Non-cooking Heat Treatment Of Food Patents (Class 99/483)
  • Publication number: 20140216275
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus adapted to prepare a cultured food product, such as but not limited to tempeh, from a plant material. The apparatus comprises a housing, a container and at least one heating element. The container holds the plant material, such as a soyfood substrate, and is incubated in the housing whereby the cultured food product, such as a tempeh, is formed. The housing further comprises a controlled airflow wherein the housing is adapted to allow ambient air to flow into and out of the housing during the culturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: GUNTER PFAFF
  • Publication number: 20140202341
    Abstract: A spill-resistant appliance may be constructed to prevent spilled liquids from entering a control housing and contacting electronics with the use of a first sealant preferably formed out of santoprene and a second sealant preferably formed out of a very high bond, double-sided foam tape. The first sealant and the second sealant may be used in various areas of the control housing that contains electronics for operating the appliance. The first and second sealants may also be used to help attach the control housing to other components of the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Jonovic, William H. Punzel, Robert E. Fredrick
  • Publication number: 20140190358
    Abstract: A flatware item for thermally melting a food product includes a metal body (10), a low-temperature-evaporable circulation fluid (20), and a reflux medium (30). The metal body (10) has a vacuum chamber (100), a hand holding portion (11), and a food contacting portion (12). The circulation fluid (20) is filled in the vacuum chamber (100), whereby the circulation fluid (20) absorbs external energy through the hand holding portion (11) and vaporizes, and the vaporized circulation fluid (20) flows to the food contacting portion (12). The reflux medium (30) is spread on the inner wall of the vacuum chamber (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: CHAUN-CHOUNG TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Cheng-Tu WANG, Pang-Hung LIAO
  • Patent number: 8763521
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that maintains an optional heated environment in addition to a humid environment in an interior thereof such that one or more edible items may be stored therein with properties of the one or more edible items maintained in a desirable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: David Bois
  • Publication number: 20140178539
    Abstract: A method of defrosting a food item, including: monitoring a temperature of a first part of a first food item; and controlling a surrounding temperature of the first food item in dependence on said monitored temperature. The controlling includes: decreasing the surrounding temperature of the first food item, using an unheated fluid having a temperature less than the surrounding temperature of the first food item, when the surrounding temperature is greater than a target surrounding temperature for a given temperature of the first part. Embodiments also relate to a control system, apparatus and a computer program product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: NEW ENGLAND SEAFOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD
    Inventor: NEW ENGLAND SEAFOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD
  • Patent number: 8759722
    Abstract: A baby feeding apparatus for the preparation and warming of infant formula with audio instructions includes a baby bottle having a well and an electrical probe for insertion into the well for heating the contents of the bottle. The apparatus also includes a reservoir for containing a supply of heated fluids such as water for maintaining the temperature of the infant formula and a visual and audio indicator to advise an individual when the temperature of the formula is appropriate for feeding a child. A brush for cleaning the bottle and a cover for the apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Abeer Abdullah Bolbanat
  • Publication number: 20140157998
    Abstract: A rethermalizing station includes a well defined by an exterior wall, a food pan configured to be inserted into the well and to hold a food item, a first induction coil surrounding the exterior wall of the well, the first induction coil configured to warm the food item via inductive heating of the food pan, a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the food pan, and a control unit coupled to the first induction coil and the first temperature sensor, the control unit configured to control the first induction coil in response to the temperature of the food pan detected by the first temperature sensor such that temperature of the food pan is maintained at a targeted temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: The Vollrath Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Peter Roever, Yang Wang, John Wojcik
  • Patent number: 8742305
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for thermally treating flowable materials using electromagnetic radiation, and foods and materials obtained thereby. Also provided are methods of continuous flow thermal treatment of biomaterials, apparatuses for performing the same, and products prepared using the methods and/or apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: North Carolina State University, Industrial Microwave Systems, L.L.C., The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Josip Simunovic, Kenneth R. Swartzel, Van-Den Truong, Gary Cartwright, Pablo Coronel, Kandiyan Puthalath Sandeep, David Parrott
  • Publication number: 20140144334
