Abstract: A floss bowl is formed from a plurality of tapered, nestable segments which can be coupled together in a bowl configuration for use on a cotton candy machine. The segments can be disassembled for cleaning, or can be nested for storage or shipment. Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method of pet food are provided. The manufacturing apparatus comprises a material inlet through which a kneaded material is fed, the kneaded material being obtained through kneading a raw pet food material; an extrusion molding section configured to extrude the kneaded material through an extruding outlet; a cutter configured to cut the kneaded material extruded through the extruding outlet at desired intervals to form material grains; a reservoir disposed in a location to receive the material grains falling due to the cutting; an agitating section provided in the reservoir and configured to agitate the material grains; a heating section configured to heat the material grains while the material grains are agitated by the agitating section; and a drying section configured to dry the material grains within the reservoir after the heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for delivering a coating substance and to an improved apparatus for delivering a powder coating to glutinous products such as confectionery/bakery, gum and dough-like products in a manufacturing and/or packaging procedure. Chewing gum is typically produced by combining chewing gum components, extruding and subsequently rolling a gum composition into a uniform flat sheet of a desired thickness and width. During processing, the extruded material must pass through a series of rollers to produce the ultimate product. In a conventional process, a rolling compound or powdered non-stick agent may be applied to the sheet during processing to avoid fouling of the rollers by a tacky material. Present systems for the application of dusting are inefficient and lead to the loss of much powder. The present invention seeks to provide an improved system.

Abstract: A method of measuring viscous and elastic properties of a gluten-containing substance includes: bringing the gluten-containing substance into a powder, adding a predetermined amount of aqueous liquid to a predetermined amount of the powder, kneading the powder and liquid to a dough to develop the viscoelastic character of the gluten in the dough- and extracting viscoelastic gluten from the dough by rinsing with the liquid. The method further includes: shaping the gluten, placing the shaped gluten between two parallel planar surfaces, compressing the gluten by moving the planar surfaces towards each other at a controlled rate, until a maximum compression force or a minimum spacing is reached, releasing the force on the planar surfaces so that these can move away from each other due to elastic recovery of the compressed gluten, measuring the distance between the planar surfaces during the compression and elastic recovery of the gluten, and storing the measured values.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods and systems that distribute an additive in solid carbon dioxide in an interior of food processing equipment. The additive may be injected into a flow of liquid carbon dioxide upstream of an expander at or adjacent to the interior. Injection of the additive into the interior may be alternated with directing a flow of expanded carbon dioxide into the interior. In some embodiments, the freezing point of the additive with or without a diluent composition and/or additive(s) is lower than a temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A package for ready-prepared foods which comprises a dish adapted to contain food, said dish containing a rim flange, and a lid, heat-sealed to the rim flange, wherein the rim flange is provided with a plurality of ridges which extend around substantially the entire periphery of the dish defining a space between said ridges, said space being divided into a plurality of transverse ridges which extend across the space forming a plurality of sealing compartments which substantially eliminate sealing leakage.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for printing a chocolate confection, the system comprising a platen, a print head, and a cartridge configured to be removably secured to the print head, wherein the cartridge contains a supply of the chocolate material.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for processing harvested produce such as fruits and vegetables, where the sterilization, stabilization and packaging is done in such a manner that it allows for longer retention of freshness, texture, flavor and overall quality than is possible with conventional retort processes and packaging. One specific embodiment discusses sterilizing and packaging harvested produce into a bulk storage container, comprising the steps of cleaning, dicing and blanching said produce, thereby creating pre-processed produce; adding water, at least one acid or salt, and at least one carbohydrate, to said pre-processed produce to form a mixture of pre-processed produce and a liquid packing medium; processing said mixture in an ohmic processing vessel to form a sterilized mixture suitable for aseptic packaging in said container, without first packaging said mixture.

