Abstract: An apparatus is described herein related to remote monitoring of perishable trade items in environmentally-controlled storage containers. Relevant changes in the container environment are detected through various sensors-based event detectors. A timer serves to trigger a plurality of distinct alert states, comprising pre-alerts and full alerts, following an event-initiated time threshold expiry. A data repository of generic merchandise data is accessed in order to derive suitable timer pre-sets in relation to time thresholds for alert states. An account configuration engine serves to customize the threshold presets to the specific items stored inside the container.

Abstract: A printer and corresponding method of printing an image on a surface of a plurality of food products by providing a system having a printer with an extendable and retractable receiving arm and a movable food product delivery tray for continuously and automatically providing delivery of unprinted food products which are retracted into the printer, printed on, and returned by the receiving arm to the rotatable delivery tray and the tray further moves to deliver subsequent food products for printing. A motorized base spaced apart from the printer supports the delivery tray during and printing processes.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, systems and devices are provided in which zeolite particles, preferably of silicon and aluminum, are used as desiccants. In embodiments a plurality of zeolite particles are provided that are less than 1 mm in size. The particles may be arrayed such that at least some of the plurality of particles are spaced apart from each other and may be arrayed in rows and columns. Embodiments provide the particles are useful or removing water under ambient conditions and in removing water from air or material and in an embodiment removing water from plant material, such as harvested crop material, or where the dried air is contacted with plant material. Microwave radiation may be used to efficiently and in a cost effective manner dehydrate the rehydrated particles.

Abstract: A humidity controlling cap device utilizing a base member forming a recess and being detachable to a container. A carrier element having moisture regulating material lies in the recess and an air circulating cover encloses the carrier element within the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sharing capsule image data and beverage preparation parameters, from one or more beverage preparation machines with a remote computer system via a network, such as the Internet, is disclosed. The remote computer system may process the capsule image data to determine characteristics of the capsule (e.g., a type of capsule, such as a brand, or beverage ingredients in the capsule), thereby relieving the beverage preparation from having to determine information about the capsule. The remote computer may track a user's consumption of capsules, may compare this value to the user's past capsule purchase history, and may determine if the user's supply of capsules is below a threshold value (e.g., below a week's worth of capsules).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a consumable recognition system for recognizing placement and/or type of consumable containing a food substance for the preparation of a beverage by use of a beverage dispenser. To enable the recognition of placement and/or type of consumable in a simple, foolproof and easily implementable way an embodiment of the system comprises a light source (31, 301, 311, 321, 331, 341) for emitting light (35) to the consumable (4a, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90), a light sensor (32 302, 312, 322, 332, 342) for sensing light (36) reflected from a reflection element (42, 52, 63, 73, 83, 93) of the consumable to obtain a sensor signal, wherein the sensor signal depends on the position, orientation, fluorescence, phosphorescence and/or polarization characteristic of said reflection element, and a signal processor (33) for recognizing placement and/or type of consumable based on said sensor signal.

Abstract: A sterilization package includes a first package layer and a second package layer coupled to the first package layer with a perimeter seal extending around a portion of the sterilization package to define a pouch having a proximal end and a distal end. A first sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer exterior of the pouch and a second sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer interior of the pouch. The first and second sterilization indicia are multi-parameter sterilization indicia configured to be responsive to a sterilization process such that the first and second sterilization indicia undergo a visual change to a desired ending color when the package is subjected to complete multi-parameter sterilization conditions.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide compositions containing vegetable oils and an anti-oxidant system to prevent oxidation of the triglycerides in the vegetable oil in food products, in particular in products which are often stored for a long time. The antioxidant system should not give an undesired colour, and neither an undesired taste, to a food composition. Additionally, it should be a natural compound and/or common food ingredient, and fitting to the food composition with regard to taste and colour. This has been achieved by providing a food composition containing vegetable oil and apple cider vinegar, wherein the weight ratio of citric acid and malic acid to total organic acids in the apple cider vinegar is more than 2%.

Abstract: An indicator includes a substrate, a two-dimensional barcode symbol provided on the substrate, a space on the substrate surrounding the barcode symbol, and a historical environmental condition indicator on the substrate. The two-dimensional barcode symbol may be printed on the substrate, preferably in a rectangular, and more preferably in a square configuration. The two-dimensional barcode is printed preferably in black and white and more preferably according to a certain standard. The space on the substrate surrounding the barcode symbol has four quadrants. Additionally, the historical environmental condition indicator is preferably a historical temperature indicator, which occupies space on the substrate in at least two of the four quadrants. The historical environmental condition indicator preferably occupies three and more preferably occupies four of the four quadrants.

