Heat Treatment Of Encased Food Patents (Class 426/412)
  • Publication number: 20090232952
    Abstract: A system and method for barrier submersion cooking comprising a thin walled plastic cooking pouch for receiving a food item effectively dimensioned such that when placed into a hot liquid cooking medium a vent remains above a top surface of the liquid cooking medium and a rack for lowering the vessel into the liquid cooking medium to an effective depth such that the food item received by the pouch is below the top surface of the liquid cooking medium and the vent is above the top surface of the liquid cooking medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Cohn, Joseph M. Suchecki
  • Publication number: 20090208622
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing crustaceans, live and cooked to cause detachment of shells from crustacean meat. According to the method, live crustaceans are exposed to hydrostatic pressure of relatively high value, for example between 20,000 p.s.i. to 60,000 p.s.i. for 2-5 minutes. The process is conducted at minimal elevated temperatures, in the range of above ambient temperature of 40 degrees to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving the raw crustacean meat substantially unaffected, in its desired raw state, while the connective tissue deteriorates and the shell detaches from the meat. As a result separating the edible meat from the shell becomes much easier and less time-consuming. Cooked crustacean meat can also be processed under hydrostatic high pressure in the order of 30,000 p.s.i. to 60,000 p.s.i. to eliminate or substantially reduce bacteria in the meat, thereby extending shelf life of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Ernest A. Voisin
  • Publication number: 20090186135
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer-coated heat-sealable packaging material, to a heat-sterilised package formed from this and to the use of the packaging material. The material comprises a fibre base 4, which is e.g. a packaging board made of bleached pulp, and polymer heat-seal layers 1, 9 located on both sides of this. In accordance with the invention, the package comprises, outside the fibre base, a polymer coating layer 2, which contains white pigment for covering the fibre base from sight, and a second coating layer 8, which contains light-absorbing pigment. A coating layer pigmented grey inside the fibre base, for instance, provides a light shield for the packaged product. The absorbent black pigment may also be located outside the fibre base underneath a white layer in order to stabilise the brightness of the material. The package may be e.g. a food package heat-sterilised in an autoclave, in which yellowing of the fibre-based material has been avoided by means of a white pigment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Tapani PENTTINEN, Kimmo Nevalainen, Erkki Laiho, Markku Sainio, Jurkka Kuusipalo, Antti Savolainen, Esa Koreasalo, Isto Heiskanen, Tommi Lehikoinen
  • Publication number: 20090175992
    Abstract: A retortable multilayer packaging film comprises a crosslinked heat seal layer and a crosslinked grease-resistant layer. The crosslinked heat seal layer is an outer film layer comprising a C2-3/C3-20 alpha-olefin copolymer. The crosslinked grease-resistant layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of (i) a crystalline anhydride-grafted C2-3/C6-20 alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of from 0.93 g/cc to 0.97 g/cc, (ii) a crystalline C2-3/butene copolymer having a density of at least 0.92 g/cc, (iii) ionomer resin, and (iv) ethylene/unsaturated acid copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Solomon Bekele
  • Publication number: 20090142456
    Abstract: A polymeric sheet having low density and comprising a low to non-existent amount of cyclic olefinic polymers (COP) and/or cyclic olefinic copolymers (COC). The overall density of the sheet may be lower than water. The sheet may be stretched and then heat shrinked onto an article. The sheet may be used as a label or package to wrap articles therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Maor Segal, Yoav Guthman, Aharon Ben-Soussane, Yiftach Nir
  • Publication number: 20090142455
    Abstract: A food tray and a method of using the food tray to prepare foods at different temperatures for consumption are provided. The food tray comprises an outer bowl, an inner bowl, and wrapping. The outer bowl contains a first food product, and the inner bowl contains a second food product. The Inner bowl is at least partly nested within the outer bowl and is removable from the outer bowl. At least one of the first food product and the second food product comprise a dessert. The other of the first food product and the second food product comprise a topping for the dessert. The wrapping is positioned around both the outer bowl and the inner bowl to form an integrated food tray at a point of sale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Parsons
  • Patent number: 7504158
    Abstract: A dual ovenable film having a first layer comprising one or more polyamides and a second layer comprising one or more polyamides. The first layer forms the first outer surface of the film. The second layer has a melting point of at least about 210° C. The film is capable of forming a water-containing package by providing two 4 inch by 6 inch sheets of the film each having four perimeter sides, placing the sheets in superimposed, coextensive arrangement having the first layers of the films in contact with each other, and heat sealing three perimeter sides of the sheets together using a ?-inch wide sealing bar at a temperature of 290° F., a dwell time of 0.5 seconds, and a sealing pressure of 40 psig to form an open pouch having heat seals along three of the four perimeter sides. The open pouch can be filled with 100 milliliters of distilled water at a temperature of 73° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Leroy Berrier, Cynthia Louise Ebner
