Mechanical, Fluid Or Heat Treatment Of Dairy Food Patents (Class 99/452)
  • Patent number: 11896040
    Abstract: An article includes a mixture release component defining a mixture release volume and also includes a heated mixture located within the mixture release volume. The heated mixture includes undenatured meat protein and water condensed from steam. A mixture release opening is included at an outlet end of the mixture release volume and this mixture release opening defines a passage from the mixture release volume to a vacuum chamber volume defined by a vacuum chamber. A vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber volume. The steam from which the water has condensed comprises steam that has been placed in direct contact with a stream of undenatured meat protein in a direct steam injector having a mixture outlet operatively connected to the mixture release component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Empirical Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Roth
  • Patent number: 11864572
    Abstract: A system includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum source, and a mixture flow path adapted to be connected to receive the output of a direct steam injector. The vacuum source is operatively connected to a vacuum port of the vacuum chamber, while a product outlet port from the vacuum chamber is adapted to be connected to an arrangement for removing treated product from the vacuum chamber. The mixture flow path includes a flow path segment outside of the vacuum chamber volume and a flow path segment within the vacuum chamber volume. At least some of a surface defining the flow path segment within the vacuum chamber is in substantial thermal communication with one or more cooling structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Empirical Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Roth
  • Patent number: 11805785
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating raw human milk to produce treated human milk having undetectable levels of bacteria. The milk is skimmed to produce skim human milk then subjected to microfiltration to yield a filtrate which has undetectable levels of bacteria, including Bacillus cereus. The resultant human milk can be further processed, used and/or sold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Prolacta Bioscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fournell, Scott Eaker, Armando Montoya
  • Patent number: 11793211
    Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering dairy may filter milk with a wide-pore filter to produce a wide-pore retentate and a wide-pore permeate, wherein the wide-pore retentate may comprise casein and beta-lactoglobulin. The systems and methods may further ultra-filter the wide-pore permeate to produce an ultra-filtered retentate and an ultra-filtered permeate, wherein the ultra-filtered retentate comprises alpha-lactalbumin. The systems and methods may further nano-filter the ultra-filtered permeate to produce a nano-filtered retentate and a nano-filtered permeate, wherein the nano-filtered retentate comprises lactose. The systems and methods may further perform reverse osmosis (RO) on the nano-filtered permeate to produce a reverse osmosis retentate and a reverse osmosis permeate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Memtec LLC
    Inventors: Sara A. Dorland, Bjorn Sorensen
  • Patent number: 11486631
    Abstract: Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: ColdSnap, Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew Fonte, Robert Devaney, John Heymans, Nicholas Fonte, Benjamin Fichera, Ian McGinty, Jason Hugenroth, Max Louis Lemoine, Daniel Ross Stelly
  • Patent number: 11432560
    Abstract: An automated yogurt maker includes: a first container configured to receive milk; a first heating element configured to heat the milk to a scalding temperature; a capsule holder configured to hold a yogurt starter capsule; a nozzle configured to direct the milk into the yogurt starter capsule; a pump configured to pump the milk from the first container to the nozzle so that the milk flows through the nozzle into the yogurt starter capsule and mixes with the yogurt starter; a second container configured to receive the mixture of the milk and the yogurt starter; and a second heating element configured to maintain the temperature of the mixture at an incubation temperature while the mixture incubates to produce yogurt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventors: Maya Almazloum, Faisal K. Abou-Nasr
  • Patent number: 11277998
    Abstract: A milking system includes an automatic robotic milking device having a control unit, and is configured to milk a dairy animal fully automatically to form a milking. The system also includes a milk treatment device connected to the milking device for receiving and treating the milked milk of the milking. The milking device includes an animal identification device which is operatively connected to the control unit for identifying the dairy animal and comprises an animal database with information about at least the composition of the milk from the dairy animal, and/or a milk sensor device which is operatively connected to the control unit for collecting information about the composition of the milked milk. The milk treatment device is connected to the control unit and includes a standardization device which is configured to standardize a fat content and/or a protein content of the milk of the milking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Robertus Carolus Maria Van De Meerendonk
  • Patent number: 11280543
    Abstract: Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: ColdSnap, Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew Fonte, Robert Devaney, John Heymans, Nicholas Fonte, Benjamin Fichera, Ian McGinty, Jason Hugenroth, Max Louis Lemoine, Daniel Ross Stelly
  • Patent number: 11253099
    Abstract: A drinks preparation machine includes a preparation module for preparing a brewed drink from water and from an extraction material or extract and further includes a display device. The machine is configured to permit a user to make the setting of a first drinks quantity before a start of the drinks preparation, and after the start, during the drinks preparation, to permit the adjustment of a remaining drinks quantity, which is different from zero, via the operating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: QBO COFFEE GMBH
    Inventors: Doreen Hartmann, Wolfgang Gödde
