Abstract: Hot or Cold soup made fresh from scratch, can or concentrate is prepared in a suitable container and after its preparation is kept cool, blended and re-circulated for long term shelf life until a serving is requested. This serving volume of soup is automatically pumped and heated to serving temperature (hot soup) and served in a suitable container like a cup or a bowl. The entire system where the soup resides is always kept refrigerated. The only portion of the soup that is heated after its preparation is the one dispensed. If it is a soup that is served cold the heating prior to dispensing is by-passed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for preparing Masa flour from dry milled maize comprising direct steam treating of the Masa meal, and also relates to a vertical cooking vessel suitable for (but not limited to) carrying out the steam treatment with improved product consistency.

Abstract: Cookware includes a cooking vessel; a transparent lid adapted to cover the vessel; and a knob attached to the lid, which knob is adapted to receive a temperature probe, wherein the temperature probe extends into the cookware vessel. The transparent lid permits one to accurately position the temperature probe inside food in the vessel. The knob may be offset from the center of the lid to facilitate positioning of the probe. Particularly while cooking at low temperatures, the transparent lid and temperature probe permits one to more precisely observe the temperature of the food. This results in improved cooking by avoiding either undercooking or overcooking the food.

Abstract: A plant is described which includes a continuous heat processing autoclave (1) for cooking and sterilizing food measured into tray-like containers (9). The open containers (9), loaded on to trays (12), are advanced through the autoclave (1) by a conveyor (40) operated stepwise. A cooling chamber (6) communicates at one end with the autoclave (1) through a pre-cooling and air-lock tunnel (7) and at the other with a sterile environment in which a sterile closure unit seals the containers (9) of cooked food.

Abstract: An autoclave (1) defines a processing chamber (2) communicating with the exterior through two air-lock chambers (15, 7) arranged at opposite ends of the autoclave (1) and extending perpendicular thereto. A stepping conveyor (40) operates in the processing chamber (2) to transfer the containers (9) of food to be processed from the inlet end (3) to the outlet end (4) of the chamber itself.

Abstract: The invention provides a transfer valve for a sterilizer/cooker, which is almost lubeless or is lubeless. Packing strips and packing rings are provided, which are made of high temperature thermo plastics compounded with internal lubricants, such as Teflon or silicon, and graphite.

Abstract: The invention provides a transfer valve for a sterilizer/cooker, which is almost lubeless, or is lubeless. Packing strips and packing rings are provided, which are made of high temperature thermo plastics compounded with internal lubricants, such as Teflon or silicon, and graphite.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a sealed chamber including a sterilizing section, a cooling section and a conveyor including carrier receivers and circulated through the sterilizing and cooling sections. The flat flexible packages containing substances to be sterilized are contained in rotatable carriers. With one side of the sealed chamber is provided a sealing means through which the carriers are charged and discharged into and out of the sealed chamber.

Abstract: Continuous-processing type sterilizer and cooker for providing packaged foods completely sterilized with a small heat-energy consumption and retaining the color, fragrance, taste, texture and quality similar to unprepared foods by taking the steps of immersing a product cage, wherein contains the packaged foods, in pressurized hot-water in a sterilization tank, moving the cage within the hot water by means of a drive means for a given period of time, transferring it through a transfer tank from the hot water to a pressurized cooling water in a cooling tank, and moving it within the cooling water by means of a drive means for a given period of time. Both the sterilization tank and the cooling tank are connected to the transfer tank at their one end, the sterilization tank having a preparatory chamber at its other end and the cooling tank having an off-loading chamber at its other end.

Abstract: A batch sterilizing unit, in the form of a tank having a top loading port and a bottom discharge port, holds a batch of cans for sterilization. The cans in contact with the door associated with the discharge port are prevented from transferring heat to the door and accordingly are maintained at sterilizing temperature by providing a perforated partition forming a wall of condensate sump. Thus the sterilizing medium, whether it be steam or water, is able to effect complete sterilization of those cans making contact with the partition. In addition, condensate is continually discharged from the unit, when steam is the sterilizing medium, insuring creation and maintenance of sterilizing temperatures to the cans resting on the discharge port door.

Abstract: An automatic high-pressure flash cooker comprising a cylindrically shaped steaming chamber, which is set in a slanted position with its lower end open, and a drain collector which has at its upper end a perforated plate permitting passage of water and is connectable with the open end of the steaming chamber, wherein the steam is supplied to the steaming chamber from the drain collector while the collector is connected with the steam chamber, so as to effect flash cooking of the beans remaining in the steam chamber, with the cooked beans being discharged by releasing the drain collector from the engagement with the steam chamber.

Abstract: A feed and discharge assembly for a continuous autoclave having an internal conveyor. The articles to be processed in the autoclave are placed in perforated tube-like containers and transported to a location adjacent to a feed lock in the autoclave and inserted through a valve to the internal conveyor of the autoclave. The articles, after processing, are removed from the autoclave through a valve and a discharge lock to the exterior of said autoclave.