Abstract: A device for preparing a whipped food, including a container portion that contains a food component and that is configured for receiving a fluid for mixing with the food component to produce a fluid mixture. A film conditioning conduit is associated with the container portion to receive the fluid mixture with gas bubbles entrained therein as a food product. The conduit includes a restriction channel associated with the container portion downstream thereof to receive the food product. The restriction channel has a cross-section sufficiently small and a length sufficiently large to selectively feed bubbles in the food product that are smaller than a preselected maximum bubble size. The conduit also includes a deceleration channel and fluid communication with the restriction channel downstream thereof to receive the food product. The deceleration channel substantially reduces the flow speed of the food product.

Abstract: A container lid includes a recess that rotatably houses a dial. The dial may be manufactured from the material of the package in which the lid is sold, or the package in which an item being stored in the container is sold. The dial includes a handle that is pivotable between a stowed position folded into an upper surface of the dial and an operative position pivoted away from the upper surface of the dial. In a first disclosed example, the dial includes information displayed thereon, while the lid includes a pointer that generally points toward the recess. To point to a particular information on the dial, the dial can be rotated until the pointer generally points to the particular information on the dial. In a second disclosed example, the lid includes information displayed thereon around the recess, while the dial includes a pointer that points radially outward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed cartridge (10), for extraction under pressure, comprising a dish (12) with a bottom (13 ) with a central part and a peripheral part and a side wall having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone and a circular edge with a diameter greater at the bottom and a cover (15) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish and the cover is intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a fabric (16) guaranteeing retention of the solid substance when it is opened,in which the fabric guaranteeing retention of solid substance is a sheet of fabric sealed in the bottom of the dish in two zones, on the one hand in the central part (17) and on the other hand in the peripheral part (18) of the bottom (13).

Abstract: A metal co-ordinated complex in a medium, e.g. a palladium-fluorophore, may be used to detect food spoilage products by the release of a detectable component by preferential binding of the metal to, for example, sulphur compounds or amines. It can be easy to detect food spoilage in sealed packs.

Abstract: Food formulations suitable for preparation by young children, requiring only the addition of water, that produce simulated foods that exhibit substantially appropriate textures and flavors.

Abstract: A support-equipped extracting bag for a drink, for example coffee, comprises an extracting bag member 2 containing therein a drink material to be extracted and having a front face section 2a and back face section 2b each comprising a filtering sheet; and a support member 3 attached to the bag member and covering an upper half portion of the bag member, to hygienically keep a top end of the bag member to be opened during storage and to enable the bag member to be stably and safely held in a cup, wherein the upper middle portion of the support member and the upper portion of the bag member can be opened by removing the upper middle portion of the support member and the upper portion of the bag member along cut lines 8 and 9 or vacant area 10 or 11 and a row of perforations 13 formed through the support and bag members, and by bending the right and left side upper portions of the support member inward along folds or dotted cuts 14 and 15 formed in the right and left side upper portions of the support member.

Abstract: A folds-as-you-eat multi-purpose food-serving apparatus (‘MPFSA’) that is supportable from one end by one hand during eating, and has optional exhibiting means for providing multi-minute close-proximity exposures promoting observer-discernible content and/or user-discernible content, and optionally providing recreational, or display, functionality. The MPFSA is comprised of one or more materials having a pliability which accommodates the bending and unbending of the apparatus a plurality of times in a manner that will not significantly alter the presentation of served food. The MPFSA is also comprised of material(s) having sufficient rigidity to support one or more items of food, having a food-supporting surface which is stiffened by at least one adjacent food-retaining portion which extends upward from an edge thereof, or can be so positioned by a user, to increase the rigidity of, and facilitate the retention of served food on, the apparatus.

Abstract: A plate or other utilitarian object for generating conversations is provided comprising a substantially flat central portion for holding on object and a raised side surface positioned coaxially with the substantially flat central portion. A circular perforation is formed coaxially with the substantially flat central portion and the raised side surface and is positioned at a border between the substantially flat central portion and the raised side surface. A plurality of axial perforations are formed in the raised side surface extending along an entire width thereof from the circular perforation to an outer edge of the raised side surface. Each adjacent pair of the plurality of axial perforations and a corresponding portion of the circular perforation defines a selectively removable tab, the selectively removable tab including text material thereon. The text material preferably comprises an open-ended opinion-evoking statement.

