Patents Examined by Luana Z Long
  • Patent number: 8475856
    Abstract: A multi-beverage container and mixing system to increase the convenience of mixing and transporting a variety of powder-based beverages in a single unit. The multi-beverage container employs a lid equipped with compartments designed to house multiple powder drink mixes and a container housing designed to accommodate water for mixing. At user activation, powder drink mix is released from a compartment and is mixed with the water to create the desired beverage for instant consumption by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Sheehan
  • Patent number: 8475860
    Abstract: A method for preparing a liquid comestible from a cell by passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, wherein gas contained in the cell is controllably purged from the cell as liquid fills the cell. In one embodiment, the method includes prewetting the substance in the cell by filling liquid in the cell and rotating the cell at a first rotational speed; and then extracting the liquid comestible from the cell in an extraction phase which comprises continuing to fill liquid into the cell and rotating the cell at a second rotational speed that is higher than the first rotational speed. The invention also discloses a cell for use in these methods which cell includes a filter for preventing solids from being carried by gas during the gas purge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Colantonio, Enzo Bonacci, Jean-Paul Denisart, Alfred Yoakim, Antoine Ryser
  • Patent number: 8455030
    Abstract: A method for processing a package of eggs is disclosed which comprises adjusting a position of one or more of the eggs, after the eggs have been placed in the package, so that each of the eggs assumes a particular orientation within the package. In some embodiments, the method may also comprise marking information on a surface of one or more of the eggs after the position of the one or more of the eggs has been adjusted. Additionally, in some embodiments, the position of the one or more eggs may be adjusted using an egg orienter positioned above a conveyor of an egg packing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: TEN Media, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Barry Chait, Allan Irwin Brown, Marco Armand Hegyi, Greg Anderson
  • Patent number: 8455026
    Abstract: A package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows. The eggs are further arranged in the package so that a long axis of each egg in the package is offset no more than a particular number degrees from a long axis of each other egg in the package. Further, a package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows, wherein eggs are arranged in the package such that long axes of all of the eggs in each row of eggs in the package form approximate right angles with respect to a line intercepting bottoms of receptacles holding the eggs in such a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: TEN Media, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Barry Chait, Allan Irwin Brown, Marco Armand Hegyi, Greg Anderson
  • Patent number: 8431175
    Abstract: A capsule, device, system and method for preparing a liquid food or beverage. The capsule comprises an enclosure containing one or more extractable or infusible ingredients and configured and dimensioned to have a perimeter and be radially symmetrical about a central axis to facilitate rotation; and an opening arrangement that allows liquid food to leave the capsule after passing through the ingredient(s), wherein the opening arrangement is configured and positioned near or upon the perimeter of the enclosure to allow the liquid food to leave the capsule radially due to the application of the centrifugal forces. The method and device introduce liquid into the capsule to form the liquid food while applying centrifugal forces to the capsule to urge the liquid to pass through the ingredient(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser, Alexandre Perentes
  • Patent number: 8420140
    Abstract: A package for fruits and vegetables having galvanic functionality is formed by using two or more metals with different galvanic activity properties on the surface of a nonmetallic substrate. The metals may be deposited electrolytically, by vacuum, autocatalytically, or by other methods. The metals are selected to create a galvanic reaction after the package is filled with a low pH food product and its associated liquids, juices, brine, etc. The package may extend the shelf-life of the food product contained therein, for example, by making metal ions available to the food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Del Monte Corporation
    Inventors: Karim Nafisi-Movaghar, Loren Druz
  • Patent number: 8420139
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule and a device for preparing an infusion beverage, such as coffee, tea, or milk beverages. The capsule comprises two parallel extending wall sections, which are connected to each other by a sealing connection. A pressurized liquid or gaseous medium can be conducted through an access to the sealing connection of the capsule with the aid of a supply line in a holder of the device such that the sealing connection is partially undone. As a result, an opening is produced in the capsule. An infusion fluid can be conducted through the opening, wherein the fluid can then become mixed with a powder or granules present in the capsule into an infusion beverage. The infusion beverage can be discharged through a further opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S. A.
    Inventor: Jacques Richiger
  • Patent number: 8409646
    Abstract: A single-use capsule for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained in the capsule by introducing water in the capsule and passing water through the substance using centrifugal forces for producing the food liquid which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relatively to a central axis (A) of the capsule. The capsule includes an enclosure containing a predetermined amount of food substance, and a plurality of outlet openings for enabling the food liquid to leave the enclosure under the centrifugal forces exerted in the capsule, with the outlet openings being arranged at a substantially peripheral portion of wall of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser
  • Patent number: 8409645
    Abstract: A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Feldmeier, Metty Poei, Mary Amanda Lamp, Brian Patrick Lawless, Paul Edward Doll, David J. Smith, Edward L. Dickinson, Patsy Anthony Coppola, Stephen K. Guerrera, Gregorio Ramon Maramba Abesames
  • Patent number: 8383179
    Abstract: A self-heating container (1, 2) to prepare a fresh hot beverage containing a compartment containing a heat-delivering substance (8) to heat the liquid in the device, an airtight compartment (11) containing a measured amount of liquid to be heated, an airtight compartment containing a measured amount of dry matter for preparing a hot beverage, a filter (11) for separating the dry matter from the liquid (optional) and a compartment containing a measured amount of liquid to actuate the heat-delivering substance (8) with the attribute that the heat-delivering substance is actuated (13) simultaneously with the release of the dry matter to the compartment containing the measured amount of liquid to be heated during actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Vincent Stefan David Gielen
  • Patent number: 8361527
    Abstract: A method, system and cartridge for forming a beverage includes a cartridge having a container defining an interior space, a lid, a filter, and a beverage medium contained in the interior space. The filter may be attached to the lid only, and extend into the interior space to separate first and second chambers of the cartridge. The filter may hold the beverage medium and be arranged so that, when the lid is removed from the container, e.g., by peeling the lid from the container, the filter and beverage medium are removed together with the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Keurig, Incorporated
    Inventors: Karl T. Winkler, Shih-Hao Lai, Richard Pasquini
  • Patent number: 8357411
    Abstract: A multi-perforated collagen film is provided on rolls or in the form of sheets for use as a food wrapping. The perforations and made by laser of substantially circular shape with an average ellipticity of less than 0.17 and the holes are spaced with respect to their nearest neighbors by 3 to 14 mm, thus allowing the escape of air or steam trapped between the film and the food wrapped in the film. The film still has sufficient mechanical strength and extensibility to be able to stand the food processing steps in the manufacture of cooked ham or in comparable operations under industrial conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Naturin GmbH and Co.
