Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing material. The dispensing device comprises a dispensing head; a capsule magazine including at least one void; at least one material capsule, wherein the at least one material capsule is disposed within the at least one void in the material capsule magazine; a motor, operable to provide mechanical power for material dispensing operations, wherein the motor is disposed within the dispensing head; and a gear mechanically connected to the motor, wherein the gear is further disposed in connection with the at least one material capsule, such that operation of the motor causes rotation of the gear and, in turn rotation of the at least one material capsule.

Abstract: A water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing accommodating components for generating cold water and/or hot water; and a water chute which protrudes from a front surface of the housing, in which the water chute includes a water cock through which cold water or hot water flows; and a light emitting element which is mounted on the water cock to emit ultraviolet rays, in which the water cock includes a water inflow part which extends in a transverse direction and has a water inflow passage formed therein; and a water outflow part which extends in a direction intersecting the water inflow part at an end of the water inflow part and has a water outflow passage formed therein, in which the light emitting element is disposed on an upper side of the water outflow part, and in which the water outflow passage is configured to be connected to a plurality of chambers having different diameters from each other to form a stepped longitudinal sectional shape.

Abstract: Variable-scale, modular, easily manufacturable, energy efficient, reliable, and computer operated Insect Production Superstructure Systems (IPSS) may be used to produce insects for human and animal consumption, and for the extraction and use of lipids for applications involving medicine, nanotechnology, consumer products, and chemical production with minimal water, feedstock, and environmental impact. An IPSS may comprise modules including feedstock mixing, enhanced feedstock splitting, insect feeding, insect breeding, insect collection, insect grinding, pathogen removal, multifunctional flour mixing, liquid mixing, shaping, cooking, flavoring, biocatalyst mixing, exoskeleton separation, liquid separation, and lipid extraction. An IPSS may be configured to be constructed out of a plurality of containerized modules.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide an optical sorting machine which can improve the collection rate of non-defective products without increasing the size of the machine.

Abstract: A method for the aseptic measured delivery of a liquid additive (Z) into a forced flow of a base product (P), wherein the additive (Z) is removed from a storage container (18) under aseptic conditions by means of a removal conduit (18a) and is fed via an end section (E) of the removal conduit (18a) to the base product (P), which flows through a product chamber (RP) and a metering device and valve.

Abstract: A floss bowl is formed from a plurality of tapered, nestable segments which can be coupled together in a bowl configuration for use on a cotton candy machine. The segments can be disassembled for cleaning, or can be nested for storage or shipment. Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a beverage including a gas in a beverage making includes pressurizing a gas storage tank arranged to store a gas, supplying a beverage diluent liquid into a dissolver, and dissolving, by way of the dissolver, portion of the gas into the beverage diluent liquid at a minimum dissolver gas volumes level. The method further includes creating a blended beverage diluent liquid having a selectable target gas volumes level by diluting volumetrically the beverage diluent liquid from the dissolver including the gas, with the beverage diluent liquid which is absence the gas, to form the blended beverage diluent liquid having the predefined target gas volumes level, and dispensing selectively a predefined ratio of a beverage ingredient and the blended beverage diluent liquid to form a beverage.

Abstract: A food preparation system/method configured for operation with the tailgate of a pickup truck or recreational vehicle is disclosed. The system integrates a food-grade cutting board with lifting/installation handles that may incorporate drainage lips linked to peripheral drainage channels configured to collect liquids and other waste products associated with the food preparation process. The system is configured such that drainage lips used to collect waste liquids employ ridge projections to utilize the surface tension of draining liquids to localize the ejection of liquid waste products. The drainage lips may be configured with an optional drain pipe to further localize the transfer of waste liquids to a bucket or other receptacle. The system may be configured to maintain lateral stability on the tailgate platform via the use of a rear retaining lip and/or one or more slots configured to capture the tailgate support cables/chains.