  • Publication number: 20090035429
    Abstract: A retortable multilayer packaging film has a crosslinked first outer layer which serves as a heat seal layer/product-contact layer. The first outer layer comprises a blend of (i) a homogeneous propylene-based polymer and (ii) a homogeneous ethylene/C4-20 alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of from about 0.86 g/cc to about 0.91 g/cc. The film also has a crosslinked second outer layer that serves as a heat seal/skin layer, and which comprises a blend of a homogeneous propylene-based polymer and a homogeneous ethylene/C4-20 alpha-olefin copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Solomon Bekele
  • Publication number: 20080305220
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cook-in film and to bags, pouches and the like made therefrom. The invention is further directed to a method of producing and preserving a food product using such a film, bag or pouche and to a packaged food product obtained therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Dimitris Gkinosatis
  • Publication number: 20080299262
    Abstract: Taught herein are a precharged ground coffee capsule comprising a polygonal cross-section container body made of a liquid-impermeable material, the container body having an open end and a large axial opening formed in a bottom wall of the container body, two walls made of a liquid-permeable material being arranged on the open end and at the bottom wall respectively, the liquid-impermeable material comprising a metallic material support layer and a thermoplastic material layer, the thermoplastic material layer facing the interior of the container body, the permeable walls being coupled to the container body through the thermoplastic material layer, an outwardly projecting radial flange being provided at the open end of the container body; a method for producing the capsule; and an apparatus for implementing the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Marco Reati
  • Patent number: 7452562
    Abstract: Sterilized packed pasta is produced by filling a container with pasta and water, boiling the pasta in the container inside a retort at Fo value of 0.1-1.5 while repeatedly increasing pressure inside the retort and releasing pressure inside the retort so as to cause the water to be evaporated, and thereafter sealing the container inside a clean booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kagome Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Fukaya, Chizu Oshima, Kendou Yoshihara, Kinya Sakuma, Kenei Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080233252
    Abstract: Containers are especially adapted for the reconstitution and dispensation of concentrated or powdered products. The containers preferably include a sealed flexible pouch body defining an interior space; removable primary and secondary seal regions which seal primary and secondary openings into the interior space of the pouch body, and a resealable closure member provided adjacent the primary seal region for reseating the primary opening upon removal of the primary seal region. A strip thermometer may be physically attached to the pouch body so as to provide visual temperature indication of the reconstituted liquid product within the container. The containers may be prepackaged with a desired amount of concentrated or powdered product for later reconstitution. In use, the primary seal region may be physically removed and the resealable closure member opened so to expose the primary opening to the interior space of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Paul B. Manning, James W. McGrath
  • Publication number: 20080134906
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for baking individual dough products or a plurality of dough products. A flexible, adjustable baking structure, such as a baking strip, is secured about the perimeter of at least one dough intermediate before baking on a flat pan. The flexible, adjustable baking structure acts as a temporary pan-like edge that allows the dough intermediates to evenly crisp and brown during baking while retaining its shape. The flexible, adjustable baking structure can be packaged along with a plurality of dough products, or packaged separately. The flexible baking strip allows a user to prepare any quantity of dough products on any type of flat, unwalled pan without compromising desired baked characteristics such as shape, visual appearance, taste and/or texture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Sashay M. Mattox, John J. Fenske
  • Patent number: 7285299
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: David Howard
  • Patent number: 7191577
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Corus Staal BV
    Inventor: Paulus Jozef Tamis
  • Patent number: 7037545
    Abstract: A multi-stage thickening composition for use in facilitating the handling and continuous packaging of a food product, and for providing a desired final shape and texture for the food product. Relatively rapid-setting and slower-setting consumable gels form one preferred thickening composition. The rapid-setting gel allows the food product to be shaped and packaged, while the slower-setting gel allows the food product to be provided with desired texture characteristics that appeal to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Schreiber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Finnie, Robert L. Olsen, Susan C. Frinak
