Abstract: A carrier for food products such as muffins and cupcakes includes a pan and a cover. The pan including multiple pan wells that project from an upper surface thereof. At least some of the pan wells each includes an opening in respective bottom surfaces thereof. The cover includes multiple cover wells or supports projecting from a surface thereof, each corresponding to one of the pan wells. At least some of the cover wells each includes a support extending from a bottom surface thereof. The cover secures to and substantially covers the pan in a first configuration. The pan nests on the cover in a second configuration such that the supports project through a respective one of the openings.

Abstract: A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion.

Abstract: A packaged bottle beverage has a base component of the beverage in a container wider vacuum separate from an additive in a sealed compartment of an ingredient release closure. Upon opening the sealed compartment, suction is created forcing the additive to quickly and thoroughly exit the ingredient release closure, a region of relatively higher pressure, and flow into the base component in the container, a region of relatively lower pressure.

Abstract: A water purifying and flavor infusion device that includes a lower reservoir for storing filtered water, and a pitcher top removably affixed to the lower reservoir. The pitcher top includes a lid, an upper reservoir, and a filter housing affixed to and extending below the upper reservoir. The filter housing is adapted to contain a filter cartridge wherein the upper reservoir and the filter housing are in liquid communication. The device also includes an infusion tube for infusing filtered water with an additive.

Abstract: A device and method for creating fruit juice utilizing a flexible bag having an upper fruit receiving portion for receiving a piece of fruit therein and a lower juice receiving portion, such portions separated by a mesh screen. There is a resealable closure member at the top of the fruit receiving portion. The flexible bag with fruit therein is then frozen and later thawed. The fruit receiving portion with fruit therein is squeezed to release juice from the fruit which passes through the mesh screen into the juice receiving portion which is accessible through a channel defined in the fruit receiving portion and mesh screen through which a straw can be passed into the juice receiving portion for drinking the juice.

Abstract: A coffee capsule for placement in a group head of espresso-making machines may produce espresso like that made by baristas. The capsule has a body wall, a curved top with a circumferential strip of reduced thickness configured for puncture and a circular flange projecting outward from the bottom end of the body wall. The capsules seals tightly with the group head against water leakage and produces espresso of optimal extraction rate due to one or more of the following: the thickness of the flange, the proximal ridge and small step on the flange, the outer step adjacent the body wall projecting upward from the bottom end of the body wall In addition, the coffee capsule may be made of polypropylene copolymer TR-50 and preferably about 80% TR-50 to also facilitate sealing. The flange has a pre-welding diameter calculated to expand to about 37 mm after being welded to the lid.

Abstract: A method of preparing a food dish simultaneously cooking a food item with rice, wherein the food item is seasoned or flavoured by placing food and seasoning or flavouring ingredients inside a cook-in bag, sealing the cook-in bag, placing the sealed cook-in bag in a cooking appliance, and wherein the rice is placed in the cooking appliance either before or after the cook-in bag is placed in the cooking appliance, and the food item and the rice are cooked together. A cooking kit for use in the method comprising a cook-in bag provided together with a sachet containing seasoning or flavouring ingredients.

Abstract: A box with slits at one side, such as the back, is disclosed. Paper or other planar material enters through the slits to separate layers of food or other items in the box. In one embodiment, the box has two parallel slits, and the paper is folded such that it enters through each of the two parallel slits, forming a U-shape where the stems of the “U” each pass between layers of the food, and the base of the “U” lies flat against the box. A handle may be integrated with the paper, allowing one to pull the handle to remove the paper from both slits simultaneously. One may therefore receive a burger free of sogginess, with condiments and accoutrements (e.g. sauces) thereon, and remove the paper through a single motion, just before removing the food from its packaging.

Abstract: A single use packing and dispensing technique includes a filter element as part of the packaging to permit a user to drain the packing fluid while retaining the primary package contents such as pickles, olives, canned vegetables, fruit, canned meats, poultry and fish. A strainer may be incorporated into any suitable aspect of the packaging along with a removable sealing element.

Abstract: A combined particulate solid and liquid container includes a base for holding a particulate solid; and a top removably attached to the base. The top includes a reservoir for holding a liquid and has an opening defined by a lower part projecting downwardly from the reservoir. The top also includes a port door removably attached to the opening and having a thermally-conductive insert projecting upwardly from the port door and into the reservoir when the port door covers the opening.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage container includes a bottle having a flexible sidewall of generally circular cross section, a cap for closing a top opening of the bottle, pairs of coupling elements provided on diametrically opposite portions of the sidewall respectively and configured to be pushed towards each other and couple together, thereby partially collapsing the bottle and expelling a predetermined amount of air therefrom. A method of preserving the taste of carbonated beverage in a container is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: Hot or Cold soup made fresh from scratch, can or concentrate is prepared in a suitable container and after its preparation is kept cool, blended and re-circulated for long term shelf life until a serving is requested. This serving volume of soup is automatically pumped and heated to serving temperature (hot soup) and served in a suitable container like a cup or a bowl. The entire system where the soup resides is always kept refrigerated. The only portion of the soup that is heated after its preparation is the one dispensed. If it is a soup that is served cold the heating prior to dispensing is by-passed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing a fabricated leaf tea product. The process comprises the steps of: (i) providing a concentrated liquid tea composition; (ii) providing a base leaf tea; (iii) combining the concentrated liquid tea composition with the base leaf tea to form a tea mixture having a total soluble solids content of at least 50% by dry weight of the mixture; and (iv) drying the tea mixture. At least 20% by weight of the base leaf tea has a particle size of +16 mesh and/or the tea mixture is sorted according to particle size to yield a fraction wherein at least 20% by weight of the fraction has a particle size of +16 mesh; and the time between forming the tea mixture (step iii) and drying (step iv) is at least 5 minutes.

Abstract: An improved packaging and process for cooking food products in an oven is disclosed, the packaging comprising a lower panel not containing any perforations; an upper panel containing a plurality of perforations, and where the upper panel and lower panel are coupled to define at least one food compartment to store at least one food product. The plurality of perforations allows for cooking of the food in an oven when the food packaging is placed in the oven with the lower panel facing downward. The present invention allows the food product to be easily transported, properly cooked in an oven to an optional consistency and quality, and provided to the consumer with minimal costs and efforts.

Abstract: A multi-temperature and multi-texture frozen food microwave heating tray includes a first integral compartment defined by at least one sidewall and an upwardly convex bottom, and a second integral compartment defined by at least one sidewall and a bottom and comprising a microwave energy access modulating structure for one of the first and second compartments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for the preservation and regeneration of pre-baked bread. The method comprises a preservation phase including the steps of enclosing the pre-baked bread in a receptacle capable of withstanding high temperatures, and hermetically enclosing the receptacle in an atmosphere conducive to the preservation of the pre-baked bread. The method may further include the step of heating the receptacle containing the pre-baked bread. The system comprises a packaging for preservation of pre-baked bread, including a receptacle for containing the pre-baked bread, the receptacle being capable of withstanding high temperatures. The packaging also comprises an enclosure for hermetically enclosing the receptacle, the enclosure containing a gas conducive to the preservation of pre-baked bread, such as CO2. The system may also include an oven configured to heat the receptacle and pre-baked bread at a temperature between about 100 degrees and 250 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: Method for producing a beverage-ingredient capsule (1) for the preparation of a beverage; the method comprising the steps of: providing a mould cavity (12), at least partially filling a mould cavity with the beverage ingredient in powdered or particulate form, compacting the powdered or particulate beverage ingredient in the mould cavity to obtain a compacted mass of the beverage ingredient, forming at least one recess (21) in the compacted mass and, inserting a capsule identification insert (9) into the said recess.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an infusible beverage product comprising hygroscopic fruit pieces the process comprising the steps of: a) providing plant material particles less than 1.5 mm in diameter and fruit pieces; b) admixing the plant material particles and fruit pieces; and then c) combining the plant material particles and fruit pieces with additional infusible beverage product ingredients is provided. An infusible beverage product comprising hygroscopic fruit pieces and plant material particles characterised in that the fruit pieces are less than 8 mm in diameter and the plant material particles are less than 1.5 mm in diameter is also provided.

Abstract: A bag containing foods, particularly foods to be re-heated or cooked and/or bakery products which are pre-baked and/or need to be re-baked, with an essentially closed bottom end and an opposing opening end, comprises a front wall and a rear wall that are attached to each other, at least in one or more sections, directly or through side walls, in the region of their side edges and bottom edges. The front wall and/or the rear wall and optionally also at least one side wall, preferably all side walls, comprise or are made of glassine paper and/or cellulose paper with a single- or double-sided fluorine coating.