    Inventors: Franz Maser, Oliver Tuerk
  • Patent number: 8354130
    Abstract: A system for facilitating a user's intake of edible substances. The system may include a first portion, a second portion, and a partition unit disposed between the first portion and the second portion. A first space may be located between the first portion and the partition unit for containing a first edible substance. A second space may be located between the second portion and the partition unit for containing a second edible substance. The system may also include a tube for causing a change at the partition unit to open an opening between the first space and the second space, and for transmitting a portion of an edible mixture to the mouth of the user. The edible mixture may include part of the first edible substance provided from the first space and part of the second edible substance provided from the second space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Ming Tseng
  • Patent number: 8354132
    Abstract: A laminated lidstock includes a substrate film, a support web; a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed between the substrate and support webs, and covering the substrate film and support web; a product die cut disposed in the substrate film; and an array of opening die cuts disposed in the substrate film; wherein at least one of substrate film and the support web comprises an oxygen barrier, and wherein at least one of the substrate film and the support web carries a registration device. A method of making the lidstock, and a package, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Stephens, David M. Finley, Cindy Price, Jason Scroggs, Darrell Lancaster
  • Patent number: 8343561
    Abstract: Provided is a package for cooking in a microwave oven, in which a synthetic resin container body having a flange part is filled with contents and a lid is heat-sealed to the flange part to seal the package hermetically. Independent concave parts sandwiching a heat-sealed part are provided in a part of the flange part on the inner and outer sides of the heat-sealed part to form, on the heat-sealed part, a projection part directed to the inner direction of the container and serving as a steam releasing part by automatically opening. The package is prevented from being broken or deformed by preventing the heat-sealed part from being peeled immediately after the contents are placed in the container body. When heating cooking is performed in a microwave oven, the package improves the taste of the contents by the steaming effect. The lid is sure to automatically open by the increase of the pressure in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisakazu Yasumuro, Shinji Tanaka, Kikuo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 8337919
    Abstract: A treated paper product is provided according to the invention. The treated paper product comprises a result of applying a water based emulsion to a paper base sheet to provide an impregnated paper product, and drying the impregnated paper product to a water content of less than about 8 wt. % to provide the treated paper product. The water based emulsion includes a barrier and/or release forming component comprising at least one of stearylated melamine, polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, isoparaffin wax, microcrystalline wax, fluoropolymer wax, silicone wax, alkyl ketene materials, octyl succinic anhydride, Werner chrome complex, natural wax, and mixtures thereof. The water based emulsion can have a solids content of between about 2 wt. % and about 50 wt. % when it is applied to the paper base sheet. Methods for manufacturing and using the treated paper product, and a combination food and treated paper product are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: John A. Theisen, Bruce C. Unruh, Susan L. Feit, David J. Langton, Michael A. Orlovsky, Mark J. Weber, John J. Blanz, Lisa R. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8323709
    Abstract: An edible spoon for dissociating into consumable predetermined clumps in order to prevent dissociating into random granules that would make consumption more difficult. The edible spoon includes a bowl and a handle. The bowl extends from the handle and contains weakened lines. The weakened lines in the bowl define the consumable predetermined clumps so as to allow the bowl to dissociate into the consumable predetermined clumps in order to prevent dissociating into the random granules that would make the consumption more difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Anatoliy Omelchenko
  • Patent number: 8318226
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a milk-type food and drink including cow's milk packed in a transparent container such as a PET bottle, which does not generate off-flavor due to photoinduction even when the milk-type food and drink is a store-displaying commercial product which is apt to come under the influence of sunlight and fluorescent light. The invention relates to a milk-type food and drink packed in a transparent container which substantially shields light in the wavelength region of 550 to 720 nm, and a process for producing a milk-type food and drink, which comprises packing a milk-type food and drink in a transparent container which substantially shields light in the wavelength region of 550 to 720 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Meiji Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Hara, Tomoyasu Taguchi, Yasushi Kubota
  • Patent number: 8309149
    Abstract: A capping method and its cap for hydrogen-reduced water or hydrogen-reduced food production are characterized by fine carbon particles absorbing hydrogen being attached to the cap. After filling and capping the container, the hydrogen will be dissolved into the food. In addition, the fine carbon particles, flavorings, processed and unprocessed food are attached to the cap, and during the heating and sterilizing process, the extraction or cooking can be finished, omitting conventional extraction and heating steps when cooking. This result can be used in all food production fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Isao Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8268375
    Abstract: A method for spraying a food product is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of disposing a first sprayer along an axis defining, at least in part, a path of movement for a food product. The method also includes the step of disposing a second sprayer along the axis axially and radially spaced from the first sprayer. The method also includes the step of directly communicating with the first and second sprayers disposed along the axis with a cavity operable to receive edible ink such that the first and second sprayers concurrently spray the edible ink to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: John Booth, James M. Whitham