Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing patterned compound food products that realizes production, by simple control, of food products having a surface color pattern, enclosing a food material of a taste different from that of the food material forming the outer section, and having excellent appearance without seams on the surface. The method includes: (A) pouring predetermined amounts of at least two kinds of fluid food materials of different colors for forming the outer section into a cavity of a mold to obtain a preshaped product in a substantially fluid state held in the cavity shape; (B) inserting a nozzle into the preshaped product; (C) injecting a predetermined amount of fluid filling material for forming the inner section through the nozzle into the preshaped product; (D) drawing the nozzle out of the preshaped product; and (E) solidifying, after (D), at least the fluid food materials in the cavity.

Abstract: A hamburger patty making system including a housing having a central aperture extending therethrough. The housing has a channel extending inwardly thereof in communication with the central aperture. A press is coupled with respect to the housing. The press includes a handle portion having a first end and a second end. The first end is hingedly coupled with the housing. The press includes an upper container portion disposed over the central aperture of the housing in a lowered orientation. A lower container portion is removably received within the central aperture of the housing. The lower container portion includes a cup portion adapted for being seated within the central aperture. The cup portion has an open upper end and a closed lower end. The closed lower end has a central opening therethrough. A piston is removably coupled with respect to the lower container portion. The piston includes an upper circular plate. The plate is seated on the closed lower end of the cup portion.

Abstract: A system and method of ultrasonic rotary forming food products is provided. The system includes a first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel including a first cavity for receiving a food product and a second rotary wheel. The first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel and said second rotary wheel rotate such that food product within the first cavity contacts the second rotary wheel to form an individually-formed food product. The food product passes from the first cavity to form a single formed food product. The system also includes a food product delivery system for delivering food product to the first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel and the second rotary wheel. The second rotary wheel may also be an ultrasonically activated rotary wheel having cavities formed on the outer circumferential edge of the wheel. The food product delivery system may include a single food product delivery tube that simultaneously delivers food product from the same stream, droplet, or line to both rotary wheels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for shaping or forming the leading edge portion of an elongated food product include: (a) moving an elongated food item forward over a first travel lane in a predetermined travel path in a food processing system, the elongated food item having a leading edge portion that extends beyond the primary body portion of the food, the travel lane having a floor food support surface, the food item residing on the floor support surface; (b) blowing the leading edge portion of the food item in an upward direction away from the floor support surface while the food item is moving forward in the first travel lane; and then (c) forcing the leading edge portion of the food item rearward so that it overlies and contacts an upper portion of the primary body of the food item while the food item is moving forward. Other methods and devices cut the leading edge portion of the elongated product, that may be a meat product stuffed into a casing, before the product moves up an inclined ramp.

Abstract: Cooking and simultaneously forming a tostada or taco product in a cooking oil bath by inserting a pliable tortilla between adjacent molds when opened in a clamshell action, then closing the molds and conveying them through an oil bath and then opening the molds and removing the product. While cooking, the product is captured in the space between adjacent molds and permitted to cook into the desired shape. An interchange of conveyor carried molds is disclosed whereby the cooking equipment may process different product sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A food product depositor system utilizes a food product depositor device. Preferably, the food product depositor device includes at least one food product depositor module. In an embodiment, the food product depositor module may include mating features and a plurality of food product depositor modules may be assembled by the mating features to form the food product device. Preferably, the food product depositor module includes a supply port, a rotor positioned within a cavity, at least one sliding vane, and a discharge port. In an embodiment, the food product depositor module includes a cutoff device. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of processing food products by way of such an apparatus.

Abstract: A green tea composition comprising 100 parts by weight of green tea leaf, and 0.01 to 30 parts by weight of trehalose; a process for producing a green tea composition, comprising the steps of heat-treating fresh tea leaf, drying the heat-treated leaf, and crushing the dried leaf, wherein the fresh leaf is brought into contact with trehalose before or after or simultaneously with the heat treatment of the fresh leaf; a molding matter of a green tea composition, obtained by molding a green tea composition comprising 35 to 80% by weight of granulated or powdered green tea (component (A)), 10 to 60% by weight of maltose (component (B)), and 1 to 20% by weight of trehalose (component (C)); and a process for producing a molding matter of a green tea composition, comprising the step of molding the above green tea composition.

Abstract: A food product depositor system utilizes a food product depositor device. Preferably, the food product depositor device includes at least one food product depositor module. In an embodiment, the food product depositor module may include mating features and a plurality of food product depositor modules may be assembled by the mating features to form the food product device. Preferably, the food product depositor module includes a supply port, a rotor positioned within a cavity, at least one sliding vane, and a discharge port. In an embodiment, the food product depositor module includes a cutoff device. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of processing food products by way of such an apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to intermediate-moisture formed food products made from a mixture of partially dehydrated fruit or vegetable pieces and a gelled matrix such that the water activity in the matrix is substantially equivalent to the water activity of the fruit or vegetable pieces in the mixture. The product may be made from one type of fruit or vegetable alone, a mixture of different fruits, a mixture of different vegetables, or a mixture of various fruit and vegetable pieces.

Abstract: An extruder die assembly and method for using same is disclosed which is designed for adaptation to a wide variety of commercial-grade extrusion devices common in the food industry. The extruder die assembly is inserted into an appropriate compartment within an extrusion device such that a first extrudate is directed down a coaxially aligned passageway within the forming section and combined with a fluid additive in the injection section whereupon the resulting food mass is compressed through a converging nozzle bore in the nozzle section to produce an extruded food product. The forming section and injection section are fabricated as a matching set.

Abstract: Vegetable sausage analogues are provided which have texture and flavor delivery components dispersed within a set-up matrix formed from a composition including powdered vegetable protein. Included is a structured filamentous protein component which mimics connective tissue proteins of meat products. Other components can include thermally preformed textured proteinaceous gel phase components to mimic particles of meat protein. Further includable components are thermally structured starch carbohydrate gel crumble components which enhance flavor delivery when the sausage product is chewed.

Abstract: The process for making a shaped snack chip uses various components to form a chip having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. The chips are formed by sheeting into an initial flat shape. The chips are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. Once plunged to the mold shape, the chips are reduced in moisture content by baking and frying. After frying, oil is evacuated from the chips whereafter salt and flavoring is applied, if desired, prior to being packaged.

Abstract: The invention provides for the manufacture of food products. In one preferred form, methods and apparatus are provided for cutting individual confectionery products from a slab or strip of product material into a product with a particular silhouette. In another form, the invention provides methods and apparatus for both cutting and forming individual confectionery products from strips or ropes. The process can be used for simply forming products from pre-cut segments or other blanks of confectionery material, including imparting a relatively precise texture, finish or detail to such products. The products may, but need not, be subsequently enrobed in chocolate or another coating. In still other embodiments, the confectionery material may comprise grains of a puffed cereal. In some instances, a matrix of plasticizable material holds the grains together and the confectionery material may also include, in addition to the puffed cereal, candied fruit bits, dry fruits, nuts, or the like.

Abstract: A hydrocolloid confectionery product that includes, as a gelling agent, comprising iota-carrageenan or a mixture of carrageenans containing more than 50% iota-carrageenan in an amount sufficient to provide characteristics and properties of the product that are essentially the same as in hydrocolloid confectionery products that include gelatin as a gelling agent. Also, a process for making the hydrocolloid confectionery.

Abstract: The system and method for molding a shaped snack chip use various components to form chips having depth such as a bowl-shaped tortilla chip. Essentially flat chip preforms are fed to a series of molds disposed about a mold conveyor. The preforms are then passed along for shaping by a mold and plunger conveyor. A continuous conveyor with plungers extending outward is synchronized to operate in conjunction with the mold conveyor. At desired and determined intervals, a multiple of plungers extend downward and into the molds thereby molding the chip preforms into shaped chips. The shaped chips are evacuated from the molds and subjected to additional processing.

Abstract: A gelatin-free gummy confection comprising the combination of gellan gum and nu-carrageenan, nu-/iota-carrageenan or both. The gellan gum and nu-carrageenan, nu-/iota-carrageenan or both, provides a firm, resilient, gelatin-like texture in a gelatin-free gummy confection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refill of a pulverulent foodstuff that can be dispersed in a liquid medium that has been compacted into a solid form that can be abraded to form a powdered granules, flakes, or chips, and to a process for manufacturing the refills. These refills are used in a device for the on demand preparation of beverages or sauces from water-dispersible foodstuffs. The method of making the beverages or sauces represent another embodiment of the invention. The device includes one or more pressing units that urge one or more solid refills of a water-dispersible foodstuff towards one or more abrading devices so that the refill contacts the abrading device and the abrading device abrades the refill to provide an amount of powdered foodstuff that is collected in a collector and combined with water to provide the beverage.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus produces defined lengths of meat or other filling materials for taquitos, enchiladas, burritos, and other rolled, wrapped, or folded tortilla foods. This apparatus includes a small, upper, filling conveyor that operates in parallel with a large, lower, tortilla conveyor. Other components include an extruder, nozzle, cutter, and various sensors that produce output signals indicating tortilla and filling position. Encoders are also provided to represent position and/or movement of at least the upper conveyor. According to the sensor outputs, a controller regulates operation of the upper conveyor, extruder, and cutter to produce and then accurately deposit segments of filling material upon tortillas as they pass by upon the lower conveyor. As needed, the controller (1) advances, reversed, and/or stops the upper conveyor, (2) directs the pump to start/stop filling production, and (3) regulates the cutter to cut extruded filling material.

Abstract: A system and method of ultrasonic rotary forming food products is provided. The system includes a first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel including a first cavity for receiving a food product and a second rotary wheel. The first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel and said second rotary wheel rotate such that food product within the first cavity contacts the second rotary wheel to form an individually-formed food product. The food product passes from the first cavity to form a single formed food product. The system also includes a food product delivery system for delivering food product to the first ultrasonically activated rotary wheel and the second rotary wheel. The second rotary wheel may also be an ultrasonically activated rotary wheel having cavities formed on the outer circumferential edge of the wheel. The food product delivery system may include a single food product delivery tube that simultaneously delivers food product from the same stream, droplet, or line to both rotary wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shaping and molding material having two sidewalls, two end walls, a bottom and at least one partition. The two sidewalls have grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on an inside surface for receiving a partition and a bottom ledge for retaining the bottom. The inside surface has a plurality of openings sized for receiving holding members and may have a variety of shapes. The bottom is shaped to mate with the shape of the inside surface of the sidewalls. The two end walls include locking mechanisms for holding the various components of the apparatus together.

Abstract: An improved snack food product in the form of resilient, molded, self-sustaining bodies preferably made from a heated mixture comprising a dairy product (cheese, yogurt or pudding), gelatin, fat and water. The product bodies are small and bite sized, having a mass to surface area ratio of from about 0.05-5 g/cm2, which facilitates molding thereof. Preferred food products are prepared by first creating a heated flowable mixture of including cheese, gelatin, fat and water, and depositing small quantities of the mixture into molding depressions formed in powdered starch or a resilient rubber mold; after hardening, the resultant products are separated from the starch or rubber mold and packaged.

Abstract: Flaked, chipped or minced raw fish is filled into a plurality of grooved segments 4 provided in a plate 2 and then is frozen to form and retain a plurality of frozen sushi ingredient bars 3 within the plate 2. In their frozen state, the frozen sushi ingredient bars 3 are used as roll cores for rolled sushi.

Abstract: Processes are for the co-deposition of a two component fruit snack confection including a fruit snack material jacket and a distinct center filling and the resulting products. In at least one embodiment, the center filling is jam like and is jelled in part by the action of pectin in the presence of food grade acid. The process utilized incorporates mass flow meters to monitor the specific gravities of the jacket and center filling to keep for the specific gravities of the center material and the jacket substantially the same and the creation of the multicomponent fruit snack.

Abstract: The present process relates to forming of precooked egg patties for future heating within a microwave oven for consumption as a portion of a food article. The process involves the initial step of acquisition of liquid whole eggs, liquid egg whites and/or liquid egg yolks mixed with leavening ingredients (a mix of an acid and a base) to create an egg patty with improved texture and appearance for use within a breakfast sandwich following initial cooking. The following ingredients may be added to further improve the product: non-fat dry milk, modified food starch, gums, and emulsifiers. The process in summary involves adding to liquid eggs leavening ingredients or agents and then cooking of the mixed eggs and leavening ingredients prior to the dissipation of the leavening ingredients to form an egg patty having improved appearance and a light and airy texture.

Abstract: A baking dough configuration device 10 includes a cutter or first member 12 that removably inserts into a tray or second member 18 having a preselected quantity of baking dough therein. The first member 12 is forcibly urged into the second member 18 until the first member 12 engages a lower wall 19 of the second member 18 thereby cutting or separating the dough in the second member 18 into a predetermined configuration. The first member 12 is then removed from the second member 18 followed by the removal of the dough from the second member 18. The dough maintains its configuration imposed by the first member 12 due to the dimension of the cuts or separations. The dough is then placed in an environmental chamber to allow for the growth of yeast, then baked, resulting in a bread roll having a configuration that is substantially the same as a bread roll derived from baked dough positioned into an “overhand knot” configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for forming confectionery products into desired shapes. In an embodiment, the ingredients of a confectionery product, such as a bubble gum, are blended together. The ingredients are mixed, cooled and then formed into traditional center pieces. Next, the center pieces are fed into an underwater pelletizer. The underwater pelletizer cuts the extruded confectionery pieces into miniature products. A recirculating supply of water immediately sweeps away the miniature products from the pelletizer, cools the products and transport the products to a centrifugal dryer. The centrifugal dryer separates the miniature products from the circulating water. The separated miniature products are immediately dusted with an anti-agglomerating compound. Finally, the product is coated or otherwise packaged for consumption.

Abstract: Food products are prepared using co-injection molding apparatus. The food products are layered or enrobed. Preferred products expand upon cooking.

Abstract: A decorative food formed of a plurality of kinds of fluid food materials and manufactured by using a mold is provided. The decorative food has an outside shape thereof conforming to an interior surface of the mold inclusive of an opening of said mold. The decorative food has a colored pattern divided into multiple divisions extending up to a central portion of the decorative food, in a direction to extrude the food materials into the mold, the colored pattern being formed such that the multiple divisions are arranged with substantially the same ratio at any of a cross sectional area intersecting the direction to extrude the food materials, and wherein the decorative food contains therein a foodstuff.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is disclosed including first and second forming rollers (18, 21) which rotatably abut with an anvil roller (20). The forming rollers (18, 21) each include a periphery forming a continuous forming surface including a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced grooves (24) each formed as a continuous depression arranged in a serpentine and non-intersecting manner. Food (14) is simultaneously fed between a continuous strip of support material (16) and a continuous ribbon of film material (66) as they pass between a first abutment nip of the first forming roller (18) and the anvil roller (20). After extending partially around the periphery of the first forming roller (18), the materials (16, 66) and the food therebetween pass around an adjustable idler roller (70) to between a second abutment nip of the second forming roller (21) and the anvil roller (20).

Abstract: An edible product in accordance with the present invention involves an edible inner component made from a first material and an edible outer cover component substantially completely encapsulating the edible inner component. In one form of the invention, the inner component is in the form of a hairball treatment for cats and the outer component is a dough-like material. A system for producing the edible product includes a first material source for supplying a first edible material to form the inner component of the edible product, a second material source for supplying a second edible material to form the outer component of the edible product, and an extruder for continuously coextruding the first edible material and the edible second material to produce an elongated rope of edible product. A crimping apparatus receives the longitudinal rope extruded from the extruder for crimping the longitudinal rope to separate the longitudinal rope into individual edible products.

Abstract: A method of compressing cracked and split beans into useable cakes is provided. This process makes use of beans which have been broken into smaller pieces and are a natural result of the harvest and production methods and are considered undesirable and are separated out and either discarded or used in animal feed. The present invention takes these bean byproducts and combines them with rice, supplemental vitamins and minerals, and a binding agent and forms them into a uniformly shaped bean cake. These cakes can easily be packaged and stored for later shipping to an area where a highly nutritious and readily accessible food source is needed such as famine or disaster stricken locations.

Abstract: An improved machine for forming food patties in which multiple rows of food patties are extruded into a mold plate through separate fill slots, enabling higher production rates and improved efficiency due to less waste of food material.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system for use in curing composite materials includes a model for a workpiece being cured. The model calculates current internal states of the workpiece and predicts, based upon past and current states of the workpiece, future states of the cure process. These future states are represented as virtual inputs to the controller, which controls operation of the cure process based upon both real and virtual inputs. Cure rates are affected by both external temperatures and internal heat generated by the curing process itself. The internally generated heat is considered by the model when calculating current states and predicting future states. By projecting the cure state into the future, problems caused by high cure rates can be avoided. In addition, pressure can be optimally controlled in response to estimated internal material state.

Abstract: Methods of producing shaped, embossed, or decorated confectionery chocolate products by using chilled forming, shaping, or embossing devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for food extrusion is provided. The apparatus includes a substantially circular plate having a plurality of holes in an offsetting arrangement thereon. The arrangement of the holes provide food extruded through the apparatus with a shape which approximates the arrangement.

Abstract: A formed dog chew is produced by molding, extrusion or other fabrication technique, and includes, as a forming material, a corn or wheat based polymer, nylon or other non-toxic polymer, whether digestible or undigestible, which has not been shown harmful if ingested by an animal, to which is added any of various additives which impart various benefits purportedly associated with such substances when the dog chew is gnawed by the pet by virtue of release thereof into the dog's mouth as the chew is gradually consumed over time.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cheese having a closed rind, wherein fresh granular curd is subjected to a pressing treatment in a cheese pressing mold until a rind forms and the desired moisture content in the cheese has been achieved. Prior to the traditional pressing, the curd is first pre-drained, whereafter the pre-drained curd parts are poured into a cheese pressing mold. Then the curd parts are subjected during a short initial pressing procedure to obtain a blind structure of the cheese in the cheese pressing mold to a vacuum treatment with a substantially constant vacuum depth in the order of approximately 95% or more.

Abstract: The present process relates to forming of precooked egg patties for future heating within a microwave oven for consumption as a portion of a food article. The process involves the initial step of acquisition of liquid whole eggs, liquid egg whites and/or liquid egg yolks mixed with leavening ingredients (a mix of an acid and a base) to create an egg patty with improved texture and appearance for use within a breakfast sandwich following initial cooking. The following ingredients may be added to further improve the product: non-fat dry milk, modified food starch, gums, and emulsifiers. The process in summary involves adding to liquid eggs leavening ingredients or agents and then cooking of the mixed eggs and leavening ingredients prior to the dissipation of the leavening ingredients to form an egg patty having improved appearance and a light and airy texture.

Abstract: A modified food patty molding machine to increase the available fill area for forming food patties.

Abstract: A system for filling nuggets transported along a conveyor utilizes a platform that is positioned above the conveyor in a generally parallel fashion. The platform alternatingly moves in either one of a direction substantially similar to the direction of motion of the conveyor, and a direction substantially opposite to the direction of motion of the conveyor. A coring device is mounted onto the platform and used for forming a cavity in the nuggets. A depositing device is mounted on the platform, and is used for introducing a filling into the cavity in the nuggets. The platform is moving, so that the nuggets can be transported by the conveyor, without having to vary the speed of transportation of the nuggets, while either one of a cavity is being formed and the cavity in the nugget is being filled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing cheese, suitable in particular for producing crumbly cheese. Cheese molds are filled with curd, are subsequently closed with a lid and are pressed, whereafter the obtained cheeses are removed from the cheese molds. Prior to removing the cheeses from the cheese molds, however, the cheese molds still filled with cheese are heated.

Abstract: A tray set composed of a first tray and a second tray, wherein the first tray having a plurality of depressed portions in which sushi toppings can be placed and which each has a shape having a depth so as to fill it with the sushi topping and a portion of a lump of rice seasoned with vinegar. The first tray is provided with a plurality of holes on the bottom so as for liquid dropped or oozed out from the toppings to be discharged therethrough. The second tray is arranged such that it can be laid under the first tray and the liquid discharged from the first tray can be received by a depressed face, and a plurality of projections are formed continually and integrally with the depressed face and the plurality of the projections are disposed so as to be engageable with the holes of the first tray and to project through the holes inside the first tray, when the second tray is laid under the first tray. The projections assist in separating the sushi from the tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of making a toroid filled bagel dough product and the product formed thereby.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a rawhide chew toy, comprising: combining a marinade with rawhide; applying vacuum pressure to the combined marinade and rawhide; releasing the vacuum pressure; and allowing the formed rawhide to dry under moderate temperature. In one embodiment, the combined marinade and rawhide are tumbled during the step of applying vacuum pressure. In additional embodiments of the invention, nutrients, such as, vitamins, minerals, dental additives, or herbal remedies, may be added to the marinade.

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 method and device for manufacturing confectionery bars in the form of a three dimensional core at least partially covered with at least one layer of boiled sugar confectionery material. The method involves dimensioning at least one continuous band of boiled sugar confectionery material on a roller, cooling the band of boiled confectionery material, detaching the band from the roller, depositing the band on a core by bringing the band substantially into contact with the core on a plane that is adjacent to the most elevated surface or point of the core, and allowing the band to bend under its own weight to cover the sides of the core. The band is deposited in a viscoplastic state such that the band is capable of bending under its own weight.

Abstract: The present process relates to forming of precooked egg patties for future heating within a microwave oven for consumption as a portion of a food article. The process involves the initial step of acquisition of liquid whole eggs, liquid egg whites and/or liquid egg yolks mixed with leavening ingredients (a mix of an acid and a base) to create an egg patty with improved texture and appearance for use within a breakfast sandwich following initial cooking. The following ingredients may be added to further improve the product: non-fat dry milk, modified food starch, gums, and emulsifiers. The process in summary involves adding to liquid eggs leavening ingredients or agents and then cooking of the mixed eggs and leavening ingredients prior to the dissipation of the leavening ingredients to form an egg patty having improved appearance and a light and airy texture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing cut fresh curd blocks, wherein curd blocks are formed using at least one block former, are subsequently packaged and are discharged for further handling, wherein a curd block after leaving a block former is placed in a conveying holder, the conveying holder is brought to a pressing station, and the curd block in the conveying holder is briefly pressed and subsequently transported further.

Abstract: An edible anhydrous chocolate-based fat system is provided, having a significant granulated sugar component. This provides an unusual mouth sense, and allows for significantly different organoleptic properties of the chocolate-based fat system—which otherwise emulates chocolate. The chocolate may be light or dark, or white chocolate. An additional sweet flavor may be added to the chocolate-based fat system, allowing for a faster release of the additional flavor, by infusing or saturating the granulated sugar component of the fat system with the additional flavor. Typically, the granulated sugar component is saturated with an essential oil of a chosen flavor. Apart from the granulated sugar component, the remaining ingredients of the chocolate-based fat system are conched in the usual manner in keeping with chocolate production techniques. A process for production of the edible anhydrous chocolate-based fat system is discussed, and typical machinery for carrying out that process is shown.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing packed fresh curd blocks, wherein curd blocks are formed using at least one block former, subsequently packaged and discharged for further handling, wherein a curd block after leaving a block former is placed in a conveying holder, the conveying holder is conveyed via suitable first conveying device to an automatic packaging apparatus, and the curd block is removed from the conveying holder at the automatic packaging apparatus and subsequently packaged.