Jerry L Hopkins

US Patent:

8372464, Feb 12, 2013

Filed:

Mar 12, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/530733

Inventors:

Mark Dierking - Omaha NE, US
Richard Schumacher - Blair NE, US
Jerry Hopkins - Omaha NE, US

International Classification:

A23L 1/20

US Classification:

426516, 426460, 426461

Abstract:

Methods for producing a partially hydrated bean paste are disclosed. The methods include inputting a quantity of uncooked whole beans or split beans into an extruder comprising an inlet, one or more temperature zones in series downstream of the inlet, and a die downstream of the one or more temperature zones; rotating a screw assembly of the extruder to extrude the beans and force the beans through the one or more temperature zones, wherein a quantity of steam and a quantity of water is added to the beans as the beans are forced through each temperature zone; and forcing the beans exiting the final temperature zone of said one or more temperature zones in series through the die to produce a bean paste. The partially hydrated bean paste produced by the methods of the disclosure comprises a water content of at least about 45% by weight. The partially hydrated bean paste can be further processed into partially hydrated bean products, such as refried beans.

US Patent:

8608862, Dec 17, 2013

Filed:

Dec 13, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/966759

Inventors:

Jerry Hopkins - Omaha NE, US
Kevin G. Mellor - Kennewick WA, US

Assignee:

ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc. - Omaha NE

International Classification:

B08B 9/20

US Classification:

134 221, 134 2218, 134 34, 141 1, 141 89, 141 91

Abstract:

A method for cleaning a gassing manifold includes providing a gassing module and a complementary clean in place module for coupling to the gassing module. Cleaning solution is pumped from the clean in place module to the gassing module above a minimum flow rate and velocity for effective cleaning.

US Patent:

20090050180, Feb 26, 2009

Filed:

Aug 20, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/894250

Inventors:

Jerry Hopkins - Omaha NE, US
Kevin G. Mellor - Kennewick WA, US

International Classification:

B08B 9/032
B21D 39/00

US Classification:

134 2212, 137597, 29428

Abstract:

A clean in place gassing manifold comprises a gassing module comprising a hub, the gassing module and the hub being formed as a unitary device; and a complimentary clean in place module for coupling the gassing module, the complimentary clean in place module comprising a head that inserts into the hub of the gassing module. The gassing module coupled with the complimentary clean in place module allow a cleaning solution to be pumped through the coupled modules at and above a minimum flow rate and a minimum velocity for effective cleaning.

US Patent:

20120052175, Mar 1, 2012

Filed:

Sep 30, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/249361

Inventors:

Athula Ekanayake - Cincinnati OH, US
Scott Alan Vandiest - Cincinnati OH, US
Michael Eisenmenger - Omaha NE, US
Jerry Hopkins - Omaha NE, US

International Classification:

A23L 3/3526
A01N 47/48
C12P 13/00
A23L 2/44

US Classification:

426532, 514514, 435128

Abstract:

A process for producing an essential oil. The essential oil can be white mustard essential oil. The white mustard essential oil can include a moisture sensitive isothiocyanate compound. The moisture sensitive isothiocyanate compound can be 4-HBITC. The essential oil can be produced from mustard seed, which can comprise a precursor sinalbin and myrosinase enzyme. The mustard seed can be reduced into a powder. Activation of the myrosinase enzyme by using a water solvent and a promoter to form a slurry can be performed, wherein the myrosinase enzyme catalyzes the production of an essential oil comprising an isothiocyanate from the sinalbin precursor.