  • Patent number: 11109604
    Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering dairy may filter milk with a wide-pore filter to produce a wide-pore retentate and a wide-pore permeate, wherein the wide-pore retentate may comprise casein and beta-lactoglobulin. The systems and methods may further ultra-filter the wide-pore permeate to produce an ultra-filtered retentate and an ultra-filtered permeate, wherein the ultra-filtered retentate comprises alpha-lactalbumin. The systems and methods may further nano-filter the ultra-filtered permeate to produce a nano-filtered retentate and a nano-filtered permeate, wherein the nano-filtered retentate comprises lactose. The systems and methods may further perform reverse osmosis (RO) on the nano-filtered permeate to produce a reverse osmosis retentate and a reverse osmosis permeate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Memtec LLC
    Inventors: Sara A. Dorland, Bjorn Sorensen
  • Patent number: 10982178
    Abstract: A system and method for generating wort utilizing steam injection heating and stratified flow. The system mixes a fine ground grain with water to form a slurry. The slurry is pumped through a steam injection heater to form a mash. The heated mash enters into a stratified vessel that creates a stratified temperature profile from a first end to a second end. The stratified heating vessel allows the mash to flow from the first end to the second end without internal mixing. After retention within the mash coil, the wort is directed to a mash filtration unit. After filtration, the wort enters into a boil kettle and is heated using a second steam injection heater. The boil kettle includes a spray head that directs brewing liquor onto the wort to reduce foam within the boil kettle. Finally, the wort passes through a scraped surface sieve that removes particles from the heated wort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Hydro-Thermal Corporation
    Inventors: Sean O'Rear, James C. Zaiser
  • Patent number: 10752486
    Abstract: A beverage supplier includes: an inlet conduit communicated with a beverage container; a pumping and cooling device communicated with the inlet conduit, pumping and cooling a beverage from the beverage container, and outputting a cooled beverage; and an output unit, which is electrically connected to the pumping and cooling device and controls output of the cooled beverage. In a first state, the pumping and cooling device pumps and cools the beverage from the beverage container through the inlet conduit. In a second state, the pumping and cooling device empties the cooled beverage remained in the pumping and cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Chien-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 10568336
    Abstract: A yogurt maker device comprises an outer shell to house a yogurt vessel that receives milk and a culture container that receives yogurt culture. A processor within the outer shell controls a heating element to boil milk within the yogurt vessel using a temperature sensor as feedback and for maintaining a predefined boiling temperature for a predefined period of boiling time and a stirring device to continuously stir boiling milk within the yogurt vessel while boiling and also while cooling to a cooling predefined temperature until fermentation temperature is reached. The processor also controls a culture container base holding the culture container and having a motor to automatically pour the yogurt culture when the fermentation temperature is reached. Finally, a cooling mechanism automatically provides cooling to contents of the yogurt vessel once fermentation is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: JOGURT, LLC
    Inventors: Prashant Choudhary, Suresh Chandrasekaran
  • Patent number: 9867384
    Abstract: A device for making Greek yogurt from traditional yogurt is shown. The device includes an outer bowl and an inner strainer that nests within and rotates relative to the outer bowl. At least a portion of the inner strainer is perforated. The device also includes a removable inner lid that that covers and seals the inner strainer when placed thereon. The inner lid rotates with the inner strainer when positioned thereon. The inner lid also includes a first engagement structure for engaging a corresponding second engagement structure of a drive assembly. The device also includes an outer lid that encloses the inner strainer and inner lid within the outer bowl when positioned thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Fong Lin
  • Patent number: 9386878
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a milk heating system, methods, and apparatus for combining milk, which is heated, ambient, or chilled, selectively with or without being infused with air, and selectively dispensed with or without flavorings. The apparatus and method disclosed includes structures for selectively combining milk with air and flavorings to dispense a selected combination of ingredients. The assembly includes a dispensing head assembly having a flavoring dispensing component and a milk dispensing component. The flavoring dispensing component can be coupled to the milk dispensing component for combining ingredients and dispensing into a container. The milk dispensing component includes a single path for the introduction of a flow of milk and a single path for the introduction of steam. The milk path and steam path are oriented to be fed into an intermediate passage which communicates with a swirl cavity defined by the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Midden, Suresh Radhakrishnan, Rex Allen Rogers, Daniel Hansen, John Bodjack
  • Patent number: 9167936
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for making a beverage or providing a liquid. First and second liquids may be mixed to form a mixed liquid. The mixed liquid may be passed through a frothing head and/or may be combined with a coffee product and optionally dispensed into a cup. Examples of first and second liquids can include, but are not limited to various dairy products, enzymes and flavoring liquids. According to one example implementation, a first liquid is a reduced fat milk, such as skim milk, and a second liquid is whole milk, thereby enabling the creation of dairy product varieties including one percent and two percent milk to be created by the appropriate mixture combination of the skim milk and whole milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ROASTING PLANT, INC.
