Abstract: A package structure for microwave popping of popcorn comprises a conventional tubular body bag wherein a closed bottom end minor length portion is folded over onto a major length portion defining a combined unpopped popcorn space and popped popcorn chamber, and a separator screen is secured across the body between the minor and major length portions at the line along which the minor portion is folded over onto the major portion. The separator screen has screen holes for shaking out separation of spent unpopped popcorn kernels from popped popcorn within the expanded bag chamber into the pocket under the separator screen. A rim about the screen holes blocks return of the spent unpopped kernels from the pocket to the popped popcorn chamber.

Abstract: A twin-chambered stoppering arrangement for riddling fermented bottled wines, particularly champagnes, collects sediment produced during fermentation of the wine in a remote chamber of the arrangement. The remote chamber is automatically sealed by a plug which is urged by the internal pressurized bottled wine. The remote chamber is removed from the arrangement and disclosed with the collected sediment therein.

Abstract: A device for sipping and consuming pasta products such as spaghetti is made possible by the inclusion of a pawl on the pathway of the pasta from the container to the consumer of the pasta.

Abstract: A zippered cook-in-bag pouch and method wherein the pouch and a profiled extruded plastic zipper structure at the mouth of the pouch body are formed from material which will withstand substantially without deterioration maximum cooking heat to which contents within the pouch may be subjected when cooking the contents. A set hot melt adhesive between the profiles bonds the profiles tenaciously against separation at room temperature. The adhesive is sufficiently softenable at a temperature substantially above room temperature but near the cooking temperature, for releasing the profiles for opening the pouch body. The adhesive is settable to a non-tacky state in respect to the separated profiles when the adhesive temperature drops below the softenable temperature of the adhesive so that the zipper can then be reclosed and opened at will without adhesive interference.

Abstract: The invention is a system including a disposable cartridge for use with a drip type beverage brewing machine. The cartridge comprises a first cup, which has an open first end and a substantially closed second and, the second end being penetrated by at least one port. A filter member shaped substantially congruent with the first cup and coextensive with the first cup, has an open end coincident with the open end of the first cup and a closed end spaced away from the closed end of the first cup. A closure member has an open end and a substantially closed end, is concentric with and secured to and encloses the first cup. The closed end closes the open end of the first cup, and the closed end of the closure member is penetrated by a plurality of holes. A shallow receptacle adjoins the closed end of the closure member and is in fluid communication with the penetrating holes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging perishable products is disclosed, said method and apparatus enabling the alteration of the gaseous environment surrounding a given product. The packaging system can be readily prepared for immediate transport and aging, retail display and consumer freezing. The present system comprises a relatively rigid tray which is sealed with a flexible gas impermeable cover, said tray being provided with a resealable septum valve. The tray is also preferably provided with a plurality of protrusions or mounds so as to facilitate gas flow and contact with a given perishable product. The atmosphere in the packaging system may be modified to inhibit bacterial decay of the product and/or to enhance its appearance. Likewise, the package may be prepared for freezing by drawing a substantial vacuum within the packaging system.

Abstract: A two component pressure resistant pack having a fermentation mix therein is disclosed. The pack comprises an inner bag component and an outer bag component, the inner bag component having a sealed margin about the sides thereof and the margin being folded over.

Abstract: A lollipop-type confection is described which is molded and packaged in an elastic mold together with the method of making such a confection. After the molten candy product is poured through the opening of an elastic mold, the opening is sealed with a layer of chewing gum product. A handle in the form of a stick is also provided which stick passes through the layer of chewing gum product and into the candy product.

Abstract: A device for sipping and consuming pasta products such as spaghetti is made possible by the inclusion of a pawl on the pathway of the pasta from the container to the consumer of the pasta.

Abstract: This invention provides a chewing gum kit which consists of a special powdery chewing gum component (A) containing hydrous crystalline maltose as formed by hydrating the anhydrous crystalline maltose incorporated in the chewing gum texture and a liquid component (B) for contacting with the chewing gum to congeal the powder at the site of contact and thereby provide a mass of chewing gum, so that the powdery chewing gum is easily converted to a mass of chewing gum on bringing both components together and applying a given force.