Abstract: A system for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of one or more food starting materials which are suitable for consumption, in particular human consumption, has a production device having a frame, a mould member provided with at least one mould cavity, the frame supporting the mould member, mass feed means for feeding the mass to the one or more mould cavities of the mould member. The system also has at least one cleaning device for cleaning one or more parts of the production device which come into contact with the mass. The mould member is removable from the frame. The system has a storage device for storing a plurality of mould members, which may be provided with an identification, has recognition means for recognizing the identification of a mould member, and may have a memory for storing at least one history of a mould member.

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products such as ice creams, whipped cream, yogurt and the like comprises a container for a basic product of the consumer food product, a feed and treatment circuit for the basic product, comprising a feed pump, dispensing means positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and treatment circuit, and a device for checking the bacterial load of the product during production/dispensing; an electronic control unit controlling and regulating the various steps for measuring the bacterial load.

Abstract: A microgreen product and a method relate to a microgreen characterized by a husky, shorter, thicker main stem reaching a harvested height of about one inch, with larger leaves, and is further characterized by a deeper color of green or red with a more intense taste and longer shelf life, such as at least ten days.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for the high-pressure treatment of products, particularly of packaged foodstuffs. The device comprises a high-pressure chamber and a discharge valve for discharging high-pressure medium out of the high-pressure chamber. The invention is characterized in that a controllable actuator is provided for adjusting the rate of the pressure decrease in the high-pressure chamber at least over a predetermined pressure range. The disclosure also relates to a method for the high-pressure treatment of products, wherein pressure decrease takes place in a first phase and in a second phase, and the mean pressure decrease rate in the first phase is higher than in the second phase.

Abstract: An integrated beverage blending and cleaning includes at least one blender module comprising a housing, a spindle, at least one blade, a drain, and a cleaning assembly. The housing comprises a substantially vertically disposed wall. A controller which, upon completion of a blending or mixing sequence, activates a cleaning and/or sanitizing mode via said cleaning assembly to clean at least an interior of said housing.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing treats is presented. A vending machine for building custom ordered treats includes an enclosed housing with windows. A robot is inside the housing and first and second user interfaces are attached to the housing. The first and second user interfaces accept inputs from first and second users respectively. The robot has left and right arms as well as a simulated head to make it appear somewhat human like. The left and right arms work together to assemble a single treat when only one treat has been requested at the vending machine. However, when two different treats have been requested the left arm can work independently, at least sometimes, of the right arm on a custom treat for the first user. Similarly, the right arm can, at least sometimes, work independently of the left arm on a custom treat for the second user.

Abstract: To develop an easy-to-eat or an easy-to-drink food product by analyzing a swallowing phenomenon.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide beverage makers and their ability to be made modular, such that the beverage maker may brew beverages using interchangeable components. One embodiment relates to an espresso maker that can brew a coffee or espresso beverage using different types of modules.

Abstract: Hot Cooking Apparatus Silicone Cover. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: placing food within a cooking apparatus; heating the cooking apparatus; removing the food from the cooking apparatus; and then draping a silicone sheet on top of the cooking apparatus, the draping of the cooking apparatus covers the cooking apparatus, the draping done while the cooking apparatus has an exterior metallic surface with a temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a fuel from jatropha seeds having a fat content of at least 30% by weight, and simultaneously obtaining a protein-rich meal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and processes for the production of sandwich food items that include filler.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a compact blender (1) with a drinking water connection tube (9), supporting conventional tap water connections such as those that are available in any commercial or that can be found in any home. The connection tube (9) has a water dosing valve (10) that delivers enough pressure to the water distributed to the blending compartment or jug (3). The water flows from the drinking water connection tube (9), to a splitting device (11), from where at least two inlet tubes (5, 6) emerge and connect to the blending compartment or jug (3), which in turn has at least two guides (22) with guide cavities (32) for at least two inlet tubes (5, 6) that allow passing of water inside said blending compartment (3). On the other side, the lid (4) has a plurality of external protrusions (27) with inner cavities (28) connected to the inside of a circular duct (30) that has a plurality of holes (29) that introduce drinking water inside the blending compartment or jug (3).

Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage preparation system (1) for preparing a beverage by injection of a liquid into an ingredient capsule, the beverage system comprising an ingredient capsule (54) and a beverage preparation machine (2, 200) having:—an injection unit (73; 204) with at least one inner through channel (75; 210) for injecting a liquid into the ingredient capsule;—operating means for causing the machine to prepare a beverage, characterized in that the machine further comprises a cleaning device (90; 220) for automatically cleaning said at least one inner through channel, said cleaning device being actuated by said operating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene (TSV1) conferring resistance to tobacco streak virus disease in sunflower. A method of producing oil and/or meal from sunflower comprising the gene TSV1 is also provided. The invention also relates to a cultivated plant, preferably a cultivated sunflower plant comprising a gene (TSV1) conferring resistance to tobacco streak virus disease.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one beverage, the method comprising: selecting a beverage from a menu; portioning and/or dispensing of ice and/or at least one ingredient into a beverage container, based upon the menu selection; positioning the beverage container with the ice and the beverage ingredient into an interior of a housing of the blender module, the blender module comprising an integrated cleaning apparatus; blending and/or mixing the ice and the ingredient in the beverage container while disposed in the blender module, thereby producing the beverage; and initiating a cleaning mode wherein, upon completion of the blending and/or mixing process and removal of the beverage container from the blender module, the interior of the blender module is cleaned for subsequent usage.

Abstract: A grill (20) has at least one grilling surface (32). A grease collection channel (42) is along at least one side of the grilling surface and has a sidewall (52) with an upper edge (70). A tool holder (80;300) is mounted to the sidewall and has at least one tool-holding compartment (82). The tool holder has at least one drainage port (134) positioned to drain the at least one tool-holding compartment into the grease collection channel (42).

Abstract: A liquid infusion and/or brewing process is described. The process includes the steps of placing a desired amount of an infusion material into a chamber at atmospheric pressure, placing a desired amount of liquid into said chamber, sealing said chamber from the surrounding atmosphere, and applying at least one reduced pressure cycle within said chamber, wherein said at least one cycle comprises reducing pressure within said chamber to form at least a partial vacuum within said chamber and subsequently returning said chamber to about atmospheric pressure. Methods for separating the brewing media from the liquid after completion of the brewing process are also described.

Abstract: An automated food preparation system is described. It allows precise, automated control of the food preparation process, and has the ability to perform an automated cleanup. It comprises at least one manipulator to process and move ingredients, a control system, an autonomously accessible ingredient storage system, and at least one cooking receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to baked potatoes and, particularly, to convenient forms of baked potatoes having an optimally-baked flavor and texture which can be simply prepared for serving in any size portion with a minimum of effort. In one preferred form, the product will be in the form of baked potato pieces with the skin attached, preferably having a moisture content of from about 70 to about 75% and flavor and texture profiles characteristic of optimally baked potatoes. A process and an apparatus for preparing the potatoes and a packaged form are also provided. The process calls for freezing a baked potato and subdividing the potato into discrete pieces of a size of from about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches, preferably by means comprising at least one roller pair comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted blades with cutting edges angularly offset (FIG. 7) or diagonally-opposed, spaced cutting blades (FIG. 7).

Abstract: Potatoes are processed to develop baked and fried flavors and aromas. The are baked to create a number of characteristic baked flavors and textures. When fried, a whole other group of flavors and textures is achieved. To avoid damage to the discrete potato pieces that are prepared in processing and are desired in the final product, the process entails baking potatoes; pressing the potatoes to a predetermined thickness; freezing the potatoes; breaking the potatoes into discrete pieces; drying the discrete pieces to form a skin thereon and preferably lightly brown the surfaces; and freezing and packaging the pieces. Oven heating will be sufficient to provide a browning effect to a light golden to golden brown color and form a skin on the exterior surface of exposed potato pulp, both important to the preparation of the best product.

