Abstract: A container assembly for keeping food stored therein fresh. The container assembly includes a plurality of nested members each having a bowl-shaped configuration comprising exterior and interior surfaces, a base and a perimeter side wall extending upwardly around the base. The perimeter side wall terminating at an upper edge. The nested members include an outer bowl, a filter, and an inner bowl. The filter is rested inside the outer bowl. The inner bowl is rested inside the filter such that the filter is interposed between the inner and outer bowls. The inner bowl having a plurality of spaced apart holes therethrough. A lid assembly is provided for substantially covering upper opening of the outer bowl.

Abstract: A stackable, atmospheric controlled container is provided having upper and lower members that are hermetically sealed together for containing perishables therein. Inlet and outlet valves are provided for allowing the interior of the container to be provided with gases or combinations of gases to retard the spoilage process for food products and extend the shelf life of perishables several times over their normal life. The valves allow the container interior to be pressurized, purged of oxygen, and/or maintained at vacuum condition. The present containers can be used for storage and transportation of perishable food and other items as well as delicate non-perishables such as electronic components. The ability to control the interior atmosphere such as by purging it of oxygen is advantageous in that it inhibits the buildup of corrosion on electronic parts and equipment.

Abstract: In an hermetically sealed fresh-keeping container for organic substances, in particular foodstuffs, with a dimensionally stable bottom part that incorporates a support surface for the goods that are to be kept fresh, a similarly dimensioned and stable upper part that is mounted on the lower part, above the support surface, so as to be removable. The hood forms a useable space, and a vacuum pump system removes the air within the useable space. The useable space is also delimited by an airproof foil, the edge of which is releasably connected with a wall of the container. A suction opening of the vacuum system is incorporated in this wall.

Abstract: An illuminated bread box for holding bread therein and inhibiting its spoilage comprising a hollow container having an opening for allowing bread to be placed therein; a lamp disposed within the container for emitting illumination when electrically energized to inhibit the growth of organisms in and on bread that leads to its spoilage; a power supply mechanism for providing electrical energy for illuminating the lamp; a lid extended over the opening and pivotally coupled to the container, thereby allowing the container to be opened and closed; and a switch mechanism coupled between the lamp and the power supply mechanism and having one orientation for energizing the lamp when the lid is closed and another orientation for de-energizing the lamp when the lid is opened.

Abstract: A suction device suitable to create a vacuum in containers particularly for the preservation of food in a vacuum, consisting of a casing formed by two coupled halves (4, 5) that contain an electric motor (7) that actuates a suction pump formed by a cylinder-piston unit (14, 15), by means of a reducer group formed by a pinion (17) force-fit onto the shaft (16) of the motor (7) and by a crown gear (19) having an eccentric (37) which actuates a connecting rod (23) connected to the piston (15). The device has at one end a holed tip (34) which can be pluged directly in the seating of the valve (3) that is provided on the container, so that it can be used with one hand only.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus to store matter out of contact with gas. A container for storage of matter is combined with a vacuum pump for extracting gas from the container. The vacuum pump has an inlet tube in which is arranged a sealing means for locking the inlet tube and thereby preventing re-entry of gas into the container after the gas has been exhausted by the vacuum pump therefrom, and during storage. The lockable sealing means may be arranged on the inlet valve of the vacuum pump, or it may be internally located in a probe serving as the inlet tube of the vacuum pump and inserted through the container's gas tight sealing means, such as the interlocking strip closure of a food storage bag. In both instances the locking means is operated by external force.

Abstract: An aseptic storage tank includes a draught tube into which food product enters in use. By increasing and decreasing relative pressure in the headpiece of the tube the contents in the tube are forced into and out of the tank to keep the food product therein in motion.

Abstract: A method of controlling the cooling in green cheese blocks wherein the blocks are rectangular and are placed in identically oriented layers in a rigid rectangular container and wherein the dimensions of the blocks and the interior of the container are directly related so that the blocks can be placed in each layer so as to completely occupy the area provided for the layer and so that a corresponding surface of each block will be free of contact with adjacent blocks and then directing cooling onto the said corresponding surfaces.

Abstract: A combination food warming vessel and lifting frame is described in which a food warming vessel of conventional construction includes side and bottom walls and an upper open wide mouth with a rim extending therearound can be lifted by a separate ring-shaped lifting frame element which encircles the food warming vessel. The lifting frame includes a central opening adapted to receive the food warming vessel so that the rim of the vessel rests on the upper surface of the lifting frame. The frame includes portions that extend laterally beyond the edge of the rim which are adapted to be grasped manually for lifing the vessel. Hinged to the frame on one side thereof is a cover support arm which has a clasp at its free end for connecting the arm to a cover for the vessel. This allows the cover to be raised by pivoting the arm from the hinged connection with the lifting frame. The lifting frame, arm and cover can all be separated from the vessel when the vessel is to be refilled or cleaned.

Abstract: An improved preparation and warming pan structure for supporting an elongated sandwich bun in an open position while the sandwich is being prepared and heated. Opposite long side panels which are integral extensions of the pan's flat bottom are angled and configured to support the bun in proper preparation position and promote even heating of the prepared sandwich when the user grasps a projecting integral handle portion of the pan and places it for a predetermined heating time on an oven rack.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an enclosed tank for containing fat. The bottom wall is cone shaped and at the lower end of the cone is an outlet opening. A valve is placed in the opening to permit fluid to be added to or drained from the tank. A heater element is placed in the bottom of the tank and can be either an electrical heated element or a helical tube containing steam or hot water. A circulation system permits the removal of fat from the bottom of the tank and the recirculating of the fat to the upper portion of the tank. A valve within the recirculation system permits the fat to be pumped to a spray nozzle where it can be sprayed onto a feed mixture for animals.

Abstract: A method of preparatory processing of mussles. The mussles are placed in an inner container which is positioned inside an outer container. The inner container has perforated walls and is equipped with perforated tubes which are spaced a certain distance apart. The mussles are heated to about 85.degree. C. inside the container while being maintained in compacted condition whereby they will be able to open to a minimum extent only. The mussles are then cooled and dry-frozen individually. The cooking (processing) liquid may be frozen in cubes, blocks or the like. The liquid is then used in the final preparation of the mussles prior to their consumption.

Abstract: A storage tank for storing of liquid food products partially processed before final processing. The tank is constructed with smooth germ-free internal surfaces to avoid recesses in which the stored food product or disinfecting fluids can be entrained and contaminate the tank and food product therein. A dispersion device in a conical top of the storage tank homogenizes the food product to be stored when introduced in the tank. The same dispersion device disperses treatment liquids introduced into the tank to effect dispersion onto all the inner surfaces for treatment thereof.

Abstract: Linear copolyesters are contemplated having the following repeating units: ##STR1## in their backbone structure. These polyesters have utility in the packaging industry for packaging various comestibles.

Abstract: A liner constructed of pliable material and which is suitable for use with a container of the type which may be tipped in order to discharge a load of particulate material, the liner comprising at least one aperture through which it may be loaded with particulate material, at least in the region of the base of the liner an inner skin and an outer skin the inner skin being perforated to allow passage of gas, and at least one entry port through which gas may be introduced into the space between the inner and outer skins, in use gas introduced into the space between the inner and outer skins escaping through the perforations and causing fluidization of the particulate material thereby assisting discharge of the material from the liner.