Abstract: A base for a plastic container defining a central longitudinal axis. The base includes an annular standing ring portion defining a standing surface. The base includes a substantially cylindrical ring portion extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the standing surface. The base further includes a substantially concave dome portion extending inwardly from the substantially cylindrical ring portion to the longitudinal axis. The concave dome portion of the base includes a first plurality of substantially triangular panels circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis, and a second plurality of substantially triangular panels circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of each of the second plurality of substantially triangular panels is circumferentially and longitudinally offset from the first plurality of substantially triangular panels. A container preform and method of hot filling a plastic container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a frozen or partially-frozen product which method includes: a) providing a liquid material in a substantially sealed vessel; b) subjecting liquid material to a negative pressure; and c) subjecting the liquid material, whilst under the negative pressure, to a temperature substantially less than 0° C.

Abstract: An ice cube machine that generates ice cubes having an alcohol content of at least 2-5%. The ice cube machine operates at temperatures of no greater than 0° F., and typically at least 0° F. or colder. An ice dispensing system monitors the amount of ice cubes dispensed from the machine and can determine the amount of alcohol dispensed from the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of flash freezing an energy beverage liquid into small beads and then packaging the beads for consumers is disclosed. The beads are stored in a conventional freezer, or colder, until desired and then reconstituted into a beverage base as needed. In particular, a warm or cold beverage may be easily and affordably created using the frozen beads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and dispensing aerated and/or blended products, such as food products.

Abstract: Methods of sterilizing a temperature sensitive material, such as an acidified or non-acidified food product, pharmaceutical product or cosmetic product, are disclosed. The methods comprise freezing the temperature sensitive material to an initial temperature of less than or equal to ?2° C. and then either (i) pressurizing the frozen temperature sensitive material to a first elevated pressure of at least 250 MPa for a predetermined first period of time of at least 3 minutes or (ii) pressurizing the frozen temperature sensitive material to a first elevated pressure of at least 250 MPa for a predetermined first period of time of at least 90 seconds, releasing the first elevated pressure for a predetermined pause period of time and then pressurizing the temperature sensitive material to a second elevated pressure of at least 250 MPa for a predetermined second period of time of at least 90 seconds.

Abstract: A method for preserving fresh cut or uncut agricultural produce including removing moisture from the fresh cut or uncut agricultural produce in an amount equal to between 5%-20% of the weight of the fresh cut or uncut agricultural produce and thereafter, freezing the fresh cut or uncut agricultural produce.

Abstract: A chocolate manufacturing machine includes a chocolate dispenser and a plurality of chocolate molding trays. There is a chocolate cooler downstream from the chocolate dispenser. A stacker assembles a plurality of vertical stacks of chocolate molding trays for cooling by adding each successive chocolate molding tray to a bottom of a corresponding vertical stack. An unstacker disassembles the plurality of vertical stacks of chocolate molding trays after cooling by removing successive chocolate molding trays from a top of a corresponding vertical stack.

