Heat Treatment Of Package, E.g., Pasteurization, Sterilization, Etc. Patents (Class 426/407)
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Patent number: 7635451Abstract: Apparatus and method for pasteurizing products, in particular filled receptacles, such as bottles. The apparatus is provided with a control unit having a first control circuit that is controlled according to a first criterion. At least one second control circuit, controlled according to a second criterion, is also provided. The second control circuit is superimposed on the first control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Sander Hansen A/SInventor: Lars Hendrik Hansen
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Patent number: 7632457Abstract: An oral feeding bottle includes a feed container with an open end and surfaces adapted to come into contact with a liquid feed in the container, a teat releasably connected to the open end and adapted to contact both the liquid feed and a person or animal feeding from the bottle, and a cap with two modes of operation, where in the first mode, the teat is connected to the container and the cap is adapted to fit over, enclose the teat, and be releaseably connected to the feed container, and where in the second mode, the cap includes a means for stowing the teat in a non-dispensing position spaced from the container, where the teat and the surfaces that contact the liquid feed are in fluid communication so that the teat and the feed container are sterilized with a fluid sterilizing medium disposed in the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: MRDC limitedInventors: John Richard Calvert, Martyn Omar Rowlands, Michael Anthony Hobbs
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Patent number: 7629012Abstract: A method for processing a food product involves transporting the food product through a plurality of stations including a loading station, a pasteurization station, and a closing station. The surface of the food product is pasteurized by convectively transferring heat from the pasteurizing medium to the surface of the food product at a rate such that the surface heat transfer coefficient becomes sufficiently higher than the food product conductance coefficient that the surface temperature of the food product is substantially instantaneously elevated above temperatures which are instantly lethal to microbes which may be present. Preferably, steam is condensed on the food product surface in dropwise condensation, and the onset of film condensation is retarded by removing condensate film from such surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.Inventors: Vernon D. Karman, Gary Lee Hahn, Craig R. Bonneville, Tou T. Vang, Nelly Feze, Robert E. Hanson
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Publication number: 20090297672Abstract: A process for producing a food product having an extended refrigerated shelf life comprising sealing food in a container; heating the food in the sealed container at a desired temperature for a desired period to inactivate undesirable microorganisms likely to be present in the food; rapidly cooling the heated food to substantially prevent germination of undesirable microbial spores likely to be present in the food; wherein undesirable microorganisms present in the food are substantially inactivated and other microorganisms are prevented from re-contaminating the food after processing so that the food product has an extended refrigerated shelf life.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2006Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: Darian Warne
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Publication number: 20090297681Abstract: A carbonated beverage prepared from dealcoholized wine base and having from about 150 mg to about 700 mgs of polyphenols per six to eight ounce serving. The beverage can contain from about 0.001 to about 0.01 percent resveratrol.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Donald F. Wilkes, Kelly Chavarrio
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Publication number: 20090280222Abstract: A tunnel pasteurizer having a tunnel, through which the material to be pasteurized is conducted and sprayed or sprinkled with water, and with a trap region for the draining water arranged on the bottom of the tunnel, pasteurizer and a plurality of temperature zones arranged in the transport direction, and the trap region is divided into separate trap zones which correspond to the temperature zones, from which the water is re-supplied to the respective tunnel zones, and comprising a control means for controlling the water temperature in the temperature zones. To improve control of the temperature in the individual temperature zones, the control and the tubing of the trap zones is adapted such that water can selectively be taken from the individual trap zones for temperature control and can selectively be returned to other temperature zones, wherein water is buffered in the individual temperature zones separate from other temperature zones in a respective zone buffer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2006Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: Jorgen Tage Nielsen, Kim Christian Dalum
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Publication number: 20090238937Abstract: [Object] An object of the present invention is to provide an extremely practical and innovative food product heat treatment method capable of performing the same heat cooking and heat sterilization as that of the conventional technique while enhancing economy and productivity in comparison with the conventional technique. [Means of Achievement] The food product heat treatment method is characterized in comprising placing a food product (2) in a hermetically sealed vessel (1) in which a prescribed vapor pressure is maintained or can be maintained; injecting a heating liquid heated by a heating source (8) to 100° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2005Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: ECHIGOSEIKA CO., LTD.Inventors: Akira Yamazaki, Yoshimi Ohtaki, Tadao Kosaka, Akihiko Sasagawa
