U.S. patent application number 11/560493 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-29 for printing on edible substrates.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJIFILM DIMATIX, INC.. Invention is credited to Richard J. Baker, Howard T. Baldwin, Edward T. Chrusciel.
Application Number | 20070071851 11/560493 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34750128 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070071851 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baker; Richard J. ; et
al. |
March 29, 2007 |
Printing on Edible Substrates
Abstract
Printing on delicate surfaces, such as flowable food products,
is described.
Inventors: |
Baker; Richard J.; (West
Lebanon, NH) ; Baldwin; Howard T.; (Downers Grove,
IL) ; Chrusciel; Edward T.; (Nashua, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
P.O. BOX 1022
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Assignee: |
FUJIFILM DIMATIX, INC.
109 Etna Road,
Lebanon
NH
03766
|
Family ID: |
34750128 |
Appl. No.: |
11/560493 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10761008 |
Jan 20, 2004 |
|
|
|
11560493 |
Nov 16, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/87 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23G 3/0097 20130101;
A23G 9/322 20130101; A23L 9/10 20160801; A23F 5/24 20130101; B41J
3/407 20130101; A23C 9/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/087 |
International
Class: |
A22C 17/10 20060101
A22C017/10 |
Claims
1. A process, comprising: providing an inkjet printer capable of
ejecting a series of drops for deposition on a substrate in a
predetermined pattern; providing a food product comprising a
component material having a softening temperature, wherein the
component material at a surface of the food product is provided at
its softening temperature; and applying to the food product from
the inkjet printer a series of media drops in a predetermined
pattern while the component material at the surface is
softened.
2. The process of claim 1 further comprising heating the surface of
the food product to a temperature sufficient to soften the
component material.
3. The process of claim 1 wherein the food product comprises a food
product base and a coating comprising the component material.
4. The process of claim 3 further comprising coating the food
product base with a layer of the coating material to form the food
product.
5. The process of claim 4 wherein the food product base is coated
with the coating material while the coating material is at a
temperature above the softening point of the component
material.
6. The process of claim 1 wherein the component material is a
fat.
7. The process of claim 1 wherein the coating material is an
icing.
8. The process of claim 1 wherein the food product base is a baked
good.
9. The process of claim 1 wherein the baked good is a cake or
pastry.
10. The process of claim 1 wherein the food product is a snack
food.
11. The process of claim 1 further comprising heating the component
material to or above its softening temperature.
12. The process of claim 1 wherein further processing includes
allowing the food product to cool to a temperature below the
softening point of the component material.
13. The process of claim 1 wherein the drops comprise a dye.
14. The process of claim 1 wherein the drops comprise a
solvent.
15. The process of claim 1 wherein the predetermined pattern
comprises an image.
16. The process of claim 15 wherein the image is a text image or a
graphic image.
17. The process of claim 1 wherein the inkjet printer is a drop on
demand inkjet printer.
18. The process of claim 17 wherein the inkjet printer is a
piezoelectric inkjet printer.
19. The process of claim 1 wherein the droplet deposition is at a
resolution of 50 dpi or more.
20. A process comprising softening a component material at a
surface of a food product; and applying to the food product from an
inkjet printer a series of drops in a predetermined pattern while
the component material at the surface is softened.
21. The process of claim 20 wherein softening the component
material comprises heating the food product.
22. The process of claim 20 wherein the food product surface is a
surface of a layer of an icing.
23. A system for depositing media drops on a surface of a food
product, the system comprising: an inkjet printing apparatus
configured to eject a series of drops on a substrate in a
predetermined pattern; a transport mechanism for positioning a food
product relative to the inkjet printing apparatus so that the
inkjet printing apparatus can eject drops on the food product, the
food product comprising a food stuff; a dispensing apparatus
configured to dispense the food stuff onto the conveyor upstream
from the inkjet printing apparatus; and a heater configured to heat
the food stuff so that a component material in the food stuff is at
or above its softening temperature when the inkjet printing
apparatus deposits drops onto the food product.
24. The system of claim 23 wherein the inkjet printing apparatus is
a drop on demand inkjet printing apparatus.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the inkjet printing apparatus
is a piezoelectric inkjet printing apparatus.
