Abstract: An improved package for heating dry food products is provided. The present invention allows a dry food product to be heated in a microwave oven. The package has barrier properties and at least a portion of an outer surface that is water absorbent, so that the food package may be wetted prior to being heated in the microwave in order to prevent burning of the food products inside.

Abstract: A multi-layer bio-based composite film with a bio-based heat seal layer. The compostable bio-based film can comprise a crystalline bio-based heat seal layer and an amorphous bio-based barrier web layer. The heat seal layer has a second heat melting temperature which is lower than its first heat melting temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing films. In one embodiment the sealing device comprises a horn and an anvil. The film has a standard portion and an increased portion. Increased energy is applied to the film in the increased portion compared to the energy applied to the standard portion. Such a method allows for sealing of varying number of layers.

Abstract: A method for advanced batch control of a batch process. The method discloses completing at least one cycle of the batch process and collecting data on at least one process variable and at least one product property. A model is created based on the data, wherein the model comprises inputs. Thereafter the batch process is initiated. At one or more decision points the model is utilized to obtain outputs. A controller utilizes the model outputs to control the batch in accordance with the model outputs. Final product properties are reached at decreased variability compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A method for batch control in a system. The system comprises at least two batch processing sets that share at least one shared equipment. A batch is initiated in each processing set. Process variables from each batch are monitored. At least one process variable from at least one batch are adjusted using bang-bang control to prevent conflicts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stress marks and pleats on a package. The apparatus includes the use of an elongated filling tube. The dimensions of the elongated filling tube reduce the stress on the film as it is being formed around the filling tube. Further, the dimensions of the elongated filling tube prevent the formation of pleats as the sealing jaws must travel a decreased distance to seal, and the filling tube cross section better resembles the final package.

Abstract: A method and system for the direct injection of a concentrated additive is disclosed. In one aspect, the concentrated additive comprises asparaginase. Because dilution of asparaginase in chlorinated drinking water can reduce the activity of the enzyme thereby making the enzyme less effective the direct injection of the enzyme into a dough can increase the acrylamide reduction in food products.

Abstract: For use with the technique of transversely aligning the transducer in an ultrasonic welding assembly, the presently disclosed principles provide a unique ultrasonic sonotrode for use in ultrasonic welding assemblies having such a transversely aligned transducer. In one embodiment, an exemplary ultrasonic sonotrode comprises a body having nodal and anti-nodal regions, and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves received at a nodal region along a first direction. Such an exemplary sonotrode may further comprise a plurality of redirecting features formed in the body and configured to cause received ultrasonic waves propagating along the first direction to propagate along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, upon encountering one or more of the redirecting features. In such embodiments, the body is further configured to stretch and compress along the second direction based on corresponding peaks and valleys of the waves propagating along the second direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing films. In one embodiment the sealing device comprises a horn and an anvil. The film has a standard portion and an increased portion. Increased energy is applied to the film in the increased portion compared to the energy applied to the standard portion. Such a method allows for sealing of varying number of layers.

Abstract: An inorganic nanolayer surface coated polymer film product is disclosed with enhancements such as improved metallization capability, low cost, low polymer additives and modifiers, improved recyclability, and good web properties. Also method for priming a flexible film substrate to enhance the reactivity or wettability of the substrate for metallization is disclosed. A substrate film is coated with one or more nanolayers of a metal or metal oxide applied by CCVD and/or PECVD at open atmosphere. The deposited coating acts to enhance the surface energy of the film substrate and to and reduce the surface gauge variation of the substrate or supporting film, thereby enhancing the wettability of the film substrate for metallization and/or to improve the anti-block characteristics of the film. The deposited coatings may also act as a barrier layer for lowering the permeability of light, gas and vapor transmission through the substrate.

Abstract: A modular packaging system for shipping and displaying palletized products is provided. The packaging system comprises a plurality of vertically stacked trays for holding the products and corner posts extending between vertically adjacent trays for spacing and supporting the trays. The corner posts and trays are locked together in a number of ways to strengthen and stabilize the system. The system is strong enough not only to support the weight of the products on the trays and withstand the vibration and impact forces that can occur during shipping, but to withstand the weight of one or more units stacked on top.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and displaying packages. The invention discloses a self-adjusting shelf comprising a sled coupled to a track, and at least two product supports located in a plane above the track. The product supports are aligned substantially parallel to the track and are coupled to the track. Packages rest upon the product supports. The sled slides along the length of the track. The sled urges, via either gravity or a biasing device, the sled forward against downstream packages. Thus, when one package is removed, the sled forces the remaining packages to the front of the shelf.

Abstract: A method for scoring and controlling the quality of dynamic food products transitioning in the processing steps is performed using image analysis. An image of a plurality of moving food products on a conveyor system is captured by on-line vision equipment and image analysis is performed on the image via an algorithm that determines the percentage of pixels having varying intensities of colors and applies predetermined preferences to predict consumer dissatisfaction. The entire group of food products of one or more images is given an overall appearance score and each individual food product is also scored such that each may be ranked from least to more acceptable. The ranked food products can then be ejected in the order of worst to better rank to increase the overall quality score of the entire group.

Abstract: A topping for snack food products comprising large food flakes pre-coated with an adhesive and a method for applying the pre-coated food flakes to a food substrate to produce a topped snack food product. The food substrate may be any savory shelf-stable food known in the art such as a chips, pretzels, crispy bread products, popcorn, or nuts. The food flakes may be pieces of vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, grains, herbs or spices that complement the food substrate. The pre-coated food flakes are heated to partially liquefy the adhesive coating and then are applied to the food substrates. The topped food substrate is then subjected to changed process conditions to harden the adhesive, forming a bond between the food flakes and the food substrate.