  • Patent number: 7026007
    Abstract: Method of pork meat products production (cooked—sausages—salamis of comminuted meat) with direct incorporation of olive oil and maximum possible animal fat substitution, which includes the following phases: a. Mixing of lean pork meat with water, salt, polyphosphates, preservatives, vegetable proteins, milk proteins and starch; b. Addition of olive oil and mixing; c. the mixture is encased with simultaneous application of vacuum and is pasteurized; d. cooling of the product. Products based on meat with incorporation of olive oil, which are produced according to this method, have an excellent stability as far as structure is concerned (compactness) and the sensory characteristics of olive oil which these products contain remain unchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Creta Farm Anonimos Viomichaniki & Emporiki Etaireia
    Inventor: Emmanouil Domazakis
  • Patent number: 7008659
    Abstract: An inert gas-filled cooking process is disclosed which provides for quick sterilization of food in inert gas-filled packages in a manner that prevents deterioration of food quality as well as assures a long taste guaranteed period by raising the temperature of hot water to be applied onto the food packages in a sterilization tank so as to satisfy the retort sterilization requirements. The sterilization tank is pressurized at a predetermined value by control of an analog pressure regulating valve. The temperature of the hot water flowing from a heat exchanger into the sterilization tank is varied in a multi-staged fashion to follow a predetermined sterilization temperature-time curve by control of an analog steam regulating valve and a steam superheater. The hot water is applied onto the packaged food for sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ono Foods Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuji Ono
  • Patent number: 7001628
    Abstract: Container for heating food in an electrical bread toaster or other radiant heating device comprises a closed or partially open pouch formed of flexible sheet material comprsing a woven fabric, such as glass or KEVLAR fibers, coated or impregnated with an electrically non-conductive heat resistant material, for example PTFE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Guy Darell Unwin
  • Patent number: 7001635
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing the smoky color and flavor of foodstuffs, such as sausages, produced in casing containing liquid smoke, by exposing the encased foodstuff to a alkaline solution. Peeling of the sausages is also enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Viskase Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Merritt, II, Myron D. Nicholson, Paul E. DuCharme, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6979494
    Abstract: A dual ovenable film having a first layer comprising one or more polyamides and a second layer comprising one or more polyamides. The first layer forms the first outer surface of the film. The second layer has a melting point of at least about 210° C. The film is capable of forming a water-containing package by providing two 4 inch by 6 inch sheets of the film each having four perimeter sides, placing the sheets in superimposed, coextensive arrangement having the first layers of the films in contact with each other, and heat sealing three perimeter sides of the sheets together using a ?-inch wide sealing bar at a temperature of 290° F., a dwell time of 0.5 seconds, and a sealing pressure of 40 psig to form an open pouch having heat seals along three of the four perimeter sides. The open pouch can be filled with 100 milliliters of distilled water at a temperature of 73° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Leroy Berrier, Cynthia Louise Ebner
  • Patent number: 6858242
    Abstract: High end or premium bread, including presliced loaves, are inserted into a preformed inner bag by an automatic bagging machine. The open end of the inner bag is gathered and sealed, and thereafter the inner bag is heat shrunk to closely enclose a loaf. Then the heat shrunk inner bag and enclosed loaf is bagged by a second automatic bagger, and the outer bag is then closed by an automatic bag closer. The inner bag preferably has a gusseted closed end which is adjacent to the openable end of the outer bag for presentation to a consumer. Such closed end of the inner bag can have bag weakening perforations or scores for convenient opening by the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Formost Packaging Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman Paul Formo
  • Patent number: 6824806
    Abstract: A process for producing a vegetable food which is alternative to meat, which process consists of the steps of providing a mixture consisting essentially of 45 to 99.9% by weight of gluten and 0.1 to 55% by weight of a flour selected from the group consisting of cereal flours, legume flours and mixtures thereof, admixing said mixture of gluten and flour with water or vegetable broth, in a ratio of 1 kg of said mixture per 0.8 to 1.0 liter of water or vegetable broth, kneading the admixture until a dough is obtained, stuffing the dough into synthetic casings, which are closed with clips or laces at their ends, so as to obtain shaped pieces, cooking the thus-obtained shaped pieces for 105 to 120 minutes, during which time the dough expands and finds room by lengthening, and a meat-like fibrous structure develops, wherein fibers show a moderate orientation in the longitudinal direction and, in certain portions, a twisted orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Green Live Vegetable Meat S.R.L.
