Abstract:
A method (600) for media content tracking includes receiving a user identifier (12) and instructing display systems (120) to display media content (20) based on the user identifier. Each display system has a corresponding screen (122). The method also includes receiving image data (312) from an imaging system (300) configured to have a field of view (Fv) arranged to capture images (310) of a user (10). The method further includes determining gaze characteristics of the user including a gaze target (GT) of the user and determining whether the gaze target corresponds to one of the screens. When the gaze target corresponds to one of the screens, the method includes determining a time period (tGE) of gaze engagement with the corresponding screen. The method also includes storing at least one of the gaze characteristics and the media content displayed on the screen corresponding to the gaze target.
Abstract:
An extruder system (100) comprising a cooking extruder (110) configured to extrude a food material, a die (300) connected to the cooking extruder comprised of one or more orifices (200), each orifice (200) comprising an inlet configured to accept the food material, a breaker screen (210) connected to the inlet and comprised of one or more holes, an expansion chamber (220) connected to the breaker screen (220), wherein the expansion chamber (220) has an expansion chamber cross-sectional area and an exit orifice (230) connected to the expansion chamber (220) and configured to output the food material, wherein the exit orifice (230) has an exit orifice cross-sectional area and a cutting knife assembly (120) connected to the exit orifice (230) configured to cut the food material at a rate to create a slice thickness, as well as a method utilising such an extruder system (100) for producing a food product.
Abstract:
Disclosed are nonlimiting embodiments comprising a novel process for forming and shaping crunchy granola food products. The process comprises using rotary molding processes to form and shape a granola mass into a variety of desired shapes. The granola mass is able to be rotary molded as a result of use of a unique binder composition that comprises at least one of pre-gelatinized starch or hydrocolloid gum in the binder composition. The pre-gelatinized starch and/or hydrocolloid gum enables the binder viscosity to increase and increases the tackiness of the granola mass such that it can be formed by a rotary molder and such that it releases from the mold as a unitary piece of shaped and formed granola food product.
Abstract:
A shaping assembly (14) for producing a discrete spiral shaped food product includes a die that defines at least one aperture (28) that is centered on an aperture axis (40). The at least one aperture (28) extends to an aperture exit (32) and allows for the movement of a stream of food mass through the aperture (28) and out the aperture exit (32). A shaping tool (36) includes at least one slicing blade (38) that is disposed over at least a portion of the aperture exit (32) to slice the stream of food mass into a plurality of food mass portions. A coupling arrangement engages the shaping tool (36) to facilitate rotation of the slicing blade (38) to spin the plurality of food mass portions into a spiral shaped stream of food mass. The slicing blade (38) simultaneously slices and spins the stream of food mass to create the spiral shaped stream of food mass. A crimper is used to cut the spiral shaped stream of food mass into the discrete spiral shaped food products.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a binder syrup comprising polydextrose, crystalline fructose and glycerin. The binder syrup has a low water activity of less than 0.55 and provides a significant amount of fiber. The binder syrup is disposed on particulates, such as whole grains, rolled oats, and fruit pieces, to form food products, such as ready-to-eat cereals and granola bars. The binder syrup also provides a desirable taste and maintains a chewy texture when used in the food products.
Abstract:
Disclosed is method for enhancing the shelf life of a baked good. Shelf life is defined as maintaining the % moisture, water activity, and organoleptically perceived tenderness and moistness of the baked good while preventing drying out and hardening of the baked good during storage at room temperature. In the disclosed method the baked good, preferably as it comes out of the baking apparatus, is topically coated with a primary lipid-based coating oil on all surfaces. The primary lipid-based coating oil, which is largely a solid at room temperature, is applied at a temperature above its melting point. The primary lipid-based coating oil preferably has a solid fat content at 20° C of at least 68 %. The baked good is then allowed to cool permitting the primary lipid-based coating oil to penetrate the baked good and to solidify. The coated baked good is then coated with a secondary lipid-based coating comprising a compound coating or a chocolate coating. The baked good treated as described has a shelf life of at least 4 months at room temperature, more preferably at least 6 months and most preferably at least 8 months.
Abstract:
The present invention comprises confections having, from interior to exterior: a confection center; a food acid layer; a compound coating layer. The present invention also comprises methods to make the present confections.
Abstract:
A method of producing cooked cereal grains containing a high level of whole oats for a shredded ready-to-eat cereal. The method begins by disposing a whole grain oat into a mixer. The whole grain oat has an exposed first starch. Next, a second whole grain is disposed into the mixer. The second whole grain has an exposed second starch that is different from the first starch. A third starch is disposed into the mixer to act as a binder of the whole grain oat and second whole grain. Water is added to the mixer to form a mixture that is cooked to form cooked cereal grains containing high levels of whole oats. The cooked grains are shredded and layered to form a shredded wheat-like biscuit.
Abstract:
The present invention provides improved methods for producing crackers with food particulates adhered to the surface, as well as the crackers produced by the methods. The processes described result in crackers which retain more topping and reduce waste. Moreover, the processes provide optional lower-fat formulations of a sweetened, hand-held food.
Abstract:
The present invention provides food compositions useful as ready-to-eat cereals, snacks, and toppings, and processes for making them. Particularly, the present invention provides food compositions with crisp texture, reduced fat, and surprising bowl life when used as a ready-to-eat cereal. The present food compositions are also an improvement over previous toppings or snacks, in that the present compositions comprise fewer "fines" or individual grains. Moreover, since the present compositions comprise a dough binder rather than a sugar binder, nutritional supplementation is possible, such as the addition of fiber. Efficient processes are also provided for making the present food compositions. Superior intermediates and end products are therefore also provided.