    Abstract: A system includes an oven and an apparatus configured for holding at least one food item and being inserted in a cavity of the oven through an open end of the cavity. A baffle provided on the oven or apparatus has a height extending between the peripheral rim and an upper wall of the oven cavity for restricting flow of gas out of the cavity from the apparatus. Various forms of baffles may be used. The baffles may have adjustable, interchangeable, fixed position, or other configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Robert J. Reese, Christopher Seay Green, Ralph Lee Macy, Steven M. Shei, Philip Tiberio
  • Patent number: 8733237
    Abstract: Apparatus manufactures thin confectionery products with uniform shapes and has first and second drying apparatuses between shape cutting and baking apparatuses for adjusting water content of raw dough pieces. The first drying apparatus has upper and lower levels, the upper level having conveyor belts at plural stages for transporting the dough pieces under hot air atmosphere and the lower level having conveyor belt for cooling, and conveyor belt for maturing the cooled pieces. The second drying apparatus has atmosphere at lower temperature than the first drying apparatus and plural rotary drums each having an inlet and an outlet and being rotatably mounted in the second apparatus. A chute transports the raw dough pieces from uppermost to lowermost ones of the rotary drums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Arai Foods Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Arai
  • Patent number: 8729429
    Abstract: A heated food storage and display cabinet including a flow inducer and heater arranged in an upper region thereof, the flow inducer being operable to draw air from an upper portion of the cabinet, to direct the air over the heater, and subsequently urge the heated air down the rear wall of the cabinet and across the floor of the cabinet towards the open front of the cabinet. The heated air is subsequently directed upwardly and rearwardly across the open front of the cabinet by an airflow direction member of the cabinet so as to provide a heated air curtain across the open front of the cabinet, and a portion of the heated air is also passed into the cabinet as the heated air moves down the rear wall and across the floor so as to pass over and around packs of food stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Alan Nuttall Limited
    Inventors: Alan David Nuttall, Michael James Steele, Gareth Richardson
  • Publication number: 20140130684
    Abstract: A heat control for an oven permits selective overriding of a holding cycle heating recipe with a boost heating recipe to deliver a boost of heat to food held in a heating compartment. Various types of boost heating recipes may be used. A heat control for an oven graphically displays stages of completion of a preheat cycle on an operator interface. Associated ovens and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Robert J. Reese, Steven M. Shei
  • Patent number: 8714079
    Abstract: An apparatus for making cheese including a whey conduit, a milk conduit, and a heat exchange device between the whey conduit and the milk conduit. Preferably, the heat exchange device includes a heat transfer circuit including a heat transfer conduit, heat transfer medium in the heat transfer conduit, a whey heat exchanger between the whey conduit and the heat transfer conduit, and a milk heat exchanger between the heat transfer conduit and the milk conduit. A thermal storage device can be in thermal contact with the heat exchange device to allow heat energy from the whey to be accumulated and stored for future use in heating incoming milk. The thermal storage device includes a thermal storage conduit, a thermal storage heat exchanger between the heat exchange device and the thermal storage conduit, thermal storage medium in the thermal storage conduit, and a thermal storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Rohde Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Rohde
  • Publication number: 20140116267
    Abstract: An electronically controlled warmer drawer for food or non-food items having a housing including a heating element based on several heat-producing technologies, temperature and/or humidity sensor(s), and a fan to effectively warm items placed therein. The system is controlled by way of the user interface that interacts with an electronic control system to operate the heating element and fan. The user interface provides user programmable controls and automatic overrides, can be placed in a variety of locations, and can be concealed by a variety of elements. The interface can also utilize a variety of touch sensitive technologies. As well, the device may have a receptacle for adding fragrance or flavor to the objects within.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Hochschild, JR., Scott A. Jonovic
  • Publication number: 20140116270
    Abstract: An improved thermo plate can be heated via induction, which transfers the accumulated heat to the food served on it, while being able to be safely handled because a bottom side thereof is relatively cold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Roberto Marcato
  • Publication number: 20140116269
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for heat exchange with a product, comprising: a tubular recipient internally housing the product, where the tubular recipient comprises a cross-section comprising a U-shaped geometry; at least one thermal device for heating or cooling the product, where said at least one thermal element comprises an inflow duct and an outflow duct for a heat transfer fluid; and at least one scraper blade inside the tubular recipient and configured for entraining the product inside said tubular recipient; which allows accelerating the product heating or cooling time as a result of a great improvement in the heat transfer; as well as simplifying the design of the components forming part the machine object of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HRS INVESTMENTS LTD.
