With Molding Or Cutting Patents (Class 426/414)
  • Patent number: 12018968
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device including a wall protruding from and surrounding a base portion and an open top portion located opposite the base portion. The device may define a volume corresponding to a predetermined macronutrient quantity for a food type. Also described is a kit including a first bowl and a second bowl. In some examples, the first and second bowls each include a wall protruding from and surrounding a base portion and defining an open top portion located opposite the base portion. According to some examples, the first bowl defines a first volume corresponding to a predetermined macronutrient quantity of a first food type and the second bowl defines a second volume corresponding to a predetermined macronutrient quantity of a second food type that is different from the first volume corresponding to the predetermined macronutrient quantity of the first food type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Macro Diabetic, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Paul
  • Patent number: 11974966
    Abstract: A medical product includes a bladder, a filtration device, and a sterile product concentrate. The bladder has a perimeter seal and defining a sterile chamber. The filtration device includes a stem and a filter membrane disposed in line with the stem. The stem extends through the perimeter seal and has an inlet end accessible from outside of the perimeter seal and an outlet end in fluid communication with the sterile chamber. The filter membrane can have a nominal pore size in a range of approximately 0.1 ?m to approximately 0.5 ?m, wherein the filter membrane is shaped as a hollow fiber with a wall and pores residing in the wall of the fiber. The sterile product concentrate is disposed in the sterile chamber and adapted to be reconstituted by the introduction of a pharmaceutical fluid into the chamber through the filtration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignees: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE SA
    Inventors: David Filiberto Schuck, Karl Hans Cazzini, Yuanpang Samuel Ding, Ying-Cheng Lo, Grant Anthony Bomgaars, Thomas Edward Dudar, Mark Edward Pasmore, Bernd Krause, Michael Joseph Sadowski, Anastasios Hristakos, Joseph Vincent Ranalletta
  • Patent number: 11166470
    Abstract: A system for forming a product from a food mass that includes: a hopper with a rotating feeder; a mould drum with cavities to form products; a feed pump having a moving member; and a divider located between the feed pump and the mould drum and configured to distribute the food mass over an axial length of the mold drum, the divider is directly connected to a housing of the feed pump or is integral with the housing of the feed pump, the divider has at its inlet side a slightly sloped sidewall, having an angle of between 10 degrees to 30 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the divider and a height of 20 mm to 40 mm, to distribute the food mass and a seal provided between the divider and the mould drum downstream of the divider and in contact with a surface of the mould drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: GEA FOOD SOLUTIONS BAKEL B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrikus Petrus Gerardus Van Gerwen
  • Patent number: 10085412
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing a pourable food substance (1), in particular hot melted cheese, which is introduced, by means of a feed neck (2), into a gap (3) between two vertical shaping rolls that are covered by cooling strips (11, 12) made especially of metal, the food substance (1) is shaped into a product strip (10) having a defined thickness, a carrier film arrangement (21) being placed between the first cooling strip (11) and the product strip (10). In order to be cooled, the product strip (10) is conveyed in the direction of travel (T) along with the carrier film arrangement (21) and is fed to a longitudinal cutting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Hochland SE
    Inventors: Andreas Biggel, Maria Jacob, Wolfgang Tipolt, Franz Stadelmann, Markus Fuhge
  • Publication number: 20140242233
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein of a method and apparatus that can be used to extend the shelf-life of potatoes without adding preservatives or chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Larry Cohn
  • Patent number: 8771776
    Abstract: A method to produce a food product comprises the steps of providing a plurality of flint corn kernels; drying the flint corn kernels; popping the flint corn kernels; cooling the porous, airy, elastic foam particles produced during popping; cutting with a moving blade said porous, airy foam particles into pieces having a width greater than 0.005 inches to produce an elastic, air entrained popcorn flour occupying a volume; and, vacuum packaging the elastic popcorn flour to reduce the volume occupied by the popcorn flour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Todd W Gocha, Joseph Dileonardo
  • Publication number: 20130337125
