Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing acrylamide and/or melanoidin forming cellular ingredients from starchy plant material without enabling to remove a considerable amount of starch from the cells by washing, comprising the process steps of: providing the biological material, irreversible electroporation of the biological material, and obtaining plant material having a reduced amount of acrylamide and/or melanoidin forming cellular ingredients, the starch content of which is not enabled to be considerably reduced by washing as compared to the starting material.

Abstract: A system that generates brewed beverages may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The system may include a scheduler that initiates and controls the performance of one or more chemical or mechanical processes to produce the beverages. While one chemical or mechanical process for producing a beverage is being performed, other processes may be performed for production of the beverage or another beverage. The scheduler may determine the time at which to perform each process, the time at which a beverage should be presented, the resources to be used to perform the processes, or the time at which to perform a cleaning process, dependent on an actual or expected demand for beverages, or dependent on a target time for beverage retrieval. Shared resources may be applied to the production of beverages for high priority orders, while partially completed beverages for lower priority orders are staged for subsequent advancement.

Abstract: A beverage forming system that includes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients and having an outer surface; a capsule-based beverage producing device provided with a member for injecting a liquid under pressure into the capsule, a member for draining a beverage from the capsule, and an enclosing member transferable from an opened state to a defined closed state, in which the enclosing member encloses the outer surface of the capsule; and a sealing member associated with the capsule and which is compressible when engaged by the enclosing member in the closed state, wherein the sealing member is effective to compensate for the clearance between the enclosing member and the capsule which would otherwise exist when the enclosing member is in its defined closed state. Also, a method for producing a beverage using such a system.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the one or more beverage ingredients is a liquid chocolate ingredient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The capsule comprises an exit area to allow draining from the prepared beverage from the capsule there through, wherein the exit area comprises a filter layer. The filter layer comprises a layer of non-woven and/or woven fibrous material with at least one first region where the non-woven and/or woven material has been sealed to prevent egress of liquid there through and at least one second region where the non-woven and/or woven material has not been sealed to allow egress of liquid there through.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: A system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is disclosed. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. The bottom comprises an entrance area for supplying an amount of a fluid by the fluid dispensing device through the entrance area to the capsule. The lid comprises an exit area for supplying a prepared beverage through the exit area from the capsule to a container. The flow resistance of the entrance area of the capsule is lower than the flow resistance of the exit area.

Abstract: A non-floating beverage infuser and rigid clamp and method thereof comprising, in general, a suspension bag of flexible liquid permeable material that contains preselected flavor and/or gassing additives, an elongated member having a first and second end, the first end is affixed to the suspension bag, and a rigid clamp affixed to the second end of the elongated member to affix to the rim of a glass, and, thus, functions to provide deep submersible infusion of preselected flavor and gassing additives while preventing the upward flotation of the additives in a beverage.

Abstract: A brewing piston for infusion preparation, including a head associated with a filtering element, and a lateral surface having a first gasket in proximity to the head and a second gasket at a distance from the first gasket. The brewing piston includes a first conduit connected to the head and arranged to inject a liquid for infusion preparation, and a second conduit connected to the lateral surface between the gaskets and arranged to inject the liquid between the first gasket and the second gasket during infusion preparation. The piston is arranged to limit or avoid leaks in a machine for infusion preparation. Also disclosed is a machine using the piston and a method of limiting or avoiding leaks in a machine for infusion preparation.

Abstract: A method for physical separation and purification of bioactive phenolics from fruits, berries and vegetables by subjecting a fruit, berry or vegetable extract solution having a Brix of from about 1 to about 4 to ultrafiltration using an about 2,000-6,000 Dalton cutoff ultrafiltration membrane under a pressure of about 30-120 psi, and a temperature of about 80-110° F. This is followed by subjecting the resulting retentate to diafiltration-ultrafiltration with the addition of water, using an about 2,000-6,000 Dalton cutoff ultrafiltration membrane under a pressure of about 30-120 psi, and a temperature of about 80-110° F., and recovering the diafiltered retentate or the bioactive phenolic containing solids thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pad comprising an extractable product for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. The pad is provided with a first covering, a second covering attached to the first covering, and an inner chamber formed between the first and second covering for accommodating the extractable product. The pad is received in an apparatus arranged for preparing the beverage for intercepting a flow of fluid having supra-atmospheric pressure. The first covering conducts the fluid into the inner chamber for interacting with the extractable product for preparing the beverage and the second covering is conceived to conduct the beverage away from the inner chamber. The first covering comprises a partially transparent material for enabling visual inspection of the extractable product. The invention further relates to an apparatus, a container, a method of preparing a beverage and a method of manufacturing a pad.

