Abstract: A wine aerator for pouring wine from a wine container such as a wine bottle into a receiver such as a wine glass. The wine aerator has a large mouthed vessel into which the wine is poured from any wine container and the wine passes through the vessel to an outlet having a plurality of radial holes to break up the flow of wine into small discrete flows to carry out the aeration process. The wine aerator has a base that is affixed to the vessel and has a plurality of outwardly extending projections that are dimensioned so as to contact the rim of a wine glass to position the wine aerator atop of the wine glass while the wine aerator is being used. The wine aerator is inexpensively constructed and has no moving parts where leakage could occur.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the storage and/or maturation of an oxygen sensitive liquid beverage including: a vessel or tank adapted to hold a quantity of the liquid therein, said vessel having a low oxygen transfer rate from the atmosphere facilitating the reductive storage of said liquid; and a means of accommodating a gas permeable membrane, said gas permeable membrane having a high oxygen transfer rate relative to the vessel; wherein said membrane is in contact with said liquid thereby increasing the exposure of said liquid to oxygen in result.

Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more ingredients for the preparation of beverages. The cartridge comprises an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, an outlet for a beverage produced from said one or more beverage ingredients, an aperture in a beverage flow path linking the inlet to the outlet which generates, in use, a jet of beverage, and an expansion chamber located downstream of the aperture. The expansion chamber comprises an expansion chamber inlet for receiving the jet of beverage and an expansion chamber outlet; and an air inlet located in the expansion chamber in the vicinity of the expansion chamber inlet. The cross-sectional area of the expansion chamber decreases in a downstream direction from the expansion chamber inlet to the expansion chamber outlet, and the cross-sectional area and profile of the expansion chamber outlet are substantially the same as the cross-sectional area and profile of the beverage stream as it passes through the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel aerated product having an alcohol content of above 5% (v/v). Said product is particularly suitable for preparing alcoholic hot beverages comprising a cream-like component. The product is stable for several months at refrigerator or at room temperature. Also provided is a method for preparing such alcoholic aerated product.

Abstract: Method of preparing beverages using a beverage preparation machines and in particular a beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients. The method includes controlling the volume of air resident in at least a part of a delivery system of the machine to produce predetermined characteristics in a prepared beverage.

Abstract: A bottle top regulator/aerator for controlling the flow from a bottle having a narrow cylindrical opening through which wine or similar liquid may be poured. The dispensing apparatus includes, in combination, an air inductor, a regulating cartridge having a percolation labyrinth, and an anti-drip trough integrated within a housing. The application of this apparatus provides for both the rapid aeration of the wine, as well as a uniform flow rate absent the hazard of post-pouring droplets.

Abstract: A method and apparati for regulating introduction of ambient air begins with initiating a liquid flow through a venturi to induce a localized drop in pressure at a bowl situated at a venturi throat. Airflow is admitted at a barrel inlet, through a first barrel lumen segment to a first half-moon port at a throttle first side. The airflow is selectively obstructed by a second half-moon port whose rotational position relative to the first half-moon port defines a variable aperture. The airflow is conducted from the second half-moon port through a second barrel lumen segment to the barrel outlet and mixing with the liquid to produce an aerated liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparati to exploit a bottle mounted housing, defining a liquid passageway for a liquid flow from the bottle. A funnel coaxially situated to the liquid flow and extending from a funnel inlet converging in a downstream direction at a funnel outlet joins a bowl coaxially situated to the liquid flow and converging in the downstream direction at a bowl outlet. A horn extends from the bowl outlet and flares downstream to a horn outlet having a greater cross-sectional area than that of the bowl outlet. At least one barrel has a barrel lumen extending from a barrel inlet to a barrel outlet at an acute angle to the liquid flow to admit an airflow through the lumen and into the bowl. A resilient sealing gasket including at least one annular flange, is removable engaged with an opening in a bottle for pouring liquid from the bottle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microcrystallized polyol comprising at least two polyols, wherein said polyols are selected from the group consisting of maltitol, xylitol and lactitol and wherein said composition contains at least 35% by weight of each of at least two of said polyols microcrystallized together into a solid microcrystalline product. The present invention also relates to a process for the microcrystallization of polyols into a polyol composition. The microcrystallized polyol composition can be used in confectionery, foodstuffs, oral hygiene products and pharmaceuticals and in dietetic products.