    Abstract: In a raw material preparing step, a rice powder as a primary raw material powder is added with a water to prepare a mixed raw material. In a kneading step, the mixed raw material is kneaded to form a kneaded substance. In a pressing/extending step, the kneaded substance is pressed and extended to form noodle dough sheet. In a slitting step, the noodle dough sheet is slit into predetermined noodle strand shape to obtain a continuous noodle strand However, these steps maintain a non-alpha state of the rice powder component In a packaging step, a unit-length noodle strand is accommodated in a pouch-like heat-resistant packaging container and hermetically sealed to obtain a packaged unit-length noodle strand, while maintaining a non-alpha state of the rice powder component in the noodle strand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: KOBAYASHI NOODLE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshio Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20130004604
    Abstract: An edible, chewable dark chocolate candy for the oral delivery of dietary supplements and pharmaceutical compounds. The-chocolate formed or molded solid candy contains at least one active ingredient that is blended with the chocolate candy during conching of the chocolate candy. A method for manufacturing the chewable chocolate candy is also disclosed. In the blending phase, a chocolate liquor is blended with additional ingredients to obtain the desired individual chocolate recipe for the chocolate delivery vehicle. The selected dietary supplement and/or pharmaceutical compounds are then added to the chocolate liquor, which is then conched for the desired time period. When the conching phase is completed, the conched chocolate is tempered, after which the tempered chocolate having 60% or more cacao mass may be formed into various sizes and shapes for individually-wrapped pieces, or formed into large blocks for storage and shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: HERO NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Judy Davis
  • Publication number: 20120288594
    Abstract: A method for packaging a fresh food product, such as fruit and vegetables, provided externally with a protective peel, having at least a peeling step, in which the peel is removed from the product. After the peeling step, the method provides at least a covering step, in which at least a covering film is associated with the external surface of the product. The method also provides a molding step in which the covering film is made to adhere to the external surface of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: DIVTI QUARTAGAMMA SRL
    Inventors: Angelo Della Valentina, Rudi Toneatti
  • Patent number: 8226401
    Abstract: Gum manufacturing machinery and method of manufacturing gum is illustrated in which a gum loafing machine generates loaves of finished gum that are then subsequently run through a gum conditioner to more uniformly set the temperature and viscosity of the gum material prior to further processing. Upon achieving the appropriate conditioning level, a further forming extruder may be used to generate a continuous gum ribbon for subsequent rolling and scoring operations. The gum conditioner may include vertically stacked conveyors that have different operational modes including a first mode that provides a serpentine path for a long residence time and a second mode that provides a cascading path that avoids or bypasses much of the length of some of the conveyors to provide a shorter residence time. The gum manufacturing machinery may be used in an adjustable manner so as to accommodate difference gum recipes for different batches of gum product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Jim Olejarski, Joseph Roarty, Arthur W. Upmann, James A. Duggan
  • Publication number: 20120114816
    Abstract: Methods of automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting include: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, Dennis J. May, David T. Wince, William M. Poteat, Derek L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20110052762
    Abstract: A package with a food product therein is provided and, in particular, with a coffee product, comprising at least an inner package and at least an outer package, and having at least one means for reclosing provided on the inner package and/or on an inner side of the outer package. Alternatively, the inner package may comprise a vacuum-packed inner package with an outer package. A machine for producing a packaged food product is also provided and, in particular, for producing a packaged coffee product. The machine comprises at least one device for applying a means for reclose to the inner package and/or to the inner side of the outer package, the device provided in the machine direction upstream of a device for providing the at least one outer package around the at least one inner package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Juergen FLIEGER, Harald LORENZ, Joachim Guenter BELLMANN
  • Patent number: 7871651
    Abstract: An article of manufacture includes (a) a three-dimensionally shaped edible candy including chocolate; and (b) a hollow container including a wall defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface defining a hollow portion having a shape which substantially conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the candy for releasably securing the candy within the hollow shape of the container, wherein the container includes at least two portions removably secured to one and the other for releasably securing the candy, and further wherein the container includes a plastic material, such as a thermoformed plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventors: Henry Sinichko, Paul B. Abernathy, Paul K. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7820218