Abstract: A portion capsule for producing a beverage is proposed, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element having a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.

Abstract: The invention proposes a portion capsule for producing a beverage, having a capsule body with a capsule base and a filling side, with a cavity for accommodating a pulverulent or liquid beverage base being formed between the capsule base and the filling side, with a filter element being arranged between the beverage base and the capsule base, and with the filter element comprising a non-woven which is arranged in the region of the capsule base.

Abstract: A method, system and cartridge for forming a beverage includes a cartridge having a container defining an interior space, a lid, a filter, and a beverage medium contained in the interior space. The filter may be attached to the lid only, and extend into the interior space to separate first and second chambers of the cartridge. The filter may hold the beverage medium and be arranged so that, when the lid is removed from the container, e.g., by peeling the lid from the container, the filter and beverage medium are removed together with the lid.

Abstract: An unpressurized, relatively high powered beverage maker and related scoop for producing a single serving of brewed beverage, such as coffee, may include a showerhead with a preferential water outlet, a overflow port in the sidewall of the scoop, a secondary filter, and the like. The beverage maker is a drip (gravity) beverage maker with a relatively high water flow rate due to use of a relatively high powered water heater. The brewing happens at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A capsule for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid into the capsule. The capsule includes at least one compartment containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, and a filter adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid. The capsule also has a selectively openable gas inlet which is placed on or in the capsule to allow gas introduction from outside the capsule into the compartment without passing through the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food grade colouring agent for the preparation of coloured ice cubes, wherein the colouring agent comprises dried red cabbage, to a method for the preparation of the colouring agent, comprising the steps of chopping and drying red cabbage, to a method for the preparation of a coloured liquid, wherein the colouring agent is extracted with water and/or ethanol, and to the use of the coloured liquid for the preparation for coloured ice cubes or confectionary.

Abstract: Capsule (1) insert able in a beverage production device (23) for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces for producing the beverage which is centrifuged peripherally in the capsule relatively to a central axis (A) of the capsule corresponding to an axis of rotation during the centrifuging operation comprising: an enclosure containing a predetermined amount of beverage substance, a cup-like shaped body (2), an upper wall (3) for closing the body, wherein it comprises a flange-like rim (4) extending outwardly from the body which comprises an annular raising portion (8) forming a restriction for the centrifuged liquid flow path when said portion is engaged by a pressing surface of the beverage production device.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a plastidic phosphoglucomutase protein is disclosed. Also disclosed is the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a substantial portion of the plastidic phosphoglucomutase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the plastidic phosphoglucomutase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: To provide a packaged high-catechin beverage in which a low-caffeine green tea extract is added. A packaged beverage containing from 0.03 to 1.0 wt % of non-polymer catechins, in which a low-caffeine green tea extract obtained by a method of brining a green tea extract into contact with a 91/9 to 97/3 by weight mixture of an organic solvent and water, activated carbon, and acid clay or activated clay is added.

Abstract: Improved methods and/or techniques for processing and/or extracting materials from cocoa beans. In certain embodiments, cocoa bean processing methods (e.g., using unfermented or fermented or roasted or non-roasted beans) which result in cocoa products with improved taste characteristics and/or increased levels of anti-oxidants and/or vitamins.

Abstract: The disclosed are a soft drink having both an excellent fruity aroma and a fruity afteraroma once swallowed, and a method for manufacturing the same. The further disclosed are a grape skin extract, rich in precursors of 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol having good aroma, for use in manufacturing the soft drink, and to a method of preparation of the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detoxifying plant constituents from Jatropha, a detoxified material of Jatropha for producing a nourishment and uses thereof for producing a nourishment. Detoxification is performed with alkali (sodium hydroxyde) and short chain alcohol (methanol), resulting in removal of toxic phorbol esters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single brew beverage cartridge for use in a brewing apparatus. The cartridge includes a lid and a cup shaped filter suspended below the lid and in which a beverage brewing ingredient is held. The lid includes an annular collar to prevent the lid from deforming when a needle of the brewing apparatus pierces it during the brewing process. Preferably the cartridge is formed of materials so that it is compostable and biodegradable.