Abstract: A method of producing a aerated food product which may be frozen, freeze dried, or dried. The method includes providing a raw ingredient composition having a desired first viscosity, aerating the composition to a desired second viscosity with a desired amount of aeration, shaping the aerated composition, and depending on the food product, freezing the shaped aerated composition, freeze-drying the shaped aerated composition or drying the shaped aerated composition.

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 present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a non-Newtonian fluid product including a non-Newtonian fluid base product including at least one second phase is shown. A second phase dispersion apparatus is shown which receives the at least one second phase and the non-Newtonian fluid base product and disperses the at least one second phase within the non-Newtonian fluid base product to produce the non-Newtonian fluid product.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a processed tomato product having more tomato aroma inherent to grown tomatoes. Tomato fruits are washed and crushed. Juice is extracted from the crushed material, the extracted juice is deaerated and the deaerated material is heated. The crushed material and the extracted juice from immediately after the crushing until immediately before the deaerating are maintained at temperature of 15-40° C. The dissolved oxygen concentration of the crushed tomatoes and/or the extracted juice from immediately after the crushing until immediately before the deaerating is raised at least temporarily to 6 mg/L or over, and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the deaerated juice immediately before the heating is reduced to 3.5 mg/L or below.

Abstract: The present invention resides in an edible aerated water-in-oil emulsion comprising a fat phase; an emulsifier; and an aqueous phase, methods of making such emulsions and confectionery compositions comprising the same. In certain embodiments the emulsion comprises entrapped gas (for example in the fat phase); the fat phase comprises more than one fat (for example one of the fats being cocoa butter); the emulsifier having an HLB <8; and/or the emulsion additionally comprising a powdered component.

Abstract: Infusion system for a liquid food product to be heated, including an infusion chamber limited by an infusion tank with a downward tapering bottom, said infusion chamber having a product inlet and a product outlet, said infusion system having a steam inlet, wherein the steam inlet is designed in the form of two steam inlets separated from each other spatially and fluidically; the first steam inlet is connected for passing fluid to a second channel, the product inlet is connected for passing fluid to a first channel which encompasses the second channel in a ring shape and also opens into an infusion chamber, and the second steam inlet is connected for passing fluid to a plurality of inlet openings disposed in a ring shape and radially encompassing the first channel on the exterior and also opening into the infusion chamber in the upper area and from above.

Abstract: A drinking container for decanting, filtering, mixing and/or aerating a beverage. The drinking container comprises a bowl having an upper opening and an aerating cell having a wall, an upper opening along the top of the cell and a plurality of openings or perforations through the wall. The cup-shaped cell has an upwardly facing hollow or concave configuration, optionally with a central upwardly extending protrusion, and is attached to and within the bowl, to decant, filter, mix and/or aerate a beverage that is poured through the bowl upper opening and into the cell upper opening, and subsequently flows through the at least one perforation into the bowl. Preferably, the drinking container is a wine glass having a base and stem supporting the bowl and the beverage is wine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage mixing and dispersing apparatus comprising :—a metering device,—a mixing chamber,—at least one diluent feeding means,—means for moving the mixing chamber, characterized in that the mixing chamber is movable between:—a metering position, where the metering device outlet emerges in the mixing chamber inlet, and—a mixing position, where the diluent feeding means are able to inject the diluent in the mixing chamber and the metering device outlet does not emerge in the mixing chamber inlet.

Abstract: A beverage whipper, including a whipper disk configured for spinning within the whipper and having a radius is disclosed. The whipper disk further includes a front surface and a plurality of forward-facing concave surfaces that divide the front surface into a plurality of front surface sections. The concave surfaces extend generally radially over more than half the radius and have a circumferential width and a depth, wherein the width is larger than the depth. The front surface sections have a total area that is at least 4-times the total area of the concave surfaces. Also, a beverage dispenser that includes the whipper for forming beverages having crema such as espresso or cappuccino.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing milk froth using steam and air, comprising a convergent-divergent nozzle for achieving a suction effect. A milk feed line is connected to the nozzle in such a way that milk can be drawn from a milk container into a nozzle under the suction effect. The nozzle is designed as a one-piece component created in an injection-molding process and contains a nozzle inlet opening, a nozzle outlet opening, and a milk feed line connection in the form of a milk intake fitting. The air inlet is located before a nozzle inlet opening of the nozzle with regard to the flow direction. A controllable air pump is provided to introduce air into the steam feed line.

