Abstract: Provided is a cooking appliance. Steam generated in a steam generation part is selectively supplied into a cooktop part or a steam cooking part. The steam supplied into the cooktop part is used for cleaning a top plate. Also, the steam supplied into the steam cooking part is used for cooking a food. Thus, the steam may be used in a lot of uses, e.g., for cooking the food and cleaning the top plate.

Abstract: The waste food recycling machine includes an elongate, vertical housing divided into three stages. In the first stage, waste food is collected and sanitized by steam. After sanitation, the sanitized waste food passes into the second stage where the sanitized waste food is cut into smaller portions and dried. In the third stage, the dried waste food is cooled and mixed. An optional supplement infuser is provided to add additional nutrients. The final mixture is then packaged and further processed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a piece of equipment for roasting edible seeds like coffee beans and the like includes a body sized to contain the product to be roasted, an air intake fan for conveying an air flow into the containing body, and a heater for heating the air flow. The containing body is fixed and houses a rotary shaft provided with one or more substantially radial arms or blades suited to stir the product during roasting, and may include a rotary drum that is integral or that may not be integral with the arms during rotation.

Abstract: A system comprising a pre-heater located downstream of where a product stream is formed and upstream of a heater that heats the product stream to a desired temperature, the pre-heater comprising a circulating stream of a first heat transfer stream that pre-heats the food product, a container cooler comprising a circulating stream of a second heat transfer stream that cools containers containing the heated food product coming out of the heater, and a heat exchanger where heat from the second heat transfer stream is transferred to the first heat transfer stream. A method for using the system is also disclosed. The product can be a food product, including but not limited to a beverage. The container containing the heated product can be any suitable container, including but not limited to bottles and cans.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus in an infuser for a liquid food product. The infuser is of the type which includes a pressure vessel (1) with an inlet (2) for the product located in its upper region and an outlet (6) for the product located in its lower region. In the product inlet (2) there is a device for dividing the product entering into the pressure vessel (1) into small droplets. The infuser also includes an inlet (8) for steam. The steam inlet (8) is disposed so that steam enters into the upper region of the pressure vessel (1) through a concentric distribution chamber (9). The distribution chamber (9) is defined by the wall (10) of the pressure vessel (1), a guide plate (11) and at least one foraminated plate (12).

Abstract: Provided is a manually operable nut cracking device having a frame, a fixed jaw and a movable jaw mounted to the frame in opposed relationship to define between them a nut holding station. The movable jaw is biassed away from the fixed jaw member. The device also has a lever arm pivotally connected by its proximal end with a pivot shaft to the upper part of the frame such that its distal end forms an operating handle movable from a fully inoperative position whereat the jaws are at their fullest extent away from each other to a fully operative positive whereat the jaws are at their fullest extent closer to one another. The pivot shaft is positioned adjacent to the movable jaw and a wedge shaped cam is formed at the proximal end of the lever arm.