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Publication number: 20090230076Abstract: A plastic container includes a neck with an opening to an interior of the container, where the neck opening having a first diameter and a second diameter of different lengths. A shoulder portion surrounds the neck of the plastic container. A transfer bead is located on the neck above the shoulder portion where the first diameter of the neck opening is above the transfer bead and the second diameter is below the transfer bead. The transfer bead is advantageously shaped and sized so as to facilitate application and removal of a sterilization solution during the aseptic packaging process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Edward Roubal, Larry Taylor
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Publication number: 20090130268Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of bottles or similar containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Tobias EULER, Detlef METTE, Jorg BECKMANN
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Publication number: 20090110791Abstract: A process for treating a farm product by heating and cooling, said treatment may include pasteurization of a product within the container in which they are to be sold by placing sealed containers containing the products within a process tank causing the products to move within the containers to enhance heat transfer into the product, holding the product at a desired temperature and then cooling the container while in the tank and distributing the containers to be sold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: David R. Burley, Edward E. Blanton
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Patent number: 7464559Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for cooling filled food containers having hot contents includes spraying a coolant onto the containers. As the hot contents cool, the flow rate of coolant is decreased. The coolant is at least about 40° F. cooler than the initial average temperature of the hot contents. In one embodiment, the temperature of the spent coolant typically does not vary more than about 6° F.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.Inventors: Osvaldo A. Chu, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Ashok Shashikant Dhruv
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Publication number: 20080302799Abstract: A food or drink container kit includes a metal container including a round threaded neck having at least one integrally formed thread. The kit also includes a metal press-on, twist-off closure comprising a round skirt including a gasket material located on at least a portion of the interior of the skirt, a seal forming between the neck and skirt when the closure is placed on the container and heated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Seth Moore, Matt R. Brown, Gerald Baker, Bill Kapolas
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Patent number: 7458197Abstract: In a web packaging machine (10) and method packaging a food product (P) between upper and lower webs (14 and 25), wherein the lower web (14) is transported through a series of stations which form the lower web (14) into a component of a package at a forming station (18), and receive the food product (P) at a loading station (20), and close the package with the upper web (25) at a closing station (26), a pasteurization station (300) is provided between the loading station (20) and the closing station (26) and pasteurizing the food product (P).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Hanson, Craig R. Bonneville, Tou T. Vang, Vernon D. Karman, Gary Lee Hahn, Nelly Feze, John J. Jurkowski
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Publication number: 20080245761Abstract: Containers for pressurized filling and pasteurization and methods of reducing creep in a pressurized pasteurizable container. The container is a blow-molded plastic container having a biaxially oriented wall of a structural polymer with a moisture content of no greater than a predetermined value at the start of a pressurized filling, capping, and pasteurization process. Also disclosed are pasteurizable containers having a desired shelf life.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: David Piccioli, Amit Agrawal, Ralph Armstrong
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Patent number: 7285299Abstract: A method of surface pasteurizing precooked food products which are contained in packages. The method preferably comprises the steps of continuously heating the packages of the precooked food product such that the outer surfaces of the products contained within the packages are taken to an effective pasteurization temperature and then continuously cooling the packages of product. The heating and cooling steps are preferably conducted in a manner such that no more than a 10° temperature increase and preferably substantially no temperature increase occurs in the internal core of the product as a result of the heating step.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Inventor: David Howard
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Patent number: 7211287Abstract: Presented herein are methods of treating egg products to increase shelf life, which include treating the egg products with high pressure. In addition, the egg products may be pasteurized before, during, or after the pressure-treatment. Optionally, the egg products may include one or more antimicrobial agents and/or acidifying agents. The method may be useful for producing a packaged egg product that has an extended shelf life as determined by bacteria population density in the product and/or organoleptic properties.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: John D. Efstathiou, Laura Huston, Jill M. Morriss