Abstract: The invention provides a container of substantially form-retaining material, for instance aluminum, steel or other metal, or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or other plastic, for a liquid, which must be provided prior to consumption with a foaming head, such as chocolate milk, cappuccino, milkshake, which container comprises: a circumferential wall; a base which is connected along its whole periphery to this wall or is integrally formed therewith; a cover which, after filling of the container with the liquid, is optionally arranged on the side remote from the base and which is connected to this wall along its whole periphery; and; a cartridge present in the container and in the filled and closed situation of the container at least partially filled with a gas under pressure serving as foaming medium in the wall of which cartridge is situated at least one continuous hole for passage of gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package assembly that incorporates a foamable topping under pressure and provides the consumer with a fresh, foamed topping when the package is opened. In one version, the topping material is carried under pressure on top of the liquid contents of the package, and foams when the package is opened. In other versions the topping is carried within the cap or cover of the package, and is selectively dispensed by the consumer after the package has been opened.

Abstract: A food package is provided that includes a compartment in which food items are carried and a holder portion which allows a user to place the food item therein with the food item held in a stationary position. The food holder can serve as a staging area for combining the food item with other food items or can be used as a placement location for a partially eaten food item. In the preferred multicompartment package, an improved back card construction is also disclosed.

Abstract: It comprises an inner wrapper which contains the food product, an outer package of plastic material which encloses said inner wrapper, a layer of a heat-concentrating material, arranged adjacent the inner wrapper, and a substrate attached to an outer face of said outer package. The layer of heat-concentrating material causes the opening of the outer package by melting a portion thereof, during heating of the assembly in a microwave oven, and the substrate prevents the outer package from sticking to the base of the oven. There can also be a sheet of insulating material between the inner wrapper and the outer package. Handling operations are reduced and the protection and optimum degree of humidity are maintained until the time the product is put in the oven.

Abstract: A device and method for adding the perception of flavoring to a product that is consumed from a receptacle. The device is a cover for a receptacle, wherein a person can drink from a receptacle through the structure of the cover. At least a portion of the receptacle cover is scented with a desired fragrance. Furthermore, the scented portion of the receptacle cover enters the mouth when a person is drinking through the receptacle cover. As the scented portion of the receptacle cover is taken within the mouth, the receptacle cover scents the air contained within the mouth. By scenting the air inside the mouth, the nose is saturated by the desired fragrance and a more effective olfactory sense deception is obtained.

Abstract: A device for dispensing into a liquid at least one hydrophilic substance deposited thereon including a body having at least one surface area enhancer and at least one hydrophilic substance deposited on the at least one surface area enhancer, to form a coated surface enhancer, and the body. The hydrophilic substance deposited includes a high intensity sweetener, a nutritive sweetener, a flavoring agent, a drug substance, a vitamin, a mineral, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Packaging device allowing two or more products that are mixed at the time of use thereof to be expended in a single package, including a package differentiated in two or more enclosures, one of them provided with an openable stopper, separated by a movable stoppering partition and each filled with one of the products to be contained separately in the package and with a gaseous fluid compatible with each of said products, the gaseous fluid being substantially subject to pressures different from normal atmospheric pressure, which pressures exert an equal force on opposite faces of the internal movable stoppering partition, maintaining a balance between both enclosures.

Abstract: A sealed beverage package including a container with a beverage and an insert sealed therein. The insert holds a gas that upon opening the container interacts with the beverage to produce a froth in the beverage. The insert is designed to float in the beverage and is sized relative to the container such that it cannot rotate end-over-end therein. The insert includes a body with at least one fin extending therefrom. The at least one fin may have the dual functions of securing the insert in the container above the beverage to facilitate charging the insert with gas, as well as preventing the insert from exiting the container, once the container is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decorating an edible food without substantially deforming the edible food. A container delivers a liquid decorating substance to an elongated, soft, flexible nib. When placed in contact with a surface of the edible food and moved relative to the edible food, the nib readily laterally flexes when pressure is exerted on the surface by the nib so that the nib does not substantially deform the edible food even when the edible food is soft.

Abstract: A confectionery comprising a container, a handle portion above the container, a body attached to the handle portion and disposed within the container, and preferably a flowable confectionery disposed within the container.

