Abstract: A two-part plug assembly is disclosed for a drip-proof spout on an aseptic flexible container for flowable materials. The two-part plug assembly may include a plug and a plug insert, wherein the plug insert may include a flow inhibitor such as a baffle or valve. In a first step, the plug assembly is removably placed in a first position on a spout prior to aseptic filling. During filling, the plug assembly is removed. After filling, the plug insert assembly is replaced in a second position further down the spout wherein the plug insert fixedly engages the spout. When fixedly engaged to the spout, the plug insert remains inside the spout when the plug is removed prior to a user dispensing the flowable material. The flow inhibitor in the plug insert provides protection from leaking when the flexible container is inverted or inadvertently squeezed.

Abstract: A frozen product machine that solves problems associated with conventional home ice cream and frozen product machines by prevents loss of product in the chamber and decreases freezing time for a liquid product. A cooling chamber is cooled by a cooling element that provides variable cooling temperatures throughout the cooling chamber. A temperature gradient, progressing from lower temperatures at the bottom of the chamber, or the outlet, to higher at the top of the chamber, or inlet, create a more efficient means of cooling a frozen product. An auger, that may be shaped to match the shape of the cooling chamber may include slots that allow for controlled flow of frozen product through the chamber to promote efficient cooling. Hinged fins may rotate from open to closed within the slot to further enhance flow of frozen product through the frozen product machine.

Abstract: A frozen product machine that solves problems associated with conventional home ice cream and frozen product machines by prevents loss of product in the chamber and decreases freezing time for a liquid product. A cooling chamber is cooled by a cooling element that provides variable cooling temperatures throughout the cooling chamber. A temperature gradient, progressing from lower temperatures at the bottom of the chamber, or the outlet, to higher at the top of the chamber, or inlet, create a more efficient means of cooling a frozen product. An auger, that may be shaped to match the shape of the cooling chamber may include slots that allow for controlled flow of frozen product through the chamber to promote efficient cooling. Hinged fins may rotate from open to closed within the slot to further enhance flow of frozen product through the frozen product machine.

Abstract: A process for the production of instant alternative protein products, including plant based meat and more particularly to plant based products having the texture, appearance, and taste of meat or dairy. The instant meat or food analog material may be based on a Native Edestin Protein Isolate (NEPI). NEPI may be combined with water to form a protein hydrosol, followed by addition of oil, and heating in a microwave oven to set, thereby forming a hydrogel, or meat analog. The protein hydrosol may be mixed in a microwavable cup being comprised, preferably, of a porous material such as paper or plastic, and having dimensions conducive to forming a meat analog from the protein-fat hydrosol when heated in a microwave. Materials required for production of a meat analog at home from the NEPI may be provided as a convenient kit for production of an instant meat analog.

Abstract: A process for using bacterial or fungal metalloprotease and trypsin to solve problems associated with conventional protease extraction techniques by dramatically reducing temperature, incubation time and proteolysis during protease extraction. The present disclosure relates to a protease treatment for increasing yield from plant or other material by extracting nutrients from the fibrous waste portion of milled plant material while preserving the nutritional and functional qualities of the extracted material for use as a food product. The process preserves the quality of the extracted material, including beta glucan and protein, by utilizing low temperatures and minimal protease activity and digestion time during extraction.

Abstract: A process and product that solves the problems with regard to hemp protein isolation, raw material input preparation, and processing of the raw material input, in order to produce a superior hemp protein meat and dairy analog. The composition and process include a process for hemp grain protein isolation, pasteurization, formation of a liquid solution, gel formation, texturization and meat and dairy analog production. The process of the present disclosure results in a structured protein food product, or meat analog, having superior properties when compared to existing products or similar products manufactured using known technology.

Abstract: Plant based beverage products and processes are disclosed, particularly plant based milk and creamer compositions comprising divalent cationic salts and treated with endoprotease and ionic compounds, including divalent cationic salts. In some embodiments, the process discloses a limited degree of protein hydrolysis in combination with added divalent cations. The process results in plant based milks with improved sensory and functional quality when compared to existing products, particularly reduced feathering when used as a creamer. The process is preferably used with plant based beverages processed with minimal disruption of the native protein structure. The resulting products have stability and functionality similar to that of dairy beverage products.

Abstract: A frozen product machine that solves problems associated with conventional home ice cream and frozen product machines by prevents loss of product in the chamber and decreases freezing time for a liquid product. A cooling chamber is cooled by a cooling element that provides variable cooling temperatures throughout the cooling chamber. A temperature gradient, progressing from lower temperatures at the bottom of the chamber, or the outlet, to higher at the top of the chamber, or inlet, create a more efficient means of cooling a frozen product. An auger, that may be shaped to match the shape of the cooling chamber may include slots that allow for controlled flow of frozen product through the chamber to promote efficient cooling. Hinged fins may rotate from open to closed within the slot to further enhance flow of frozen product through the frozen product machine.

Abstract: A system for creating an aerated food product, whereby a decreased electrical and thermal load may be obtained is disclosed. Furthermore, a method of producing an aerated food product comprising the steps of separately preparing a first food product portion and a second food product portion, transferring the first food product portion to a first aseptic surge tank, transferring the second food product portion to a second aseptic surge tank, mixing a combination of the first food product portion and the second food product portion to create a mixed food product, aerating the mixed food product to create the aerated food product, and dispensing the aerated food product from a filling apparatus into a container is also disclosed. An aerated food product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for creating an aerated food product, whereby a decreased electrical and thermal load may be obtained is disclosed. Furthermore, a method of producing an aerated food product comprising the steps of separately preparing a first food product portion and a second food product portion, transferring the first food product portion to a first aseptic surge tank, transferring the second food product portion to a second aseptic surge tank, mixing a combination of the first food product portion and the second food product portion to create a mixed food product, aerating the mixed food product to create the aerated food product, and dispensing the aerated food product from a filling apparatus into a container is also disclosed. An aerated food product is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing container interior sterilization in an aseptic processing apparatus. An atomized sterilant is applied to an interior surface of a container such as a bottle. A supply of hot sterile drying air is applied to the interior surface to activate and dry the sterilant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing aseptically processed low acid products in a container having a small opening, such as a glass or plastic bottle or jar, at a high output processing speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing container product filling in an aseptic processing apparatus. An apparatus including a valve mechanism for controlling the opening or closing of a valve including extending a portion of the valve from a second sterile region into a first sterile region, thereby, preventing contaminants from being carried into the first sterile region.