Abstract: An inflatable cushion useable for an ice cream maker. The ice cream maker can be spherical in shape and the inflatable cushion can approximate a spherical or dodecahedron shell. The inflatable cushion can be comprised of two half-shell portions that are pivotable with respect to one other to be selectively placed in a closed or open position. The ice cream maker can be snugly inserted within the inflatable cushion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal chew including a resin and a method of direct injection molding the animal chew using a modified screw. The screw may incorporate, for example, additional flights or a larger transition zone. The formed resin may exhibit voids of about 1-100 ?m in diameter.

Abstract: An arrangement (20,120,220,320,420,520,620,720,820,920) to hold a dissolvable and/or dispersible beverage flavouring ingredient in a liquid carrier (105,205,405,505) contained in a device (1,100,200,300,400,500,900) has: a tank (11) for containing this liquid carrier; and an impeller (14,214,214?,514,914) located in this tank for circulating this liquid carrier relative to this ingredient to promote dissolution and/or dispersion of this ingredient in the carrier. Such arrangement has means (26,126,226,326,426,526,626,726,826,926) for securing a self-sustaining body (2,102,202,302,402,502,602,702,802,902) of this ingredient and means (21,121,221,321,421,521,621,721,821,921) for positioning the securing means in this tank so as to secure a position of this self-sustaining body spaced apart from this impeller.

Abstract: A stirring assembly, including a vessel and a stirring apparatus. The vessel includes a baffle plate connected to an interior wall of the vessel, and a space between the baffle and the wall. The stirring apparatus includes a lid assembly including a variable speed motor, the lid assembly removeably securable to the vessel, and a shaft removeably connected to the motor and extending into an interior space of the vessel. The stirring apparatus includes a single scrapper attached to a distal end of the shaft, extending radially outward from the shaft, and in contact with a bottom interior surface of the vessel; and a multi-bladed propeller secured to the shaft. A position of the propeller along a length of the shift is adjustable.

Abstract: A stirring assembly, including a vessel and a stirring apparatus. The vessel includes a baffle plate fixed to an interior wall of the vessel. The stirring apparatus, includes: a lid assembly including a variable speed motor, the lid assembly removeably securable to the vessel; a shaft connected to the motor and extending into an interior space of the vessel; and a single scrapper attached to a distal end of the shaft, extending radially outward from the shaft, and in contact with a bottom interior surface of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: Gum manufacturing machinery and method of manufacturing gum is illustrated in which a gum loafing machine generates loaves of finished gum that are then subsequently run through a gum conditioner to more uniformly set the temperature and viscosity of the gum material prior to further processing. Upon achieving the appropriate conditioning level, a further forming extruder may be used to generate a continuous gum ribbon for subsequent rolling and scoring operations. The gum conditioner may include vertically stacked conveyors that have different operational modes including a first mode that provides a serpentine path for a long residence time and a second mode that provides a cascading path that avoids or bypasses much of the length of some of the conveyors to provide a shorter residence time. The gum manufacturing machinery may be used in an adjustable manner so as to accommodate difference gum recipes for different batches of gum product.

Abstract: A method for producing a cheese-containing food, the method including a step (1) of heating a soft cheese-containing mixture that contains 70 to 100% by mass of a soft cheese using a Joule heater, and a step (2) of stirring the heated soft cheese-containing mixture under shearing in a high speed shear cooker, wherein the series of steps including the steps (1) and (2) is performed at least twice. With this method, a cheese-containing food having satisfactory quality in terms of smoothness in the mouth and flavor and the like can be produced by using a raw material having a high soft cheese content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to frozen food products, such as ice creams, having special emulsifying systems. The emulsifying system preferably contains mono esters of propane-1,2-diol and fatty acids, such as 2-PGME, and it may furthermore contain additional emulsifiers such as 1-PGME and/or diglycerides. The frozen food products are characterised by improved organoleptic and sensory properties as well as reduced rate of melting. The invention furthermore relates to the emulsifying systems as such as well as methods of preparing the frozen food product.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for producing emulsions, and, in particular, for maintaining laminar flow during production of emulsions containing microsuspensions.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato pellets are made by preparing an aqueous mixture of dried potato pieces, an emulsifier, and oil, and, optionally, a freshly cooked potato, homogenizing the mixture to produce a pumpable, flowable aqueous dispersion, mixing the dispersion with more dried potato pieces and, optionally, freshly cooked potatoes, forming the mixture into pellets, and drying them.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a spatula assembly and a cooking container comprising an upper access opening and an inner, cooking surface having a spherical surface portion. The spatula assembly includes a spatula driver and a curved spatula pivotally mounted to the cooking container for moving along the cooking surface and about a pivot axis between first and second positions. The pivot axis passes through the center point of the spherical surface portion. The spatula assembly may be constructed so that at least one of the first and second positions is above the pivot axis. The curved spatula may also include a spatula body having an outer surface and a barrier member extending radially inwardly from the outer surface, the outer surface contacting the cooking surface of the cooking container.