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Patent number: 7191577Abstract: Method for providing a heat treated filled and closed can, including the consecutive steps of: filling a metal cup, closing the metal cup with a lid making a gas tight heat treatable can, heat treating the can, wherein measures are taken to achieve an under-pressure in the can after closing the cup and wherein the can is chosen that is either of a flexible type on the one hand or of a rigid type with increased strength provided with a seal on lid on the other hand. The measures comprise a step belonging to the group of steps consisting of: using a partly frozen filling; having the filling include constituents that interact after closing so as to lower the specific volume of the filling in the can; adding steam to the cup after filling and before closing; closing the cup under sub-atmospheric pressure; and partly evacuating the can after closing.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Corus Staal BVInventor: Paulus Jozef Tamis
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Patent number: 7182967Abstract: A method for sterilizing canned ackee using an acidic brine solution placed into a container holding either whole or diced ackee arils and heating the container and ackee arils within to a temperature not to exceed the boiling point of water.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Inventor: Ian Charles Sturdy
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Patent number: 7169420Abstract: A method and system incorporates a warming tunnel closely downstream of a hot filling apparatus which is set up to fill relatively small volume capacity polymeric containers of not greater than 12 fluid ounces. The hot filled containers are conveyed through a warming tunnel which provides a heated environment which is higher in temperature than the environment, thereby maintaining the temperature of the beverage within the containers at an adequate temperature for an adequate time so as to complete needed heat treatment of the beverage in each such small container.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Tropicana Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeff Korengel, Kapil B. Gami, Todd Brueck, Tammy Svoboda
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Patent number: 6991821Abstract: A method of producing packed tofu that is easily released from the container, in which an aqueous ethanol solution or an aqueous solution of a magnesium salt and/or a calcium salt is previously applied to the inside of the container to be filled with soybean milk, or impact is given to a sealed container having tofu packed therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Kikkoman CorporationInventors: Masaru Matsuura, Tomoko Takeuchi, Shigeru Noguchi, Jun Sasaki, Jun Yamanishi
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Patent number: 6887333Abstract: A heat transfer decorating machine is disclosed. In particular, the disclosed heat transfer decorating machine provides mechanisms to allow the machine to be rapidly re-configured from applying labels to a particular article configuration to applying labels to a different article configuration by an operator without substantial use of tools. In addition, the disclosed heat transfer labeling machine features a distributed drive system which provides a motor for all major movable mechanical elements rather than use a centralized drive system with a distributed transmission. Further, the disclosed heat transfer decorating machine is capable of labeling filled and chilled articles by providing for removal of environmental contamination prior to application of the labels.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Jefferson Smurfit CorporationInventors: Leonard J. Kessler, Ignatius S. Yee
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Patent number: 6834473Abstract: There is now provided a method and an apparatus therefor for stabilizing products in containers in a continuous container flow by stationary, sequential sections by means of overflowing liquid, whereby the sections are graduated with respect to one another in terms of their liquid temperature, and for purposes of efficient liquid recycling are organized in pairs, so that the liquid is transported by overflow among sections, and to set the desired temperature of the overflowing liquid, liquid is added to the liquid being transported, characterized by the fact that the excess liquid in the at least one zone overflows in a cascade fashion from zone to zone of increasing overflow temperature and into liquid reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AGInventor: Ulrich Wiedemann
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Publication number: 20040170730Abstract: A method for producing a carbonated juice beverage, and carbonated fruit beverages produced according to the method. The method includes the steps of providing a juice, typically a fruit juice, cooling and carbonating the juice to form carbonated juice, bottling the carbonated juice to form sealed bottles containing the carbonated juice, and pasteurizing the carbonated juice in the sealed bottles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventor: Mike R. Rodney
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Patent number: 6756068Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending food products from a roller-type grilling machine includes a packaging system that extends the product life on the grilling machine by keeping the food product from directly contacting the grilling machine. By packaging the product in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the food product is kept in a controlled environment until it is opened by the ultimate consumer after being heated by the grilling machine. The packaging is comprised of a cylindrical tube having a diameter that is sufficient to contain the desired food product and that will properly rotate on a roller-type grilling apparatus. Such packaging may comprise an elongate tube formed from heat tolerant plastic, cardboard-type paper lined with metal foil, or other materials known in the art. End caps are attached to the ends of the elongate tube and sealed relative thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Inventors: Kyle Kafentzis, Sean Kafentzis
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Patent number: 6692787Abstract: Canned pet food products as well as methods of manufacturing or producing same are provided. The pet food comprises a base layer including solid food pieces in a gravy that has a conical recess formed in its upper surface. An upper layer comprising substantially solid foodstuff that can support the base layer when the food product is inverted fills the conical recess.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Stephen May, Steven E. Dingman, Luz Rayner
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Publication number: 20030211212Abstract: Containers, such as those for food, can be heated or cooled efficiently and in a small space as they are continuously conveyed from a filling station to a packaging station. A cabinet encloses a carriage that holds the container for heating or cooling. Containers are fed into and held in flights by a plurality of dividers spaced around the periphery of the carriage. Intermittent rotation of the carriage permits discharge of a flight of processed containers and feed of containers in need of processing. Heat transfer fluid is circulated through the cabinet and contacted with the containers for the complete time it takes for the carriage to complete a full revolution. The apparatus operates in a semi-continuous manner, but with the use of suitable collection areas in front of and behind the apparatus, the process becomes essentially continuous.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Larry P. Belongia, George Catsuros, Lawrence D. Clay, Gary J. Demerath, Todd Olson, John Slatinsky
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Publication number: 20030207006Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for producing multi-packs of pouched pet food containing multiple varieties of a food product or different foods in a continuous production process. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of meat preparation modules in which each module contains a different variety of a food product or different kinds of food products. A selected meat mixture from a selected meat preparation module is process through a meat forming module. A continuous strip of flexible pouches is provided for filling. The continuous strip of flexible pouches is filled with the selected meat mixture and then the pouches are sealed. The filled flexible pouches are accumulated in a work box. Different varieties of a food product or different kinds of food products are accumulated in a plurality of work boxes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Don Jurgensen, Bruce Keen, Art Paradissis, Ronald L. Stanke, Gary Skene, Thomas M. Collins, Jeannette Dido
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Patent number: 6605307Abstract: The invention relates to a plated frozen meal comprising a plate, a first group of individually frozen predominantly meat-based ingredients positioned on the plate, a second group of individually frozen predominantly carbohydrate-based or predominantly vegetable-based ingredients positioned on the plate, and at least one pellet of frozen sauce. The at least one pellet of frozen sauce is positioned such that when it thaws it facilitates the thawing or heating of at least one of the first or second groups of ingredients. This invention is also directed to a method of increasing the rate of thawing or heating of a frozen plated meal.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Mats Olofsson, Lars Askman
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Publication number: 20030053928Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure heating apparatus which can surely prevent generation of cold spots inside the pressure vessel without using an excessive amount of steam and can shorten the required time necessary for pressurizing and heating. A circulation pipe for connecting a top side opening provided on the upper portion of a pressure vessel and a bottom side opening provided on the lower portion of the pressure vessel is provided outside the pressure vessel. A turbo blower is provided on a path of the circulation pipe and a steam supply pipe is connected thereto. Therefore, air inside the pressure vessel and steam supplied to the circulation pipe can be strongly agitated, thereby achieving uniformity of the temperature distributions and the steam density.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: Motoharu TAKANOInventor: Motoharu Takano
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Publication number: 20030003206Abstract: The present invention comprises a batch sterilization system, a controller for use in the batch sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller. The system, controller, and method are used to administer and provide on-line correction of a batch sterilization process performed on a batch of containers. The controller compiles an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from the actual retort temperatures sensed by a sensor. While this is occurring, the controller controls a batch sterilizer so as to administer an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before a temperature deviation has begun according to a scheduled time-temperature profile. This temperature deviation is between the actual retort time-temperature profile and the scheduled processing time-temperature profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Zhijun Weng
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Patent number: 6472008Abstract: The present invention comprises a batch sterilization system, a controller for use in the batch sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller. The system, controller, and method are used to administer and provide on-line correction of a batch sterilization process performed on a batch of containers. The controller compiles an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from the actual retort temperatures sensed by a sensor. While this is occurring, the controller controls a batch sterilizer so as to administer an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before a temperature deviation has begun according to a scheduled time-temperature profile. This temperature deviation is between the actual retort time-temperature profile and the scheduled processing time-temperature profile.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Zhijun Weng
