Apparatus for improving the quality of a foodstuff
First Claim
1. An apparatus for improving the quality of a foodstuff, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) a container for containing a foodstuff to be processed along with a working gas;
(b) working gas delivery means for adding the working gas to the container;
(c) a cylinder extending into a cylinder head chamber which forms part of the container;
(d) a piston positioned within the cylinder;
(e) drive means associated with the cylinder for reciprocating the piston within the cylinder; and
(f) pressure releasing means for releasing the operating pressure from the container after the operating period.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for improving the quality of a foodstuff includes a container for containing the foodstuff to be processed and a working gas under an operating pressure. A compressing device places the working gas and the foodstuff under the desired operating pressure and this operating pressure is held for an operating period. The apparatus also includes an arrangement for releasing the operating pressure, preferably suddenly, allowing the foodstuff and any residual gas to go to a relatively lower pressure, which may be atmospheric pressure or a vacuum. This pressurization, hold, and pressure release cycle improves foodstuff quality by reducing undesirable microbe content. Also, the pressurization, hold, and release cycle improves color in meats.
82 Citations
8 Claims
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1. An apparatus for improving the quality of a foodstuff, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) a container for containing a foodstuff to be processed along with a working gas; (b) working gas delivery means for adding the working gas to the container; (c) a cylinder extending into a cylinder head chamber which forms part of the container; (d) a piston positioned within the cylinder; (e) drive means associated with the cylinder for reciprocating the piston within the cylinder; and (f) pressure releasing means for releasing the operating pressure from the container after the operating period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification