Abstract: The present invention comprises a system of labels located on wrapping and containers for individual food items. Each label contains an alphanumeric and/or graphic design that instantly brings to mind of restaurant personnel and to an unsophisticated customer (i.e., someone with no knowledge of the English language, children, or adults with limited education) the food item to be wrapped with the wrapping or container. In a preferred embodiment, a graphic device occupies a majority of the surface of the label, where the graphic device is a drawing or photograph of the food item to be wrapped or contained. For instance, a label for a double cheeseburger would include a picture with the food item disassembled sufficiently so that a viewer could instantly appreciate the presence of two hamburger patties and two slices of cheese with the typical bun in the presence of the wrapper in the background.

Abstract: A filled snack product includes a first sheet having a first surface. A plurality of filling lines are disposed upon the first surface of the first sheet. Each of the plurality of filling lines are spaced to define a void between each of the adjacent filling lines. A second sheet is disposed over the first sheet and secured to at least a portion of the first sheet to sandwich the plurality of spaced filling lines between the first and second sheets. A plurality of docking holes are disposed upon the first and second sheets. The plurality of docking holes and the plurality of spaced filling lines allow for the pinning of the first and second sheets at the voids disposed between the spaced filling lines and further for the release to steam and/or gas from the filled snack product during heating to minimize puffing of the filled snack product.

Abstract: A color image may be applied onto a substantially planar carrier, and the carrier may be deformed to form a non-planar relief mold of a three-dimensional image, including deforming the color image whereby the deformed color image is proportionate relative to, i.e., is in register with, the three-dimensional image. A comestible material, e.g., chocolate, may be deposited into the relief mold to substantially overlie the color image. The comestible material may be removed from the relief mold, with the color image applied thereto. In one implementation, the color image may be applied to the substantially planar carrier by screen printing one or more colors forming the color image onto the carrier using an edible ink composition.

Abstract: A layer cake support apparatus includes a base plate configured to receive a first layer of cake, a plurality of cake plates including a material free region and configured to receive a second layer of cake, and a rod which extends substantially vertically through the material free region to the base plate and through first and second layers of cake respectively disposed on the base plate and cake plate. The layer cake support apparatus further includes a plurality of cake supports which extend substantially vertically through a top surface to a bottom surface of the first and second layers of cake. The cake supports are inserted into the first and second layers of cake in locations within the cake layers to minimize interference with the rod.

Abstract: A method of dating a food product that includes packaging at least two packages of a food product into a storage container and after packaging the at least two packages, the method further includes making the at least two packages with a date while the at least two packages are located within the storage container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for packaging a non-contact printed edible substrate as well as the resultant packaged product. The packaging apparatus may include a non-contact printer, a carrier, and a package located at a discharge position. The carrier may be constructed and arranged to transport the edible substrate from the print position to the package and orient same in the package so that the printed ink indicia is visible through at least a portion of a panel of the package. At a print position, the non-contact printer is constructed and arranged to apply an edible ink indicia to an edible substrate. The packaging apparatus may form a packaged product having a plurality of compartments where at least one compartment at least partially defined by a panel. The interior of the compartment contains at least one edible substrate comprising a surface and a printed edible ink indicia on the surface so that the ink indicia is visible through at least a portion of the panel.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that is used to from a block of cheese having a brand marking. The container has dividers located on an internal side of a sidewall of the container. The block of cheese may be divided into slices of cheese where a slice of cheese has a brand marking.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing a decorative cake coating, the method comprising the steps of: providing a contour of a figure, the contour being made of a first edible solid substance, such as chocolate; filling the spaces between the lines of the contour with a second edible substance, such as colored candies; pouring dough made of a third edible substance (e.g., hot chocolate) onto the figure; and turning the coating upside down, thereby enabling placing the coating on the cake with the decorative figure on top.

Abstract: A forming roller structure for making dough sheet products from a dough sheet has a cylindrical body turned on a axle. The axle preferably has annular bodies of a greater diameter than the axle and gears for holding the roller structure in a tortilla machine and engaging the cylindrical body with the mechanism of the tortilla machine. The cylindrical body has an outer surface with a cutting border formed therein to define the edge of a dough sheet product, such as a tortilla. The outer surface also has embossing located within the cutting border, so that the embossing presses a predetermined design into the dough sheet surface as the dough sheet is moved with respect to the cylindrical body. The design may be text or a graphic image. A dough sheet product with an embossed design and a method of making same are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a method for manufacturing Graphic Art Chocolate what is designed drawings and/or photographic, letters, and printed through a edible transfer sheet using various color of chocolate ink or edible ink, using an apparatus for folding Graphic Art Chocolates and a new system of Both Side Mold. And transfer sheets are putting above the both side flat surface, put a edible transfer sheet, and puts Spread thin layer of white chocolate. And lock the both side mold after closing. And put more chocolate to the hole. They are taking on the refrigerator about 3-5 minutes, and after take out from refrigerator, the chocolate stiffen board away from the mold. Then the figure is transferred to the chocolate stiffens board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for manufacturing moulded and coded confections, the method comprising the steps of: (i) depositing an edible material into cavities in a mould to produce moulded confections, the mould comprising two or more lanes of cavities; and (ii) providing each moulded confection with a code according to the identity of the edible material in the confection so as to produce moulded and coded confections; wherein each lane of cavities is associated with at least one single-lane depositor which deposits the edible material into the cavities in that lane only.

Abstract: There are provided an electron beam application method and an electron beam application device capable of uniformly applying electron beams to an object even if the electron beams have a low energy. For this, electron beams (EB) are applied to a beverage container (30) (object) within a magnetic barrier (MF) formed by combining a plurality of magnetic fields generated in an electron beam application region.

Abstract: The presenting invention discloses a floating topping for beverages, comprising cocoa solids and fat, and/or gelatinous compounds such as gelatin, being non-miscible in the beverage's surface, wherein said fat content of said topping is in an amount such that total specific weight of said topping is lower then the total specific weight of said beverage's upper surface layer. The invention also discloses method of producing the same and methods of doing business.

Abstract: A method of decorating the surface of foodstuffs with photographic quality images using a combination system of edible inks and edible media that maintains the integrity of the photographic quality image and remains edible and palatable over prolonged exposure to the surface of the foodstuff.

Abstract: An ink comprises a high-boiling gylcol and an edible colorant with optional further ingredients. The ink is an edible ink that is preferably suitable for application to substrates, especially food products, using ink-jet printing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming, cutting and stamping a dough sheet into a plurality of uniformly stamped, imprinted dough pieces. The apparatus engages a leading portion of a dough sheet as it travels along a conveyor. The apparatus includes a drum rotatably disposed relative to the conveyor, a plurality of cutter molds disposed on the rotatable drum and a plurality of pattern imprinters formed within internal cavities defined by the plurality of cutter molds. Each of the cutter molds simultaneously cuts a dough piece received in the internal cavity and imprints on the dough piece to form a rounded edge roll. The pattern imprinter preferably has a star configuration for stamping the dough to form Kaiser-type rolls.

Abstract: A container with a carbonated fluid therein. The container may include a base and a sidewall positioned about the base. The base and/or the sidewall may include a number of nucleation sites thereon.

Abstract: A method for decorating or coloring the surface of a baking item applies a sheet of edible material to a surface of the baking item. Prior to applying the sheet of edible material to the surface of the baking item, a line drawing of some design, image or picture will be applied to the sheet of edible material. The line drawing will be in sections with each section having a number. A color ledger can be generated that comprises a set of numbers and colors associated with each number. The numbers of the color ledger correspond with or are related to the numbers on the line drawing. A section of the line drawing is colored with the color that corresponds to that number in the color ledger. This method provides the user with the flexibility to create custom designs instead of limited by preexisting design features.

Abstract: The present invention is a product and method for making an instant iced coffee beverage but may be used to create any type of flavored beverage product. The method of producing an instant iced coffee beverage product comprising of providing a mixture of crushed ice, uncrushed ice, and liquid coffee in a container; a freezing step to freeze the mixture allowing the mixture to freeze into solid phase before the crushed ice substantially melts into the coffee; a sealing step to seal an opening of the container and a storing step to store the container in the freezer at or below freezing point. The product is then thawed in a microwave within a selected time frame which results in a freshly made instant iced coffee beverage.

Abstract: An hermetic package for food products (P), such as confectionary products, chocolates, pralines, chocolate eggs, etc., including a wrapper of sheet material airtight sealed (2) around the product (P) and having one, or preferably two, extremity portions (3) twisted bow-like according to a general candy-like configuration. The bow or each bow (3) has a distal edge (3a) with a zigzag patterned or other shaped incision (4) susceptible of providing a triggering point for the tearing of the wrapper. Preferably, the wrapping material is an oriented film.

Abstract: The system and method for decorating cakes and confections includes an adjustable stand for a laser, which is used to project cake decorating guidelines. The stand includes a base member and a removable vertical rod member that extends from the base. In one embodiment, the vertical rod member includes a threaded portion at its bottom end that may be screwed into a threaded receiving hole on the top of the base. A generally horizontal rod may be attached to the vertical rod by an adjustable clamp or other device, so that it may be secured to the vertical rod at any point, so that the height of the horizontal rod above the base may be adjusted to any desired position. Further, the clamp for the horizontal rod may pivot, so that the horizontal rod may be rotated angularly from the vertical rod upwardly or downwardly, as desired. A laser line generator includes a clamp member, or similar device, so that the laser may be positioned along either the vertical rod or the horizontal rod in any desired position.

Abstract: A process for controlling body weight of a consumer obtains food energy data of candidate food servings to be ingested based on a human beings metabolic efficiency in utilizing first and second nutrients of the candidate food servings and ingesting the food servings such that a sum of the food energy data thereof bears a predetermined relationship to predetermined food energy benchmark data of the consumer for a given period. Related processes for selecting and purchasing food, for producing food energy data and for producing a food product are provided. Related processes and systems for supplying food energy data to a requester and supplying meal plan data to a consumer are also provided.

Abstract: Food grade flavored fluids for use in printing on edible substrates and methods for applying the food grade flavored fluids to edible substrates are described. The food grade flavored fluids have characteristics that render them suitable for ink-jet printing onto the surfaces of a variety of edible substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing formulation comprising monodisperse particles, at least one curing agent, at least one initiator and a solvent, as well as to the use of these formulations and to substances printed with these formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine for packing food products in a plastic packaging, said machine comprising a device for applying a transponder to the plastic packaging, and a system for data exchange between the transponder and a computer unit and/or a regulating unit, by which means data can be transmitted to the transponder or called therefrom.

Abstract: An article of commerce comprising an edible substrate having an image disposed thereon, and a method for making edible substrates having a variety of different images.

Abstract: Improved confectionery compositions and methods of using those compositions are provided. Broadly, the compositions comprise a sweetening ingredient, a proteinaceous material, and a thickening agent and can further have various additives such as colorants, flavoring agents, and preservatives. The compositions can be provided in the form of a dry mix which can be stored for long periods of time, or in the form of a ready-to-use composition. The final hydrated icing compositions flow readily through extremely small apertures (e.g., 18-24 gauge) and thus can be formed into detailed and complex patterns by even those with little skill in the art. The patterns can also be formed on a release substrate and packaged for sale directly to consumers or to bakeries.

Abstract: The present invention resides in food products and in their methods of preparation. More particularly, the present invention provides food products, especially shelf stable to ready-to-eat (“R-T-E”) or breakfast cereals mixes in the form of loose blends of individual pieces with the pieces including shaped and sized pieces having a portion of an image on a major surface that collectively, can be used to form image puzzles for enhanced play value such as for children. The present methods of preparation involve preparing pieces having a portion of an image on a major surface and blending those shaped pieces to provide loose blends of individual pieces whereby a food product blend can be provided having enhanced play value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining the processing of an ingredient of a manufactured product, particularly one that is manufactured “one-the-spot” to a consumer's specification, such as ice cream, among other products. A tag encoded on a container for the product carries indicia that, directly or indirectly, define one or more formulations for the product. Apparatus into which the ingredient is loaded sets the processing of ingredients in accordance with the formulations so specified. By connecting the apparatus which is to process the ingredients to a control station, the formulations may be changed at will.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a beverage displaying a printed design image upon a foamed portion of the beverage. The invention further discloses a device and method for same. In the invention, an automated printer is used, comprising a movable printing head, loaded with an edible liquid ink, to print a design of interest upon the beverage foam. In some embodiments, the beverage is coffee and the liquid ink is a second coffee essence. The invention additionally discloses business methods comprising printing an advertisement upon a foamed portion of a beverage, or selling a beverage displaying a printed image upon a foamed portion of the beverage.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices for manufacturing candy using one or more molds and/or stencils, which comprises the steps of filling a measured amount of a first candy mass into a first mold or stencil portion and filling a measured amount of at least a second mixture comprising a candy mass into a second mold or stencil portion. The invention also discloses a product and process to manufacture candy by forming a candy billet and reducing the cross section of said moldable billet such that features in the candy billet appear in a similar arrangement in the resulting extruded product.

Abstract: A food emulator for the production of an edible article that can substitute for a food item and that includes a carrier element formed of an edible material and an information element disposed on one or more surface of the carrier element. The one or more information element includes information related to the food item. The information may be one or more of a flavoring agent, a coloring agent or a texturing agent, for example. Different types and combinations of information may be provided by way of the information element and/or the carrier element to substitute for food items.

Abstract: The present invention relates to frosting or icing articles or cake toppers for baked goods that are sweet, shelf stable, ready-to-use, preformed, rigid or inflexible, three-dimensional, discrete or individual units for individual dessert servings such as cupcakes as well as their methods of preparation and use. Toppers can be made in a variety of flavors, colors and textures and can carry particulates such as nuts, chips, coconut, candy bits, etc. Further, the topper allows for creativity in frosting design. Multicolored, multi-flavored, and multi-textured toppers can be made. The cake toppers are especially useful for the at-home preparation of cupcakes with a frosting top. The toppers provide enhanced consumer convenience of reduced preparation and clean-up time.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool and method for imprinting encoded messages on a food product. Preferably the food can be gum or a fruit product. The tool further comprises an imprinting cube with designated encoded symbols incorporated on each plane of the cube and a container for containing a plurality of food products. The imprinting cube is adapted to be received by the container as a lid. The method comprises utilizing each designated symbol on the cube to encode a message on the food product. The method is a system of creating each number and alphabet in the English language utilizing five designated symbols incorporated on each plane of the cube.

Abstract: A flexible package and a method of packaging a product having a distinct shelf life in a flexible package to provide an indication of the product's shelf-life. The package has a hollow body formed of a flexible material in which the product is disposed and which is suitable for isolating the product within the package from the ambient atmosphere. The body also includes a window portion formed of a transparent material and an internal pocket located under the window. The internal pocket is arranged to hold a shelf-life indicating card at the window to be visible therethrough. The card may include indicia which is changeable in response to conditions existing within the package.

Abstract: An edible ink with a viscosity of about 2000 to about 16000 cp at 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a custom-configured product and method of identifying packaged products and of distributing a packaged product. The method of labeling a product comprises creating a label which has an adhesive portion for adhering the label and indicia identifying a product; contacting the label adhesive with a first surface of the packaging, so that the label adheres to the surface; placing the product in the packaging, closing the packaging so that the indicia is visible to the customer examining the indicia to determine the destination for the product; and delivering the product to the destination.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to food-product preparation kits and food-product preparation apparatuses. In one embodiment, a food-product preparation kit includes at least one support including a plurality of support slots, a food-product preparation apparatus, and at least one recipe card. The food-product preparation apparatus includes a base and walls attached to the base. The base and walls define receiving spaces for receiving food product. The food-product preparation apparatus includes at least one flange portion extending from the base. The at least one flange is configured to be received by at least one support slot and cooperate therewith so that the food-product preparation apparatus is supported in an upward fashion at a convenient viewing angle. The at least one recipe card is configured to be received by at least one of the support slots and cooperate therewith so that the at least one recipe card is oriented in an upward fashion.

Abstract: This invention relates to the labeling of wine for descriptive, educational, and informational purposes. Specifically, in preferred embodiments, labels are provided that display graphically the multifactorial components of taste intensity, taste location on the palate, and tasting descriptors, optionally with supplementary information (type of grape, region where wine is produced, smell of the wine, etc). The methods described herein are further extended to a wide variety of foods and drinks.

Abstract: This invention provides a decorative icing comprising (a) sugar in an amount of between 65% and 85% by weight; (b) water in an amount of between 8% and 16% by weight; (c) corn syrup in an amount of between 1.5% and 7% by weight; and (d) a gum blend in an amount of between 0.3% and 1% by weight, the gum blend comprising, in descending order of amount, gum arabic, propylene glycol alginate and xanthan gum; wherein the icing is ready to use, flowable, protein-free, and hardens after exposure to air. This invention also provides related articles of manufacture, kits, and methods for making and using the instant icing.

Abstract: Contemplated food products include compounds with cytokinin activity to modulate glucose and/or lipid metabolism, and in especially preferred aspects contemplated food products include one or more naturally occurring cytokinins (e.g., kinetin, N2-acetylguanine, zeatin, dihydrozeatin) at a concentration effective to prevent or treat pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes, syndrome X, and/or dyslipidemia. Methods of marketing such products are also contemplated.

Abstract: A method is provided for tracking ground meat to the animal or animals from which the meat was harvested. The method includes obtaining animal portions that have information that is associated with the animal portions. The animal portions are loaded into a conduit or a vessel that includes a meat grinder. The amount of portions entering the conduit or the vessel are measured. The portions are ground into ground meat, and the amount of ground meat leaving the conduit is again measured. With the aid of a computer, when the amount of ground meat leaving the conduit corresponds to an amount of the portions that enter the conduit, the information that had been associated with the unground animal portions can also be associated with the ground meat.

Abstract: Methods and systems provided herein relate to forming an item with desired spatial features. The item may be a food item, such as a baked item or a cake. The desired spatial features may include two-dimensional shapes and/or three-dimensional features. The item may be formed into the desired shape by forming a moldable substance and/or flexible strips.

Abstract: This invention provides an ice-candy forming container and an ice-candy producing method, which enable the ice-candies having a complicated shape copying a face of a cartoon character or the like to be produced with higher quality and without a loss of shape. This invention employs a forming container A including a first mold 1 having a pattern portion 5 formed in one face 3 thereof, and a second mold 2 configured to slide over and along the one face 3 of the first mold 1, in a close contact relation, in directions designated by arrows A1-A2, so as to contain the first mold 1 therein. In such a containing-in position, the second mold 2 contacts externally and closely with substantially the whole surface of the outer periphery of the pattern portion 5.

Abstract: A polymeric sheet having low density and comprising a low to non-existent amount of cyclic olefinic polymers (COP) and/or cyclic olefinic copolymers (COC). The overall density of the sheet may be lower than water. The sheet may be stretched and then heat shrinked onto an article. The sheet may be used as a label or package to wrap articles therewith.

Abstract: A printed sterilizable laminate for aseptic packaging includes two films each including a core layer including ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polymeric adhesive, or polyamide; first and second intermediate layers each including a polyamide; an outer layer including amorphous cyclic olefin copolymer, or a blend of amorphous cyclic olefin copolymer and at least one olefinic copolymer; an inner layer including olefinic copolymer, or a blend of an olefinic copolymer and amorphous cyclic olefin copolymer; and first and second tie layers adhering the intermediate layers to the outer and inner layers respectively; a printed image disposed on the outside surface of the first film, or the inside surface of the second film; and an adhesive that bonds the outer layer of the first coextruded film to the inner layer of the second coextruded film. An aseptic package, and a method of making an aseptic package are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oven and method of processing products such as fish and shellfish are disclosed. The oven may include a chamber that may be heated to ultra-high temperatures, such as within a range of about 600-2500° F. (315-1371° C.). A burner may heat the chamber from an exterior of the chamber such that the chamber may provide a uniform radiant heat inside the chamber. The products may be carried through the chamber on a conveyor belt to heat a surface of the products to brown and denature the surface, destroy microorganisms, and place grill marks on the products. The products may then be packaged in a microwavable package or boil-in-the-bag film such that the products may be cooked at a later time in a microwave oven or boiling water bath.

Abstract: Methods for disseminating advertising messages to consumers of fortune cookies are provided for. The methods comprise providing novel inserts constructed in accordance with the subject invention. The novel inserts have imprinted thereon an advertising message which may be viewed by a consumer. Fortune cookies are produced with novel inserts carried therein, and the fortune cookies are distributed to consumer outlets, such as food service establishments, and thence to consumers associated with the consumer outlets.

Abstract: A method for applying chocolate transfers directly to rolled fondant, and then applying the rolled fondant to a cake, baked good, or other confection is disclosed. The steps of the process include rolling the fondant out to a thickness of about 1/16 of an inch, placing the chocolate transfer directly onto the rolled fondant and covering with a silicone mat and a piece of parchment paper. An iron, such as one used for clothing or crafts, is used as a heat source, and is applied evenly across the parchment paper to heat the chocolate transfer until it adheres to the rolled fondant. Then, after the chocolate transfer/fondant combination is allowed to cool, it may be applied to the cake or confectionary product in a traditional manner. A novel confectionary product, which is at least partially covered by a rolled fondant/chocolate transfer combination is also disclosed, as well as a kit having the necessary tools for utilizing the method described herein.

Abstract: A image creating apparatus, said apparatus comprising a printing assembly having a reservoir and at least one opening, the reservoir containing a liquid substance, surface of a liquid sublayer and the printing assembly further comprises a means to release the substance from the opening onto the surface. Embodiments of the apparatus are capable of creating and reproducing images on non-uniform and liquid surfaces.