Abstract: A kitchen shaking apparatus includes a housing, a controllable oscillating actuator contained in the housing, a platform mechanically coupled to the controllable oscillating actuator, and a plurality of adjustable coacting restraining arms operably coupled to the housing. Each of the restraining arms including a vertical segment and a horizontal segment and is positioned and configured to allow the vertical segment to contact an object on the platform. A speed control is configured to control frequency of oscillation of the actuator. A timer control is configured to control duration of operation of the actuator. A locking mechanism releasably locks at least one adjustable restraining arm at a user-selectable position. A removable pad is attached to the top surface of the platform. After shaking mixed ingredients using the apparatus, the ingredients are devoid of substantial air pockets and the consistency is improved for an enhanced processed food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low sodium salt composition and the methods used to make it. The low sodium salt composition includes sodium chloride and a modified chloride salt composition. The modified chloride salt composition includes a homogenous amalgamation of chloride salt, food grade acidulant, and carrier, which does not contain sodium chloride. The low sodium salt composition is made using a two step process. The first step includes making a modified chloride salt composition and the second step includes combining the modified chloride salt composition with sodium chloride to form a low sodium salt composition.

Abstract: A method of producing a standard of identity cream cheese that is flowable at refrigerated temperatures is provided. The method includes providing freshly made or reheated standard of identity cream cheese at a temperature of at least about 150° F. The cream cheese is then cooled while at least intermittently shear mixing the cream cheese. At least some of the shear mixing is carried out while the cream cheese is at a temperature of 70° F. or greater. The flowable standard of identity cream cheese can be converted from a flowable state at refrigerated temperatures to a solid state at refrigerated temperatures by reheating the flowable standard of identity cream cheese to a temperature above 100° F., and cooling the cream cheese to refrigerated temperatures without mixing.

Abstract: In this disclosure there are provided processes for providing a Soy Protein Flour water dispersion with reduced viscosity. Also provided in the disclosure are Soy Protein Flour dispersions with reduced viscosity, and the use of Soy Protein Flour dispersions with reduced viscosity.

Abstract: A continuous method and system for processing whole muscle meat employs a mixer housing having a pair of parallel rotating shafts located therein. The parallel rotating shafts have a plurality of mixing elements thereon, such as frustoconical elements, blocking elements, or ellipsoid elements. The mixer housing has an input end to receive the meat ingredients, such as meat pieces, salt solution, water, preservatives, and other additives such as spices. The mixer housing has an output, which is separated a distance from the input, such that the output discharges the whole muscle meat product. As the ingredients including the meat move from the input to the output along the shafts, the mixing elements work the meat with the other ingredients thereby increasing ingredient incorporation including diffusion of the salt solution into the whole muscle meat pieces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an alcohol containing bulk frozen dessert product that is formed by adding an alcohol containing composition to a frozen dessert product premix after the premix has been pasteurized. The alcohol containing composition is comprised of an alcohol, a water based mixer, and a stabilizer and/or emulsifier. The alcohol containing bulk frozen dessert product may have an alcohol content from about 2% to about 10% and will be able to be stored and consumed at temperatures for traditional bulk frozen dessert products.

Abstract: A constructed non-dairy ice cream is prepared by making an aqueous emulsion of a flavorful non-dairy fat composition, dispersing an emulsion stabilizer in the aqueous emulsion, warming the stabilized emulsion to a sub-boiling temperature, and then freezing the emulsion to a temperature below a melting point of the flavorful non-dairy fat composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an allergen-free composition (e.g., flours and dough) and baked products made without eggs or any other major food allergen. The disclosed allergen-free flours, dough, and batters overcome the various problems associated with allergen-free baking by appropriate adjustment of the relative amounts of various components that contribute moisture, alkalinity, texture, etc., to the final product. Baked products produced using the allergen-free flours thus have a moistness, springiness, rise, texture, and flavor comparable to products containing major food allergens. Baked products according to the disclosure include, but are not limited to, cookies (e.g., chocolate chunk/chip cookies), cakes (e.g., cupcakes), muffins, pancakes, waffles, pizza crust, pie crust, and bread products.

Abstract: A centrifuge has an inner and an outer screw. The outer screw transfers material towards a cone-shaped section that leads to an outlet of the centrifuge. A mixture of meat components, liquid carbon dioxide, gas, and optionally water, is spun in the centrifuge. The dense components, such as lean meat, will accumulate away from the axis of rotation and be transferred by the outer screw towards the cone-shaped section. The less dense components, such as fat and adipose tissue, accumulate toward the center of rotation, and are transferred toward an outlet of the centrifuge via the inner screw. Gas accumulates in the proximity of the cone-shaped section and impedes liquid carbon dioxide from exiting with the dense components. The centrifuge is pressurized, which maintains carbon dioxide as a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel organic peanut butter formulation and method for production. The peanut butter includes an organic palm oil stabilizing agent that reduces or prevents separation of oils from the peanut butter during storage. Peanut butter incorporating the palm oil, methods for manufacturing the peanut butter, and foods incorporating the peanut butter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Products that are aerated multiphase systems containing an aqueous continuous fluid phase which may include solutes thus forming an aqueous syrup and disperse phases like gas/air cells, water ice crystals and solid/semi-solid fat globules or aggregates thereof, whereas the disperse phases are that finely structured that their mean diameters are below phase specific critical maximum values and thereby generate a most preferred by consumers, full rich silky-creamy mouth feel at much lower fat content than usual in conventional related products like premium and super premium ice creams.

Abstract: Methods of making acid and rennet-based cheeses include processing a previous lot of milk to produce curds and whey from the previous lot of milk, and removing the whey from the curd. For cottage cheeses, curds are washed with a wash water. Whey and wash water (when used) include fine particles of curd, which are collected, added, and mixed into a subsequent lot of milk preferably using a mixer such as a homogenizer or colloid mill. Mixing preferably reduces the fine particle size of at least a plurality of the fine particles and increases the total amount of surface area thereof. Fine particles are reincorporated into the matrix of the curd made from the subsequent lot of milk, which increases curd yield. Also provided is a higher yield cheese that is made from a subsequent lot of milk that includes fine particles of curd from a previous lot of milk.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream.

Abstract: The invention provides milk-like beverage compositions comprising from about 1 to about 10% of one or more caseinates, from about 1 to about 10% whey protein, from about 2 to about 10% of one or more fats, from about 0.01 to about 1% one or more hydrocolloids, and from about 0.1 to about 10% one or more emulsifiers. The compositions are formulated to have a have a realistic milk-like appearance and a nutrient profile very similar to cow milk. The compositions do not contain lactose and therefore do not cause the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of an expanded edible food product obtained by cooking-extrusion and containing solid inclusions having a size larger than 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A liquid feeding device for roasting or stewing pots is described which permits a supply of liquid, to be continuously added to the interior of the pot to compensate for liquids and flavors lost by evaporation, and to add additional flavors to the cooking container. The liquid feeding device is in the form of a fluid reservoir mounted on the cover of the pot, the reservoir having at least one hole through which the liquid stored in the reservoir may slowly escape into the below pot. The rate of flow of liquid from the reservoir to the cooking container may also be regulated by providing structure which permits adjustment of the rate of flow of air into the interior of the reservoir.

Abstract: A process for making stable and uniformly dispersed oil-in-water beverage emulsions is provided. The process comprises combining an oil mixture and an aqueous mixture to form a beverage pre-emulsion; in-line mixing of the beverage pre-emulsion; and homogenizing of the beverage pre-emulsion to form a stable and uniformly dispersed beverage emulsion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a non-Newtonian fluid product including a non-Newtonian fluid base product including at least one second phase is shown. A second phase dispersion apparatus is shown which receives the at least one second phase and the non-Newtonian fluid base product and disperses the at least one second phase within the non-Newtonian fluid base product to produce the non-Newtonian fluid product.

Abstract: A frozen beverage device (10) has a container (20) and sealable cover (30) to convert a liquid (60), such as a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage into an at least semi-frozen slurry containing ice crystals (61). Freezing device(s) (50), which may have a range of shapes, contain refrigerant to from a thin layer of ice/ice crystals on the deformable wall(s) of the freezing device(s) (50), the ice crystals (61) being released therefrom due to agitation of the liquid (60) by shaking/rotation and/or squeezing on the container (20) and/or cover (30).

Abstract: There is provided a liquid beverage whitener containing water, an emulsifier and ultrafiltrated, concentrated milk proteins dispersed in the water with the emulsifier, wherein the fat content is less than 0.5% by mass, as well as a method of preparing a liquid beverage whitener, the method including the steps of adding ultrafiltrated, concentrated milk proteins and an emulsifier to water; and then homogenizing it to obtain a white suspension.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: Stable powderous formulations containing a fat-soluble active ingredient, e.g., vitamin A, in a matrix of a native lupin protein composition are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water containing, heat processable firm RTE fudge dessert. The RTE fudge dessert of this invention is prepared from an emulsified blend of water, fat, milk, lecithin, and a water binder. Sweeteners and/or flavorings may be added to provide the desired level of sweetness or desired flavor profile. A smooth firm fudge candy textured dessert comprising about 20 to about 60 percent water, about 15 to about 45 percent fat, about 1 to about 15 percent non-fat dry milk (or equivalent milk protein), about 0.1 to about 3 percent lecithin, and about 0.1 to about 20 percent water binder is provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of fresh masa, nixtamalized flour and derived products. The invention is a new process for production of corn masa (dough) to be used in the production of tortillas, fried or baked tortilla chips, tostadas, or corn chips. The new process produces masa directly from raw materials without the traditional cooking and steeping steps. It utilizes a series of processing steps including dry blending, hydrating, and working dough in an extruder having a unique screw configuration. The new process uses very little water and emits no waste water.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to retain the taste and texture of infant and toddler food products that have been frozen. By employing a slow-churning freezing process, the frozen infant and toddler products are lighter in color, smoother and creamier in texture and possess a better taste profile. The invention further comprises methods of making and using such products.

Abstract: A chewable composition for the oral delivery of live microorganisms is provided. The chewable composition includes a delivery vehicle and an active ingredient incorporated therein. The delivery vehicle may include a chocolate candy. The active ingredient may include a predetermined amount of at least one probiotic. The delivery vehicle may also include a predetermined amount of at least one prebiotic. The delivery vehicle may also include any combination of nutraceuticals, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, soluble and insoluble fiber, herbs, plants, probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids, digestive enzymes, dietary supplements, or any other health promoting ingredient.

Abstract: A reduced cholesterol cream, as compared to a conventionally prepared cream, is produced by pressurizing and shearing whole milk prior to separation of the whole milk into skim milk and cream. The skim milk is increased in cholesterol content and the cream is reduced in cholesterol content.