    Inventor: Michael R. Caswell
  • Patent number: 9084972
    Abstract: A rennet injection system is provided for use with food processing or other equipment that uses rennet as a processing ingredient. The rennet injection system includes at least one injector that has multiple openings for delivering rennet to multiple rennet delivery locations that are spaced apart from each other within the food processing or other equipment. The injector may include a nozzle with a middle bore and angled bores on opposing sides of the middle bore that face away from a direction that the middle bore faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Cheese & Whey Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Isenberg, John E. Zirbel
  • Patent number: 8972037
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring product through a batch manufacturing plant is provided. The system includes, a parallel flow mode when product flows concurrently from at least two units to a single unit; and a serial flow mode where product flows from one unit to another at a given time, wherein the batch manufacturing plant is modeled based on the parallel and serial flow modes. A lot association is built based on product flow and a parent/child record is created for lot association. The system also includes a data collection system that collects phase information for every unit and a procedure identifier is used to create a batch identifier, where a batch identifier is associated with each lot on each unit through which product is flowing to and/or from at a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Vigilistics, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J Scalfani, Donald L Gaudino, Craig A Nelson, Steven C McCormick, Therese M Sonnenfeld, Todd A Soutar
  • Publication number: 20150027324
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing milk portions in drink preparation machines having a milk fill level monitoring unit for a milk container. According to the method, one delivery of a milk portion from the milk container, said delivery being controlled by a device control electronic system, is only carried out completely and with a sufficient quantity of milk when during the delivery of the milk portion, the milk fill level monitoring unit signals a drop in the fill level of the milk below a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Shahryar Reyhanloo
  • Publication number: 20140352728
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the operation of a liquid food processing system is provided. The method comprises the steps of initiating a fluid flow through at least one section of said food processing system; and determining a pressure difference across said at least one section during said fluid flow for monitoring removal or build-up of deposits, the removal or build-up being caused by said fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Cecilia Svensson
  • Patent number: 8895097
    Abstract: A filling head apparatus for producing frozen confectionery products. The filling head 1 comprises a tubular housing 3 which surrounds and is coaxial with a piston 10, the tubular housing 3 comprising first and second chambers. The piston 10 is longitudinally movable within the housing between a closed position and an open position such that when the piston is in the closed position it closes an outlet of the first chamber and when the piston is in the open position the entry openings in the piston communicate with the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Conopco Inc.
    Inventor: Antonio Farina
  • Patent number: 8887628
    Abstract: A cup device for heating, stirring and foaming liquid foods comprises a cup, a cup lid, a handle, a stirrer, a motor drive disk, a plurality of magnets, an electric motor, a hot plate, a boil dry thermostat, a thermostat, a micro switch, a transformer, a controller, a heating base, a button, a button circuit board, connecting wires and bolts. The controller controls the work of the hot plate and the stirrer to input air into liquid foods, and therefore producing a lot of foams. The cup can be separated from the heating base, which enables it to be cleaned by a dishwasher. The stirrer turns along with the electric motor by magnetic attraction. The stirrer of removed cup will not naturally get off. The heating base only supplies power when the cup is put on it and it automatically cuts off power supply when the cup is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jianming Cai
  • Patent number: 8881642
    Abstract: A beverage brewer having a water flow control system for controlling the flow water through the system during a brewing cycle. The water flow control system is related to the spray head used in the brewer. The system can be calibrated based on the spray head used with the system and the calibration information can be used during the brewing process. An information device may be provided on the spray head to communication information to the brewer to control the brewing process. The brewer may be provided with a reader to read the information from the spray head. A system which can be used with a brewer, including all of the aforementioned information associated with the spray head for use in controlling the water flow during a brewing cycle. The system can be provided with the brewer or retrofitted with an existing brewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Burton L. Hart
  • Publication number: 20140322415
    Abstract: A device for processing milk foam for use in an automatic hot and/or cold beverage machine includes a milk pump to pump the milk foam, and a secondary processing device coupled to the milk foam pump to change the consistency of the milk foam. The secondary processing device includes a homogenizer to break up and distribute air bubbles in the milk foam. The homogenizer has a reducing region including a plurality of impact bodies arranged to define a channel labyrinth through which the milk foam is flowable. Additionally, there is provided a process for homogenizing milk foam utilizing the above device, includes steps of a) impacting divided partial flows of the milk foam with the impact surfaces to divide the air bubbles of the milk foam; and b) mixing the divided partial flows with the divided air bubbles together to form new partial flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Melitta SystemService GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: BERND BUCHHOLZ, Thomas Diester
  • Publication number: 20140322412
    Abstract: A process for producing milk foam includes pumping milk through a milk line with a milk pump having an adjustable speed for adjusting the capacity of the milk pump. Milk from the milk line and air are mixed inside a first mixing chamber to produce a milk foam. Properties of the milk foam, including a consistency of the milk foam, are a function of the speed of the milk pump. A device for producing the milk foam includes a milk container; an outlet; a milk line connected between the milk container and the outlet; a first mixing chamber installed in the milk line to mix milk and air to produce milk foam; and a milk pump having an adjustable speed coupled into the milk line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Melitta SystemService GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Buchholz, Thomas Diester
  • Patent number: 8839713
    Abstract: A system for pasteurizing animal food, comprising a pasteurizing unit and a cooling unit designed as a heat exchanger (3 or 3?) is disclosed. The height (H) of the heat exchanger (3 or 3?) is a multiple of the maximum width (D) thereof. A pipe is provided inside the heat exchanger (3 or 3?) as a cooling serpentine (6) which extends nearly along the entire height (H) of the heat exchanger (3 or 3?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Förster
  • Patent number: 8826810
    Abstract: A portable milk pasteurizing and homogenizing device may include a portable frame. Such a portable frame may include a heating section and a pump section adapted to heat and receive unpasteurized and unhomogenized milk. A controller may be operably coupled to the heating section and the pump section respectively. A portable cooling section may further be positioned adjacent to the frame and may be in fluid communication with the pump section. A portable collection reservoir may be positioned adjacent to the frame and may further be in fluid communication with the cooling section to receive the pasteurized and homogenized milk from the cooling section. The cooling section and the collection reservoir may further be spaced from the frame and be independently transported while the heating section and the pump section remain stationary respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Blake Norelius
  • Patent number: 8808638
    Abstract: A retort sterilization device includes a water steam generation device for generating water steam and a heating pot, connected to the water steam generation device, for accommodating retort food. The water steam generation device includes a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between liquid flowing in a liquid path and heating vapor flowing in the vapor path. A top end of the liquid path of the heat exchanger is connected via a water steam supply pipe to a water steam ejection section located in an internal area of the heating pot. The heat exchanger is connected to a liquid container. A bottom end of the liquid path of the heat exchanger is connected to the liquid container via a communicating tube. The liquid container is coupled to the heating pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Tomoda Selling & Sailing Co., Ltd., Tomoda Fisheries Co., Ltd., Houshou Co., Ltd, Wakisangyou Yugenkaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tomoda, Norio Kadowaki, Hironobu Tomoda, Manabu Moriwaki, Satoru Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 8794132
