Abstract: A frozen pizza preparation package and method includes a frozen prebaked pizza crust, pizza toppings, microwave-crisping sequence instructions that instruct sequential steps of heating the frozen prebaked pizza crust and pizza toppings in a microwave oven followed by crisping the crust using a crisping appliance, and a unifying container incorporating the frozen prebaked pizza crust, pizza toppings and the sequence instructions.

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 frozen pizza preparation package and method includes a prebaked frozen pizza, microwave-crisping sequence instructions that instruct sequential steps of heating the prebaked frozen pizza in a microwave oven followed by crisping the crust using a crisping appliance, and a unifying container incorporating the prebaked frozen pizza and the sequence instructions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to improved packaging combinations for the snack industry in particular. One such packaging combination includes a first package in which is stored a food item, and a second package, in which is stored a wipe, where at least a first surface of the second package includes an advertisement which is the same as the advertisement on the first package, the second package being attached to the first package by glue. In an alternate embodiment, the packages are connected edge to edge via a perforated seal aimed to facilitate easy detachment. In one aspect, a key feature is the morphing of the second package which does not contain a food item into almost an exact replica of the main package which does contain a food item, and which therefore serves as a mini replica.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided that comprises a housing. The housing is configured to maintain a pouch within the housing. The cartridge comprises a top and a bottom. The cartridge comprises at least one top mating member at the top of the cartridge and at least one bottom mating member at the bottom of the cartridge. The at least one top mating member is asymmetric with the at least one bottom mating member. Each mating member is configured to match with a corresponding mating member of a cartridge frame or rack.

Abstract: The present invention provides refined roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 10 to 30 and a hydroxyhydroquinone content of not higher than 30 mg/kg by contacting an aqueous solvent with raw material roasted coffee beans. The invention also provides a process for producing refined roasted coffee beans, which includes contacting raw material roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 12 to 35, with coffee bean-derived extract-containing water selected from water containing an extract derived from roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 40 or more and water containing an extract derived from raw coffee beans.

Abstract: A chocolate confection has a surface that is coated to absorb an edible dye, the surface of the chocolate confection having a coarse sugar coating formed from one or more layers of a first solution having a high sugar to water ratio and a finish sugar coating applied over the coarse sugar coating and formed from one or more layers of a second solution having a low sugar to water ratio.

Abstract: A labelling system includes a dispensing apparatus to present respective cut and opened sleeves of shrink-wrap label stock material for insertion of claws of crustaceans, and a heating apparatus to apply heat to the sleeves to shrink the sleeves around the claws. A related method includes inserting a claw of a crustacean into a sleeve of shrink-wrap label stock material, and applying heat to the sleeve to shrink the sleeve around the claw. Another method involves providing a dispensing apparatus to present respective cut and opened sleeves of shrink-wrap label stock material to receive claws of crustaceans, and providing a heating apparatus to apply heat to the sleeves to shrink the sleeves around the claws. A seafood product may include a crustacean having a claw, the claw carrying a shrink-wrap label.

Abstract: A food safety device for placement on a product is disclosed. The food safety device comprises one or more sensors that measure at least one condition of the product and/or its environment, one or more visual indicators that are configured to display a visual indication of freshness and/or safety of the product. An antenna transmits and receives data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product. A logic module executes programmable logic to determine the freshness and/or safety of the product from the at least one measured condition of the product, to cause the one or more visual indicators to display a visual indication of the freshness and/or safety it determines, and to transmit and receive data regarding the at least one measured condition of the product and the freshness and/or safety of the product via the antenna.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adhesive labels for use in food safety labeling systems and methods of using the adhesive labels to enhance food safety and food rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a marked meat product. In order to provide a novel method for producing a marked meat product, which makes it possible to produce different marked meat products in a simple manner, wherein the enjoyment of consuming the meat products is not mitigated by the mark thereon, it is proposed with this invention that initially, an edible film is imprinted with food coloring. Subsequently, the imprinted film is applied to a quantity of meat, and finally, the meat, with the film applied thereto, is cooked.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to tracer particles for product identification and/or authentication. When incorporated into a manufactured item, that item can be subsequently authenticated by either detecting, or failing to detect, the tracer particle. The tracer particles of the invention are magnetically attractable, with micromarkings, and in some embodiments, are manufactured with food grade materials and of a particle size suitable for ingestion by humans. The particles can be analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for the manufacture of the tracer particles, and in other aspects, provides methods for using the particles. Examples of products that can be tagged using the tracer particles of the invention include pharmaceuticals, animal feeds or feed supplements, and baby formula. Other applications include forensics, such as in explosive materials.

