Abstract: A messaging lollipop comprising a re-usable hollow handle comprises a hollow core into which a message of various forms such as printed material or an electronic medium may be received, extracted, stored or transported. Access to the hollow handle is provided by various means including those which motivate the consumption of the lollipop before access to the message is allowed.

Abstract: A pet treat having a sugar-based edible portion including a palatant material and a support portion. Incorporation of starch provides a hard-candy texture for the edible portion. The pet treat may be formed as a lollipop, a toy, or a lozenge using either a batch process or a continuous process. Features to interest a pet include a resilient mount, or a rotatable mount. An adhesive mount can attach the support to a variety of surfaces. A replaceable cover and rejuvenant container may be used.

Abstract: A composite synthetic resin material forming apparatus comprises an outer channel having an outer outlet, an inner channel having an inner outlet opening into the outer channel, outer synthetic resin supply means for flowing an outer synthetic resin through the outer channel, and inner synthetic resin supply means for flowing an inner synthetic resin through the inner channel. Opening and closing means for selectively opening and closing the inner outlet is disposed. The outer synthetic resin supply means intermittently supplies the outer synthetic resin to the outer channel in accordance with opening and closing of the inner outlet by the opening and closing means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enriched animal chew toy comprising a resin a fermented soy nutraceutical. Optionally the nutraceutical may contain enzymes or coenzymes. Also, the enriched animal chew toy may be formed by mixing a resin with the fermented soy nutraceutical in a heated molding machine. Suitable resins include starch, thermoplastic, casein, denatured and partially hydrolyzed collagen, wheat gluten, rawhide, proteins, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal chew toy and a method of providing an animal chew toy wherein the toy has a body portion and a core portion. The core portion includes a first material including a central portion and a plurality of projections extending from the central portion. The body portion may surround the core portion, encapsulating the core or forming a frame around the core. The chew may be formed via a number of overmolding methods including those utilizing injection molding or extrusion techniques.

Abstract: An open topped drinking vessel containing a beverage, the beverage comprising a water content and a dissolved gas content and having a head overlying an ice formation made of many ice crystals, the ice formation having been produced by ice formed in the beverage whilst the beverage is in the drinking vessel.

Abstract: A plug for sucking a beverage from a bottle or the like includes a housing and supporting means for housing and supporting a dissolvable food praline, the beverage being delivered through the plug through a window formed between the outer contour of the praline and the praline housing chamber and/or through at least a praline throughgoing hole. With a “teat” configuration of the plug top portion a sucking, in any desired dissolving degrees, of the praline, depending on the rubbing of a user's tongue on the praline and on the beverage suction, is thereby facilitated.

Abstract: A pinwheel includes a first axis, which supports a hub. A plurality of protrusions is connected to the hub and radially extending from the hub. Candy items are attached to a plurality of the protrusions. The candy items may include a plurality of different flavors or colors to concurrently provide a user with a variety of flavors to taste.

Abstract: A method and means for enhancing the inner environment of a package containing perishable merchandise include taking a closable package containing perishable merchandise and placing in the package a multi-layered sheet including a plurality of layers comprised of moisture absorbing materials to absorb any residual moisture emanating from the perishable merchandise. The multi-layered sheet includes a quantity of CO2 generating material incorporated therein. The CO2 generating material is exposable to humidity and any residual moisture within the package and any moisture absorbing material to allow the CO2 generating material to emit an atmosphere of CO2 within the package from exposure to moisture within the air in the package, and to absorb any residual moisture in the package.

Abstract: A wide range of aqueous based soaking operations can be employed to impregnate substantially throughout various rawhide pet chews; suitable substances for release into the oral cavity of pets during chewing include emulsions, surfactants, conditioners, flavorants and/or active ingredients. Prior to impregnation, the rawhide chews are physically disrupted/penetrated to augment substance impregnation substantially throughout the chews.

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: An edible animal chew toy which provides a dental benefit when chewed. The chewing action of the animal causes ribs and/or protrusions on the chew toy, in close proximity to the area being chewed, to floss the sides of the animal's teeth and gums.

