Abstract: Disclosed is a method for bottling a carbonated beverage in a container without causing overflow of the carbonated beverage or evaporation of carbon dioxide, the method including: placing a beverage composition without carbon dioxide in the container; introducing solid or liquid carbon dioxide to the beverage composition in the container to delay a change of vapor pressure in the container; and sealing the container before the introduced solid or liquid carbon dioxide is dissolved in the beverage composition, wherein a part of the introduced solid or liquid carbon dioxide in the sealed container becomes gas and the rest of the introduced solid or liquid carbon dioxide is dissolved in the beverage composition by pressure of the gas from the part of the introduced solid or liquid carbon dioxide without providing additional beverage composition, carbon dioxide and pressure in the container after sealing the container.

Abstract: The device comprises: a milk feed pipe (11); an air inlet duct (15); a pressurized steam feed pipe (17); an emulsion chamber (41), in which milk and air, drawn by means of the pressurized steam, are mixed and emulsified; along the steam feed pipe (17), a valve to place the steam feed pipe in communication with the outside and to cause emptying of the milk feed pipe.

Abstract: A method and system for fumigating a material is disclosed. The method includes the steps of containing the material to be fumigated in a containment volume and forming a gas mixture in the containment volume, the gas mixture including at least a fumigation agent and an ambient gas originally present within the containment volume, wherein the partial pressure of the fumigation agent is elevated with respect to the ambient gas in the containment volume. The method further includes then maintaining a concentration of a fumigation agent within the containment volume for a required time to fumigate the material and then removing the fumigation agent from the containment volume.

Abstract: A frozen food dispensing machine includes a refrigerated first zone including a product storage chamber. A second zone is operably connected to the first zone for flowing product from the first zone. A third zone is configured to receive a flow of product from the second zone, freeze the flow of product and dispense the flow of product. The first zone, the second zone and the third zone are isolatable from each other.

Abstract: Methods and compositions pertaining to flame retardants using micronized rice husks are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of producing an alcoholic beverage by fermentation having flavor and taste of passion fruit and grapefruit, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: providing a gas stream containing hydrogen sulfide, bubbling the gas stream containing hydrogen sulfide into a grape juice and/or grape juice derived fractions prior to yeast inoculation, and/or during fermentation. The alcoholic beverage obtainable by the method can be chosen from the group constituted by wines, beers and spirits. Most preferably, the alcoholic beverage is a Sauvignon Blanc wine.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for improving oil recovery from a liquid source of oil, comprising: a membrane contactor in contact with a liquid source of oil; a heating/cooling device connected to at least one of the liquid source of oil or a collection fluid; and a membrane contactor system having one or more membrane contactors having a first and a second surface, wherein at least one of the first or second surfaces coalesce one or more oils from the liquid source of oil allowing the coalesced oil to be collected on the opposite surface of the membrane, wherein a temperature differential between the liquid source of oil and the collection fluid enhances the oil recovery at the membrane contactor from the liquid source of oil.

Abstract: Food spoilage leads to food wastage, human morbidity and mortality. This food preservation takes advantage of use of Hydrogen Sulfide without or with Hydrogen or Helium into an environment where food is stored. The method delays food ripening, food spoilage, food decay and is safe, and preserves the natural characteristics of food, including color, flavor, aroma and texture. Hydrogen Sulfide treatment maintains higher activities of catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and lower activities of lipoxygenase relative to un-treated controls. Hydrogen Sulfide also reduces malondialdehyde, Hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion to levels below those in control fruits during storage. Hydrogen and Helium are administered as gas and Hydrogen Sulfide is administered as a gas, liquid, or a Hydrogen Sulfide donor, within a closed environment or by providing Hydrogen Sulfide within the item.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of producing an alcoholic beverage by fermentation having flavor and taste of passion fruit and grapefruit, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: providing a gas stream containing hydrogen sulfide, bubbling the gas stream containing hydrogen sulfide into a grape juice and/or grape juice derived fractions prior to yeast inoculation, and/or during fermentation. The alcoholic beverage obtainable by the method can be chosen from the group constituted by wines, beers and spirits. Most preferably, the alcoholic beverage is a Sauvignon Blanc wine.

Abstract: High concentration, that is, strong antimicrobial treatment materials such as high concentration aqueous ammonia solutions or even liquid ammonia may be applied to a foodstuff without deleterious effects by controlling the temperature of the foodstuff at or immediately after the time of contact with the antimicrobial treatment material. In particular, ice crystals are maintained at or just below the surface of the foodstuff at or immediately after the time of contact with the antimicrobial treatment material. The ice crystals in the foodstuff inhibit absorption of the antimicrobial treatment material into the foodstuff.

Abstract: A method of preparing customized micro batches of ice cream is disclosed. Ice cream premix is poured into a shallow eight quart bowl and flavorings and mix-ins added. Liquid nitrogen is injected into the bowl, and the premix is folded into the liquid nitrogen by folding the premix into the center of the bowl. The premix is frozen into ice cream, its edges heated to release any ice cream from the bowl, and dispensed to a serving container. By adding additional liquid nitrogen, the ice cream may be made brittle and then chopped or ground into a large or fine granular shape. As the ice cream mixture is freezing, it may be poured into a mold and placed in a cryogenic bin to freeze and harden the ice cream into the shape of the mold, for making ice cream cakes or other novelty ice cream shapes.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of processing oil, comprising providing a high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; contacting a gas with an oil in the high shear device, wherein the gas is an inert gas or a reactive gas; and forming a product, wherein the product is a solution, a dispersion, or combination thereof. Herein also disclosed is a high shear system for processing oil, comprising; at least one high shear device, having an inlet and at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; a gas source fluidly connected to the inlet; an oil source fluidly connected to the inlet; and a pump positioned upstream of a high shear device, the pump in fluid connection with the inlet and the oil source.

Abstract: A process for sanitizing objects is comprised of the steps of: (1) contacting the object with a dry fog in an enclosed sanitization zone wherein the dry fog is comprised of droplets having a diameter of 4-5 microns and wherein the droplets comprise an aqueous solution of a sanitizing agent for a time sufficient to produce a substantially dry sanitized object and a residual amount of dry fog; (2) removing the substantially dry, sanitized product from the enclosed zone while simultaneously removing the residual dry fog and passing the residual dry fog through a treatment zone whereby unreacted sanitizing agent is removed from the dry fog. The disclosed process yields substantially dry sanitized objects that do not require rinsing with water.

Abstract: A method for sanitation and preservation of foodstuffs includes the following steps. A container containing a foodstuff is provided. A non-thermal plasma is introduced to an interior of the container. The container is sealed.

Abstract: A method for maintaining produce in a near “just harvested” state during transport in a truck trailer by limiting the formation of Ethylene, scrubbing the atmosphere to remove any that does form, and by exhausting the atmosphere of any residual Ethylene. The system will also limit the amount of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide to preset limits, and exhaust the excess.

Abstract: A stable foam of a liquid matrix, gas bubbles and a structuring agent that forms a lamellar or vesicular cage structure without generating a gel imparting a rubbery texture to the foam. The lamellar cage structure entraps at least a substantial portion of the gas bubbles and liquid matrix therein to retain and stabilize the gas bubbles and liquid in a sufficiently compact structure that substantially prevents drainage of the liquid matrix as well as coalescence and creaming of the gas bubbles to maintain stability of the foam even when the foam is subjected to multiple heat shocks.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are beverage compositions containing dissolved gases. The beverage compositions generally contain a mixture of dissolved nitrous oxide and dissolved carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying aerosols of chemical formulations to a stored crop is described. The aerosol may be generated by any suitable means using thermal aerosol generators or “cool” aerosol generators. The improvement is the use of the crop storage facility air in the generation of the aerosol and, or the cooling of the aerosol. An important use of the invention is the application of CIPC to stored potatoes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dehydrating a comminuted food product containing at least 30 wt. % of water, the method comprising: (i) comminuting a food product to form a slurry; (ii) contacting the obtained slurry with a pressurised gas to reduce the water content of said slurry by at least 50%, said pressurised gas having a pressure of at least 0.5xPc and a temperature of at least Tc-60° C., wherein Pc represents the critical pressure and Tc represents the critical temperature of the gas, whereby the pressurised gas is dried by removal of water contained therein and the dried pressurised gas thus obtained is recirculated to the slurry, wherein at least 80 wt. %, preferably at least 90 wt. % of the matter removed by the pressurised gas is water, and (iii) separating the pressurised gas from the dehydrated slurry.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a product, in particular a food product, comprising a step of adding an agent with sweetening power, characterized in that the agent with sweetening power is made entirely or partly by the incorporation, into the product, of a gas or a gaseous mixture containing nitrous oxide N2O.

Abstract: A pH increasing material is placed in contact with the surface of an initial comminuted meat product. This contact with the pH increasing material increases the pH of the initial meat product to produce an intermediate meat product. The method also includes the step of removing the pH increasing material and applying mechanical action to the intermediate, pH increased meat product. The method may also include placing a pH lowering gas at a neutralizing pressure in contact with the surface of the intermediate meat product to decrease the pH of the meat product.

Abstract: A method of inerting a vat including an upper wall and containing a consumable liquid and an overhead gas, comprising the steps of injecting an inerting gas heavier than air at a velocity into the overhead gas above a free surface of the liquid and substantially below the upper wall of the vat and, during this injection, removing excess gas through a purge orifice of the vat.

Abstract: An enclosure treatment method includes introducing a pH increasing material into an enclosure adapted to contain meat products. Introducing the pH increasing material creates a desired pH increasing gas content in the atmosphere within the enclosure. The method also includes the step of maintaining the pH increasing gas content in the enclosure atmosphere while meat products are contained in the enclosure. The pH increasing gas in the enclosure atmosphere is absorbed into water in the enclosure to increase the pH of the water. The water affected in the present treatment process may be moisture collecting on various surfaces within the enclosure, or may be moisture within the meat products being stored in the enclosure. In any event, the increased pH is inhospitable to most microbes and reduces or suppresses microbe activity in the water either by retarding propagation or killing microbes outright.

Abstract: A manipulating apparatus (10) receives a plurality of previously frozen pieces of pH modified foodstuffs or workpieces (23) and physically manipulates or stresses the workpieces while they remain in a frozen state. The physical manipulation causes relative movement between various points within the volume of the workpieces (23) and kills microbes within the foodstuff. One preferred pH modifying arrangement includes a supply of NH3 gas (11) and a pump (9) for placing the comminuted foodstuffs to be processed and the NH3 gas together under an operating pressure for a period of time sufficient to increase the pH of the foodstuffs.

Abstract: A method for injecting or forcing an ammonia-based pH modifying material into the interior of a meat product to raise the pH at one or more points within the interior of the meat product preferably to a pH above approximately 6.0. The ammonia-based pH modifying material may comprise aqueous ammonia (ammonium hydroxide solution) or a gas including some ammonia gas fraction. The temperature of the meat product may be controlled to a temperature near or just below the initial freezing temperature of the meat product during the time that the pH modifying material is injected. pH decreasing materials may be injected into the interior of the meat product either before or after injection the ammonia-based pH modifying material.

Abstract: A pH increasing material is placed in contact with the surface of an initial comminuted meat product. This contact with the pH increasing material increases the pH of the initial meat product to produce an intermediate meat product. The method also includes the step of removing the pH increasing material and preferably applying a driving force to the intermediate, pH increased meat product. The method may also include placing a pH lowering gas at a neutralizing pressure in contact with the surface of the intermediate meat product to decrease the pH of the meat product back to a final level.

Abstract: An aerated flaked fat product is provided and a process for production of aerated flaked fat products is provided, the process allows the incorporation of gas into the aerated flake fat product and the aerated flake product permits the incorporated of addition air spaces into baked pastry and dough products while allowing a reduction in the amount of flaked fat product incorporated into the dough mix.

Abstract: A pH increasing material is placed in contact with the surface of an initial comminuted meat product. This contact with the pH increasing material increases the pH of the initial meat product to produce an intermediate meat product. The method also includes the step of removing the pH increasing material and applying mechanical action to the intermediate, pH increased meat product. The method may also include placing a pH lowering gas at a neutralizing pressure in contact with the surface of the intermediate meat product to decrease the pH of the meat product.

Abstract: A manipulating apparatus (10) receives a plurality of previously frozen pieces of pH modified foodstuffs or workpieces (23) and physically manipulates or stresses the workpieces while they remain in a frozen state. The physical manipulation causes relative movement between various points within the volume of the workpieces (23) and kills microbes within the foodstuff. One preferred pH modifying arrangement includes a supply of NH3 gas (11) and a pump (9) for placing the comminuted foodstuffs to be processed and the NH3 gas together under an operating pressure for a period of time sufficient to increase the pH of the foodstuffs.

Abstract: An enclosure treatment method includes introducing a pH increasing material into an enclosure adapted to contain meat products. Introducing the pH increasing material creates a desired pH increasing gas content in the atmosphere within the enclosure. The method also includes the step of maintaining the pH increasing gas content in the enclosure atmosphere while meat products are contained in the enclosure. The pH increasing gas in the enclosure atmosphere is absorbed into water in the enclosure to increase the pH of the water. The water affected in the present treatment process may be moisture collecting on various surfaces within the enclosure, or may be moisture within the meat products being stored in the enclosure. In any event, the increased pH is inhospitable to most microbes and reduces or suppresses microbe activity in the water either by retarding propagation or killing microbes outright.