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

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method is provided for injecting a fluid additive into a viscous fluid food flow stream. A fluid additive injector device is utilized to inject the fluid additive which has structure to prevent or minimize the amount of fluid additive that contacts or pools along the periphery of the fluid food flow stream. A fluid additive delivery system is provided to deliver equal amounts of fluid additive to a plurality of fluid additive injectors using a single pump without adjustable flow control apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vending machine for single-piece heated products, for example, snack sausages, comprising a magazine and a delivery path (6, 7, 8). A heating device (7) equipped with a wave resonator (41) is provided in a descending section of the delivery path and is delimited underneath by a switchable blocking element (50). The blocking element is designed as a load-sensitive sensor that detects the presence/delivery of a product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foodstuff refill (2) intended to be inserted in a foodstuff supply zone of a device for metering, dispensing and/or preparing food products; the refill comprising a container (20) for the foodstuff; a passage (24) for releasing the foodstuff; edges (21) of the device, including at least one pair of first opposed edges (210a, 210b), a film (25) for sealing the passage to form an enclosed space (26); a member (3) for detaching the film from the container; the detachment member including at least one catch member (4) intended to engage a retaining lip of the device when the refill is inserted into the device. The detachment member (3) is secured to the film (25) and is able to be connected to the refill in such a way as to be movable in sliding along the first edges of the device (210a, 210b) to cause the at least partial opening of the film (25) in response to the engagement of the refill in the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for puffing granular material, in particular cereals and legumes, has a heating apparatus for preheating the granular material and a puffing reactor for puffing the material. For effective, fast, and uniform heating of the material, it is proposed that: the heating apparatus have a free jet fluidized bed without a flow impact floor in which a batch of the material to be heated can be acted upon, in a preheating operation synchronized with the puffing process and proceeding batchwise, by a heat-carrying gaseous medium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are presented for the steam pasteurization of the meat to heat the surface of the meat and reduce surface contamination. One example of an apparatus for reducing surface contamination of meat includes a dewatering region, a steam region, a coolant region, and a controller. The dewatering region includes at least one dewatering element for directing a dewatering fluid at a piece of meat to remove surface water from the meat. The steam region includes at least one steam valve for directing steam at the piece of meat to heat the surface of the meat. The coolant region has at least one coolant element for directing a coolant fluid at the piece of meat to cool the meat. The controller is configured and arranged to control a conveyor to move the piece of meat from the dewatering region to the steam region, to stop the piece of meat in the steam region while steam is directed at the piece of meat, and to move the meat from the steam region to the coolant region.

Abstract: Feed Machine, preferably for use in machines for processing ice-cream mixtures or the like, having an element that swings (202; 203; 204; 205; 206) about a given axis between two positions and works in conjunction with a suitable housing (102; 103; 104; 105; 106) located at an opening made in one wall (1) of the machine (10). One of the two positions of the swing element (202; 203; 204; 205; 206) allows communication between the processing chamber and the outside environment and the other position prevents such communication. The housing (102; 103; 104; 105; 106) presents on its surface a funnel-shaped cavity (112; 113; 114; 115; 116) open at the bottom.

Abstract: An open-architecture system for filling and sealing containers in controlled environments. The system provides easy access to containers being processed, and minimizes start-up times and waste. Containers are processed by gas distributors (which may comprise gassing rails) provided in segments and individually movable between operating and service positions. Exhaust plenums are described for improving function of the gas distributors when processing containers. Gas exchange systems including on-demand processors and improved gassing elements are provided. An independent processor is provided to receive, correct and environmentally process defective (e.g. underfilled or overfilled) containers.

Abstract: A hydrolyzer system, apparatus, and method for effecting the continuous conversion of offal, feathers, hair, and other keratinaceous material into usable protein products for further commercial usage. The hydrolyzer system includes a feed screw conveyor, transfer conduit, feed substrate expansion chamber, hydrolyzer, product expansion means, and dryer. The hydrolyzer utilizes direct steam injection heat transfer in combination with a feed expansion chamber means and means for agitation and mixing within the hydrolyzer to fluidize a plug of feather feed substrate formed in the transfer conduit by the feed screw conveyor. The apparatus provides a means for heating and fluidizing the feather feed substrate at elevated temperatures while mixing same to effect its hydrolyzation while preventing the escape of back pressure therefrom via a feed substrate plug formed by the feed screw conveyor.

Abstract: A steam injection device for a vertical steam conditioning chamber for particulate material has one or more hollow modules having substantially conical tops and open bottoms arrayed along a support column extending from below the conditioning chamber to a point above the chamber. Steam for conditioning is supplied preferably through the support column in such a way that it uniformly permeates the particles along the height of the conditioning chamber as well as across its cross section. Additionally, by employing modules having other than symmetrically conical tops, it is possible to impart an irregular flow path to the particles being conditioned in the chamber. This permits uniform exposure of the particles to the steam in the conditioning chamber and, thus, promotes uniform conditioning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing fresh foodstuffs in large quantities and in bulk, such as fruit and vegetables but also other types of foodstuffs such as pasta, fish, meat, etc. in order to allow them to be preserved for a long period of time whilst keeping their organoleptic characteristics. The invention also extends to devices for implementing this method.