Abstract: A system (1) for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, provided with an exchangeable holder (2) and an apparatus (4) provided with a fluid dispensing device (6) which is detachably connected to the holder (2) for dispensing at least an amount of at least a first fluid, such as water, under pressure to the exchangeable holder (2), wherein the exchangeable holder (2) is provided with at least one storage space (8) which is filled with a second fluid, such as a concentrate.

Abstract: A water purifying and flavor infusion device that includes a lower reservoir for storing filtered water, and a pitcher top removably affixed to the lower reservoir. The pitcher top includes a lid, an upper reservoir, and a filter housing affixed to and extending below the upper reservoir. The filter housing is adapted to contain a filter cartridge wherein the upper reservoir and the filter housing are in liquid communication. The device also includes an infusion tube for infusing filtered water with an additive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption from at least two ingredients and an amount of liquid such as water which is supplied to the ingredients, wherein a first ingredient has a substance to be extracted such as ground coffee, and a second ingredient has a substance such as milk powder/creamer, sugar and such additives, soluble in liquid such as water During a first period, the liquid having, at most, a first temperature, is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a first beverage part, and, during a second period, the liquid having, at least, a second temperature is supplied to the first and second ingredient for obtaining a second beverage part. The first and the second beverage parts are combined for obtaining the beverage.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for separating non-soy plant materials to produce a fat-enriched fraction, a reduced-fat plant extract, reduced-fat plant protein compositions, a crude oil, plant gums, a degummed oil and a protein-fat sediment. Also disclosed are food products containing or prepared from the reduced-fat extracts, fat-enriched fraction, gums, oils, protein-fat sediments and reduced-fat protein compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of purifying Rebaudioside C from the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant extract along with Rebaudioside A and Stevioside. The process is useful for producing high purity Rebaudioside C, Stevioside and Rebaudioside A. High purity rebaudioside C is useful as in combination with other caloric and non-caloric sweeteners as well as non caloric sweetener in various food and beverage compositions. The high purity Rebaudioside A and Stevioside are useful as non-caloric sweeteners in edible and chewable compositions such as any beverages, confectioneries, bakeries, cookies, chewing gums, and alike.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable brewing device including at least one inner compartment formed by a liquid-permeable material and containing aroma material, at least one outer compartment forming a brewing container where the brewing container is formed by a liquid-impermeable material, the at least one liquid-permeable inner compartment being integrated within the brewing container.

Abstract: A general object of the present invention is to utilize “delayed dilution” of a concentrated extract to provide a beverage brewing system which immediately (upon customer selection) provides selective dilution (based on individual consumers selections) of a fresh-brewed coffee extract after the extract has been allowed to brew and held as an extract before dilution. It is also a general object of the present invention to utilize the undiluted extract to mix and dissolve other beverage compounds to make flavored coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, and the like. “Delayed mixing” and/or “delayed filtering” may also be utilized.

Abstract: A disposable pod adaptor assembly for use in a single serve beverage brewer. The assembly is designed for use in brewers configured for cup-shaped beverage extract cartridges. The assembly includes a receptacle and a cover configured to engage with the receptacle. The receptacle includes a raised portion in it's interior, which raised portion is adapted to push a beverage pod residing inside the receptacle upward against the cover to create a tamping effect. In some implementations, the receptacle and raised portion are molded as a single piece to provide a low cost disposable pod adapter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to elastomeric perforated sheets that can be used as a squeezer, strainer, juicer, sieve, or sachet. The squeezer/strainer device of the present invention comprises two flexible silicone sheets joined by a connector. The peripheral region of one sheet is adapted to engage a portion of the second sheet, which allows the two sheets to be sealed together around food items such as herbs and spices.

Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in beverage preparation device comprising: a cup-shaped body (12) comprising a cavity containing a beverage ingredient and a flange-like rim extending outwardly from the base of said body, a delivery wall (13) connected to the flange-like rim, characterized in that the flange-like rim is formed of is a polymer material chosen in grade having a Vicat softening point (ISO 10350) between about 30 and 100° C., preferably between 40 and 90° C. or apolymer chosen in grade comprising a glass transition temperature (Tg) between 30 and 80° C., preferably between 40 and 60° C.

Abstract: A pulse protein product, which may be an isolate, produces heat-stable solutions at low pH values and is useful for the fortification of soft drinks and sports drinks without precipitation of protein. The pulse protein product is obtained by extracting a pulse protein source material with an aqueous calcium salt solution to form an aqueous pulse protein solution, separating the aqueous pulse protein solution from residual pulse protein source, adjusting the pH of the aqueous pulse protein solution to a pH of about 1.5 to about 4.4 to produce an acidified pulse protein solution, which may be dried, following optional concentration and diafiltration, to provide the pulse protein product.

Abstract: The present invention relates broadly to the extraction of an extract substance from a raw material. The extract substance may have application in the food, cosmetics, insecticide or other industries. The raw material may be in the form of vegetable or fruit matter or waste. The extract substance is to be in the form of a concentrated food (for humans or animals) or cosmetic including but not limited to aromatic substances.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a cocoa-containing beverage, or a nutritionally fortified or energy-sustaining cocoa beverage, containing beneficial cocoa polyphenols. Ready-to-drink compositions, concentrates, primary beverage components, and packets for producing the beverages are specifically disclosed and prepared from a cocoa water composition made from steeping a cocoa-containing product in water or an aqueous solution. A number of vitamins, minerals, supplements, and nutriceutical compositions can be added.

Abstract: Nutritional delivery system using single-serve capsules comprising: a dispenser for a nutritional composition comprising means for providing water into a single-use capsule containing a portion-controlled serving of a nutritional formula; different types of capsules (10,11,12,13,14,15,16) being designed according to a nutritional feeding plan corresponding to persons or categories of persons to be fed, each type comprising capsules containing a nutritional formula; the capsules of different types having at least one differentiating characteristic so that each type of capsules corresponds to a feeding time period determined by the feeding plan; control operation means associated to each type of capsules, said means comprising information relating to at least one differentiating operational parameter relevant to produce and deliver a differentiated nutritional liquid in the dispenser according to the feeding plan.

Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.

Abstract: A method for preparing a beverage through a capsule (2) inserted in a beverage machine; the capsule comprising an enclosure (20) containing one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewing fluid is introduced in the enclosure to brew the said one or more beverage ingredients, wherein a brewed liquid is filtered by a filtering wall (22) and delivered from the capsule, wherein the filtering wall extends from substantially the bottom of the enclosure and said filtering wall is associated to an overflow wall (3) that forces the brewed liquid to traverse at least one overflow aperture (25). The method is particularly suitable for brewing a tea containing capsule.

Abstract: A system for preparing a liquid food from a food substance comprising a device and a capsule removably insertable in the device, by passing water through the substance in the capsule. The device includes a water injection head for injecting water in the capsule and a capsule holder for holding the capsule in the device, a mechanism for centrifugally driving the capsule, and a perforating member configured relative to the capsule in the device to open outlets at the periphery of the capsule. The capsule includes a pierceable membrane, and the perforating member is suited to be engaged through the membrane for forming with the perforated membrane a filter for retaining solid particles in the capsule and orifices in the membrane for enabling the centrifuged liquid to leave the capsule.

Abstract: An improved system for filtering particulate matter from a liquid in a brewing pot. The improvement includes a filter assembly positioned about a drain tube. The filter assembly has a screen member surrounded by a shield member. The shield member is positioned between the drain tube and the particulate matter separated from the liquid. The bulk of the liquid, located in a top portion of a reservoir bypasses the screen member and drains through a drain reservoir and the drain tube. After removing the shield member, the remainder of the liquid drains through the screen member or filter and into the drain reservoir preventing the particulate matter from being carried through to a fermentor.