    Abstract: A method for forming thin edible pieces uses two continuous belts that cooperate to form a fill cavity. An edible mass, such as chocolate, is flowed into the fill cavity where it forms an edible blank which is transported on a belt path with the two belts moving in tandem. After the edible blank is released from the first or second continuous belt, a three-dimensional shape may be imparted to the edible blank at a forming station using one or more stamping dies or a forming drum. Using the techniques and apparatus described herein, novel edible products, and particularly novel chocolate products, can be made having shape characteristics that cannot be obtained using known molding or forming techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Suttle, Thomas M. Collins, George Graham, Alfred V. Camporini, Jennifer Tomasso
  • Patent number: 7794771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee tablet which is obtainable by molding and freeze-drying a solution of coffee solids into a desired shape and which has improved dissolution properties and an appealing smooth and/or shiny surface appearance. The coffee tablet also has a closed surface pore structure and an internal pore structure wherein a majority of the pores in the pore structure are interconnected and have a size of between 5 and 50 micrometers. The coffee tablet can also include a coating of a coffee, a flavorant, a colorant or an aroma. The coffee tablet is packaged in an environment of an aroma to form a product that exhibits fresh and strong flavor and aroma characteristics when a beverage is prepared from the tablet even after long term storage of the tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Ulrich Kessler
  • Patent number: 7763298
    Abstract: A packaged food article, comprising a package maintaining at least a partial vacuum and having at least a portion being flexible; and at least one food piece disposed therein in the form of a shaped solid composite mass comprising an aggregate base having a quantity of food particles, wherein at least a portion of the food piece is in conforming contact with the flexible package portion and wherein the food piece has a water activity of 0.45 or less is disclosed. In one embodiment the packaged food article further comprises binder. In most embodiments, the binder comprises 25% or less, by weight, of the product, resulting in a product that is less sweet than other grain-based handheld food products, yet retains a chewy texture. In another embodiment, highly oxygen sensitive ingredients are used as a food ingredient. The resulting product has a very long shelf life, maintaining its full color, texture and flavor for at least 3 months, up to about 12 months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: General Mills IP Holdings II, LLC.
    Inventors: William E. Archibald, Dean F. Funk, Robert J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7374907
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing tissue slides is disclosed. The apparatus includes a holding assembly for manipulating the sample block, a blade assembly for preparing a thin section from the sample block, and a transfer roller mechanism for transferring the thin section to a receiving medium. The apparatus further includes a controller that may track the sample block and thin section. The method includes the steps of first locating a sample embedded within a support medium, which may be paraffin or a similar medium. Next, the embedded sample is oriented in such a way that its working surface is presented. This orientation may entail determining the orientation of the embedded sample with respect to the blade that will produce the largest cross-sectional area. Next, a slice of the sample from said embedded sample is removed and subsequently transferred to a suitable receiving medium, which may include a microscope slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: John Voneiff, Jay Gibson, Gary Pasternack
  • Publication number: 20080089980
    Abstract: A hand-held oatmeal product is provided that is ready to eat. The oatmeal product may be packaged in a retortable pouch. Methods of making the oatmeal product are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: David V. Foster, Christopher True
  • Patent number: 7175868
    Abstract: A method for demolding a body of frozen confection encased in a flexible disposable mold includes the steps of slicing the mold, applying heat to the mold sufficient to soften a surface portion of the body of confection to permit the mold to slip from the body, directing gas into the slit mold to open the mold and to separate the mold from the body, and applying suction to the mold to pull the mold free of the body. The invention further includes an assembly for effecting the method, the assembly including a slicer, a heater, a blower, and a suction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Cool Dog, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter B. Franklin
  • Patent number: 7060311
    Abstract: Packaged food portions, such as food slices, consisting of two or more food items, such as peanut butter and jelly, and processes for making them. The food portion is provided with sufficient viscosity and textural properties to enable its formation into a cohesive mass which can be extruded while maintaining the individual identity and organoleptic attributes of each food item within the food portion. The food portion may be shaped into a slice or other configuration prior to or during its encasing within a flexible packaging material. Product formulations which provide for minimal moisture migration between the different food items within the food portion and for optimum product stability, as well as processes and methods for providing and processing these formulations, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Franco X. Milani, Susan Frinak, Donn S. Theuerkauf, Francis J. Parker, Robert Olsen, Daniel P. Shannon, David L. Shaft
  • Patent number: 7052727
    Abstract: An assembly and method for forming a frozen confection portion of a frozen confection type food product, the assembly comprising a mold assembly provided with a mold cavity of a selected configuration ad formed by a flexible inert casing, a pump for moving confection into the mold cavity and casing to fill the mold cavity and casing, sealing means for sealing the ends of the casing to provide a link of confection, a cutter device for separating the link from adjoining links, freezing devices for receiving and further freezing the link, and apparatus for opening the casing of the link and permitting the frozen confection to exit out of the casing in the selected configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Cool Dog, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter B. Franklin, Arthur L. Darcy
  • Patent number: 6878390
    Abstract: A segmented rolled food item is continuously produced using a rotating segmenting roller having a plurality of parallel circumferential lanes. Each lane contains a series of circumferentially spaced knife edges that are disposed at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller. A segmented rolled food item is produced by feeding multiple continuous at least substantially parallel strips of a flowable food product, each of which are deposited on pre-slit parallel strips of support material, between the nip of an upper anvil surface and the lower surface of the rotating segmenting roller. The segmentation of the food strip occurs without segmentation of the support strip. After segmenting, the food strip and the support material are cut into lengths to form leading and trailing ends. Each strip of food is rolled around a leading end of the support material to obtain a segmented rolled food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Murray, William R. Drummond
  • Publication number: 20040241298
    Abstract: A mold having an upper end and a downwardly extending wall terminating in a lower end, and a continuous notch spanning across the wall extending upwardly from the lower end, with both an outside surface of the wall and an inside surface being of a coating which is non-stick to dough wrapped around the outside surface of the mold and to dough which is pushed downwardly through the notch from the upper end of the mold towards its lower end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Cole
  • Publication number: 20030077366
    Abstract: A method of creating curved sausage links involves extruding an elongated sausage strand having linear protein fibers therein out of an elongated hollow meat emulsion extrusion tube. The flow of meat emulsion through the tube is partially restricted by a restrictor element within the tube which permits a portion of the meat emulsion to pass thereover in a substantially uninterrupted manner, but which requires a separate layer of meat emulsion to have its movement through the tube inhibited by engaging the restrictor element and having to move thereover to exit the tube. When the sausage strand is subjected to heat, the uninterrupted portion is inclined to have more lengthwise shrinkage in the presence of heat than the other layer, thus causing the sausage link to assume a curved configuration. The machine for practicing this method has a stuffing tube with the restrictor element therein as described heretofore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Martinus W.J.T. Kuijpers, Frederik F.L.H. Ankersmit
  • Patent number: 6506432
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing and forming meat and sausage products, a semi-finished meat or sausage product is brought into a foil bag or between foils and sealed under vacuum to form a filled package. The filled package is then aligned between two movable, adjustable plates, and a uniform distribution of the package contents is achieved by applying a slight pressure on the package by moving the plates against one another. A vacuum is generated in plate cavities provided in the plates upon reaching a certain plate distance or a pressure within the filled package. In this way, the foil of the package undergoes stretching within the plate cavities and a cavity wall of the plate cavities, and the semi-finished meat or sausage product assumes a surface shape of the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Fritz Kortschack
  • Patent number: 6395321
    Abstract: A method for packaging food items, such as processed cheese, into a plastic film package that entirely encloses the food item with peelable heat seals, such as hermetic peelable heat seals. The heat of the food item is used to activate a sealant within the plastic film. Plastic film formulations are provided for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, INC
    Inventors: David L. Shaft, George O. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20020044995
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of cooled alcohol as coolant. Salt of the alkali metals, beryllium group or alkaline-earth metals, in particular common salt, is added to said coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Andre Marton
  • Patent number: 6299917
    Abstract: A food casing that is a tubular film having an internal cellulose surface containing smoke components integrally blended with the cellulose. The invention further includes the method for making the food casing of the invention by blending smoke, usually in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion of smoke components (liquid smoke), into viscose prior to formation of the viscose into a film by extrusion and regeneration. The food casing of the invention consistently transfers smoke flavor and color to contained food product, has reduced odor, is not sticky, does not gum up processing machinery, does not have degraded color and flavor as a result of exposure to acid or caustic, is easily shirred, deshirred and unrolled, does not yield odiferous dark sticky liquid in premoisturized casing packages and can be readily peeled from processed food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Teepak Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas E. Appleby
  • Patent number: 6254911
    Abstract: A method of making a plate-like frozen raw hamburger-like matter includes: a filling step for filling a constitutional material of the raw hamburger-like matter between a first thermal seal a second thermal seal, provided in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction; a deaerating step of pressing the film so that the filled constitutional material is extended until the second thermal seal is provided; a forming step for forming the plate-like raw hamburger-like matter by equalizing the constitutional matter, therein; and a freezing step for maintaining its shape by rapidly freezing the package bag enclosing the raw hamburger-like matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Komatsu Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20010003596
    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: Application
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Applicant: KEVIN J. FINNIE
    Inventors: KEVIN J. FINNIE, ROBERT J. OLSEN, SUSAN C. FRINAK
  • 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: 6214389
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous production, processing and packaging of a final chewing gum product. The product is extruded as a continuous tape or ribbon of material, the material is flattened into a approximate final cross-sectional size and shape, and then inserted into a final sizing apparatus. The sizing apparatus maintains the gum product in its final cross-sectional size and shape. Thereafter, the continuous strip of final chewing gum product is scored, cut into individual pieces, and individually wrapped by a standard packaging machine. The individually wrapped pieces of gum can then be assembled into sets and packaged into packs of gum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: Earl Roger Hoffman, Anita Friberg, Marc Degady
  • Patent number: 6149958
    Abstract: There is proposed a method and an apparatus for producing packages containing foodstuffs, in which a shape (10) made in a lower foil is at least partly covered or closed during the food filling process by a ram (2) which covers the shape (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Dixie-Union GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dietmar Send, Fritz Kortschack
  • Patent number: 6129936
    Abstract: Method for marking an object where the object is placed in a package whereby a pattern in said package is caused to make a marking in said object. Objects being marked with the above method. The invention is especially useful for marking solid or semi-solid formulations of drugs, candy and food-stuff. Specifically the invention is useful to mark nicotine-containing chewing gums. Other solid or semi-solid objects can equally well be marked using the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Pharmacia & Upjohn AB
    Inventor: Stig Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 6096355
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Neptune S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Lesellier, Jean-Luc Bigot
  • Patent number: 6086929
    Abstract: An improved shirring solution for cellulosic sausages casings and its method of use is provided comprising carboxymethylcellulose and polyethylene glycol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Alfacel s.a.
    Inventor: Alan David Stall
  • Patent number: 6066354
    Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to a method of preparing foodstuffs based on fish flesh [i.e. the flesh of fish proper, and/or shellfish], and to foodstuffs obtained by this method. In the method of the invention, the fish flesh is mechanically mixed or kneaded to a moderate extent, i.e. the mechanical action avoids any significant irreversible spoiling of the fiber structure of the flesh, this action taking place in the presence of edible water-retaining compounds, in particular edible hydrocolloids. Mixing and/or kneading is continued until a uniform distribution is obtained in the mass of fish flesh of the water-retaining compounds and any other additives. The present invention is particularly applicable to the food industry. The present invention is mainly applicable to transforming fish proper, as distinct from shellfish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Neptune, S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Lesellier, Jean-Luc Bigot
  • Patent number: 6058680