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Patent number: 6458402Abstract: The invention is directed to a process of making milkshake beverage compositions having improved consistency, flavor and physical stability, which process involves eliminating or modifying the pasteurization step used or reversing the sequence of pasteurization and homogenization in conventional methods of manufacturing milkshake beverage compositions so as to limit the swelling of any starch granules present and thus avoid the detrimental effects that the shearing forces found in homogenization processes have on such swollen starch granules.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.Inventor: Pei K. Chang
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Patent number: 6447737Abstract: A disinfestation treatment chamber for treating fruit, flower and vegetable commodities subject to infestation by quarantine pests. The commodities are disinfested so as to meet quarantine restrictions without adversely affecting the quality of the commodity. The commodity is heated inside of the chamber in hot air having a relative humidity of 30-85% until the temperature of the commodity exceeds the thermal death point temperature of the target pest but is not so high as to adversely affect the quality of the commodity. The temperature of the commodity is held at this temperature until the pest is killed. The commodity is loaded into the treatment chamber in bins onto a low friction conveyor track system which transports the bins from one end of the chamber to the other. The commodities are treated while they are inside of the treatment chamber. After treatment of the commodities, the bins are unloaded using the low friction conveyor track system out of the opposite end of the treatment chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventors: Michael Ronald Williamson, Paul Martin Winkleman
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Patent number: 6440361Abstract: A hydrostatic sterilization system, a controller for use in the hydrostatic sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller are disclosed. The system, controller, and method are used to administer a sterilization process performed on a line of carriers and to provide on-line handling of a deviation in a scheduled parameter during the process. The carriers carry containers of a shelf stable food product that is to be sterilized in the sterilization process. In addition to the controller, the hydrostatic sterilization system includes a hydrostatic sterilizer. The controller controls the hydrostatic sterilizer in performing the sterilization process according to scheduled parameters. When a deviation in a specific one of the scheduled parameters occurs, the controller identifies those of the carriers that will in response have a total lethality predicted to be delivered to them during the sterilization process that is less than a predefined target lethality.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Zhijun Weng
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Publication number: 20020090432Abstract: Canned pet food products as well as methods of manufacturing or producing same are provided. The pet food comprises a base layer including solid food pieces in a gravy that has a conical recess formed in its upper surface. An upper layer comprising substantially solid foodstuff that can support the base layer when the food product is inverted fills the conical recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Stephen May, Steven E. Dingman, Luz Rayner
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Patent number: 6416711Abstract: A rotary sterilization system, a controller for use in the rotary sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller are disclosed. The system, controller, and method are used to administer a sterilization process performed on a line of containers and provide on-line handling of a deviation in a scheduled parameter during the process. The containers contain a shelf stable food product that is to be sterilized in the sterilization process. In addition to the controller, the rotary sterilization system includes a rotary sterilizer. The controller controls the rotary sterilizer in performing the sterilization process according to scheduled parameters. When a deviation in a specific one of the scheduled parameters occurs, the controller identifies those of the containers that will in response have a total lethality predicted to be delivered to them during the sterilization process that is less than a predefined target lethality.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Zhijun Weng
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Patent number: 6406763Abstract: A multilayer, heat-shrinkable food packaging film useful for forming a post packaging pasteurization bag. The film includes at least three layers: 1) a first outer layer formed from a resin composition having a Vicat softening point of at least 100° C., 2) a second outer layer having one or more thermoplastic gloss materials of polyester, ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer having a melt index of greater than 1 g/10 minutes, styrene/butadiene block copolymer, and ethylene/styrene random copolymer, and 3) one or more inner layers between the first and second outer layers. At least one of the inner layers includes an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The film has a total free shrink of at least 40% at 85° C. If the second outer layer includes polyester, then each of the inner layers of the multilayer film is devoid of a weight amount of polyamide or polyester greater than the weight amount of polyester in the second outer layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventors: John R. Wolf, George D. Wofford, Blaine C. Childress
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Patent number: 6406727Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pasteurizing egg products utilizing high frequency radio waves to heat the egg products being pasteurized. Suitable products to be treated include liquid egg products, packaged liquid egg products, and shell eggs. The methods may be used with either continuous processing systems or batch processing systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1994Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignees: North Carolina State University, Michael Foods, Inc.Inventors: Mohammad Hamid-Samimi, Kenneth R. Swartzel, Hershell R. Ball, Jr.
