Including Revolving Surface Patents (Class 99/466)
  • Patent number: 11491493
    Abstract: A waste management system for plastic or other material floating on the surface and in the subsurface of a body of water. A shredding device will reduce the size of the particles of waste. Ocean water is removed by a drying device. The dried waste material is frozen to a temperature at or below minus fifty degrees Fahrenheit, using liquid nitrogen or other suitable means. The frozen waste material is then pulverized and ground into a powder. The powder may then be sprayed into a gas-filled chamber and heated. Temperature, pressure and humidity are maintained within the chamber for more than one minute. Microwave or other radiation and catalysts may be used to enhance the process of extraction. The processed material is then removed from the chamber. Carbon may be recycled or used as fuel by the ship. Water may be used by the ship or returned to the ocean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventor: Philip John Milanovich
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20140004230
    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 at least one ice cream passage with at least one inlet port and an outlet portion, and at least one chocolate passage with respectively an inlet port and an outlet port. The outlet ports are provided in the nozzle and have elongated cross-sections, and each chocolate outlet port extends in parallel to an ice cream outlet port, 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: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Massimiliano Ricco, JEAN-MICHEL MARCHON
  • Publication number: 20130186286
    Abstract: An appliance for the treatment of a liquid food comprises a container (2) for the liquid food, a support (3) for the container (2), a cover (4) to close container (2), a hermetically sealed chamber (6) within the cover (4), a tool (5) rotating inside the container (2) for the treatment of the liquid food, a primary electrical winding (9) held by the support (3) and suitable to transfer energy by magnetic induction to a secondary electrical winding (7) positioned inside the hermetically sealed chamber (6), and a motor (8) driving the rotation of the tool (5) positioned within the hermetically sealed chamber (6) and electrically powered by the secondary winding (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: De' Longhi Appliances S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe De' Longhi
  • Publication number: 20130081545
    Abstract: A milk frother has a base and a removable stainless steel jug. The contents of the jug may be aerated with a magnetic frothing disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventor: Khon Thai
  • 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: 20130032042
    Abstract: The invention provides a device (100, 200, 300, 600) for agitating a liquid, e.g. a milk frother, comprising: a main body (110) comprising an opening (116) adapted to releasably receive an inner container (120), which inner container is suitable for receiving the liquid; an agitation element (136) for agitating the liquid when the liquid is received in the inner container and the inner container is received in the opening of the main body; a driving element (132) for driving the agitation element; and an electrical connection (154, 152, 111) for providing electrical energy to the driving element. By providing an opening for releasably receiving an inner container, a separate container can be used in conjunction with the device. This container is releasable, so it can be put in a dishwashing machine or a sink with water without any risk of damaging the electrical components of the device. In this way, the container can be easily, hygienically and conveniently be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Petrus Adrianus Johannes Maria Elissen
  • Publication number: 20130008321
    Abstract: A machine for the treatment of food mixtures with an improved performance includes a container or cylinder for collecting a food mixture, integral with a frame structure and equipped with an upper lid, for closing the container and hinged to the frame, so as to be in a closed or open position on an upper opening of the container, in the container there being a rotating shaft, which is coaxial to the container and which supports in rotation scraping and mixing blades at the bottom and sides of the inner and bottom walls of the container, a blender being positioned in an opening of the lid. Particularly, the blender can be positioned so to be freely removable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: G.S.G. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Genesio Bravo
  • Publication number: 20120186462
    Abstract: A device for foaming milk with a motor arranged in a housing, for driving a driving shaft in rotation, and a foaming element arranged on a first housing end outside of the housing, coupled to the driving shaft, which set in rotation by the latter about a rotation axis. The device includes a supporting means arranged on the housing, on which means the device can be set down with first housing end located in a low position such that the foaming element rotates freely, and wherein the rotation axis extends at an inclination with respect to the vertical. The device for foaming milk, designed in this manner, produces a milk foam which is of a quality that can be generated in apparatuses of the state of the art, wherein at the same time the handling is simplified for the operator, and requires less attention from him/her.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Volker Breust
  • Publication number: 20120167781
    Abstract: A milk frothing device comprises a housing (2) including a container (10) for receiving the milk to be frothed, and a frothing means (20), wherein the container comprises a side wall (11), a bottom portion (13) and an inclined wall portion (12), wherein the inclined wall portion is inclined with respect to the side wall and is confined by the side wall and the bottom portion, wherein the container and the frothing means together form an asymmetrical arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Gary Lane, Alan Green
  • Publication number: 20110239873
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cutting cheese curd mass in a curd vat. The apparatus comprises a first cutting frame that cuts the cheese curd in a first direction along one plane of the curd vat. The first cutting frame comprising one or more cutting wires extending in one or more directions. The apparatus further comprises a second cutting frame comprising one or more cutting wires extending in one or more directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Dewayne Oakley
  • Patent number: 7841271
    Abstract: A cheese vat for at least preparing curd for soft fresh cheese, comprising at least one cutting frame provided with a cutting wire system, which has a frame which has at least two opposite frame parts between which cutting wire sections extend, which frame parts are provided with openings form receiving a cutting wire, wherein the ends of a cutting wire are each fastened via pull relief means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Wieger van der Meulen
  • Patent number: 7823504
    Abstract: A cutting frame for use in a curd vat, which cutting frame comprises substantially parallel frame girders, between which is situated a lattice formed from longitudinal knives and transverse knives, of which the transverse knives are mounted on the frame girders by welding and have aligned openings, in which the longitudinal knives are received, wherein the longitudinal knives are strip-shaped knives having a length dimension and a width dimension and having at least one sharp cutting edge extending in the length dimension, which cutting edge is formed by at least one obliquely ground cutting face, wherein the width of the longitudinal knives is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the openings of the transverse knives, and wherein means are provided for substantially preventing displacement of the longitudinal knives in the length dimension, wherein at least a number of openings of at least a number of transverse knives is provided with supporting elements which substantially lock the longitudinal kniv
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Wieger van der Meulen
  • Publication number: 20100263551
    Abstract: Compact machine for making cheese, other milk-derivatives and tofu comprising a shell (1) in which an impermeable basin (3) is inserted, a collecting container (2) in which a permeable basket (6) is inserted for collecting the product and a support structure comprising a lower base member (10) having two side arms (8). The machine comprises, furthermore, a motor (7) integral to the shell (1) for operating a stirring member (5), and heating means (4) adapted to heat to various temperature the content of the basin (3). The basin (3) and the permeable basket (6) are open and coupled with respect to each other, in a releasable way, one against the another. The coupled basin (3) and the permeable basket (6) are adapted to be integrally rotated, in order to be moved alternatively between a first position (A), where the basin (3) is down and the basket (6) is up, and a second position, where the basket (6) is down and the basin (3) is up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Riccardo Pavero
  • Publication number: 20100192785
    Abstract: An appliance for conditioning a liquid made of or based on milk, in particular for preparing heated liquid or a cold or heated frothed liquid. The appliance includes a tank for receiving the liquid that is to be conditioned; a closed compartment secured to the tank; and an electric device located therein for imparting a conditioning effect to the liquid. The compartment is made water impervious and washable under running water without infiltration thereof into the compartment containing the electric device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Kräuchi, Gerd Helf, Dietmar Becker, Roland Piller
  • Patent number: 7757603
    Abstract: A cheese process vat is disclosed. The cheese process vat includes an enclosure and a shaft assembly, preferably a shaft assembly having a shaft and a plurality of agitator panels arranged on the shaft in a planar fashion. The agitator panels are preferably arranged on the shaft such that the shaft assembly is balanced in both weight and agitator panel surface area around the centerline of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Process Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Bokelmann, Craig J. Campbell, Gary L. Starkson
  • Patent number: 7665398
    Abstract: A soft-serve confection freezer incorporates a set of modules in a circular array and separately replaceable in a magazine. Each module supports a container storing a dry food ingredient in solid particulate form, and has a motor driven product impeller for controlled discharge of particulates from the container to a blender assembly. The blender assembly has a housing and screw-type auger of cooperating configurations and which cooperate with a central passageway for frozen confection flowing from the freezer, to blend particulates from one or more containers into the confection and discharge into a customer's cup for immediate consumption. A further version incorporates a magazine for injection and blending of one or more flavored liquids into the frozen confection. Control panel selection of ingredients and flavors and dispensing by the operator according to the customer's order, or selection and dispensing by the customer himself/herself, is provided. Components are arranged to facilitate cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Flavor Burst Co., L.L.P.