26. The system of claim 24 wherein the heater is configured to heat
the food stuff before the food stuff is dispensed by the dispensing
apparatus.
27. The system of claim 24 wherein the heater heats the food stuff
after the food stuff is dispensed by the dispensing apparatus.
28. The system of claim 24 wherein the dispensing apparatus
dispenses the food stuff onto a food product base to form the food
product.
29. The system of claim 24 wherein the dispensing apparatus is a
coater.
30. The system of claim 24 wherein the dispensing apparatus is an
extruder.
31. The system of claim 24 wherein the transport mechanism is a
conveyor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation (and claims the benefit
of priority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/761,008, filed Jan. 20, 2004. The disclosure of the prior
application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference
in) the disclosure of this application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to printing, particularly on edible
substrates.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Ink jet printers are one type of apparatus for depositing
drops on a substrate. Ink jet printers typically include an ink
path from an ink supply to a nozzle path. The nozzle path
terminates in a nozzle opening from which ink drops are ejected.
Ink drop ejection is typically controlled by pressurizing ink in
the ink path with an actuator, which may be, for example, a
piezoelectric deflector, a thermal bubble jet generator, or an
electrostatically deflected element. A typical print assembly has
an array of ink paths with corresponding nozzle openings and
associated actuators. Drop ejection from each nozzle opening can be
independently controlled. In a drop-on-demand print assembly, each
actuator is fired to selectively eject a drop at a specific pixel
location of an image as the print assembly and a printing substrate
are moved relative to one another. In high performance print
assemblies, the nozzle openings typically have a diameter of 50
microns or less, e.g. around 25 microns, are separated at a pitch
of 100-300 nozzles/inch, have a resolution of 100 to 3000 dpi or
more, and provide drops with a volume of about 1 to 120 picoliters
(pl) or less. Drop ejection frequency is typically 10 kHz or
more.
[0004] A piezoelectric actuator has a layer of piezoelectric
material, which changes geometry, or bends, in response to an
applied voltage. The bending of the piezoelectric layer pressurizes
ink in a pumping chamber located along the ink path. Piezoelectric
ink-jet print assemblies are also described in Fishbeck et al U.S.
Pat. No. 4,825,227, Hine U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,598, Moynihan et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,346 and Hoisington U.S. Pat. No. 5,757,391, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. It
is sometimes desirable to print on food products. An edible ink for
a piezoelectric ink jet printer is described in WO 03/048260, the
entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. It is
sometimes desirable to print on ice cream.
SUMMARY
[0005] In an aspect, the invention features providing an ink jet
printer capable of ejecting a series of drops for deposition on a
substrate in a predetermined pattern, providing a
consistency-maintaining a product, e.g. a food product, having
gravity flowability of about 50% or more in 24 hours, and applying
to the food product from the ink jet printer a series of media
drops in a predetermined pattern, the drops having a drop volume of
about 200 pL or less
[0006] In another aspect, the invention features providing an ink
jet printer capable of ejecting a series of drops for deposition on
a substrate in a predetermined pattern, providing a product such as
a food product having a gravity-flowability of about 50% or more in
24 hours, applying to the food product a series of media drops in a
predetermined pattern, the drops having a volume of about 200 pL or
less, the media on the food product having an image bleed of about
10% or less in 30 minutes, and after applying the media, processing
the food product to increase or decrease gravity flowability.
[0007] In another aspect, the invention features a
consistency-maintaining, e.g. edible, substance having a
gravity-flowability of about 50% or more in 24 hours. The substance
includes an image visible from its surface. The image is defined by
a predetermined series of drops having a resolution of about 50 dpi
or greater and an image bleed of about 10% or less in about 10
minutes.
[0008] Embodiments may include one or more of the following. After
applying the media, the food product is processed to decrease
gravity flowability or increase the viscosity. The food product is
cooled, e.g., to about 32.degree. F. or less. After applying the
media, the food product is enclosed in a container. The food
product is enclosed in a container prior to increasing the
viscosity. The food product has a viscosity of about 50,000 cps or
less. The food product has a viscosity of about 50 to 110 cps and
the drop volume is about 120 pL or less. The ink jet printer is a
drop on demand ink jet printer. The ink jet printer is a
piezoelectric ink jet printer. The ejection media is heated to a
temperature of about 40 to 140.degree. C. The printing is at a
resolution of 50 dpi or more, e.g. 100 or 200 dpi or more. The
ejection media has a viscosity greater than the viscosity of the
food product at the temperature of the food product during
application of the media. The ejection media has a viscosity less
than the viscosity of the food product at the temperature of the
food product during application of the media. The ejection media
has a viscosity of about 8-20 cps under ejection conditions. The
ejection media has a viscosity of about 70-100 cps at room
temperature. The ejection media has a water soluble carrier. The
ejection media is predominantly an alcohol or acid, or water or
combination thereof.