Abstract: A multi-functional platform food preparation device is disclosed which has the ability to fry, deep-fry, steam, stir fry, stage, drain, warm and grill foods conveniently on the same cooking platform. The cooking platform can include a built in reservoir for cooking soups, steaming with water, stir frying, and deep frying with oil. The cooking platform also can include a grilling section, a griddle/frying/cooking section, and a warming/draining section. The cooking platform also can include a drain chute connecting the reservoir to a catch bottle to aid in the clean up process. In addition, the reservoir can include a slosh ring positioned around the upper perimeter of the reservoir. Deep frying/boiling/steaming/stir frying, grilling, griddle/frying/cooking, and warming/draining sections can be contained on a single cooking platform to aid in the synchronized preparation of common meals to be prepared together in a fast, convenient and safe manner.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flavor pouch containing flavorant selected from one or more of tea, coffee, rose hips, honey, royal jelly, fruit extracts, mint, sweeteners, exotic flavors, and the like includes feeding a strip of fabric along a feed path, placing preselected amounts of flavorant material at spaced apart locations along the strip, forming flavor pouches by sealing portions of the strip together to enclose each preselected amount of flavorant material, and separating the flavor pouches from the strip. The pouches can have various shapes including crescent and oval shapes.

Abstract: Cartridge sealing adapter (30, 300, 304, 305, 306,330,50, 74) intended to be used in an extraction system for preparing a beverage from a cartridge using fluid injected under pressure and comprising a dished body (14) containing beverage ingredients to be extracted, a beverage delivery foil (15) closing the dished body which can be perforated under the effect of the pressure of fluid within the cartridge, wherein the cartridge sealing adapter is designed for providing a sealing engagement between the extraction system and a cartridge with at least one sealing portion intended to be interposed between a surface of the extraction system and the cartridge. The cartridge adapter can be a rubber-elastic material positioned in solid state or, alternatively as a liquid or viscous material.

Abstract: The invention in particular relates to an oven (1) for baking food products (3). In order to improve automated heating procedures, the oven (1) comprises a camera (7) and a distance sensor (8), for example, which are used in concert to enable precise extraction of product-features that are relevant and used with automated heating procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and processes for the production of sandwich food items that include filler.

Abstract: An integrated beverage dispensing and cleaning system comprising: at least one blender module which blends and/or mixes ice, at least one other ingredient, and/or at least one mixin within a beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; and a cleaning assembly integrated with the blender module, wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender module, a cleaning mode is initiated.

Abstract: A low profile batter dispenser, for the housing of batter on a counter top for an extended period of time while cooling the batter to resist bacterial growth therein. The batter dispenser includes a housing, a batter container, and an ice pack assembly for holding an ice pack on the bottom of and in contact with the batter container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making a bio-based PET packaging and particularly to a method of producing a bio-based PET from at least one bio-based material comprising: a) forming at least one PET component from at least one bio-based material, wherein the at least one PET component is selected from a monoethylene glycol (“MEG”), a terephthalic acid (“TA”), and combinations thereof; (b) processing said bio-based PET component into a bio-based PET.

Abstract: A domestic apparatus, such as a cooking appliance, uses hydrogen and, optionally electrical heating, to cook food. The cooking appliance may have a cooking surface (e.g. a grilling surface) so as to result in an indoor barbeque, which may be used with no venting or reduced venting requirements.

Abstract: A Method for producing triploid corn seeds and plants is described. The method comprises combining two parent inbreds of different ploidy levels, wherein one parent inbred is a tetraploid (4N) and the other parent is a diploid (2N) so as to produce a triploid hybrid corn seed; and cultivating the triploid hybrid corn seed to form a triploid corn plant. Usage of triploid corn plants as an economic source of sugar and ethanol is described, as is the production of molasses, rum and fodder from plant material of the low sterility triploid corn plants.

