Patents by Inventor Gerald M. Sapers

Gerald M. Sapers 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).

  • Patent number: 5912034
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for inhibiting enzymatic browning in raw, peeled potatoes comprising dipping the potatoes in a solution of heated organic acids (45-65.degree. C.), followed by treatment in a weakly basic solution to neutralize the potato surface and treatment with reducing agents, followed by storage in modified atmosphere packaging. The process may comprise two stages, in which sodium erythorbate in solution (approximate pH 7.8) is used both as the neutralizing agent and the reducing agent. Alternatively, the process may comprise three stages, in which a solution of the salt of an organic acid (such as sodium citrate) is used to neutralize the potato surface following the heated acid dip, and a third stage containing the reducing agents sodium erythorbate and erythorbic acid are combined at a final pH of greater than 4.3. Chelating agents or sequestrants may be added to the solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignees: EPL Technologies, Inc., The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Stefan T. Martin, Gerald M. Sapers, Robert L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5019405
    Abstract: A method for dyeing a food by displacing water contained in the food with ethyl alcohol, placing the alcohol treated food into a solution of a dye soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water and allowing the dye to equilibrate within the treated food and subsequently displacing the alcohol in the dyed food with water leaving the dye in the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Gerald M. Sapers
  • Patent number: 4975293
    Abstract: A process of inhibiting enzymatic browning in raw fruit and vegetable juices comprising treating the juices with cyclodextrins, individually or in combination. Soluble cyclodextrins treatments may be added directly to the juices. In the alternative, isoluble cyclodextrins may be used as a packing in a column or in a batch treatment process. In effect, treatments of the invention tend to limit the extent or rate of enzymatic browning in the affected juices. Also disclosed are novel browning inhibiting compositions which are effective in controlling enzymatic browning in raw fruit and vegetable juices. The novel compositions are potential alternatives for presently used sulfites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Kevin B. Hicks, Gerald M. Sapers, Paul A. Seib
  • Patent number: 4814192
    Abstract: A process of inhibiting enzymatic browning in mechanically injured, raw fruit and vegetable products, including juices, comprising treating the products with ascorbic acid-2-phosphate esters and ascorbyl-6-fatty acid esters, individually or in combination. The treatments may be applied in an aqueous carrier and may further comprise other browning inhibitors, polyphenol oxidase inhibitors, emulsifying agents, dispersing agents and complexing agents. Treatments tend to delay or prevent the onset of enzymatic browning or, once browning has begun, to limit the extent of enzymatic browning. Also disclosed are novel browning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Gerald M. Sapers, Kevin B. Hicks, Paul A. Seib