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:
Mar. 22, 2005
Filed:
Dec. 21, 2001
J. Antonio Gutierrez, Kent, CT (US);
Balakrishna Reddy, Ridgefield, CT (US);
Hua Zhang, New Milford, CT (US);
J. Antonio Gutierrez, Kent, CT (US);
Balakrishna Reddy, Ridgefield, CT (US);
Hua Zhang, New Milford, CT (US);
Nestec S.A., Vevey, CH;
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for rapidly, efficiently heating and dispensing a flowable food product, using a device preferably of limited footprint whereby removable cassettes are provided for receiving a food-containing package. The cassettes at least include a direct conduction surface and an insulating coverage that substantially reduces radiant heat loss outside the cassettes. Preferably, there is provided peristaltic pumps, each one being adapted to engage a discharge tube of the food pouch wherein the pumps have their rotor plane oriented in alignment or parallel to the axial plane of the cassettes. Cassettes are heated by low power density generating heating members, such as a thin film heater or equivalent.