Abstract: Method for preparing a beverage, from a capsule (1) containing a substance, received in a beverage production device comprising: feeding water by an injection needle (90) while creating liquid tightness between the central inlet portion (8) and the surface of the needle and dispensing the beverage from the capsule by centrifugation through outlets in the peripheral outlet portion (9), wherein the capsule is configured in the central inlet portion to provide liquid tightness between the liquid inlet and the surface of the needle to prevent liquid from leaking out-side of the capsule and wherein the capsule is configured to allow centrifuged liquid to pass through the outlets in the peripheral outlet portion (9).

Abstract: A soy protein product having a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., preferably an isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., is formed by a procedure in which soy protein is extracted from a soy source material using an aqueous calcium chloride solution at low pH, generally about 1.5 to about 5, and separating the resulting aqueous soy protein solution from residual soy protein source. The resulting clarified aqueous soy protein solution may be diluted and the pH adjusted within the range of 1.5-5.0. The solution may be concentrated by ultrafiltration, diafiltered and then dried to provide the soy protein product. Alternatively, the concentrated and optionally diafiltered soy protein solution may be optionally adjusted in pH within the range of 1.5-7.

Abstract: A free-flowing cellulosic substrate, such as rice hulls, can be impregnated with desired liquid flavoring agents to create a free-flowing flavoring composition for brewed beverages such as coffee and tea. The flavoring composition can be added to ground roasted coffee or prepared tea leaves in a brew filter device such as a paper filter, French press, percolator, vacuum pot or any other mechanical filtering device intended to brew coffee or tea. The flavor-impregnated substrate will release the desired flavors in contact with water during the brew process, imparting flavor to the finished coffee or tea beverage.

Abstract: System for making and delivering a customized beverage product to a consumer having a user interface, a customization director in communication with a customization data store and the user interface, wherein the customization director includes executable instructions for determining a users customized formulation; and a beverage delivery system in communication with the customization director, wherein the beverage delivery system includes executable instructions for delivering a customized beverage product. Method for delivering a customized beverage product to an individual including the steps of obtaining consumer preference data; determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data; and providing the consumer a customized beverage corresponding to the customized beverage formulation, utilizing one or more of delayed dilution, delayed mixing, and delayed filtering, in any order.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser that comprises a hot water tank; a brew basket; a sprayhead for spraying hot water from said water tank to said brew basket in order to brew said brewable substance; a container for storing said freshly brewed liquid concentrate drips from said brew basket; a heat exchanger immersed in hot water inside said water tank for reheating said freshly brewed liquid concentrate when pumped from said container; a source of flavor ingredients preferably packed in disposable bag-in-box; a mixer and whipper for mixing and whipping simultaneously all of the following items: said reheated freshly brewed concentrate discharged from said heat exchanger, said flavor ingredients and hot water from said hot water tank to form a hot freshly brewed beverage mixed with flavored ingredients, filled with air bubbles and with a foamy topping; and a control system for activating said beverage dispenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a beverage using a beverage formation device. Opening of a brew chamber may automatically enable the provision of beverage precursor liquid from a reservoir to a heating tank that is used (heated or not) to form a beverage. For example, opening of the brew chamber may cause a valve to be opened or otherwise permit flow of beverage precursor liquid from the reservoir to the heating tank. The valve may open simultaneously and automatically with a brew chamber lid, and may close when the brew chamber lid is closed.

Abstract: Highly purified Stevioside, Rebaudioside A and a purified sweet steviol glycoside mixture were prepared from sweet glycoside extracts obtained from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves. The resulting sweeteners are suitable as non-calorie, non-cariogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, and milk products.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing a plant protein preparation for a foodstuff. In the process, a proteinaceous vegetable raw material is introduced into a salty, aqueous extractant for the extraction of proteins, whereby a salty plant protein solution is obtained. The proteins are precipitated by lowering the temperature and/or the ionic strength of the plant protein solution and separated from the aqueous extractant as a moist protein-rich substance. The process is distinguished by the fact that the plant protein solution, before or after the protein precipitation step, or the protein-rich substance, before or after introduction into the foodstuff and before finishing the foodstuff, is heated to a temperature of ?45° C. and held at this temperature for a period of time, the period of time and the temperature being chosen so that the use properties and processing properties of the protein-rich substance are not altered by this step.