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Abad Ruiz, Marcos Antonio Al'arcon Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20140116268
    Abstract: An oven for heating food is disclosed. The oven has at least one heating compartment including an open front or an open top in open communication with a surrounding environment outside the oven. A food support may be provided for supporting food in the heating compartment. Gas flow openings may be provided for introducing heated gas into the heating compartment for heating the food. The gas may be heated by a heater system and blown through the gas flow openings by a blower system. Gas may be exhausted from the heating compartment via gas flow openings in the heating compartment. The oven may include oven modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Duke Manufacturing Co.,
    Inventors: James W. Bigott, Steven M. Shei, Rafael K. Thissen, Robert J. Reese
  • Patent number: 8707861
    Abstract: An apparatus for pasteurizing a dry food product comprises an impingement chamber, a conveyor for conveying the dry food product through the impingement chamber; a heater and water supply assembly for generating heated, moist air, and a fan for circulating the heated, moist air through the impingement chamber and onto the dry food product. In operation, the moisture in the heated, moist air condenses on the surface of the dry food product and produces a heat of condensation which heats the surface of the dry food product. Moreover, this heat of condensation is sufficient to kill a percentage of any pathogenic microorganisms which may be present on the surface of the dry food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ramesh M. Gunawardena, Zhijun Weng
  • Patent number: 8701554
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, apparatus, and method for a modular food tray system having a plurality of food trays that can be used for heating, cooling, or a combination thereof. The system can include a first food tray for heating and a second food tray for cooling, generally mounted at a different elevation from the first food tray. Alternatively, one or both of the food trays can be designed for cooling through temperature elements coupled thereto and the tray can be heated by overhead radiant heating elements for dual temperature capabilities. The first food tray can be mounted above the second food tray. The first food tray can include a thermal shield between a heating element in the first food tray and the second food tray. In other embodiments, the second food tray can be mounted above the first food tray with a thermal shield therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kitchen Equipment Fabricating Company
    Inventors: Alvis Lloyd Hartsfield, Jr., Charles Horace Camp, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140106045
    Abstract: A plant (1) for de-aerating and heating a vegetable product (100) comprises an extraction section (80) in which a vegetable starting product (5) is treated, in order to obtain an extracted vegetable product (100), in particular a puree, or a vegetable juice. The extracted vegetable product (100) is fed to a cold de-aeration section (10) obtaining an extracted vegetable product and de-aerated cold (105). The plant (1) also comprises a heating section (20) in which the de-aerated vegetable product (105) is heated from the starting temperature T1 to a final temperature T2, with T2>T1, obtaining a heated de-aerated product (110). The plant (1) also comprises a storage reservoir (30) of the de-aerated vegetable product. According to the invention, the storage reservoir (30) is located downstream of the heating section (20), proceeding along the conveying direction of the de-aerated vegetable product through the plant (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Alessandro Bertocchi
  • Patent number: 8695489
    Abstract: A cooked food staging device and method are provided. The device and method are particularly suited for storing breaded, battered or bread food items for extended periods of time without becoming soggy. A heated compartment having a slot has a flexible member covering at least a portion of the slot to restrict airflow and to permit access to the food items contained therein, which may be contained on trays, without the necessity of removing the tray to view and remove selected food items therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry T. Ewald, Glenn Schackmuth, Paul G. Simmons, Robert C. Fortmann
  • Publication number: 20140096689
    Abstract: A device for heating or keeping food warm. The device comprises a housing having at least one opening for inserting or removing food, an interior space formed by the housing, and at least one electromagnetic radiation source disposed in the interior space of the housing for emitting the heat radiation. The device is characterized in that the housing comprises a cooling device for cooling at least part of the housing. Advantageously, the cooling device comprises ventilation means for generating an air current which forms a curtain of warm air by means of which it becomes considerably more difficult or impossible for particles or microorganisms to enter the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Team Kalorik Group N.V.