Abstract: A packaging device incorporating a breathable peel/reseal film and enabling a preservation process for allowing for the distribution, storage and multiple servings of a food product, particularly perishable food product(s), and initiating and controlling the transmission rates, respiration rates or deterioration of the perishable food product(s) and thereby, maintaining good internal and external food quality and normal development of flavor and aroma characteristics. The packaging device includes a plurality of atmospheric control attributes that modulates or controls the atmosphere within the packaging device as the food product(s) respire in order to promote the extended shelf-life of the food product and the maintenance of the quality and desirable marketable characteristics of the food product.

Abstract: An insulated HVAC duct component such as a transition box includes a first insulation layer and a second, different insulation layer. The transition box includes at least four sidewalls and one of a top and a back wall, the transition box further including a first access port and a second access port, the first access port having a different cross section than the second access port, one of the access ports being spaced from a nearest sidewall by less than 2 inches. The first insulation layer is located along an inside surface of the box. The second different insulation layer overlies the first insulation layer, the second different insulation layer having an air impervious surface, wherein the combined thickness of the first insulation layer and the second different insulation layer is less than 2 inches.

Abstract: The present device is a themed dessert having a theme for use with a peeled banana to encourage the consumption of bananas. The themed dessert includes a holding sheet with at least one edible strip removably disposed on the holding sheet. The edible strip is configured to be placed on and wrapped around a portion of a peeled banana to give the peeled banana the appearance of a themed character. The themed character may be partially formed by the shape of each edible strip and partially formed by edible ink printed on each edible strip. A themed shaped cake supports the peeled banana and the cake may include such shapes as a banana, taco shell, or hotdog bun. The themed dessert may include at least one themed dessert topping, such as hotdog condiments or taco toppings.

Abstract: A method for sanitary beverage can packaging incorporates a plastic sanitation sheet between the tops of the beverage cans and a plastic can retainer. The sanitation sheet covers the tops of the cans, protecting them from dust and overhead spills. Some embodiments use a watertight or airtight seal of the sanitation sheet around the can rim. Some embodiments include visible indicators of seal breakage or direct contamination, using moisture or oxygen detection. Some indicators create a hole in the sanitation sheet. Other indicators provide visible warning text or symbols. The sheet and indicators provide both actual contaminant protection and visible indication of contamination. Embodiments include the plastic sanitation sheet, integration with beverage cans, and a method for use in providing assured sanitary cans to consumers.

Abstract: An improved s'more-like food product allows the user to achieve the same taste profile as a conventional s'mores food product while greatly simplifying the preparation of the food product by the user. The improved s'more-like food product is pre-made such that the marshmallow element effectively “overwraps” the chocolate and graham cracker elements. This configuration provides a replica of a plain marshmallow, which is its aesthetic feature. That is, it looks like a traditional plain marshmallow which provides the consumer with some familiarity. However, this configuration is also functional in that it effectively eliminates mess during eating and provides a ready-to-heat product in a pre-made fashion which simplifies preparation of the s'more-like food product by the user. Edible wraps or cups can also be utilized to further enhance the eating experience and other flavors and other color variations for the food product can be provided depending on consumer preference.

Abstract: A method for a mammal to remove toxins from the mammal's system, the method includes the steps of providing instructions for the mammal to ingest a set of substances periodically according to a set of instructions and to practice a set of wellness regimen periodically. The set of instructions comprises instructing the mammal to periodically ingest a predetermined amount of a rejuvenating substances providing the mammal with support of antioxidant activity, cytokine balance, detoxification, gastrointestinal and liver health; a predetermined amount of soluble dietary fiber substances; a predetermined amount of grasses; a predetermined amount of an antioxidant substances providing the mammal with support of antioxidant activities; predetermined amount of omega fatty acid substances and a predetermined amount of green tea.

Abstract: A food delivery system includes a wrapper, a top bun, a beef patty, a slice of cheese, and a bottom bun. The beef patty has a bottom surface that is adjacent to a bottom portion of an internal surface of the wrapper. The slice of cheese is melted between a bottom surface of the top bun and a top surface of the beef patty. The bottom bun has a bottom surface that is adjacent to a top surface of the top bun and a top surface that is adjacent to a top portion of the internal surface of the wrapper. The wrapper is wrapped to form an enclosed package containing in sequential order the bottom bun, the top bun, the slice of cheese, and the beef patty.