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a hermetically sealed package for a slice of a food item. A web of thermoplastic material is first formed into a tubular arrangement with a hermetic longitudinal seal. To form the tubular arrangement, means are provided for folding a continuous web of thermoplastic material into V-folded condition and for continuously forming a hermetic seal along the open longitudinal edge of the V-folded web. The hermetic seal is formed between the inner surfaces of the front and rear faces of the web to define a tubular web member. The food item which has been formed into a soft mass, is then inserted into the tubular member and the tubular member is flattened to form a thin film tube. Means are provided for forming a hermetically sealed cross-seal which are disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal forward moving direction of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent A. Meli, Michael A. Matharani, Ted A. Brzezinski, David L. Shaft, James L. Urmanski
  • Patent number: 6042862
    Abstract: A package having a lid bonded to a support member with a heat-seal to enclose a product between the support member and lid. The lid is at least partially heat-shrinkable and has a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion, the first peripheral portion being heat-contracted toward the heat-seal to a greater degree relative to the second peripheral portion so that the second peripheral portion provides a tab which can be manually grasped for peeling the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick N. Kocher, Robin D. Owens
  • Patent number: 5919508
    Abstract: To facilitate baking a frozen dough product in an oven having a rack formed of aligned bars, the dough product is formed over an oven-safe paper sheet which has a plurality of die-cut holes. This sheet serves as a baking substrate and obviates the need for a baking pan. The paper sheet is formed with the dough product, and the dough extends through the holes and locks the sheet to the dough. The end user may thus remove the frozen dough product together with the sheet from a backing preform and place the assembly on an oven rack for baking. As the dough thaws the crust will loose its stiffness. The sheet however, will prevent the more pliable crust from distending through the oven rack before the dough has become baked and rigid. The sheet forms a backing which restrains flow of the dough, while at the same time the holes permit the escape of gases from the bottom of the crust and ensure uniform baking. Furthermore, the holes allow direct radiant heating of the dough product through the paper sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Davis A. Donnelly, Harry K. Kralkow, Larry I. Kufahl, Thomas W. Fester
  • Patent number: 5876777
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) is disclosed including first and second forming rollers (18, 21) which rotatably abut with an anvil roller (20). The forming rollers (18, 21) each include a periphery forming a continuous forming surface including a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced patterns each formed including depressions (196, 198) and/or grooves (24). Food (14) is simultaneously fed by a saddle (36, 36') between a continuous strip of support material (16) and a continuous ribbon of film material (66) as they pass between a first abutment nip of the first forming roller (18) and the anvil roller (20). In the preferred form, the food items include one or more continuous strings (14e, 14f) and one or more continuous, thin strips (14c, 14d) of food adhered to the support material (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Zimmermann, Julie L. Holmstrom, Richard O. Benham
  • Patent number: 5855939
    Abstract: Nut butter and jelly food slices are provided. They preferably include a first layer of jelly and a second layer of jelly disposed in contacting relationship with the first layer of jelly. The first and second layers of jelly cooperate to define a hollow region therebetween. A volume of nut butter is placed within the hollow region, and is thereby totally encapsulated between the first and second layers of jelly. Also provided is a method and apparatus for making nut butter and jelly slices. Finally, a jelly slice dimensioned to fit on a food substrate and jelly suitable for making jelly slices or nut butter and jelly slices are provided. The jelly slices and the nut butter and jelly slices may be individually wrapped in flexible coverings and packaged in a single food container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bogdan
  • Patent number: 5800851
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a package with heat tack seals for a slice of a food item. A web of thermoplastic material is first formed into a tubular arrangement with a longitudinal heat tack seal. To form the tubular arrangement, means are provided for folding a continuous web of thermoplastic material into a tube and for continuously forming a heat seal along the longitudinal face of the folded web. The food item which has been formed into a soft mass, is then inserted into the tubular member and the tubular member is flattened to form a thin film tube. Means are provided for forming a heat tack cross-seal which is disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal forward moving direction of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Schreiber Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent A. Meli, David L. Shaft
  • Patent number: 5789005
    Abstract: A method of packaging an edible product, which significantly simplifies the manufacturing procedure, includes the introduction of an insert (8) into the base of a cavity (4) of a disposable package (2), which also serves as a mold, before pouring-in the product in a liquid form. The package (2) consists of a pair of shells (2) with opposing concavities, heat sealed along their edges (3). The method is applicable in the food industry, particularly in the manufacture of sweets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Unifill S.P.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Tabaroni, Andrea Bartoli