Abstract: The present matter provides a gelato formulation that is low in carbohydrate, high in protein, and fiber enriched having similar taste, body and texture of traditional gelatos, and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A device for decanting wine provides optimum aeration to readily measured minimum quantities by first causing the wine poured into the device to form a stream. The stream is then spread laterally over a convex shape before it is again collected. In various embodiments, the wine is collected by an internal funnel like structure within the device, being again spread over another convex surface. The multiple pairs of convex surfaces and associated collecting funnels are preferably housed in a generally tubular enclosure that terminates in a final spout that delivers wine to a storage flask type decanting vessel or wine glass.

Abstract: A method for maturing a wine contained in a container having a gaseous phase referred to as the sky mounted thereon, the container including elements for injecting a gaseous phase into the wine or a liquid phase and a circuit which extends from at least one sampling point at sky level to the injection elements in the liquid phase, and an element for the forced circulation of the gaseous phase between the sampling point and the injection elements. The method includes feeding an inert gas into the container to reduce the residual oxygen level in the sky, recirculating the gaseous phase of the sky via the forced circulation element through the liquid phase to establish a forced balance between the gaseous and liquid phases in the container, feeding oxygen into the container, and recirculating the gaseous phase of the sky via the forced circulation element through the liquid phase to retain a substantially constant residual oxygen level in the sky.

Abstract: A milk-foaming method including a preliminary preheating step during which milk is heated to a foam start production temperature between 30 and 40° C., and a foaming step during which air is added to said preheated milk such as to produce milk foam.

Abstract: Algal flour and algal biomass are disclosed. Food compositions comprising algal biomass or algal flour with a high lipid content are disclosed.

Abstract: Aerated cheeses and methods of making aerated cheeses. Aerated cheese is formed of a solidified aerated molten cheese mixture. The cheese is prepared by aerating a molten cheese mixture with a gas in a high shear, aeration device to form an aerated molten cheese mixture and then cooling the mixture to form the aerated cheese.

Abstract: A packaged aqueous carbonated beverage comprising a container which replaces at least a portion of CO2 that permeates through the container or closure. The container comprises a polyester composition including a polyester suitable for packaging aqueous carbonated beverages and a carbonating agent. The aqueous carbonated beverage is disposed in the container such that the aqueous carbonated beverage has direct contact with the container and a closure seals the beverage in the container. The carbonating agent reacts with water in the carbonated beverage forming CO2 for replacing at least a portion of CO2 that permeates through the container or closure. A corresponding method of packaging an aqueous carbonated beverage is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superior dried whey protein products which have a flavor, aroma and color not possessed by conventionally spray dried whey protein products, as a result of having a lower concentration of oxidative by-products. Also provided are dried protein products wherein the protein is selected from the group consisting of whey protein, soy protein, milk protein and mixtures thereof. Also provided are methods for making the dried protein-based products which involve spraying a protein-containing feed stock into a localized cloud of a nonreactive gas under controlled temperature conditions.

Abstract: A device for frothing and steaming milk has a steamer (1) and a steamer tube (3) connected to a steam conduit (2). The steam conduit (2) is provided with an air feeder port (6) which can be closed off. The steamer tube (3) has a temperature sensor (11) for sensing the milk temperature. The device has furthermore a controller (13) devised to open/close the air feeder port (6) as a function of the operating mode and/or sensed milk temperature. When the milk is steamed the air feeder port (6) remains closed whilst when frothing the milk it normally firstly remains closed until opened at a predefined milk temperature so that air can be mixed in the flow of steam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a whipping agent comprising at least one fat, at least one protein and at least one emulsifier, wherein the amount of all emulsifiers present in the whipping agent is at least 0.1% by weight of the whipping agent, and wherein the amount of unsaturated fatty acid moieties present in the fat is at least 10% by weight of all fatty acid moieties present in the fat. Furthermore the present invention relates to an instant powder for making an instant powder dessert comprising the whipping agent, a food that comprises a foam that is obtained by whipping, wherein the foam comprises the whipping agent, a process for making the whipping agent and the use of the whipping agent for making a food that comprises a foam that is obtained by whipping.