Abstract: In a method of chilling slaughtered poultry or parts thereof, the poultry is conveyed through a chilling room, or at least through a part of said chilling room, and in the process is exposed to a stream of chilling air. During the chilling of the poultry the skin of the poultry is moistened. The skin of the poultry is moistened by spraying it with water in a spray area that is separated from the stream of chilling air.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of flash freezing a tea-based liquid into small beads and then packaging the beads for consumers is disclosed. The beads are stored in a conventional freezer until desired and then reconstituted into a tea beverage base as needed. In particular, a warm or cold tea-based beverage may be easily and affordably created using the frozen beads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of kimchi with shelf stability and high quality under the severe environment, more precisely, a manufacturing method of kimchi with shelf stability and high quality under the severe environment such as desert, alpine regions, poles and space which includes the step of irradiation after heating, gas exchange packaging and quick freezing. The manufacturing method of kimchi of the present invention reduces the chances of deterioration of the sensory quality and physicochemical characteristics caused by the conventional sterilization methods including high temperature and high pressure treatment and high dose of irradiation, so that kimchi produced by this method has excellent shelf stability under the severe environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating milk, preferably breast milk, in which the milk is briefly heated in a container, said method comprising the following steps: The container is moved, preferably set in rotation, so that a milk film forms on its inner wall, the milk is heated to a treatment temperature during a heating phase, the milk is maintained at the treatment temperature for a treatment period of less than 20 seconds, and the milk is cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: A device for controlling the condensate or frost formation in chocolate shell production has a mould (2), provided with a plurality of recesses (3) for liquefied of softened chocolate (4) and a die (5) cooled by cooling means (7) and including a plurality of protrusions (6), each fit to be inserted into a respective below recess (3) to mould a chocolate shell, in cooperation therewith, in a maximum approach condition (A) between the die (5) and the mould (2). The device (1) further includes: at least one supply means (8) whose outlet (9) flows directly into the environment and it is orientated in the direction of protrusions (6); dehumidification means (10) to feed the at least one supply means (8) with dehumidified air (50). The supply means (8) is fit to blow dehumidified air (50) nearly at ambient pressure, at least in mutual detachment conditions (D) of mould (2) and die (5), toward the protrusions (6) so preventing the formation thereon of water condensate or frost.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates a method for extending a shelf life of at least one packaged composition within a consumer accessible cooling device adapted to cool the at least one packaged composition to a composition temperature which is a first supercooled temperature. The method comprises storing the at least one packaged composition within the consumer accessible cooling device at a first supercooled temperature and increasing the composition temperature to a second temperature during a time period in which the at least one packaged composition will not be removed from the consumer accessible cooling device by a consumer. The at least one packaged composition comprises a pressurized composition in a liquid phase within a sealed container. The pressurized composition comprises a solvent and a solute substantially dissolved in the solvent and is at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for the cold stabilization of wine by chilling the wine in a tank and supplying a cryogen to the wine in the tank. CO2 may also be added to the wine. Parameters of the tank and wine are monitored for adjusting cooling of the wine in the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grain refrigerator provided with a receiving container, a grain storage part installed in the receiving container, for storing a grain, and an evaporator forming a cooling cycle to keep the stored grain at a low temperature, wherein the evaporator is at least one or more and is installed in a grain storage space of the grain storage part to cool the stored grain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a product for heating or cooling including freezing of food items in a rotating closed pipe serpent. The technology includes a closed non-circular rotating pipe serpent for processing of food items, where the food items are transported in a preparation liquid through the pipe serpent during either heating or cooling. The invention secures a gentle but efficient mixture of the food items that prevents clogging, which secures a homogeneous thermal processing of the individual food items, which again secures a high quality of the final food items. Simultaneously the products used for processing are easy to clean, which results in low costs. The process can be run entirely automatic without the involvement of manual labor, which results in minimal demands for process resources and ensures a high standard of hygiene.