Abstract: The system and method for providing dynamic and static information on a label relating to a sealed package for cooking. The dynamic information can include data about the contents of the package which can include spoiling events or thawing which can impact the further processing of the contents, wherein the contents of the label can be used by itself and or with a user selected ready time to control the cooking of the sealed package.

Abstract: A preservation system for storage and logistic transport of nutritional substances. The preservation system obtains information about the nutritional substance to be preserved, senses and measures the external environment to the preservation system, senses and measures the internal environment to the preservation system, senses and measures the state of the nutritional substance, and stores such information throughout the period of preservation. Using this accumulated information, the preservation system can measure, or estimate, changes in nutritional content (usually degradation) during the period of preservation. Additionally, the preservation system can use this information to dynamically modify the preservation system to minimize detrimental changes to the nutritional content of the nutritional substance, and in some cases actually improve the nutritional substance attributes.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the selection of a pet food based on the nutrient sources. A first pet food product and a second pet food product can be provided. Each pet food product can be put in a package and each package can have a primary nutrient source region with protein source indicia and a secondary nutrient region with secondary nutrient source indicium. The protein source indicia on the first and second package can be different. The primary source region and the secondary source region can comprise great than about 50% of the area of the front side of the package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule includes first and second covering walls connected at a peripheral seam for forming a cavity containing a beverage ingredient, and a contactless element for identifying the capsule by detecting means of a beverage producing device. The identifying element is oriented along its longer dimension substantially orthogonally relative to the transversal plane passing along the seam of the capsule.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus for laser marking individual objects with indicia at a marking station wherein a predetermined window exists during which each object can be marked as the objects are conveyed along at least one path at a predetermined speed, the apparatus comprising, at least first and second lasers positioned adjacent one or more paths configured to direct a laser beam onto the objects to mark the same with indicia as the objects pass through the marking station, with each of the first and second lasers marking alternate following objects as they pass through the marking station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a pet food product for a pet, in which pet-specific information is provided and processed, a set of pet-specific food compositions is created from the processed information on the basis of the processed pet-specific information, and a pet food product is produced on the basis of the set of pet-specific food compositions. According to the invention, the pet food product consists of a combination of a plurality of rations, each having an assigned time.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a beverage packaging configuration whereby mix and base beverages are packaged in a single package, and the base beverage containers are not filled completely with the base beverage. The space within each base beverage container remaining above the base beverage volume provides space in the base container for the correct proportion of at least one mix beverage to be poured into the base beverage container to create a reproducible mixed drink. One exemplary embodiment provides for a single mix beverage container which contains a volume of mix beverage equally divisible between the volume remaining in a plurality of base beverage containers. Another exemplary embodiment includes more than one mix beverage container which may contain different mix beverages.

Abstract: A “smart sticker” employing nanotechnology for determining the current state of raw meat for safe human consumption is provided. The sticker indicates the quality to the consumer by providing a color changing indicator on the sticker. The sticker employs carbon nanoparticles containing iron, which are placed on an underside portion of the sticker in contact with the raw meat. The nanoparticles serve as “bait” for the harmful bacteria. When pathogenic bacteria sense the presence of iron, it produces certain molecules to sequester the iron. Those molecules move to the area where the iron is present in the sticker, which can then determine the amount of pathogenic bacteria present in the meat by way of a chemical reaction with a particular ink containing a novel additive, which reacts with the molecules secreted by the pathogens. Once this interaction occurs, the ink changes color from, for example, blue to yellow.

Abstract: Baking kit systems and methods, and in particular, baking kit teaching systems and methods are described. in some examples, a baking kit system includes: a plurality of discretely packaged ingredients in packets configured to be mixed together into a baking mixture, the packets including lower concentration ingredient packets and higher concentration ingredient packets (being respectively of lower and higher concentrations in the baking mixture); a container for retaining the ingredient packets; and a set of instructions providing steps for combining and baking the contents of the ingredient packets. In some further examples, the packets each include an indicium and the set of instructions provides steps for combing the contents of the ingredient packets according to the indicia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting and. recovering nucleic acids. This method may be applied in a verification method of products using molecular code systems or it may be applied in a storage method for nucleic acids. The invention further provides specific particles, their use in secure marking; products suitable for such verification method, to processes for manufacturing such products and methods for reading the information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a marking for an article, item or substrate. The marking comprises a printable code, at least a part of which is covered by a chiral liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) layer, and further preferably including an intermediate layer including a distribution of flakes, to provide readable information of at least two different types on the article.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a two component beverage using a container having two compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment, each containing a beverage ingredient, The upper compartment contains a first beverage ingredient, such as powdered milk, and the lower compartment 8 contains a second beverage ingredient, such as instant coffee. The upper compartment can be stacked above the lower compartment such that access to the lower compartment is through the upper compartment.

