Abstract: A susceptor according to the present invention includes a substrate having physical properties so that melting and size deformation of the substrate occur in response to microwave absorption by the susceptor. A metalized layer is coupled to the substrate, and supporting means is provided for supporting the substrate and the metalized layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a lid with a channel for use in sealing a pressurizable can, the lid having a channel for releasing gases generated within the can while substantially preventing the release of liquid from the can. The present invention also includes a method for venting gases from a can having a lid without degrading material stored in the can and substantially preventing the release of liquid from the can. The method includes making a channel in the lid, with the channel traversing the lid.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use in consistently depositing relatively thick and lumpy materials onto receiving surfaces which employs a supply path to a plurality of pump/valve combinations and a feedback pressure line to assure an adequate pressure at the point of deposit. There are positive displacement pumps which operate continuously through the plurality of valves with an additional feedback path to assure constant flow of the material.

Abstract: Refrigerated dough packaging has a pressure release valve associated with a flange to substantially prevent the expanding dough from interfering with the gas venting abilities of the packaging.

Abstract: Refrigeratable yeast-leavened dough compositions and methods of making such doughs. The dough composition and the strain of yeast are chosen to limit the total leavening action of the yeast by controlling the amount of substrate in the dough fermentable by the yeast. The dough compositions are capable of being leavened at elevated temperatures, yet stored in a sealed container at refrigeration temperatures for extended periods of time. A maltose negative yeast is used and sucrose or the like is added to the dough to serve as a fermentable substrate for the dough; this dough is suitable for storage times of up to 30 days or so or the yeast used in the dough is substantially incapable of fermenting carbohydrates native to the dough and a predetermined quantity of a non-native carbohydrate fermentable by the yeast (e.g. galactose) is added to the dough to provide the desired amount of proofing.

Abstract: A ridged dough product is made by a method for making a ridged dough. The method includes preparing a dough and processing the dough with a means for providing ridges and valleys on the outer surface of the dough, such as a die. The ridged dough product exhibits a moisture gradient across the thickness of the dough.

Abstract: A dough cutting and packing apparatus capable of processing and packaging dough products of differing dimensions includes a plurality of cutting plates supported adjacent one another to form an endless cutting unit. A container positioning mechanism positions a plurality of containers relative to the openings to receive the dough pieces after they are removed by the reciprocating packing mechanism. A servo motor drive actuation of both the cutter bar indexing drive system and the container advancement system allows for accurate positioning by reprogramming the servo drive for a particular product dimension rather than mechanically changing over to alternate equipment. A self-contained container advancement module can be removed and replaced with another container module suitable for delivering containers of different dimensions.

Abstract: A susceptor according to the present invention includes a substrate having physical properties so that melting and size deformation of the substrate occur in response to microwave absorption by the susceptor. A metalized layer is coupled to the substrate, and supporting means is provided for supporting the substrate and the metalized layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a gas flushing device that includes a piston portion having a hole to introduce the flushing gas. The present invention also includes a method for removing air from a container that stores food. The method includes providing the gas flushing device and aligning the device with the container. The method also includes moving the piston of the device into the container until the piston encounters a predetermined pressure. Next, the piston is retracted from the container while simultaneously releasing a flushing gas through the hole. Next, the piston is removed from the container and the container is sealed in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A high amylose flour-based dry batter mix and wet batter slurry are disclosed. The wet batter slurry mixture is capable of providing an adherent and evenly distributed coating over the surface of a dough-enrobed foodstuff, and which, after pre-frying in oil or fat and being cooked by microwave radiation, will provide an outer crust having an appealing toast color and a desired level of crispness. Also disclosed is a microwaveable pre-fried batter-coated, dough-enrobed foodstuff, the cooked product being characterized as having a cooked food filling covered by a moist, cooked dough layer and a crisp, browned outer crust layer.

