Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a mechanical apparatus to convey a workpiece through a fluidized bed dryer. In particular, the invention relates to a single or multiple stage vibrating fluidized drag conveyor having spaced apart conveyor paddles attached to a continuous chain or a similar device, and driven by a variable frequency motor drive. The invention is of particular applicability in the case of low-density workpieces where chaotic motion of air may disrupt or reverse the orderly flow of workpieces through the dryer.

Abstract: Cleaning a sealing element includes pausing a rotor that bears the sealing elements at an angle from a set of discrete angles such that a sealing element is brought to a cleaning station. The station's coupling piece connects to the sealing element and allows cleaning medium to flow into it.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a method for producing processed cooked rice that renders cooked rice excellent in terms of both easiness to be loosened and texture, and is useful for stabilization of both steps and quality. [Solution] A method for producing processed cooked rice comprising the step of cooking rice using two or more amylases having different optimum acting temperatures to thereby improve the easiness of cooked rice to be loosened and the texture. Preferably, the method for producing processed cooked rice comprises the step of cooking rice using one or more heat-resistant amylases having an optimum acting temperature of 60 to 100° C. and one or more amylases having an optimum acting temperature of 30 to 60° C.

Abstract: A method including 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: A cooked steel cut oatmeal product is shelf stable and supplied in a cup. The oatmeal product of the present invention allows people to enjoy a healthful steel cut oatmeal without the hassle and time needed for cooking it. The product of the present invention may simply be warmed and ready to eat while retaining its natural taste and texture.

Abstract: The invention includes a single use (disposable) container with a lid and a base. The base includes an amount of seal-forming liquid, such as water. The lid includes a butter reservoir and cooperates with the base to enclose the butter reservoir and the water. The water and the butter reservoir form a seal to keep butter in the butter reservoir fresh at room temperature.

Abstract: A method including 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: 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 container for a relatively brittle product, such as a haemostatic bandage, including a body and a lid for closing the container to hermetically seal the product therein. A sealing rim of the lid includes a layer of elastomeric material which sealingly engages with a sealing rim of the container body to provide a first, static, seal and a second, dynamic, seal. The elastomeric sealing material extends into the interior of the container beneath the lid to provide an elastomeric formation operative to engage an upper surface of the product within the container so as to apply a resilient bias thereto to hold a lower face of the product against the base of the container. The elastomeric formation thereby acts to inhibit substantial movement of the product within the container.

Abstract: A method having 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: A method includes 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: Pickled products immersed in a pickling solution are packaged in a cardboard box for shipment to customers. The box is lined with a plastic bag to protect the pickled products and pickling solution from contaminants, and to prevent the pickling solution from leaking. The cardboard boxes may be arranged in multiple layers on a pallet for shipment. The pickled products may be put in the box in a pickled state or in a raw state, whereupon they cure to the pickled state during shipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of packaging goods having a liquid element, said liquid element comprising dissolved gases, wherein the liquid element is treated prior to the goods being subjected to a vacuum packing process, such that a substantial volume of the dissolved gages do not escape from said liquid element during said vacuum packing process. Suitable methods of treatment of the liquid element include subjecting the liquid element to a gas removal process and subjecting the liquid element to a freezing process.

Abstract: A method of storing and preparing a quick-serving pasta involves placing a serving of pasta into a sealable package; adding a hydrating and preserving solution into the package in a sufficient quantity to cover the pasta; and vacuum sealing the package. When ready to serve the pasta, the package is opened, and the pasta is placed into boiling water for a sufficient time to heat the pasta and to kill any harmful bacteria.

Abstract: A tray set composed of a first tray and a second tray, wherein the first tray having a plurality of depressed portions in which sushi toppings can be placed and which each has a shape having a depth so as to fill it with the sushi topping and a portion of a lump of rice seasoned with vinegar. The first tray is provided with a plurality of holes on the bottom so as for liquid dropped or oozed out from the toppings to be discharged therethrough. The second tray is arranged such that it can be laid under the first tray and the liquid discharged from the first tray can be received by a depressed face, and a plurality of projections are formed continually and integrally with the depressed face and the plurality of the projections are disposed so as to be engageable with the holes of the first tray and to project through the holes inside the first tray, when the second tray is laid under the first tray. The projections assist in separating the sushi from the tray.