Abstract: A system and method for a beverage container configured to test for a contaminated beverage in the beverage container comprises a base of the beverage container, an upper portion of the beverage container, and a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface that extends from the base to the upper portion, and a testing material. A portion of the beverage container is the testing material configured to visibly react when the portion of the beverage container is contacted with the contaminated beverage.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses edible carriers for foods that are soft but still hold a preformed shape. Specifically encompassed are soft shaped tortilla products that can be used to hold food fillings. Exemplary shapes and sizes are provided for the products. Also encompassed are methods of making, packaging, and using the products.

Abstract: The invention provides molded products having particulates and a method and device for applying particulates to the surface of the molded products. In a general aspect, the molded product comprises an undistorted three-dimensional design and has particulates that do not distort the shape of the three-dimensional design. The molded product can be made by a method comprising filling a mold in a die roll with one or more particulates, filling the mold with a dough, compressing the dough into the mold, and releasing the compressed dough from the mold to form the molded product.

Abstract: An imprinted lollipop has one or more symbols imprinted on the stick portion of the lollipop and one or more symbols imprinted on the candy portion of the lollipop. The candy portion may be covered with an opaque or partially opaque wrapping to mask the imprint on the candy portion.

Abstract: Embodiments pertain to a method of attracting and/or feeding one or more animals, including game, wildlife, deer, whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus), moose, elk, antelope, goats, cows, horses, turkey, birds, raccoons, chipmunks, donkeys, elephants, possum, squirrels, rabbits, mice, and buffalo. Embodiments relate to a nutritional food source (feed) and/or attractant that incorporates one or more of the following: whole chestnuts; chestnut kernels and/or kernel pieces; and ground chestnut flour. Embodiments incorporate chestnut flour and one or more of the following: whole chestnuts; chestnut kernels; and kernel pieces. Specific embodiments incorporate one or more of the following: whole chestnuts; chestnut kernels; kernel pieces, and incorporate less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.9%, less than 0.8%, less than 0.7%, less than 0.6%, and/or less than 0.5% chestnut flour.

Abstract: A resealable package integrity closure includes a film layer forming a top of a container and a flap defining an access opening. A sealing panel completely covers the flap of the film layer. A releasable adhesive is provided on either or both the film layer and the sealing panel for adhering the sealing panel to the film layer. The sealing panel is releasable from the film layer by pulling the sealing panel back in a peeling direction and reclosable against the top to seal the access opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the top. A coating of transferable material is provided on either the sealing panel or on the film layer, which is transferable therebetween to provide a visual indication that the closure has been previously opened.

Abstract: A frozen pizza preparation package and method where the package incorporates a frozen pizza, microwave-crisping sequence instructions that instruct sequential steps of heating the frozen pizza in a microwave oven followed by crisping the crust upon a stovetop heat source, disposable crisping means that allow crisping on a stovetop without having to clean a pan, a substantially flat transfer element that is one of a transfer substrate or a combination transfer substrate and disposable crisping means. The package provides for rapid and convenient preparation of a frozen pizza with a more crisp crust than with present frozen pizzas.

Abstract: A novel system, machines and consumables, and method for preparation of cooled edible products from their ingredients, e.g. in a portioned amount constituting a defined number of servings which may be 1, 2, 3, etc. are provided. One example of such an edible product is ice cream.

Abstract: An optically readable code support (30) to be associated with or be part of a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device, the support comprising at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation, wherein the symbols are essentially formed of a succession of light reflective surface portions (610-615) and light absorbing surface portions (600-604); said light absorbing surface portions providing a lower light-reflective intensity than the light-reflective surface portions, wherein the code support comprises at least one base layer (500) extending continuously at least along said sequence of symbols, wherein the light-absorbing surface portions are roughened surface portions having a higher rugosity (Rz) than the light-reflective surface portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optically readable code support to be associated with or part of a capsule indented for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule. The support comprises at least one sequence of symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation. The symbols are at least partly formed of surfaces arranged to reflect mainly diffusively, in any direction forming an angle comprised between 3° and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface, any incoming beam of light with an incoming direction forming an angle comprise between 0 and 10° with respect to a normal of said surface.

