Abstract: The present invention describes methods for preparing instant food and snacks and the making of an instant liquid meal or snack. The invention teaches a technique of preparing single-serve instant liquid and solid meals or snacks to be cooked in same container using commercial brewers and preparation equipment. A kit that contains dry food components that get cooked in the same container resulting in a liquid meal with solid particulates is described.

Abstract: An assembly and method are provided for storing and dispensing a soluble substance, such as a flavoring, into a liquid. A useful application of the subject invention includes the case where lime-flavored liquid is contained in a foam artificial lime stored in the neck of a beer bottle, attached to a beer bottle or can, or attached to the 6-pack or 12-pack carton. The artificial lime may be retrieved from the neck or a protective covering and acted upon so it diffuses the lime-flavored liquid into the beer when it is inserted into the beer bottle. Alternately, juice from the artificial lime may be squeezed into the beer, or the artificial lime may be simply retrieved and discarded. Rather than needing to buy a natural lime, cut it up and push a wedge into a beer bottle, an artificial lime, or a packaged natural lime, may be stored directly in or with the beer bottle and placed in functional contact with the beer at time of consumption.

Abstract: A yogurt smoothie kit for use in preparing yogurt smoothies, when combined with mixing liquid, is provided herein. The kit includes a container having an inner volume, an open top end, a closed bottom end, and a demarcation positioned between the top end and the bottom end, the inner volume divided by the demarcation into an upper volume above the demarcation and a lower volume below the demarcation. The kit further includes, inside the container, a plurality of frozen yogurt pellets, the frozen yogurt pellets each having at least milk proteins, milk fat, yogurt bacterial cultures, sugar, and a stabilizer mix.

Abstract: The cup packaging coffee or tea beverage includes an instant components-mix, sugar, and a stir stick; it is convenient to make a gourmet drink quickly for just adding hot or cold water.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an injection-molded capsule for use in a food preparation machine, said capsule for use in a food preparation machine comprising: (i) a structure (1) with a lower side (2), at least three pillars (3) extending from the lower side and linked to a circular upper frame (4) which defines the surroundings of the capsule top side, the pillars (3) having cross-sections S1, S2 and S3, the lower side (2) being a solid wall that comprises a dispensing opening (5) and is centered across the vertical symmetry axis VSA of said capsule, and (ii) a label (6) attached to the outer surface of the lower side (2), pillars (3) and upper circular frame (4), thus forming an envelope that defines capsule side walls, characterized in that the injection point IP of the capsule is off-centered in the vicinity of said dispensing opening (5), opposed the pillar (3) having a cross-section S3 relatively to the axis VSA, and in that S1=S2 and S3>S1.

Abstract: A process for producing a composition comprising at least 3% by weight of total tocopherols and tocotrienols comprises: providing a product obtained from palm oil comprising tocopherols and tocotrienols, together with free fatty acids and monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids; hydrolysing at least part of the monoglycerides and diglycerides with a lipase to form the corresponding free fatty acids; removing at least part of the free fatty acids after hydrolysis; and recovering a composition comprising a higher level of tocopherols and tocotrienols than are present in the product obtained from palm oil.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen beverages are described. The methods and articles generally include first and/or second frozen pellets. Upon mixing the frozen pellets with an appropriate liquid for a sufficient time, a frozen beverage is obtained. Articles of manufacture including frozen pellets, as well as optional objects such as straws, spoons, and mixing containers are disclosed. Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen pellets are also described.

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: Apparatus and method for forming beverages using a beverage cartridge and sonic energy. A cartridge may include a sonic receiver, such as a feature that extends into an interior space of the cartridge and is arranged to receive a sonic emitter that introduces sonic energy into the interior space. The sonic receiver may be excited by sonic energy, which causes the sonic receiver to itself introduce sonic energy into the cartridge.