Abstract: A food product depositor for depositing a food product on a receptacle carried on a continuously moving conveyor. A first depositing mechanism includes an extrusion head which moves in tandem with the receptacle while extruding food product. A microprocessor is coupled to tandem scales to control operation of the depositor and to determine whether the weight of extruded food product is within a preselected target weight range. The microprocessor permits feedback control of the first depositor to adjust its performance based on factors including temperature, pressure and voids within the food product. The microprocessor actuates a second depositing mechanism if necessary to deposit a second amount of food product on the receptacle to reach the preselected target weight range.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of making a refrigeratable dough composition that includes a step of heating the dough to at least a threshold inactivation temperature of yeast in the dough to substantially inactivate the yeast substantially without baking dough. The present invention also includes a yeast strain of the genus-species Saccharomyces cerevisiae characterized by a thermally labile pyruvate kinase enzyme activity that substantially prevents anaerobic growth by the yeast strain at or above about 36.degree. C.

Abstract: A dough product which contains a yeast cell of the genus-species SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE, that is catabolite non-repressed, and utilizes only galactose as a carbohydrate source in the presence of glucose. The yeast is interspersed into a dough matrix and proofed in a container. This method decreases the proof time of bread dough by about one-half the normal time than by using a conventional galactose substrate limited yeast. The yeast cells in the dough stop growing when the temperature is less than about 10.degree. C.

Abstract: An effective oxygen barrier which can substantially extend the shelf life of oxygen sensitive products comprising at least outer and inner plies of a polymeric material and a substantially anaerobic space between the two or more plies.

Abstract: A refrigeratable yeast-leavened dough composition and methods of making such dough. The dough composition and the strain of yeast used are chosen to limit the total leavening action of the yeast by controlling the amount of substrate in the dough fermentable by the yeast. The dough compositions are capable of being leavened at elevated temperatures, yet stored in a sealed container at refrigeration temperatures for extended periods of time. A maltose negative yeast is used and sucrose or the like is added to the dough to serve as a fermentable substrate for the dough; this dough is suitable for storage times of up to 30 days or so. At refrigeration temperatures, the yeast used in the dough is substantially incapable of fermenting carbohydrates native to the dough and a predetermined quantity of a non-native carbohydrate fermentable by the yeast (e. g. galactose) is added to the dough to provide the desired amount of proofing.

Abstract: The present invention provides refrigeratable yeast-leavened dough compositions and methods of making such doughs. The dough composition and the strain of yeast used therein are chosen to limit the total leavening action of the yeast by controlling the amount of substrate in the dough fermentable by the yeast. Dough compositions made in accordance with the invention are capable of being leavened at elevated temperatures, yet stored in a sealed container at refrigeration temperatures for extended periods of time. In one embodiment, a maltose negative yeast is used and sucrose or the like is added to the dough to serve as a fermentable substrate for the dough; this dough is suitable for storage times of up to 30 days or so.

Abstract: The invention is a high fat biscuit mix as well as dough and biscuit products resulting therefrom. The mix comprises flour, a leavening agent, and emulsifier along with a protein supplement and shortening. The shortening has a high initial solids content at low temperatures (50.degree. F.) and a melting point of 104.degree. F. or less resulting in a biscuit product having an improved moistness, flakiness and uniform height. The protein supplement and emulsifier generally provide a product having an improved outer crust layer, improved height and shape, and an interior which is tender without being doughy. The mix and resulting dough comprise a high concentration of fat and further a high concentration of fat contributed by shortening chips within the dough.

Abstract: A multiple compartment package for use in the packaging of foodstuff articles includes a first compartment portion, a second compartment portion, and a retaining mechanism for retaining the first compartment portion in close relation to the second compartment portion.

Abstract: A process and product for improving the tenderness of cooked pancakes that are microwaved. The process includes applying water to the cooked pancake so that the moisture of each pancake is increased by about 6%-to-12% to about 45%-to-52% by weight. The pancake product of the present invention has an improved tenderness when compared with other cooked microwavable pancakes, not surface-treated with water.