Abstract: A cutter apparatus for cutting a block of food product into smaller blocks. The cutter apparatus includes a support assembly and a plurality of cutting assemblies. The cutting assemblies are pivotally coupled to the support assembly. At least one of the cutting assemblies includes a handle and a cutting member being assembled to the handle. Each of the other cutting assemblies includes a handle and a plurality of cutting members being assembled to the handle.

Abstract: A pet food and method for manufacturing pet food is provided. The method includes extruding a base meal formulation, grinding the extruded meal, and pressure forming the ground meal into solid form.

Abstract: An automatic cheese shredding and blending device, particularly for applying shredded cheese to pizza. The device can simultaneously shred blocks of multiple types of cheeses, and evenly apply a substantially homogenous blend of a chosen ratio of cheeses to a pizza or other food item. The device requires minimal operator interface. A motor creates relative rotational motion between the cheese blocks and one or more of grating elements to shred the cheese. A controller with a user-friendly operator interface is programmable to operate the device according to a desired use. The device includes an integrated refrigeration unit to keep the cheese fresh. Components are easily removable for cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A package for a hot food item may include an enclosure adapted to receive the hot food item, and a barrier disposed within the enclosure. The barrier may include a moisture impermeable portion covering at least a first portion of the hot food item such that moisture from the first portion is at least partially retained therein. The package is adapted to retain moisture in the first portion of the hot food item, while reducing moisture accumulation in a second portion of the hot food item.

Abstract: A method of preparing pizza includes providing an at least partially baked crust with at least one topping. The crust and at least one topping are wrapped or covered with an impermeable cover and heated to a holding temperature above ambient temperature. The cover is then removed and additional heated and un-heated toppings may be added. The pizza is then baked in an oven to further heat and brown the crust, cheese and toppings of the pizza. With the method, the final bake time can be reduced to preferably less than 60 seconds.

Abstract: A pet food and method for manufacturing pet food is provided. The method includes extruding a base meal formulation, grinding the extruded meal, and pressure forming the ground meal into solid form.

Abstract: Methods for customizing pet food for an individual pet are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of obtaining user input through an electronic user interface, processing the input with stored data on a main computer which is coupled to the user interface, and generating control signals to control the operation of food manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the user input. The user input is used to form an individual pet profile, which is used to generate a customized pet food formula. The customized pet food formula is then used in the control of the manufacture and packaging of the customized pet food.

Abstract: Methods for customizing pet food for an individual pet are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of obtaining user input through an electronic user interface, processing the input with stored data on a main computer which is coupled to the user interface, and generating control signals to control the operation of food manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the user input. The user input is used to form an individual pet profile, which is used to generate a customized pet food formula. The customized pet food formula is then used in the control of the manufacture and packaging of the customized pet food.

Abstract: Methods for customizing pet food for an individual pet are described. The method includes the steps of obtaining user input through an electronic user interface, processing the input with stored data on a main computer which is coupled to the user interface, and generating control signals to control the operation of food manufacturing and packaging apparatus according to the user input. The user input is used to form an individual pet profile, which is used to generate a customized pet food formula. The customized pet food formula is then used in the control of the manufacture and packaging of the customized pet food.

Abstract: A process for making a dry, stable intermediate pet food including meat includes the steps of combining a plurality of ingredients specified by a basal pet food formula, wherein the plurality of ingredients includes a slurry of meat, mixing the plurality of ingredients to form a basal mixture, extruding the basal mixture, cutting the extruded basal mixture into flakes, and drying the flakes to a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight. In one embodiment, to make a finished pet food composition, the flakes are shipped for final processing to a processing facility having finishing equipment including grinding, extruding and coating equipment.

Abstract: A dry mortar mix based on an inorganic bonding agent and optionally additives, plastics, fibres, and other conventional concrete additives is proposed especially to protect concrete structures and/or to eliminate surface damage to such structures. In addition to the inorganic bonding agent, the dry mortar mix contains a granular additive to increase alkalinity, this having a reaction speed that is a considerably lower than that of the granular bonding agent. This "reserve alkalinity" serves to counteract the diffusion of CO.sub.2 and SO.sub.2 from the air into the concrete, and the damage to the concrete that is attendant on such diffusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the utilization of waste substances containing combustible components and showing fluctuations in their composition and properties and to a device for carrying out the process.The improvement comprises effecting the volatilization, decomposition and incomplete combustion of the waste substances in a first process step which is immediately followed by a second process step in which formed pyrolysis gases are burned in a heating device for burning starting materials for building materials or inorganic binders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a mixture of materials of differing compositions, particularly a mixture comprised of two burned, sintered, calcined, and/or heated inorganic components, the first of said components being subjected to a heating process, particularly a burning process, and the second and other components being heated to a temperature below the temperature to which the first component has been heated.

Abstract: A cement and process of producing the cement is disclosed wherein the cement comprises at least two clinkers, one being a Portland cement clinker of conventional composition and at least one other clinker of low-calcium content or marl clinker. This marl clinker is heated between 450.degree. C and 1250.degree. C and contains hydratizable mineral phases of low-calcium content and 0-30% by weight related to the marl clinker of glass phases.