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparation of cheese comprising at least one vertical column, a guillotine knife for cutting of curd blocks, and a guide of guiding the guillotine knife having plastic guide strips overlying its longitudinal edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Andy Lockyer
  • Patent number: 8770099
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage preparation machine comprising an apparatus for frothing or heating milk, which apparatus is connected via a milk suction hose to a milk container, and a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the milk suction hose and the apparatus for frothing or heating milk by means of a flushing fluid. The milk can be sucked from the milk container into the apparatus for frothing or heating milk by means of a vacuum which can be generated in the apparatus for frothing or heating milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AG
    Inventor: Shahryar Reyhanloo
  • Patent number: 8758678
    Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid consumer food products such as ice creams, whipped cream, yogurt and the like comprises a container for a basic product of the consumer food product, a feed and treatment circuit for the basic product, comprising a feed pump, dispensing means positioned at an outfeed end of the feed and treatment circuit, and a device for checking the bacterial load of the product during production/dispensing; an electronic control unit controlling and regulating the various steps for measuring the bacterial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini, Gianni Zaniboni
  • Publication number: 20140161932
    Abstract: Production procedure of white cheese in brine, using stackable trays and pallet tanks, or only pallet tanks, consisted of a tray for dry salting (1) with suitable depth, tight on three sides and reinforced at the corners (2) suitable for stacking and overturning. Pallet tank for maturing and storage of soft cheeses (3) with reinforcements at its ends (4), sealed with an independent lid (5), peripherally reinforced (6), with a cavity (7) for receiving a food graded gasket (8), on the lid there is a union for brine filling (10), a union for brine level indicator-relief (9), a sampling valve for a syringe use and a perforated sheet-defector (11). The sealing is achieved with special locks such as latch type clamps, or eccentric cams or lever type. The pallet tank bears a base of beams (12), which allows stacking. The reinforcements and the base are fully welded closed sections. The traceability of the pallet tank is achieved by using tag, in which all data of the cheese are being electronically stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Christos Kogioumtzis
  • Patent number: 8642105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a butter making device comprising a butter containing section containing a basic butter product to be processed further, a dosing unit for adding additives to the basic butter product, and a flow restricting and generating device disposed at the butter containing section for passing butter from the butter containing section for further processing the basic butter product to the dosing unit, wherein at least one further dosing unit and at least one further flow restricting and generating device disposed at the butter containing portion for passing basic butter containing section to the at least one further dosing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: SPX Flow Technology Danmark A/S
    Inventors: Erik Dons Soerensen, Ernst Noergaard Petersen
  • Patent number: 8631740
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a method and an apparatus for making an air-containing mixture 7, where air 8 is introduced into a viscous mass of raw mixture 5 for forming the air-containing mixture, and where the introduction of air is performed in connection with introducing the mixture in a treating unit 13. In the system, the raw mixture will be pumped under pressure through a nozzle 18 for forming least one jet 19 which is sprayed through an air space 17 against the surface 21 of the mixture, so that air is entrained in the mixture and that the air-containing mixture formed thereby is subsequently introduced in the treatment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Gram Equipment A/S
    Inventor: Tage Petersen
  • Publication number: 20130319259
    Abstract: A milk frothing device (1) delimiting an area (2) for mixing milk (35) from a milk reservoir (3) and gas (49), comprises a supply arrangement (4) of pressurized gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Youcef Ait Bouziad, Fabien Ludovic Agon, Alfred Yoakim
  • Patent number: 8596190
    Abstract: A liquid food fountain comprises a center barrel having a top opening and a bottom opening and a plurality of stackable modules (16, 14, 12, 10) adapted for a slip fit on the center barrel (20). Each module has a tier (16) extending around the center barrel (10). A liquid collector (24) is adapted to be placed below the modules. An auger (34) assembly is adapted to fit inside the center barrel to carry liquid entering the center barrel at the bottom opening to the top opening. A drive module is connectable to the auger assembly. The described parts can be assembled for use and disassembled for cleaning and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: World-Wide Foods, a CA Corp.