Abstract: A foaming device for a drink including a housing defining an internal volume for housing secondary liquid and a source of foaming gas. A nozzle communicates between the internal volume and an exterior of the housing and a plug seals the nozzle so as to prevent communication between the internal volume and the exterior of the housing. By releasing the plug, the secondary liquid can be released into the drink such that the foaming gas forms bubbles of secondary liquid in the drink and proteins/constituents within one or both of the primary liquid and the secondary liquid denature so as to create a stable foam.

Abstract: A water vapor plasma generating apparatus which is able to generate water vapor plasma stably is provided. By applying the water vapor plasma generated by the apparatus to an object to be treated, a sterilization and disinfection treatment can be performed. In addition, by applying the water vapor plasma generated by the apparatus to a substance containing an oily ingredient, an antioxidative treatment can be performed.

Abstract: A device for producing froth comprises means (1) which are adapted to perform a pumping function and to perform a mixing process of at least one liquid and a gas at the same time. Furthermore, the device comprises suitable means (2) for supplying the liquid and the gas to the pumping means (1), and suitable means (3) for discharging froth from the pumping means (1). In order for the device to be capable of producing hot froth, means (4) for supplying steam are provided, and arranged such as to supply the steam directly to the pumping means (1), in particular to an outlet side of the pumping means (1). This way of attributing a heating functionality to the pumping means (1) has many advantages, including the option of a most compact design. Furthermore, the steam may be used for cleaning the pumping means (1).

Abstract: According to a method for preparing and dispensing milk foam a drink made of powdered milk of self-dissolving drink preparation powder, improved milk foam not directly consumed from a preparation vessel (6) is intended to be foamed easily. To this end, at least one hot water stream (2a) is applied to the milk powder or drink preparation powder in the above open or opened preparation vessel (6), in particular a foaming vessel, said hot water stream flowing out of a hot water channel under hot water pressure. The preparation vessel (6) is fixed. The milk foam (22) or drink so prepared in the preparation vessel automatically flows, i.e. merely by way of the effect of the hot water stream and the force of gravity, from the preparation vessel (6) through a laterally and/or downwardly led discharge of the preparation vessel or through an outlet spout to a collection vessel (4), preferably a cup or a glass.

Abstract: A machine for preparing various types of coffee and milk based beverages comprising a steam generator (10), a first apparatus (1) for producing coffee as well as a source (25) of liquid milk and a second apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated fluid product.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of use in making beverages. The apparatus includes components and structures for making beverages by mixing heated water or other liquid and a beverage making substance in combination with controllable evacuation, pressurization, or both of a mixing vessel. The method includes controllable brewing using a vacuum, positive pressure, or both to control one or a combination of active controllable agitation of ingredients, steep time, pressurization, extraction time, agitation pulsing, dispensing pulsing as well as other numerous other beverage preparation characteristics and controls.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing frozen aerated confectionery products is provided, the process comprising; providing two rollers wherein each roller has a multiplicity of open cavities on its surface and wherein the rollers are aligned so that the surfaces touch; providing filling means for filling said cavities with a frozen aerated confection at a temperature higher than the temperature of the rollers; filling two cavities, one on each roller, with a frozen aerated confection having an overrun of between 10% and 130%; allowing the frozen aerated confection to expand outside its cavity; and counter-rotating the rollers so that respective cavities in the two rollers lie opposite one another and the frozen aerated confection in a cavity of the first roller is pressed against the frozen aerated confection in an opposite cavity of the second roller; characterised in that the surfaces of the rollers in which the cavities are located are conical. An apparatus for operating the process is also provided.

