Abstract: Packaging of bananas in containers, for example polyethylene bags, having designed permeabilities to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene. The bags preferably include a gas-permeable membrane comprising (1) a microporous film, and (2) a polymeric coating on the microporous film. The containers enable storage and/or ripening of bananas under controlled conditions. Using the new containers, bananas can be ripened while they are being transported, or in conventional ripening rooms without opening the containers in which they have been transported, or after they have left a ripening room. In addition, bananas can be preserved in a satisfactory ripened state for longer periods of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a pressurized beverage, in particular beer, comprising a casing of a thermoplastic material, a valve part for dispensing the beverage from the container, and an expandable device holding a compressed gas or a gas generating system for expanding the device during or after filling the container to compensate for an increase in the volume of the container resulting from creep in the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A rigid filter for capsules suitable for extracting beverages, comprising a flat body having a plurality of through filtering holes, which are sized so as to block the passage of solid particles and allow passage of brewed water or beverage, wherein the holes have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the middle plane of the flat body, so that the filter can be inserted into a capsule without taking care of the orientation of such holes with respect to the powdered substance within the capsule.

Abstract: A capsule to form a closed interior filled with an extraction product or extract can be perforated in a known manner by perforation elements of an injection device or a discharge device in order to introduce an extraction liquid and to discharge an extraction product produced in the interior of the capsule following an extraction process. The capsule has the shape of a cuboid or a die.

Abstract: An improved ice cream cone holder includes a conical portion with an open end and a closed end and at least one de-nesting formation about the open end to inhibit vacuum formation in stacks of the holders. Additionally, embodiments comprise at least one drainage formation at the open end to allow melt to enter the conical portion rather than to overflow a rim of a disc portion formed about the open end. Embodiments contemplate varying a distribution pattern of the drainage formations, the de-nesting formations, or both from holder to holder.

Abstract: A body of hard candy is formed on a tubular stem that extends from a reservoir/handle in which an edible fluid is contained. The outer end of the tubular passageway is open. A cover is provided. It has an open end which engages a base wall and holds the cover to the base wall. The cover includes an end wall which includes a plug which enters into the end of the tubular stem when the cover is installed. When the cover is removed, a consumer may lick the candy and may squeeze the reservoir/handle to express edible fluid out from the reservoir/handle, through the passageway and into the consumer's mouth.

Abstract: A packaged bottled beverage has a base component of the beverage in a container under 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 system for dosing coffee beans, comprising a coffee bean package provided with walls enclosing an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with an apparatus that is provided with a coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package prior to use in itself is closed off such that exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, and the coffee bean receiving device is arranged to be guided through the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the dosing space through the coffee bean outlet out of the inne

Abstract: Present embodiments generally relate to a single-serve beverage cartridge for use with a single-serve coffee brewer. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a cup, a lid, and a single serving of instant coffee or another instant beverage component. In some embodiments, the cartridge is configured to be pierced by one or more piercing members, which can provide an opening for liquid to flow into and/or out of the cartridge. In certain instances, the cartridge includes an insert configured to facilitate mixing of the instant beverage component with the liquid. In some embodiments, the instant beverage component is compressed. In certain embodiments, the cartridge does not include a filter or a barrier configured to retain non-liquid matter within the cartridge.

Abstract: A microwavable vacuum-packed frozen sushi product comprising: a flexible microwave-safe plastic packing bag which is vacuumed to a pressure of 50 to 600 mmHg and, in the pressure-reduced state, hermetically sealed; an open-topped plastic box placed in said packing bag; and a sushi product placed in said box; said vacuum-packed frozen sushi product being such that a space is formed in said packing bag in the pressure-reduced state around said sushi product and the space has, in total, a volume 0.1 to 0.7 times that of said sushi product; an inner surface of said packing bag is in contact with an upper surface of said sushi product; and said packing bag, said box and said sushi product are frozen together in a unified form. Water vapor generated during thawing is allowed to flow through a space formed between the sushi material and the box and the packing bag to heat a rice section and a material or materials, thereby providing the sushi product with diminished unevenness in temperature distribution.

