Method for elemental analysis of a snack food product in a dynamic production line

US9678015B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Frito-Lay North America, Inc. · US
• Applied Spectra, INC. · US

Inventors

• Scott Fagan · Dallas, US
• Paul Allan Martin · Prosper, US
• Scotty G. Richardson · Gainesville, US
• Richard E. Russo · Walnut Creek, US
• Chen Shao · Zhongshan, CN
• Jong Hyun Yoo · Milpitas, US
• Chunyi Liu · Fremont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 25, 2015
• Grant date: Jun 13, 2017
• Expiry date: Sep 25, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2201/129
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for analyzing one or more elements of targeted moving snack food surfaces uses laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy to detect the presence, absence, or amount of an element on a heterogeneous surface, including seasoned and ready-to-eat snack foods. A laser is used to quantify the element concentration without destroying the targeted sample. An automated on-line system may be integrated into the method to create a closed-loop feedback control system, adjusting the concentration as desired.