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 vitamin and/or mineral and/or herbal enriched molded animal chew toy. The vitamins, minerals and/or herbal additives are incorporated into the molded chew toy under conditions that minimize thermal degradation of such additives. Suitable resins include starch, casein, denatured and partially hydrolized casein, thermoplastic polymers and mixtures thereof. In related embodiment, animal chews comprising primarily denatured and partially hydrolized collagen are disclosed, as well as such denatured and partially hydrolized collagen in mixture with vegetable matter, rawhide, animal meal, peanut bits/flour, casein, starch and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A wipe pad (10) for cleaning debris from cooking grate (24) while preparing the cooking grate for use in cooking foods, in which the wipe pad has a sheet of an absorbent fire retardant material with a cooking agent (18) received by the sheet. The sheet, being attached to a grill brush (26) by a plurality of bristles (32) extending therefrom and partially penetrating the sheet, clings to the grill brush (26) for wiping contact of the sheet against the grate (24) upon movement of the grill brush to clean cooking debris from the cooking grate while communicating a film of the cooking agent from the sheet to prepare the cooking grate for use. A method of preparing a cooking grate for cooking is disclosed.

Abstract: A raw material is stored in a storage container. The stored raw material is physically processed in the storage container to obtain a processed material based on the raw material. Link data is recorded for associating the raw material with the processed material across any transformation between the raw material and the processed material. A graphical user interface is provided to facilitate at least one of entry, storage, retrieval, and data processing of the recorded link data for management of the storage containers.

Abstract: A system and method for behavior modification through dynamic identification of behavior patterns, assistance in finding and implementing healthy alternatives to undesirable behavior patterns, preparation of dynamically variable user-specific programs, monitoring of current user activities, and presenting feedback and information to the user. The system and method further support incorporation of professional and other information into a user-specific package from which the user-specific program is determined, and synchronization and data integrity across the platforms of the system.

Abstract: This item for mastication consists in a, masticatory-like, item which is intended, in one respect, to assuage those distresses of the mouth infants suffer on the appearance of first teeth and to replace dummies during this teething period and, furthermore, to constitute an item for play, training and calming of pet animals, whilst in both cases the subject of the invention can be used as a masticatory or medium for administering medicines, vitamins or other products, which is constituted by a whole intestine and/or by one or more fragments thereof, from livestock and animals for consumption, originally having a flattened tubular form substantially like that of a ribbon which, by means of folding and/or interweaving together of one or more lengths thereof, form a compact three-dimensional body which is suitable for being bitten.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing an aerated protein polymeric composition and the resultant product. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerated polymeric composition, wherein a dry blend, a leavening agent, and a plasticizing slurry are used to form a composition that ultimately forms the resultant product. The dry blend includes an amount of protein polymer.

Abstract: A blend of starch and a thermoplastic aliphatic-aromatic copolyester resin, at a specific gravity of greater than 1.0. In method form, the invention comprises supplying an aromatic-aliphatic based polyester, supplying starch and mixing the aromatic-aliphatic based polyester with the starch and introducing the mixture to a melt processing apparatus wherein the aromatic-aliphatic based polyester and starch are mixed and molded or extruded into a desired shape.

Abstract: A packaging wrap is provided for meat products, in particular for boiled ham or pickled products, wherein the packaging wrap is insoluble in water, suitable for a cooking process, and comprises a foil that is permeable to gas, steam and/or smoke. Against the side of the foil facing away from the meat product, a net can be placed to increase its strength. The foil comprises a thin-walled fibrous foil having a maximum area weight of about 120 g/m2 and an anti-adhesive coating on its side facing away from the meat product. The anti-adhesive coating is made of a material that is safe in accordance with food packaging regulations and prevents the meat product from binding with the packaging wrap during the cooking process. A color may be transferred to the meat by applying the color to the anti-adhesive coating via an intermediate coupling or bonding agent.

