Patents by Inventor Erich Josef Windhab

Erich Josef Windhab has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230058975
    Abstract: The invention relates to an emulsion-based fat powder comprising a dispersible aqueous phase (DP) of water and a food colorant and a continuous fat phase (CP) of a fat having a melting point of from 40 to 80° C. The food colorant is in particular a pH dependent food colorant such as an anthocyanin-based colorant. The invention also relates to the use of the emulsion-based fat powder in meat analogues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Pascal Jonas Guillet, Erich Josef Windhab
  • Publication number: 20220389659
    Abstract: A microfibrillated cellulose-loaded foam is indicated, comprising microfibrillated cellulose, at least one thickening agent and/or at least one adhesive biopolymer. Furthermore, a method for producing such a microfibrillated cellulose-loaded foam and a use of such a foam are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicants: Weidmann Holding AG, ETH Zurich
    Inventors: Erich Josef WINDHAB, Judith WEMMER, Stefan TRUNIGER, Nadine PENEDER
  • Patent number: 11452302
    Abstract: Spherical particles, agglomerates of spherical particles, methods of producing spherical particles, food suspensions and consumable masses which have spherical particles, and food products which contain a food suspension and/or a consumable mass are disclosed. The particles contain a matrix material composed of an amorphously solidified biopolymer, preferably having a dextrose equivalent greater than 20 and having an equilibrium water content preferably less than 10 wt %. The solid particles and/or liquid and/or gas volumes are embedded in the matrix material. The food suspension contains a substantially homogeneous carrier material in which spherical particles are embedded. A consumable mass comprises an agglomerate of particles where some of the particles are spherical particles. Use of embedded cocoa particles reduces the roughness of the cocoa particles and a flow point white eliminating the need for emulsifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Buehler AG
    Inventors: Erich Josef Windhab, Patrick Strähl, William Hanselmann
  • Publication number: 20220295815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an instant coffee powder, wherein the powder has a closed porosity of 15% to 50%, or 20% to 35%, or 25% to 34%, or 30 to 34%, or about 30%; use of gas hydrates for producing an instant coffee powder; and a method of producing an instant coffee powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: ULRICH KESSLER, MARTIN LESER, VINCENT DANIEL MAURICE MEUNIER, STEFAN PALZER, ZUZANA SEDIVA, ERICH JOSEF WINDHAB
  • Publication number: 20220279801
    Abstract: The present invention relates to crunchy edible formulations comprising fibre, protein and a restricted amount of carbohydrate and substantially devoid of fat and sugar. Methods of making said formulations and their use in food products are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: ADAM BURBIDGE, SOCRATES FOSCHINI, MARTIN LESER, MARTIN MICHEL, JUDITH WEMMER, ERICH JOSEF WINDHAB
  • Publication number: 20220225634
    Abstract: Use of a gas hydrate for producing a frozen food foam product, wherein the gas comprises air and/or one or more of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, argon and oxygen, preferably the gas comprises carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: MARTIN LESER, VINCENT DANIEL MAURICE MEUNIER, ZUZANA SEDIVA, ERICH JOSEF WINDHAB
  • Publication number: 20180263254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method and apparatus to prepare aerated (preferably micro-aerated) fat based edible product, in particular confectionery product, and to the use of seeding to promote bubble nucleation in fat based edible mass comprising dissolved gas under pressure and/or cooling to achieve a solid fat content of at least 10% by weight of the total fat mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Stefan Palzer, Erich Josef Windhab, Comelia Koller, Jamey German
  • Publication number: 20170360058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for the generation of stable cocoa butter crystals in a fat based edible product comprising: a) incorporating carbon dioxide under pressure into an at least partially liquid fat-based mass comprising cocoa butter; b) cooling the fat-based mass at a temperature comprised between ?25 and 25° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Erich Josef Windhab, Comelia Koller
  • Patent number: 9433231
    Abstract: The invention describes a low temperature extrusion process and a respective device for an energy-optimized and viscosity-adapted microstructuring of frozen aerated systems like ice cream. Therewith a very finely dispersed microstructure is reached under optimized balance of viscous friction based mechanical energy dissipation and transfer of dissipation heat and additional phase transition (freezing) heat to a refrigerant up to very high frozen water fraction at very low temperatures. With this new process and device aerated masses are continuously frozen and optimally micro-structured under minimized/optimized mechanical energy input. The microstructure of this-like treated masses supports on the one hand preferred rheological properties which lead to improved shaping, portioning and scooping properties, even at very low temperatures, and on the other hand leads to an improved shelf life (heat shock stability) and mouth feel (e.g. creaminess, melting behavior).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Erich Josef Windhab, Johann Wildmoser
