Patents Examined by Steven Weinstein
  • Patent number: 4919955
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging perishable products is disclosed, said method and apparatus enabling the alteration of the gaseous environment surrounding a given product. The packaging system can be readily prepared for immediate transport and aging, retail display and consumer freezing. The present system comprises a relatively rigid tray which is sealed with a flexible gas impermeable cover, said tray being provided with a resealable septum valve. The tray is also preferably provided with a plurality of protrusions or mounds so as to facilitate gas flow and contact with a given perishable product. The atmosphere in the packaging system may be modified to inhibit bacterial decay of the product and/or to enhance its appearance. Likewise, the package may be prepared for freezing by drawing a substantial vacuum within the packaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: Jerry L. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4915971
    Abstract: An edible film for retarding water transfer among components of a multicomponent food product. The film includes a base film having a hydrophilic polymer layer and a base film lipid layer. The base film lipid layer has a hydrophobic surface presented away from the hydrophilic polymer layer. An additional lipid layer is laminated to the hydrophobic surface of the base film lipid layer. The invention further includes a method for making the edible film and a food product incorporating it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Owen R. Fennema, Susan L. Kamper, Jeffrey J. Kester
  • Patent number: 4913916
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage infusion device including a percolator within a gas-liquid chamber permeable to air and water containing an infusible, insoluble dry beverage substance such as coffee particles. When the beverage infusion device is repeatedly immersed in and removed from water, water enters into the gas-liquid chamber through the percolator at a point above the coffee particles, drains over and through the coffee particles and out of the gas-liquid chamber. A disposable, miniature percolator for brewing a single cup or limited number of cups of a hot beverage such as coffee is thus provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph Tanner
  • Patent number: 4910032
    Abstract: A container capable of creating within it preselected CO.sub.2, O.sub.2, and moisture concentrations in the presence of respiring fresh fruit, vegetables, or flowers is constructed of a substantially gas-impermeable material having a gas-permeable panel that is substantially impermeable to moisture in one or more of its walls to provide a controlled flow of CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 through its walls and a cellophane panel that is substantially impermeable to the flow of CO.sub.2 and O.sub.2 in one or more of its walls to provide a controlled flow of moisture through its walls. The gas-permeable panel is a uniaxially or biaxially oriented film where the size of the area it covers is a function of its permeance, the amount and respiration rate of the contents, and the desired steady-state oxygen concentration. The size of the cellophane panel is a function of its permeance to water vapor and the desired rate of removal of water vapor from the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventor: Mitchell K. Antoon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4910034
    Abstract: A process for the production of meat products, especially cooked ham, which is cooked in a compact form in a net, wherein the raw or pre-processed meat product is wrapped in a casing of edible collagen and a netting of optional mesh design is applied thereover and, in a subsequent step, the product is subjected to the final cooking process. Procedure for the simultaneous enveloping of compact meat products with an edible collagen film and an elastic netting includes employment of a feed sheet for the meat products, which fits into an inner guide tube, and an outer tube upon which a supply of the elastic netting is provided, and a guide channel situated therebetween for the collagen film(s). The procedure is complemented by elements for maintaining a supply of the collagen film and the unrolling and fold-free guidance of the collagen film, as well as a conventional clipping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Naturin-Werk Becker and Co.
    Inventor: Bruno Winkler
  • Patent number: 4904487
    Abstract: Corn kernels packaged within a bag can be popped within a microwave oven and then flavored with powdered cheese in two ways. In the first embodiment, the cheese powder is imcorporated in the bag with the corn kernels, oil or shortening, and other ingredient to be subjected to microwave. In the second embodiment, the powdered cheese is applied by sprinkling it on the ingredients within the bag after microwave corn popping, closing the bag, shaking it, and repeating the process several times. In both of these embodiments, when the cheese contacts the hot popcorn, it melts and adheres to the surface of the popcorn. To prevent the melted cheese from giving the popped corn a mottled appearance, a coloring material which generally corresponds to the color of the cheese powder is included as an ingredient in the bag of upoppped kernels. During microwave popping, the coloring is distributed in the bag and coats the popped corn. As a result, a cheese-flavored popcorn with a uniform, pleasing appearance is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Nabisco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn D. LaBaw, Gerald D. Hebert, Hanan Reich
  • Patent number: 4904488
    Abstract: Corn kernels packaged within a bag can be popped within a microwave oven and then flavored in two ways. In the first embodiment, the flavoring is incorporated in the bag with the corn kernels, oil or shortening, and other ingredients to be subjected to microwaves. In the second embodiment, the flavoring is applied by sprinkling it on the ingredients within the bag after microwave corn popping, closing the bag, shaking it, and repeating the process several times. In both of these embodiments, when the flavoring contacts the hot popcorn, it melts and adheres to the surface of the popcorn. To prevent the flavoring from giving the popped corn a mottled appearance, a coloring material which generally corresponds to the color of the flavoring is included as an ingredient in the bag of unpopped kernels. During microwave popping, the coloring is distributed in the bag and coats the popped corn. As a result, a flavored popcorn with a uniform, pleasing appearance is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Nabisco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn D. LaBaw, Gerald D. Hebert, Hanan Reich
  • Patent number: 4902519
    Abstract: A lollipop-type confection is described which is molded and packaged in an elastic mold together with the method of making such a confection. After the molten candy product is poured through the opening of an elastic mold, the opening is sealed with a layer of chewing gum product. A handle in the form of a stick is also provided which stick passes through the layer of chewing gum product and into the candy product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, David M. Moore
  • Patent number: 4897276
    Abstract: A process or method for packaging an edible food product, particularly one having at least one bag puncturing surface such as a sharp protrusion, for cushioning the bag puncturing surface during packaging and shipping. The process includes the steps of selectively applying a foamed composition to the bag puncturing surface of the product to be packaged and encasing the product in an outer package or bag. The foamed material can be applied in liquid or semiliquid form at a point-of contact temperature less than about 130.degree. F. and solidifies substantially on contact. The foamed material contains a chemical substrate which includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 1,800 and 25,000 molecular weight units, a resin and a stabilizer. A suitable gas is encapsulated within the chemical substrate. The process has particular utility in the meat-packing industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Plan B, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph J. Locke, David C. Netherton
  • Patent number: 4897273
    Abstract: A package of a food or a similar product which has to be preserved in fresh state. The package contains a sack charged with a freshness keeping agent for keeping the product fresh together with the product. The package comprises a carrier seat provided in the package and carrying the sack of freshness keeping agent fixed thereto, the seat having one end integrally heat-welded in one of the heat-sealed portions of the package and the other end integrally heat-welded in the other of the heat-sealed portions of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Kotaki, Syuji Wakamatsu, Tadahiko Egawa, Yoshikazu Morita, Kou Iwata
  • Patent number: 4894248
    Abstract: In a package for holding and partially displaying a plurality of bacon slices arranged lengthwise in partially overlapped relation on a relatively thin, flat, opaque, backing member having a window opening for viewing the bacon and overwrapped with a transparent film, an improved backing member that includes a wax saturated paperboard coated on both sides with a layer of low density extruded polyethylene film and having a third layer of film laminated to the entire inner surface of the backing member and covering the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Container Corporation of America
    Inventors: John J. Pappas, James G. Keeley, Keith D. Bender
  • Patent number: 4892744
    Abstract: A flexible, generally tubular, three-surface, single-pleated, microwave-penetrable package for use in cooking popcorn. Two transverse seals and one lengthwise-extending seam seal the package. Venting means releases accumulated steam produced by the popping corn and the package maintains its expanded structure even after venting has commenced. A convenient means of opening the package is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Borden, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon A. Ylvisaker