  • Patent number: 5752364
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) is disclosed including first and second forming rollers (18, 21) which rotatably abut with an anvil roller (20). The forming rollers (18, 21) each include a periphery forming a continuous forming surface including a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced grooves (24) each formed as a continuous depression arranged in a serpentine and non-intersecting manner. Food (14) is simultaneously fed by a saddle (36, 36') between a continuous strip of support material (16) and a continuous ribbon of film material (66) as they pass between a first abutment nip of the first forming roller (18) and the anvil roller (20). In a preferred form, the saddle (36') is in the form of a block having first and second lower surfaces (118, 120) corresponding to the shape and located adjacent the first forming roller (18) and the anvil roller (20) in their mating side (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard O. Benham, Timothy J. Gluszak, James N. Weinstein, Craig E. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 5736176
    Abstract: A method of making a mixed feed livestock cargo unit suitable for long distance shipping mixes dry fodder with fermented silage in a ratio proportioned to produce a mixed feed product having a net moisture content in the range of approximately 20% up to about 35%. The mixed feed product is compressed in a compression apparatus and then sealed for shipment. The dry fodder in one embodiment has a moisture content of approximately 8% up to about 15% and the fermented silage has a moisture content of approximately 40% up to about 70%. In another embodiment of the invention, the dry fodder a moisture content of approximately 12% and the fermented silage has a moisture content of approximately 60%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: A.C.X. Trading, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gombos, Moshe Leashno
  • Patent number: 5716658
    Abstract: To facilitate baking a frozen dough product in an oven having a rack formed of aligned bars, the dough product is formed over an oven-safe paper sheet which has a plurality of die-cut holes. This sheet serves as a baking substrate and obviates the need for a baking pan. The paper sheet is formed with the dough product, and the dough extends through the holes and locks the sheet to the dough. The end user may thus remove the frozen dough product together with the sheet from a backing preform and place the assembly on an oven rack for baking. As the dough thaws the crust will loose its stiffness. The sheet however, will prevent the more pliable crust from distending through the oven rack before the dough has become baked and rigid. The sheet forms a backing which restrains flow of the dough, while at the same time the holes permit the escape of gases from the bottom of the crust and ensure uniform baking. Furthermore, the holes allow direct radiant heating of the dough product through the paper sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Dadco Diversified, Inc.
    Inventors: Davis A. Donnelly, Harry K. Kralkow, Larry I. Kufahl, Thomas W. Fester
  • Patent number: 5701724
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously forming hermetically sealed packages of a food item. A continuous web of thermoplastic material is folded and continuously formed with a hermetic longitudinal seal. The food item is inserted between inner surfaces of the tubular web member, which is then flattened to form a thin slice. A hermetic cross-seal is continuously formed transverse to the longitudinal seal. The web can be cooled before the cross-seals are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Schreiber Fodds, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent A. Meli, Michael A. Matharani, Ted A. Brzezinski, David L. Shaft, James L. Urmanski
  • Patent number: 5654023
    Abstract: Meat, particularly beef prime rib, of an elongated form having ends is, prior to cooking, shaped at its ends by substantially flat retaining elements whereby the ends are maintained substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the meat form wherein, upon cooking, the meat form will retain the cooked form having "squared" ends. A variety of devices may be employed to engage and shape the meat form ends, and in most instances, the meat form will be encased within a heat shrunk bag, and may also be encased within mesh netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: John L. Secord
  • Patent number: RE37275
    Abstract: Nut butter and jelly food slices are provided. They preferably include a first layer of jelly and a second layer of jelly disposed in contacting relationship with the first layer of jelly. The first and second layers of jelly cooperate to define a hollow region therebetween. A volume of nut butter is placed within the hollow region, and is thereby totally encapsulated between the first and second layers of jelly. Also provided is a method and apparatus for making nut butter and jelly slices. Finally, a jelly slice dimensioned to fit on a food substrate and jelly suitable for making jelly slices or nut butter and jelly slices are provided. The jelly slices and the nut butter and jelly slices may be individually wrapped in flexible coverings and packaged in a single food container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: PJ Squares LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bogdan