Abstract: A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion.

Abstract: It is disclosed a container for storing muffins and for their serving. The container includes a bottom, a cover attachable to the bottom, and doors connected to the cover. In a closed state, the door defines together with the bottom and with the cover a sealed compartment for storing the muffins, which are disposed in dishes. In an opened state, most of the stored cakes are accessible for being taken out of the compartment. The dishes have several cake concavities of substantially uniform shape. The bottom may be a baking dish of six or more concavities. The cover includes a handle for carrying the container. The cover is locked to the bottom, and the door is locked to the cover. The container may have an oval or round shape. In a round container, the door is slidably connected to the cover.

Abstract: In one aspect, a coffee filter pod containing roast and ground coffee is provided wherein the roast and ground coffee has a plurimodal volume distribution density with a first peak of from 30 to 60 microns and a second peak of from 260 to 330 microns, wherein the ratio of the volume of the particles in the first peak relative to the volume of the particles in the second peak is from 2:1 to 1:2. In another aspect, a method of preparing a short coffee beverage is disclosed. A system for producing an espresso beverage and a method for producing a coffee filter pod are also provided.

Abstract: A method for filling an edible shell, in particular, a taco shell is achieved by gathering a first filling ingredient for a taco and layering the first filling ingredient along a first plane, gathering a second filling ingredient for a taco and layering the second filling ingredient along a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, and inserting the layered first and second filling ingredients within a taco shell. A template for the preparation of a layered taco is also provided. The template includes a guide member having a concave recess shaped and dimensioned for receiving the open end of a taco shell, the concave recess being defined by a facing wall in the generally shape of the open end of the taco shell. The template also includes a support shelf transversely positioned within the concave recess.

Abstract: The invention provides a stable concentrated dairy liquid, such as concentrated milk, with improved flavor, color, and mouthfeel, and a method of production thereof. The method utilizes specific thermal treatments to produce the stable concentrated dairy liquid to which a stabilizer and mouthfeel enhancer are added. The resulting products have a sterilization value Fo of at least 5 that is also resistant to gelling and browning during high temperature sterilization and is also resistant to gelling and browning during storage for greater than six months. The method balances such thermal treatments with addition of stabilizer and enhancer to achieve the desired flavor/mouthfeel and sterilization and to achieve reduced level of soluble protein in the concentrated milk prior to concentration to resist gelation and minimize browning. Moreover, such processing may be utilized in a milk that is concentrated to a factor of 2.7 fold or higher and contains at least 8.5 percent protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to containers that include at least one sub-container and to methods and/or systems for mixing first and second substances responsive to opening of the containers and the at least one sub-container that is included therein. The invention advantageously provides methods, systems, containers, sub-containers, seals and/or tethers that may be used in storing first and second substances in an unmixed state, until it is desired to mix the first and second substances just before utilization thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a disintegrable or non-disintegrable oral flavor delivery product. The product includes a disintegrable or non-disintegrable chewable pouch with a plurality of perforations. The pouch encloses a non-tobacco flavor product that can be in a gel, semi-liquid, and/or liquid form. A user chews, sucks, and/or manipulates the pouch to cause the enclosed flavor product to leach out of the perforations into the user's mouth.

Abstract: A self-heating container (1, 2) to prepare a fresh hot beverage containing a compartment containing a heat-delivering substance (8) to heat the liquid in the device, an airtight compartment (11) containing a measured amount of liquid to be heated, an airtight compartment containing a measured amount of dry matter for preparing a hot beverage, a filter (11) for separating the dry matter from the liquid (optional) and a compartment containing a measured amount of liquid to actuate the heat-delivering substance (8) with the attribute that the heat-delivering substance is actuated (13) simultaneously with the release of the dry matter to the compartment containing the measured amount of liquid to be heated during actuation.

Abstract: A biodegradable pod or package designed to work in single serve beverage machines. The package of the present invention includes a base, a filter, and a top, all of which are biodegradable. In some embodiments, the base and filter are formed from a biodegradable polymeric material such as polylactic acid (PLA); preferably, both the base and the filter are formed from PLA or include a coating of PLA thereon (for example, paper with a PLA coating). The top can be formed from a cellulosic material or other plant-based material. The package utilizes a unique bond between the three components so as to withstand the temperature and pressures to which the pod is exposed by the beverage machine. The bond is formed by melted or softened biodegradable polymeric material from the base and the filter that also adheres the top.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for bags of coffee, specifically designed for coffee machines delay brew function.

Abstract: A system for facilitating a user's intake of edible substances. The system may include a first portion, a second portion, and a partition unit disposed between the first portion and the second portion. A first space may be located between the first portion and the partition unit for containing a first edible substance. A second space may be located between the second portion and the partition unit for containing a second edible substance. The system may also include a tube for causing a change at the partition unit to open an opening between the first space and the second space, and for transmitting a portion of an edible mixture to the mouth of the user. The edible mixture may include part of the first edible substance provided from the first space and part of the second edible substance provided from the second space.

Abstract: Capsules for holding in an interior space a portion of a product for preparing a food product include a first part (501) and a second part (502), arranged along a direction of extension (A). The first and second parts define at least a portion of an interior space (S) for holding a portion of a food product. At least one of the first and second parts of the capsule may include a substantially rigid connector portion (533) with at least one inlet for connecting to the apparatus wherein the at least one inlet defines a first flow direction for a fluid to be introduced into the inlet which first flow direction extends more than about 45 degrees to the direction of extension of the capsule. An apparatus may include an actuator for cooperating with the capsule.

Abstract: A boil-in-bag pouch (1,50) containing a foodstuff (30), wherein said pouch is in the form of an enclosed body (4,52) having a front face (8,78), a back face (7,80), a top end, a bottom end, and first and second sides (9,10,54,56) extending between said top and bottom ends, said pouch comprising: a single sheet of flexible sheet material having first and second opposed edges, wherein said sheet is folded along said first side (10,54) and said second side (9,56) to define said front and back faces, wherein opposed edges of said sheet are bonded by a longitudinal seal (2,70) extending from said top end to said bottom end of said pouch; a top transverse seal bonding said front and back faces together proximate to said top end; a bottom transverse seal bonding said front and back faces together proximate to said bottom end; and wherein said sheet is folded form a pleat extending from the bottom transverse seal to the top transverse seal along only one of said sides (10,54) of said body (4,52).

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a food product having a liquid component and an insoluble component, such as soups or stews. A food product assembly may include a cartridge containing a liquid component medium that is usable by a beverage forming machine to produce a liquid component of the food product. A second container, to which the cartridge may be removably attached, may contain the insoluble component of the food product, and may receive the liquid component so as to hold both the insoluble component and liquid component together, e.g., for consumption by a user.

Abstract: A Dual use food container has two sets of holding surfaces, one positions food items such as taco shells for storage and transport and the other set of surfaces position the taco shell in a position for assembly so the cook can add ingredients like meat, cheese and sauce to the shell without it tipping over. The formed surfaces that enable one position exist substantially without interference with the surfaces that enable the alternative position. A thin film can be applied to the top of the container to seal the food within when positioned for storage and transport and can be adopted to fit snugly in a box further protecting the food. Thin formable materials can be used in making the container. Versions of this material can allow food to be safely warmed in an oven within the container. Methods for preparing food within the container are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming beverages using a beverage cartridge and sonic energy. A cartridge may include a sonic receiver, such as a feature that extends into an interior space of the cartridge and is arranged to receive a sonic emitter that introduces sonic energy into the interior space. The sonic receiver may be excited by sonic energy, which causes the sonic receiver to itself introduce sonic energy into the cartridge.

Abstract: An ovenable paper container containing an inner liner, an outer liner, and an intermediate or corrugated paper layer positioned between the inner liner and the outer liner. The ovenable paper container can be used to heat and/or cook food and then be used as a serving container without the danger of causing burns.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ovenable corrugated paper container containing at least an inner liner containing a first paper substrate and a polymeric coating on a food product side; an outer liner containing a second paper substrate; and a corrugated paper layer positioned between the inner liner and the outer liner. Due to its insulation properties, the ovenable corrugated paper container may be used as a serving container without the danger of causing burns.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is disclosed. The system comprises at least one disposable capsule; an apparatus comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, to the at least one disposable capsule, a receptacle for accommodating the at least one disposable capsule, and an outlet arrangement for supplying the beverage to a container, such as a cup. The at least one disposable capsule comprises a chamber for enclosing an inner space comprising the extractable product. The capsule further comprises a displaceable body conceived to interact with an entrance area and an exit area of the capsule for discontinuing the entrance area and the exit area thereby enabling the chamber to pass fluidum there through.