Abstract: A package for holding frangible particulate material, such as breakfast cereal. The package is designed to separate the crumbs or fines from the larger or unbroken and more palatable particles of cereal and to trap the crumbs so they will not recombine with the more edible portion of the cereal when the container is upended to pour the cereal into a bowl. The package has a partition member insert comprised of an apertured screening section and at least one imperforate ramp section inclined towards the screening section. The screening and ramp sections are supported above the bottom of the container to provide for sifting of the crumbs through the screening section, while the package is in its normal upright position, and to allow the crumbs to gravitate into the trapping space, defined by the imperforate ramp section, the bottom closure and the surrounding walls, when the package is tilted during pouring.

Abstract: A sealed beverage sachet containing a web material 8 supporting a beverage-providing product 14 and having a nozzle 16 to locate an aqueous medium injector into the sachet. The base seam of the sachet may be a heat- or pressure-sensitive seal 6. The web material 8 has a upwardly-directed seam 12 which everts when the sachet is used. The web material may be a filter for ground coffee or leaf tea, or a coarse mesh for dispersible products such as powdered chocolate or soups, or an impermeable web which is provided with means for releasing the sachet contents in use.

Abstract: Disclosed are packaged cut produce such as fruit salad mixtures for refrigerated storage which enjoy increased shelf life without the need for gas absorbents. The package includes a sealed imperforate container disposed within which are a quantity of perishable produce cut fruit pieces in a bed having a bed depth of about 1 to 3 inches. The package includes an equilibrium headspace composition comprising by volume of 2 to 5% oxygen, 10 to 15% carbon dioxide and balance nitrogen which, surprisingly, is optimal for substantially all cut produce blends. The package further includes a gas permeable portion such that about 4 to 12 cc. of oxygen is admittable to the package per 24 hr. per oz. of produce. In its method aspect, the present invention provides a method for refrigerated packaging and storage of cut fruit produce in a package of specified oxygen permeability.

Abstract: A bistable expandable bottle preferably including a concentrated material to be diluted, said bottle being comprised of convex shaped bellows when in its expanded condition, said bottle also including opposed handle means for facilitating the extension of the bottle from its collapsed to its expanded condition. In a preferred embodiment a self-venting closure is also employed to seal the orifice in said bottle to permit extension of the bottle from its collapsed to its expanded condition without loosening or removing of the closure.

Abstract: The disposable beverage brewing chamber is usable in a conventional coffee or other hot beverage brewing and dispensing machine and includes a preferably inverted frusto-conical or rectangular container fabricated of paper, paperboard or the like and having a closed bottom with central liquid beverage dispensing aperture therein; closed vertically collapsible sidewalls and an open top defining a central cavity therewith. The cavity contains a filter bag holding brewable ground coffee or tea leaves or shreds or coffee substitute, herbal tea or the like and is positioned against the bottom aperture. Peelable strips may seal the top and bottom aperture. The top includes a single peripheral slide guide rim in the case where the container has a round or oval top, and a pair of slide guide rims at opposite sides where the top is square or rectangular. The sidewalls are accordion pleated or telescopable.

Abstract: A cake frosting technique and assembly including a disposable frosting bag for home or commercial use to render the frosting or decorating of cakes or other pastries more convenient and expeditious by the complete elimination of the need for expensive and messy heretofore-used large commercial squeeze bags, or manually whipped and spread frosting, or expensive aerosols. The invention contemplates the ready coloring or tinting of the frosting to any desired hue within a wide range with any particular color and further contemplates the imparting of any desired flavoring to the frosting by the separate and conveniently associated provision of the aforesaid disposable bag containing a neutral or white frosting along with a plurality of separate color tint tubes and a plurality of separate flavor taste tubes, whose contents are to be admixed respectively with the base frosting material to achieve a desired blend for the ultimate decorative and taste effects contemplated.

Abstract: A beverage package and a method of packaging a beverage having gas (preferably at least one of carbon dioxide and inert (nitrogen gases) in solution has a non-resealable container 1 within which is located a hollow pod 4 having a restricted aperture 7 in a side wall. The container is charged with the beverage 8 and sealed. Beverage from the main chamber of the container enters the pod 4 (shown at 8a) by way of the aperture 7 to provide headspaces 1a in the container and 4a in the pod 4. Gas within the headspaces 1a and 4a is at greater than atmospheric pressure. Preferably the beverage is drawn into the hollow pod by subjecting the package to a heating and cooling cycle. Upon opening the container 1 by draw ring/region 13, the headspace 1a is vented to atmosphere and the pressure differential resulting from the pressure in the pod headspace 4a causes gas/beverage to be ejected from the pod (by way of the aperture 7) into the beverage 8.