Abstract: A disposable container for use with a system for dispensing a predetermined amount of a liquid. The container is filled with a dry beverage or the like and sealed, and has printed thereon using a metallic ink a plurality of lines or rings, each configured to generate a distinctive response to an imposed electromagnetic signal as a data bit detectable by a sensor proximate to the container. The sensor outputs to a processor a plurality of bits as a series of sequential bits. The processor initiates an action based on the sequence of bits.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a beverage production machine (1, 110), a beverage production method, and a container (30, 122) for a product that is to be filled into a beverage production machine (1, 110). The invention aims to improve the hygiene of beverage production. By wirelessly reading out identification information and shelf-life information from an RFID tag (31, 123) in a container (30, 122) by an RFID reader (4, 121) of a beverage production machine (1, 110) can be ensured that only known products are used for the production of beverages, and only products that have not yet reached their expiration date. The invention further delegates the monitoring of the shelf-life of a product to the beverage production machine (1, 110), thus makes it more convenient to operate, particularly to refill.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for actively releasing food additives to deliver aromatic compounds to consumers during food or drink consumption. The food additives may be contained within an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer may be configured to release the food additives in response to being exposed to energy provided by an activation source proximate to the food additives. The activation source may be incorporated into, or connected with, an eating utensil or an oral implant. The activation source can be manually controlled by a consumer, can be controlled based on conditions near the food additives, or can be programmed with a release schedule that defines how and when food additives are to be released.

Abstract: A package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows. The eggs are arranged in the package so that a long axis of each egg in the package is tilted toward the back of the package so as to be at least slightly offset from vertical. In some embodiments, each of the eggs in the package may have information laser marked on it in substantially the same location as the other eggs in the package, and the eggs may be oriented in the package such that information marked on each egg faces substantially the same direction as the information marked on the other eggs in the package.

Abstract: A packaging method for solid, liquid and dry-powdered comestibles to mitigate a condition of human fatigue among others, with a gauging means including a portion of the container permitting a user to portion a quantity of comestible according to an estimated time-duration for biological activity for the quantity of comestible once it is ingested.

Abstract: A system for managing the fluid intake of a person is disclosed. The system consists of multiple containers of various volumes, a common lid configured to incorporate a flow control valve, multiple flow control valves having varying flow rates, a date indicator ring incorporated circumferentially on said containers, a content indicator disposed on said lid, a chiller insert, and an optional slip on handle. The user selects a container based on the fluid needs of a person and a flow control valve based on the drinking ability of the person. The user fills the container with a drinkable fluid, and indicates the nature of the contents with the content indicator and the date of filling with the date indicator ring. The chiller insert allows the user to cool the contents without the possibility of dilution as with standard ice cubes.

Abstract: A sleeve is disclosed for adornment and decoration of a baked good, including reshaping, to produce an appearance other than that of the original baked good. The sleeve may be constructed of a mineral-based substrate including a graphic on an outer surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns freezable dairy compositions comprising milk, processes for making such compositions and for freezing them, and their uses. The composition has an overrun of from 25% to 150%.

Abstract: Oxygen sensors and their uses are disclosed, and more particularly to oxygen sensors for use in product packaging for storing an article in a packaging envelope under modified atmosphere conditions wherein the oxygen sensors comprise solid oxo-hydroxy metal ion materials, optionally modified with one or more ligands and/or optionally having polymeric structures. The sensors may be present in a hydrated, oxygen permeable matrix, for example formed from a material, such as gelatine. The sensors are useful in many technical fields, and find particular application in the field of food packaging as they are safely disposable (e.g. are environmentally friendly), cheap to manufacture, and provide detectable changes in the presence of oxygen that are easy to read.

Abstract: An improved package for heating dry food products is provided. The present invention allows a dry food product to be heated in a microwave oven. The package has barrier properties and at least a portion of an outer surface that is water absorbent, so that the food package may be wetted prior to being heated in the microwave in order to prevent burning of the food products inside.

