Patents Assigned to NESTECS S.A.
  • Patent number: 6579375
    Abstract: A process for preparing crystalline sugar by providing a solution of a solvent and sugar, exposing the solution to a magentic field having a strength which is sufficient to impart improvements in the processing of the sugar or the properties of the resulting crystalline sugar product, and providing conditions suitable for crystallization to obtain a substantially crystalline sugar product. The magnetic field strength is sufficient to influence at least one of morphology, size, nucleation rate or, crystallinity of the crystalline sugar product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Stephen Thomas Beckett, Marina Maria Miller, Susan Grimes, John Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6579548
    Abstract: A process for the production of the granular food product by preparing a premix of powdered constituents of the filler and fat, forming the premix into granules or agglomerates by atomizing an aqueous solution of binding agent onto a fluidized bed of the premix to incorporate an amount of binding agent and drying the granules to the desired residual moisture content. The resultant free flowing granular food product comprises a swelling powdered food material having a relatively large mean diameter and a relatively narrow span in diameter distribution so that the granular food product is dispersible by simply pouring it into a hot liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Hanspeter Haefliger, Pierre Dupart, Leonhard Blasius, Peter Kehrli
  • Patent number: 6579711
    Abstract: Strain of lactic acid bacterium, (1) whose 16S ribosomal RNA is characteristic of the genus Streptococcus, (2) whose total protein profile, obtained after migration of the total proteins on an SDS-PAGE electrophoresis gel, is characteristic of that of the strain of lactic acid bacterium CNCM I-1920 but distinct from those of the recognized species belonging to the genus Streptococcus, namely S. acidominimus, S. agalactiae, S. alactolyticus, S. anginosus, S. bovis, S. canis, S. caprinus, S. constellatus, S. cricetus, S. cristatus, S. difficile, S. downei, S. dysgalactiae ssp. dysgalactiae, S. dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis, S. equi, S. equi ssp. equi, S. equi ssp. zooepidemicus, S. equinus, S. ferus, S. gallolyticus, S. gordonii, S. hyointestinalis, S. hyovaginalis, S. iniae, S. intermedius, S. intestinalis, S. macacae, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. oralis, S. parasanguinis, S. parauberis, S. phocae, S. pleomorphus, S. pneumoniae, S. porcinus, S. pyogenes, S. ratti, S. salivarius, S. sanguinis, S. shiloi, S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Walter Gaier, David Pridmore, Francesca Stingele, Jean-Richard Neeser, Patrice Desachy, Bruno Pot
  • Patent number: 6579547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dough compositions, adapted for storage under refrigerated conditions, a method for preparing the dough compositions, and baked products containing the dough composition. The dough compositions contain at least one strain of a lti-yeast and one or more sugars fermentable by the lti-yeast in an amount so that the dough composition will give rise to a CO2 production of between about 50 to 250 ml/100 g dough within a time period not exceeding 1 week after the dough is prepared and a total amount of CO2 production during the 5 week period after the dough is prepared being limited to about 400 ml/100 g dough. The refrigeratable dough composition provide baked goods having excellent texture and flavor even when being stored for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Niederberger, Christof Gysler
  • Patent number: 6569478
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a food composition in an aqueous or instant powder form that contains at least one food ingredient, a monoglyceride enriched with unsaturated compounds, and water. The monoglyceride is preferably a monoglycerol monoester that has up to about 90% of C18 monoolein with one unsaturation, with the remainder being a C18 monolinolein with two unsaturations and/or a saturated monoglycerol monoester; a monoglycerol monoester that has up to about 90% of monolinolein C18 with two unsaturations, with the remainder being a monoolein C18 with one unsaturation and/or a saturated monoglycerol monoester; or a mixture of a saturated or unsaturated di- or polyglycerol monoester and a di- or polyglycerol di ester or polyester or another food emulsifier. The composition exhibits in an aqueous phase a mesomorphic structure such as a cubic, lamellar, or hexagonal structure substantially encapsulating or combining the food ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Martin Leser, Sylvain Vauthey
  • Patent number: 6569486
    Abstract: A beverage system for providing a coffee beverage is described which contains a coffee base concentrate and an aromatized soluble coffee creamer. The coffee base concentrate has a soluble coffee solids concentration of at least about 10% by weight and is free of coffee aroma. The coffee base concentrate and the aromatized soluble coffee aroma are stored separately and are combined upon reconstitution for providing a coffee beverage. Separate storage of the coffee base concentrate and the aromatized soluble coffee creamer increases the stability of the system and provides a coffee beverage which closely assimilates a freshly brewed coffee drinks such as latte macchiato and cappuccino.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Charlotte Cirkel-Egner, Hanspeter Maier