Abstract: Sun tea adapter apparatus includes a relatively long cylinder for holding tea bags and having mesh sides and bottom and adapted to be inserted into a plastic carton, such as one gallon plastic milk cartons, to allow the plastic carton to be used for making sun tea. The adapter includes a top portion above the mesh cylinder, which substantially duplicates the top of the milk carton to enable the milk carton cap to be placed onto the top of the adapter. A second embodiment utilizes a wider mouthed plastic jar which may be specifically designed for the making of sun tea.

Abstract: A conical receptacle for supporting a cone is provided with a shield mounted in a slide for variable extension relative to the receptacle. The slide is mounted on a portion of a cylinder affixed to the receptacle with a protrusion on the slide being provided for manipulation by a user.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically making food products in piece form, such as loaves of bread, from dough-like substances, comprises a housing having holding drums (230,232) adapted to be fixed to either end of a flexible sealable bag (12) containing the ingredients. A dough preparation and baking chamber (212) has upper and lower slit openings (220,222). The bag is moved to and fro through the slit openings to perform kneading of the dough, and then baked in the chamber. The variable baking parameters dependent upon the particular ingredients and product are controlled dependent upon instructions read from the bag by a scanner (270). The instructions comprise a bar code (121) which can have a first identification portion to confirm that the bag is suitable for use in the apparatus and a second command portion to instruct the apparatus as to the baking sequence required.

Abstract: A container for edible materials such as fruits and vegetables is fashioned in two parts from low density polyethylene material. A joint is provided between the two parts which allows the parts to be separated while the contents are inserted or used, and to then be reclosed. The joint may be a simple frictional connection, but the joint may also include and interference type of connection. The two parts define an internal cavity which is sized to accommodate individual pieces of fruit or vegetable such as citrus fruit like lemons and limes, yellow onions, tomatoes, leafy vegetables like lettuce an cabbage, squash, cucumbers, carrots, green onions, and celery.

Abstract: A device particularly suitable for refermentation of sugared wine in a bottle according to the champagne method consists of a cartridge comprising a tubular body formed with grooves and perforations which provide fluid communication between the exterior of the cartridge and its inner bore. In one embodiment a portion of the perforations are covered by a hydrophilic membrane filter and another portion by a hydrophobic membrane filter, both of which are sealingly welded or glued to the exterior of the body. In a preferred embodiment, one of the ends of the tube is open and sealingly covered by the hydrophobic membrane filter while the hydrophilic membrane filter covers the perforations. The cartridge can be filled with yeasts and inserted into the bottle neck to allow fermentation to occur without the need for manipulation and disgorgement of congealed wine through the bottle neck.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of carbonating beverages is disclosed, including a container for the beverage to be carbonated and a source of carbon dioxide to be introduced into the beverage. The container is sealed, and a bleedline is provided for the headspace of the container, to maintain the pressure of the headspace at a sufficiently high value for carbonation to take place, while at the same time allowing the carbon dioxide to flow through the liquid. A source of carbon dioxide is disclosed which includes a reaction vessel and a chemical package containing a mixture of chemicals that can react in water to give carbon dioxide. The chemical package disclosed provides a time delay of at least ten seconds from the time it is immersed in water to the time the chemical reaction begins.

Abstract: A coffee bag is provided and consists of a housing fabricated out of two sheets of water-permeable paper material heat sealed around its perimeter for holding a portion of very fine ground coffee therebetween for making an individual cup of coffee. In a modification the housing is cylindrical and expandable when inserted within hot water and contains a ground coffee agitating device built into the housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed incorporating a design into the skin of a apple or other fruits or vegetables with a photochemically reactive skin or surface by covering the apples while still on the tree with a bag having a reflective outer surface and a non-reflective inner surface. The bag has at least one aperture to allow for the drainage of fluids out of the bag, and further has a light barrier positioned to block light from entering through the aperture into the interior of the bag. The bagged apples are harvested and transferred to a substantially light-exclusive environment where the bag is removed. A label or symbol is applied to the skin of the apple or fruit and the apple or fruit exposed to artificial light to develop the color of the skin of the apple.