    Inventor: Ernest C. Gerber
  • Publication number: 20090217825
    Abstract: A machine for producing ice cream shop products comprises a whipping and freezing unit (2) with a horizontal axis (A) and a removable head (10) forming an end wall (11) of the whipping and freezing unit (2), there being in the wall (11) an inlet (12) for ingredients intended to constitute the ice cream shop products, and an outlet (13) for the ice cream shop product prepared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 7544917
    Abstract: A curd preparation vat provided with a sealing construction for a shaft passing through a wall of the vat, which sealing construction has at least one receiving space and a sealing ring included therein in operation, surrounding the shaft, wherein the sealing ring has an annular body which is provided with a sealing lip which cooperates with a radially extending surface of the sealing construction, and wherein the annular body furthermore has an axially inner surface abutting against first positioning means of the sealing construction, wherein the sealing lip of the at least one sealing ring extends both radially and axially obliquely outwards from a both radially and axially outer edge area of the annular body, and wherein between the sealing lip and the inner surface of the annular body that abuts against the shaft, an axially outer surface of the annular body is situated, which cooperates directly with second positioning means, which leave the lip clear, for fixing the at least one sealing ring between the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Wieger van der Meulen, Sebastiaan Jozef Clemens Buijs
  • Publication number: 20080273419
    Abstract: A machine for making ice-cream products comprises at least a motor operatively connected to a rod-shaped element so as to drive the rotation of the latter about its own axis of extension, grip means for moving the motor and/or the rod-shaped element at least along the axis of rotation of the rod-shaped element so that the rod-shaped element is at least partly immersed in a containment tank. The machine comprises means for activating the motor, preferably contact sensors, positioned on the grip means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 7305917
    Abstract: A cheese vat for at least preparing curd for soft fresh cheese, comprising at least one cutting frame provided with a cutting wire system, which has a frame which has at least two opposite frame parts between which cutting wire sections extend, which frame parts are provided with openings form receiving a cutting wire, wherein the ends of a cutting wire are each fastened via pull relief means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Wieger van der Meulen
  • Patent number: 6960014
    Abstract: Tempering apparatus having disc-free stirring tool (8) with plate-shaped arms (12, 13). The upper side (14) of each arm (12) has a different geometrical configuration than the lower side (19) thereof. Each neighbouring arm (13) has the opposite configuration of the upper and lower sides (23 and 24). The mass is thereby given an intermittent up- and downwards movement in the mass treatment chamber (2) and the tempering capacity of the apparatus is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Aasted-Mikroverk APS
    Inventor: Anders Conradsen Kongstad
  • Patent number: 6539845
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft comprises a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and having a number of strip-shaped transverse knives and longitudinal knives, the longitudinal knives each having an inner end situated near the shaft and an outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, while at least a number of longitudinal knives of at least one of the cutting frames are provided, at the outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, with a knife end section which has at least one portion extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal knives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Sjoerd Huitema
  • Patent number: 6418836
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft comprises a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and having a number of strip-shaped transverse knives and longitudinal knives, the longitudinal knives each having an inner end situated near the shaft and an outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, while at least a number of longitudinal knives of at least one of the cutting frames are provided, at the outer end situated near the wall of the curd vat, with a knife end section which has at least one portion extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal knives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Sjoerd Huitema
  • Patent number: 6415711
    Abstract: Improvements are provided in an apparatus and a method for shredding blocks of cheese. The apparatus includes an elongated cheese chamber having an open side face for the admission of a block of cheese, which is urged into the elongated cheese chamber by a loading piston, a longitudinally-extending side plate and a floor surface for slidingly-engaging a block of cheese. An extruding piston is provided to force the cheese downstream within the elongated cheese chamber. The improvement includes an extrusion grid plate which is fixed at the downstream end of the elongated cheese chamber having a plurality of elongated, parallel, horizontal and vertical, knife-edges constituting a plurality of rectangular openings. A rotatable shredder assembly including an overlapped disc is sited immediately downstream of, and is in longitudinal abutment with, the extrusion grid plate, to prevent undesired escape of the extruded cheese.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Angelo Penta
  • Publication number: 20020056376
    Abstract: An apparatus has a tank with a vertical carousel holding blocks of cheese. The carousel moves in a closed path which submerges and flips over the blocks of cheese in a chilled brine solution contained in the tank. The movement of the carrousel ensures that the cheese is cooled uniformly without deformation. While the cheese block are held in the carrousel a fluid circulation system forces chilled brine through the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph H. Abler