Abstract: A steam injection device for a vertical steam conditioning chamber for particulate material has one or more hollow modules having substantially conical tops and open bottoms arrayed along the vertical centerline of the chamber, each supported by at least one hollow leg attached to the chamber wall. Steam for conditioning is supplied to the modules through the support legs by means of a manifold which distributes steam to steam ports in the chamber wall. Additionally, by employing modules having other than symmetrically conical tops, it is possible to impart an irregular flow path to the particles being conditioned in the chamber. This permits uniform exposure of the particles to the steam in the conditioning chamber and, thus, promotes uniform conditioning.

Abstract: A vertical steam conditioning chamber, for feed grains and other steam conditioned particles, has a circular cross section and is formed from a plurality of stackable modules, each such module having a larger diameter than the module next above. A flange like member permits stacking and joining of the cylindrical modules and prevents the upper modules from telescoping downward into the modules below. This permits generation of a stepwise diametric expansion or even a variable stepwise diametric expansion in a conditioning chamber to accommodate different conditioning responses of different particulate materials. The ratio of cylindrical module height to diameter and the change thereto from one module to the next succeeding module provides the versatility and the variability of the stepwise diametric expansion.

Abstract: A pressure processing method and processing apparatus for sterilization, denaturation, etc. of food materials include a free piston fitted in a pressure container so that the free piston is slidable in an axial direction of the container, the pressure container being partitioned by the free piston into two chambers to prevent mixing and contact between a material to be processed and a pressure medium. The material to be processed filled in and supplied to one chamber is pressure-processed by the sliding movement of the piston caused by supplying the pressure medium to the other chamber. Three or more pressure containers, in each of which is fitted a free piston, are provided, and a series of processing operations including pressurizing and holding, discharge and supply of the material to be processed are carried out in a batch continuous manner in the same time zone.

Abstract: A consecutive extraction device for extracting an extract of an effective ingredient of malt, malted rice or malted soybean is provided. An extract of the effective ingredient of malt, malted rice or malted soybean in the liquid state and a process for using the extract of the effective ingredient to improve the quality of food are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are flow control assemblies such as nozzles and valves for flow control adapted to continuously vary the orifice cross-sectional area. The flow control assemblies have continuously smooth control surfaces to fluid flow and thus are especially suitable for control of heterogeneous fluid streams. The nozzles comprise two concentric, nesting valve flow control members. The assemblies find particular suitability for use as exit nozzles for R-T-E cereal gun puffing apparatus.

Abstract: A vessel for treating a finely-divided material, such as granules, powder, flakes and the like with a fluid, comprising an essentially closed wall having product feed and discharge means for feeding finely-divided material to and discharging it from the vessel, and also fluid feed and discharge means for feeding fluid to and discharging it from the vessel, one of the fluid feed and discharge means in each case opening into the bottom region of the vessel and the other into the top region, wherein between the fluid feed and discharge means sieve means are provided for preventing entrainment of finely-divided material.

Abstract: A particulate comestible material is agglomerated by an apparatus which has two movable endless surfaces positioned to form a nip therebetween. The apparatus provides for forming a flowable phase at the surfaces of particulate material supplied to the nip which are then conveyed through the nip so that the particles converge, merge, join and consolidate, and then the flowable phase is resolidified.

Abstract: A spray drying mechanism for agglomerating food powders in which a standard spray dryer having a drying chamber is used. Spray nozzles extend into the drying chamber and are supplied with an agglomerating medium which the spray nozzles spray into the drying chamber. Powdered food supplying mechanism is provided for directing the powdered food against the agglomerating medium being sprayed from the spray nozzle into the drying chamber in order to agglomerate the powdered food. The agglomerating medium is sprayed in the drying chamber in a cone-shape configuration and the powdered food is directed against the cone-shaped configuration of the agglomerating medium.