Abstract: Nutritious protein-containing foodstuffs can be prepared in the form of gels, including protein gel and fruit purees that contain all essential amino acids. A protein el for use as a foodstuff is prepared by heating an aqueous protein solution to between 160 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit at an acidic pH between 2.85 and 3.5, the protein solution having a viscosity greater than 100 centipoise and containing a protein at a concentration of 10-20% w/w, the protein being at least one of a whey protein isolate and a liquid soy protein isolate, the protein gel having a viscosity of between 10,000 and 1,000,000 centipoise.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus and methods for the reconstitution of dehydrated drinking products for use in a domestic setting. A captive magnetic mixing impeller is described. Furthermore, a dehydrated drinking product preparation system is described comprising a magnetic stir plate, a multipurpose mixing, storing, serving and drinking vessel with a captive magnetic mixing impeller and cap. Furthermore, methods for preparing dehydrated drinking products for human consumption are described using the apparatus and system.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting seeds using hot water. The apparatus includes a disinfection container for holding water. A hopper feeds seeds into the disinfection container. A heater heats the water in the disinfection container. A temperature sensor detects a temperature of the water. A control box controls the heater in response to a detected signal. A cylindrical hot-water circulation chamber moves the seeds from the hopper to the lower portion of the disinfection container. A water jetting pipe jets water fed from a circulation pump towards the upper portion of the hot-water circulation chamber, thus dispersing the seeds. A storage tube temporarily stores the seeds. A feed tube feeds the seeds from the storage tube to the outside. An air jetting pipe jets compressed air from an air pump and discharges the compressed air to an inlet of the feed tube.

Abstract: Rosehip powder has been finely ground such that it contains essentially no particles larger than 600 um when measured by laser diffraction. In one aspect of the invention (claim 1) 50% of the particles have a size of 100-150 microns. The fine powder can be used in foodstuffs which are subsequently high pressure homogenized, such as smoothies and milk based beverages. Additionally, the fine powder can be added to yoghurts and other juices while retaining acceptable sensory characteristics.

Abstract: A method includes producing a flowing sheet of comminuted foodstuff and then exposing the flowing sheet of material to a processing fluid in at least one of the major surfaces of the sheet. The transverse dimension of the flowing sheet of material may be generally equal to a dimension of the foodstuff pieces making up the comminuted foodstuff. The processing fluid may enter the sheet of material through one or both of the opposing surfaces used to form the sheet. Discrete openings may be formed through a wall of material used to form one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material, and the processing fluid may be applied through such discrete openings. The processing fluid may also be applied through a porous and permeable material included in, or making up, a wall used to form one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material.

Abstract: Algal flour and algal biomass are disclosed. Food compositions comprising algal biomass or algal flour with a high lipid content are disclosed.

Abstract: A beverage whipper, including a whipper disk configured for spinning within the whipper and having a radius is disclosed. The whipper disk further includes a front surface and a plurality of forward-facing concave surfaces that divide the front surface into a plurality of front surface sections. The concave surfaces extend generally radially over more than half the radius and have a circumferential width and a depth, wherein the width is larger than the depth. The front surface sections have a total area that is at least 4-times the total area of the concave surfaces. Also, a beverage dispenser that includes the whipper for forming beverages having crema such as espresso or cappuccino.

Abstract: A method for processing ovulated eggs of an aquatic animal into delicacy foods. Ovulated eggs are harvested without harmful intervention of the aquatic animal. The harvested ovulated eggs are exogenously treated in an aqueous solution by adding at least one signal transduction molecule. Accordingly the membrane of the egg is physiologically stabilized by ovoperoxidase activation. The signal transduction molecule is naturally occurring in the egg cell. The eggs are then preserved.

Abstract: A method of producing a standard of identity cream cheese that is flowable at refrigerated temperatures is provided. The method includes providing freshly made or reheated standard of identity cream cheese at a temperature of at least about 150° F. The cream cheese is then cooled while at least intermittently shear mixing the cream cheese. At least some of the shear mixing is carried out while the cream cheese is at a temperature of 70° F. or greater. The flowable standard of identity cream cheese can be converted from a flowable state at refrigerated temperatures to a solid state at refrigerated temperatures by reheating the flowable standard of identity cream cheese to a temperature above 100° F., and cooling the cream cheese to refrigerated temperatures without mixing.

Abstract: Dehydrated potato pellets are made by preparing an aqueous mixture of dried potato pieces, an emulsifier, and oil, and, optionally, a freshly cooked potato, homogenizing the mixture to produce a pumpable, flowable aqueous dispersion, mixing the dispersion with more dried potato pieces and, optionally, freshly cooked potatoes, forming the mixture into pellets, and drying them.