Abstract: The apparatus (100) includes a die head (118) for extruding a main comestible material to form an extrudate body. A plurality of nozzles (160, FIG. 7) is located within the die head for introducing a comestible fluid into the extrudate body to form a plurality of filled capillaries. A control system (182) is capable of selectively connecting at least one of the nozzles to any one of at least two different fluid filling sources (150A, 15 OB). The control system may be capable of connecting each of the nozzles independently to different fluid sources or the nozzles may be arranged into two or more groups of flu idly interconnected nozzles that can each be independently switched between different fluid sources. The apparatus can be used to form products in which the fillings in the capillaries are varied or in which an image is formed in cross section. The apparatus can also be used to switch production between products having different fillings without stopping extrusion.

Abstract: An advertising unit includes a container and a flat divider dividing the container into two compartments. The divider is separate from the container and unable to support itself in an upright orientation. The divider includes an advertising display. A comestible product, such as soft-serve ice cream or frozen yogurt, is in the container on opposite sides of the divider and supports the divider in a generally upright position. Methods of advertising include placing advertising on the divider and providing the divider to a vendor of the comestible product. The advertising unit and advertising methods can be used to increase the impact of advertising by encouraging people consuming the product from the container to interact physically with the divider and creating a positive association between the advertising message and the experience of eating a desired comestible product.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing control of at least partial treatment of the one or more portions of the one or more ingestible substrate structures according to the treatment instructional information regarding the one or more subsequent ingestible substrate structure masking operations including projection of one or more impartments through one or more apertures of one or more masking structures onto the one or more portions of the one or more ingestible substrate structures to treat at least in part the one or more portions of the one or more ingestible substrate structures to form at least in part the one or more selected ingestible products. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system comprising: (i) a capsule (1 1) with side (16), bottom (18) and top (14) walls, said capsule having a shape that is substantially symmetrical around a vertical axis, and said capsule is suitable for containing a beverage preparation ingredient to be dissolved, and/or infused, and/or extracted under pressure, by action of a fluid circulating into said capsule through said ingredient, (ii) a beverage preparation machine (1) suitable for receiving said capsule (11), and circulating said fluid into said capsule, (iii) optionally a capsule holder (9) for holding said capsule (1 1), at least at the time said capsule is disposed into said machine, characterized in that: the machine (1) comprises a linear barcode reader (21) suitable for reading a linear barcode sequence (25) contained in a segment S having a segment length LR, said linear barcode reader (21) being disposed in the machine such that it can read a barcode printed on the capsule while said capsule is being inserted inside s

Abstract: A cookie has a cookie batter that has been folded into the shape of a fortune cookie, with a piece of edible paper housed inside the folded cookie, the edible paper having a fortune written thereon in a non-toxic edible ink.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to reduce the concentration of aroma compounds in food products, without having negative taste attributes. The present invention provides such food products containing two sections, wherein the two sections are visually the same, and wherein the two sections contain aroma compounds at different concentrations in the two sections.

Abstract: Chewable compositions including an inner or center portion in the form of a liquid, semi-liquid, or gel and at least one inner functional component and including an outer or shell portion comprised of a hydrocolloid base including at least one outer functional component, wherein the inner portion is surrounded by the outer portion. In some examples, a first water activity of die shell portion and a second water activity of die center portion are similar. In some examples, the inner functional component includes a dietary supplement or drug. In still further examples, the inner portion has a volume ranging between 0.25 ml and 1.25 ml, the outer portion houses the inner portion and protects the inner functional component from exposure to oxygen and moisture, and a first density of the outer portion and a second density of the inner portion are substantially different.

Abstract: A method of making edible substrates that have an image registered on them in a consistent manner. The method comprises the steps of providing an edible substrate sheet, and an image source, wherein the image source has at least one image. Further, a trigger pulse signal is provided, which relays the frequency of a process element that is communicated to an image disposal device. The image disposal device uses the trigger pulse signal to determine when to dispose an image from the image source. Then an image is disposed on the edible substrate sheet with the image disposal device to form an image-disposed edible substrate sheet. And then a portion of the edible substrate sheet that comprises an image is separated into an individual piece.