Abstract: Present embodiments generally relate to a single-serve beverage cartridge for use with a single-serve coffee brewer. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a cup, a lid, and a single serving of instant coffee or another instant beverage component. In some embodiments, the cartridge is configured to be pierced by one or more piercing members, which can provide an opening for liquid to flow into and/or out of the cartridge. In certain instances, the cartridge includes an insert configured to facilitate mixing of the instant beverage component with the liquid. In some embodiments, the instant beverage component is compressed. In certain embodiments, the cartridge does not include a filter or a barrier configured to retain non-liquid matter within the cartridge.

Abstract: The dispenser is comprised of a first hollow body and a second hollow body. The second hollow body fits into the first hollow body. The second hollow body has a closure at the open end. The second hollow body is maintained in the first hollow body by means of an interference fit. There also is at least one vent between the first hollow body and the second hollow body. The second hollow body will contain a medicament. In use the first hollow body and the second hollow body are separated, the lid on the closure of the second hollow body opened and a tablet dispensed into the first hollow body. A liquid such as water is added to the first hollow body to dissolve the tablet. This dissolved medicament is ingested in the usual way and the second hollow body placed back into the first hollow body.

Abstract: A device for preparing a whipped food, including a container portion that contains a food component and that is configured for receiving a fluid for mixing with the food component to produce a fluid mixture. A film conditioning conduit is associated with the container portion to receive the fluid mixture with gas bubbles entrained therein as a food product. The conduit includes a restriction channel associated with the container portion downstream thereof to receive the food product. The restriction channel has a cross-section sufficiently small and a length sufficiently large to selectively feed bubbles in the food product that are smaller than a preselected maximum bubble size. The conduit also includes a deceleration channel and fluid communication with the restriction channel downstream thereof to receive the food product. The deceleration channel substantially reduces the flow speed of the food product.

Abstract: A viscous solution which serves as a catalyst or facilitator to apply any dry granular, flaked, shaved or powder substance (Spice), to the rim of plastic and glass drink-ware. To apply said Spice on drink-ware made from materials commonly used in the manufacture of drink-ware and used in widespread dining/drinking environments including; plastic, glass, porcelain, ceramic, paper, wax coated, etc., and to apply said Spice in a manner that permits a more evenly distributed Spice application that resists or reduces possible dripping down the drink-ware and protects the Spice from saturation or contamination from the Solution.

Abstract: Disposable bottle for supply of beverage, of special use for babies, with fastening means which externally attach the hermetic container to the body; said container is designed to hold liquid and has an upper element consisting in both a cup and a dispenser with the hermetic container detachably integrated in the interior thereof and consisting in a teat, the bottle being a feeding bottle, thereby covering the mouth of the body, characterised in that the body and upper part are disposable, for single use, and in addition having a hermetic container of reduced size which contains a dose of powder product for mixing with the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaged food product (1) comprising a soluble product (1), a package (2) with a cup (3) having cup inner walls (4) defining an internal volume of the cup, a cup bottom (5), a cup opening (6), characterized in that said cup (3) further comprises an opercule (7) that is at least partially detachably sealed to the surface of the inner walls (4) of the cup (3) by sealing means, so that a predetermined portion of the internal volume of the cup is closed, said product (1) being packed in said closed cup portion.

Abstract: An instant beverage product includes a disposable cup, a soluble ingredient disposed in a bottom portion of the disposable cup, and a sealing layer sealed at an inner surface of the disposable cup at the bottom portion thereof to seal and enclose the soluble ingredient in said disposable cup, wherein the sealing layer is removed from said disposable cup for a predetermined volume of water being added into the disposable cup to mix with the soluble ingredient to form an instant beverage. The instant beverage product is adapted to be stacked up with another instant beverage product when the bottom portion of said disposable cup is placed in the upper portion of another disposable cup through the top opening thereof to minimize a space for packing two or more the instant beverage products together.