Abstract: A pre-packaged shelf stable food product mix kit of at least one first food product having a defined shape and a second food product in dried powder form intended to be reconstituted with a liquid, and stored without refrigeration with the two food products after reconstitution of the second product to be utilized together, is enclosed in an air-tight sealed container which supports the first food product and encloses the second food product in a flexible sealed package within the container. The second food product in dried powder form comprises milk fractions, preferably selected from the group consisting of milk, whey, curd, cream, sweat cream and mixtures thereof, and is intended as a filler for the first food product which may be baked or cooked food products, such as cannoli shells, hollow pasta products, such as manicotti, pastries, such as lady fingers, to form dessert items such as cannoli, tiramisu and the like, or food entrees such as manicotti, lasagna, and the like.

Abstract: A container comprising a flexible semi-permeable composite membrane structure is described, as well as its applications. The membrane has a low molecular weight cut-off, comprises a flexible support layer thick enough to give strength to the membrane structure and having a relatively high molecular weight cut-off and, on at least one surface of the said support layer, a second layer having a relatively low molecular weight cut-off and is thin enough to allow a workable flux. Said container may be used for the preparation of rehydrated solute solutions, rehydrated blood or blood substitutes, nutritional solutions, solutions for medical purpose or of pure water.

Abstract: The soybean milk containing a coagulant is primarily heated, packed into a molding container, and secondarily heated to complete coagulation. And, (1) the coagulated product (silken tofu) is transferred into a container for distribution, alternatively, (2) the coagulated product (silken tofu) is collapsed, and transferred into a draining container made of porous boards and pressed from the upper side to drain part of the water content, and the resulting momen tofu is transferred from the draining container into a container for distribution. Then, water is added to the container for distribution so as to allow the silken tofu or the momen tofu to sink under the water, followed by sealing.

Abstract: As an object, the present invention provides a noodle product, process for production and method for cooking, which allows the noodles to be cooked easily by heating with the use of a microwave oven, and thereby, the mouthfeel and taste of fresh noodles can be reproduced. The noodle product of the present invention comprises noodles and a container or bag containing the noodles, the container and bag being made of heat-resistant resin or aluminum and suitable for use in a microwave oven.

Abstract: Dry pastas or noodles are heated with either wet or dry heat to convert their surface layer portion to the .alpha.-starch form and, if the heating is done by wet heat, the moisture in the surface of the pasta or noodle strings is removed and, thereafter, the pasta or noodle strings are put into a sealable container, which is then injected with a specified amount of water and sealed, followed by reheating of the pasta or noodle strings. Pastas such as spaghetti and macaroni or noodles such as udon, soba, hiyamugi, kishimen and Chinese noodles can be cooked by just boiling them or a short time or heating them in a microwave oven and yet they develop the same texture as can be attained by fully boiling dry or raw pastas or noodles.

Abstract: A method of measuring out and/or forming foodstuffs to impart a shape to the foodstuff with compromising the rheological and organoleptic properties, foodstuffs formed by this method, and packaging for foodstuffs formed by the method of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, a foodstuff comprising fish flesh is measured into a receptacle which is sufficiently rigid to impart a desired shape to the foodstuff. In a preferred embodiment, the foodstuff comprises fish flesh, in particular the flesh of fish proper and/or of shellfish.

Abstract: Dry pastas or noodles are heated with wet heat for a short time so that only their surface layer portion is converted to the .alpha.-starch; the pastas or noodles are then cooled, dried to remove the surface moisture, immersed in water to have it absorbed and subsequently cooled for a short time. Alternatively, the pastas or noodles that have been dried on the surface are put into a sealable container such as a plastic bag together with a specified amount of water and, thereafter, the container is sealed and the absorption of water is completed during storage or transport of the pastas or noodles. Pastas such as spaghetti and macaroni or noodles such as udon, soba and Chinese noodles can be cooked by boiling for a very short time and yet they develop same texture as can be attained by fully boiling dry or raw pastas or noodles.