    Inventors: Scott M. Roysner, Howard F. Wilkinson, Bernard Strong, Peter E. Karaiskos
  • Publication number: 20130174748
    Abstract: A butter making appliance adapted and configured for countertop operation includes a churning vessel having an open end through which cream may be introduced and butter may be withdrawn, the open end having a lid removably mountable thereto, the churning vessel being removably mountable to a motor-driven reciprocating drive housed within a housing, the drive being adapted and configured to drive the churning vessel in reciprocal motion, whereby the reciprocal motion of the churning vessel agitates cream contained therein causing it to convert to butter. Alternate embodiments include means for introducing at least one dwell period in each cycle of reciprocating motion to increase cream-to-butter conversion efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Dale Deel
  • Patent number: 8443720
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a continuous curding machine for tofu products, designed to be capable of manufacturing clean tofu products in that it will not cause a leakage of soymilk and seams and/or wrinkles on the tofu, sanitary and simple in mechanism, easy to perform transport of tofu to following processes, and capable of forming a deep coagulation compartment so as to enable “tatedori” (taking the depth of the coagulation compartment to be the longest side of the tofu). The machine is equipped with the conveyor belt C that transports coagulating coagulant-added soymilk as well as with a concave member 10 disposed underneath the belt. The belt C is conveyed as it is shaped into concave in accordance with the form of the said concave member 10 disposed underneath, and forms a coagulating compartment 10a, 10b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Takai Tofu & Soymilk Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Toichiro Takai, Toshiaki Shinde
  • Publication number: 20130045310
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a frozen confectionery product and to a method of manufacturing same. It furthermore relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a frozen confectionery product by rotary vertical extrusion. Said apparatus comprises a nozzle (14) at least one ice-cream passage (20, 22) with at least one inlet port (24, 26) and an outlet port (28), and at least one chocolate passage (30, 32) with respectively an inlet port (34, 36) and an outlet port (38, 38?). The outlet ports are provided in the nozzle (14) and have elongated cross-sections, and each chocolate outlet port (38, 38?) extends in parallel to an ice cream outlet port (28), so as to form annular or helical chocolate layers upon rotation of the nozzle and the container with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Massimilliano Ricco, Jean-Michel Marchon
  • Publication number: 20130040028
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a milk-frothing unit comprising a frothing chamber, a suction portion which leads into the frothing chamber and an outflow which leads out of the frothing chamber, the frothing chamber, the suction portion and the outflow being configured such that milk can be suctioned in via the suction portion and guided into the frothing chamber and can be frothed up therein with gas and/or steam, in particular air and/or water vapour, which is supplied to this frothing chamber and in that the milk-froth mixture resulting from the frothing can be discharged out of the frothing chamber via the outflow, characterised in that the frothing chamber, the suction portion and the outflow are configured and disposed such that the milk to be suctioned in and the discharged milk-froth mixture can be guided in a circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: WMF WURTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Matthias Doppe, Martin Neumayer
  • Patent number: 8367133
    Abstract: For the production from a liquid food of an at least partially foamed food, in particular at least partially foamed milk or a milk product, the liquid food, which is contained in a container (1) or a capsule-type formation, is expelled from the container or the capsule, and at least partially foamed and subsequently expelled by generating an at least partially turbulent flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Innostarter
    Inventor: Beat Keller
  • Patent number: 8322693
    Abstract: A milk froth machine includes a base and a top cover. A heating element is electrically connected to a controller mounted in the base. First and second electric connectors are respectively mounted to the base and top cover and electrically connected to the controller. The first and second electric connectors are coupled together when an agitator on the top cover is aligned with a supporting top face of the base. A motor is mounted in the top cover and electrically connected to the second electric connector. A container can be placed on the supporting top face with the agitator extending into the container and with the first and second electric connectors electrically coupled together. The controller controls the motor to drive the agitator to agitate milk in the container to form milk froth or controls the heating element to heat the milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Splendor Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20120222561
    Abstract: The container (9) comprising an emulsifying device (17) having a milk suction pipe (37), a nozzle (19) for supplying hot or emulsified milk with a discharge end outside the container, a steam inlet (33) and an air inlet (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Stefano Tonelli, Cristiano Castelli
  • Patent number: 8247012