Abstract: A microwaveable beverage pack comprising or including a free standing open top microwaveable container (with or without microwave shielding), having a piercable or removable lid that at least substantially closes the top of the container, and wherein said container contains a chilled or frozen composition microwaveable in the container to provide a hot foamed beverage. The container may include one or the other, or both of: (A) an opening as a vent, or an openable vent feature, in the container or lid, or both, to be above the level of the hot beverage composition and its foam in the free standing container, and/or (B) microwave shielding, integral with said container or as a separate apparatus, said microwave shielding to shield any of foam generated at the surface of the composition in the container when being microwaved.

Abstract: A device for preparing a whipped food, including a container portion that contains a food component and that is configured for receiving a fluid for mixing with the food component to produce a fluid mixture. A film conditioning conduit is associated with the container portion to receive the fluid mixture with gas bubbles entrained therein as a food product. The conduit includes a restriction channel associated with the container portion downstream thereof to receive the food product. The restriction channel has a cross-section sufficiently small and a length sufficiently large to selectively feed bubbles in the food product that are smaller than a preselected maximum bubble size. The conduit also includes a deceleration channel and fluid communication with the restriction channel downstream thereof to receive the food product. The deceleration channel substantially reduces the flow speed of the food product.

Abstract: A brew-in-the-cup disposable beverage assembly includes a cup and a beverage pouch containing a premeasured charge of beverage material. The pouch is packaged within an airtight bag to preserve the freshness of the beverage material until use. The beverage pouch rests on supporting structure extending inwardly from the cup sidewall supported in an upper region of the cup. An aroma enhancing substance is included in the beverage material. For use, the airtight bag is removed from the beverage pouch which is then placed on the supporting structure and liquid is poured onto the pouch to brew the beverage and drain into the cup.

Abstract: A portable beverage system is provided for allowing consumers to combine one or more portions of beverage or other concentrates with a liquid to form a drink. The system includes an inner storage container for the portions and an outer container for mixing the portions with a liquid. The portions may contain beverage concentrates, soup flavorings and spices, or nutritional additives, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals. Different portions may be provided with system, allowing consumers to make drinks customizable according to personal preferences. The portions may be provided in capsules, gelatin compositions, or other forms.

Abstract: The invention is a beverage device having a beverage pack, such as a bag containing substances to be added to flavor a liquid and a shield. The shield is connected to the pack and encapsulates the pack in the bottom of a cup. The shield has an open orientation which allows beverage pack steeping and a closed orientation. The shield can be made from two portions. A stick can be used to push the shield to the bottom of the cup and orient the shield in its closed orientation.

Abstract: A pre-loaded drinking cup includes a carbonate and acid-containing compacted soluble, dry, solid concentrate is preferably adhered, in pellet form, primarily to the inner bottom surface of a stackable, frustro-conical cup. A sugar-sweetened concentrate, including sugar, flavoring and coloring, may be melted and extruded into fibers, much like cotton candy. The acid particles and carbonate particles may then be mixed with the fibers and compacted into a laminar pellet, which may then be adhered to the bottom of the cup using a low temperature, moisture-free adhesive, such as a film of wax. Alternatively, a pellet is formed from alternating layers of acid particles, food material particles such as a sugar-flavoring or soup base, and carbonate particles. Each layer may be applied as an aqueous slurry and allowed to dry before the next layer is applied. For yet another embodiment of the invention, the dry ingredients are mixed with a binder, compacted into a pellet that is adhered to the bottom of the cup.

Abstract: A drinking cup system is disclosed that provides for the brewing of individual or group servings of a beverage utilizing an open, ingredient-supporting frame secured within the disposable drinking cup for holding a food substance such as instant beverage mix or flavoring. The frame is generally sized to support a quantity of the food substance proportioned to fully mix with a selected quantity of water or other mixing base to achieve a fully developed coffee brew or other mixture. For packaging purposes and according to the invention, the frame is adhered to, or alternatively integrally formed with the floor or lower wall portion of the drinking cup. According to another embodiment, the ingredient is loosely packaged or provided in tablet form to be received and secured under a sealing lid.