Abstract: Provided herein are gluten-free dry mix compositions, gluten-free and gluten-reduced food products, and methods for making said food products.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a two component beverage using a container having two compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment, each containing a beverage ingredient. The upper compartment contains a first beverage ingredient, such as powdered milk, and the lower compartment 8 contains a second beverage ingredient, such as instant coffee. The upper compartment can be stacked above the lower compartment such that access to the lower compartment is through the upper compartment.

Abstract: A multi-component packaging system includes a lower containing assembly, an upper containing assembly, and a cover. The lower containing assembly defines an interior cavity that is adapted to receive a first food component. The upper containing assembly defines an interior that is adapted to receive a second food component. The upper containing assembly is adapted for engagement with the lower containing assembly. The cover is engaged with at least one of the lower containing assembly and the upper containing assembly. The cover includes a passage portion that defines a plurality of apertures.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of using these compositions to improve the taste, aroma and quality of wine. The compositions are aqueous solutions containing gelatin having a concentration of about 45 g/L to about 55 g/L, gum Arabic having a concentration of about 92 g/L to about 112 g/L and copper sulfate having a concentration of about 0.014 g/L to about 0.018 g/L or ascorbic acid having a concentration of about 223 g/L to about 273 g/L and gum Arabic having a concentration of about 46 g/L to about 56 g/L or gelatin having a concentration of 42 g/L to about 52 g/L, gum Arabic having a concentration of about 86 g/L to about 106 g/L, ascorbic acid having a concentration of about 9.9 g/L to about 11 g/L and potassium metabisulfite having a concentration of about 12 g/L to about 15 g/L. When added to a glass of wine, or in larger volumes to a bottle or cask of wine, it improves the taste by reducing the bitterness and acidity.

Abstract: A packaging laminate for a retortable packaging container which comprises a paper or paperboard layer and outer, liquid-tight, heat-resistant layers of plastic on both sides of the paper or paperboard layer. Between the paper or paperboard layer and the outer plastic layer, the packaging laminate has at least one additional layer of a material possessing tightness properties vis-à-vis gases. In order to improve the preconditions for providing the packaging laminate with decorative artwork of printing ink with good print quality, the paper or paperboard layer has, on its one side, a printable coating of pigment and binder or adhesive, and on its other side a coating of starch.

Abstract: An optically readable code support (30) to be associated with or be part of a capsule indented for delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule, the support comprising at least one sequence of binary symbols represented on the support so that each symbol is sequentially readable by a reading arrangement of an external reading device while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation, wherein the binary symbols are essentially formed of light reflective surfaces (400-403) and light absorbing surfaces (410-414).

Abstract: A capsule is provided with a body defining an interior space having an opening. A filter is disposed in the interior space to define an ingredients chamber. Ingredients are disposed in the ingredients chamber and a cover is disposed over the opening to seal the interior space. A messaging system is provided with the capsule to provide a desired message.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying electromagnetic energy to an object in a first energy application zone via at least one radiating element is disclosed. The apparatus may include at least one processor configured to cause the at least one radiating element to apply energy to the energy application zone at two or more MSEs; and adjust energy supplied to the at least one radiating element to follow changes in an MSE-dependent parameter, in absence of feedback from the energy application zone regarding the MSE-dependent parameter, based on data having been collected during energy application in a second energy application zone before the object is placed in the first energy application zone.

Abstract: Artisan food packages and methods of packaging are described. The artisan food package includes an artisan food product cut into individualized portions and packaged in a manner to maximize freshness and shelf life. It is further handled and shipped in a way to further protect the product's freshness and shelf life. The systems and methods provide advantages in that the purchaser can receive an artisan food product that is typically only served in bulk quantities. This allows the purchaser to enjoy products that may not be practical to purchase in bulk quantities due to spoilage. Additionally, the systems and methods provide the purchaser with the option to diversify and purchase several different artisan food products in small, individualized portions simultaneously without incurring the significant costs associated with purchasing bulk quantities of all of the artisan food products separately.

Abstract: A method of making a flavored beverage includes combining water and a plurality of flavor compounds in an amount sufficient to impart the flavor of a wine, a whiskey or a beer. A kit for making a flavored beverage can include a plurality of flavor compounds, a quantity of yeast, a quantity of sugar and a container.

Abstract: A system and method for a beverage container configured to test for a contaminated beverage in the beverage container comprises a base of the beverage container, an upper portion of the beverage container, and a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface that extends from the base to the upper portion, and a testing material. A portion of the beverage container is the testing material configured to visibly react when the portion of the beverage container is contacted with the contaminated beverage.