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Patent number: 6395320Abstract: The invention provides two-component shelf-stable packaged food products, especially packaged sauce products. The products comprise a container, a first food component filling a first region of the container, and a second food component filling a second region of the container, wherein the second food component either directly contacts the first food component or is separated therefrom by an edible interfacial layer. The second food component can be decanted off the first food component, and the second and first food components are adapted for use in combination in sequential food preparation steps. Preferably, the first food component is a thick sauce concentrate and the second food component is a vegetable oil containing chopped vegetable pieces. The vegetable oil and vegetable pieces are decanted and fried, prior to addition of the sauce concentrate, thereby achieving improved organoleptic properties.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Masterfoods, C.V.Inventors: Nicholas John Gerard Hazell, Raymond Alexander Van Bussell, Ralph Albert Jerome, Marcel Christian Anthony Velthuis, Martin Conrad Ager, Nancy Waiman Quan
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Patent number: 6391357Abstract: A method for packaging, cooling, and storing fresh produce is disclosed. The produce is placed in a plastic bag having apertures that control ventilation so as to admit a fumigant gas but prevent significant moisture loss. Multiple units of the bagged produce are, in turn, placed in a corrugated shipping container. Using the bag design shown it has been found that humidity of the cold storage environment may be safely reduced to about 65-75% without significant deterioration of the contained produce. This is in contrast with the usual 90% RH environment needed to prevent moisture loss. The reduced humidity environment effects a very significant improvement in shipping container compression strength. Storage at 70% RH, in contrast to storage at 90% RH, results in an almost 50% improvement in compression strength. The result is less damage to the containers and their contents. Somewhat lighter weight shipping containers are also suitable, resulting in reduced costs.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Weyerhauser CompanyInventors: Herbert D. Muise, Robert H. Young
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Patent number: 6387430Abstract: Processing techniques for preserving and packaging foods with an extended shelf life that helps overcome the shortcomings of conventional processes. The invention includes four basic innovations—(1) performing the steam cooking and subsequent cooling steps in the same vessel, (2) evacuating the vessel before steam is introduced for cooking, (3) introducing steam into the vessel while the vessel is still under vacuum, and (4) vacuum cooling the cooked food. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, the process includes the steps of placing a food product in a vessel, cooking the food product in the vessel with steam and then cooling the cooked food product in the same vessel without exposing the food product to cooling water or other potential sources of external contamination.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Purely Supreme Foods, LLCInventors: Thomas D. Gillette, L. Jay Andersen, Mikhail Goldenshtein
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Publication number: 20020054946Abstract: A method for producing a carbonated juice beverage, and carbonated fruit beverages produced according to the method. The method includes the steps of providing a juice, typically a fruit juice, cooling and carbonating the juice to form carbonated juice, bottling the carbonated juice to form sealed bottles containing the carbonated juice, and pasteurizing the carbonated juice in the sealed bottles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventor: Mike R. Rodney
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Patent number: 6374575Abstract: A method and an apparatus therefor for stabilizing products in containers in a continuous container flow by stationary, sequential sections by means of overflowing liquid, whereby the sections are graduated with respect to one another in terms of their liquid temperature, and for purposes of efficient liquid recycling are organized in pairs, so that the liquid is transported by overflow among sections, and to set the desired temperature of the overflowing liquid, liquid is added to the liquid being transported, characterized by the fact that the excess liquid in the at least one zone overflows in a cascade fashion from zone to zone of increasing overflow temperature and into liquid reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AGInventors: Gisbert Strohn, Ulrich Wiedemann, Bernd Molitor, Falk Dittrich