Abstract: A drink sample apparatus having an elongated stick, an indicia of the drink mixture marked on said stirring stick, a small mixture of an mixed drink or oil extract of the same, an edible bond to affix or cover said small mixture of an alcohol drink to said stirring stick that functions to provide a sample taste of a drink or beverage before making the decision to purchase the drink or beverage.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions and formulations that optimize nutritional contents are provided. Dietary compositions and methods for tailoring such compositions to optimize levels of nutrients that have beneficial effects within specific ranges are provided. Dietary plans, and formulations comprising dietary products that comprise optimized levels of nutrients derived from phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, probiotics, prebiotics, microorganisms and fiber. Diet plans and modular nutritional packages comprising food and drink items tailored according to consumer patterns typed by diet, age, size, gender, medical conditions, family history, climate and the like are provided.

Abstract: An easy-open, reclosable package includes a tray with tray liner; a product; and a lidstock, including a substrate including a first layer of high modulus thermoplastic material, and a second layer including an oxygen barrier; and a coextruded film including a first layer including a blend of from 80% to 88% ionomer resin, and from 12% to 20% olefinic polymer, a second layer including a pressure sensitive adhesive, and optionally a third layer including a polymeric adhesive; wherein the first layer of the coextruded film is sealed to the tray liner; the coextruded film is adhered to an inner surface of the substrate film; and after the package is opened, and the pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed, the package can be reclosed by adhering the adhesive to a portion of the first layer of the coextruded film that remained sealed to the tray liner when the package was opened.

Abstract: The present invention presents a capsule 1 having an inlet face C, which is formed by a circular section 2a and a bulge section 2b extending from the circular section 2a giving the inlet face C a not symmetric in rotation. The capsule 1 further has an optically readable code 3 on a side wall 4 of a cup-shaped body of the capsule 1 opposite the bulge section 2b. The present invention further presents a beverage production machine with a capsule holder 13 for holding a capsule 1 in such a way in the beverage production machine 10, that the optically readable code can be read by a code reader 24. Liquid can be supplied to the capsule to produce a nutritional product. The present invention provides means to prevent the optically readable code 3 and the code reader 24, respectively, from being contaminated with liquid, vapor, dirt or the like.

Abstract: A container for a prepackaged dietary daily meal plan comprises a hollow body portion. Individually prepackaged containers are configured to be received within the hollow body portion. The individually prepackaged containers each comprise an edible component of a dietary daily meal plan and each of the edible components has a predetermined caloric content. The edible components together provide a predetermined daily caloric content. The individually prepackaged containers comprise a first individually prepackaged container comprising a first edible component having a first caloric content (A), a second individually prepackaged container comprising a second edible component having a second caloric content (B), a third individually prepackaged container comprising a third edible component having a third caloric content (C), and a fourth individually prepackaged container comprising a fourth edible component having a fourth caloric content (D).

Abstract: A bag device that includes a clip, a rod, one or more torsion springs and a bag. The clip has a front facing that a first plurality of buttons, a second plurality of buttons and a third plurality of buttons are disposed on. The first buttons include 12 month buttons each displaying a number 1 to 12 and can be depressed to indicate the month that the bag device is utilized. The second buttons include 4 week buttons each displaying a number 1 to 4 that can be depressed to indicate a week that the bag device is utilized. The third buttons include 7 day buttons each displaying a number 1 to 7 that can be depressed to indicate a day that the bag device is utilized. The bag can be a colored-coded freezer bag or a transparent freezer bag.

Abstract: A food piece with a first dough sheet having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and a first peripheral edge. The food piece also includes a second dough sheet having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first peripheral edge of the first dough sheet is joined together with the second peripheral edge of the second dough sheet to define a perimeter. The food piece also includes an embossment positioned within the perimeter. The embossment extends upon at least one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface and includes at least one line along which the first and second dough sheets are joined.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components with one of the plurality of vehicle treatment components including at least one support member. The at least one support member has an exterior surface. A shrinkable sleeve is sized to fit over the exterior surface of the at least one support member. The shrinkable sleeve is slid onto the at least one support member and located in a predetermined position around the exterior surface. Upon application of heat to the shrinkable sleeve, it shrinks and conforms to the shape of the exterior surface of the at least one support member such that it is fixedly attached to the exterior surface of the at least one support member in the predetermined position. The result is a protective covering for the support member that is durable and readily cleanable such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of the covering and corrosion of the support member is minimized.