  • Publication number: 20160242432
    Abstract: Spherical particles, agglomerates of spherical particles, methods of producing spherical particles, food suspensions and consumable masses which have spherical particles, and food products which contain a food suspension and/or a consumable mass are disclosed. The particles contain a matrix material composed of an amorphously solidified biopolymer, preferably having a dextrose equivalent greater than 20 and having an equilibrium water content preferably less than 10 wt %. The solid particles and/or liquid and/or gas volumes are embedded in the matrix material. The food suspension contains a substantially homogeneous carrier material in which spherical particles are embedded. A consumable mass comprises an agglomerate of particles where some of the particles are spherical particles. Use of embedded cocoa particles reduces the roughness of the cocoa particles and a flow point white eliminating the need for emulsifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Erich Josef WINDHAB, Patrick STRÄHL, William HANSELMANN
  • Patent number: 8394441
    Abstract: The invention describes a low temperature extrusion process and a respective device for an energy-optimized and viscosity-adapted microstructuring of frozen aerated systems like ice cream. Therewith a very finely dispersed microstructure is reached under optimized balance of viscous friction based mechanical energy dissipation (1) and transfer of dissipation heat and additional phase transition (freezing) heat (2) to a refrigerant up to very high frozen water fraction at very low temperatures. With this new process and device aerated masses are continuously frozen and optimally micro-structured under minimized/optimized mechanical energy input. The microstructure of this-like treated masses supports on the one hand preferred rheological properties which lead to improved shaping, portioning and scooping properties, even at very low temperatures, and on the other hand leads to an improved shelf life (heat shock stability) and mouth feel (e.g. creaminess, melting behavior).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Erich Josef Windhab, Johann Wildmoser
  • Patent number: 8231263
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for making a foam having a controlled size distribution of gas bubbles in a liquid matrix. The invention utilizes a porous material having a controlled pore size and pore distance to produce a substantially uniform size distribution of gas bubbles; a gas pumping device for directing a flow of gas to and through the porous material to form the gas bubbles; a fluid pumping device for directing a flow of liquid matrix past the porous material and a rotating element moving in the vicinity of the membrane surface causing an additional flow to detach, collect accumulate and entrain the gas bubbles in the liquid matrix to form a foam having gas bubbles of generally uniform size and a substantially uniform gas bubble size distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Erich Josef Windhab, Nadina Patrizia Müller-Fischer, Karl Uwe Tapfer
  • Publication number: 20110212209
    Abstract: The invention describes a low temperature extrusion process and a respective device for an energy-optimized and viscosity-adapted microstructuring of frozen aerated systems like ice cream. Therewith a very finely dispersed microstructure is reached under optimized balance of viscous friction based mechanical energy dissipation and transfer of dissipation heat and additional phase transition (freezing) heat to a refrigerant up to very high frozen water fraction at very low temperatures. With this new process and device aerated masses are continuously frozen and optimally micro-structured under minimized/optimized mechanical energy input. The microstructure of this-like treated masses supports on the one hand preferred rheological properties which lead to improved shaping, portioning and scooping properties, even at very low temperatures, and on the other hand leads to an improved shelf life (heat shock stability) and mouth feel (e.g. creaminess, melting behavior).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Erich Josef Windhab, Johann Wildmoser
  • Publication number: 20110027423
    Abstract: A process for preparing ice containing particles by preparing a liquid formulation that includes water, a glass transition temperature (Tg) elevating agent, a sweetener and a surfactant so that the formulation has a Tg of ?5° C. to ?15° C.; and spraying the liquid formulation into a cryogenicatmosphere that is at least 10° C. below the Tg of the formulation to form a frozen mass to form ice containing particles. These particles can be used for a variety of purposes but preferably are used for forming frozen ice drinks in a simple, rapid and convenient manner. This is particularly useful when a single serving of such drinks is desired as no special equipment to make the drink is required. The invention also relates to packaging for the ice containing particles and methods of making frozen ice drinks from the ice particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Kendra Nicole Ellis, Madansinh Vaghela, Dinakar Panyam, Erich Josef Windhab, Natalie Béatrice Janine Dürr-Auster, Peter Walter Bigler