Abstract: A container for a dehydrated or otherwise concentrated product and for the hydrated/reconstituted product made therefrom has a first sheet section that forms the body of the container, a second sheet section that forms bottom of the container. The sheet is made from material containing at least 30% by weight a mineral based material.

Abstract: An agent-delivery system for dispensing active agents of choice into ingestible materials of choice. The agent-delivery system includes a component for retaining the agent, typically in an extract form, which component is directed by the user into contact with an ingestible material. The extract is preferably water-soluble so that it may be dissolved into a fluid, generally a beverage of choice. The agent-retaining component may be a straw, spoon, soluble film, cap interior, or other suitable substrate capable of holding the extract. The extract may be applied to the retaining component in any of a number of ways, including by ink-jet spray equipment, or hand brushing, for example. Barrier sealants may be used to isolate the extract from the beverage until such time as the user wishes to enhance the beverage through agent introduction.

Abstract: Ice is prepared by freezing a diluent, such as oolong tea, lemon water, green tea, mineral water, or pickled ume extract in water, and crushing the frozen diluent into lumps of varying sizes. The lumps are sprayed with water to bind them together and are refrozen under pressure in the form of multi-void ice blocks. The ice blocks are packaged in cups and sealed by a film cap. A plurality of cups containing the ice blocks are provided in a case.

Abstract: This invention relates to a disposable system for making portions of a hot beverage such as coffee or tea, comprising a porous filter designed to extend within a beverage container and having an upper region which is detachably coupled to the edge of the beverage container, whereby a predetermined quantity of solid beverage material can be placed within the filter, a predetermined quantity of liquid can be poured onto the beverage material, and the resulting liquid in the beverage container can steep with the solid beverage material within the filter, so that a desired portion of a beverage of a desired strength may be produced.

Abstract: A container to receive an infuser of the kind formed from a wall structure of plastic material incorporating a mesh, and a lid for covering the container when the infuser is contained therein, said container having side walling incorporating support means which is arranged to support the infuser while spaced from said side walling so as to enable air to flow round the infuser and the lid having at least one opening to permit air to flow within the container to promote drying.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a way to engage a used concentrate packet such as a tea bag in a drink container in which a liquid product was made from the concentrate without removing the packet from the container and without having to directly contact the packet. Thus, one need not wet his or her fingers or anything in the area of the container, and the used packet when engaged will not interfere with drinking of the liquid product. The packet is also isolated from the interior of the drink container to inhibit further infusion or dissolving of any concentrate remaining in the packet, thereby to control the strength or concentration of the liquid product without having to remove the packet from the container. In the preferred embodiment the holder defines a compartment into which the used packet may be moved to isolate the packet from the interior of the drink container so as to inhibit further concentrating the liquid product from any concentrate in the packet.

Abstract: A single cup disposable coffee brewing device foldable from a generally flat position to an unfolded position. The device has a coffee filter on the interior and a cardboard main body portion on the exterior and can be placed on top of a cup or mug. Coffee grounds are disposed in the filter and hot or cold water is poured into the unfolded device. The main body portion has a hole at bottom normally closed by a sealing element which dissolves after a predetermined period of time and allows brewed coffee to drip out into the mug or cup.

Abstract: A container (8) which includes a disposable cup (10) is shown, together with a coating (12) of food-grade antifoaming agent at the inner surface of the cup. A method of speeding filling of the container is disclosed which includes pouring a beverage that foams and forms a foam head when poured into the cup. Collapse of the foam head is accelerated by the antifoaming agent (12) to permit an increase in the filling rate of the cup without overflow.

Abstract: Thiosulfate in anhydrous form is added in minute quantities to beverages such as soft drinks, coffee and tea, or food mixes wherein tap water is added in quantities not greater than about two quarts and preferably not greater than about one quart, to neutralize or destroy chlorines or chloramines in the water, such neutralization or destruction taking place almost instantaneously and, in any event, in a length of time not greater than about twenty seconds or, for most beverages, not greater than about three seconds, depending upon the pH of the beverage or food. The thiosulfate may be added directly to the beverage or to the water by metering apparatus or may have been previously applied in metered quantities to filters for the beverages including tea bags or may be mixed with syrup, powder mix, instant coffees or teas, coffee grounds or tea leaves, or may be encapsulated with a food grade material which is readily dissolvable in water.