Abstract: A method for brewing coffee, including the steps of transferring ground coffee to a brewing chamber, compressing the ground coffee, and forcing pressurized hot water through the ground coffee, thereby causing brewed coffee to emerge through a micro-filter, wherein the ratio of weight of ground coffee contained in the brewing chamber to volume of pressurized hot water forced through the ground coffee is 6 grams per fluid ounce or less.

Abstract: A foam comprising an aqueous or aqueous ethanolic solution of a surfactant, which is suitable for food use, and which has an HLB greater than 9; is used to form a foam topping on a drink or food, e.g. by spraying from a foam dispenser.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mixing assembly (1) comprising a mixing chamber (2) adapted to mix a soluble ingredient with a diluent, wherein the mixing assembly comprises an overflow channel (41), said overflow channel running along the external wall of the mixing chamber so that a liquid exceeding the capacity of the mixing chamber is able to flow in the overflow channel and the outlets (3) of the mixing chamber and the overflow channel allowing the liquid contained in the mixing chamber and the overflow channel to exit and mix in the same place. The invention also concerns a process for mixing a soluble ingredient with a diluent using the above mixing assembly.

Abstract: A device for foaming a liquid foodstuff, especially milk, is provided including a pump (2) that has, on the suction side, a feed line (3) that can be connected in a fluid-conducting way to a storage container for the liquid foodstuff. An air feed line (3a) by which air can be fed to the foodstuff is arranged in a path of flow of the liquid foodstuff on the suction side of the pump (2) and, a throttle (4a) is arranged in the path of flow of the foodstuff on the downstream side of the pump (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of producing aerated food products comprising the steps of introducing gas through at least one porous diffuser into a stream of food process medium so as to obtain a gas/food mixture and subjecting said gas/food process medium mixture to a blending operation in a static mixer. It also relates to products obtainable by this method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a non-newtonian fluid product including a non-newtonian fluid base product including at least one second phase is disclosed. A second phase dispersion apparatus is disclosed which receives the at least one second phase and the non-newtonian fluid base product and disperses the at least one second phase within the non-newtonian fluid base product to produce the non-newtonian fluid product.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is dissolved in perishable liquids loaded into pressure vessels that are provided with low carbon dioxide head pressure so as to improve product shelf life, thereby providing options for more economical shipment, as by rail and ocean vessels and for extended transport by truck and to facilitate extended storage of perishable products and to avoid the necessity of multiple treatments for pathogen reduction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a component configured to be associated with a pipe arranged to supply a pressurised fluid into a beverage in order to admix the fluid to the beverage. The component includes a venturi having a first, upstream region at high pressure and low kinetic energy, and a second, downstream region at low pressure and high kinetic energy for said fluid. In the component, a first plurality of throughholes forms the venturi and puts the first region into communication with the second region, and a second plurality of throughholes is arranged so as to converge towards the second region. The present invention also relates to a device including the component and to a method of admixing a fluid to a beverage.

Abstract: A process for preparing aerated ice confection particles by manufacturing an aerated ice confection in a mass; further freezing the mass cryogenically to a temperature close to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the aerated ice confection to form a aerated frozen mass, and comminuting the frozen mass to aerated ice confection particles with a high surface area to volume ratio. These particles can be used for a variety of purposes but preferably are used for forming frozen ice drinks in a simple, rapid and convenient manner. This is particularly useful when a single serving of such drinks is desired as no special equipment to make the drink is required. The invention also relates to packaging for the aerated ice confection particles and methods of making frozen ice drinks from the aerated ice confection particles.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the separation of olfactorily and/or gustatorily active components by means of high-temperature liquid chromatography (HTLC) and a process for the direct tasting of the components separated by this process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns liquid enteral nutritional compositions that comprise intact protein with a low specific volume allowing the preparation of nutrition with high protein and energy contents which are particularly advantageous for persons that are in, or recovering from, a disease state, persons that are malnourished or sportsmen and women and active elderly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a texturized whey protein composition having enhanced functional properties, including, for example, enhanced viscosifying properties, enhanced emulsifying properties, and/or enhanced gelling properties. In one embodiment, the texturized whey protein composition is a supercritical fluid extrusion product derived from whey protein. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the texturized whey protein composition, where the process involves a supercritical fluid extrusion process. The present invention further relates to various products containing the texturized whey protein composition.