  • Publication number: 20100055266
    Abstract: A stable foam of a liquid matrix, gas bubbles and a structuring agent that forms a lamellar or vesicular cage structure without generating a gel imparting a rubbery texture to the foam. The lamellar cage structure entraps at least a substantial portion of the gas bubbles and liquid matrix therein to retain and stabilize the gas bubbles and liquid in a sufficiently compact structure that substantially prevents drainage of the liquid matrix as well as coalescence and creaming of the gas bubbles to maintain stability of the foam even when the foam is subjected to multiple heat shocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Erich Josef Windhab, Natalie Béatrice Janine Dürr-Auster, Nadina Patrizia Müller-Fischer, Karl Uwe Tapfer
  • Patent number: 7651721
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing milk chocolate products containing a higher than normal water content by preparing a dark chocolate containing up to 30% by weight of water, adding a milk powder suspension optionally together with seed crystals of cocoa butter or cocoa butter equivalent, and mixing under low shear. The invention also relates to high water content milk chocolate products, methods of preparing a chocolate coated ice cream article with such products and to the resulting chocolate coated ice cream articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Stephen Thomas Beckett, Daniel Hugelshofer, Junkuan Wang, Erich Josef Windhab
  • Publication number: 20090323459
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for making a foam having a controlled size distribution of gas bubbles in a liquid matrix. The invention utilizes a porous material having a controlled pore size and pore distance to produce a substantially uniform size distribution of gas bubbles; a gas pumping device for directing a flow of gas to and through the porous material to form the gas bubbles; a fluid pumping device for directing a flow of liquid matrix past the porous material and a rotating element moving in the vicinity of the membrane surface causing an additional flow to detach, collect accumulate and entrain the gas bubbles in the liquid matrix to form a foam having gas bubbles of generally uniform size and a substantially uniform gas bubble size distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Erich Josef Windhab, Nadina Patrizia Müller-Fischer, Karl Uwe Tapfer
  • Publication number: 20090311406
    Abstract: A foamed delivery system having at least two components: a foam and an additive that is associated with, carried by or delivered by the foam. The foam is a stable foam that has a liquid matrix, gas bubbles and a structuring agent that forms a lamellar or vesicular cage structure without generating a gel imparting a rubbery texture. The lamellar cage structure entraps at least a substantial portion of the gas bubbles and liquid matrix therein to retain the gas bubbles and liquid in a sufficiently compact structure that substantially prevents drainage of the liquid matrix and coalescence and creaming of the gas bubbles to maintain stability of the foam even when the foam is subjected to heat shock. Combined with the stable foam structure the distribution and release of the additive during application is significantly improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Karl Uwe Tapfer, Erich Josef Windhab
  • Publication number: 20090263555
    Abstract: A low calorie, low fat food product of a foodstuff and a stable foam. The foam has a liquid matrix, gas bubbles and a structuring agent that forms a lamellar or vesicle cage structure without generating a gel imparting a rubbery texture. The lamellar/vesicular cage structure entraps a substantial portion of the bubbles and liquid matrix therein in a sufficiently compact structure that substantially prevents drainage of the liquid matrix and coalescence and creaming of the bubbles to maintain stability of the foam even when the foam is subjected to heat shock. The food product contains less than 0.5 grams of fat, and provides a caloric density of less than 200 kcal per each 100 ml serving of gas bubble-free liquid matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Karl Uwe Tapfer, Erich Josef Windhab
  • Publication number: 20080254180
    Abstract: The invention describes a low temperature extrusion process and a respective device for an energy-optimized and viscosity-adapted microstructuring of frozen aerated systems like ice cream. Therewith a very finely dispersed microstructure is reached under optimized balance of viscous friction based mechanical energy dissipation (1) and transfer of dissipation heat and additional phase transition (freezing) heat (2) to a refrigerant up to very high frozen water fraction at very low temperatures. With this new process and device aerated masses are continuously frozen and optimally micro-structured under minimized/optimized mechanical energy input. The microstructure of this-like treated masses supports on the one hand preferred rheological properties which lead to improved shaping, portioning and scooping properties, even at very low temperatures, and on the other hand leads to an improved shelf life (heat shock stability) and mouth feel (e.g. creaminess, melting behavior).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Erich Josef Windhab, Johann Wildmoser