Abstract: A method and an assembly for brewing beverages in portions, such as freshly brewed coffee, in packages, where at first an outer cup is delivered to a filling means conveying the cup below successive ingredient delivering means and a water feeding means for filling the first outer cup with the desired liquid and corresponding flavorings. Then a filtering means places a second, inner cup on the surface of the liquid in the outer cup, whereupon the inner cup is pressed into the outer cup by means of a piston means. The inner cup comprises a bottom acting as a filter for the liquid. During the compressing of the two cups the liquid is enclosed in an air-tight space between the two cups, the volume of said space being gradually reduced during the compressing. This results in a filtering of the liquid in the outer cup upwards into the inside of the inner cup during the compressing. The residue is left between the two cups. The resulting package is then ready to be delivered.

Abstract: A self-expanding flexible pouch that can be used as the measuring device for reconstituting a concentrated product contained therein. The flexible pouch includes an extensible stay located in the throat area of the pouch that is biased toward a circular or elliptical configuration but initially held substantially flat in a stressed condition by the pouch's sealed top portion. When the pouch's top portion is removed, the extensible stay expands to its unstressed circular configuration and thereby expands and opens the pouch's throat area. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pouch's bottom section is provided with a pleated bottom gusset panel that is attached to the sidewall panels' inner surface. When the reconstituting fluid is poured into the pouch, the pouch's bottom gusset panel unfolds and drops downward which allows the pouch's bottom section to also expand and assume a substantially tubular configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to A filter for making portions of coffee or tea, comprising a substantially cup-shaped supporting vessel having a pouring-in opening at the top, a chamber for filling with liquid and having an outlet opening at the bottom, and a filter insert disposed in the supporting vessel above the outlet opening, wherein the filter insert (5) comprises a filter mat and extends approximately parallel to the inner wall of the supporting vessel and its periphery is connected to the supporting vessel (1) in the edge region of the pouring-in opening (2).

Abstract: A container providing for the storage of a pressurized fluid, such as a carbonated beverage, and having a separate compartment therein for the segregated storage of a second material, such as a flavoring for the beverage. The arrangement is responsive to a rapid drop in pressure which occurs in the container upon opening thereof to automatically cause the release of the second material from the compartment and dispensing thereof into the fluid stored in the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for gettering semiconductor devices. A getter layer of amorphous or microcrystalline silicon is applied to the device. The so coated device is thermally treated and the getter layer is removed.

Abstract: Carbonated aqueous liquids can be prepared at ambient pressure with activiated charcoals containing adsorbed carbon dioxide and a coating of a small organic compound such as a di or tricarboxylic acid, a C.sub.10 -C.sub.18 fatty acid or a monocyclic terpene or related compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a regular coffee set which is simple to use and portable. It comprises a dripper body of approximately conical shape having an opening on its bottom, a cylindrical case having an opening corresponding to the above opening and a coffee cup to be fitted for a lowermost periphery of the cylindrical case. There is formed a heat insulating space between the dripper body and the cylindrical case. The dripper body is provided at its nearly whole side with a plurality of grooves and the lowermost periphery of the cylindrical case is provided with a corrugated portion so as to be well-fitted for an uppermost periphery of the coffee cup. By inserting the dripper body into the cylindrical case, a dripping container is formed and placed upon the coffee cup.

Abstract: Rapidly water-disintegrable tablet is provided comprising an active ingredient such as a foodstuff or medicament, and distributed therewithin a small but effective amount of a tablet disintegrable system comprising an unreacted, intimate mixture of alginic acid and a water soluble metal carbonate in proportions reactive to form metal alginic acid salt and carbonic acid when the tablet is placed in water, the bulk of the salt acting to swell the tablet and the carbonic acid acting to simultaneously release carbon dioxide within the swelling tablet whereby rapid disintegration of the tablet is effected.

