Patents by Inventor Hershell R. Ball

Hershell R. Ball 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: 10251414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Mathews
  • Publication number: 20170360071
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, JR., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 9781948
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 9750274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Mathews
  • Publication number: 20150079247
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: MICHAEL FOODS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, JR., Jason W. Mathews
  • Publication number: 20150072063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: MICHAEL FOODS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, JR., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 8834952
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Mathews
  • Publication number: 20120263841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product that may be frozen for future heating in a microwave or other oven or griddle, for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid egg yolk portion is preheated and then added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking, the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, then is removed from the mold for packaging and storage. At a future time, the frozen formulated fried egg product may be thawed and reheated for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: MICHAEL FOODS OF DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, JR., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 8211488
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product which may be frozen for future heating within a microwave or other oven for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid yolk portion is preheated and then is added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, packaging, and storage. At a future time the frozen formulated fried egg product may be retrieved for thawing and cooking for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 7951411
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product which may be frozen for future heating within a microwave or other oven for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid yolk portion is preheated and then is added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, packaging, and storage. At a future time the frozen formulated fried egg product may be retrieved for thawing and cooking for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7833562
    Abstract: A liquid egg product including particulates and the methods of producing the same. The particulates are combined with starch and water or egg whites or egg substitute to form a particulate stream, which is thermally treated prior to combining with an appropriate amount of egg white or egg substitute. The resulting egg product is a ready to cook combination of egg white or egg substitute and particulates that has an extended refrigerated shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Hershell R. Ball, Kelli Schlagel, Jonathan A. Merkle, Ted A. Kurpgeweit
  • Publication number: 20100203201
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product which may be frozen for future heating within a microwave or other oven for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid yolk portion is preheated and then is added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, packaging, and storage. At a future time the frozen formulated fried egg product may be retrieved for thawing and cooking for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, JR., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 7709039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product which may be frozen for future heating within a microwave or other oven for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid yolk portion is preheated and then is added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, packaging, and storage. At a future time the frozen formulated fried egg product may be retrieved for thawing and cooking for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Jason W. Mathews
  • Patent number: 6455094
    Abstract: The present invention provides the discovery that efficient heating of shell eggs can be achieved using convection currents of humidity controlled air. The humidity controlled air heating process described herein provides an efficient and attractive means of pre-heating and/or pasteurizing (i.e., pre-heating and holding) intact shell eggs. Also provided are pasteurized shell eggs produced by the inventive methods. As further aspects, the present invention also provides methods of cooling shell eggs as well as surface sanitizing shell eggs using humidity controlled air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignees: Michael Foods, Inc., Belovo S.A.
    Inventors: Hershell R. Ball, Fabien De Meester, James D. Schuman
  • Patent number: 6406727
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pasteurizing egg products utilizing high frequency radio waves to heat the egg products being pasteurized. Suitable products to be treated include liquid egg products, packaged liquid egg products, and shell eggs. The methods may be used with either continuous processing systems or batch processing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignees: North Carolina State University, Michael Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad Hamid-Samimi, Kenneth R. Swartzel, Hershell R. Ball, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5612076
    Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, pasteurizing flowable egg products utilizing high frequency radio waves to heat the egg products being pasteurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignees: North Carolina State University, Michael Foods
    Inventors: Mohammad-H. H. Samimi, Kenneth R. Swartzel, Hershell R. Ball, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5105724
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of pasteurizing a liquid whole egg product in a continuous stream. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an egg yolk product stream and an egg white product stream; (b) heating the egg yolk product stream to a predetermined temperature greater than the highest temperature of the egg white product stream; and then (c) recombining the egg yolk product stream and the egg white product stream to form a whole egg product stream, the whole egg product stream having (e.g., equilibrating to) a second predetermined temperature; wherein the total thermal treatment received by the liquid whole egg product during the process is at least sufficient to pasteurize the product. An apparatus useful for carrying out the method of the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Swartzel, Hershell R. Ball, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5019407
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of pasteurizing a liquid whole egg product in a continuous stream. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an egg yolk product stream and an egg white product stream; (b) heating the egg yolk product stream to a predetermined temperature greater than the highest temperature of the egg white product stream; and then (c) recombining the egg yolk product stream and the egg white product stream to form a whole egg product stream, the whole egg product stream having (e.g., equilibrating to) a second predetermined temperature; wherein the total thermal treatment received by the liquid whole egg product during the process is at least sufficient to pasteurize the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Swartzel, Hershell R. Ball, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE37225
    Abstract: Methods of ultrapasteurizing liquid whole egg products in continuous flow, high temperature, short time pasteurization equipment are provided. The equivalent point method is preferably used to evaluate the total thermal treatment received by the product in this equipment. Also disclosed is a method of making liquid whole egg products having preselected, extended, refrigerated shelf lives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Swartzel, Hershell R. Ball, Jr., Mohammad-Hossein Hamid-Samimi
  • Patent number: RE46654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation and process for preparation of a fried egg product which may be frozen for future heating within a microwave or other oven for consumption by an individual. Various ingredients are added and mixed to each of the liquid egg white and liquid yolk portions. The liquid egg white portion is preheated and then deposited within a mold for slow cooking under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The liquid yolk portion is preheated and then is added to the mold for placement on the egg white portion. Following a short period of cooking the mold containing the formulated fried eggs is transported to a freezer unit for freezing, packaging, and storage. At a future time the frozen formulated fried egg product may be retrieved for thawing and cooking for consumption by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Merkle, Hershell R. Ball, Jason W. Mathews