James P. Herrick - Brookfield CT Sudhir Sastry - Dublin OH Gene F. Clyde - New Milford CT Elaine R. Wedral - Sherman CT
Assignee:
Nestec S.A. - Vevey
International Classification:
H09B 360
US Classification:
392311, 222251
Abstract:
A liquid heater includes at least a pair of electrodes each of which having an electrically conducting surface and being spaced apart from each other. The liquid heater also includes a first heating passage defined, at least in part, by the electrically conducting surfaces of the electrodes. Electrical power to the liquid heater is provided by an electrical power supplier configured to draw an alternating electrical current having a frequency less than or substantially equal to 60 Hz and supply an alternating electrical voltage having a frequency substantially equal to or higher than 50 Hz across the electrodes. The electrodes are arranged to make electrical contacts with liquid received into the heating passage. The liquid in the heating passage generates heat when an electric current flows through the liquid and between electrodes.
The Ohio State University Research Foundation - Columbus OH
International Classification:
A23L 1/27
US Classification:
426244, 426479, 426481, 426482
Abstract:
An apparatus and method of peeling produce is described comprising adding an electrically conductive fluid and a produce having a peel to a container and subjecting the fluid and the produce to an electrical field to produce a current sufficient to rupture the peel from the produce.
Apparatus And Method For Measurement Of Ph Over A Wide Range Of Pressure
Sudhir K. Sastry - Dublin OH, US Chaminda P. Samaranayake - Columbus OH, US
Assignee:
The Ohio State University Research Foundation - Columbus OH
International Classification:
G01N 27/416
US Classification:
324438, 324453, 324693, 2042286, 204433
Abstract:
A sensor for measuring the pH of a solution of the present invention includes: (a) a tubular body portion constructed from a flexible electrically-insulating material, the tubular body portion having an interior passage; (b) a first reverse osmosis membrane disposed in the interior passage; (c) a second reverse osmosis membrane disposed in the interior passage; (d) a proton conducting membrane disposed between the first reverse osmosis membrane and the second reverse osmosis membrane in the interior passage; (e) a first electrode; and (f) a second electrode.
Method And Apparatus For Peeling Produce In Batch Or Continuous Flow
Sudhir Sastry - Dublin OH, US Pisit Wongsa-Ngasri - Bangkok, TH Sarvesh N. Gupta - Milwaukee WI, US Brian F. Heskitt - Sunbury OH, US
Assignee:
The Ohio State University Research Foundation - Columbus OH
International Classification:
A23L 1/27
US Classification:
426244, 426479, 426481, 426482
Abstract:
A continuous flow/batch peeling device and method of using the device comprising a tub comprising a treatment zone and holding a replaceable quantity of an electrically conductive fluid and at least one produce immersed in the fluid, a belt comprised of a nonconductive material and comprising at least one divider that exposes produce to the treatment zone, and at least one variable power supply connected to at least one set of electrodes that are fixed to a wall of the treatment zone and in electrical contact with the fluid such that when the electrodes are energized, an electrical current is produced in the fluid and the produce causing the peel to rupture from an outer layer of flesh of the produce.
Sudhir K. Sastry - Dublin OH, US Brian F. Heskitt - Sunbury OH, US Soojin Jun - Honolulu HI, US Romel Somavat - Columbus OH, US
Assignee:
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY - Columbus OH
International Classification:
A47J 27/00
US Classification:
219385
Abstract:
A hermetically-sealed, ohmic heating packet for storing, heating and sterilizing food and beverage items. The packet is formed of a multilayer laminate material having interior and exterior polymer layers and an intermediate metallic foil layer. Conductive tags on the exterior of the packet are electrically connected to electrodes on the interior of the packet through reverse-patched regions of the packet's sidewalls. The configuration of the electrical connection prevents current from leaking into the metallic foil layer of the packet during heating, thereby mitigating the risk of a short circuit condition in the packet. The rectangular prism geometry of the packet and the parallel configuration of the electrodes within the packet facilitate uniform heating of the packet's contents.
Ahmed Yousef - Columbus OH, US Jennifer Perry - Columbus OH, US David Kasler - Ashville OH, US Sudhir Kartikeya Sastry - Dublin OH, US
Assignee:
The Ohio State University Research Foundation - Columbus OH
International Classification:
A23B 5/025 A23B 5/005 F26B 25/06
US Classification:
426298, 34201
Abstract:
Apparatus for treating items with a treatment gas to decontaminate the items includes a chamber which receives the items. The chamber has a gas inlet in fluid communication with a distribution duct positioned within the chamber. The duct distributes the treatment gas throughout the chamber to prevent gas stratification. The chamber may also have a gas outlet for exhausting the chamber, a treatment gas source providing gas, such as ozone, carbon dioxide, or other treatment gas to the chamber. A vacuum pump is used to lower the pressure within the chamber and a purge pump is used to flush the treatment gas from the chamber upon completion of the treatment. A liquid reservoir is used to maintain a desired humidity within the chamber. A heat exchanger is used to maintain a desired temperature within the chamber, and a fan is used to circulate the treatment gas within the chamber.
On-Demand Direct Electrical Resistance Heating System And Method Thereof
James Peter Herrick - Brookfield CT Sudhir Sastry - Dublin OH Gene Frank Clyde - New Milford CT Elaine Regina Wedral - Sherman CT
Assignee:
Nestec S.A. - Vevey
International Classification:
H05B 360
US Classification:
392321
Abstract:
A liquid heater includes an electrical power supplier and a heating passage configured to receive unheated liquid. The heating passage is defined by a first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the electrical power supplier. The unheated liquid received into the heating passage generates heat when an electric current flows through the liquid and between the first and second electrodes. The liquid heater is utilized in beverage product dispensers and heated liquid food product dispensers.
High Voltage Pulsed Electric Field Treatment Chambers For The Preservation Of Liquid Food Products
A pulsed electric field treatment device for the sterilization and preservation of pumpable food products having a at least two electrodes and an insulator and particularly suited for the inactivation of vegetative and bacterial spore microorganisms. Each electrode includes an electrode flow chamber for making electrical contact with the pumpable food product and for allowing the pumpable food product to flow through the treatment device. The insulator is situated between the electrodes and includes an insulator flow chamber positioned between the electrode flow chambers and provides for the flow of pumpable food product from one electrode flow chamber to the other. A high voltage pulse generator applies a high voltage signal of variable voltage, frequency and pulse duration to the electrodes. The electrode and insulator flow chambers may employ a variety of sectional and cross-sectional geometries including tubular, cylindrical, rectangular, elliptical and non-uniform design.