Abstract: A container providing for the storage of a pressurized fluid, such as a carbonated beverage, and having a separate compartment therein for the segregated storage of a second material, such as a flavoring for the beverage. The arrangement is responsive to a rapid drop in pressure which occurs in the container upon opening thereof to automatically cause the release of the second material from the compartment and dispensing thereof into the fluid stored in the container.

Abstract: An improved concentrate for pre-loaded dispenser cups whose contents are diluted with water prior to use wherein the concentrate includes a non-volatile, water miscible liquid or powdered solid wetting agent. Glycerine is a suitable liquid wetting agent. Polyethylene glycol 20M is a suitable powdered solid wetting agent. The concentrate may be placed in the cup either as a slurry of solids in a liquid, as a powdered solid, or as a powdered solid adhered to a layer of gelatin contained in the cup.

Abstract: A drinking cup and container for a beverage concentrate is made by shaping a piece of thin plastic film on a shaped form by a vacuum to form a shaped lining including one or more compartments, positioning a beverage concentrate or the like in said compartments and sealingly affixing an inverted expendible cup thereover and releasing said assembly from said shaped form.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for enclosing a filter bag, filled with a portion of coffee powder and provided with at least one moving wall and a handle for producing a pump-like action driving a current of water transversely through the filter bag.

Abstract: An arrangement for carbonating a beverage over an extended period of time through the addition of water or beverage liquid base to a powdered or dry carbonate and acid located in a pressure chamber. A permeable surface of the chamber allows a small quantity of water to enter and initiate a chemical reaction generating gaseous carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide will exit the chamber and carbonate the beverage. A resultant pressure drop in the chamber will permit the entry of more water to generate more carbon dioxide until the pressure is balanced, with the sequence being repetitive. A flavoring chamber containing flavor powder may be superimposed on the pressure chamber to effect admixing of the flavoring and liquid concurrent with carbonation. The pressure chamber, and flavoring chamber, may be formed integrally with a container, or may consist of a separate unit adapted to be placed in a container to which water or liquid base is then added.

Abstract: A coffee cup and container for a beverage concentrate comprises an expendible cup and a plastic film liner therefor positioning the beverage concentrate between the liner and the cup bottom. The liner overlaps the rim of the cup and is attached thereto so as to form a convenient easily handled section enabling the liner to be removed when the beverage concentrate is to be used as by adding water thereto.

Abstract: A beverage package cup is described. The cup includes a disposable drinking cup body having a lower portion containing a dry beverage ingredient. A removable cap hermetically seals the beverage ingredient in the lower portion of the cup body. The lower portion of the cup body also includes a plurality of inwardly directed internal lugs for preventing excessive inward displacement of a second cup stacked inside the first.

Abstract: A moulded plastics drinking cup for use in beverage vending machines and intended to contain powdered solid water-soluble or dispersible ingredients has a bottom formed as an upwardly directed cuspidal cone extending from the central region of the cup bottom to the sidewall without discontinuity. This shaping confers a desirable flow pattern on hot liquid injected into the cup in the machine and avoids mixing problems incurred with prior art cup bottoms. The conical form need not be complete but may be truncated to give a relatively flat central region that may be planar or domed. The bottom and side wall are preferably interconnected by a bevelled shoulder.

Abstract: A drinking cup that has a hollow or false bottom that includes a quantity of medicine or comestible thereon, the bottom adapted to be broken to release the same for introduction into the drinking cup for subsequent mixing with water, a drinking straw forms a part of the rupturable bottom of the cup.

Abstract: Beverage carbonation devices employing carbon dioxide-containing molecular sieves. Upon contact with aqueous solutions carbon dioxide is released from such molecular sieves and thereupon dissolves in the liquid to provide a carbonated beverage.