Abstract: A pre-measured portion package for preparing a brewed beverage having a container for being filled with a pre-measured portion of an aroma carrier. The container has a circumferential side wall, a bottom, and a lid. The side wall and the bottom are formed of a single piece of material that is water permeable and capable of filtering; at least the side-wall is compacted to be water impermeable; at least a section of the bottom is water permeable and functions as a filter. The lid is also formed of a material that is water permeable and capable of filtering, is compacted in its circumferential edge region to be water impermeable, and is connected to an upper edge of the side wall to form a seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealed cartridge, provided to be extracted under pressure, containing a substance (15) for preparing a beverage, comprising a dish (9) with a bottom (10) and a side wall (11), having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone, and a circular edge with a diameter greater than the bottom, and a cover (12) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish, in which the cover (12) consists of a flexible material which is impermeable to oxygen, chosen from the group consisting of aluminum, an aluminum/plastic composite, an aluminum/plastic/paper composite, pure or multi-layer plastic, the said cartridge not comprising a filter or a weakening zone and the cover being intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the said cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a barrier (13) that is automatically resealable against leakage of the substance upon withdrawal of the fluid injection needle.

Abstract: A pack of coffee paper filters to enable consumers to use freshly ground coffee beans to brew coffee in coffeemakers designed to use pre-packaged coffee pods comprises a stack of pan-shaped paper filters having a rim and a chamber adapted to receive various amounts of coffee beans to achieve the desired brew strength, a stack of overflow prevention sheets having a plurality of overflow stoppers connected to the sheet by bridges, and a container having a chamber to position the stack of pan-shaped filters, a guide chamber for guiding and aligning a seal presser with the rim of the pan-shaped filter and a seal platform for supporting the rim. The overflow stopper has a water permeable center portion, a sufficiently soft rim larger than rim of the pan-shaped filter and an adhesive ring at the rim on the rim.

Abstract: A portable beverage system is provided for allowing consumers to combine one or more portions of beverage or other concentrates with a liquid to form a drink. The system includes an inner storage container for the portions and an outer container for mixing the portions with a liquid. The portions may contain beverage concentrates, soup flavorings and spices, or nutritional additives, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals. Different portions may be provided with system, allowing consumers to make drinks customizable according to personal preferences. The portions may be provided in capsules, gelatin compositions, or other forms.

Abstract: An apparatus for the brewing of a beverage by transmission of an aqueous fluid through a sachet containing a beverage brewing ingredient. The apparatus includes one or more injectors to inject the aqueous fluid into the sachet during the brewing and a clamp for the sachet. The clamp has one or more members that are movable to open and close the clamp, the members having inner surfaces which in a closed position of the clamp define a cavity adapted to substantially enclose and support the sachet during the brewing. The members further define a beverage exit pathway in a lower part of the cavity wherein the inner surface of at least one clamp member includes at least one deformable region mounted on a support that is movable while the clamp is in the closed position. The shape of the cavity or of the exit pathway can be changed while the clamp is in the closed position to provide a desired brewing configuration of the sachet.

Abstract: An illuminated beverage-holding device. The device includes a body that is at least partially formed from a translucent or transparent material. The device includes a light-emitting assembly that is adapted to selectively generate light that passes through the body to illuminate the device. In some embodiments, the device includes a light-directing structure generally between the light-emitting assembly and a beverage-holding portion of the device.

Abstract: A sheet material for producing packages of food products and having a succession of optically detectable register mark; each mark, has a first and a second segment parallel to each other and perpendicular to a feed direction of the material, and a sloping segment interposed between the parallel segments, so as to define a broken, to substantially Z-shaped line, which may be used to determine the position of the material both in the feed direction and in a perpendicular direction.

Abstract: A low pressure beverage preparation system for automatically preparing a range of beverage types from a range of beverage cartridges, the system comprising:

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cartridge for dispensation of a beverage comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for preparing a beverage from a cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients comprising a first piercing element for forming an inlet, in use, in a cartridge received in the beverage preparation machine and a second piercing element for forming an outlet, in use, in said cartridge, characterised in that the first and second piercing elements are formed as a single removable unit.

Abstract: A method of preparing a beverage comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a hydrophilic membrane to provide by the process of pervaporation through the membrane water suitable for agricultural irrigation, industrial use, hydrating or rehydrating of food or agricultural or pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also relates to a water purification apparatus which includes the hydrophilic membrane, comprising one or more layers of hydrophilic polymers, to purify water which may contain suspended or dissolved impurities and solids, including but not limited to seawater, brackish water and other kinds of polluted water.

