Abstract: Disclosed is a vertical packaging machine configured for packaging a product. The machine may include a supply conduit formed by at least one hopper through which the product to be packaged is introduced in the supply conduit. A tube is arranged downstream the hopper. The supply conduit includes at least a first passage conduit and a second passage conduit which are separated from one another such that each of the first and passage conduits offers a different path for the product to be packaged. Each of the first and second passage conduits includes a first injection opening and a second injection opening, the first injection openings being located at different heights and in different angular positions in reference to the second injection openings. The machine also includes one or more injection devices and that are configured to inject gas into the first and second gas injection openings.

Abstract: An oral pouch product having a soft edge includes an inner filling material enclosed inwardly of at least one seam between opposed layers of porous pouch wrapper. The at least one seam is separated from the periphery of the porous pouch wrapper by an unbonded area of the opposed layers so as to form a soft edge of the pouch wrapper.

Abstract: A system and method for storing, preserving and cooking meals using the sous-vide technique. The system and method of the present invention is designed to automatically cook, upon request a meal having various ingredients by immersing bagged food in temperature controlled liquid. The cooking time may be manually or automatically programmed from downloaded cooking direction associated with the food. The cooking request may be given by a user from the physical apparatus or using a mobile device application.

Abstract: An apparatus for warning a slippery surface is provided that includes a light emitting device, a mounting unit and a light-refracting liquid or powder to be added to a cleaning solution or other fluid causing a slippery surface. The apparatus is used for the purpose of alerting people in the vicinity of a potential safety hazard of the existence of such safety hazard. The light emitted from the light emitting device is directed toward the slippery surface imbued with light-refracting liquid or powder for the purpose of showing persons the existence of a slippery surface or hazardous condition.

Abstract: A Slippery Surface Warning Apparatus includes a Ultra-Violet Emitting Device, a Sign with Indicia, a Mounting Assembly, a Light-refracting liquid or powder to be added to a cleaning solution or other fluid, and a Light Housing. This Slippery Surface Warning Apparatus is used for the purpose of alerting people in the vicinity of a potential safety hazard whereby light emitted from the Ultra-Violet Emitting Device is directed to the slippery surface imbued with UV-Reflected cleaning solution for the purpose of showing persons where a slippery surface or hazardous condition is.

Abstract: The invention relates to lids for cans for receiving foodstuff which are to be subjected to a thermal treatment above 50° C. as sterilization or at least pasteurization. The lid (1) has an annular ring (2) seamable to the can body which ring can be firmly and sealingly connected with the can body rim portion and a cover panel (3) which is sealingly disposed (13) to said ring. The annular ring comprises a flat web (6) that points towards a vertical central axis (8) of the lid and is axially outwardly inclined (11) with respect to a horizontal plane (15). The cover panel (3) is sealed to the flat inclined web by means of a radially outer ring band (3a). A central area (3b) that is surrounded by the ring band is axially inwardly preformed towards an interior in a dome or bowl-shaped fashion and thereby stabilized. After closing of the can, it is subjected to the thermal treatment.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for forming a pouch having an evacuated headspace containing a flowable material. The process relates to optimizing both, the evacuation of the headspace in the pouch and the accuracy of the flowable material filled in the pouch. Specifically, the present invention employs a process that includes a multiple-step or a continuous compression of the pouch headspace to accomplish the goals. Also disclosed is a vertical form-fill-seal apparatus for forming a pouch containing a flowable material and having an evacuated headspace.

Abstract: A method and system for wrapping meat in containers is provided. The method and system provide a modified atmosphere, other than that which exists as standard air, to a container such that a final sealed product contains an internal volume or atmosphere of modified gas. In-line processing features dispense the desired modified gas such that minimal interruption is provided in an automated or partially automated packing operation.

Abstract: Dried fruit has a coating of microcrystalline cellulose in an amount effective to prevent agglomeration of the dried fruit. Methods of preparing and using the coated dried fruit are also described. The dried fruit pieces of the present invention are less sticky and are readily separated from one another using ordinary gravity feed handling conditions.

Abstract: A container for preserving food items includes a sidewall extending from a sidewall base, the sidewall defining an open interior space and a rim of the sidewall defining an opening in the container, the opening providing access to the open interior space. The container is constructed of an organic cotton fabric having a density of about 6-10 ounces per square yard (oz./sq. yd.).

Abstract: Packaging of fruits in containers. The containers preferably have designed permeabilities to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene and 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 fruits under controlled conditions. Using the new containers, fruits can be ripened while they are being transported, or in conventional ripening rooms without opening the bags in which they have been transported. In addition, fruits can be preserved in a satisfactory ripened state for longer periods of time. Methods of treating fruits with insecticides, fungicides and mold-inhibiting compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling gas composition within a container containing respiring produce is described. The container includes at least one gas outlet and at least one gas inlet and the method includes the steps of: drawing gas from within the container through a selective membrane element under selected control conditions through the at least one gas outlet; introducing ambient air from outside die container into the container through the at least one gas inlet under selected control conditions to control the relative composition of gases inside the container. Apparatus for containing the goods and for controlling the atmosphere in the container according to the method are also described.

Abstract: In one embodiment of an apparatus and process for packaging foodstuffs or other materials in a rigid container sealed by a flexible cover, a desired quantity of material to be packaged containing or together with some water or other liquid is placed in the container, the flexible cover is secured on the container so as to leave at least one unsealed opening, the container is heated and/or placed in a partial vacuum to bring the liquid above its boiling point to cause or permit vapor generated by the boiling liquid to expel other gases from the container through the unsealed opening, and the container is sealed while gas or vapor is still flowing out of the container through the unsealed opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is shown for preparing liquid egg products, for example pure egg whites, whole eggs and egg products either alone or mixed with spices, vegetables or other ingredients, in a microwave oven. The container for preparing the liquid egg products is relatively inexpensive and disposable. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for preparing liquid egg products in a disposable, microwavable container in which the liquid egg product expands while cooking and partially removes the lid of the container to create a delicious meal of properly cooked, fresh egg product, that are ready for consumption.

Abstract: Container containing a gassed acidulated beverage capable of producing a foam when the container is opened and the beverage poured. The beverage contains an additive which reduces the rate of release of the gas from the beverage when the container has been opened, without the beverage being poured. The additive has one or more of the following: an HLB value in the range 7-16; a molecular weight in the range 200-3000; and it is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 100 mg/l.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for dough processing, a method for providing a container for a dough product, a container, and a product formed by a container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for dough processing, a method for providing a container for a dough product, a container, and a product formed by a container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover, a method of covering, and a cover system to be used with shipments of products transported by air with ULDs. The cover system provides thermal protection to temperature-sensitive products in or on the ULD. The cover system maintains the proper relative humidity level and gas concentrations (oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene) for horticultural product loads. The cover system can also have antimicrobial properties. In addition, the cover system decreases the amount of water vapor released in the cargo holds which is known to affect the reliability of the aircraft smoke detection system and to cause false fire alarms.

Abstract: A container (10) having a valve flap (20) which is movable between a closed position, whereat it is seated on the seating area (18) to close an evacuation port (16), and an opened position, whereat it is unseated from the seating area (18) to open the evacuation port (16). A label structure (26) includes a film layer (28) forming a seat platform on which a seating area (18) is located and/or a film layer (30) forming a flap platform on which the valve flap (20) is located. A plurality of label structures (26) can be efficiently and economically mass-produced by a label-manufacturer and then supplied to the container-manufacturer for incorporation into the containers (10).

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly for preparing and presenting an edible composition designed to be puffed including a first portion defining a chamber for enabling the puffed composition to be presented, and a second portion defining a storage chamber designed to include at least one non-puffed composition, the second portion being arranged in the first portion. The invention also concerns a method for preparing a composition to be puffed using the assembly.