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 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: A self regulating and constant pressure maintaining beverage dispenser assembly comprises a dispensing device and a beverage container defining an inner space constituting a beverage space filled with carbonated beverage and communicating with the dispensing device for allowing dispensation of the carbonated beverage, and a head space communicating with the beverage space and filled with CO2 having an initial pressure of 0.1-3 bar above the atmospheric pressure when subjected to a specific temperature of 2° C.-50° C. preferably 3° C.-25° C. and more preferably 5° C.-15° C. The beverage dispenser assembly further comprises at least one carbonisation canister communicating with the head space via a hydrophobic labyrinth and comprising a particular amount of adsorption material having adsorbed a specific amount of CO2.

Abstract: A method comprises the steps of: providing an electric coffee brewing machine; providing a single-use, disposable brew basket, inserting the disposable brew basket into the electric coffee brewing machine; brewing a single cup of coffee with the electric coffee brewing machine; and discarding the disposable brew basket after the single cup of coffee has been brewed. The electric coffee brewing machine has a cold water reservoir, an electric heating element for heating the water, and a basket receiving recess. The disposable brew basket has a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the bottom wall to define a brewing reservoir for receiving heated water from the electric coffee brewing machine. The bottom wall of the basket has at least one port located in a central portion thereof to permit brewed coffee to flow from the disposable brew basket. The disposable brew basket is inserted into the basket receiving recess of the electric coffee brewing machine before brewing.

Abstract: There is provided a microwavable vacuum-packed frozen sushi product comprising: a flexible plastic packing bag which is vacuumed to a pressure of 50 to 600 mmHg and, in the pressure-reduced state, hermetically sealed; an open-topped plastic box placed in the plastic packing bag; a laminated metal foil placed on the bottom of the plastic box; and a sushi product placed in the plastic box with its sushi material or materials in contact with the laminated metal foil; the microwavable vacuum-packed frozen sushi product being such that an inner surface of the plastic packing bag is in contact with a rice section of the sushi product; and the plastic packing bag, the plastic box, the laminated metal foil and the sushi product are frozen together in a unified form, in which water vapor emanating from the sushi product in the thawing flow through a space formed around the sushi product to effect heating of the rice section and the sushi material or materials of the sushi product, thereby diminishing temperature uneve

Abstract: A product packaging for a solid product comprises a base, a lid, and a seal. The base has a top, sides, and a bottom forming a cavity configured and arranged to receive a solid product, and the base has an exterior surface. A texture is on the exterior surface of the base, whereby the texture enhances a user's ability to grip the base when the base is inverted. The seal interconnects the top of the base and the lid and allows the lid to be peeled away from the top of the base.

Abstract: A dessert and method of making same is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes stuffing a first layer of dessert material into a bottom of a container, adding a first layer of filling or icing on top of the first layer of dessert material, stuffing a second layer of dessert material on top of the first layer of filling or icing, and adding a second layer of filing or icing on top of the second layer of dessert material, where the container is adapted to push the dessert out of a top end of the container to sequentially reveal each layer of dessert material and layer of filling or icing for consumption. Each layer of dessert material may be formed to approximately a same width as the container before stuffing into the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to create a product, such as, but not limited to, a fruit juice, vegetable juice, fruit puree, soup, fruit cup or a combination of fruit and vegetables in solid or liquid form with extended shelf life without deterioration of color, texture, nutritional profile, or flavor which are typically associated with conventional processing methods. The disclosed apparatus and method avoids oxidation by creating an oxygen-free environment for produce processing followed by pasteurization treatment. The disclosed apparatus and method avoids degradation of nutrition content by maintaining stable processing temperatures and avoiding oxidation throughout all processing steps. Based on the type of produce to be processed, the particular processing steps are customized in order to optimize the nutritional profile of the particular fruit or vegetable product to be produced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for indicating the passage of time, comprising a substrate and an indicating layer formed on the substrate. The indicating layer comprises a polymer matrix and a predetermined amount of redox compound under the reduced form. The redox compound is dispersed in the polymer matrix and has the following properties: the reduced form of the redox compound reacts with oxygen to form the oxidized form of the redox compound; the hue or color density of the reduced form of the redox compound is different from that of the oxidized form of the redox compound; and the hue or color density of the indicating layer varies as the time for the reduced form of the redox compound contacting with oxygen in environment increases to have the amount of the oxidized form of the redox compound increase so as to indicate the passage of time.