Abstract: A process for treating a solid food product having water soluble and water insoluble volatiles soluble in alcohol and ether. The process includes cutting the product into pieces, placing the product pieces in a volume of water containing an anti-oxidant, and drawing a vacuum on the product pieces in the water to pull air out of the cells of the product pieces. The vacuum is released to cause water, and the anti-oxidant to enter the cells of the product pieces. The product pieces are then heated to dry the pieces and to drive off a mixture of water vapor or steam and the water soluble and water insoluble volatiles. The mixture is directed through an adsorbent to remove the water soluble and water insoluble volatiles from the mixture by an adsorption. Steam is passed through the adsorbent to remove the water soluble volatiles from the adsorbent. Ethyl alcohol is passed through the adsorbent to remove the alcohol soluble, water insoluble volatiles from the adsorbent.

Abstract: A dough mix includes a moist ingredient portion and dry ingredient portion capable of being combined to produce a complete dough requiring no additional ingredients including water or any other moisture. Additionally, both the moist ingredient portion and the dry ingredient portion are shelf-stable at room temperatures (65.degree. F. to 80.degree. F.) without the addition of chemical preservatives. The moist ingredient portion includes sugar, shortening, and all water or moisture required in the complete dough. Also, the moist ingredient portion preferably includes egg solids and flavorings such as vanilla. In any event the moist ingredient portion is mixed to have a water activity level of no greater than 0.85 to provide the desired shelf stability. The dry ingredient portion includes all flour required in the complete dough and may include leavening agents, egg solids, candy pieces, nuts, dried fruits, coconut, and other "dry" or moisture free ingredients.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for packaging fresh vegetables in water. The process includes washing the vegetables, dipping them in a chlorine bath and placing them in bags. Then, water that has been irradiated by ultraviolet light, to reduce the number of bacteria colonies, is added to the vegetables. The bags are then sealed and stored.

Abstract: Free unbound water is removed from cooked meat by contacting a cooked meat with particulate food-acceptable water-absorbing material to coat the meat. The material is maintained in contact with the meat for at least a time sufficient to remove free unbound water from the meat. The coating containing free unbound water obtained from the meat subsequently may be removed from the meat.

Abstract: Food products for long storage at room temperature are prepared by a process of: drying food ingredients until the water content thereof is less than 15 wt %, heating fats and/or oils which form solids or semi-solids at room temperature until the contents are melted completely whereupon the contents are then cooled to prepare a fatty liquid, impregnating the fatty liquid into the dried ingredients and sealing the products in small packages. The water activity of the products is regulated in a range of 0.55 to 0.75 in order to inhibit the generation of microorganisms.

Abstract: Free, unbound water is removed from cooked meat by contacting the meat with a water-absorbing material. The treated cooked meat, from which water and the water-absorbing material are removed, is then packaged.

Abstract: Free, unbound water is removed from cooked meat by treating the meat with a water-absorbing material. The treated cooked meat from which water has been removed is then packaged.

Abstract: A process for producing an intermediate moisture vegetable or fruit product which is microbiologically stable at water activity levels within the range of 0.5 to 0.95 and is free from additives used to prevent microbial spoilage, which process consists essentially of the steps of partially dehydrating a vegetable or fruit to a moisture content of from 26% to 60% and thereafter holding the resultant product in an oxygen free or substantially oxygen free environment.

Abstract: A process for producing retort boiled rice by charging raw rice and water into a container, adjusting the quantity of oxygen in the head space of the container to from 4-12 ml/100 g of raw rice, sealing the container and then boiling and sterilizing the rice.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting bean curd into pieces of the fixed size and packing them. This apparatus does automatically transporting, cutting and packing of bean curd under water in a water tank. Therefore, this apparatus requires no manual operation, is sanitary, involves high production capacity and is free from production of bean curd of broken shape.

Abstract: A method of preparing the traditional salted-and-dried fish is disclosed. The dried fish is first soaked in cold water to re-hydrate the fish and to reduce the salt content. Secondly, the re-hydrated fish is centrifuged until almost dry. The almost-dry fish is sealed in cans, and then cooked. The product is more nutritious and more tasty than salted-and-dried fish prepared in the home, and is far more convenient in that it can be eaten straight from the can.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container containing broiled fish in which the generation of drips from the fish and softening of the tissues thereof are prevented during a heat sterilizing treatment, and which has excellent qualities with respect to appearance and taste. The invention provides a container containing broiled fish, which comprises hermetically packaging in a container broiled fish which is obtained by broiling dried fish, then subjecting the container to a heat sterilizing treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for continuously and gently aseptically processing a food product comprising delicate food chunks of fruit, vegetables or the like immersed in a liquid. The apparatus comprises a heating enclosure into which the food product and a nonsterile gas are introduced and the food product heated to a sterilization temperature, and a holding enclosure which may be integral with or separate from the heating enclosure for holding the food product and a sterile gas introduced therein at the sterilization temperature for a predetermined time. The apparatus further preferably comprises a cooling enclosure for cooling the food product.

Abstract: An al dente pasta product having storage stability is produced by partially cooking freshly extruded pasta with steam or boiling water. Measured amounts of the partially cooked pasta are sealed in a container with measured amounts of water sufficient to complete hydration to 65% to 75% moisture and measured amounts of a food grade acid sufficient to reduce the pH to 4.6 or less. The sealed containers may be commercially sterilized under moderate thermal processing conditions. In a specific embodiment, the containers contain pasta in a carbon dioxide atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a canned aqueous food product contained in a hermetically closed rigid container. According to the invention, the pressure inside of the container as measured at 20.degree. C. has a value between 3,300 and 6,600 pascals and the partial pressure of steam is at least equal to 40% of said pressure. The invention is in particular applicable to the canned food industry.

Abstract: Incoming batches of olives crudely packed in brine are subjected to a homogenization process in respect to their initial brine content, by replacing the brine with fresh brine until the olives have a waste lye value less than 0.05N and a pH of about 3.8. These olives are pitted leaving an open cavity and the removed plugs are saved. A stuffing of anchovy meat, tuna-fish or pepper mixed with a texturizing agent such as an aqueous solution of sodium aliginate is prepared and the olives are stuffed with it. The stuffing has an aqueous solution of calcium chloride dripped on it to gel its surface and the filled cavities are closed with the saved plugs of olive. The stuffed olives are packed into containers, macerating fluid is added and the contained olives packed in macerating fluid are thermically pasturized to sanitize and stabilize them.

Abstract: A plastic film bottom tray is held in shape by a rigid bottom rim. A plastic film top is held in shape by a rigid top rim above the tray. Substance to be lyophilized is frozen in the tray. The assembly is lyophilized in a vacuum chamber. Apertures formed between the top and the tray provide fluid pathways for efficient sublimation. After dehydration, the top rim is pushed down into the bottom rim, obliterating the apertures and pressure sealing the two films together in-vacuo.After removal from the vacuum chamber, the two films are heat sealed together, forming a lyophilized product vacuum sealed within a plastic film bag. Rims and film beyond the heat seal are trimmed away.

Abstract: A process for drying and/or preserving fruit, comprising:dehydrating fruit at a temperature of 55.degree. to 80.degree. C. for a period of about 16 hours until the water content of the fruit is about 40%;packing the so-dehydrated fruit into sterile containers, so as to minimize the amount of air in said containers, and hermetically sealing said containers;maintaining the hermetically sealed containers at a temperature of 75.degree. to 80.degree. C. for three to four hours;and then storing the containers at room temperature.

Abstract: A process for improving the organoleptic properties of canned green vegetables wherein vegetables blanched with a highly alkaline solution are suspended in a brine having an alkalinity adjusted to between about 25 to about 75 milliequivalents of hydroxyl ion in a hermetically sealed container internally coated with an organic coating filled with an alkaline earth compound such as MgO, the vegetables being sterilized at 250.degree.-300.degree. F. to an F.sub.o value of at least 6 whereby the original color and flavor of the vegetables are retained.

Abstract: In a batch method for the heat treatment of particulate solid material, especially food materials, the vessel in which the heat treatment takes place is essentially a jacketed pressure vessel (1) in which the material is tumbled while being heated, and in order to obtain an increase in throughput the solids and cooking liquor are removed to a second vessel (2) after cooling. In the second tumbling vessel there is a reversible strainer (12) which is used in the position illustrated to separate the liquor from the solids and then inverted after withdrawal of the liquor so that they may be blended with a different liquor, such as a sauce, introduced via a line (14).

Abstract: A process for canning vegetables characterized in that vegetables in the form of pieces of thin cross-section are treated osmotically to remove liquid, then pressed mechanically to remove further liquid, filled into cans and sauced, after which the cans are sealed and sterilized.

Abstract: A process for treating solid foodstuff pieces in a container which is to be hermetically sealed characterized in that the container is extended by means of an extension piece, solid foodstuff pieces are added so that they fill the container and at least part of the extension piece, the extended container is fitted with a closing member to form a closed assembly provided with an outlet for the escape of air, the contents are purged with steam until they have shrunk to such an extent that the foodstuff pieces in the extension piece have subsided into the container and the required degree of heat processing has been achieved after which the container, extension piece and closing member are separated from each other.

Abstract: A method for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a non-metallic jar lid and a none metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a container whose lid is held on by pressure differential between the interior of the container and the outside atmosphere, in which a pressure cover encloses the upper portion of the container and lid, and with the container, forms an enclosed pressure vessel with internal structure urging the container lid against the upper extremity of the container, and pressure control apparatus for limiting the pressure within the pressure vessel, and a base assembly for engaging the pressure cover and the container.

Abstract: With the process, pasta products are packed in serving portions, ready for sale. For doing this, the pasta products are separated into serving portions prior to drying and packing into the package. In order to avoid mechanical breakage, provision is made, when separating the pasta products, to lay at least one serving of pasta product onto a carrying member of the at least two-part package. Afterward, the carrying member is combined with the remaining packaging members into a package.

Abstract: Food products, such as vegetables, fruits, etc. are efficiently sterilized and/or cooked and canned under high vacuum by filling them into containers, e.g. conventional tin cans, in the presence of only a small amount of water; then securing lids non-sealingly to the open ends of the cans; then passing the cans over a high temperature heat source for direct flame or radiation heating, with their axes inclined, until the liquid collected in a bottom region of each can has come to a boil and the steam formed has driven the free air from the can; then sealing lids tight to the can bodies; then heating the cans to the desired temperature of sterilization and/or cooking and maintaining this temperature for a predetermined period of time; and finally cooling the cans, e.g. by a water spray, whereupon a vacuum of about 700 mm. (27 to 29 inches) of mercury is formed in each can by condensation of the steam therein.

Abstract: A food product, such as fruit or vegetables either whole or in pieces, or in the form of a pulp, or meat in pieces, is preserved by feeding hot liquid or steam into a contained body of the product to sterilize the product. Some liquid is retained in the product which is sealed in a container under aseptic conditions. The sterilization preferably takes place in the container in which the sterile product is ultimately sealed.

Abstract: An improved method for handling and transporting thermoplastic materials such as chewing gum base is disclosed. Chewing gum base, formulated as a hot viscous blend, is initially extruded and then pelletized. The pellets are subsequently cooled in a liquid medium such as water. Instead of drying the pellets and coating the pellets with a lubricating powder for packaging and shipment, a slurry of the cooling medium and pellets is conveyed to bulk containers or railroad tank cars for transport to the customer-user, a chewing gum manufacturer. By transporting in a liquid the tendency of the tacky pellets to agglomerate is eliminated, and the prior steps of drying and coating the pellets with a lubricating power are unnecessary. The customer-user, in the case of chewing gum base, furthermore, does not have to separate agglomerated pellets before use, and the pellets need only be strained and conveyed directly to a blender for formulation into chewing gum compositions.