Patent US4267196A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4267196A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Food from non-edible fruit by-products and method for production
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1978-11-27
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Granted: 1981-05-12
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Expires: 1998-11-27
Abstract
Abstract Palatable and edible food products are prepared from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of fruits by comminuting the precursor and digesting the comminuted precursor by combining an edible, water-soluble digesting agent with the comminuted precursor. The digesting agent serves to adjust the pH of the precursor to a value at which the precursor cells rupture and enzymes in the precursor are active. Thereafter, the digested precursor is neutralized by changing the pH of the digested precursor with an edible, water-soluble neutralizing agent to about the value of the pH of the comminuted precursor prior to digestion. Fruits for which this process can be used include citrus fruits, pineapple, banana, papaya, mango, and combinations thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Ian F. Johnston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:03
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23L; A23L33/00; A23L33/20; A23L33/21; A23L33/22; A23L19/00; A23L19/03; A23L19/07; A23L19/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for preparing a palatable and edible food product for human consumption from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of a fruit selected from the group consisting of citrus fruits, pineapple, banana, papaya, mango, and combinations thereof, the fruit precursor containing amylytic enzymes and cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) comminuting the precursor to a weight average particle size of less than about 40 mesh, the comminuted precursor having a pH of about 1.9 to about 5.2; (b) digesting the comminuted precursor by combining an edible, water-soluble digesting agent with the comminuted precursor for adjusting the pH of the precursor to a value at which the precursor cells rupture and amylytic enzymes in the precursor are active; and (c) neutralizing the digested precursor by changing the pH of the digested precursor with an edible, water-soluble neutralizing agent to about the value of the pH of the comminuted precursor prior to digestion.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for preparing a palatable and edible food product for human consumption from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of a fruit selected from the group consisting of citrus fruits, pineapple, banana, papaya, mango, and combinations thereof, the fruit precursor containing amylytic enzymes and cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) comminuting the precursor to a weight average particle size of less than about 40 mesh, the comminuted precursor having a pH of about 1.9 to about 5.2; (b) digesting the comminuted precursor by combining an edible, water-soluble digesting agent with the comminuted precursor for adjusting the pH of the precursor to a value at which the precursor cells rupture and amylytic enzymes in the precursor are active; and (c) neutralizing the digested precursor by changing the pH of the digested precursor with an edible, water-soluble neutralizing agent to about the value of the pH of the comminuted precursor prior to digestion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 in which the steps of comminuting and digestng are effected simultaneously.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of homogenizing the precursor simultaneously with the step of neutralizing the precursor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 3 including the step of adding a diluting agent comprising water while neutralizing and homogenizing the precursor to reduce the viscosity of the the digested precursor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of adding a diluting agent comprising water to the neutralized precursor for reducing the viscosity of the precursor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 in which the precursor is digested for from about 4 to about 14 minutes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 in which the precursor is digested in a substantially oxygen free atmosphere.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 in which the precursor is comminuted in a substantially oxygen free atmosphere.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for preparing a palatable and edible food product for human consumption from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of a fruit selected from the group consisting of citrus fruits, pineapple, green banana, and mango including the seed, the fruit precursor containing amylytic enzymes and cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) comminuting the precursor to a weight average particle size of from about 40 to about 120 mesh, the comminuted precursor having a pH of about 1.9 to about 5.2; (b) digesting the comminuted precursor by combining a sufficient amount of an edible, water-soluble, alkaline digesting agent with the comminuted precursor for raising the pH of the precursor to a value greater than 7 and up to about 8.2; and (c) neutralizing the digested precursor by changing the pH of the digested precursor with an edible, water-soluble, acidic neutralizing agent to about the value of the pH of the comminuted precursor prior to digestion.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for preparing a palatable and edible food product for human consumption from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of a fruit selected from the group consisting of citrus fruits, pineapple, green banana, and mango including the seed, the fruit precursor containing amylytic enzymes and cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) comminuting the precursor to a weight average particle size of from about 40 to about 120 mesh, the comminuted precursor having a pH of about 1.9 to about 5.2; (b) digesting the comminuted precursor by combining a sufficient amount of an edible, water-soluble, alkaline digesting agent with the comminuted precursor for raising the pH of the precursor to a value greater than 7 and up to about 8.2; and (c) neutralizing the digested precursor by changing the pH of the digested precursor with an edible, water-soluble, acidic neutralizing agent to about the value of the pH of the comminuted precursor prior to digestion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 9 in which the neutralizing agent comprises an edible organic acid.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 10 in which the digesting agent comprises sodium bicarbonate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 9 in which the digesting agent comprises sodium bicarbonate.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 9 in which the fruit is citrus fruit and the step of neutralizing comprises changing the pH of the digested precursor to a value of about 2.6 to about 3.3.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 9 in which the fruit is green banana and the step of neutralizing comprises changing the pH of the digested precursor to a value of about 5.2.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 9 in which the fruit is mango with seed and the step of neutralizing comprises changing the pH of the digested precursor to a value of about 4.3.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 9 in which the fruit is pineapple and the step of neutralizing comprises changing the pH of the digested precursor to a value of about 1.9 to about 3.8.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
156 words
