Patents Assigned to Michael Foods
  • Publication number: 20250248430
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved methods for the enzymatic hydrolysis of phospholipids in egg yolks. Phospholipase A2 enzymes hydrolyze egg yolk phospholipids at the sn-2 fatty ester group to liberate the corresponding free fatty acids. The rate of enzymatic hydrolysis and the degree to which free fatty acids are liberated can be increased by addition of one or more calcium salts. The use of calcium salts to increase egg yolk phospholipid hydrolysis rate decreases production costs, decreases processing and production times, and increases process safety by reducing microbial content in enzyme-modified egg yolks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2025
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Siquan Li
  • Publication number: 20240298671
    Abstract: A crisp proteinaceous food product in which egg white proteins constitute the majority of total proteins present is described. The food product has a bulk density of from 120 to ˜500 g/L and includes water, expanded starch, and denatured proteins. Ovalbumin constitutes at least 33% (w/w) of the proteins. Expanded starch can constitute at least 35% (w/w) of the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia STUBE, Noel G. RUDIE
  • Publication number: 20240188585
    Abstract: A protein-rich composition can be provided from egg albumen via a process that involves diafiltering with purified water an egg albumen concentrate. Collected retentate from the diafiltration step constitutes a protein-rich composition which, on a dry basis, can include less than 1% (w/w) lipids. The composition can be spray dried to a protein isolate solid which is substantially free of sugars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2024
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel G. RUDIE, Alicia STUBE, Daniel L. VANCE, Todd D. Bohman
  • Patent number: 11273471
    Abstract: An in-line shell egg pasteurizer has a clean-in-place system. Empty shell egg carriers are placed in the water bath for multiple cleaning cycles. The cleaning solution level is lowered to expose the shell egg carriers and the top parts of the water bath walls. An air perturbation is used to agitate cleaning solution held in the bottom of the water bath and clean heating coils and other components located in the bottom of the water bath. Sprayers (e.g., nozzles, cleaning spray balls, etc. . . . ) mounted on a hood over the water bath clean the top parts of the water bath walls and the empty shell egg carriers placed in the water bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Hector Gregorio Lara
  • Publication number: 20210251245
    Abstract: A crisp proteinaceous food product provided from ingredients in which egg white proteins constitute the majority of total proteins present is described. Other ingredients include water, expanded starch(es), vegetable flour(s), and at least one source of vegetable protein. The protein can be labeled as being more than 50% (w/w) protein, and at least 50% (w/w) of those denatured proteins can be ovalbumin (or trace their origin to ovalbumin).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Angela J. Stessen, Noel G. Rudie, Alicia Stube
  • Publication number: 20200113205
    Abstract: Liquid egg yolk can be fractionated into water soluble and precipitated lipophilic fractions without the need to freeze or add carbohydrate(s). A composition that includes egg yolk and an excess of water has its pH downwardly adjusted before being gravitationally separated into low and high density fractions, with the former including no more than 5% of the granules from the egg yolk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel G. Rudie, Alicia Stube, Daniel L. Vance
  • Publication number: 20190357570
    Abstract: A protein-rich composition can be provided from egg albumen via a process that involves diafiltering with purified water an egg albumen concentrate. Collected retentate from the diafiltration step constitutes a protein-rich composition which, on a dry basis, can include less than 1% (w/w) lipids. The composition can be spray dried to a protein isolate solid which is substantially free of sugars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2018
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel G. Rudie, Alicia Stube, Daniel L. Vance, Todd D. Bohman
  • Patent number: 10251414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Mathews
  • Publication number: 20180343903
    Abstract: A food product involving an integral combination of an egg layer and an edible, grain-based solid substrate can be provided by a method that involves providing a precursor product which then is heated to provide the food product. The precursor product can be provided by introducing an egg mixture to a primary surface of the edible solid substrate. The heating of the precursor converts the egg mixture into the at least partially cooked egg layer of the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Mathews, Wanda P. Paine
  • Publication number: 20170360071
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, JR., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 9781948
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jason W. Mathews
  • Publication number: 20170238589
    Abstract: A food product involving an integral combination of an egg layer and an edible, grain-based solid substrate can be provided by a method that involves providing a precursor product which then is heated to provide the food product. The precursor product can be provided by introducing an egg mixture to a primary surface of the edible solid substrate. The heating of the precursor converts the egg mixture into the at least partially cooked egg layer of the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Mathews, Wanda P. Paine
  • Patent number: 9642383
    Abstract: A food product involving an integral combination of an egg layer and an edible, grain-based solid substrate can be provided by a method that involves providing a precursor product which then is heated to provide the food product. The precursor product can be provided by introducing an egg mixture to a primary surface of the edible solid substrate. The heating of the precursor converts the egg mixture into the at least partially cooked egg layer of the food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Mathews, Wanda P. Paine
  • Publication number: 20140272038
    Abstract: A food product involving an integral combination of an egg layer and an edible, grain-based solid substrate can be provided by a method that involves providing a precursor product which then is heated to provide the food product. The precursor product can be provided by introducing an egg mixture to a primary surface of the edible solid substrate. The heating of the precursor converts the egg mixture into the at least partially cooked egg layer of the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Mathews, Wanda P. Paine
  • Patent number: 8834952
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 8475858
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for mass producing cooked, cooled egg products having a grill fried egg appearance. One device includes a portion for positioning whole, intact, shelled eggs positioned laterally across and above a cooking mold conveyor, and a portion for cracking the eggshells and depositing the eggs into cooking molds on the conveyor. Some devices and methods include an egg yolk splitter for rupturing the egg yolk sac to deposit a whole egg having a ruptured egg yolk into each mold. Other devices and methods include irregular shaped egg molds for providing a mass produced cooked egg having a natural, irregular shaped outlines and/or surfaces. Devices and methods according to the present invention can be used to produce irregular, outlined shaped cooked egg products including whole eggs, formulated eggs, or eggs made from scrambled egg mixes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Hairsine, Jason W. Mathews, Ted A. Kurpgeweit, Dale E. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8211488
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product which may be frozen for future heating within a microwave or other oven for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid yolk portion is preheated and then is added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, packaging, and storage. At a future time the frozen formulated fried egg product may be retrieved for thawing and cooking for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 8025914
    Abstract: A method that entails blending an egg-based substance, a water-absorbent thickener, and pieces of supplemental food together to form an egg-based material, the egg-based substance including a natural liquid egg component, the water-absorbent thickener distributed throughout the egg-based material, and the water-absorbent thickener effective to maintain distribution of the pieces of supplemental food throughout the egg-based material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Tillis
  • Patent number: RE43136
    Abstract: The present process relates to a formulation for a food product and preparation of a pre-formed filling unit for the provision of a consumable food product containing eggs, which may be refrigerated and/or frozen for future heating within a microwave oven for consumption by an individual. The process involves the initial step of acquisition of liquid eggs which may be scrambled. The liquid eggs are cooked whereupon the cooked liquid eggs are combined with other ingredients. The temperature of the combined ingredients is regulated and/or controlled during processing. The combined and mixed food product may then be inserted into a mold to provide a desired shape. After cooking the consumable food product may be separated from the mold whereupon the consumable food article may be refrigerated and/or frozen for future reheating as a portion of a breakfast or other consumable food article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Mathews
  • Patent number: RE46654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product which may be frozen for future heating within a microwave or other oven for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid yolk portion is preheated and then is added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, packaging, and storage. At a future time the frozen formulated fried egg product may be retrieved for thawing and cooking for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jason W. Mathews