Abstract: A defoaming method capable of destroying foams generated when a container is filled with drink, or the like, efficiently at a high speed and destroying foams effectively even in the case of a container having a narrow mouth. Liquid surface (6) in a container (1) is irradiated with pulse-like light (2) and a pulse-like sound wave (8) is generated from an irradiated point (7) as a sound source. The pulse-like sound wave thus generated propagates from the sound source as a strong spherical wave to reach a bubble (9) and to destroy the bubble. It can also destroy a bubble located at a place remote from the optical path quickly, thus destroying bubbles efficiently at a high speed. Alternatively, pulse-like light is condensed at a gas portion above the liquid surface and the bubbles can be destroyed with a shock wave generated by breakdown phenomenon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compartment container that includes one or more secondary reservoir package(s). More specifically, the present invention relates to a tubular containers, such as containers made of composite material (e.g. paperboard) with end caps for packaging refrigerated dough products. The tubular containers house one or more reservoir package(s) that are formed from one or more flexible materials (e.g. polymeric films) and are used to retain condiments, fruits, icings, spices, nuts, candies or any other ancillary ingredient(s).

Abstract: A sanitized, ready-to-use and ready-to-eat celery pack is disclosed wherein the package consists of limbs that are from 6- to 18-inches in length and weigh from 0.10 to 11.75 pounds. The limbs are prepared by removing the butt, heart and leaves from celery stalks, cut to lengths from 6 to 18-inches, sorted by length, sanitized and packaged.

Abstract: A method is provided for storing a cooked food in a flexible-walled container having an opening. The method includes placing a quantity of food in a flexible-walled container and submerging at least a portion of the container in a liquid with the opening being located so that liquid does not enter the opening. At least the lower portion of the container is maintained in the liquid and the food is maintained in the container below the surface of the liquid. The liquid collapses the container to seal the container. The temperature of the liquid may be maintained at a non-ambient temperature to heat or cool the food as it is stored. The method may also include storing the food adjacent a work surface, or at a remote main vat and transporting the rack to the work surface at which a serving that includes the food is prepared.

Abstract: Described are developed, refrigerator-stable, dough compositions in moderately-pressurized packages and related methods, wherein the dough compositions contain chemical leavening agents that include low and high solubility acidic agents and encapsulated basic agent.

Abstract: Ready-to-use, fresh diced garlic that has been washed and sanitized and disposed in a container from which gas can escape.

Abstract: A packaging system and method for packaging roast and ground coffee products, the packaging system comprising multiple containers that store the coffee and are packaged within a larger outer package that bundles the multiple containers together into one unit. The containers can have a vented film membrane that seals an opening in the container, the film membrane having a vent opening that allows for a release of gas build up from within the container through the vent opening. Additionally, the outer package completely surrounds the multiple packages and further contains a one-way valve that allows for release of the gases accumulated within exit through the valve while preventing gases from entering through the valve and into the package. In another aspect, the containers can have a one-way valve directly on the container body for release of gases therethrough.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture and methods for absorbing gasses released by roaster coffee packed in hermetically sealed containers.

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly for preparing and presenting an edible composition designed to be puffed including a first portion defining a chamber for enabling the puffed composition to be presented, and a second portion defining a storage chamber designed to include at least one non-puffed composition, the second portion being arranged in the first portion. The invention also concerns a method for preparing a composition to be puffed using the assembly.