Abstract: Capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, for instance roast and ground coffee, comprising a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, a perforate and/or porous third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall arranged for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule, wherein the first, second and third wall enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product, wherein the extractable product in the inner space of the capsule has been, at least partly compacted. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a capsule, a system comprising such a capsule for preparing a beverage and a method for preparing of a beverage.

Abstract: A capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage comprises a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, a perforate and/or porous third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall arranged for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule. The first, second and third wall enclose an inner space comprising an extractable product. The extractable product in the inner space has particles falling within a preselected distribution by weight. A 10th percentile of the particle size is 20-60 ?m, a 50th percentile of the particle size is 400-600 ?m and a 90th percentile of the particle size is 700-1000 ?m.

Abstract: A packaged edible including a generally cylindrical body of a foodstuff mixed with a binder in a generally solid form and arranged about a longitudinal axis and a dispensing package generally enclosing the generally cylindrical body of a foodstuff mixed with a binder in a generally solid form, the dispensing package including a first hand engageable enclosure portion generally surrounding the generally cylindrical body of a foodstuff mixed with a binder in a generally solid form, a shaving element arranged to rotate about the longitudinal axis and a second hand engageable element arranged for manual rotation about the longitudinal axis and arranged to rotate the shaving element about the longitudinal axis in operative engagement with the generally cylindrical body of a foodstuff mixed with a binder in a generally solid form for shaving a surface thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that may include a tray formed from parchment paper. The tray may include a bottom portion and at least one side portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion. The bottom portion may support a pizza while the pizza is baking. The pizza may be packaged and/or served to a consumer in the tray.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to packaging films that exhibit favorable sealing characteristics and reduced adhesion to meat at high temperatures. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to packages constructed from such films and methods of using the films in high temperature applications.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge includes a bottom wall and at least one sidewall forming a chamber in which a beverage can be prepared from a stored beverage product. The sidewall includes one or more pre-formed openings or openable portions. Openable portions may be scored lines or reduced-thickness lines or regions, which open to form exit paths for a prepared beverage when a compressive force is applied to the sidewall, such as by moving a portion of the bottom wall toward an upper end portion of the cartridge to deform the sidewall and open the openable portions. Where the sidewall instead includes pre-formed openings, these may be initially covered or sealed and provide existing exit paths for prepared beverage upon removal of the cover. Optionally, a filter element is provided inside the cartridge for retaining a used beverage product inside the cartridge as a prepared beverage exits from the cartridge.

Abstract: A capsule (1) sealed without an internal filter. The capsule includes a cup-shaped body (2) with an outwardly projecting flange (2a), and a flexible lid (3) welded to the flange (2a) to define with the latter a sealed chamber (4) which is impermeable to oxygen and moisture and contains a quantity of granular material (5). The granular material (5) is first compressed inside the chamber (4) in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the flange (2a), with a compressive load preferably of between 2 and 50 Kg per cm2 of the average cross-sectional area of the chamber (4), so as to form a compact tablet (5) of the material. A vacuum is formed inside the chamber (4) to a degree such that the lid (3) adheres to the upper surface of the tablet (5).

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprises a container, an attachment mechanism, and a cartridge. The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism is generally located within the container. The attachment mechanism may comprise an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive the cartridge within the attachment mechanism. The piercing portion may generally pierce the cartridge, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge with the attachment mechanism. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge to be dispensed into the container, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge with the liquid within the container to create a drinkable beverage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a foamed tea beverage composed of: a mixture of liquid and bubbles, a foam head above the mixture of liquid and bubbles, characterized in that the beverage is deprived of any creamer, lipid or thickener agent, and in that the said beverage is generated from the combination of water, a powdered tea composition comprising a tea extract powder, and a food-grade acid.

Abstract: A combination bread baking and packaging apparatus that includes an outer sheet of baking paper capable of withstanding a temperature sufficient to bake bread, the outer sheet having an inner surface; an inner oven-able and heat sealable polyester sheet adhesively bonded to and coextensive with the inner surface of the outer sheet to form a composite sheet having opposite edges, the opposite edges being interconnected to form an elongated tubular member having a first end portion that is folded upon itself and sealed to form a precursor apparatus having a bread receiving chamber having an opening end. Following the insertion of a partially baked loaf of bread into the bread receiving chamber, the open end of the bread receiving chamber is folded upon itself and during the heating of the partially baked loaf of bread, is automatically sealed.