Abstract: A flashlight confection combination novelty provides various illusions and color variations to an observer by using multi-color filters, that can be moved relative to the confection, and by providing the confection and/or an insert within the confection with irregularities and contours that transfer light differently including shading, reflecting, refracting and diffusion, and by using additional lighting with projection of images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for processing a pet product. The method comprises the steps of pretreatment, molding and post-treatment of the second and/or the deeper layer of animal peltry. The rotating drum in accordance with the present invention includes outlet, inlet, driving equipment. The smoking stove in accordance with the present invention includes a stove door, an entrance/exit, a vent, a vehicle, layers of shelves, a pair of trajectories, a tray and a heater, the shape of the smoking stove being cuboids.

Abstract: A cylindrical mandrel is provided having a hollow core and a flare at one end. The cylindrical tube otherwise has a substantially constant diameter. Dough, such as phyllo dough, is wrapped around an outer surface of the mandrel in multiple layers. The dough and mandrel are then baked together until the dough hardens into a dough tube. The mandrel is then removed from the dough tube leaving the dough tube to be filled with an edible filling. The flare on the mandrel assists in removing the mandrel from the dough tube. The flare also facilitates contact between the mandrel and a baking tray to enhance heat transfer to an innermost layer of dough adjacent an outer surface of the mandrel. The hollow core of the mandrel facilitates baking of the innermost layer of dough adjacent the outer surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: An animal chew toy comprising a radiopaque polymer. The radiopaque polymer may comprise a polymer that is inherently radiopaque or a polymer that has been made radiopaque by the addition of an additive that provides radiopaque characteristics. The radiopaque polymers of the present invention may be manufactured by melt processing techniques, such as extrusion, compression and/or injection molding.

Abstract: An edible animal chew toy which provides a dental benefit when chewed. The chewing action of the animal causes ribs and/or protrusions on the chew toy, in close proximity to the area being chewed, to floss the sides of the animal's teeth and gums.

Abstract: A vitamin and/or mineral and/or herbal enriched molded animal chew toy. The vitamins, minerals and/or herbal additives are incorporated into the molded chew toy under conditions that minimize thermal degradation of such additives. Suitable resins include starch, casein, denatured and partially hydrolized casein, thermoplastic polymers and mixtures thereof. In related embodiment, animal chews comprising primarily denatured and partially hydrolized collagen are disclosed, as well as such denatured and partially hydrolized collagen in mixture with vegetable matter, rawhide, animal meal, peanut bits/flour, casein, starch and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Hydrocolloids useful as a barrier in multi-component food systems for the inhibition of moisture migration and methods for using the barrier are disclosed. The hydrocolloid can be applied as a powder. The hydrocolloid containing barrier is able to inhibit the migration of moisture across the system, thereby improving the shelf life of the food product, as well as enhancing the ability of the product to survive freeze/thaw cycles. In doing so, the organoleptic qualities of the food system are enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively or contemporaneously tenderizing and marinating meats or other desired food items, wherein implementation of the present method entails application of a sealable apparatus having a mechanical tenderizing assembly incorporated therein, thus permitting the sequestration and containment of raw meat juices, meat particulate, and/or marinade therewithin during the tenderizing process, thereby eliminating leakage and/or splatter of same, and reducing or eliminating associated bacterial proliferation and contamination of surrounding surfaces or food items.

Abstract: The invention is a cone drip guard formed from a flat sheet of material, or “blank”. The drip guard has an inner edge and an outer edge defining a hole in the blank through which an ice cream cone may be received. Finger-like projections known as “cone-gripping tabs” extend around the hole in the blank for gripping an ice cream cone and keeping the drip guard in place around a circumference of the cone while an ice cream cone is being consumed. The cone-gripping tabs include bend lines that enable the cone-gripping tabs to engage cones of various sizes. The invention further includes a collar around the cone-gripping tabs that extends outwardly to form a barrier between an upper portion of the ice cream cone and a lower portion of the ice cream cone. The barrier prevents dripping ice cream from falling on the consumer's hands or clothing.