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: Packaging of respiring biological materials, particularly bananas and other fruits, in sealed containers. The containers preferably include a gas-permeable membrane comprising (1) a microporous film, and (2) a polymeric coating on the microporous film. Using appropriate containers and appropriate controlled atmospheres around the container, the respiring materials can be stored and/or ripened under controlled conditions. Bananas can be ripened while they are being transported, or in conventional ripening rooms without opening the containers in which they have been transported. The ripe bananas are less dehydrated and remain in a satisfactory ripened state for longer periods of time.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of assembling a food package using an absorbent pad having an active agent that generates an atmosphere-modifying gas into the headspace after the food package is sealed, to compensate for losses of atmosphere-modifying gases injected in the food package prior to sealing. The methods of assembly reduce the headspace requirements and overall dimensions of the food package. The methods further prevent or reduce collapse of the food package or having the lid film contact the food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compartment container that includes one or more secondary reservoir package(s). More specifically, the present invention relates to a tubular containers, such as containers made of composite material (e.g. paperboard) with end caps for packaging refrigerated dough products. The tubular containers house one or more reservoir package(s) that are formed from one or more flexible materials (e.g. polymeric films) and are used to retain condiments, fruits, icings, spices, nuts, candies or any other ancillary ingredient(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer structure comprising a layer of humidity-dependent composition having a ratio of wet cup permeance to dry cup permeance greater than 10 and a layer of crystallizable polymer sufficiently permeable to oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor, exhibiting an increase in permeability to at least one of oxygen and carbon dioxide by a factor of at least 2.5 over a temperature range of 10° C. between 0° C. and 40° C. Also disclosed are packaging materials comprising the multilayer structure and methods for storing respiring materials using the packaging materials.

Abstract: A defoaming method capable of destroying foams generated when a container is filled with drink, or the like, efficiently at a high speed and destroying foams effectively even in the case of a container having a narrow mouth. Liquid surface (6) in a container (1) is irradiated with pulse-like light (2) and a pulse-like sound wave (8) is generated from an irradiated point (7) as a sound source. The pulse-like sound wave thus generated propagates from the sound source as a strong spherical wave to reach a bubble (9) and to destroy the bubble. It can also destroy a bubble located at a place remote from the optical path quickly, thus destroying bubbles efficiently at a high speed. Alternatively, pulse-like light is condensed at a gas portion above the liquid surface and the bubbles can be destroyed with a shock wave generated by breakdown phenomenon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen scavenging material comprising an oxygen scavenger disbursed in a low density foam, wherein the oxygen scavenger has a particle size of less than 25 ?m. In another embodiment the invention relates to a product package comprising a foam tray, product in the tray, and a polymer cover surrounding the meat and tray, wherein the foam tray comprises an oxygen scavenging material, wherein the oxygen scavenging material comprises an oxygen scavenger disbursed in the foam and wherein the oxygen scavenger has a particle size of less than 25 ?m.

Abstract: A package for food products including a first portion, a second portion, and at least one indicator. The first portion has a first closed end, at least one first side wall surrounding the first closed end, and a first open end opposite the first closed end. The second portion has a second closed end, at least one second side wall surrounding said second closed end, and a second open end opposite the second closed end. The first portion and second portion are movably connected at their respective open ends. The at least one indicator is placed in communication with the package such that when the package is expanded to a desired inner volume the indicator is activated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing packaging material for use in packaging for protein containing products, such as food products or medical drugs. The packaging material is sterilized by irradiating it using a beam of ionizing radiation, such as an electron beam or a beam of gamma rays. Afterwards, the packaging material is processed in such a manner that protein reactive substances or compounds formed in the packaging material during the irradiation step are at least partly removed or rendered inreactive with respect to proteins. The processing step may advantageously be performed by heating the packaging material. Preferably, the processing step involves accelerating diffusion from the packaging material of protein reactive substances or compounds. Since the protein reactive substances or compounds are removed or rendered inreactive with respect to proteins, degradation of the product which is later stored in the packaging material is considerably reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a packaging material in the construction of a container for respiring produce, wherein the packaging material consists of a polyether-ester block copolymer or a blend of polyether-ester block copolymers and which packaging material has all of the following properties: a) permeability for oxygen is at least 40 cc.mm/m2.day.atm at 10° C. b) permeability for carbon dioxide is at least 600 cc.mm/m2.day.atm at 10° C. c) perm selectivity of carbon dioxide to oxygen is at least 10 d) water vapour transmission is at least 0.5 g.mm/m2.day at 10° C. and 85% RH and e) wherein the dimensions of the packaging material are chosen so as to allow oxygen to enter into the container at a rate lower than 110% of the respiration rate of the produce The invention also relates to a container made from the packaging material.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for organic molecules such as ethylene includes an electrochemical cell, gas sample inlet means and means for detecting current produced by the oxidation of the organic molecule at the anode of the cell. The sensor is capable of sensing multiple organic molecules in some embodiments. A voltage is applied to the anode of the cell to provide energy to drive the oxidation reaction and produce a corresponding current. The sensor of the invention can be made as a small, hand-held unit that is capable of real-time detection of various organic species.