  • Patent number: 4891232
    Abstract: A beverage infusion device is set forth wherein a packaged stirring-type stick includes an attached porous bag at one terminal end of the stick with infusion solid particulates contained within the bag. Positioned adjacent the bag about the body of the stick are a further series of infusion solid particulates selectively utilized by an individual with a removable wrapper about each particulate type whereupon removal of a wrapper enables selective flavor enhancing of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: Derek W. Dahl
  • Patent number: 4888188
    Abstract: An inexpensive disposable sanitary sealed food package extrudes paste-like food products to a feeder implement, such as a spoon, fork, or projecting knife therefrom. The package is in the form of a squeeze tube with a nozzle discharging to the feeder implement on the tube. A shrink wrap plastic seal covers the dispensing end of the tube and implement and may directly seal the nozzle or carry a plug seated in the nozzle. The squeeze tube has longitudinal stiffening ribs so that the tube will act as a handle for the feeder implement projecting therefrom. A chemical heat pack activated by bending the tube may be suspended in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventors: John F. Castner, Sr., John F. Castner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4886674
    Abstract: A sealed beverage sachet containing a web material 8 supporting a beverage-providing product 14 and having a nozzle 16 to locate an aqueous medium injector into the sachet. The base seam of the sachet may be a heat- or pressure-sensitive seal 6. The web material 8 has a upwardly-directed seam 12 which everts when the sachet is used. The web material may be a filter for ground coffee or leaf tea, or a coarse mesh for dispersible products such as powdered chocolate or soups, or an impermeable web which is provided with means for releasing the sachet contents in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Mars G.B. Limited
    Inventors: Barry Seward, Kevin C. Pope
  • Patent number: 4883674
    Abstract: Disclosed are packaged cut produce such as fruit salad mixtures for refrigerated storage which enjoy increased shelf life without the need for gas absorbents. The package includes a sealed imperforate container disposed within which are a quantity of perishable produce cut fruit pieces in a bed having a bed depth of about 1 to 3 inches. The package includes an equilibrium headspace composition comprising by volume of 2 to 5% oxygen, 10 to 15% carbon dioxide and balance nitrogen which, surprisingly, is optimal for substantially all cut produce blends. The package further includes a gas permeable portion such that about 4 to 12 cc. of oxygen is admittable to the package per 24 hr. per oz. of produce. In its method aspect, the present invention provides a method for refrigerated packaging and storage of cut fruit produce in a package of specified oxygen permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve T. Fan
  • Patent number: 4882188
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a batch process for preparing a heat treated granular solid foodstuff, and more particularly it relates to a process wherein a granular solid food is sufficiently heated deep into the center portion thereof to be sterilized and/or cooked and then cooled without impairing the appearance and flavor thereof. The heating and cooling occur by heated and cooled liquids which fluidize the granular solid food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Nakamura & Partners
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sawada, Richard L. Merson
  • Patent number: 4880651
    Abstract: Method and apparatus to provide a tea bag with a cover. The tea bags (1) slide (2) onto a length of cover material (3) where they are attached at one edge only, using heat sealing, etc. (7). The cover material is creased (5, 9) and cut (13), the rollers (10, 11) serving to forward it and the bags attached thereto. Blade (15) pushes the creaseline of a cover so that bag and cover are forced between rollers (16, 17) to fold the cover about its bag. In an alternative, blade (15) pushes each bag and cover between two spring steel plates whereby the pressing of the plates folds the cover about its bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Hugh P. Christie
  • Patent number: 4879124
    Abstract: In order to reduce splitting in a perforated, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic bags made from seamless tubing, rather than employ needle punched perforations, it has been discovered that slits cut by a knife blade will surprisingly reduce the splitting when a product, such as a meat product, is cooked within the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn
    Inventor: Timothy T. Oberle
  • Patent number: 4879128
    Abstract: A method of packaging pre-cooking bacon wherein uncooked bacon is sliced onto a greaseproof, interleaving paper in a single-layer arrangement. The bacon is then cooked on the interleaving paper to a bacon yield of 25% to 40%. The interleaving paper with cooked bacon is then stacked, optionally cooled, and packaged for distribution. The interleaving paper has a multiplicity of holes, with the hole diameters between 0.07 inches to 0.20 inches and the center line between the holes of 0.3 inches to 1.25 inches. The paper has a minimum weight of 25 pounds and a greaseproofness rating of 600 or better.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Morin, Tommy L. Hoes