  • Patent number: 6569476
    Abstract: A process for producing a hydrolysate seasoning by hydrolyzing a protein containing material with enzymes that have proteolytic activity and fiber hydrolyzing activity. The hydrolysate may be used as a liquid sauce, a paste, or as a dried powder. The hydrolysate may be used as a base for an aromatisation agent in culinary products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Bee Gim Lim, Thang Ho Dac
  • Patent number: 6566136
    Abstract: A human keratinocyte cell line immortalized by at least one functional tumor gene of DNA viral origin characterized in that it is: (1) non-tumorigenic, (2) conserves the capacity for differentiation and for the expression of proteins and of enzymes expressed by normal differentiated keratinocytes even after an elevated number of passages in culture; and (3) forms a stratified and polarized epithelium having a stratum corneum ortho-keratinocyte, if cultivated in an organo-typical culture in a medium without serum and without a layer of nourishing cells. An improved process to immortalize human skin cells to obtain immortalized keratinocytes. Also, the use of keratinocytes for immunological, pharmacological, photo- and chemical-toxicological analyzes of skin reaction and for expression of heterologous genes and for the construction of artificial skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Markus Baur
  • Patent number: 6565902
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three dimensional confectionery of frozen confectionery which can be easily handled and consumed, consists of a frozen confectionery body and a handling member for holding it. The handling member passes through the body and projects from the ends of the body, so that the confectionery can be consumed while being held by the two ends with both hands. The invention is also directed to a process for making and a mold and production line apparatus for making the confectionery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Miguel Ruano Del Campo, Eduardo Domenech Sendra
  • Publication number: 20030089245
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for extracting a substance for the preparation of a drink from a cartridge. This device has a frame with a base, a vertical part on the base and a horizontal part situated at a certain distance from the base. The device also has a moveable drawer that is able to slide over the horizontal part of the frame in order to move the cartridge from its insertion position to a drink-preparing position. This drawer moves over a system of elements for the discharge of the drink on the horizontal part. The device also includes a cartridge extraction system situated over the system of drink discharge elements and able to move towards the said system of elements to trap and extract the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Kollep, Alfred Yoakim, Antoine Cahen
  • Patent number: 6561383
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pouch assembly that includes a main pouch body adapted to receive an amount of flowable food, a fitment member sealingly attached to the pouch on a lower portion of one side of the body, and an outlet demarcated by the fitment member. The lower portion is capable of flexing at substantially 90 degrees with respect to the rest of the body to orient the fitment member downward when the pouch is supported in a standing position for product delivery. Also, a spacer member is provided for at least partially engaging the fitment member to maintain a sufficient clearance between the outlet and the inside of the pouch to allow evacuation of the flowable product through the outlet. Such a pouch assembly is suitable for food delivery in a cassette-type dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Balakrishna Reddy, Eric E. Hartman
  • Patent number: 6562391
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aroma product containing flavoring compounds and a process for preparing the aroma product. The aroma product is prepared by dissolving amino acids, peptides or hydrolyzed proteins and reducing sugars in water or by dissolving aroma precursors in water to form a solution; introducing an edible surfactant into the solution to provide a surfactant containing solution; heating the surfactant containing solution to a temperature sufficient to form a mesomorphic phase structure or a microemulsion, heating the surfactant containing solution for a sufficient time to develop flavoring compounds; and cooling the surfactant containing solution. The resulting aroma product can be used in a variety of food products to enhance the flavor and/or aroma of the food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Sylvain Vauthey, Martin Leser, Christian Milo
  • Publication number: 20030084898