    Inventor: Michael Stolle
  • Patent number: 8691310
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of extending the production time of a pasteuriser. The pasteuriser is of the type which includes a plate heat exchanger with a number of sections, of which at least one section consists of regenerative section. The method comprises raising the temperature in the downstream part of the regenerative section to a temperature above 50° C., during a certain predetermined period of time and at regular intervals. During normal production, a part quantity of the product which passes downstream of the regenerative section is shunted past the regenerative section. At the regular intervals and during the predetermined period of time, a part quantity of the product which passes upstream of the regenerative section is shunted past the regenerative section. At the same time, all product passes the downstream part of the regenerative section during the predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Max Leufstedt
  • Publication number: 20140083309
    Abstract: Methods, ovens, and associated apparatus. Ovens and methods are adapted for maintaining the quality of a pre-cooked food product. Rapid temperature and/or relative humidity restoration may be used. Ovens may include a partition movable to vary sizes of oven cavities. Ovens may include removable interior panels. Humidification mechanisms are adapted for generating water vapor which may be used to maintain the quality of a pre-cooked food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Robert J. Reese, John Edward Wright, Philip Tiberio, Steven M. Shei, Ralph Lee Macy, Christopher Seay Green, Gregory Glen Stettes, Jeffrey Steven Markwardt
  • Publication number: 20140076177
    Abstract: A food tray and tray insert are provided that are particularly adapted for use in a heated food holding compartment. Methods of storing cooked food are also provided using such devices. The devices and use thereof allows cooked food such as hamburger patties to be stored at elevated temperatures for extended periods of time without a significant deleterious effect on the organoleptic properties of the cooked food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Esparza, Tim Traylor
  • Patent number: 8674269
    Abstract: A safe product transfer apparatus that heats refrigerated food products and then hold those heated food products in a hold drawer until they can be transferred to a heater merchandizer, preferably a roller grill as needed. The apparatus features a control assembly. A pre-heat indicator indicates when the preheat temperature has been reached so that the food products can be loaded into an operable drawer. The apparatus can heat a refrigerated product from 34° F. to greater than or equal to 140° F. in 35 minutes or less. The apparatus has a safe product transfer apparatus that has a heating cavity ranging from 250° F. to 425° F. The apparatus provides a safe product transfer apparatus that can hold the products stored therein at a safe holding temperature (ranging from greater or equal to 140° F. to not more than 205° F.), that is, not hot enough to continue heating or degrading the food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Standex International Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Humphrey, Anthony Kukla, Diosdado Pangan
  • Publication number: 20140069284
    Abstract: A chafer frame with foldable legs, comprising a frame and an alcohol burner support, wherein the alcohol burner support is arranged below the frame; the chafer frame also comprising two strip-shaped legs which are curved into U-shape, both ends of the strip-shaped legs are rotatably connected to the frame respectively, and the bottom of the strip-shaped legs are detachably connected to the alcohol furnace support; when folding the chafer frame, the strip-shaped legs are disassemblied from the alcohol furnace support and then rotated inwardly, in this way, the strip-shaped legs can be folded inside the frame. The centre of the frame is defined as inward, and the edge of the frame as outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: YINDU KITCHEN EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junjie Zhou, Chunyao Wang, Zhengyu Li
  • Publication number: 20140069606
    Abstract: A container protector, which is capable of heating or cooling a liquid within the container. The heating or cooling is achieved using a heating jacket or a cooling packet which is present or placed within the container protector. Heat transfer from the heating jacket or cooling packet may be improved by use of an agitator which is present within the container. The agitator may be turned by a magnetic coupling. Power to operate the heating jacket or the agitator is supplied by a battery which is internal to the container protector, and additional power may be supplied through the battery using an external power feed such as a USB type connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Simon Sung Lee
  • Publication number: 20140057036
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for heating and sterilizing liquid food, which may avoid the food product damage caused by direct contact with a hot heating medium, and reduce the time required for heat exchange, and the time for which the food product is kept in the high temperature zone. The apparatus and the method may also reduce the damage to the quality of the food product due to the high temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventor: Yoshio Adachi
  • Publication number: 20140057031