Abstract: A formed food product is made by first performing a first pressing of the frozen primary product between a stamp and a cavity of a mold with a predetermined force to produce a preformed initial food product. Then, without removing the initial food product from the mold and immediately after the first pressing is completed, reducing during a relaxation phase a pressure force applied by the stamp to the intermediate food product for a predetermined time to produce an intermediate product. Finally without removing the intermediate product from the mold and immediately after the predetermined time has elapsed, performing a second pressing of the intermediate food product between the stamp and the mold cavity at a higher force than that used in the first pressing until a final food product with a contour corresponding to that of the mold cavity is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for heating and/or frothing a beverage (19), including: a first duct (21) connectable to an upstream steam source and having a first valve (31) configured to be opened and closed and to enable or prevent steam flow into the duct; a second duct (22) connectable to the upstream steam source and having a second valve (32) configured to be opened and closed and to enable or prevent steam flow into the duct; mixing means (14), which are connected to a common point of the first and second ducts (21, 22), are located downstream of the first duct (21) and the first valve (31) and downstream of the second duct (22) and the second valve (32) and are arranged to introduce and mix at least steam into the beverage. The device further comprises a Venturi assembly (22a) configured to operate by Venturi effect in order to mix air with steam in one the two ducts when the other of the two ducts is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of steam treatment of fodder, for example animal fodder which is typically in baled form. The purpose of steam treating is to kill mesophilic and thermophilic mould spores that are either attached to the fodder or detach when disturbed and become airborne. These airborne particles are associated with respiratory problems, infections and allergies to livestock as well as humans. The apparatus for steam treating fodder comprises at least one steam distribution manifold, which has a plurality of lances adapted to penetrate a bale of fodder so that steam is supplied to the interior volume of the fodder.

Abstract: A method and system for producing fried food pieces with reduced oil content is disclosed. The food pieces are immersion fried in hot oil at a first temperature to an intermediate moisture content, and finish fried at a second, higher oil temperature to a final moisture content.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for treating food products, such as any species of meat (beef, pork or lamb) and ground beef, being transported in a fluid, such as carbonic acid liquid carbon dioxide, at a pressure sufficient to maintain the carbon dioxide as a liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for infrared peeling of fruits and vegetables is disclosed herein.

Abstract: An adjustable food press for making a wide variety of hot and cold sandwiches and other foods that are compressed during preparation. The food press has a dome and a handle assembly, attached to a pressing plate inside the dome, that adjusts the position of the pressing plate to the desired sandwich thickness. Once positioned, the handle assembly is locked in position, holding the pressing plate in place until the sandwich is ready. When the pressing plate is released, the dome is left in place to keep the food warm, or removed and used on the same or a different sandwich style. The food press functions with a variety of flat-surfaced cooking equipment used to prepare hot and cold food. The dome prevents spatter of grease and food particles on surrounding surfaces. The pressing plate is removable for cleaning or for interchanging with a different style of pressing plate.

Abstract: Packaged food articles comprise at least one shaped food product disposed within sealed moisture resistant packaging. The shaped food products include an axially aligned center piece or rod as a core portion and at least one string wrapped around the periphery of the core piece. The shaped food piece is fabricated from a pliable or plastic food composition such as a sweetened intermediate moisture fruit or confection such as licorice. The center piece can be provided with a multiplicity of fins extending longitudinally about the exterior periphery of the core piece. The coiled string is peelably removable from the core piece. The combination of core piece and coiled string provide a child oriented wholesome food of enhanced play value. Methods for preparing the shaped food product are described.

Abstract: A device for producing shaped meat portions, the device including a sorting device for sorting meat into a first set of pieces having a weight which is below a desired weight, a second set of pieces having a weight which corresponds to a desired weight, and a third set of pieces having a weight which is above a desired weight. The device further includes a cutting device which cuts each of the third set of pieces to a desired weight so that the cut pieces having a desired weight define a set of selected meat pieces. A transport device transports the set of selected meat pieces and a freezing facility through which the transport device conveys the set of selected meat pieces and which freezes the set of selected meat pieces.

Abstract: A method for making a jelly confectionery comprising preparing a liquid jelly confectionery composition comprising bulk sweetener and a hydrocolloid gelling agent, cooking the liquid jelly confectionery composition, and depositing the liquid jelly confectionery composition into a mold, wherein the viscosity of the liquid jelly confectionery composition is temporarily modified for a period of time commencing prior to deposition of the liquid jelly confectionery into a mold.

Abstract: A continuous oven comprising cascading conveyors. In one embodiment the oven comprises an oven floor, a ceiling, a left panel, and a right panel. The oven floor and ceiling are attached by the left and right sides defining an oven cavity. Located inside the oven cavity is at least one cascading conveyor. Also within the oven cavity is a partition which separates the oven into an upstream end and a downstream end.

Abstract: Disclosed are packaging systems and methods useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.