Abstract: Medium chain triglyceride oils are interesterified with long chain domestic oils in order to form interesterified structured lipids. These structured lipids find special application in pan release cooking compositions and methods. The products have a relatively low viscosity of between about 20 and about 52 centipoise while having a smoke point which is especially suitable for cooking applications.

Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more liquid beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, a compartment containing the one or more liquid beverage ingredients and an outlet for a beverage produced by dilution of the one or more liquid beverage ingredients by the aqueous medium, characterised in that the compartment includes means for controlling dilution of at least a proportion of the one or more liquid beverage ingredients on introduction of the aqueous medium into the compartment.

Abstract: A food product system for efficiently manufacturing, storing and mixing a chocolate and peanut butter coated biscuit. The food product system includes a container, a layer of sweetener is positioned within the inner lower portion of the container, and a plurality of cereal members coated with an outer coating positioned upon the sweetener within the container. In use, the consumer grasps the container and manipulates the container in a shaking manner thereby thoroughly mixing the sweetener upon the cereal members wherein the sweetener is secured to the outer coating. The sweetener is preferably powdered sugar or a similar material. The outer coating is preferably comprised of a chocolate or similar material.

Abstract: A recloseable bag for marinading food including a flexible plastic sheet having side edges, a flexible foil sheet having side edges and sealed to the flexible plastic sheet along the edges of the sheets to form a generally rectangular bag having first and second ends and opposed sides, a recloseable closure joining the flexible plastic sheet and the flexible foil sheet adjacent the first end of the bag, and an arcuate rupturable seal extending from one opposed side to another opposed side and joining the flexible plastic sheet and the flexible foil sheet. The arcuate rupturable seal, the opposed sides, and the second end form a marinade storage compartment. A top of the arcuate rupturable seal is approximately centrally located between the opposite sides, and the recloseable closure, the opposed sides, and the second end form a food storage compartment for marinating food upon opening of the arcuate rupturable seal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a convenient semi-rigid hand-held microwaveable package. The package contains a thermal insulating layer that protects the consumer from being burned by handling the hot package. Yet further, the package also contains an easy open device.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with a mounting head for the preparation of fluid comestibles comprising a cartridge inlet, a chamber connected to said cartridge inlet for containing suitable flavor-containing or particle materials, a cartridge outlet connected to said chamber and a handle enabling a user to hold the handle to attach and secure the cartridge inlet to the mounting head to allow the liquid to be delivered under pressure through the flavor-containing or particle materials in the chamber, through the cartridge outlet and directly into a receptacle such as a cup or carafe for consumption, thereby dramatically simplifying the preparation of the fluid comestibles and relieving the user from the tedious cleaning work. The handle comprising at least part of the wall of the chamber, which is sufficiently rigid.

Abstract: A produce snack kit including one or more produce pieces having an integrated guide that guides condiment application into a predetermined condiment application goal, condiment for said one or more produce pieces, and a condiment dispenser for applying the condiment to the one or more produce pieces. The invention can be embodied as methods or apparatus.

Abstract: A multiple food product container for dispensing one food product from at or near one region of the container, and dispensing another food product at or near the other region of the container. A preferred embodiment comprises an upper food compartment, a lower food compartment, wherein a top of the lower food compartment is coupled to a bottom of the upper food compartment, a resealable opening disposed at a top of the first food compartment, a resealable second opening disposed proximate a bottom of the second food compartment, a first food disposed in the upper food compartment, and a second food disposed in the lower food compartment.

Abstract: A method of producing a broth or stock, comprising mincing animal bone, mixing meat and/or meat extract and/or bone extract with the minced bone; and heating the mixture to effect coagulation thereof. The heating step may comprise retort sterilization. The coagulated mixture may be provided in a water permeable container, to retain insoluble material. A hydrometer may be provided with the minced bone, to assist in determining soup concentration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safely preparing food items is provided. A food item is placed in a container with an open top. The container holds a secondary receptacle with a lucid substance therein. A covering is placed over the top of the container to hold both the food item and secondary receptacle within the walls of the container. Prior to breaking the seal of the top covering, or in the process of breaking the seal of the top covering, the secondary receptacle may be pierced. Breaking the seal of the secondary receptacle forces the contents stored therein to exit the secondary receptacle and to come in contact with the food item stored in the container. The process of breaking the seal of the secondary container enables the food item in the container to be marinated without subjecting the food item to unnecessary handling or external sources of contamination.