Abstract: A method of producing a pH enhanced foodstuff includes increasing the pH of an initial foodstuff, preferably by placing an initial foodstuff in contact with ammonia gas or aqueous ammonia (54) and applying mechanical action to the material (56). After the pH adjustment, the method includes reducing at least the surface temperature of the pH enhanced foodstuff to below the freezing temperature of the pH enhanced foodstuff (58). The method then includes placing the frozen or partially frozen pH enhanced foodstuff in contact with carbon dioxide gas while maintaining the surface temperature of the pH enhanced foodstuff below the freezing temperature of the material (60). The carbon dioxide treatment may be performed in a mixing vessel (24) fitted with agitators (25) and suitable connections for producing a carbon dioxide gas atmosphere in the vessel.

Abstract: A method for reducing the rate of deterioration of perishable horticultural produce by causing the horticultural produce to be treated post harvest with nitric oxide in an amount and for a period of time sufficient to reduce the rate of deterioration of the horticultural produce.

Abstract: A pH increasing material is placed in contact with the surface of an initial comminuted meat product. This contact with the pH increasing material increases the pH of the initial meat product to produce an intermediate meat product. The method also includes the step of removing the pH increasing material and applying mechanical action to the intermediate, pH increased meat product. The method may also include placing a pH lowering gas at a neutralizing pressure in contact with the surface of the intermediate meat product to decrease the pH of the meat product.

Abstract: A manipulating apparatus (10) receives a plurality of previously frozen pieces of pH modified foodstuffs or workpieces (23) and physically manipulates or stresses the workpieces while they remain in a frozen state. The physical manipulation causes relative movement between various points within the volume of the workpieces (23) and kills microbes within the foodstuff. One preferred pH modifying arrangement includes a supply of NH3 gas (11) and a pump (9) for placing the comminuted foodstuffs to be processed and the NH3 gas together under an operating pressure for a period of time sufficient to increase the pH of the foodstuffs.

Abstract: A method of producing a pH enhanced foodstuff includes increasing the pH of an initial foodstuff, preferably by placing an initial foodstuff in contact with ammonia gas or aqueous ammonia (54) and applying mechanical action to the material (56). After the pH adjustment, the method includes reducing at least the surface temperature of the pH enhanced foodstuff to below the freezing temperature of the pH enhanced foodstuff (58). The method then includes placing the frozen or partially frozen pH enhanced foodstuff in contact with carbon dioxide gas while maintaining the surface temperature of the pH enhanced foodstuff below the freezing temperature of the material (60). The carbon dioxide treatment may be performed in a mixing vessel (24) fitted with agitators (25) and suitable connections for producing a carbon dioxide gas atmosphere in the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pre-drying manufacturing process and related equipment for application to food products that are to be dried that calls for a non-re-hydration or soaking treatment of the food prior to drying using a unique activated smoke liquid solution diluted with deep sea water. The treatment greatly improves the processing, cooking and/or physical characteristics of the dried food when it is later reconstituted and used. The unique activated smoke liquid solution is made from a special process which gives it the desired characteristics which, when properly applied before drying, result in improved quality of dried food when later reconstituted. The pre-drying food treatment apparatus may include spray or immersion equipment. The spray equipment may utilize inert gases that further contribute to improved characteristics in the treated food.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a dough. The dough comprises a fat selected from a group consisting of one or more of a single fractionated fat, a double fractionated fat, cocoa butter or mixtures of a single fractionated fat, a double fractionated fat and cocoa butter.

Abstract: The invention relates to pourable water and oil containing emulsions comprising an aqueous phase and gas bubbles, whereby said gas bubbles are substantially dispersed in the aqueous phase. Emulsions according to the invention show increased stability.

Abstract: A manipulating apparatus (10) receives a plurality of previously frozen pieces of foodstuffs or workpieces (23) and physically manipulates or stresses the workpieces while they remain at least partially in a frozen state. The physical manipulation causes relative movement between various points within the volume of the workpieces (23) and kills microbes within the foodstuff. The treatment process may include physically manipulating the foodstuff in multiple cycles to enhance microbe kill.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a food product such as a dough for baked goods such as for chocolate ship cookies. In addition to flour, sugar, salt and moisture, the dough essentially comprises a fat selected from a group consisting of one or more of a single fractionated fat, a double fractionated fat, cocoa butter or mixtures of a single fractionated fat, a double fractionated fat and cocoa butter.

Abstract: A pH enhanced meat composition is produced by increasing the moisture content of an initial comminuted meat composition and producing an ammonium hydroxide solution in the comminuted meat composition. Mechanical action is preferably applied to the moisture enhanced meat composition after or concurrently with producing the ammonium hydroxide solution in the composition. The resulting pH enhanced meat product may then be formed into a desired shape and set in that shape by cooking or some other setting technique.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method for the storage and transport of fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel method to prolong the postharvest life of such horticultural produce that is packaged in a modified atmosphere by the inclusion of a small amount of nitric oxide gas into the package.

