remaining chaff, smoke, and quick cools the beans to preserve freshness. Electric power drives the blower and resistant heating element. The system enables the operator to use appearance, sound, smell, and time to determine roasting completeness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey Freedman
  • Patent number: 6896922
    Abstract: Provided are oil-cooked or baked potatoes having a small water content, having good texture, having good storage stability, for example, being crispy even after the passage of time and free from deterioration in taste due to a rancid odor of the oil or fat used for them, having good flavor and being excellent in blandness. Oil-cooked or baked potatoes of the present invention comprise 3 to 50 wt. % of an oil or fat composition containing 2 wt. % or less of a monoglyceride and 15 wt. % or greater but less than 50 wt. % of a diglyceride having, as a constituent fatty acid, 15 to 100 wt. % of a ?3 unsaturated fatty acid having less than 20 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Kudo, Yoji Kameo, Wataru Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6861085
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a storage-stable brown stock from meat extract and vegetable juice and other customary additives. In a first reaction, a liquid mixture having a solids content of 65-85%, preferably 75-80% by weight, of meat extract, gelatin and vegetable concentrate with or without other customary additives is allowed to react at a temperature around boiling point, preferably 90-100° C., for 3-20 minutes, preferably 5-15 minutes. In a cooking step, a soup stock is added to the product of the prior reaction and, after dilution to a solids content of 10-45% by weight, preferably 15-35% by weight, the mixture is cooked for 40-180 minutes, preferably 50-80 minutes, at a temperature around boiling point, preferably 90-100° C. The product is concentrated to a solids content of at least 60% by weight, preferably 70% or more. The end product can be dried to give a pulverant dry product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Unilever Bestfoods, North America, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Melwitz, Andrea Mueller, Herman Schmid
  • Patent number: 6861084
    Abstract: A food preparation apparatus having a food carrier holding one or more articles of food being removeably positioned on a transport mechanism for travel in a linear direction and being simultaneously rotated and advanced subjecting the food to a predetermined level of cooking heat wherein the carrier has a predetermined weakened area for improved handling of the food after cooking. A food preparation apparatus having a discharge station allowing finished products to safely exit and not immediately handled by the operator. Because of the magnetic rail system the food-mounting skewer stays in place horizontally (hangs in space,) while pushed further along the rail by the next product. This is extremely useful for operations such as amusement parks and carnivals where the operator's attention is frequently distracted. The food being discharged will simply move along the rail, and wait for the operator, there is no chance of the product falling, or piling up due to lack of operator attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Gary Scott Fallowes
  • Patent number: 6800309
    Abstract: A method of producing a broth or stock, comprising mincing animal bone, mixing meat and/or meat extract and/or bone extract with the minced bone; and heating the mixture to effect coagulation thereof. The heating step may comprise retort sterilization. The coagulated mixture may be provided in a water permeable container, to retain insoluble material. A hydrometer may be provided with the minced bone, to assist in determining soup concentration. The invention provides an extended release of soup into boiling water of a period of hours, allowing replenishment of withdrawn soup stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Ariake Japan Co.
    Inventor: Kineo Okada
  • Patent number: 6800314
    Abstract: A multi-tier rotary grill for grilling and heating food items such as hot dogs, sausages, metts and similar food items. The rotary grill includes heated rollers that are arranged in vertically spaced apart roller tiers. The rollers in the multiple roller tiers lie in common respective planes that are substantially parallel to each other and may slope upwardly from a front to a back of the rotary grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Gold Medal Products Company
    Inventors: John C. Evans, A. Scott Perttola
  • Publication number: 20040191377
    Abstract: The process for preparation of hypoglycemic foods and formulations thereof, useful as snacks, wholesome or supplementary foods, especially to the Type II diabetics, and a hypoglycemic foods and formulations product of composition with concentration of toasted cereals is ranging between 50-60%, concentration of toasted legumes is ranging between 6-12%, concentration of soy is ranging between 7-15%, concentration of fenugreek is ranging between 2-6%, concentration of spice mix is ranging between 3-7%, concentration of amla fruit pulp is ranging between 0.5-2%, concentration of Garcinia combogia rinds is ranging between 1.5 to 3%, concentration of dry skimmed milk is ranging between 3-6%, concentration of edible oil is ranging between 2-6%, and concentration of vitamin and mineral premix is ranging between 1-3%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Nagappa Gurusiddappa Malleshi, Ushakumari Rambahadur Singh, Syed Zakiuddin Ali
  • Patent number: 6797295
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sprayable browning composition which, when applied to a foodstuff, imparts a browning and optionally also a flavoring effect to the surface of the substrate to which it is applied. This is achieved by an oil in water emulsion comprising a browning agent and emulsifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Lipton, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Mattheus Cornelissen, Peter van den Enden, Cornelis Willem van Oosten
  • Patent number: 6770315
    Abstract: A roaster for roasting coffee beans includes a roasting chamber having a top and a bottom for holding coffee beans when the beans are being roasted, a cover seated on the top of the roasting chamber and a base on which the bottom of the roasting chamber is seated. A device is provided in the base for supplying airflow into the roasting chamber. A controller controls the airflow supplying device to generate a roasting temperature inside the roasting chamber that tracks a predetermined temperature curve. The temperature curve includes a first stage in which the roasting temperature is set to a first predetermined level for a first predetermined time period, and a second stage in which the roasting temperature is set to a second predetermined level that is higher than the first predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Hearthware Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jung S. Moon, Rong Liu, Kitak Chae, Jongrok Kim
  • Publication number: 20040142078
    Abstract: Coffee beans and the like are roasted in an enclosed, pressurized roaster under conditions which provide rapid heat transfer and close control of roasting time-temperature profiles. The roasting chamber desirably has a bottom screen, a top screen and a shutter adapted to momentarily occlude flow through the various portions of the top screen. Roasting gas passes upwardly through the beans, entrains some of the beans and forces them against the top screen. The beans drop back into the chamber when the shutter occludes a particular portion of the top screen holding the beans. Time-temperature profiles can be controlled by monitoring process conditions such as inlet and outlet gas enthalpies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Joachim Eichner
  • Publication number: 20040121055
    Abstract: A process for producing roasted coffee or a surrogate thereof in powder form from seeds obtained from the fruits of coffee plants, or seeds of barley, rye, oats, and wheat, wherein a powder obtained by grinding said seeds is dried to a moisture content of 5 to 10% and subjected to roasting. Preferably, the roasting is carried out continuously, at a lower temperature and for a shorter time than conventional processes, to a stream of said powder that is arranged in a thin and turbulent dynamic layer run along a wall in heat exchange relationship therewith, with the wall being maintained at a set temperature of at least 180° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Zini Prodotti Alimentari S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Musicco
  • Publication number: 20040105922
    Abstract: A roaster for roasting coffee beans includes a roasting chamber having a top and a bottom. A cover is seated on the top of the roasting chamber and a bottom of the roasting chamber is seated on a base. A hot air supply is provided in the base for supplying hot airflow into the roasting chamber for heating the coffee beans. At least one air opening is formed on the bottom for enabling the airflow to enter the roasting chamber. A wind tunnel is provided over the air opening for increasing the speed of the airflow in the roasting chamber as the airflow passes through the wind tunnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Hearthware Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jung S. Moon, Rong Liu, Kitak Chae, Jongrok Kim
  • Patent number: 6743454
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a boned pork product includes a searing oven at a high temperature cooking station for braising and charring the boned pork product using radiant heat. The apparatus also includes a dual box, spiral steam cooker at a low temperature cooking station for cooking the boned pork product using steam to yield a fully-cooked, boned pork product. The apparatus further includes a freezer at a freezer station for freezing the fully-cooked, boned pork product. A first conveyor belt is disposed between the searing oven and the steam cooker and serves to mechanically transport the boned pork product from the high temperature cooking station to the low temperature cooking station. A second conveyor belt is disposed between the steam cooker and the freezer and serves to mechanically transport the fully-cooked, boned pork product from said low temperature cooking station to said freezer station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Gemini Food Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Gibson, Warren D. Kenniston, Christopher Overbaugh
  • Patent number: 6716471
    Abstract: A novel peanut powder composition comprising 50-70% by weight peanut powder, 15-25% fructose by weight, 6-10% by weight sugar and 2-6% by weight dextrose is provided wherein the peanut powder can be used in making flavorful foods and beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Sigmund Kramer
  • Patent number: 6716467
    Abstract: An oven assembly having oppositely disposed first and second wall structures enclosing a cooking chamber, each wall structure having a plurality of spaced apart openings for passage of air therethrough. A rotating valve is provided, which is in heated air receiving communication and return air communication with a heat source and in heated air distributing communication with the first wall structure and in return air communication with the second wall structure whereby heated air is passed through the spaced apart openings in the first wall structure into the cooking chamber and return air from the cooking chamber is passed through the spaced apart openings in the oppositely disposed second wall structure and to the rotating valve for return to the heat source. The rotating valve is rotatable to be in heated air distributing communication with the second wall structure and in return air communication with the first wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: James T. Cole, Mimmo Elia, Anthony Patti
  • Patent number: 6706301
    Abstract: The cooking apparatus comprises a heat source within an enclosure, and a hollow chamber with an open upper and lower end which sits on or above the heat source. The hollow chamber together with the enclosure provide a cooking apparatus which has a bulbous, convex form. The chamber may be an accessory which can be removably attached to a barbecue, and it is preferably made from clay or metal. Optionally, skewers may form part of the apparatus, and they may be positioned vertically within the chamber to cook any food thereon. The skewers are preferably solid or hollow, and are longer than the height of the hollow chamber. A lid may be provided for the upper end of the chamber, and holes may be formed in the boundary of the upper opening to support the skewers. A vent may be provided in the lower region of the hollow chamber, or in the enclosure which is adjustable to regulate the size of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Nicholas John Vaughan