Method of determining the texture of food material and apparatus for use in this method
US8567250B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/0252
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to a method of determining the texture of food material, comprising the steps of applying a vibrational impact with a predetermined frequency to the food material, measuring the vibrational response of the food material to the vibrational impact, and comparing the vibratiorial response with at least one reference value, determined prior to the measurement. The food material is in a liquid or a semi-solid state and/or contained within a container body (16), such as a pipe. In a second aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus (10) for determining the texture of food material, wherein the apparatus comprises a device (12) for generating a vibrational impact, such as a piezo actuator, a device (14) for measuring vibrations, such as a vibrometer, a holding mechanism, comprising a container body (16) for containing the food material therein or a string to attach the food material thereto, and an analyser for comparing measured vibrations with at least one reference value, determined prior to the measurement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.