Abstract: A method of dewatering food items, such as salad greens. The method comprises the steps of placing the food items in a compartment formed of flexible thinwall sheet material, said compartment having an open top and an opening opposite the open top sized to permit passage of liquid but substantially to prevent passage of food items therethrough. The compartment is twirled by its open top to cause water from the food items to be expelled through the opening by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A food imprinting cassette means comprising a flexible image imprintable foodstuff sheet attached to a support means for said sheet of foodstuff, a transfer sheet having an edible coloring material coated on the side of the transfer sheet facing the food sheet with said transfer sheet attached to a peripheral frame which in turn is releasably attached to the support means. The coloring material being transferable to the food sheet when pressure from a stylus is applied to the transfer sheet.

Abstract: A dehydrating and water-retaining sheet comprising a water-absorbing agent, a wetting agent having a water-absorbing property, and a water-permeable membrane, in which the water-absorbing agent and the wetting agent are at least partially wrapped together in the water-permeable membrane.

Abstract: A container providing for the storage of a pressurized fluid, such as a carbonated beverage, and having a separate compartment therein for the segregated storage of a second material, such as a flavoring for the beverage. The arrangement is responsive to a rapid drop in pressure which occurs in the container upon opening thereof to automatically cause the release of the second material from the compartment and dispensing thereof into the fluid stored in the container.

Abstract: A plastic film bottom tray is held in shape by a rigid bottom rim. A plastic film top is held in shape by a rigid top rim above the tray. Substance to be lyophilized is frozen in the tray. The assembly is lyophilized in a vacuum chamber. Apertures formed between the top and the tray provide fluid pathways for efficient sublimation. After dehydration, the top rim is pushed down into the bottom rim, obliterating the apertures and pressure sealing the two films together in-vacuo.After removal from the vacuum chamber, the two films are heat sealed together, forming a lyophilized product vacuum sealed within a plastic film bag. Rims and film beyond the heat seal are trimmed away.

Abstract: A comestible product includes a molded base piece having a series of narrow, slit-like grooves formed therein and configured in a decorative design. A preferably confectionery decorative material is heated until it becomes flowable with a stiff consistency. A tool (such as a toothpick) with a narrow rigid blade is used to scoop the flowable decorative material and insert it into the grooves on the molded base comestible piece. The decorated base piece is then cooled for a short period of time to cause the confectionery material to solidify and become fused with the base piece to form a unitary one-piece construction. A kit used to carry out the foregoing decorating method includes a mold for forming the base comestible piece, and a tool for applying the flowable decorative material to the molded base piece. A plurality of individually associated receptacles hold different colors of the flowable confectionery material during the decorative steps.

Abstract: A composition, which when mixed with water, is capable of providing a colorant solution for coloring natural casings, comprising an effective amount of at least one antioxidant, an effective amount of a preservative capable of minimizing the deterioration of the casing, and a dye system for coloring the casing.

Abstract: A combination of a thin sheet of marshmallow, or the like, that is enclosed and sealed in plastic-like film. The film may be suitably frosted to allow creative markings thereon to serve as patterns on the marshmallow sheet for making cutouts from the sheet. Such cutouts may be used in decorating a food stuff, creating edible crafts, substituting for heavy sugar substances and creating other confectionary ideas.

Abstract: Apparatus for brewing, in particular, a multiplicity of consumption units a hot drink, such as coffee. The apparatus comprises a combination of a filter pan and a disposable filter cartridge with cellulose web filters. According to the invention, the filter cartridge and the filter pan have parts cooperating to provide a circumferential seal, dimensioned so that when introduced the filter cartridge rests loosely in the filter pan without being clamped therein, and a seal is provided by means of capillary forces that occur during brewing in the gap between the cooperating parts. The filter cartridge may have an axially symmetrical body, and the parts of the filter pan and the filter cartridge co-operating to provide a seal may have a substantially equal axially symmetrical conicity.