Abstract: Disclosed are microwave popcorn articles including a thickened liquid (at room temperature) oil and their methods of preparation. The microwave popcorn articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag or container, and a food charge disposed therein comprising kernel popcorn and/or puffable pellets; 1% to 45% liquid (at room temperature) oil; and, 0% to 4% salt. The oil ingredient has a melting point of ?25° C. The oil ingredient includes an oil thickening ingredient especially a starch based oil thickening ingredient such as a cyclodextrin in amounts sufficient to dimensionally stabilize the oil. By avoiding hydrogenation to solidify the oil into a solid fat at room temperatures, finished popcorn products can be provided that are desirably low in trans fatty acid content. The methods of preparation include preparing a heated oil thickened with cyclodextrin complexed with the oil and adding the thickened oil to the microwave container.

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: 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: SDDR Corporation (which was incorporated on Jan. 30, 2009) puts a claim on the use of squeezeable containers for baby foods to feed babies. SDDR Corporation (which was incorporated on Jan. 30, 2009) also puts a claim on the use of baby food containers with an injection type of system to feed babies. Said claims on containers are for baby food manufacturers' containers.

Abstract: The dispenser is comprised of a first hollow body and a second hollow body. The second hollow body fits into the first hollow body. The second hollow body has a closure at the open end. The second hollow body is maintained in the first hollow body by means of an interference fit. There also is at least one vent between the first hollow body and the second hollow body. The second hollow body will contain a medicament. In use the first hollow body and the second hollow body are separated, the lid on the closure of the second hollow body opened and a tablet dispensed into the first hollow body. A liquid such as water is added to the first hollow body to dissolve the tablet. This dissolved medicament is ingested in the usual way and the second hollow body placed back into the first hollow body.

Abstract: A foodstuff holder has first and second sidewalls of triangular area facing one another in an aligned manner at positions spaced apart from one another. A rear wall interconnects the first and second sidewalls along a respective rear side of the aligned triangular areas, and a bottom wall interconnects the first and second sidewalls along a respective bottom side of the aligned triangular areas. The bottom wall and the bottom side are longer than the rear wall and the rear side respectively giving the holder a shape suitable for a triangular piece of pizza folded in half along its length. A lip formed on the bottom wall at an end thereof opposite the rear wall on a face of the bottom wall facing into the open space prevents leakage from the holder. The holder may be formed from a foldable blank and used in methods of food preparation or service.

Abstract: A package assembly including a first package a second package is provided. The first package can contain two or more compartments. A first compartment can substantially contain the second package and a second compartment can substantially contain a food product, such as a meat. The second package can contain a food additive, such as a marinade. Although substantially contained within the first compartment of the first package, the second package includes a reputable seal located proximate the second compartment of the first package. Applying pressure to the first compartment and, thus, the second package can break the rupturable seal to distribute the food additive from the second package to the food product in the second compartment. The first package can include a perimeter hard seal configured to withstand the pressure and, thus, prevent the leaking of any of the food product or the food additive from the first package during the distribution of the food additive.

Abstract: Provided is a beverage extraction filter for use in a beverage extraction apparatus, wherein costs can be reduced, and the filter is not bulky during transportation and can be discarded easily. The beverage extraction filter to be set in the predetermined position of the beverage extraction apparatus is provided with a filter section (10), in which an article of taste is to be contained, and a flat cover section (11) to be attached to the upper portion of the filter section (10). Bellows are formed in the vicinity of the upper portion of the filter section (10) such that the bellows of the bellows section stretch after the filter is set in the predetermined position and hot water is poured through the cover section.

Abstract: A self-contained and self-heating food, meal and/or drink package, comprising a heat-resistant carton, a heat-resistant tray, a heating element, a container having a food, meal and/or drink sealed therein, and a pouch containing an activator solution for reacting with the heating element to generate sufficient heat to heat the food, meal and/or drink in the container. To heat the contents of the container, the heating element is positioned within the tray and the activator solution is applied to the heating element. The container then is positioned over the heating element in the tray, and the tray with the heating element and container therein is positioned within the carton which serves as an oven for heating the food, meal and/or drink in the container.

Abstract: A self-contained and self-heating food, meal and/or drink package, comprising a heat-resistant carton, a heat-resistant tray, a heating element, a container having a food, meal and/or drink sealed therein, and a pouch containing an activator solution for reacting with the heating element to generate sufficient heat to heat the food, meal and/or drink in the container. To heat the contents of the container, the heating element is positioned within the tray and the activator solution is applied to the heating element. The container then is positioned over the heating element in the tray, and the tray with the heating element and container therein is positioned within the carton which serves as an oven for heating the food, meal and/or drink in the container.

Abstract: A cover for a retail tofu container, the cover comprising a body having a rim, the rim having an interior surface defining a coupling mechanism constructed and arranged to couple cover to the container. The cover can include at least one aperture defined on the body through which a liquid can flow when a lid coupled to at least a portion of the body is in a second position. A method of storing tofu in a retail tofu container is also described, whereby a film seal is removed from the container, a cover is coupled and sealed to the container. Liquid is drained and the container is refilled with fresh liquid with the cover remaining securely sealed to the container.

Abstract: A device for preparing a liquid foodstuff or semi-luxury product from an extraction product contained in a capsule with a liquid extractant comprises a positioning unit, which can be positioned by applying pressure onto a collar of the capsule in an insertion position between two chamber parts that are spaced from one another in an open position. The positioning unit is designed such that when the chamber parts are moved from the open position to the closed position, the positioning unit acts on the collar in such a way that the collar can be released from the insertion position of the positioning unit by bending or turning the collar down.

Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage is proposed, having a substantially frustoconical or cylindrical base element which has a cavity, and having a membrane which closes off the cavity, with a filter element being arranged within the cavity, the filter element dividing the cavity into a first region for holding a beverage raw material and into a second region for receiving a beverage extract, wherein the filter element is fastened to the base element by means of at least one ultrasonic welded joint.

Abstract: A method for preparing a grain includes: soaking the grain utilizing a first water; draining the first water; transferring the grain into a bowl; adding a second water to the grain; heating the grain in the bowl in a first cooking; sealing the bowl; and heating the grain in the bowl in a second cooking, thereby making the grain fully cooked and shelf stable. This produces cooked, shelf stable whole grain rice in a bowl.

Abstract: A multi-flavor flavoring system is disclosed. The system includes a flexible substrate having a first surface adapted to be secured to a beverage bottle and at least one flavor packet secured to a second surface of the substrate. The flavor packet of the system includes a cylinder and a plunger within the cylinder. The system may include a radial flange about an interior surface of the cylinder and an annular groove about a periphery of the plunger. The annular groove is adapted to engage the radial flange to bias the plunger in a first position. Whereupon user movement of the plunger permits the groove to move past the flange to bias the plunger in a second position within the cylinder to pierce the side wall of the beverage bottle to allow flavoring liquid of the flavor packet to be in fluid communication with contents of the beverage bottle.

Abstract: A container is provided for storing a product, such as a fat containing liquid product, and includes a body defining a chamber for receiving the product; and a container closure including a sealing portion for sealing the product within the chamber. The container closure includes a member forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the container closure and the body; a nipple in fluid communication with the chamber that seals the chamber with respect to the ambient atmosphere during storage of the product in the chamber and that can be opened to dispense product from the chamber therethrough; and a needle penetrable and laser resealable portion that is penetrable by the needle for aseptically filling the chamber with the product, and that is thermally resealable by the application of laser radiation thereto to seal the product within the chamber.