  • Patent number: 6367375
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft carries a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and arranged on the shaft in staggered relation, each cutting frame having two frame girders, which extend radially from the drivable shaft and between which a lattice work is situated formed from longitudinal knives and transverse knives, the transverse knives being mounted on the frame girders by welding. The transverse knives form openings which are in line, in which the longitudinal knives are received with ample play, while means are provided for substantially preventing displacement of the longitudinal knives in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Sjoerd Huitema
  • Publication number: 20010022141
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft carries a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and arranged on the shaft in staggered relation, each cutting frame having two frame girders, which extend radially from the drivable shaft and between which a lattice work is situated formed from longitudinal knives and transverse knives, the transverse knives being mounted on the frame girders by welding. The transverse knives form openings which are in line, in which the longitudinal knives are received with ample play, while means are provided for substantially preventing displacement of the longitudinal knives in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Sjoerd Huitema
  • Patent number: 6257129
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft carries a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and arranged on the shaft in staggered relation, each cutting frame having two frame girders, which extend radially from the drivable shaft and between which a lattice work is situated formed from longitudinal knives and transverse knives, the transverse knives being mounted on the frame girders by welding. The transverse knives form openings which are in line, in which the longitudinal knives are received with ample play, while a device are provided for substantially preventing displacement of the longitudinal knives in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Sjoerd Huitema
  • Patent number: 5985347
    Abstract: A cheese processing vat of the type having a pair of interconnected generally cylindrical wall portions with agitator panels rotating therein to sweep generally cylindrical volumes includes agitator panels which are driven to rotate in opposite directions such that the panels move through a common swept volume between their axes of rotation in the same direction. The panels are mounted such that one panel leads the other during movement through the common swept volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Damrow Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Ejnik
  • Patent number: 5711976
    Abstract: A molds is filled with cheese by an apparatus that includes an extruder which injects cheese through the opening in the mold. A plunger is located adjacent to the mold and is contacted by moveable wall of the mold as cheese fills a mold cavity. An actuator may be provided to varying the position of the plunger in order to accommodate different size molds. A sensor coupled to the plunger measures the force exerted by the cheese against the moveable wall. Aa controller receives a force signal from the sensor and produces an output signal when the force reaches a predetermined level. The output signal activates a knife blade which cuts off further injection of cheese into the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Stainless Steel Fabricating, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph H. Abler
  • Patent number: 5706719
    Abstract: A device for moulding cheese includes a vessel (1), for containing a mixt of curds and serum, and a series of moulding cups (11), a distribution trough (3) into which mixture from the vessel (1) flows, and a hopper (5) including a row of openings (16) located above the series of moulding cups (11), and disposed at the distribution trough (3) outlet. A mechanism moves the hopper (5) and the series of moulding cups (11) in a horizontal direction relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Equipements Techniques des Industries Alimentaires et Connexes Tecnal
    Inventor: Alain Roumeau
  • Patent number: 5688542
    Abstract: A method of forming a continuous ribbon of cheese from precheese is described. A conveyor belt system is used, modified to retain and transport the liquid precheese which, over the course of conveyance, solidifies to form the continuous cheese product discharged at the end of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Pedro J. Tortosa
  • Patent number: 5327818
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vat having a lateral wall and a bottom for pasteurizing, maturing and maintaining a product. A cover adjacent to the lateral wall and to the bottom controls the temperature of the product present in the vat. A first heat-exchange circuit is defined by the cover and by the vat. A heat-exchange fluid circulates in the first heat-exchange circuit. The first heat-exchange circuit includes a heat generator for the heating of the heat-exchange fluid and includes a first heat exchanger for the cooling of the heat-exchange fluid. A second heat-exchange circuit has a tank. A diathermic liquid circulates in the second heat-exchange circuit. A second heat-exchanger is disposed in the tank, and a refrigeration group is connected, in a heat-exchange relationship, to the second heat-exchanger. The second heat-exchange circuit is connected to the first heat-exchanger by a by-pass conduit parallel to the first heat-exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Maurizio Olivetti
  • Patent number: 5301605