Abstract: Continuous hydrolyzing of keratinaceous material is effected in an elongated hydrolyzing vessel (1) under suitable pressure and temperature which is established by direct steam injection through injection valves, whereby the product mass is heated, fluidized and agitated at one and the same time.An inlet chute (2), which is closed in a pressure-proof manner, leads the material in batches and at intervals into the vessel (1), and an outlet chute (3) at intervals leads the hydrolyzed material to an economizer (4) and further to a pressure-free removal vessel (10).The product mass in the hydrolyzing vessel (1) moves through the vessel as plunger flow established by the overpressure in the inlet chute (2).

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for disintegrating fruit into pulp and juice and includes apparatus for controlling the rate of introduction of fruit and of ambient atmosphere into the overall apparatus, a cylindrical rotor housing having an entrance aperture and an outlet channel with a rotor drivingly rotated within to accelerate the fruit around a circular path and then discharge the fruit through a tangential channel into a disintegration chamber where the fruit impacts against a disintegrating member to disintegrate the fruit into pulp and juice for subsequent removal and packing.

Abstract: An apparatus for a supercritical fluid-solid bed process such as for decaffeinating green coffee beans including an elongated cylindrical vessel having a top and bottom. The solids accumulate to form a fluid-solids bed on the bottom of the vessel which includes a central bottom opening, a valve for periodically allowing flow of the solids through the bottom opening and a frustoconical bottom wall. A flow promoting insert having a lower conical wall is provided circumjacent to but spaced from the frustoconical bottom wall. The lower conical wall is provided with a rougher surface than the adjacent frustoconical bottom wall to promote uniform flow of solids. The fluid initially flows through the solids counter-current to the solid flow and is introduced to the vessell through means located above the flow promoting insert.

Abstract: A grain treatment system incorporating a steam vessel and centrally disposed, grain diverting steam sparger unit for facilitating the flow of homogeneous plugs of grain therearound. The system incorporates a discharge unit having garner valves and/or flow restrictors for facilitating the anti-coring grain flow through the steam vessel with side and corner draw-off therein and the even percolation of steam upwardly therethrough for uniformly heating and moisturizing the grain. A vapor generator is used for providing a heating medium comprising a mixture of condensible and non-condensible gases introduced into the grain through the centrally disposed steam sparger. In this manner, homogeneous plugs of grain are uniformly passed through and discharged from the grain treatment system permitting controlled heating and moisturizing of grain and substantially eliminating problems of coring, grain clingage, static sludge build-up and associated grain treatment problems prevalent in many prior art systems.

Abstract: A vertical cooker vessel is used for cooking a grain product. The cooker is vertically oriented and has a conical baffle so as to ensure plug flow so that grain is neither undercooked nor overcooked. The cooking water fills the vessel and maintained at a predetermined elevated temperature while a continuous stream of water is drawn off through a sieve in the bottom portion of the cooker, then recirculating the water, mixing with raw grain, and then heating, where steam is added to reheat the water and grain. The mixture is added to the top of the vessel. Cooked grain exits from the bottom of the cooker under control of a metering pump. Grain is separated from the water, with water from the separator returning to a mixer for mixing with the recycled water. A conical baffle is located near the sieve. This ensures plug flow of grain through the cooker. A lower second conical baffle prevents turbulent flow beneath the first conical baffle, which flow would otherwise disrupt plug flow.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is suitable for puffing a variety of different cereal material such as any cereal grain or cereal doughs or extrusions. A generally frusto-conical pressurizing chamber is provided with a nozzle component at its discharge end portion, which nozzle component is interchangeable with nozzle components having differing shapes and sizes depending upon the particular cereal material to be puffed or expanded. Steam injectors are tangentally oriented with respect to the pressurizing chamber, and they cooperate to provide a generally vortex-like discharge path for the cereal material out of the pressurizing chamber.