Abstract: A method of keeping an alcoholic beverage in an open topped vessel cool, said beverage comprising a water content and a dissolved gas content, and said method comprising forming ice in the beverage in the open-topped vessel said ice having a cooling effect on the beverage, said ice being formed in the beverage from water of said water content.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scarified, whole, dried, infused, buoyant cranberry. Further a process for preparing the cranberry is disclosed. The process includes sizing individually quick frozen cranberries by collecting those that pass through a mesh screen with 16 millimeter openings and that are retained on a mesh screen with openings of 9 millimeters. The sized cranberries are then scarified and infused in an infusion solution having a Brix of from 40 to 80 at a temperature of from 29 to 44° C.±5° C. until the cranberries have a Brix of at least about 40. The cranberries are removed from the infusion solution and dried at a temperature of from 73 to 85° C. until they have a water activity level of from 0.25 to 0.6 and a buoyancy of at least 30%.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to frozen foods, for example, frozen desserts such as ice cream. One aspect of the invention is directed to carbonated frozen desserts and other carbonated frozen foods. Another aspect is directed to methods of making frozen foods, such as carbonated frozen desserts and other foods, as well as methods of freezing other fluids, such as water. A carbonated frozen dessert can be made, for example, by introducing carbon dioxide (CO2) into dessert mix prior to freezing the dessert mix. Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to cooling dessert mixes and other food products by introducing a fluid, such as a refrigerant, into the dessert mix or food product that cools and/or freezes the dessert mix or food product. The fluid may also become incorporated into the frozen dessert or other food product. Still another aspect of the invention is directed to frozen foods, such as ice creams and similar frozen desserts, having smooth consistencies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of thawing one or more frozen blocks of meat, said blocks of meat being composed of units of meat frozen together. This object is achieved in that the frozen blocks of meat are placed in a drum of a massage system, said drum comprising carriers, and a liquid having a temperature higher than that of the frozen blocks of meat is supplied in the interior of the massage wings, and that brine having a temperature higher than that of the frozen blocks of meat is supplied to the drum. The drum rotates/revolves, and the blocks of meat are continuously broken up into smaller units of meat. Preferably, a negative pressure is established in the drum during thawing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to formulations of the premix utilized in the production of a pellet structured frozen dessert type product. The pelletized frozen dessert product is manufactured by introducing the liquid premix into a body of a cryogen such as liquid nitrogen such that the small volume of liquid premix is frozen rapidly. The invention elevates the melting temperature as well as the fusing temperature of the finished pellets such that the storage and serving temperatures of the pellets are similar to the bulk products. The invention utilizes the basic formulas and names and flavors associated with bulk type frozen desserts such as Ice Cream, Sorbet, Water ice, Ice Milk, Frozen Yogurt and similar type products. The pellet produced utilizing the pre-mix is structurally stable at normal retail and home freezer situations. The formulation and manufacture of the pelletized dessert product is substantially different from bulk frozen desserts: it is in itself a unique type product.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for freeze-storing baked foods allow the baked foods to retain excellent crust condition (surface layer of baked foods), avoiding any peeling, and retain excellent sensory condition, attaining long-term frozen storage. Baked foods, including baked bread and baked confectionery, are frozen in a humidified atmosphere, cooled to 30 to 35° C. in terms of core temperature, and subjected to a high-humidity cooling process conducted in an atmosphere, where even upon receiving high-temperature baked foods after baking, 20 to 28° C. and ?65% RH, high humidity condition can be maintained, and further subjected to a frozen storage process where the baked foods are freeze stored at low temperature of ?freezing temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a peeled whole dried infused buoyant cranberry. Further a process for preparing the cranberry is disclosed. The process includes sizing individually quick frozen cranberries by collecting those that pass through a mesh screen with 16 millimeter openings and that are retained on a mesh screen with openings of 9 millimeters. The sized cranberries are then peeled and infused in an infusion solution having a Brix of from 40 to 80 at a temperature of from 29 to 44° C.±5° C. until the cranberries have a Brix of at least about 40. The cranberries are removed from the infusion solution and dried at a temperature of from 73 to 85° C. until they have a water activity level of from 0.25 to 0.6 and a buoyancy of at least 30%. The final dried infused cranberry preferably has a Brix of 76 to 84.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for the preservation of olive oil that consists of freezing and optionally vacuum-packing the paste obtained from olive grinding. Furthermore, olive paste obtained through the preservation method, a procedure to obtain olive oil, and the olive oil obtained through this method, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating milk, wherein milk is short-term heated in a container. At least during the heating, the container is set in motion in such a way that a milk film forms on the inner wall of the container. A device for carrying out the method is likewise described (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a serving of frozen confectionery product is characterized by a supply of liquid gas, a support for removably carrying a disposable container that holds a volume of unfrozen confectionery mix, and a holder for releasably holding a disposable agitator, such that the agitator extends into confectionery mix in the container. A valve controllably dispenses liquid gas into the confectionery mix in the container while relative motion is imparted to the container and agitator to agitate and admix the confectionery mix and liquid gas while the liquid gas mix evaporates to cool and freeze the confectionery mix, through a transfer of heat from the confectionery mix to the liquid gas and through the latent heat of evaporation of the liquid gas, to produce the frozen confectionery product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for making egg patties which have been cooked, folded, frozen and which may be reheated to provide an egg patty which resembles an egg patty made form fresh eggs. The invention includes an egg folding apparatus, a method for folding cooked liquid whole egg and a system for cooking and folding a cooked egg composition. The egg folding apparatus includes an endless linear array of egg cooking pans movable as an endless conveyor. One side of the pans has a ramp which extends downward to the bottom pan. A plurality of spatulas are disposed above the pans in an array above the pans. The spatulas are rotatable about an axis which is perpendicular to the linear array of pans, the pans movable upwardly away from the pans and downwardly toward the pans.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of thawing meat frozen in meat blocks (1) and comprising an apparatus for initial separation of the meat block (1) before the meat block (1) is placed in a rotating container (7), the meat block (1) being subjected to pressure before treated in the rotating container (7), said pressure initiating a separation process of the meat block (1) into individual pieces (2). This pressure may be applied over the diagonals of the meat block (1). The invention also comprises an apparatus for performing the method, said apparatus comprising a number of pistons (3, 4, 5, 6) which either cooperate in pairs or cooperate with a firm opposite face for applying pressure to the meat block (1). The faces of the pistons (3, 4, 5, 6) may be plane, or they may comprise elevations or depressions as well as adapted to act over at least one of the diagonals of the meat block (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and dispensing aerated and/or blended products, such as food products.