    Inventor: Beniamino Anzalone
  • Patent number: 6800307
    Abstract: A cooked sausage is provided comprising a mixture of a meat emulsion and a fermented milk product preferably having a pH of 4.6 or more. The fermented milk product is substantially homogeneously dispersed through the meat emulsion and the mixture has a pH of about 5.5 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Bernard Matthews PLC
    Inventors: Bernard Trevor Matthews, David John Joll, Werner Koppers, Friedrich Buse
  • Publication number: 20040191376
    Abstract: A method of treating sections of meat which includes forming them into desired shapes and placing them in impervious cook-in bags. The meat sections are cooked in the bags and then chilled down to a refrigerated state where they remain until sold or shipped. When shipment is needed, the meat sections are removed from the bags, exposed to a high velocity hot air treatment for a minimum of 10 seconds and thereafter packaged for use or shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Lee Kramer
  • Patent number: 6756068
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventors: Kyle Kafentzis, Sean Kafentzis
  • Publication number: 20040121054
    Abstract: A method of reheating a cooked food. First, an unperforated package is provided having an internal pressure of less than about 13.7 psia and enclosing a cooked meat. The package comprises a film comprising an inside film layer adjacent the internal space of the package. The inside film layer comprises one or more polymers selected from polyamide and polyester. The cooked meat is heated while enclosed in the unperforated package to an internal meat temperature of above about 100° F. The method is useful in reducing the warmed over flavor effect that may result from reheating the cooked meat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Arthur L. Berrier, Cynthia L. Ebner, Nathanael R. Miranda
  • Patent number: 6749877
    Abstract: A heat resistant and heat sealable tear tape that can be used with a plastic package. The tear tape comprises a layer of an oriented film and a layer of a polymer sealant material. The polymer sealant has a melt temperature of below approximately 220° F. A plastic package can be made having a tear tape to provide a hermetically sealed package with a tear tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventors: Jay D. Hodson, Steven Andrew Willis, Greg John Seeke
  • Patent number: 6713105
    Abstract: A thermoplastic film having at least one external film layer that includes vinylidene chloride polymer. The external film layer also includes an amount of non-polar polymer effective to reduce the adherence to the external film layer of a cooked protein-containing food that is cooked while contacting the external film layer. The film is useful for cook-in and retort packaging of protein-containing food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Solomon Bekele
  • Patent number: 6620447
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the manufacture of a baked product with the product being enclosed in a wrapper. The product can be given good qualities including that desired surface portions of the product can be provided a crust similar to that achievable under open-pan baking conditions. The invention is implemented so that the dough is dosed into the baking volume formed by said sealed wrapper, subsequently baking the dough in said baking space formed by said sealed wrapper. In the wrapper, the wrapper area overlying the intended crust-formation area of the baked product is made of a moisture-permeable porous material capable of passing water vapour through its structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Raisio Yhtyma Oyj
    Inventors: Veli-Matti Paukkunen, Pirjo Alho-Lehto, Petri Liimatainen
  • Publication number: 20030170360
    Abstract: A device and a method for efficiently providing an impression, such as a netting impression, on meat products is provided. An exemplary device includes two members, each having a concavity from which extend protrusions for forming the impressions on a meat product. The meat product may be vacuumed packaged in film and sandwiched between the concavities of the two members, impressing the protrusions on the meat product outer surface. The members with impressed meat product are then heated for cooking the impression on the outer surface of the meat product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Scott Donnel, Scott Schallenberger, Doug Stoneman
  • Patent number: 6586026
    Abstract: A packaged food article includes a meat product and a thermoplastic, heat shrinkable film. The film includes a meat-contact layer that contains a polymer which includes mer units derived from a C2-C4 &agr;-olefin. The film is sealed so as to form a bag which encloses the meat product. At least one of the seals defines an arc which includes at least four segments. Each of the segments has a radius of curvature which differs from the radius of curvature of any adjoining segment. When the packaged food article is subjected to a temperature of from about 50° C. up to about the Vicat softening point of the polymer of the meat-contact layer, the packaged food article takes the general shape of a poultry breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Ram K. Ramesh, Terry L. Troutt
  • Patent number: 6581359
    Abstract: This invention consist of the application of ionomers with high acid comonomer content and neutralisea with specific metal ions as sealant layers for multilayer for fresh meat packaging with improved meat juice or purge retention and a process to archieve this. It has been found that for this application a copolymer of ethylene and an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated C3-C8 carboxylic acid, preferably 1-30% by weight, preferably acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, that is partly neutralized with at least one metal ion is most suitable. The copolymer may further contain an acrylate, and may be processed by e.g. extruding or casting a sheet or blowing a film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Adrianus Theodorus Josephus van den Broek