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

Abstract: A cartridge for forming a beverage includes a container defining an interior space, a filter, a beverage medium contained in the interior space, and a filter guard. The filter may be arranged so that liquid that interacts with the beverage medium flows through the filter to exit the interior space. The container may include a surface arranged to be pierced by a piercing member to permit beverage to exit the container. The filter guard may be arranged to contact the piercing member to resist damage to the filter when the container surface is pierced. In one embodiment the filter guard and filter may be in contact with the container surface that is pierced, yet damage to the filter that might be caused by the piercing element may be avoided.

Abstract: Packaging of a stack of confectionery pellets (12) comprises a tubular pack (30) formed from a flexible wrapper (32) and a re-closable cap member (34) mounted to one end of pack. The cap member has a base affixed to a side wall of the pack (30) and a scoop (40) attached to the base for movement between closed and open positions. The scoop (40) is shaped to act as a receptacle for holding a pellet (12) dispensed from the pack when in the open position. The wrapper (32) has a line of weakness (61) extending around all or part of the end wall region and during manufacture an inside surface of the scoop (40) is bonded to the end wall region. When the scoop (40) is first opened, the wrapper (32) tears along the line of weakness to create an opening in the pack (30) through which pellets (12) can be dispensed. A method of manufacturing the packaging is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container has a product chamber for containing a product. The product chamber has a product opening that opens into the exterior. A closure member is releasably mounted on the product opening. The container further includes an additive chamber for containing an additive, and a pressure valve that connects the additive chamber and the product chamber with each other. The pressure valve has a closed position when the pressure inside the product chamber is higher than the pressure inside the additive chamber, and an open position for discharging additive from the additive chamber into the product chamber when the pressure inside the product chamber is lower than the pressure inside the additive chamber. The pressure inside the product chamber is higher than the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the additive chamber is both lower than the pressure inside the product chamber and higher than the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A frozen pizza and tray combination and related methods are disclosed. The combination includes a bakeable single-use disposable tray having a holding surface and a frozen pizza. The holding surface has a substantially flat cooking side and an opposite oven-engaging side. The frozen pizza includes a crust and toppings. The crust has a bottom surface positioned on and against the cooking side of the flat holding surface of the bakeable tray. The frozen pizza also includes a cut arrangement extending through a thickness of the crust and includes a cut line having uncut portions of the crust along the cut line. One method of the disclosure includes slicing the pizza with at least one cut line into individual pieces and leaving uncut portions along the cut line such that no individual piece is disconnected from a remaining portion. The sliced pizza can then be placed into a tray and frozen.

Abstract: A method for heating a food item includes providing a structure for supporting a food item, a heater capable of heating the structure and the food item, a sensor for sensing a temperature of at least one of the structure and the food item, and a controller for controlling the operation of the heater. The sensor senses the temperature of at least one of the structure and the food item. In one embodiment, the heater is operated on a rethermalization cycle to raise the temperature sensed by the sensor to a cook temperature. The rethermalization cycle may be initiated manually or automatically upon the temperature sensed by the sensor falling below a lower limit temperature. The heater is operated to cook the food item on a cook duty cycle as a function of the temperature sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A food product and method are provided. The food product includes a bundle of grass leaves secured together by a wrapper. A container of a supplemental material is associated with the wrapper for distribution with the bundle. The food product including wrapper and container are pressed to extract liquid from the grass leaves and simultaneously rupture the container to release its contents for mixing with the extracted liquid. The resulting pulp, wrapper and container are separated from the liquid. The liquid can then be consumed as part of a human's diet.