Abstract: A plurality of flat rigid supports protect flat surfaces, flexible membranes protect contoured surfaces, and intersections of these rigid and flexible surfaces form joints that protect the corners and edges of cut seafood such that the physical shape of each packaged seafood segment resembles its freshly cut shape. Cut seafood surfaces, corners, and edges protected by this supporting means avoid contact with other surfaces that may disfigure their original cut appearance. This supporting means accommodates varying seafood fillet sizes and shapes, and minimizes the unused space within the packing unit. As a result, a substantial cost savings is realized by shipping seafood fillets with the weight and volume of non-edible portions of the whole fish removed prior to shipping without compromising the quality of the delivered product.

Abstract: A baking wipe includes a folded substrate having a first portion and a second portion, wherein a first surface of the first portion faces a second surface of the second portion, and a layer of shortening that is located between the first portion and the second portion, and that is in contact with the first surface and with the second surface, wherein the layer of shortening has a substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: A system and method of adding olfactory detected properties to an ingestible product. An ingestible product is placed within packaging made from a plastic that is supersaturated with a fragrance material. The fragrance material blooms from the surfaces of the packaging and scents both the interior and exterior surfaces of the packaging. Scent on the interior adds olfactory detectable properties to the ingestible product that are not native to that product. The scent on the exterior of the packaging helps olfactory sense deception to occur when the ingestible product is consumed from the packaging. As such, a person consuming the ingestible product will perceive flavors never directly added to the ingestible product.

Abstract: Packaging materials and packages that transfer fragrances to foods and other products via the vapor phase are disclosed. The present invention provides a source of desired fragrance, a suitable environment for vapor transfer, and an appropriate food substrate to which flavor and fragrance is added. Examples of the source of fragrance can be a packaging film containing fragrance, a sachet of absorbed flavor material, a tape or label applied to the inside of a package, and a flavor diffusing granule or an active system for delivering flavor vapor to the environment. Materials that are preferably treated using the present invention include snacks, confections, baked goods, fresh plant materials, cereals and beverages, as well as non-food products. The time required for flavor transfer is dependent primarily on the volatility and concentration of the fragrances, absorptive capacity of the food, and the intensity of the flavor desired.

Abstract: A blend of starch and a thermoplastic aliphatic-aromatic copolyester resin, at a specific gravity of greater than 1.0. In method form, the invention comprises supplying an aromatic-aliphatic based polyester, supplying starch and mixing the aromatic-aliphatic based polyester with the starch and introducing the mixture to a melt processing apparatus wherein the aromatic-aliphatic based polyester and starch are mixed and molded or extruded into a desired shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pet's chew prepared from natural materials of renewable sources. The chew is both edible and biodegradable, and furthermore has excellent mechanical properties giving it a long lasting time, even if used for strong animals such as large dogs.

Abstract: An edible film and method of 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. Pre-printing may be accomplished by any suitable printing process utilizing edible inks. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user.

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: 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.

Abstract: Device and method to selectively place desired stuffing into food items such as tenderloin, fish fillet, chicken breast or other food items, which are deemed stuffable. A kit of parts, consisting of at least but not limited to two substantially flat rollable sheets that are of the desired lengths, widths and thickness, a number of push rods of desired lengths and diameters. A method that utilizes said components in an efficient process that allows a chef to enhance a foods flavor, appearance and nutritional value.