Abstract: An oven and method of processing products such as fish and shellfish are disclosed. The oven may include a chamber that may be heated to ultra-high temperatures, such as within a range of about 600-2500° F. (315-1371° C.). A burner may heat the chamber from an exterior of the chamber such that the chamber may provide a uniform radiant heat inside the chamber. The products may be carried through the chamber on a conveyor belt to heat a surface of the products to brown and denature the surface, destroy microorganisms, and place grill marks on the products. The products may then be packaged in a microwavable package or boil-in-the-bag film such that the products may be cooked at a later time in a microwave oven or boiling water bath.

Abstract: Agglomerates comprising calcium-hydrocolloid-composite materials and at least one sugar alcohol, as well of methods for preparing the agglomerates and various applications thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for continuous production of a number of articles including at least two different types of articles from a pasty mass. The mass is introduced into a processor unit (4) by means of a supply unit (2), processed in the processor unit and transported further thereby, whereupon an adjunct is added by a metering unit (10) to the mass transported through the processor unit (4). The mixing of the adjunct introduced to the mass is carried out by a mixing unit (6) with mixing elements located downstream of the processor unit (4). The mass with provided adjunct is formed by a forming unit (S) into individual articles downstream of the mixing unit. According to the invention, the metering of the adjunct is carried out in a sequence of metering conditions with at least two different metering conditions, wherein the metering unit (10), for a given metering condition, introduces the adjunct to the mass at a given metering rate.

Abstract: Confectionery products comprising a tooth-friendly sweetener, bioactive glass particles and at least one product additive, as well as processes for obtaining the products and various applications thereof.

Abstract: A microencapsulated product comprises a core, a first shell comprising a protein and being substantially carbohydrate-free, and a second shell comprising a carbohydrate and being substantially protein-free. The double shell structure provides a strong shell that makes the microcapsule suitable for use in food products. The core can be a lipid, and in particular a structured lipid with nutritional benefits, such that the nutritional benefits can be passed on to the consumer. The microcapsules of the present invention can be used in making foods products, beverage products, and mixes for making such food and beverage products.

Abstract: A radio communication terminal network with a tree structure is formed in such a way that a plurality of receiving side terminal devices on a downstream side of a source terminal device are connected to the source terminal device, and other receiving side terminal devices on a further downstream side are connected to at least one of the plurality of the receiving side terminal devices.

Abstract: An extinguisher food product is provided in which the intensity level of each piece of food product is controlled. The intensity level of each piece may be a sourness level or a spiciness level. The extinguisher food product may be a hard candy, fruit snack or other snack products.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of this invention encompass a method for purifying a substantially crude stevioside, methods for preparing polymorphic and amorphous forms of stevioside, and the polymorphic and amorphous forms prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A straining/stirring device and a method for manufacturing a straining device are provided. The straining device includes a handle, a frame, which is positioned at an end of the handle, and a compartment containing a medium to be strained. The compartment includes a top porous surface and a bottom porous surface, and is affixed to the frame. Further, the compartment is configured so as to strain the medium through at least one of the top porous surface and the bottom porous surface. The medium to be strained may include a beverage, medicine, or soup ingredient. Accordingly, the straining device provides a convenient apparatus for preparing a beverage, a food, or a medicine, and for a variety of utensil applications such as stirring or collecting and adding an additive.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: A centralised cabinet ready processing system for perishable food products such as meat includes containers (50) that are used in conjunction with processing devices including a lid (56), a gassing apparatus (58), trays (82), compression apparatus (72, 74), and internal cooling apparatus (70) to treat the food product dependent on the food product type. An inventory (1), transport system (2, 20, 22) and control system are also provided to allow efficient and safe handling of food products to achieve processing.

Abstract: A frozen onion and spice mix in an exemplary package and method of manufacture. The method of manufacture includes cutting the onion into smaller pieces, adding select spices, freezing the onion spice mix, and packaging the frozen onion spice mix into an exemplary package for retail sale. In one embodiment, the exemplary package includes a plastic tray with multiple compartments covered with a thin transparent plastic covering. Another exemplary package includes a flexible plastic tube crimped at the ends and at multiple points in between to form airtight compartments in between each crimp.