Abstract: A counterflow cooler for ventilation and cooling of hot, pelletized product is provided which includes a shiftable floor located beneath a negatively ventilated housing. The cooler is provided with a series of openings in the floor which both admit air into the housing and, during shifting of the floor, discharge a quantity of cooled pellets during each operating cycle. Deflectors located over the openings prevent unrestricted discharge of pellets through the openings. The counterflow cooler is designed to selectively discharge pellets through the floor of the cooler after the pellets have been ventilated and cooled so that the pellets are subjected to minimal thermal stress.

Abstract: In an apparatus for humidifying rice grains, a humidifying vessel has defined therewithin a substantially closed space and has a rice supply port and a rice discharge port. Rice grains are supplied into the humidifying vessel through the supply port, while gas is substantially prevented from escaping from the space within the humidifying vessel through the supply port. Rice grains are discharged from the humidifying vessel through the discharge port, while the gas is substantially prevented from escaping from the space within the humidifying vessel through the discharge port. Gas is forcibly delivered into the humidifying vessel to pressurize the space therewithin. Moisture is added to the rice grains within the pressurized space within the humidifying vessel. The moisture is added to the rice grains within the substantially closed space and, simultaneously, the moisture added to each rice grain is penetrated into an interior of the rice grain under pressure.

Abstract: A grain treatment system incorporating a steam vessel and centrally disposed, grain diverting steam sparger unit for facilitating the flow of homogeneous plugs of grain therearound. The system incorporates a discharge unit having garner valves and/or flow restrictors for facilitating the anti-coring grain flow through the steam vessel with side and corner draw-off therein and the even percolation of steam upwardly therethrough for iniformly heating and moisturizing the grain. A vapor generator is used for providing a heating medium comprising a mixture of condensible and non-condensible gases introduced into the grain through the centrally disposed steam sparger. In this manner, homogeneous plugs of grain are uniformly passed through and discharged from the grain treatment system permitting controlled heating and moisturizing of grain and substantially eliminating problems of coring, grain clingage, static sludge build-up and associated grain treatment problems prevalent in many prior art systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a food receptacle and heating apparatus to receive food products therein for receiving, displaying, and maintaining at a proper serving temperature which includes (1) a main container housing; (2) a food support assembly mounted within the main container housing to receive and transfer the food product therein; and (3) an air flow and temperature control assembly to provide for the flow of heated air therethrough. The main container housing includes a generally rectangular box shape basic housing assembly having a top lid member pivotally connected thereto. The food support assembly includes (1) a clean out tray member for receiving debris and food particles thereon; (2) a first inclined screen member to receive the food product thereon about to be removed therefrom; and (3) a second inclined screen member to hold the food product for initial heating before moving downwardly onto the first inclined screen member.

Abstract: A food warming apparatus is provided with a cabinet defining a food treatment space and a food storage space above the food treatment space and in communication therewith. A wall at the bottom of the food treatment space supports a supply of food. Structure is provided to gain access to the food storage space to introduce a food supply and separate structure is provided to gain access to the food in the food treatment space for removal of the treated food. Heat is directed in a circulating path upwardly through food at one portion of the treatment space and downwardly through food in another portion of the treatment space.