Abstract: A vitamin and/or mineral and/or herbal enriched molded animal chew toy. The vitamins, minerals and/or herbal additives are incorporated into the molded chew toy under conditions that minimize thermal degradation of such additives. Suitable resins include starch, casein, denatured and partially hydrolyzed casein, thermoplastic polymers and mixtures thereof. In related embodiment, animal chews comprising primarily denatured and partially hydrolyzed collagen are disclosed, as well as such denatured and partially hydrolyzed collagen in mixture with vegetable matter, rawhide, animal meal, peanut bits/flour, casein, starch and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An article that indirectly browns and/or flavors foodstuff, a method of indirectly browning and/or flavoring foodstuff, and a browned and/or flavored foodstuff, provided by the article are disclosed. More specifically, the articles and processes to brown and/or flavor foodstuffs utilize a heated susceptor, such as plastic film, metal foil, cardboard, or paper, treated with a browning and/or flavoring composition, such as a composition containing hydroxyacetaldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting the sprouting of a plant product by exposing the plant product to a low dose of high-speed electron irradiation at a high dose rate. More specifically, the plant product is exposed a dose of high-speed electron irradiation sufficient to inhibit cell division of its meristematic cells. However, the dose is insufficient to substantially damage the other non-meristematic cells of the plant product. A suitable dose may range from 2.5 to 50 kilorads. The dose rate is also sufficient to inhibit cell division in the meristematic cells of the plant product, and insufficient to substantially damage the non-meristematic cells of the plant product. A suitable dose rate is greater than 106 rads per second. The present invention also includes a plant product treated by the above method.

Abstract: A novelty device formed of the combination of a drinking straw, beverage bottle cap and a lollipop type edible confection to be attached to a beverage bottle allowing the consumer to simultaneously enjoy and taste the flavors of the lollipop confection and a liquid beverage.

Abstract: A segmented rolled food item is continuously produced using a rotating segmenting roller having a plurality of parallel circumferential lanes each of which contains a series of circumferentially spaced knife edges that are disposed at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller and that project radially outward from the surface of the roller. The surface of the roller may also include a plurality of embossing cups or imprinting cups having a knife edge that protrudes radially outward from the surface to form at least one definite shape in each of the multiple strips of food. The segmented rolled food item is produced by feeding multiple continuous at least substantially parallel strips of a flowable food product, each of which are deposited on pre-slit parallel strips of support material, between the nip of an upper anvil surface and the lower surface of the rotating segmenting roller to segment the food.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus that enable consumers to experience, prior to purchase, the aroma of a finished product even though the product as sold is unfinished. Further, methods and apparatus provide users of a product with a reference aroma that may be employed to determine if the product is suitable for use, while, prior to purchase, consumers can experience a selected aroma of a consumer product that has a plurality of aromas, and the aroma bouquet of a consumer product where a particular aroma in the bouquet has been intensified. Among other advantages, this invention enables marketers to employ additional sensual modalities, and particularly the sense of smell, in offering products for sale, and thus permits consumers to make better informed purchasing decisions.

Abstract: This invention relates to the replacement of collagen or cellulose casings and food wrappings with a porous, permeable, absorbent paper or cellophane containing peeling aid and optionally liquid smoke or another food colorant or flavorant in order to deliver color and/or flavor to the encased food.

Abstract: A filter system including a filter element with an upper portion with downwardly tapering side walls having a top for the receipt of a primary flavor material to be brewed and water to be poured there over for brewing purposes. Also included is a closed lower portion coupled at its periphery to the lower extent of the upper portion adapted to support ground flavor material thereon for being brewed and to allow the passage of water from above the flavor material to beneath and through the lower portion. The filter of the system is fabricated of paper in a one-piece configuration with flavor crystals dispersed throughout the entire paper of the filter for disseminating a flavor other than that of the primary flavor material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for roof shingle-like displaying of sliced products, in particular of slices of food cut from bars of food. The slices are deposited on a display area. A measuring apparatus is provided, measuring at least one dimension of the product. The cut slice of the product is positioned on the display area on the basis of this information.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a rawhide chew toy, comprising: combining a marinade with rawhide; applying vacuum pressure to the combined marinade and rawhide; releasing the vacuum pressure; and allowing the formed rawhide to dry under moderate temperature. In one embodiment, the combined marinade and rawhide are tumbled during the step of applying vacuum pressure. In additional embodiments of the invention, nutrients, such as, vitamins, minerals, dental additives, or herbal remedies, may be added to the marinade.