    Abstract: The curd ripening apparatus comprises two perforated, semicylindrical baskets (12, 30), rotatably supported on a common horizontal axis, one within the other. Curds are poured into the inside basket, and the outside basket is then rotated of 180.degree. with respect to the other and is latched with latching means (26, 28, 40) to make it integral with the other basket (12, 24) in an angular position opposite to it, so that a closed barrel is formed. One or two motors (36, 38; 136, 138) can rotate both baskets together, so that the curds are rolled until ripe. The inside basket is preferably provided with internal, parallel, transverse blades (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: CMT Construzioni Meccaniche e Technologia SpA
    Inventor: Stefano Tomatis
  • Patent number: 5249514
    Abstract: A process for producing pumpable foodstuffs, wherein raw foodstuffs such as raw cheese is pre-comminuted, mixed with further ingredients, thermally treated by steam injection, subsequently cooled and creamed or emulsified and then fed or passed to a further working or processing operation. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for producing pumpable foodstuffs, such as processed cheese, having a treatment apparatus for raw foodstuffs, a mixer, a device or unit for heating and subsequently cooling the cheese mass and having feed pumps for the cheese mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: A. Stephan und Soehne GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Friedrich Otto, Albert Dubielzyk
  • Patent number: 5244020
    Abstract: A dispenser of foodstuff is particularly well adapted to deliver cheese for pizza making. A refrigerator contains a bin which may be completely removed from said refrigerator for cleaning, as in a dishwasher, for example. The bin features inwardly sloping walls so that the cheese does not normally stick to the wall. An auger delivers the cheese to a spout where a star wheel meters flow and breaks up any clumps in the cheese. A spring biased trap door closes the spout, especially when the bin is removed from the refrigerator. The refrigerator contains parts which control the opening and closing of the trap door and the turning of the auger. The entire system operates under the control of a programmable microprocessor which includes means for detecting when the bin is empty or is failing to delivery the cheese.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Middleby Marshall Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian A. Bruno, Richard Caron, Gorm Bressner, Kevin Barnes, Philip Carbone, Robert Simek
  • Patent number: 5241901
    Abstract: A device is described relating to separating mixed substances of differing flowabilities, in particular for the purpose of processing foodstuffs. The processing takes place in a device by which an elastic presser belt is pressed onto the periphery of a hollow separating drum with a perforated wall, so that the substance to be processed consisting of the previously mentioned composition and located between the presser belt and the hollow separating drum is separated into a phase of easily and a phase of less easily flowable components. The present concept provides for the use of two presser belt systems, which are operative one in series with and downstream of the other and influence a hollow separating drum, thus offering the possibility of using presser belts of different softness as well as, in the case of offset arrangement of the presser belt systems, use of varying perforations in the respectively associated circumferential areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Helmut Kunig
  • Patent number: 5178459
    Abstract: A curdling tank includes two upright, mutually intersecting, circular tank sections, each of the circular tank sections having a concentrically operated stirring system. The bottom portions of each of the circular tank sections are shaped to include sloping sides to form respective concentric bottom grooves with a downwardly pointed cross section, the lowermost portions of the grooves meet or overlap each other midway between the two shafts. The grooves are arranged in the shape of a figure of eight and the grooves achieve an effective emptying through a single outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Gadan Maskinfabrik A/S
    Inventor: Jens E. Christensen
  • Patent number: 5103720
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating of flowable and non-flowable constituents mixed with each other, particularly for the purpose of preparation of foodstuffs, operates with an elastic presser belt which is held pressed against the circumferential surface of a separating drum and which is guided between laterally bounding walls. For reducing the unavoidable leakage flow in the region of the radial sealing gap located between the perforated drum and the presser belt, the sealing gap is provided with a radial recess, which extends over the region of the separating drum encompassed by the presser belt and has an opening in the region of the entry wedge which connect said recess with this region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rose, Klaus Ziebell
  • Patent number: 5052290
    Abstract: A cheese-making tank comprising a cylindrical container provided with a first cutting frame with cutting wires forming a netting, said cutting frame being displaceable forwards and backwards along the lower portion of the container from a first position at one end of the container to a second position at the other end of the container. It is further provided with a second cutting frame with radially extending cutting wires, said cutting frame being pivotally arranged about a longitudinal axis and with stirring means to be lowered into the lower portion of the container in order to carry out stirring movements therein. When being in the second position, the first cutting frame can be turned into the upper portion of the container while the stirring means are working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: APV Pasilac A/S
    Inventor: Per G. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 5017396