Abstract: A pH increasing material is placed in contact with the surface of an initial comminuted meat product. This contact with the pH increasing material increases the pH of the initial meat product to produce an intermediate meat product. The method also includes the step of removing the pH increasing material and preferably applying a driving force to the intermediate, pH increased meat product. The method may also include placing a pH lowering gas at a neutralizing pressure in contact with the surface of the intermediate meat product to decrease the pH of the meat product back to a final level.

Abstract: An initial comminuted meat product (21) is exposed to ammonia to produce an ammoniated meat product. The ammoniated meat product is further comminuted in a comminuting device (12) to produce a further comminuted meat product (22). The ammonia exposure to the original comminuted meat product (21) is controlled to result in a pH of at least around 6.0 in the further comminuted meat product (22).

Abstract: Ammonia is first applied to a meat product to produce an ammoniated meat product. The ammoniated meat product is then contained in a treatment vessel in a treatment gas atmosphere substantially free of ammonia gas. Once the ammoniated meat product is contained in the appropriate atmosphere, the treatment method includes increasing the pressure in the treatment vessel to an operating pressure greater than the vapor pressure of ammonia at the temperature of the ammoniated meat product being treated. The operating pressure is held within the treatment vessel for an operating period effective to reduce the amount of ammonia gas which escapes from the meat product after the product is placed again under atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A stream (A) of first foodstuff has a first pH and a stream (B) of second foodstuff has second pH. The first pH and second pH are oppositely related to a third or target pH for the foodstuff such that one pH level is above the target level while the other pH level is below the target level. The two streams (A) and (B) are combined in a proportion to produce a combined or third foodstuff at the target pH. The first pH and second pH are sensed or otherwise determined, preferably on a continuous basis, and then these pH values are used to determine the proportion at which the stream of first foodstuff and stream of second foodstuff are combined and mixed. Particularly, the pH modification can be loosely controlled to produce an over-modification in the first foodstuff and then the stream (B) of second foodstuff may be combined with the stream (A) first foodstuff to produce a stream (C) of material having the target pH.

Abstract: A manipulating apparatus (10) receives a plurality of previously frozen pieces of pH modified foodstuffs or workpieces (23) and physically manipulates or stresses the workpieces while they remain in a frozen state. The physical manipulation causes relative movement between various points within the volume of the workpieces (23) and kills microbes within the foodstuff. One preferred pH modifying arrangement includes a supply of NH3 gas (11) and a pump (9) for placing the comminuted foodstuffs to be processed and the NH3 gas together under an operating pressure for a period of time sufficient to increase the pH of the foodstuffs.

Abstract: A ready-to-bake, shelf-stable cake dough consisting essentially of flour, fat, sugar, eggs and water and usual dough additives and comprising a leavening system, the dough having a water activity of below 0.85 and being packed in an essentially gas-impermeable pouch in an atmosphere of an inert gas containing less than 4%, preferably less than 2% residual oxygen. A process for the manufacture of such a dough is disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging system and method utilizes a modified atmosphere package including a first package and a second package. The first package includes a non-barrier portion substantially permeable to oxygen, while the second package is substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the first package, the first package is sealed and then inserted into the second package without sealing the second package so as to create a pocket between the first and second packages. The system and method first employ an oxygen reduction technique such as evacuation, gas flushing, and/or scavenging to quickly reduce the oxygen level in the pocket to a first non-zero level, and then employ an activated oxygen scavenger to further reduce the oxygen level to zero percent after the package is sealed. The oxygen scavenger is activated with an oxygen uptake accelerator to increase the rate at which the oxygen is absorbed.

Abstract: The gaseous chemical compound, carbonyl sulphide, has hitherto been unknown as a fumigant for the control of insects and mites. Experiments have shown conclusively that carbonyl sulphide can be used as such a fumigant, with fumigation properties comparable to those of phosphine and methyl bromide. The effectiveness of carbonyl sulphide against insects (both adult and immature stages), mites, termites and moulds is demonstrated. In addition, its low absorbtion by grain, lower flammability than phosphine, lack of influence on seed germination, and apparent environmental safety make carbonyl sulphide particularly beneficial as a fumigant of stored grain. It may also be used to fumigate other stored produce (including perishable foodstuff), soil, timber and spaces (such as buildings) and any material likely to be infested by insects or mites, or act as a source of such infestation.