Abstract: The invention is a beverage device having a beverage pack, such as a bag containing substances to be added to flavor a liquid and a shield. The shield is connected to the pack and encapsulates the pack in the bottom of a cup. The shield has an open orientation which allows beverage pack steeping and a closed orientation. The shield can be made from two portions. A stick can be used to push the shield to the bottom of the cup and orient the shield in its closed orientation.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of creating a decorated cake product, and a kit for creating the product. The method includes assembling a master package with contents that include at least one baked cake and at least one container of cake frosting; and, freezing the master package and its contents for storage and for subsequent use after storage. In some embodiments, there are a plurality of baked cakes included, e.g. two separate or three separate layers for making a layer cake. Each baked cake may be sealed in its own individual package, or they may be wrapped together in a single package. In either case, they are separate from the container or containers of cake frosting. The baked cakes are baked prior to assemblage and prior to being frozen to provide a product which need only be thawed and frosted, or frosted and thawed, to be served. The baked cakes may be partially frosted, but are generally completely unfrosted. At a minimum, there is one container of cake icing in the kit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held microwaveable container formed from microwaveable appropriate material, The container includes a thermal insulating layer that allows a microwaved container to be removed from a microwave oven and held in a user's hand while using the contents of the container. The container also can include a susceptor surface adjacent the food item within the container. The container further includes an opening mechanism for easily opening the container and optionally a venting mechanism.

Abstract: A candy product comprises a plastic housing which defines upper and lower chambers. A candy holder retains a piece of hard candy and can be placed in the lower chamber of the housing to close the chamber. A compressible bottle is retained within the upper chamber and is accessible to a user through openings in the side walls. The bottle includes a nipple which extends through the top of the housing. In use, the candy is removed from the lower chamber, the housing is inverted, and pressure is applied to the bottle to expel the flavored liquid onto the candy.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to: eliminate the need to provide a tool such as a pair of scissors for partly opening a packaging bag; and allow the packaging bag to be partly opened easily when it is heated in a microwave oven, based on an increase in internal pressure caused by vapors associated with heating. To attain this object, the present invention provides a packaging bag made using as a material a synthetic resin film adapted for a microwave oven, wherein a layer constituting an inner surface is formed of a blend of a straight chain low-density polyethylene resin and a polybutene-1 resin, and one of opposite heat sealed portions perpendicular to a film flowing direction has a portion with a smaller heat seal width at an appropriate position.

Abstract: The invention relates to tubular packaging, especially for dry food stuff, which contains the product in a plastic tube that is closed by welding, whereby the packaging comprises a tearing aid which is located in the area of a weld seam. The packaging is also provided with a label whose side facing the weld seam is configured as a curved tearing edge which is suited for intercepting a tear, said tear starting from the tearing aid, and for guiding the same to the edge of the packaging.

Abstract: The present invention is a convenient, aesthetically pleasing, multi-purpose container/beverage infuser that allows a user to store and brew beverages such as tea. The device includes a base container for storing the loose tea leaves prior to brewing. A lid is provided to seal the container so that the tea leaves may be preserved during storage. An infuser is removably attached to the base container. The infuser is shaped so that that it may be inverted over a drinking container and receive a predetermined amount of fresh tea leaves to be steeped. Clips are coupled to the infuser so that the infuser may be retained in the inverted position over the drinking container during the brewing process. A cap is placed on top of the infuser when assembled and may be invertedly placed on a stable surface to hold the infuser after use to prevent excess dripping.

Abstract: A packaging material for packaging a selected fluid-containing fresh food item for providing simultaneous curing or marinating of such food item and storage of the same at normal refrigeration temperatures. A packaging material comprises a substrate suitable for contact with food and a food treatment layer comprises a predetermined amount of edible adhesive applied to a food contacting surface of the substrate and a curing or marinating agent mixed in, retained and calibrated by the adhesive. The adhesive is capable of dissolving in fluid from the food at a temperature in the range of −3° C. to −4° C. The amount of curing or marinating agent retained by the predetermined amount of adhesive is that which is required to substantially cure or marinate the selected food item. The amount of the adhesive is determined by the amount of curing or marinating agent required to be retained by it.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus having a two chamber disposable cartridge that has fresh water in one chamber and brew ingredients in the other chamber. The cartridge fits into a cavity formed in a housing that includes a water heating system. The water heating system is energized when the disposable cartage is nested in the housing. The system produces a pre-measured volume of a brewed beverage or hot liquid automatically.

Abstract: An edible film and method of making and using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user.