Abstract: To develop a frozen packaged sushi which can be spontaneously thawed and a method of thawing a frozen packaged sushi. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] (1) A frozen packaged sushi having been packaged in a plastic film and sealed, characterized in that the sugar content of cooked rice constituting the sushi is from 7.0 to 12.0%, and use is made of cooked rice prepared preferably by heating rice from room temperature to 98° C. within 10±2 minutes and then maintaining at 98 to 100° C. for 20 to 40 minutes; and (2) a method of thawing a frozen packaged sushi characterized by comprising thawing the frozen packaged sushi as described in the above (1) by allowing to stand in an atmosphere at 5 to 30° C. for 2 to 10 hours.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for processing a food product by reducing a temperature of the food product to retain ingredients within the food product and adapt the food product for retaining deformation to a select shape; and pressing the food product to the select shape, wherein the shape of the food product and the ingredients therein are retained for subsequent processing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for artificially splitting nuts in a manner that ensures that the nuts split in the same manner as naturally split nuts. The methods include placing a batch of closed-shell nuts into a water filled vessel, sealing it, and reducing the pressure inside the vessel by removing air. This also causes air to be removed from inside the nuts. The air pressure in the vessel is then normalized, causing the air removed from the nuts to be replaced with water from the vessel. The nuts are then promptly transferred from the vessel and exposed to forces that cause the water inside the nuts to rapidly expand, creating internal pressure that forces the shells to split open along the longitudinal suture of the nut.

Abstract: A method of controlling a food processor includes retaining in a container cooked rice and sushi dressing in a predetermined ratio, mixing the cooked rice and the sushi dressing in the container to perform a mixing process, and cooling the cooked rice and the sushi dressing with air to perform a cooling process. The mixing process and cooling process are performed intermittently according to a cooling-mixing process, which comprises a plurality of cycles carried out repeatedly. One cycle includes one-cooling operation, having a standstill duration, for merely sending air while keeping the cooked rice without mixing, and another-cooling operation for sending air while mixing the cooked rice. The standstill duration of the one-cooling operation is gradually prolonged in every predetermined number of the cycles.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of thawing meat frozen in meat blocks (1) and comprising an apparatus for initial separation of the meat block (1) before the meat block (1) is placed in a rotating container (7), said meat block (1) being subjected to pressure before treated in the rotating container (7), said pressure initiating a separation process of the meat block (1) into individual pieces (2). This pressure may be applied over the diagonals of the meat block (1). The invention also comprises an apparatus for performing the method, said apparatus comprising a number of pistons (3, 4, 5, 6) which either cooperate in pairs or cooperate with a firm opposite face for applying pressure to the meat block (1). The faces of the pistons (3, 4, 5, 6) may be plane, or they may comprise elevations or depressions as well as adapted to act over at least one of the diagonals of the meat block (1).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to formulations premix utilized in pellet structured frozen dessert type product. The pelletized frozen dessert product is manufactured by introducing the premix into a body of a cryogen such that the premix is frozen rapidly. The invention elevates the melting temperature as well as the fusing temperature of the pellets such that the storage and serving temperatures of the pellets are similar to the bulk products. The invention utilizes the basic ingredients and names and flavors of bulk type frozen desserts. The pellet produced utilizing the pre-mix is stable at normal retail and home freezer situations. The formulation and manufacture of the pelletized dessert product is substantially different from bulk frozen desserts. The result is a product that maintains the desired individuality of the pellets while maintaining structure, such that fusing is inhibited at the storage and serving temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for the rapid preparation of a drink from a frozen liquid which contains high concentrations of nutrients. The method involves increasing the surface area of the frozen liquid and adding the increased area of frozen juice to a suitable amount of additional liquid and allowing it to mix. The apparatus for preparing a drink from the frozen liquid includes a means for increasing the surface area of the frozen liquid by breaking the frozen liquid into a plurality of pieces, and a means for dispensing the plurality of pieces of the frozen liquid into a serving container. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a means for passing an additional liquid through the means for increasing the surface area of the frozen liquid and the means for dispensing the frozen liquid to wash out any residual frozen liquid in the apparatus into the serving container.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to non-thermally treat goods for human consumption with carbon dioxide. Apparatus and methods rely on multiple pressure changes of carbon dioxide to affect one of three processes. A first process rapidly freezes and thaws water on the surface of the goods in rapid succession multiple times to detrimentally affect pathogens. A second process raises the pressure and temperature of carbon dioxide to supercritical conditions to detrimentally affect the lipids in the membranes of pathogens. A third process adjusts the pressure to form a dense carbon dioxide liquid with a low pH that may also detrimentally affect pathogens. All processes may be repeated or performed in succession, or in any order. Optionally, thereafter, the goods may be stored at low temperature in substantially 100% carbon dioxide for further pathogen reduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining a product in the form of deep-frozen granules, particles of beads having a high dissolved-gas content from a liquid, semi-liquid or paste-like matrix, that comprises two subsequent steps: a matrix gasification step that comprises the incorporation of gas at a pressure higher than 2 bars; and a quick deep-freezing step using a cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: Products that are aerated multiphase systems containing an aqueous continuous fluid phase which may include solutes thus forming an aqueous syrup and disperse phases like gas/air cells, water ice crystals and solid/semi-solid fat globules or aggregates thereof, whereas the disperse phases are that finely structured that their mean diameters are below phase specific critical maximum values and thereby generate a most preferred by consumers, full rich silky-creamy mouth feel at much lower fat content than usual in conventional related products like premium and super premium ice creams.