  • Patent number: 6558760
    Abstract: The sealability of a thermoplastic, mono- or multi-layer film having an irradiated sealing layer comprising a polyethylene and/or an ethylene-x-olefin copolymer with a density ≧0.915 g/cm3 is improved by corona treating said sealing layer. The integrity of the obtained sealed container is maintained under pasteurizing or cook-in conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Paleari, Romano Spigaroli
  • Patent number: 6537601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for eliminating pathogenic organisms and other bacteria from raw food products, such as raw shellfish, whereby the molluscan shellfish is exposed to hydrostatic pressure of relatively high value, for example between 10,000 p.s.i. to 60,000 p.s.i. for 1-15 minutes. The process is conducted at elevated temperatures, in the range of between 50 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving the raw shellfish substantially unaffected, in its desired raw state, such that the pathogenic organisms are destroyed, while sensory characteristics of the raw shellfish remain high. The same process can be used for shucking bivalve mollusks without any mechanical force, with the pressure ranging from 10,000 p.s.i. to 60,000 p.s.i. Taste of raw seafood is enhanced by adding flavor enhancing agents to the pressure vessel before application of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Innovatit Seafood Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Ernest A. Voisin
  • Publication number: 20030021870
    Abstract: A cook-in bag having a patch adhered thereto provides is designed for cook-in of bone-in meat products. The patch is adhered to the bag with an adhesive capable of withstanding cook-in conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin D. Pollok, H. Walker Stockley, Jay B. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030017352
    Abstract: A coextruded, retortable film includes a core layer having an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer; two intermediate layers including a polyamide; two adhesive layers including a polymeric adhesive; and two outer layers including low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ethylene/alpha olefin copolymer, propylene homopolymer, and/or propylene/alpha olefin copolymer. A method of packaging a product using this film, and a package, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Dayrit, Steven T. Calvert, Stephen J. Schwarz, Daniel L. McKamy, Brian Rivers, Bobby Ayers
  • Patent number: 6488973
    Abstract: A frozen food product which includes a raw protein portion, a raw or an only partially cooked or blanched vegetable portion and a sauce, contained in a sealed cooking pouch made primarily of paper and a susceptor layer, preferably aluminum, which may be placed in an oven or microwave oven so as to cook the contents of the cooking pouch. The raw protein product is preferably one of fish, beef, poultry, pork or veal. The vegetables are raw or blanched vegetables such as julienne peppers, celery, carrots, onions, zucchini or broccoli. The blanched vegetables are only partially cooked so that the time remaining to complete cooking of the vegetables is approximately the same as the time required to cook the raw protein portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Food Talk, Inc.
    Inventor: Leah Kay Wright
  • Patent number: 6426103
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for eliminating pathogenic organisms and other bacteria from raw food products, such as raw shellfish, whereby the molluscan shellfish is exposed to hydrostatic pressure of relatively high value, for example between 20,000 p.s.i. to 150,000 p.s.i. for 1-15 minutes. The process is conducted at minimal elevated temperatures, in the range of above ambient temperature to 150° F., leaving the raw shellfish substantially unaffected, in its desired raw state, such that the pathogenic organisms are destroyed, while sensory characteristics of the raw shellfish remain high. The same process can be used for shucking bivalve mollusks without any mechanical force, with the pressure ranging from 10,000 p.s.i. to 100,000 p.s.i. Taste of raw seafood is enhanced by adding flavor enhancing agents to the pressure vessel before application of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Innovatit Seafood Systems LLC
    Inventor: Ernest A. Voisin
  • Patent number: 6406763
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Wolf, George D. Wofford, Blaine C. Childress
  • Patent number: 6391358
    Abstract: A multi-stage thickening composition for use in facilitating the handling and continuous packaging of a food product, and for providing a desired final shape and texture for the food product. Relatively rapid-setting and slower-setting consumable gels form one preferred thickening composition. The rapid-setting gel allows the food product to be shaped and packaged, while the slower-setting gel allows the food product to be provided with desired texture characteristics that appeal to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Schreiber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Finnie, Robert L. Olsen, Susan C. Frinak
  • Patent number: 6387423
    Abstract: The invention relates to packaged, unfilled or filled, precooked pasta foods in portions of between 150 g and 500 g, characterized by being sealed within a sheet which is heat-resistant up to at least 125° C. Oxygen-impermeable composite sheets are preferably employed as the sheets. The invention further relates to a method for the preparation of such packaged pasta foods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Bonroyal-Werk
    Inventor: Fritz Brunsbach
  • Patent number: 6372274
