The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 25, 2000
Filed:
Jan. 19, 1999
Frank R Kincs, Chicago, IL (US);
Reynaldo G Cruz, Bourbonnais, IL (US);
Thomas G Crosby, Bourbonnais, IL (US);
Bunge Foods Corporation, Bradley, IL (US);
Abstract
A pelletized shortening is prepared by a process which includes melting, cooling, solidifying and extruding natural and/or synthetic shortening materials to provide shortening pellets or chunks which, without requiring further processing, resist clumping together at at least moderate temperatures of about 70.degree. F. (about 21.degree. C.). The pelletized shortening has a hardness or solids profile which is especially suitable for baking applications and imparts a tenderizing effect in bakery type products while still providing a shortening in a form that is easy to handle inasmuch as it is pourable or able to be metered in a flowing particulate style. While it has relatively high solids at room temperature or storage conditions, the solids content of the pelletized shortening dissipates rapidly enough such that the solids reduction will provide the desired tenderizing effect in dough products including biscuits and pizza crusts.