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Publication number: 20020004090Abstract: The invention concerns a method for packaging beverages in containers, particularly non-modified polyethylene terephthalate containers, which consists in pasteurizing (3) the beverage, cooling the pasteurized beverage to a temperature lower than that at which the containers are deformed, sterilizing the containers and container tops, filling the sterilized containers with a cooled pasteurized beverage, corking the filled sterilised containers, and further pasteurizing (10) the filled and corked containers to a temperature lower than at which the containers are deformed by the action of an excessive amount of heat. The invention is applicable to packaging of beverages.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 1999Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventor: PATRICK LAFLEUR
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Publication number: 20010053402Abstract: A method for preparing a sterilized liquid cooking sauce comprises the steps of: (a) mixing ingredients for liquid cooking sauces to form a liquid cooking sauce; (b) transferring the resulting sauce to a tubular sterilization means; (c) heating the sauce in the tubular sterilization means to thus sterilize the sauce; (d) establishing a back pressure within the sterilization means; and (e) packaging the sterilized sauce in containers; wherein the steps (c) to (e) are carried out while maintaining asceptic conditions and the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the sterilization step is equal to 10 kg/cm2 or less. The method permits the preparation of a high quality sterilized liquid cooking sauce which shows small or no reduction of its viscosity and does not cause any color change.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 1999Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventors: MAHITO ORII, TAKAO KOBAYASHI, ATSUSHI KOTANI
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Publication number: 20010046537Abstract: The present invention comprises a batch sterilization system, a controller for use in the batch sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller. The system, controller, and method are used to administer and provide on-line correction of a batch sterilization process performed on a batch of containers. The controller compiles an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from the actual retort temperatures sensed by a sensor. While this is occurring, the controller controls a batch sterilizer so as to administer an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before a temperature deviation has begun according to a scheduled time-temperature profile. This temperature deviation is between the actual retort time-temperature profile and the scheduled processing time-temperature profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 1998Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventor: ZHIJUN WENG
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Publication number: 20010043971Abstract: Packaging for microwavable convenience foods, such as tamales, and a related method for microwave steam heating or cooking of such foods. The food packaging includes an unvented, sealed, stretchable plastic bag enclosing a food product and a moisture pad which is placed on top of the food product. The pad serves to shield the food product from direct microwave radiation, and to provide a source of steam generated by absorption of the waves in the water of the pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventor: John Jay Johns
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Publication number: 20010041202Abstract: A canned pet food product made up of two phases. The product has an outer, tubular phase which is substantially solid and which extends from the lower end to the upper end of the product and an inner phase which extends from the lower end to the upper end of the product within the bore of the tubular outer phase. Both phases are made up of an edible source of carbohydrate and protein. However, the inner phase has an appearance different from that of the outer phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Christophe Dupont, Marc Dambrine, Laurent Sisiak, Thierry Bahaux, Stephen May, Steven E. Dingman
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Patent number: 6265009Abstract: A container is manufactured by means of folding and sealing, and is intended to be used in extremely humid conditions, such as in an autoclave or in a cooling tunnel. The container has at least one liquid absorbing layer and all the cut edges of the container are protected.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SAInventors: Tom Kjelgaard, Ulf Lindsjo, Birger Nilsson
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Patent number: 6261611Abstract: A hand-held food package is provided which enables heterogeneous foods, such as filled pastas, burritos, and the like, to be shipped, stored and heated in the same disposable package from which they are extruded for direct consumption by the consumer without utensils.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Breakaway Foods, L.L.C.Inventor: Robert E. Berman