A method for filling packages with changing products in a filling machine is disclosed. Packages are successively transported through a filling machine, and the packages are each successively filled with a first product in a sterile environment via a filling outlet connected to a product tank. To empty the product tank, at least one outlet means is brought into an emptying position, and a residue of the first product is discharged at least partially from the sterile environment, via the outlet means located in the emptying position. The outlet means is removed from the emptying position following the emptying of the product tank. Packages are subsequently each successively filled with a second product in a sterile environment, via a filling outlet connected to a product tank.

A method for filling packages with changing products in a filling machine is disclosed. Packages are successively transported through a filling machine, and the packages are each successively filled with a first product in a sterile environment via a filling outlet connected to a product tank. To empty the product tank, at least one outlet means is brought into an emptying position, and a residue of the first product is discharged at least partially from the sterile environment, via the outlet means located in the emptying position. The outlet means is removed from the emptying position following the emptying of the product tank. Packages are subsequently each successively filled with a second product in a sterile environment, via a filling outlet connected to a product tank.

A package containing nuts and suitable for microwave heating is described herein. The package is configured to heat the nuts and provide an aroma reminiscent of traditional, freshly-roasted nuts. The freshly-roasted nut attributes include an aroma, temperature, texture and taste, which are reproduced with the microwave package. The package preferably, though not necessarily, incorporates one or more susceptors in order to provide additional heating, such as conductive heating, to the nuts. The package also preferably includes a sufficient headspace to allow for the aromas to develop.

In a method of forming a coated bag for pre-treating an item stored in the bag, a bag is provided, having a sidewall extending from a closed bottom end to an open top end and defining an interior surface of a cavity. The bag is expanded from a flattened condition to an expanded condition. At least one adhesive dispenser is inserted through the open top end of the bag into the cavity. An adhesive is applied from the at least one inserted adhesive dispenser to form an adhesive coating on the interior surface of the cavity. A particulate dispenser is inserted through the open top end of the bag into the cavity. A particulate is discharged from the inserted particulate dispenser to embed the particulate in the adhesive coating. The adhesive coating is dried to retain the embedded particulate on the interior surface of the sidewall.

In a method of forming a coated bag for pre-treating an item stored in the bag, a bag is provided, having a sidewall extending from a closed bottom end to an open top end and defining an interior surface of a cavity. The bag is expanded from a flattened condition to an expanded condition. At least one adhesive dispenser is inserted through the open top end of the bag into the cavity. An adhesive is applied from the at least one inserted adhesive dispenser to form an adhesive coating on the interior surface of the cavity. A particulate dispenser is inserted through the open top end of the bag into the cavity. A particulate is discharged from the inserted particulate dispenser to embed the particulate in the adhesive coating. The adhesive coating is dried to retain the embedded particulate on the interior surface of the sidewall.

In a method of forming a coated bag for pre-treating an item stored in the bag, a bag is provided, having a sidewall extending from a closed bottom end to an open top end and defining an interior surface of a cavity. The bag is expanded from a flattened condition to an expanded condition. At least one adhesive dispenser is inserted through the open top end of the bag into the cavity. An adhesive is applied from the at least one inserted adhesive dispenser to form an adhesive coating on the interior surface of the cavity. A particulate dispenser is inserted through the open top end of the bag into the cavity. A particulate is discharged from the inserted particulate dispenser to embed the particulate in the adhesive coating. The adhesive coating is dried to retain the embedded particulate on the interior surface of the sidewall.

An automated system for packaging an item includes a pallet, a packaging station and a controller. The pallet supports both the item and a packaging layer. The package is formed with the packaging layer. The packaging station folds the item and the packaging layer such that the item is enclosed within the packaging layer. The controller controls operation of the system. The item may be for example a textile, a digitally printed textile and/or a garment.

A method for the production of a stabilized packaged food product comprising the steps of: filling a tray with a predetermined quantity of a food starting material; introducing the tray into a pressure vessel and conveying the tray through the pressure vessel while performing the following steps in sequence inside the pressure vessel: (i) treating the food starting material with high-temperature pressurized steam to sterilize the material, and (ii) dosing the sterile food material inside said tray with a predetermined amount of sterile water; and (iii) applying a lid to the tray to seal the food product inside the tray while maintaining the tray in a sterile environment. Suitable food starting materials comprise starchy food products, such as rice, wheat or pasta, and/or meat or vegetable pieces. Also provided are an apparatus for performing the method and packaged stabilized full moisture food products obtainable by the process.

A method for the production of a stabilized packaged food product comprising the steps of: filling a tray with a predetermined quantity of a food starting material; introducing the tray into a pressure vessel and conveying the tray through the pressure vessel while performing the following steps in sequence inside the pressure vessel: (i) treating the food starting material with high-temperature pressurized steam to sterilize the material, and (ii) dosing the sterile food material inside said tray with a predetermined amount of sterile water; and (iii) applying a lid to the tray to seal the food product inside the tray while maintaining the tray in a sterile environment. Suitable food starting materials comprise starchy food products, such as rice, wheat or pasta, and/or meat or vegetable pieces. Also provided are an apparatus for performing the method and packaged stabilized full moisture food products obtainable by the process.

A grain-popping machine and associated pod-based popping method is disclosed. The grain-popping is configured to receive a pod. Each pod includes a plurality of cells, with each cell preferably containing a single grain kernel or seed, flavoring, and a cooking medium such as oil or shortening. In a preferred embodiment, the pod is loaded into the grain-popping machine through a slot so that it is held in position adjacent to a heating element. The heating element is activated to begin a popping sequence. When each grain kernel or seed in the pod reaches popping temperature, it absorbs the flavoring in its cell and ejects through the bottom of the pod, which can be weakened to ease ejection, into a bowl positioned in a receiving area of the grain-popping machine. The pod is then removed and disposed of.