    Abstract: A food tray adapted for holding previously cooked food items is provided. The food tray has one or more sidewall structure openings to allow venting of the interior volume of the tray through the tray sidewall structure openings. The food tray allows food items contained in the volume of the food tray to be stored over an extended period of time at an elevated temperature without significant deleterious effects to the appearance, taste and texture of the food. The food tray may also include a slide member for adjusting the amount of venting through the sidewall structure openings. Also provided is a method of storing food within a food tray to be contained in a heated compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry T. Ewald, Paul G. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8659978
    Abstract: A timing device, that may be used in connection with food preparation, holding or service equipment, is programmable via a portable, replaceable media. In particularly, the timing device may be adapted to receive or associate with a media containing a set of instructions to affect operation of the timing device. Upon association with the timing device, transfer of the programming instructions from the media to the timing device occurs affecting programming of the timing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Prince Castle, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Schroeder, Richard Lowell Thorne, Keith Dice
  • Publication number: 20140050832
    Abstract: A system and method for pasteurizing the surface of a food product includes a flame pasteurizing means arranged to transfer heat to an outer layer of the food product as it is carried by a cook belt. The flame pasteurizing means provides a medium that engulfs more than 50% of the surface area of the skin or outer layer and raises the temperature of the outer layer to at least 145° F. (about 62.8° C.). A washing means, arranged at an exit point of the flame pasteurizing means, removes the raised temperature outer layer and stops heat transfer to an adjacent inner layer of the food product. The pasteurized and washed product retains the same color and flavor as that of the unpasteurized product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: David Howard
  • Patent number: 8651015
    Abstract: This invention relates to a processing machine of the food industry, specifically, a new electronic sterilization device for liquid beverage or liquids. One pole of the electric voltage device is connected to the voltage connector sleeve with an outlet of hollow capillary emitter, and the other pole of the electric voltage device is connected to the collection container. The inner diameter of the exit end of the hollow capillary emitter is very small. Liquid forms a Taylor cone at the exit end under the electric field force, thus a high electric field area is formed on the surface of the Taylor cone. Bacteria passing through the high electric field area will be fully polarized, thoroughly disrupted or electroporated, and finally killed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zhejiang Haochuang Biotech Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yixin Zhu, Tingting Lu
  • Publication number: 20140023763
    Abstract: A pasteurization tunnel and a method for pasteurizing beverage packs are described, wherein the beverage packs are conveyed on at least two decks lying one upon the other and sprayed with a heated spraying liquid from spraying pipes extending each transversely to the conveying direction of the beverage packs. According to the invention, the spraying liquid is guided through the spraying pipes of the one deck into the spraying pipes of the other deck. Thereby, the maintenance efforts for removing deposits in sections of the spraying pipes where the flow is weak can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Krause
  • Publication number: 20140013965
    Abstract: The food warmer apparatus is disclosed. The food warmer includes a water pan for holding water, a housing for supporting the water pan, a food pan supported by the water pan above the water, and an electrical heating element located underneath, and in conductive contact with, the water pan, so as to heat the water in the water pan. The food warmer also includes a first and second removable battery for providing power to the electrical heating element, and a processor conductively coupled with the electrical heating element and with the first and second removable batteries, wherein the processor is configured for engaging a switch for relaying power to the electrical heating element from the first battery, detecting that the first battery has depleted below a threshold, and engaging a switch for relaying power to the electrical heating element from the second battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: John Perez
  • Publication number: 20140010937
    Abstract: A food holding cabinet having at least one heating chamber for holding at least one food tray therein, the cabinet comprising: a housing that defines the heating chamber and a heating chamber opening for access to the heating chamber, wherein the heating chamber comprises an top portion, front portion, a rear portion, and at least one tray location for receiving a food tray; a jet plate including a plurality of apertures, the jet plate is disposed between the heating chamber and an upper plenum, wherein the upper plenum is formed between an upper surface of the jet plate and a lower surface of the top portion of the heating chamber; and a blower positioned to provide heated gas into the upper plenum, wherein the gas exits the upper plenum through the apertures into the heating chamber such that it is direct substantially toward the food tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Keith A. Stanger
  • Patent number: 8621987
    Abstract: A cooking skillet that provides a unique automatic stirring system for continuously stirring foods during cooking. The cooking skillet comprises a base, a receptacle, a heating element, and an automatic stirring system. The automatic stirring system comprises a stirring wand located in the receptacle and a bracket located in the base. The stirring wand and the bracket are attracted to each other through magnetic forces that provide sufficient magnetism to attract one to the other. A motor is attached to the bracket by a connecting rod and provides the means to rotate the bracket in a clockwise direction. The magnetism between the magnets in the bracket and the magnets in the stirring wand forces the stirring wand to rotate in connection with the bracket. During rotation, the stirring wand is designed to mix the food contained within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Walter B. Herbst
  • Publication number: 20130337134
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for thawing a frozen item. The apparatus is capable of suspending or retaining a frozen item (typically a frozen food) in a liquid such that the frozen item remains submerged, thus allowing for the transfer of heat from the liquid to substantially the entire surface area of the frozen item, thereby accelerating the thawing process and ensuring an even thaw. This allows the user to monitor and/or conserve use of the liquid by using a desired amount (typically just enough to fully submerge the frozen item so that the liquid surrounds substantially the entire surface area of the frozen item and/or so that the liquid can circulate above and below the submerged frozen item). Moreover, because the frozen item remains submerged, the user does not have to rotate, flip or otherwise tend to the frozen item to ensure an even thaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Frazer, Joseph P. Edsell
  • Patent number: 8609171
    Abstract: Circumferential pasteurizers and related methods are disclosed. A circumferential pasteurizer includes a vessel having an inner guide surface, a thermal medium inlet disposed on a first side of the vessel, a thermal medium outlet disposed on a second side of the vessel, a food product inlet disposed on the second side of the vessel, a food outlet disposed on the first side of the vessel, and a rotating paddle wheel suspended for rotation in the vessel. The paddle wheel includes a hub and a plurality of paddles distributed around the hub and extending outwardly therefrom to adjacent the vessel inner guide surface to form food receiving pockets extending the length of the hub. The paddle wheel conveys the food product from the food product inlet to the food product outlet along the vessel inner guide surface and counter to the flow of the thermal medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Fresh Express Incorporated
    Inventors: David K. Lewis, Ravi Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 8603558
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Jarrah Ali Abdullah Ali Jaddan Almutairi
  • Publication number: 20130323386
    Abstract: An automated circulating reservoir thaw device may be provided either as a clean stainless steel companion of comparable size to other kitchen food preparation structures, or as a “drop in” unit which could be installed into existing work spaces in the kitchen environment. The automated circulating reservoir thaw device includes a holding tank and a pump to recirculatingly deliver of one quarter gallon per minute to 3 gallons per minute for a nominal 35 gallon capacity, and controls for actuating a single cold water tap for an automatic fill, and the recirculating pump to facilitate thawing of frozen food items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Luketic, Ryan Hofman, Christine Souza
  • Patent number: 8596191
    Abstract: Device for continuous heat-treatment of foods, equipped with a conduit made of a dielectric material in which a product to be treated flows, the conduit having at least a pair of electrodes located in the conduit which are subjected to a potential difference of at least 2000 Volts with a frequency of at least 25 Mhz, characterized in that a rotor made of dielectric material is located internally of the conduit, which rotor has a core from which a plurality of fins rises, which fins are distributed along a length of the rotor, are of a height such us to contact an internal surface of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Alfa Laval SpA
    Inventor: Luigi Demicheli
  • Publication number: 20130302484
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a germination apparatus for raw coffee beans and a germination method of raw coffee beans using the same that are capable of germinating a large amount of raw coffee beans within a short period of time, thereby remarkably increasing the content of ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Sangwon Rhee
  • Publication number: 20130298782
    Abstract: Tray (10, 10?) for a chafing dish (100) of the type comprising a base (11, 11?) for coupling to a heat source (101, 102, 103), side containment walls (12, 12?) and an upper opening (13, 13?) for directly receiving dishes or a further dish tray (104), characterised in that said tray (10, 10?) comprises at least two independent areas (16, 16?, 17) for containing water (15) which can be selectively filled so as to selectively allow a high humidity warming, should both said at least two areas (16, 16?, 17) be filled with water (15), a controlled humidity warming, should at least one of said at least two areas (16, 16?, 17) be not provided with water (15), and a dry warming, should both said at least two areas (16, 16?, 17) be not provided with water (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: LA TAVOLA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Sergio Sambonet
  • Patent number: 8575525
    Abstract: Tunnel is provided for conditioning of food products, especially for sterilization of food in containers or vessels of the heat-sealed type, in which the conditioning unit has: 1) an active temperature and pressure control system provided in at least one magnetron supported heating stage, which provides for balancing of the pressure within the heat-sealed vessels or containers; 2) a conveyor which conveys the heat-sealed vessels or containers through the stages along the conditioning unit which contains mechanisms that move the conveyor outside of the conditioning tunnel, and 3) doors operating like check valves that separate the conditioning stages, but still provide for continuous linear feed of products through conditioning tunnel. Movement of the magnetron electromagnetic field and/or conveyor is controlled by software which utilizes the temperature and/or density measurements in a closed loop process to ensure uniform heating of the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Mackay, Renato Giordano, Randall J. Lanham, Rod Corder
  • Publication number: 20130280394
    Abstract: An device and method are provided for steam injection heating to melt a cheese component of a food item of a food product. The device includes a housing for a steam generator and a steaming chamber. Generated steam is injected into the steaming chamber to melt the cheese component of the food item held in a container inserted into the steaming chamber. The device is configured to rest on a counter so that the counter provides an interior support surface in the steaming chamber. The counter also provides an exterior support surface for the container and a work surface. The container is inserted into the steaming chamber by sliding it on the exterior surface and is received and supported by the interior support surface. A food product having a melted cheese component is assembled, produced and packaged while the container is supported in the single plane of the counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Henry T. Ewald, Paul G. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20130273222
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is preservation system for nutritional substances. The preservation system obtains information about the nutritional substance to be preserved, senses and measures the external environment to the preservation system, senses and measures the internal environment to the preservation system, senses and measures the state of the nutritional substance, and stores such information throughout the period of preservation. Using this accumulated information, the preservation system can measure, or estimate, changes in nutritional content (usually degradation) during the period of preservation. Additionally, the preservation system can use this information to dynamically modify the preservation system to minimize detrimental changes to the nutritional content of the nutritional substance, and in some cases actually improve the nutritional substance attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Eugenio Minvielle
  • Publication number: 20130269541
    Abstract: A temperature-controlled display case is convertible between a full-service mode and a self-service mode and defines a temperature-controlled space therein. A base has a back side and a front side and supports temperature-controlled food products within the temperature-controlled space. A back frame is coupled adjacent to the back side of the base and provides one or more openings for back-side access to the food products during the full-service mode. A top frame is supported by the back frame and a linkage has one end pivotally coupled to the top frame. A front panel has a top portion pivotally coupled to the linkage and is movable between a deployed position for the full-service mode with the front panel adjacent to the front of the base, and a stowed position for the self-service mode with the front panel disposed atop the top frame to provide front-side access to the food products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Carter, David W. Hoaglin
  • Patent number: 8555778
    Abstract: The invention provides a freshness prolonging device for foodstuff for prolonging a shelf life of foodstuff by storing the foodstuff in a high electric field atmosphere. The freshness prolonging device for foodstuff includes an electrode plate to be removably mounted on a surface opposed to foodstuff stored in a food storage unit and a power source for applying a high voltage to the electrode plate. The electrode plate is composed of an electrically conductive rubber sheet hermetically sealed with a cover composed of a resin sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: Minato Ichinose, Tsuneo Tounan, Mitsuru Fukumoto, Kiyoshi Takeda
    Inventors: Minato Ichinose, Mitsuru Fukumoto, Masayuki Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20130239824
    Abstract: An improved tortilla conveying system, for sequentially conveying a plurality of tortillas to be warmed, is disclosed. The conveying system provides a stack of tortillas and automatically conveys tortillas sequentially through a tortilla warmer. The tortillas are stored in a container. A dragger at least frictionally engages the top side of the top tortilla, dragging the tortilla off of the top of the container for subsequent heating by a heating element of the tortilla warmer. In some embodiments, the tortilla container can automatically elevate the stack of tortillas, so a top tortilla always remains exposed at the top of the container. In other embodiments, an extractor delivers the tortilla outside of the heating system once the tortilla is sufficiently warmed. The tortillas are warmed in sequence by a heating element, via conduction, convection, and/or radiation. In some embodiments, various components of the conveyer are synchronized, via a gearbox for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ricardo Gonzalez