    Abstract: The invention can be used in varies industries, in particular, in the food, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The inventive method consists in separating unpasteurized cow milk in a separator, wherein a skimmed milk and fats are separated. Said method is characterized in that it consists in pasteurizing said skimmed milk in a pasteurizer at a determined temperature, in cooling said milk and conveying it to an intermediate balance tank from which the milk is supplied to a micro-filtering membrane-type filter for dividing it into casein and whey proteins, in supplying the separated casein protein to a membrane-type ultrafiltration-defiltration filter, wherein the concentrated product is transferred to a drier for drying, and in cooling and packing the thus produced water-soluble casein flour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Vytautas Fedaravicius, Adomas Juska
  • Publication number: 20120201926
    Abstract: There is also provided a method of producing a natural cheese having improved melt characteristics from a quantity of raw milk. The method includes separating the raw milk into a cream portion and a reduced fat milk portion. A portion of the cream portion is emulsified in a machine with a mild homogenate process producing reduced size fat globules. All of the cream portion and the reduced fat milk portion is combined into a cheese fluid and pasteurized. A coagulating agent is added to the cheese fluid and processed to produce a natural cheese having improved melt characteristics from the cheese fluid including the emulsified cream portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: John Kieran Brody
  • Publication number: 20120164277
    Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to shelf-stable dry dairy products which create foam upon mixing with liquid. Other embodiments are related to beverages with shelf-stable dairy products and soluble coffee. Also disclosed are methods of making the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Starbucks Corporation d/b/a Starbucks Coffee Company
    Inventors: Urano A. Robinson, J. Marcio Da Cruz, Dien Van Vu
  • Publication number: 20120141633
    Abstract: A process of producing a filled sheet of process cheese, in which process cheese and a filling are co-extruded into a packaging material to produce a strand having a thickness, the strand is separated at predetermined locations to produce separate sheets, in which the filling is fully enclosed. A machine for producing filled sheets of process cheese, having a co-extrusion nozzle with an outer port for extruding an outer component and an inner port for extruding an inner component fully enclosed by the outer component into packaging material to form a co-extruded strand. The machine may comprise a device for reducing the thickness of the co-extruded strand, such as two or more cooperating rollers, and a device for separating the co-extruded strand, such as two or more rollers having ridges. A sheet of process cheese filled with a filling fully enclosed by the process cheese and having a thickness of 6 mm or less is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Uwe Marder, Klaus Kempter, Gabriele Kopp, Erich Laudenbach, Oliver Schaar, Etienne Pirnay
  • Publication number: 20120128834
    Abstract: Product for the preparation of a milkshake, covering a substantially liquid tight closable container for the containment of a to be prepared milkshake, a multiplicity of units of ice put into the tool, and in the container present fractionating mean for the division of units of ice into small parts, whereby the fractionating means are arranged in the container in such a way that the units of ice can be divided into small parts by shaking the container with the present units of ice and a by the consumer added liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Dairy Innovations B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Jurjen Westdijk, Jan Gerhard Land
  • Publication number: 20120125209
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the preparation of cheese, comprising a vertical tubular column (2) for receiving and compacting cheese curd and a guillotine knife (50) for cutting off curd blocks, wherein the guillotine knife in operation moves back and forth between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the guillotine knife is provided with guiding means which comprise two parallel girders which have mutually facing surfaces with guiding slots which receive the longitudinal edges of the guillotine knife, wherein the longitudinal edges of the guillotine knife are provided with plastic guide strips (62) overlying the longitudinal edges, which guide strips are provided with a number of recesses (63) bounded by intermediate sections and end sections, the recesses leaving part? of the longitudinal edges of the guillotine knife exposed, wherein the guide strips are arranged on the guillotine knife so as to be slidable back and forth in longitudinal direction over a predetermined distance, and wherein the outer
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Andy Lockyer
  • Publication number: 20120055348
    Abstract: A device for frothing milk with a base element including a container for receiving milk to be frothed and a removable lid including a motor for driving a circular annular spring for frothing milk, the latter being driven by a motor in the lid. To this end, electrical energy needs to be transferred to the motor. This is done using inductive coupling. This removes the need for providing bare electrical contacts thus removing disadvantages like risk of short circuit and electrical shock hazards. To achieve this, both the base element and the lid are fitted with windings for transferring electrical energy. To improve the effectiveness of inductive coupling, frequency conversion means are provided to supplying an alternating current at a relatively high frequency to the first winding. The first winding is used as an inductive element for an oscillator as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: FOREMOST B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Adrianus Johannes Maria Elissen