    Abstract: A packaged product comprises a boneless food product comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of meat and cheese. The food product has added liquid thereon, for example brine which has been injected into (and is exuding from) a meat product, or brine in which cheese has been soaking. The film article surrounds the boneless food product, and is in contact with both the boneless food product and the added liquid. The film article exhibits a Standard Drop Test—Boneless failure rate of less than 60 percent. A packaging process involves placing the boneless food product into a film article, which may be a bag, pouch, or casing, the boneless food product having added liquid thereon. The added liquid on the surface of the meat, together with juice from the meat, forms a liquid blend which deposits on an inside surface of the film article which is to be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Noel, James A. Mize, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010046536
    Abstract: A packaged product comprises a boneless food product comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of meat and cheese. The food product has added liquid thereon, for example brine which has been injected into (and is exuding from) a meat product, or brine in which cheese has been soaking. The film article surrounds the boneless food product, and is in contact with both the boneless food product and the added liquid. The packaged product exhibits a Standard Drop Test failure rate of less than 60 percent. A packaging process involves placing the boneless food product into a packaging article, which may be a bag, pouch, or casing, the boneless food product having added liquid thereon. The added liquid on the surface of the meat product contaminates an inside surface of the packaging article which is to be sealed. The packaging article is then sealed across an open end thereof, the seal being made through the contamination on the inside surface of the meat product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: DAVID C. NOEL, JAMES A. MIZE JR.
  • Patent number: 6316036
    Abstract: A heat resistant and heat sealable tear tape that can be used with a plastic package. The tear tape comprises a layer of an oriented film and a layer of a polymer sealant material. The polymer sealant has a melt temperature of below approximately 220° F. A plastic package can be made having a tear tape to provide a hermetically sealed package with a tear tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventors: Jay D. Hodson, Steven Andrew Willis, Greg John Seeke
  • Patent number: 6301905
    Abstract: A trough construction including a trough along which water is propelled to convey bagged product therealong. A plurality of nozzles jet-spray cooling or heating water onto the product as it is conveyed along the trough. The nozzles are oriented in opposing first and second series so as to impart a rotation on the bagged product generally about a longitudinal axis of the trough. According to one embodiment, a first suction tube having openings through the trough wall is opposite to the first series of nozzles and with a first pump forms a first fluid circuit. Similarly, a second suction tube with suction openings, together with a second pump and the second series form a second fluid circuit. The two fluid circuits keep the bags centered in the trough, surrounded by cooling or heating water. According to a second embodiment, the trough is positioned in a sump and has trough openings so that the water in the trough communicates with that in the sump, and the suction tubes are not used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy D. Gallus
  • Patent number: 6265009
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA
    Inventors: Tom Kjelgaard, Ulf Lindsjo, Birger Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6235325
    Abstract: A food product is packaged in an elongated hollow plastic shell configured to resemble an egg shell with an opening in one of its ends, the opening being sealed by a removable cover having an extending portion forming a finger tab to facilitate its removal. A quantity of edible material consisting primarily of egg white is disposed within the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Melvin A. Greitzer
  • Patent number: 6228406
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an impervious inner jacket 16 which may contain an inner edible foodstuff 14 which is encircled by an outer foodstuff 12. The inner jacket 16 has one end which may be equipped with a tear stripe 20 or tie member 28 which provides a means for removing the inner foodstuff 14 from the outerjacket 12. The jacket 16 has a tab 18 on one end which can be grasped by the fingers 38 of the user to help remove the jacket 16 from inside the outer foodstuff 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Anna Borzuta
  • Patent number: 6221415
    Abstract: A food container and its method of use are disclosed. The food container includes a top panel, bottom panel and plurality of sidewalls. A movable panel is hingedly connected to one of the sidewalls, allowing a consumer to open the container. Attached to the lower edge of the movable panel is a shelf supporting a food item. A consumer can access the food item by opening the movable panel, which causes the shelf to carry the food item outside the container into a position that permits the consumer to easily manipulate it. The food item or a portion thereof can then be replaced in the container by simply closing the movable panel. The shelf may engage one or more sidewalls of the bottom panel to assist in maintaining the container in a closed position after initial opening and reclosing. The container is suitable for packaging food items that include both microwaveable and non-microwaveable ingredients. A foldable blank for manufacturing the container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Candace Mary Walters