    Abstract: A method of centrifuging cheese milk that involves skimming it in a self-emptying centrifuge, returning some of the separated cream to the skim milk to adjust it to the desired level of fat, and centrifuging it again to precipitate microorganisms and dirt particles. The method uses only one centrifuge. The raw milk is preliminarily simmed down to a desired fat content in one section of a separation space, the accordingly standardized milk is forwarded to the periphery of another section of the separation space, where it is purified of microorganisms and dirt while flowing radially inward through the section, and the standardized and purified milk is extracted from the processing space inside the centrifuge by w ay of a peeler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Hanno Lehmann, Karl-Heinz Zettier
  • Patent number: 5003869
    Abstract: For the metered addition of copper ions in cheese production in a stainless steel kettle(a) CO.sub.2 is introduced into the added water,(b) copper ions are produced electrolytically in the added water by means of electrodes immersed in the added water,(c) the enzymes necessary for the cheese production are added to the added water containing CO.sub.2 and copper ions and(d) the added water containing CO.sub.2, copper ions and enzymes is added to the raw milk for the cheese production.An apparatus for carrying out this procedure is characterized by(a) an electrolyzing tank (10) having an anode (11), a cathode (12) and a vent (13),(b) means (1, 2, 3, 4, 6) for feeding added water into the electrolyzing tank (10),(c) means (5, 7, 8, 9) for the metered addition of CO.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Mator AG
    Inventor: Claus Fabricius
  • Patent number: 5000086
    Abstract: This invention concerns a process for applying a liquid release agent, especially an alginate, to the outside of a thin wide strand of cheese (30) on a revolving cooling roll (2) characterized in that the release agent is pressed onto the outside of the cheese strand (30) in the form of a film (34) which is fed at the rate of travel of the cheese strand (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Kraft General Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Heinrich Bartling
  • Patent number: 4989504
    Abstract: An enclosed food processing vat is provided having two or more generally horizontally-oriented partial cylindrical inner wall sections, each inner wall section conforming to a first portion of an swept volume created by the rotation of an agitator means about a horizontal shaft, the distance between the shafts being slightly greater than the radius of the swept volume so that a second portion of the swept volume for each shaft intersects and overlaps the swept volume of adjacent shafts. Each shaft is provided with a series of combined cutting and stirring paddles comprising a series of blades arranged both perpendicular to the shaft and parallel to the shaft that are sharpened on one side only and fixed so that when the shaft is rotated in one direction cutting will take place; whereas, when the shaft is rotated in the other direction stirring will take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Sherping Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Jay
  • Patent number: 4957426
    Abstract: An apparatus for stretching dough comprising two pairs of rollers and means for imparting vibrations to the dough positioned between the pairs of rollers is provided. In this apparatus, vibrations are imparted to dough, which causes the thixotropic effect in the dough. Such dough can be readily stretched by being subjected to a tensile stress caused by the difference in the peripheral speed of the pairs of rollers. Therefore, dough can be stretched without subjecting it to high pressure during the stretching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Torahiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4834635
    Abstract: An extrusion die for producing hollow extrusions from material which is difficult to solidify quickly, e.g. chocolate, the die comprising an outer die part secured to the end of a supply pipe, a central aperture in the outer die part within which an inner die part having a multiplicity of spaced air injectors is provided, so that during extrusion chocolate forced through the apertures surrounds the injectors to produce an extrusion product having a plurality of longitudinal passages therein. A fluid, e.g. air, is passed through the injectors and into the longitudinal passages to prevent collapse of the passages before the chocolate has set. Relative rotation between the outer and inner die parts may be effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Cadbury Limited
    Inventor: John W. Groen
  • Patent number: 4829890
    Abstract: A counterflow washer and cooler for processing cottage cheese curd and whey material comprising a horizontal housing, and a material and fluid blender rotatable mounted in the housing. The blender includes a rotatable shaft having at least one material lifting and conveying assembly rigidly mounted thereon having a material supporting surface and a guiding and conveying wall for moving material longitudinally through the housing in counterflow to the direction of flow of a washing and cooling fluid passing through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Kusel Equipment Company
    Inventor: Meredith C. Thomson
  • Patent number: RE42938
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft carries a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and arranged on the shaft in staggered relation, each cutting frame having two frame girders, which extend radially from the drivable shaft and between which a lattice work is situated formed from longitudinal knives and transverse knives, the transverse knives being mounted on the frame girders by welding. The transverse knives form openings which are in line, in which the longitudinal knives are received with ample play, while means are provided for substantially preventing displacement of the longitudinal knives in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Sjoerd Huitema