Abstract: Method for cooling a product, all or part of the cooling being carried out by contact of the product with a mixture of carbon dioxide snow (CO2) and liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: Sautéed vegetables are used as a building block in the preparation of sauces, soups and meal solutions and are easily prepared on a kitchen scale. On scaling up the same method used at kitchen scale to industrial scale, the problem of heat transfer results in vegetables either not browning and developing the savoury and caramelised flavour of sautéed vegetables or becoming soggy and limp from over cooking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food cooking installation comprising numerous cooking tanks which are used to receive the food items to be cooked; means of loading/unloading the food items into/from said cooking tanks; and means of conveying, driving and storing liquids, which are used to connect a heated liquid container, a cooled liquid container and a piped water delivery point with the aforementioned cooking tanks. In this way, the tanks can be filled and emptied independently and the food items contained therein can be subjected to successive baths for different periods of time and at different temperatures, at least one of the baths being a cooking bath and the other a cooling bath. According to the Invention, each of the aforementioned cooking tanks comprises at least one lateral opening which is equipped with impervious sealing means and which is used to load/unload the food items using the above-mentioned loading/unloading means.

Abstract: A process control scheme for use with an extruding apparatus for cooling and heating aerated or compressible compounds that are edible. Broadly, the process includes providing a mixture to an inlet of the extruding apparatus, monitoring the pressure profile across the extruding apparatus, moving the mixture through the extruding apparatus with at least one auger while subjecting the mixture to a thermo-dynamic process, automatically altering speed of the at least one auger if the pressure profile across the extruding apparatus is outside a predetermined range, and moving the mixture through an outlet of the extruding apparatus. The process may also include monitoring temperature of a thermodynamic liquid, monitoring the load of an auger motor, and automatically altering the temperature of the thermodynamic liquid and the load of the auger motor if one of either the temperature of the thermodynamic liquid and the load of the auger motor is outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: An integrated industrial plant includes various systems, all of which use a cryogenic liquid obtained from a common source. One system includes a fermentation unit, in which cold air, chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid, absorbs excess heat generated by the fermentation. Another system is a lyophilization unit, in which a refrigeration step is performed through the use of air that has been chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid. Another system is a device for freezing discrete samples of biological products, the samples being frozen by partial immersion in the cryogenic liquid. The invention substantially reduces the use of electric power, and provides systems which operate economically and reliably.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for processing and trimming products such as fish fillets where the product is form frozen forming a thin frozen shell round the product and the subsequent processing of the product uses that condition to remove the fish skin and bones with more efficiency than any prior art methods whereas the quality of the product is increased due to less loss and less loss in liquid from the product than known by prior art methods.

Abstract: A method for producing a seafood product comprising a lobster in an intact shell said method comprising applying high pressure to effect detachment of the meat from the shell and thereafter removing the internal organs of the lobster using vacuum aspiration. The invention further includes seafood products prepared by the claimed methods.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is to provide a frozen food, which is a novel frozen kneaded product having a soft texture and containing no preservatives and which can be suitably utilized as a food for a senior, and a method for producing the frozen food. The frozen food of the present invention is produced by: using at least one type of protein selected from the group consisting of animal proteins and vegetable proteins, as a main raw material; adding modified starch, saccharide and water to the main raw material; kneading and heating the resultant mixture to produce a kneaded product; and subjecting the kneaded product to a high-voltage electric-field brine-freezing treatment. The frozen food of the present invention, which has high resistance to freezing, can be preserved over a long period of time and contribute to the effective utilization of food resources.

Abstract: A defrosting device includes a substantially hollow liquid impervious housing having a predetermined size and a predetermined shape for receiving at least one of a predetermined frozen item, a predetermined amount of a predetermined liquid, and a combination thereof in an interior thereof. An access mechanism is disposed on such housing at a first predetermined location thereon for accessing such interior of such housing. A securing mechanism is operably disposed on such housing at a second predetermined location thereon closely adjacent such access mechanism for securing such access mechanism in a closed position.