Patents by Inventor Jonathan Merkle

Jonathan Merkle 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
  • Publication number: 20120231128
    Abstract: A fruit or vegetable, such as a pome or root vegetable, may be at least partially infiltrated with an additive to help prevent discoloration of the fruit or vegetable. In some examples, the additive helps the fruit or vegetable retain its natural color upon being exposed to air. In some examples, the additive includes gluconic acid. By maintaining the color of the fruit or vegetable, the shelf life and salability of the fruit or vegetable may be increased as compared to an untreated fruit or vegetable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MICHAEL FOODS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Schlomer Meyer, Jonathan A. Merkle
  • Publication number: 20120231129
    Abstract: A firm and crisp fruit or vegetable, such as a pome or root vegetable, is at least partially infiltrated with an additive to help the fruit or vegetable retain its firmness during processing. In some examples, the additive helps the fruit or vegetable retain its firmness during and/or after cooking. In some examples, the additive includes at least one of a gluconate salt, a lactate salt, or a combination of a gluconate salt and a lactate salt. By maintaining the firmness of the fruit or vegetable during and/or after cooking, the fruit or vegetable can be cut, such as by shredding, or otherwise processed. By contrast, if the fruit or vegetable loses its firmness during processing, the fruit or vegetable may become limp or may disintegrate so that it is difficult to suitably cut or otherwise process the fruit or vegetable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MICHAEL FOODS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Schlomer Meyer, Jonathan A. Merkle
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080113078
    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: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: MICHAEL FOODS OF DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Merkle, Hershell Ball, Jason Mathews
  • Publication number: 20080085359
    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: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: MICHAEL FOODS OF DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Merkle, Hershell Ball, Jason Matthews
  • Patent number: 7338681
    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: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Michael Foods of Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Merkle, Hershell Ball, Jason Mathews
  • Publication number: 20070275127
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Hershell Ball, Kelli Schlagel, Jonathan Merkle, Ted Kurpgeweit
  • 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