Abstract: The invention provides novel food compositions having a realistic meat-like appearance and texture. The compositions comprise from about 50 to about 98% functional proteins, from about 0.05 to about 2% of one or more cross-linking agents, and from about 2 to about 50% of one or more humectant plasticizers. The compositions are produced by heating a preconditioned mixture of the food components under pressure and then expanding the heated composition to form the food composition.

Abstract: A beverage ingredient capsule (1) provided with an identification member (6) designed for being physically contacted from outside in order to control operation parameters of an associated beverage production machine.

Abstract: The disclosure involves producing edible cupcakes, each cupcake having an image transfer film positioned on an inside surface of a conventional cupcake baking cup wrapper, the image transfer film having an image of an edible ink thereon, inserting cake batter into the cupcake baking cup wrapper, and baking the batter, for producing a finished cupcake, which melts the edible ink due to the elevated temperatures during baking and causes the image of the edible ink to be transferred upon a wall of the baked cupcake. When people in social groups randomly select the cupcakes, and peel away the cupcake wrappers, the images, which can be printed messages, are suddenly revealed to the surprised person and can be used in connection with entertaining contests or games. The images could also be graphic pictures suggesting seasons of the year or holidays, or messages of welcome.

Abstract: A set of processed food or snack products in the shape of tiling pieces capable of creating a variety of final geometric or representational shapes. For the purpose of play value, the tiling puzzle challenge is illustrated as the outline final shape. The consumer can configure a set of the edible tiling pieces to form the final shape, before consuming the processed food or snack. For the purpose of decorative presentation, the tiling puzzle solution is illustrated showing the outlines of the individual edible tiling pieces. The consumer can use the illustration to recreate the desired final shape to display the processed food in an attractive manner, before it is consumed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a ground meat product and a kit therefor is described and which includes the steps of providing and preparing an uncooked ground meat product; depositing the uncooked ground meat product in the internal cavity of a food product forming container; providing a rolling pin, engaging the rolling pin with the food product forming container so as to provide a densely packed ground meat layer having a given height dimension; removing the resulting uncooked ground meat layer from the internal cavity, and cooking the prepared, uncooked ground meat layer in a cooking appliance.

Abstract: A package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows. The eggs are further arranged in the package so that a long axis of each egg in the package is offset no more than a particular number degrees from a long axis of each other egg in the package. Further, a package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows, wherein eggs are arranged in the package such that long axes of all of the eggs in each row of eggs in the package form approximate right angles with respect to a line intercepting bottoms of receptacles holding the eggs in such a row.

Abstract: The invention provides a beverage substance cartridge, an identifying apparatus, a beverage producing equipment, a beverage producing system and a beverage producing method which could supply water automatically instead of manual work, identify information about beverage substance likewise such as variety and years of tea leaf, and furthermore, take different brewing methods targeting at different beverage substances (e.g. tea leaf) according to identified information in collaboration with pre-stored beverage brewing parameters to make sure every beverage substance could be brewed according to the perfect method, so the advantage of beverage substance will be given into full play. The beverage producing equipment which adopts the invention could yield brewing results accomplished by specialists and furthermore be widely used in offices and homes.

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: Disclosed herein is a method of enhancing flavor of a food product. The method includes incorporating a composition predominantly derived from chia seed. Also disclosed herein are food products and articles of manufacturer with low sodium and/or sugar content without a decrease in saltiness and/or sweetness.

Abstract: Support (20) adapted to be associated with, or part of a capsule (7) for the preparation of a beverage, comprising a section on which at least one sequence of symbols (24) is represented so as that each symbol is sequentially readable, by a reading arrangement of an external device, while the capsule is driven in rotation along an axis of rotation, each sequence coding a set of information related to the capsule.

Abstract: An array of animal diets nutritionally tailored to different animal life stages. A method for facilitating the selection of a life-stage appropriate diet for an animal. The method may comprise providing an indicium to facilitate an anthropomorphic connection between the animal life stage and a corresponding human life stage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capsule comprising a water-soluble compound suitable for the capsule, a non-water soluble excipient suitable for the capsule; and suitable for the capsule, and a mixture of colorant agents, wherein the color of the capsule may be in the range of 15<L<90; ?30<a<+75; ?37<b<+46 as measured in accordance with the Lab color space. The present invention further includes capsules containing a filling such as food, medicine, cosmetics, agrichemicals, feed or active biological ingredient.