A method for preparing a palatable and edible food product for human consumption from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of a fruit selected from the group consisting of ripe banana and mango without the seed, the fruit precursor containing amylytic enzymes and having cells comprising cellulose, the method comprising the steps of: (a) comminuting the precursor to a weight average particle size of from about 40 to about 120 mesh, the comminuted precursor having a pH of about 1.9 to about 5.2; (b) digesting the comminuted precursor by combining an edible, water-soluble, acidic digesting agent with the comminuted precursor for lowering the pH of the precursor to a value of from about 2.9 to about 3.9; and (c) neutralizing the digested precursor by changing the pH of the digested precursor with an edible, water-soluble, alkaline neutralizing agent to about the value of the pH of the comminuted precursor prior to digestion.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
156 words
A method for preparing a palatable and edible food product for human consumption from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of a fruit selected from the group consisting of ripe banana and mango without the seed, the fruit precursor containing amylytic enzymes and having cells comprising cellulose, the method comprising the steps of: (a) comminuting the precursor to a weight average particle size of from about 40 to about 120 mesh, the comminuted precursor having a pH of about 1.9 to about 5.2; (b) digesting the comminuted precursor by combining an edible, water-soluble, acidic digesting agent with the comminuted precursor for lowering the pH of the precursor to a value of from about 2.9 to about 3.9; and (c) neutralizing the digested precursor by changing the pH of the digested precursor with an edible, water-soluble, alkaline neutralizing agent to about the value of the pH of the comminuted precursor prior to digestion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 17 in which the neutralizing agent comprises sodium bicarbonate.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 18 in which the digesting agent comprises an edible organic acid.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 17 in which the digesting agent comprises an edible organic acid.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 17 in which the fruit is ripe banana and the step of neutralizing comprises changing the pH of the digested precursor to a value of about 5.2.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 21 in which the neutralizing agent comprises sodium bicarbonate.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 20 in which the fruit is banana and including the steps of treating the comminuted precursor with an antioxidant.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 23 in which the antioxidant is sodium metabisulfite.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 17 in which the fruit is mango without the seed and the step of neutralizing comprises changing the pH of the digested precursor to a value of about 2.9 to about 3.9.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for preparing a palatable and edible food product for human consumption from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of papaya, the fruit precursor containing amylytic enzymes and having cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) comminuting the precursor to a weight average particle size of from about 40 to about 120 mesh, the comminuted precursor having a pH of about 3.8; (b) digesting the comminuted precursor by combining an edible, water-soluble, acidic digesting agent with the comminuted precursor for lowering the pH of the precursor to a value of from about 2.5 to about 3.7; and (c) neutralizing the digested precursor by changing the pH of the digested precursor with an edible, water-soluble, alkaline neutralizing agent to about 3.8.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for preparing a palatable and edible food product for human consumption from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of papaya, the fruit precursor containing amylytic enzymes and having cells, the method comprising the steps of: (a) comminuting the precursor to a weight average particle size of from about 40 to about 120 mesh, the comminuted precursor having a pH of about 3.8; (b) digesting the comminuted precursor by combining an edible, water-soluble, acidic digesting agent with the comminuted precursor for lowering the pH of the precursor to a value of from about 2.5 to about 3.7; and (c) neutralizing the digested precursor by changing the pH of the digested precursor with an edible, water-soluble, alkaline neutralizing agent to about 3.8.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
50 words
An edible and palatable fruit product suitable for human consumption and prepared from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of a fruit selected from the group consisting of citrus fruits, pineapple, banana, and mango, the food product prepared by drying the neutralized precursor of claim 1.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
53 words
An edible and palatable fruit product suitable for human consumption and prepared from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of a fruit selected from the group consisting of citrus fruits, pineapple, green banana, and mango with seed, the food product prepared by drying the neutralized precursor of claim 9.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
An edible and palatable fruit product suitable for human consumption and prepared from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of green banana, the food product prepared by drying the neutralized precursor of claim 14.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
An edible and palatable fruit product suitable for human consumption and prepared from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of mango with seed, the food product prepared by drying the neutralized precursor of claim 15.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
An edible and palatable fruit product suitable for human consumption and prepared from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of pineapple, the food product prepared by drying the neutralized precursor of claim 16.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
50 words
An edible and palatable fruit product suitable for human consumption and prepared from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of a fruit selected from the group consisting of ripe banana and mango without seed, the food product prepared by drying the neutralized precursor of claim 17.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
38 words
An edible and palatable fruit product suitable for human consumption and prepared from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of ripe banana, the food product prepared by drying the neutralized precursor of claim 21.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
39 words
An edible and palatable fruit product suitable for human consumption and prepared from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of mango without seed, the food product prepared by drying the neutralized precursor of claim 25.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
37 words
An edible and palatable fruit product suitable for human consumption and prepared from a fruit precursor comprising substantially non-edible and substantially non-palatable portions of papaya, the food product prepared by drying the neturalized precursor of claim 26.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 9 in which the fruit is a citrus fruit and contains d-limonin, wherein the precursor is digested for a sufficient time to neutralize a substantial portion of the d-limonin.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 in which the precursor is digested to contain from about 6 to about 12% by weight fructose.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-05-11 | 1984-11-10 | 1985-05-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-05-11 | 1988-11-10 | 1989-05-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-05-11 | 1992-11-10 | 1993-05-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |