Abstract: Provided herein is a novel composition for oral administration and delivery of Noble gas, such as xenon or argon. Methods of treating and preventing neuronal or cardiovascular damage with such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A process for dispensing fluid foodstuff material into a shaping cavity of a mould is provided. The process includes advancing a plurality of moulds on a conveying line, along an advancement direction, each comprising at least one shaping cavity. The process includes dispensing a given quantity of the material through one or more of the nozzles, into the at least one shaping cavity of a mould. The dispensing step is executed while the mould continues to advance below the nozzle formation, along the advancement direction. The at least one shaping cavity of the mould has a depth that varies along the advancement direction. The dispensing step comprises varying the quantity of material dispensed into the shaping cavity as a function of the position of the mould along the advancement direction in such a way that the dispensed quantity is a function of the depth variation within the shaping cavity.

Abstract: A food product includes first and second shells containing multiple ingredients. The first and second shells are attached to each other by an edible bonding agent. The shells are configured to be dissolved or melted into a heated liquid to release the multiple ingredients and the edible bonding agent is configured to be dissolved or melted into the heated liquid in order to form a heated beverage. The multiple ingredients include a first ingredient that dissolves into the heated liquid and a second ingredient.

Abstract: Cutting system (10) includes a conveyor (12) for carrying work products (13) past a scanner (200) and then past one or more cutting systems (17). The cutting systems include one or more assembly/units/apparatus (19) arranged in an array or series for cutting continuous strip(s) from the work products (13). The cutting assemblies (19) are carried by a powered system to move the cutter assemblies in spiral, serpentine, back-and-forth or other patterns to cut one or more continuous strips from the work product. The conveyor (12), scanner (200), and cutter systems (17) are coupled to and controlled by a computer (220).

Abstract: A method and device for handling cheese blocks, which in particular can be assigned to a so-called cassette press with round or cornered cheese moulds. A rapid reloading of cheese blocks can be achieved. Compressed cheese curd is released from the inner wall of a mould and after a turning operation is evacuated from the mould, with the mould rotated, lowered and shaken or blown. Before the shaking or blowing, a pick-up plunger retracts into the mould up to the cheese block; the mould is then raised, rotated and guided back into the cheese press. The pick-up plunger with the cheese block is then lowered and the cheese block is fixed in position on the pick-up plunger by a clamping unit, is swivelled through 180° towards a secondary mould and is guided, i.e. pushed into the latter; the clamping unit is then opened and the pick-up plunger retracts.

Abstract: An edible jelly product, being a body formed from a mass of jelly-forming material by a progressive advancement of said mass to a forming station and progressive formation of the body at the forming station, wherein said mass comprises a sugar and a structure-forming agent selected from a hydrocolloid and modified starch, wherein the solids content of the jelly product, when formed into the body, is at least 60 wt %. A method is described of making such an edible jelly product which is transparent and contains air bubbles which are visible by eye; and which may be brought together with other such jelly products to form consolidated bodies such as twists, which can be easily peeled apart by consumers.

Abstract: A device for forming and cooling an initially hot and therefore flowable melted cheese having (a) a first metallic cooling belt capable of moving in a downstream direction; (b) a counter-pressure roller proximal to the first metallic cooling belt; and (c) a rotatable shaping roller disposed proximal to the first metallic cooling belt downstream of the supply nozzle and upstream from the counter-pressure roller, wherein the rotatable shaping roller has a number of molding cavities formed in the surface, which are separated from one another by separating webs, wherein the separating webs are formed by the remaining surface of the rotatable shaping roller, wherein the rotatable shaping roller is capable of applying a pressure by way of the separating webs onto the cooling belt that results in displacement of the still-hot melted cheese from a region of the separating webs lying thereon, so that shaped bodies of melted cheese released from the molding cavities remain on the first metallic cooling belt for cooling

Abstract: Processes and equipment for continuously making a substitute or imitation cheese by feeding a heated first liquid stream including emulsifying salt, water and cheese powder into a cooker which is a twin screw mixer, feeding a heated second liquid stream including oil and casein or a non-dairy protein into the cooker, processing the first liquid stream and the second liquid stream through the cooker to form a cheese composition, and cooling the cheese composition. The cheese composition may be continuously extruded in a desired shape such as sheets or ropes and/or may be continuously cooled and cut into pieces having a reduced size such as a size to approximate shredded cheese.

Abstract: An apparatus for formation of products comprising an edible material and an interleaver, the apparatus including a drum with mould cavities, each with a bottom and a sidewall, in which the edible material is formed. The apparatus including an interleaver storage having one or more interleavers, and a transportation means configured to transport the one or more interleavers from the interleaver storage to a circumference of the drum where the edible material is placed on the interleaver. The bottom and/or the sidewall is made from a porous material and pressurized gas is forced through the porous material to eject the edible material from the mould cavities. After ejection, the products are stacked such that one interleaver is between two edible materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding and packaging molded tobacco pieces includes a mold having cavities oriented to allow ejection of molded tobacco pieces into a container. The apparatus also includes a knockout for ejecting the molded tobacco pieces, and a cutter having at least two blades for cutting the molded tobacco pieces into vertically aligned slices by passing one or more blades horizontally through the cavities.

Abstract: A kit and method for compounding medicated treats for pet animals includes a first compound, a second compound, a mold assembly, and a blister pack subkit. The first compound includes an edible binding agent for the medicated treat. The second compound includes a nutritional supplement. The first compound and the second compound are admixed together with an auxiliary ingredient, which admixture is formed into the medicated treats using the mold assembly. The mold assembly includes at least a mold plate, a base plate, and a pair of mold clamps. The kit may also include an extractor to facilitate removal of medicated treats from the mold assembly. The blister pack subkit includes a blister pack for receiving the medicated treats, and an adhesive backing for sealing the medicated treats within the blister pack.

Abstract: Food product-forming apparatus, with a movable form-body, in which the food product is formed, and a knock out cup, which executes a knock-out-movement, that removes the food product from the form-body or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the knock out cup comprises a reservoir with compressed fluid, preferably essentially air.

Abstract: A concentric symmetrical branched heat exchanger system includes an inlet manifold that divides the product flow evenly in the first section of the system and also includes an array of tubular concentric heat exchangers arranged in parallel and in series. Flow through each leg of the system can be divided further with secondary manifolds. Division of the product flow enables efficient heat exchange at higher and controllable product flow rates and at lower heat exchanger inlet pressures. Having lower inlet pressures reduces the heat exchanger construction cost and allows attachment of cutting or shaping devices at the exchanger exits to create uniquely shaped pieces. The cutting or shaping devices can be installed at the end of the branched heat exchanger to provide cooling and cutting in one process step while eliminating the material handling step of conveying product to and from a blast freezer or similar cooling device.

Abstract: The present teachings provide an improved layered granule comprising a sandwich structure of a first and second moisture barrier layer encompassing a moisture hydrating layer. The sandwich granules can be used in a variety of contexts, including animal feed. Methods of making and using are also provided.

Abstract: A mold (1) for the production of confectionery products, comprising a top surface (2) having cavities (2a) and an opposite bottom surface (3), comprising at least one protruding element (5) at the bottom surface (3) of the mold (1) for increasing the heat transfer rate between the mold (1) and a fluid flowing along the bottom surface (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stamping a plurality of articles (2), the method comprising the steps of transporting the plurality of articles (2) along a first conveyance path (4), splitting a transport flow of the plurality of articles (2) along the first conveyance path {4} into at least two parallel transport lines so as to transport the plurality of articles (2) along at least two parallel second conveyance paths (8, 10), stamping the plurality of articles (2) transported along the at least two parallel second conveyance paths (8, 10) using at least two parallel stamping units (12, 14) and merging transport flows of the plurality of articles (2) along the at least two parallel second conveyance paths (8, 10) so as to transport the plurality of articles (2) along a third conveyance path (18).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming pressed food products can utilize up to 98% chicken breast meat in high profit margin products. Breast meat is marinated and then extruded into a slab which is then frozen and shaped into a plank. The plank is sliced into unit portions which are then pressed into shaped portions with a preferred, or other, press. One preferred press linearly reciprocates unit portions into the press. This or another preferred press imparts three dimension exterior shape to the pressed food products.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming pressed food products can utilize up to 98% chicken breast meat in high profit margin products. Breast meat is marinated and then extruded into a slab which is then frozen and shaped into a plank. The plank is sliced into unit portions which are then pressed into shaped portions with a preferred, or other, press. One preferred press linearly reciprocates unit portions into the press. This or another preferred press imparts three dimension exterior shape to the pressed food products.

Abstract: Frozen aerated products are produced by i) providing two separate forming elements, ii) providing at least one open cavity on a surface each forming element, iii) providing filling devices for filling said cavities with a frozen aerated material, iv) filling two cavities, one on each moulding surface, with a frozen aerated material, wherein at least one of the cavities is filled with a frozen aerated product having an overrun of between 30% and 130%, this product is then allowed to expand outside its cavity, the two cavities are then moved opposite one another and the frozen aerated product in each cavity is pressed against the frozen aerated product in the other cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to salt compositions and methods used to make them. Embodiments may include methods for preparing salt compositions that include aerosolizing a melted salt composition to form droplets, where the droplets form rounded particles. Embodiments may further include solid compositions, including rounded salt particles, where the particles are formed by aerosolizing a melted salt composition. The particles can have semisolid interiors with void spaces.

Abstract: The system comprises a conveyor for conveying a plurality of molds along a production path on which is located a plurality of stations, each of which can execute at least one corresponding operation. Each mold carries an electronic identification device including memory devices from and to which information or data can be read and written without contact by means of an antenna. Each station is provided with an electronic unit including a processor, having memory devices and at least one antenna, and designed to read and/or write information or data from or to the memory devices of a mold passing through the station. An initial input station transfers or writes to the memory devices of each mold passing through it information identifying the products to be formed in the mold and relating to corresponding forming operations.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a food product that exhibits excellent solubility, such as solid milk. [Means] The above purpose is achieved by a food product having a top surface (4) including a flat area (2); a bottom surface (8) including a flat area (6) parallel to the flat area (2) on the top surface; and a recess (10) formed on the top surface (4) and a recess (12) formed on the bottom surface (8), wherein when the food product has both the recess (10) formed on the top surface (4) and the recess (12) formed on the bottom surface (8), the total of the largest depth du (14) of the recess (10) on the top surface and the largest depth dd (16) of the recess (12) on the bottom surface is 30% or larger of the thickness w (18) of the food product.

Abstract: A method of processing a belly for pre-cooked bacon includes injecting a belly with 1 to 3% by green weight of the belly of a solution comprising water, sodium nitrite, and sodium erythorbate to create an injected belly. The injected belly is tumbled under vacuum with dry ingredients comprising salt, sugar, and dextrose to create a tumbled belly. The tumbled belly is molded in a mold and then frozen in the mold to create a hardened belly. The hardened belly is removed from the mold to create a molded belly. The molded belly is sliced to create belly slices, and the belly slices are cooked.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing a decorative cake coating, the method comprising the steps of: providing a contour of a figure, the contour being made of a first edible solid substance, such as chocolate; filling the spaces between the lines of the contour with a second edible substance, such as colored candies; pouring dough made of a third edible substance (e.g., hot chocolate) onto the figure; and turning the coating upside down, thereby enabling placing the coating on the cake with the decorative figure on top.

Abstract: A formed food product is made by first performing a first pressing of the frozen primary product between a stamp and a cavity of a mold with a predetermined force to produce a preformed initial food product. Then, without removing the initial food product from the mold and immediately after the first pressing is completed, reducing during a relaxation phase a pressure force applied by the stamp to the intermediate food product for a predetermined time to produce an intermediate product. Finally without removing the intermediate product from the mold and immediately after the predetermined time has elapsed, performing a second pressing of the intermediate food product between the stamp and the mold cavity at a higher force than that used in the first pressing until a final food product with a contour corresponding to that of the mold cavity is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for making frozen comestibles including a base having a plurality of apertures formed within said first site thereof, and a plurality of molds attached to or formed integrally with the base. Each of the molds includes a receiving surface and an opening aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base. Each of the molds is moveable between a first position, in which a substantial portion of at least one mold is positioned within the interior portion of the base and said receiving surface forms a molding cavity that is adapted to receive a comestible to be frozen, and a second position, in which a substantial portion of the mold extends outwardly from the first side of the base and the receiving surface of the mold is exposed externally.

Abstract: To provide a pet food that is configured to stabilize quality by rigorous regulation of mineral components, and at the same time, that exhibits superior palatability in relation to a pet food for a cat of advanced age that requires rigorous regulation of mineral components. A granular pet food having a bulk density of at least 38.5 g/100 ml and no more than 50.0 g/100 ml, and a fluctuation range defined as the maximum to the minimum value of the total mineral content amount across 10 product lots being no more than 1.0%.

Abstract: In a method for moulding food products from a pumpable foodstuff mass, use is made of a moulding device with a mould drum provided with mould cavities having a fill opening for the introduction of foodstuff mass. A mass feed member transfers mass into passing mould cavities. A pump is connected to the inlet of the mass feed member. Product removal takes place downstream of the fill position. The operation of the pump and the rotation of the mould drum are controlled in combination with the design of the mould cavities pattern on the drum and of the mouth of the mass feed member such that in the method all mould cavity filling events during a revolution of the mould drum are performed in sequential order.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an ultrasonic rotary molding system that is used to form edible compositions or food products as they move along a conveyor belt. The food products are formed by an ultrasonic rotary wheel that includes one or more cutting tools that cut, and perhaps three dimensionally mold, food product strips. The system may include a movable backing plate that is located below the point where the ultrasonic rotary wheel cuts the food product strips. The movable backing plate may be spring loaded and it may exert force upwards against the conveyor belt and in turn against the food product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous medium containing an amino(meth)acrylate polymer or copolymer which is not soluble in dematerialised water, characterized in that the medium has a content of an aqueous phase of at least 60% by weight and a content of up to 40% by weight of solids comprising the amino(meth)acrylate polymer or copolymer, whereby the aqueous phase is charged by a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide that effects the amino(meth)acrylate polymer or copolymer to be present in solute form in the medium. The aqueous medium may be used beneficially as a coating or binding solution for the spray coating or binding of pharmaceutical compositions or nutraceutical compositions or cosmetical compositions.

Abstract: There are provided a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for Baumkuchen for easily and properly suppressing shape distortion of the Baumkuchen caused in a manufacturing process thereof. In manufacturing the Baumkuchen by alternately repeating application of batter around the whole outer circumference of a spit and baking of the applied batter, the batter is scraped off outer circumferences of opposite end portions of the spit before baking only in early stage of manufacturing until the number of repetitions reaches a specified value. As a result, the number of cake layers formed at the opposite end portions of the Baumkuchen is reduced from that at the other portion and outside diameters of the opposite end portions are reduced from a normal outside diameter to thereby suppress partial increase in the outside diameter at the opposite end portions of the Baumkuchen caused by drooping of the batter at the end portions of the spit before baking.

Abstract: A kitchen tool applies texture to gnocchi or gnocchetti. The kitchen tool has a bottom surface defining a plurality of parallel longitudinal ridges. Serrations on the longitudinal ridges help the longitudinal ridges to grip a ball of dough. A cross ridge is generally normal to the longitudinal ridges and depends below the longitudinal ridges. Sides depend below the cross ridge and the longitudinal ridges. The kitchen tool may be a part of a kit that also includes a dry dough mix. A method of using the tool also is provided.

Abstract: This document provides devices and methods for processing elongate generally cylindrical food products. For example, this document provides devices and methods for longitudinally cutting sausages, and the sausage designs as cut thereby.