Abstract: An extrudable chewing gum packaged in a deformable container having a capped extrusion orifice, said gum being readily extrudable from said container at ambient temperatures, being resistant to syneresis over long storage periods, and exhibiting minimal filamenting tendencies. The process involves admixing with a gum formulation including gum base and sweetener, the base preferably including poly vinyl acetate, a solution of thermo reversible gelling agent the solution being heat activated, and in sufficient quantity to raise the free water content of the gum composition to at least about 11%, and extruding the formulated gum composition into the deformable container while the gum admixture is at a temperature above the thermal reversal temperature of the gel.

Abstract: A container providing for the storage of a pressurized fluid, such as a carbonated beverage, and having a separate compartment therein for the segregated storage of a second material, such as a flavoring for the beverage. The arrangement is responsive to a rapid drop in pressure which occurs in the container upon opening thereof to automatically cause the release of the second material from the compartment and dispensing thereof into the fluid stored in the container.

Abstract: A glueless paper bag is formed from a single sheet of paper or similar flexible sheet material which is first folded longitudinally upon itself and then transversely to provide an open mouth bag having a closed bottom, pleated, relatively expansible sides, a single ply front wall, a multiple ply rear wall and a locking section which is tucked into the open mouth of the bag in overlying relation to the multiple ply rear wall thereof. The bag may be readily unfolded to provide a rectangular doily or napkin-forming sheet.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge comprises a substantially rigid envelope of plastics material which contains a dose of water-soluble granular, powdery or similar particulate matter adapted to produce a beverage by brewing with hot water. The envelope has an inlet endwall with one or more water inlet through holes close to, and radially inside a peripheral region thereof, the inlet end-wall being otherwise imperforate. The envelope has an opposite outlet endwall which has, within the envelope, a substantially axial tubular appendage which extends from the inner face of the outlet wall towards the inlet wall and which defines a beverage outlet conduit with an intake orifice near the inlet wall and an out-flow orifice in the outer face of the outlet wall.

Abstract: A container providing for the storage of a pressurized fluid, such as a carbonated beverage, and having a separate compartment therein for the segregated storage of a second material, such as a flavoring for the beverage. The arrangement is responsive to a rapid drop in pressure which occurs in the container upon opening thereof to automatically cause the release of the second material from the compartment and dispensing thereof into the fluid stored in the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mould for packaging desserts, particularly for ice-cream cake with coating syrup containing fruit or pieces of fruit. The mould is in the form of a cup comprising an opening through which the dessert is introduced into and removed from the mould and is characterized in that it comprises a first compartment near the opening which defines a first space and which is intended to receive a product solid at the storage temperature and a second compartment which defines a space below the first space and which is intended to receive a syrup liquid at the storage temperature, the second compartment comprising a central part situated at the bottom of the cup and communicating with the first compartment through an opening and a peripheral part which consists of circumferentially spaced grooves or depressions arranged in a star around the central part and which forms a flow channel for the syrup and also acts as a stiffener for the mould.

Abstract: A hollow vessel of unglazed terra cotta pottery which, when moistened, keeps the temperature of a salad below room temperature when it is removed from the refrigerator to the dining table for comsumption. Leftover salad, even when impregnated with salad dressing, may be stored in this vessel in the refrigerator for several days, without losing either its crispness or its flavor.

Abstract: A utensil for reconstituting a two-component dehydrated dish includes three approximately cup-shaped container members having each a bottom wall and an annular wall transverse to the bottom wall and bounding an open side of the member opposite the bottom wall. A first container defines a cavity dimensioned to receive the other two members substantially entirely. The bottom walls of the first and of a second member are imperforate, the bottom wall of the third member being formed with a plurality of perforations. Positioning means permit the second and third members to be positioned in the cavity of the first member in respective positions in which the bottom walls of the second and third members are transversely offset from each other and from the bottom wall of the first member, and the second and third members are open in the same direction as the first member.

Abstract: An oxygen absorbent comprising at least one alkaline earth metal sulfite, at least one ferrous compound and free water is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a package of prepared piecrust dough that may be required to remain within its package for relatively long periods of time and within which thereafter the dough may be rolled into piecrust form while still in its packaging receptacle.

Abstract: Precooked food products, especially meat products, which have been unpackaged and further processed, are repackaged in a heat tolerant structure and exposed to temperatures of between about 160.degree. F. and 205.degree. F. for 30 seconds to 10 minutes, time and temperature depending on the particular product. This post pasteurization treatment extends the shelf life of the product.