Abstract: A vertical cooker vessel is used for cooking a grain product. The cooker is vertically oriented and has a conical baffle so as to ensure plug flow so that grain is neither undercooked nor overcooked. The cooking water fills the vessel and is maintained at a predetermined elevated temperature while a continuous stream of water is drawn off through a sieve in the bottom portion of the cooker, then recirculating the water, mixing with raw grain, and then heating, where steam is added to reheat the water and grain. The mixture is added to the top of the vessel. Cooked grain exits from the bottom of the cooker under control of a metering pump. Grain is separated from the water, with water from the separator returning to a mixer for mixing with the recycled water. A conical baffle is located near the sieve. This ensures plug flow of grain through the cooker. A lower second conical baffle prevents turbulent flow beneath the first conical baffle, which flow would otherwise disrupt plug flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermochemical treatment of crushed straw and/or dry fodder mixtures comprises a vessel which is vertically mounted and is formed by a series of vertically communicating chambers. A chamber arranged at the top of the vessel is a cyclone-type chamber, is designed for moistening and pre-heating of crushed straw and dry fodder mixture and has a loading opening. A second chamber is arranged under the cyclone-type chamber, is designed for thermochemical treatment of straw and dry fodder mixtures and has a heat distributor communicating by means of a pipeline with a heat carrier source. A third chamber is arranged under the chamber for thermochemical treatment and is an accumulating chamber having an unloading opening. This construction of the apparatus enables the elimination of the step of stirring of straw, considerably simplifies the operation, improves the output and reduces the time for processing of straw and dry fodder mixtures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying and maintaining an aseptic gas atmosphere in a storage tank for spoilable contents such as foodstuffs and the like. The aseptic gas is supplied from a container under pressure and is maintained at the desired pressure in the storage tank by pressure-reducing valves in a supply line or conduit having a microbiological filter and pressure-maintaining valve that functions in place of a relief valve in the supply line. It responds to excess pressure in the storage tank and relieves the excess pressure through the same supply line through which gas is supplied without need of a relief valve on the storage tank.

Abstract: A method is provided which permits continuous and rapid blanching or sterilization of foodstuffs in particulate form. The foodstuff is heated rapidly to penetrate the outer portion of the particle by steam or gas under pressure, the heated particles are maintained thereunder until inactivation or destruction of microorganisms and enzymes, after which the pressure and temperature are lowered rapidly.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing readily soluble granular substances from powdered materials such as, for example, coffee, milk and the like. The apparatus has a vertical outer hollow cylindrical body for allowing quantities of powdered material from a distributor to fall by gravity therethrough, and a vertical inner hollow cylindrical body of different length and diameter inside the outer cylindrical body. The two concentric cylindrical bodies partly overlap each other and define a circumferential gap therebetween extending along the overlapping portion. A pneumatic air supply is provided on the outer cylindrical body for introducing compressed air into the outer body and producing a whirling air stream in the gap so that the powdered material carried by the whirling air stream forms a thin, ring-like continuous curtain.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the continuous treatment of cellulosic matter to improve the digestibility thereof, comprising means for receiving finely divided cellulosic matter, acidic process chemicals, and steam; a first attrition mill wherein the steam, cellulosic matter, and process chemicals are intimately mixed and initially reacted; a reactor with rotatable sweeps therein to complete the reaction; and a second attrition mill wherein the reacted material is neutralized to the desired level.

Abstract: Coffee roasting apparatus having a first reactor in which green beans are roasted and a second reactor in which the roast is arrested and the beans cooled. Both reactors are capable of carying out the operations conducted in them in a continuous as opposed to batch-type manner. In both the roasting and cooling operations the beans are circulated in patterns which bring them into intimate and uniform contact with a process fluid to promote uniform and efficient heating and cooling of the beans.

Abstract: A device which raises liquid food from a container and drops it through circulating smoke back into the container to impart a smoke flavor to the liquid. A pump or conveyor draws the liquid from the bottom of the container and forces it upwardly through a vertical conduit which terminates at its top end in a flared outlet located well above the container. An adjustable hood surrounds the conduit outlet to deflect the liquid back into the container without spilling. Conical baffles mounted on the conduit serve to deflect the liquid and increase its exposure time to the smoke.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing agglomerated powders such as coffee powder, coffee substitutes such as chicory and other highly hygroscopic and thermoplastic powders in which powder is made to fall down against a central area of a rotating disc. The powder is moistened during the fall against the disc by the supply of steam or finely atomized water across the central area of the disc at such a distance above the same that practically all the powder is moistened before it hits the disc.

Abstract: A method is provided which permits continuous and rapid blanching or sterilization of foodstuffs in particulate form. The foodstuff is heated rapidly to penetrate the outer portion of the particle by steam or gas under pressure, the heated particles are maintained thereunder until inactivation or destruction of microorganisms and enzymes, after which the pressure and temperature are lowered rapidly.