Abstract: A dispenser for a soft-serve food product includes a housing having a dispensing chute and a piston having a head positioned therewithin. A lateral wall, the piston head, and a front door define an enclosed hollow space. The head is slidable within the lateral wall for squeezing a deformable container to dispense product through the chute. A system for preparing and dispensing a soft-serve food product includes a tempering freezer for raising a temperature of the food product from hard-frozen to a condition for soft-serve dispensing. An apparatus for packaging a soft-serve confection into a multiple-serving-size container for transport includes a blender for blending ingredients together to form a blended product and a device for transferring the blended product into a deformable container. The deformable container filled with the blended product is transferred into a substantially rigid mold and frozen to a hardened state for transport and retention.

Abstract: A convenience container device is disclosed. The device has a food container selectively coupled to a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes a spoon at an end of a handle pivotally coupled to a trigger handle. The food container comprises one or more chambers, and the chambers include solid foods and fluid foods. The chambers communicate with one another so that the solid foods and the fluid foods are mixed. Single-handed manipulation of the trigger handle by a user displaces the spoon having a mixture of the solid and fluid foods along a predefined path to conveniently deliver the food mixture to the user. A method of using the convenience container device is disclosed. Furthermore, a convenience consumer device kit comprises one or more convenience container devices or one or more components of one or more convenience consumer devices, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, the invention is directed to a process for making a variegated nut spread comprising (a) forming an enclosure from a film, b) pumping a nut spread into the enclosure; and (c) before, during, or after step (b), pumping in a separate stream of an inclusion to form a variegated nut spread; and (d) sealing the enclosure to form a container without homogenizing the nut spread and inclusions. The inclusion is generally another food component which is desirably eaten with peanut butter, such as fruit filling variegate, banana, marshmallow filling, chocolate, bacon bits, etc. The invention is also directed to a nut spread, comprising discrete inclusions selected from the group consisting of chocolate syrup, fruit and mixtures thereof. The inclusions in the nut butter of the inventions are discrete so that consumers can experience simultaneously organoleptic properties both of the inclusions and the nut butter.

Abstract: Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier. In certain embodiments, the heating chamber can be a can with prepackaged comestible substance therein.

Abstract: There is disclosed a packaged salad. The packaged salad includes an undressed salad comprising a plurality of solid food items, and a package containing the salad. The package has a smaller distribution mode and a larger, expanded consumption mode. One or more air vents allow air to enter the package to prevent negative air pressure from impeding a user from expanding the package from distribution mode to consumption mode. Processes for using the package are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a food packaging product constructed of a non-rigid material. Initially, an interior cavity of the food packaging product contains a food product. To prepare the food product for consumption, a consumer opens the food packaging product and empties the food product into a container. After emptying the food product into the container, the consumer pours a liquid into the interior cavity of the food packaging product such that a top surface of the liquid is substantially level with a fill line marked on the food packaging product. The fill line is visible on the interior cavity of the food packaging product. The material of the food packaging product prevents the liquid from leaking out of the interior cavity of the food packaging product. The consumer then pours the liquid into the container, thereby creating a mixture of the food product and the liquid.

Abstract: A device and process for brewing drinks, the device includes a brewing chamber capable of accommodating a package containing products to be brewed, the chamber having two parts configured so as to be moved towards or away from each other to close or open, respectively, the brewing chamber, and package arresting elements capable of applying themselves around the perimeter of the package once introduced into the brewing chamber. According to the invention, the device is such that one of the parts of the brewing chamber is mobile, allowing it to move the package past the arresting elements by deforming the perimeter of the package. Applicable to espresso type coffee machines.

Abstract: Described is a cone-shaped food item and systems and methods for packaging and dispensing the same. A preferred food item includes a cone-shaped edible food element such as a cone-shaped waffle, a cone-shaped external wrap for covering the food element, a foodstuff filling received within the edible food element, and a lid for covering an open upper end of the food element. Systems for assembling and dispensing the food item can include assembling the food element and optionally storing the food element originally in an inverted position wherein the foodstuff to be received internally of the cone-shaped food element is originally contained within the lid and thus not in substantial contact with the waffle or other conical food element. This can help to maintain the integrity of the cone-shaped food element during assembly and maintenance prior to distribution to consumers.