Patents Assigned to General Mills Cereals, LLC
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Patent number: 8011524Abstract: A microwaveable packaged good article is described. The microwaveable packaged good article includes a container and an overcap. The container includes a base and a continuous wall extending from the base terminating in a chime. The overcap includes a panel, a neck extending from the panel terminating in a drip bead, and a skirt radially spaced from the drip bead to define a channel between the skirt and the drip bead. In this regard, the chime is received within the channel upon assembly of the overcap to the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLCInventors: Michael R. Perry, Arne H. Bradner, Glenn M. Larche
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Patent number: 7922639Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, an apparatus for placing an insert within a nested group of taco shells. The insert placement apparatus comprises a vertical shaft, a horizontal shaft, a first pillow block, a second pillow block, a vacuum cup, a horizontal timing belt, an air cylinder, and a servomotor. The vacuum cup is adapted to transport the insert. The first pillow block has a bore therethrough for receiving the horizontal shaft. The second pillow block is supported off of the first pillow block and has a bore therethrough for receiving the vertical shaft. The vacuum cup is suspended off of the vertical shaft. The horizontal belt is routed around a drive pulley and a second pulley and is interconnected to the first pillow block. The servomotor is interconnected to the drive pulley. The servomotor causes the timing belt to displace the first pillow block along the horizontal shaft, thereby causing the vacuum cup to displace horizontally.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Cremers, Craig Gustafson, Ralph Stenvik
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Patent number: 7861881Abstract: An overcap for selectively covering a container of a microwaveable packaged good article is described. The overcap includes a panel, a neck extending from the panel, and a skirt radially spaced from the neck. The skirt defines at least two areas of reduced thickness spaced from one another, which are configured to allow the skirt to flex when the overcap is removed from the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLC.Inventors: El-Afandi Ali, Larche Glen
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Patent number: 7579030Abstract: Food products can include dried microorganisms as a biocontrol agent. The dried cultures resist inactivation during pasteurization of the food product. The microorganisms are selected to be nontoxic and to inhibit growth of pathogenic microorganisms. For example, the biocontrol microorganisms can produce acid to lower the pH of the product thereby inhibiting the growth of pathogens.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLC.Inventors: David J. Domingues, John H. Hanlin
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Patent number: 7387809Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved binder system to stabilize and improve yield for thermally processed meat products such as those that are used in canning or retort operations. More specifically, the present invention pertains to the novel starch/binder matrix that produces a meat product having enhanced moisture flavor and texture over those treated using currently available techniques. The novel matrix uses a combination of starches that provide differential water holding and moisture control for the meat products treated therewith.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLCInventors: David J. Thomas, Kyle A. Newkirk
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Patent number: 7306444Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for processing food products and utilizes a series of guides for moving platens through several operative zones to press a food product intermediate. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming generally flat dough products such as tortillas, taco shells, snacks and the like by gradually pressing a dough intermediate between movable platens that are disposed on concentric, endless belts.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLCInventors: Thomas E. Heinzen, James W. Finkowski, Jimmy A. Demars
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Patent number: 7269934Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, an apparatus for placing an insert within a nested group of taco shells. The insert placement apparatus comprises a vertical shaft, a horizontal shaft, a first pillow block, a second pillow block, a vacuum cup, a horizontal timing belt, an air cylinder, and a servomotor. The vacuum cup is adapted to transport the insert. The first pillow block has a bore therethrough for receiving the horizontal shaft. The second pillow block is supported off of the first pillow block and has a bore therethrough for receiving the vertical shaft. The vacuum cup is suspended off of the vertical shaft. The horizontal belt is routed around a drive pulley and a second pulley and is interconnected to the first pillow block. The servomotor is interconnected to the drive pulley. The servomotor causes the timing belt to displace the first pillow block along the horizontal shaft, thereby causing the vacuum cup to displace horizontally.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Cremers, Craig Gustafson, Ralph Stenvik
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Patent number: D537355Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLCInventors: Arne H. Brauner, Gary L. Mays, Linae N. Haggerty (Patterson), John Stockman
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Patent number: D590126Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLCInventors: Nicholas D. Kovich, Anthony W. Richards
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Patent number: D629586Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLCInventor: Jonathan M. Griebel