Abstract: A cooking utensil for securing a food article over a heat source, including an elongate member extending to a fork head, the fork head comprising a first segment having a generally circular portion, the first segment extending to a second segment having at least two prongs.

Abstract: A luminaire for use in lighting a large open space such as a parking lot or deck of a parking garage includes a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in side-by-side relationship and together defining a closed path and at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide and disposed at a first end of the associated optical waveguide.

Abstract: A luminaire for use in lighting a large open space such as a parking lot or deck of a parking garage includes a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in side-by-side relationship and together defining a closed path and at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide and disposed at a first end of the associated optical waveguide.

Abstract: The invention provides products and methods for making the products. The products comprise a container comprising a second emulsion encasing a first emulsion wherein the first emulsion and the second emulsion have a different appearance and texture. Preferably, the first emulsion is a meat emulsion and the second emulsion is a non-meat protein emulsion.

Abstract: A steaming oven having a collector plate disposed in an oven chamber. A collector plate is disposed above a boiling water reservoir in the oven chamber. The collector plate has a drain tube inserted into an overfill tube. Waste material from the steam and food droppings is conveyed from the oven chamber via the drain tube and the overfill tube. A barrier shields one or more water level probes or sensors from water turbulence, thereby providing reliable water level sensing by the water level probes or sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for substantially maintaining a position of a plurality of packages (30) between a pair of trays (102 and 104) inside the drum of an agitating retort when the agitation process is applied to the packages. When the first tray (102) is stacked on the second tray (104), a volume formed between the first and second trays. Within the volume, a first positioning system (106) for holding the packages (30) in a desired position is coupled to one of the trays. The packages (30) are positioned within the volume and retained in the desired position by the first positioning system. A second positioning system (114) may be employed to hold the packages at the opposite end of the packages from the first positioning system. The second positioning system (114) may include a resilient pad that grips the adjacent portion of the packages.

Abstract: A system for securing a basket containing product securely within an autoclave or retort. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is used with rotational retorts, which generally include a rotational insert for receiving product-loaded baskets, the rotational insert rotated via a drive to rotate the baskets end over end during the autoclave process, for more efficient heat transfer. The present invention contemplates an improvement for securing the baskets within the retort, to facilitate secure rotation of the baskets and their contents, and prevent shifting of the baskets within the retort during rotation. Particularly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the use of one or more lift bladders sandwiched between clamping platens situated along the length of the rotational insert, the lift bladders configured to expand to lift and position the baskets into a securing position for rotation, then deflate to release the baskets after processing for removal.

Abstract: A system for securing a basket containing product securely within an autoclave or retort. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is used with rotational retorts, which generally include a rotational insert for receiving product-loaded baskets, the rotational insert rotated via a drive to rotate the baskets end over end during the autoclave process, for more efficient heat transfer. The present invention contemplates an improvement for securing the baskets within the retort, to facilitate secure rotation of the baskets and their contents, and prevent shifting of the baskets within the retort during rotation. Particularly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the use of one or more lift bladders sandwiched between clamping platens situated along the length of the rotational insert, the lift bladders configured to expand to lift and position the baskets into a securing position for rotation, then deflate to release the baskets after processing for removal.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for substantially maintaining a position of a plurality of packages (30) between a pair of trays (102 and 104) inside the drum of an agitating retort when the agitation process is applied to the packages. When the first tray (102) is stacked on the second tray (104), a volume formed between the first and second trays. Within the volume, a first positioning system (106) for holding the packages (30) in a desired position is coupled to one of the trays. The packages (30) are positioned within the volume and retained in the desired position by the first positioning system. A second positioning system (114) may be employed to hold the packages at the opposite end of the packages from the first positioning system. The second positioning system (114) may include a resilient pad that grips the adjacent portion of the packages.

Abstract: A method of achieving extended shelf life for a food includes enclosing the food in a discrete container of flexible or foldably formable material, wherein the shape of the container includes predefined crease lines for enabling the formation of the container into at least the following two container positions: a) a first container position obtained by the formation of folds along predefined crease lines such that opposing side wall panels of the container are arranged in relation to one another such that the distance between the side wall panels defines a first distance and b) a second container position obtained without the formation of folds along the predefined crease lines such that opposing side wall panels of the container are arranged in relation to one another such that the distance between the side wall panels defines a second distance. The first distance between the side wall panels is less than the second distance between the side wall panels.

Abstract: The invention uses a lost motion clamping system to provide variable height clamping from the top of a one or more stacks. The variable height clamp is then locked in place. A second clamping means then provides additional clamping from the bottom of the stacks.

Abstract: The invention uses a lost motion clamping system to provide variable height clamping from the top of a one or more stacks. The variable height clamp is then locked in place. A second clamping means then provides additional clamping from the bottom of the stacks.

Abstract: A food material heating mechanism includes at least an upper and a lower heating plate. Food material is placed on a food material tray which is then placed on the lower heating plate. The upper and lower heating plates are moved toward each other to cause an upper surface of the food material to make contact with a bottom surface of the upper heating plate for a heating process. Heating is enhanced by adding a layer of a far infrared radiation substance to surfaces of the heating plates and food material tray which make contact with the food material. The food material tray is preheated to a temperature that is substantially lower than a temperature of the upper heating plate, whereby during the heating process, a soft surface is produced by contact of the food material with the food material tray, and a crusty surface is produced by contact with the upper heating plate. A fluororesin, such as TEFLON, can be added to the surfaces which come into contact with the food material to prevent sticking.

Abstract: A pressure cooker which uses an elastic C-connector to fix a cover to a cooker body in airtight manner. Loosening and tightening of the C-connector are controlled by an operating handle. The operating handle has a relief valve at one end. The relief valve has a valve body and an adjustable valve rod so that when the C-connector is in tightening condition, the valve body is located on a valve seat on the cover. Pressure can be relieved through the relief valve or edge of the C-connector after it reaches a certain level. Pressure in the cooker will raise two safety pins to restrict movement of a rod so that removal of the valve body from the valve seat is impossible and thus removal of the cover is prevented for safe operation.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing holders containing products with the aid of heated fluid in a device receiving the holders, whereby the holders are continuously passed through an elongate passage across the device and the fluid is introduced while pressure into the passage at a feeding point located between the ends of the elongate passage and is allowed to escape near the two ends of the passage while causing the pressure of the fluid during its flow to progressively decrease from the feeding point to the ends of the passage.

Abstract: A tray pressing device in a retort sterilizer for cooking foods, movable upward and downward individually, is provided correspondingly to each line of a tray at the uppermost stage of the tray. The tray pressing device comprises a plurality of trays which are in the retort sterilizer, a tray pressing plate which presses and covers the uppermost stage of trays in order to prevent from relieving the foods, a drive source which is installed on the retort sterilizer, and a connecting shaft which is connected the tray pressing place with the drive source. The tray pressing plate can be operated individually from the external section of the retort and be moved downward by its own weight and upward by the drive source installed on the retort through the connecting shaft. The foods are processed under high pressure and high temperature of hot water in the retort sterilizer.

Abstract: A pressure compensating container having a cavity and including an open end. A closure lid is provided for sealing the open end of the container. A pressure regulating device is operatively connected to the container for regulating the pressure within the cavity. The base portion and the lid portion are constructed of a microwave permeable material. A safety pressure relief valve is provided having a manually operated pressure relief button for relieving the pressure within said cavity of said pressure compensating container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a metallic or non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a metallic or non-metallic jar lid and a non-metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A method for canning food products in a non-metallic jar, utilizing a non-metallic jar lid and a none metallic enclosure enveloping the jar and lid and which is placed within a microwave oven for heating with a pressure control check valve for limiting the maximum pressure within the enclosure during heating and preventing entry of air during subsequent cooling of the enclosure and food product.