    Abstract: A process for preparing crystalline sugar by providing a solution of a solvent and sugar, exposing the solution to a magentic field having a strength which is sufficient to impart improvements in the processing of the sugar or the properties of the resulting crystalline sugar product, and providing conditions suitable for crystallization to obtain a substantially crystalline sugar product. The magnetic field strength is sufficient to influence at least one of morphology, size, nucleation rate or, crystallinity of the crystalline sugar product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Stephen Thomas Beckett, Marina Miller, Susan Grimes, John Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6558729
    Abstract: A frozen dessert which is spoonable at freezing temperatures and/or packageable in pressurized containers is disclosed. The frozen dessert has dairy proteins, fats, sweeteners, one or more stabilizing agents, flavoring agents or coloring agents. The proteins are provided by dairy milk products or skimmed milk. The fat is a vegetable oil with a very low freezing point. The sweeteners are a mixture of low molecular weight sweetening agents such as dextrose and/or fructose, invert sugar and glucose syrup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Riviere, Stéphane Silvente, Frank Tonon, Veronique Andre-Linet
  • Patent number: 6557597
    Abstract: A foodstuff refill (2) intended to be inserted in a foodstuff supply zone of a device for metering, dispensing and/or preparing food products; the refill comprising a container (20) for the foodstuff; a passage (24) for releasing the foodstuff; edges (21) of the device, including at least one pair of first opposed edges (210a, 210b), a film (25) for sealing the passage to form an enclosed space (26); a member (3) for detaching the film from the container; the detachment member including at least one catch member (4) intended to engage a retaining lip of the device when the refill is inserted into the device. The detachment member (3) is secured to the film (25) and is able to be connected to the refill in such a way as to be movable in sliding along the first edges of the device (210a, 210b) to cause the at least partial opening of the film (25) in response to the engagement of the refill in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Riesterer
  • Publication number: 20030077359
    Abstract: A sachet for preparation of a beverage. The sachet has a compact roast and ground coffee cake having first and second cake opposed surfaces extending between to a peripheral cake edge. The first opposed surface is substantially convex and configured for ensuring leaktightness in an extraction chamber that is configured for injecting water and extracting the coffee. The peripheral edge has a peripheral surface that is generally normal to the opposed surfaces. An outer sheet of a flexible material is impermeable to oxygen and water vapor and contains and impermeably seals the cake therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: NESTEC, S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Fond, Jean-Pierre Pleisch, Roland Rossier, Jacques Schaeffer, Alfred Yoakim
  • Patent number: 6551633
    Abstract: A pet milk powder of a cow's milk powder which contains lactose, and lactase in an amount sufficient to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal intolerance in pets when the powder or a solution made from the powder is ingested by the pet. At least a portion of the lactose in the pet milk powder is hydrolyzed upon reconstitution of the powder with a solvent. Also, a pet milk-based drink made by reconstituting the powder with a solvent such as water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Francois Couzy, Jean-Louis Leuba
  • Patent number: 6551645
    Abstract: A process for preparing a pasta product by extruding dry or semi-dry ground cereal. The dry or semi-dry ground cereal has a water content of less than about 20 percent by weight of the ground cereal. A pasta product prepared by the process is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Wilhelm Hauser, Robert Gerald Odermatt
  • Patent number: 6550648
    Abstract: A device for metering a powder-based food product including a hopper for storage of the powder, and a metering device located in the hopper in order to convey the powder from the hopper to a feed zone. The feed zone includes a basic portion having an opening for allowing a metered quantity of powder to fall. A sealing element is arranged with the basic portion in order to allow sealing of the opening of the basic portion. The device also includes an operating mechanism for moving the sealing element into a sealing position when the metering device is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Ennio Bardin
  • Patent number: 6548098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid, sterilized food compositions including about 20 to 45% by weight of a milk, between about 10 to 20% by weight of egg, between about 10 to 20% by weight of cream, between about 15 to 30% by weight of a sugar, and whey protein in an amount of about 4 to 10% by weight, wherein the compositions are suitable for making heat-set gelled food products. The invention also relates to a process for making such compositions by preparing an acid phase of an acid, the whey protein and water; preparing a neutral phase of the milk, sugar, egg and cream components; sterilizing the acid phase and neutral phase separately from one another; and then combining the sterilized acid phase and the sterilized neutral phase to obtain the compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Daniela Doris Munz-Schaerer, Rolf Jost