Abstract: A “freezer to microwave oven” package (10) which can be heated in a microwave without consumer intervention. The package includes at least one venting arrangement present in a seal, the venting arrangement including a water compatible coating (28) that provides a vent from the interior of the package to the exterior, upon exposure of the coating to a fluid water source. The fluid water source (e.g., liquid water or vapor) solubilizes, dissolves or otherwise renders ineffective the coating, forming a fluid path from interior of the package to the exterior of package, thus allowing escape of pressure from the package.

Abstract: A container assembly for controlling rate of oxygen transfer from the atmosphere into a liquid stored in the container assembly having, a container with an oxygen permeability of 50 ml to 300 ml of oxygen per square meter of area of walls of the container for each millimeter of the thickness of the walls per 24 hour period at room temperature, a barrier member for providing a barrier to limit oxygen access from head space in the container to a surface of the liquid the barrier member having a construction which causes it to float on the liquid surface, and a peripheral flange surrounding the barrier member arranged so that it makes a slidable peripheral seal with the walls of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of packaging wine or a similar beverage, to products obtained by the method, and to apparatus for implementing the method. The present invention provides a method of packaging wine or a similar beverage in a receptacle in the form of a drinking glass (9), in which method said receptacle is made of glass and said glass receptacle is closed by means of a disposable capsule (1) having very low overall permeability to oxygen after being closed onto said receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing or influencing the shelf life of agricultural products which produce ethylene during transport and/or storage. In the method, the products are transported, sold, presented, and/or stored in packages made of corrugated cardboard (1), which is provided with materials (4) which absorb and/or adsorb ethylene. The method allows an improved shelf life of agricultural products with little expenditure for the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer structure comprising a layer of humidity-dependent composition having a ratio of wet cup permeance to dry cup permeance greater than 10 and a layer of crystallizable polymer sufficiently permeable to oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor, exhibiting an increase in permeability to at least one of oxygen and carbon dioxide by a factor of at least 2.5 over a temperature range of 10° C. between 0° C. and 40° C. Also disclosed are packaging materials comprising the multilayer structure and methods for storing respiring materials using the packaging materials.

Abstract: Described are dough packages and packaged dough products, wherein the package includes microvents.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for ripening and displaying fruit are provided. Methods of making those apparatuses are also disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatuses and methods employ multiple platforms and other features for ripening fruit that increase fruit ripening speed, improve fruit flavor, reduce fruit bruising, and accommodate different ripening rates of different fruit. Other aspects and features disclosed herein further help achieve those goals, and particularly help fruit consumers to ripen store bought fruit.

Abstract: A container for retort pouch food according to the present invention comprises a container main body in which an upper surface is open and a protruding edge portion is provided on an edge portion of the opening, the container main body further having a bottom and substantially cylindrical shape and capable of containing contents inside, and a cover film thermally adherable to the protruding edge portion and capable of sealing the opening of the container main body in which the contents are contained, wherein the container main body is provided with a pocket part in which a pocket is formed between the container main body and the cover film at a position continuous to the protruding edge portion when heated, and the cover film is formed from a laminate film and provided with an easily-breakable part at a part thereof covering the pocket part.

Abstract: Described are dough products that include a packaged refrigerator-stable, raw, dough compositions, and related methods, including but not limited to dough products that include a package having specific venting, specific opening mechanisms, and other specific package structures.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments herein include methods and apparatus for processing vegetables having a root crown including applying opposing forces to the vegetables to separate the roots or portions thereof at or near the root crown from the vegetable, and packaging the vegetables in a container.