Abstract: A flat welded wire assembly has a regular shaped multiple member welded frame, and a pair of diverging securing members extending across the frame and terminating in a U-bend wire handle. Each one of the terminus of the pair of diverging members terminates in a securing hook, slidably engaging a cooking pan top rim. A slidable hook member is secured on the U-bend handle, slidably adjusting on the hook securing under the same pan top rim, providing a three-point pan rim engagement for the regular shape member welded frame at a selected depth inside the pan. The cooking pan is filled with water, and a hermetically sealed food pouch is disposed under the regular shape member frame and can be cooked over a heat source.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking or otherwise heating food held in a container which includes upper and lower housing portions. Heating elements are located in the respective housing portions, and the opposed inner walls of the housing portions are adapted to be moved into contact with the food container. The heating elements are positioned immediately adjacent these walls, and these elements are substantially insulated from other portions of the housing. The intimate contact between the inner walls and the associated heating elements causes the food to act as a heat sink whereby the food is rapidly heated in a highly effective manner. The apparatus is particularly useful for the cooking of frozen food located in an appropriate container. Means are provided for retaining the upper housing in spaced apart relationship with the lower housing to permit baking and similar heating.

Abstract: An anti-buckle ring is described for preventing buckling of beer-can tops during pasteurization of the beer. The anti-buckle ring is mated with each beer can such that the ring captures the double-seamed top of the can. The ring prevents radial displacement at key points of the top and, hence, buckling of the top end of the can, when the heat applied during pasteurization causes the internal pressure of the can to increase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for canning food products in a container whose lid is held on by pressure differential between the interior of the container and the outside atmosphere, in which a pressure cover encloses the upper portion of the container and lid and, with the container, forms an enclosed pressure vessel with internal structure urging the container lid against the upper extremity of the container, and pressure control apparatus for limiting the pressure within the pressure vessel, and a base assembly for engaging the pressure cover and the container.

Abstract: A method is described for preventing buckling of beer-can tops and bottoms during pasteurization of the beer. Prior to the pasteurization, an anti-buckle ring is mated with each beer can such that the ring captures the base portion of the can's bottom. The ring permits the bottom's panel to bulge outwardly while preventing radial displacement of the bottom's base area and, hence, buckling of the can bottom, when the heat applied during pasteurization causes the internal pressure of the can to increase. To prevent buckle of the beer can's top, another anti-buckle ring may be mated with the top of the can such that the latter ring captures the double-seam area on the top of the can to prevent radial displacement at key points of the top. After pasteurization, both rings are automatically removed from the can for use with another can.

Abstract: A method is described for preventing buckling of beer-can tops during pasteurization of the beer. Prior to the pasteurization, an anti-buckle ring is mated with each beer can such that the ring captures the double-seamed top of the can. The ring prevents radial displacement at key points of the top and, hence, buckling of the top end of the can, when the heat applied during pasteurization causes the internal pressure of the can to increase. After pasteurization, the ring is automatically removed from the can for further use with another can.

Abstract: The apparatus for heating foodstuffs or other substances disposed in cans (hereinafter also referred to as canned food) comprises a boiler and a quantity of flowable heating medium in the boiler and only partially filling the same, a heater to bring the flowable heating medium to a given temperature, a retaining means for at least one can disposed in the boiler, bearing means for the movable mounting of the retaining means in the boiler, drive means on the boiler to move the retaining means, the latter having a range of motion which is situated partially above and partially below the level of the flowable heating medium in the boiler, and also comprising an aperture in a boiler wall above the level and at a place adjacent the top range of motion of the retaining means, and comprising a closure flap for said aperture.

Abstract: A retorting tray for sterilizing material sealed in flexible pouches. The tray comprises a base portion which forms a conduit for circulation of a heating medium therethrough. The base portion has edges extending therefrom terminating in a stackable feature whereby one tray can stack on the other. The base also has protuberances therefrom for spacing apart the flexible pouches in a substantially unmovable manner to control the maximum cross-section of the pouch and for providing a space for circulation of a heating medium about the flexible pouches to sterilize the contents.