Abstract: In a process for producing half-shells (2) which are made from a dough for bakery products and are characterized by an annular orifice rim (6) with a finished surface, by producing a wafer sheet (1) comprising a plurality of half-shells (2) connected to one another by an interconnecting wall (4), by forming and baking said dough in a mold with the use of a mold formed by two complementary plates (12, 14) having respective front surfaces which, as a result of the fitting together of the two plates, can define a forming cavity having a shape generally corresponding to that of said wafer sheet (1), a mold is used wherein the front forming surface of at least one of said plates has shaped portions (26) which project towards the front surface of the other plate (12) and which can define, in the dough that is subjected to baking in the forming cavity, a notch (24) in the interconnecting wall (4) adjacent each half-shell (2), wherein the plates can be fitted together in an initial position in which the forming cavit

Abstract: A method of producing chocolate comprising mixing for 10-120 minutes a composition having a temperature of 35-50 C, the composition comprising: chocolate base mass; and one or more surfactants; wherein the composition has a fat content of 22-30 wt. % and a water content of at least 1.1 wt. % relative to the total mass of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a chocolate product involving the use of hydrated salt, hydrated sugar or hydrated sugar alcohol in the underlying chocolate mass and comprising the steps of refining, conching and optionally tempering of the chocolate mass. The invention further relates to a chocolate product comprising a chocolate mass comprising certain weight proportions of hydratable salt, hydratable sugar or hydratable sugar alcohol, as obtainable by the process of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making frozen food products from a fruit puree, i.e. a flowable banana meat or a flowable blend of fruit meat and other edible ingredients. A composition that includes peeled bananas and at least one antioxidant may be mixed in a mixing device at ambient temperature and under less than one atmosphere of pressure, forming the puree. The temperature of the puree is reduced to a semi-frozen state by passing the puree through a heat exchanger. The semi-frozen puree is then formed into food products with a pre-determined volume, shape, and weight by a molding or extrusion process. Sticks, if desired, may be inserted, and the shaped puree is then frozen to solidified cores. The solidified cores may be coated with chocolate and treated with other edible toppings and then packaged.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing semi-moist meatballs. An illustrative embodiment provides a method of manufacturing generally spherical pet treats comprising: (a) providing a ground mix of proteinaceous material, flavor enhancers and preservatives to a portioning device that divides said mix into smaller portions of roughly uniform volume, (b) placing said portions on a first belt of a first conveyor moving at a first speed in a longitudinal direction, (c) periodically pressing said portions with a second belt of a second conveyor, where said second belt operates in a plane at a height above, and substantially parallel to, said first belt, said second belt moving at a second speed in substantially the same longitudinal direction as said first belt, while also oscillating back and forth in a lateral direction that is at an angle to said longitudinal direction, such that said portions are transformed into generally spherical shapes.

Abstract: A molding and cooking apparatus for pieces of stuffed product such as cooked hams, which includes one or more molding cavities long enough so that more than one piece of stuffed product can be introduced in the same molding cavity, inserting separators which help to shape the ends of the pieces of vacuum stuffed product, both ends of the cavities are open and are sealed during product cooking, which permits a quick discharge of the already cooked and cooled pieces when the cavities bottoms are unsealed, and permits the product to fall because of gravity onto a collecting tray, likewise a procedure is revealed on the efficient use of this apparatus herein disclosed.

Abstract: A device for producing shaped meat portions, the device including a sorting device for sorting meat into a first set of pieces having a weight which is below a desired weight, a second set of pieces having a weight which corresponds to a desired weight, and a third set of pieces having a weight which is above a desired weight. The device further includes a cutting device which cuts each of the third set of pieces to a desired weight so that the cut pieces having a desired weight define a set of selected meat pieces. A transport device transports the set of selected meat pieces and a freezing facility through which the transport device conveys the set of selected meat pieces and which freezes the set of selected meat pieces.

Abstract: A method for producing cheese and a device therefore, in particular what is known as a cassette press with round or angular cheese molds. The method is intended in particular to achieve gentle and hygienic de-molding of the cheese blocks after removal of whey. A raw cheese mass is first poured into molds of a cassette press, then pressed to remove liquid and emptied out of the mold after a turning process. Directly after turning, the raw cheese mass in the mold is subjected to a shaking movement, so the pressed raw cheese mass is detached gently from the inner wall of the mold.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a food press that utilizes mechanical devices, such as lever arms, inclined planes, cams, and/or rollers to increase the force applied to food by a ratio of two to one or more in comparison to the force applied by a human operator to the device. High compression forces are particularly important when working with low fat foods such as low-fat hamburger, game meat, flaked or ground fish or ground vegetable products. The various embodiment of food presses described and disclosed herein may also be used to produce stuffed food products.

Abstract: A method for making a jelly confectionery comprising preparing a liquid jelly confectionery composition comprising bulk sweetener and a hydrocolloid gelling agent, cooking the liquid jelly confectionery composition, and depositing the liquid jelly confectionery composition into a mold, wherein the viscosity of the liquid jelly confectionery composition is temporarily modified for a period of time commencing prior to deposition of the liquid jelly confectionery into a mold.

Abstract: A method for making of ice cream on a stick, includes the following steps: subjecting a liquid or semiliquid base product to cooling and stirring inside a container to obtain a processed liquid or semiliquid product; drawing the processed product from the container to fill cavities of a mould; inserting sticks in the mould; cooling the mould, filled with the processed product and containing the sticks, so as to obtain ice creams on a stick.

Abstract: An apparatus for the knotting of a dough strand into a desired form, particularly for the knotting of a dough strand into a pretzel form, wherein the dough strand subject to stretching of the dough strand length is knotted around a form element that provides the desired form for a dough strand with larger starting length than the actual length of the dough strand and/or the desired form with an increased form size, whereupon the form element that establishes the desired form is removed, at least partially, so that the dough strand that was placed into the desired form contracts into a final size.

Abstract: A palatable, edible soft chewable medication vehicle for delivery of a pharmaceutically acceptable active ingredient, such as a drug, to an animal or human subject. The edible soft chews contain only food grade or better inactive ingredients, and preferably do not contain ingredients of animal origin. Processes for manufacturing the edible soft chews do not require the use of heat or the addition of water during mixing of active and inactive ingredients, provide stable concentrations of the active ingredient, and produce chews of consistent weight and texture.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for molding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff. The systems include a rotatable drum provided with mold holders that accept removable molds that are filled with the mass of foodstuff to form the three-dimensional products. The method includes use of the system to fill removable molds in filling operations to form the three-dimensional products.

Abstract: Process for producing a chocolate or chocolate-like product comprising mixing together components of chocolate or chocolate-like product to give a flowable powder mixture, and feeding the flowable powder mixture to a roller compactor whereby the powder mixture is compressed to give the chocolate or chocolate-like product. The process can produce a chocolate or chocolate-like product comprising a compressed mass of particles of chocolate components.

Abstract: A cut-off device is used for providing a deposit of known portion weight of the ground meat or paste. This deposit is dropped accurately onto a conveyor belt for transport to a press wheel the height of which, from the conveyor, can be adjusted to provide a finished product of correct thickness. The press wheel has a system of vacuum ducts around the circumference in four chambers that pull paper from a de-nesting tray situated at the top of the press wheel, at the correct interval as to meet up with the deposit at the base of the wheel. This results in the deposit being pressed to the required thickness onto the conveyor, with the interleave paper attached to the top of the now formed patty.

Abstract: A method of forming cheese shreds having a wide or modified crescent shape is provided. By one approach, the method includes preparing a block of cheese by chilling the cheese to a predetermined temperature and/or reducing the size of the cheese block into cheese portions or cubes. Next, the cheese portions or cubes are fed into a shredder with shredding blades having a sinusoidal configuration. The shredder is operated to shred the cheese into modified crescent shapes with an upper and lower curved surfaces and tapered ends therebetween. Further, the modified crescent shaped cheese shreds have improved meltability such that a smaller amount of cheese can be used to achieve greater coverage, flavor, and mouth feel, as compared to previous cheese shred configurations.