[0009] Embodiments may also include one or more of the following.
The ejection media is substantially insoluble in the food product.
The ejection media includes a visible dye. The ejection media
includes a flavor additive. The food product is a dairy product.
The food product is ice cream or yogurt. The food product is a
coffee drink, e.g., including a dairy product. The food product is
at a temperature of about room temperature or greater while
applying the media. The food product is served to a consumer within
about 45 minutes of applying said media. The media on the food
product has an image bleed of about 10% or less in 10 minutes or 30
minutes or more after applying the media. The gravity flowability
of the food product is free-flowing. The image bleed is about 2% or
less. The image bleed is about 2% or less in about 30 minutes.
[0010] Embodiments may include one or more of the following
advantages. A high resolution, multicolor image can be formed on a
delicate surface such as a food product in a low viscosity, easily
flowable state. The image can be sufficiently robust to be
discerned for a period of time in which the product is further
processed, served and/or consumed. For example, substantial image
quality can be maintained for a period of 15, 30 or 45 or more
minutes with the food product in a low viscosity state. The image
does not substantially modify the viscosity of the food product and
thus does not substantially alter the foods textural
characteristics. The image can be quickly and inexpensively
rendered using a drop-on-demand printing apparatus. The content of
the image can be selected immediately prior to printing. The image
can be customized to identify the food product, the producer, or
the consumer.
[0011] Still further aspects, features, and advantages follow. For
example, combinations and ranges of, e.g. gravity flowability,
viscosity, bleed, resolution, food product types and other
parameters are described below.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] This patent application file contains at least one drawing
executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application
publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office
upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating food product processing,
while FIG. 1A is a food product including a printed image.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating food product
processing.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a printhead module.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a photograph of a food product including a printed
image.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a food product is processed using a
dispensing station 2 and a printing station 4. At the dispensing
station 2, the food product 5 is dispensed from a dispenser 4 into
a container(s) 6. The food product 5 is dispensed in a flowable
state, e.g. a liquid or slurry, or is converted to a flowable state
after dispensing. The printer station 8 includes a transport
mechanism 10 and a printhead 12. The transport mechanism 10, e.g. a
conveyor, supports and transports containers 6, including the food
product, relative to the printhead 12. At the printhead 12, an
ejection media is directed in the form of a series of drops 14
toward the surface of the food product in a predetermined pattern.
Referring as well to FIG. 1A, the ejection media can be a pigmented
material that is provided in a pattern forming a desired image 18
visible from the surface of the product. The food product can be
served to a consumer shortly after the image is printed. For
example, the food product can be a coffee drink. The image can,
e.g., identify the food product, its producer, or the consumer or
can be decorative.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, a food product is processed using a
dispensing station 30, a printing station 32, a packaging station
34 and a post-printing processing station 36. At the dispensing
station 30, the product is dispensed into a container 38. At the
printing station 32, an ejection media is directed in the form of
drops 40 to the surface of the food product in a predetermined
pattern, e.g. to form an image while the food product is in a
flowable state. At the processing 34 station, the package is sealed
for distribution. In the embodiment illustrated, the packaging
station includes a capper that assembles a cap 42 on the container
38. At the post-printing processing station, the food product is
further processed. In the embodiment illustrated, the
post-processing station 36 is a flash freezer to freeze the
product. Flash freezing is a process step particularly suitable for
ice cream products, which are typically sealed in containers before
freezing. By printing an image on the product in a flowable state,
the image can be rendered and maintained on the product without
first freezing the product to a solid state. In addition, freezing
a product after printing reduces diffusion of the media in the food
product. In other embodiments, the post-processing station can
include other processes that effect the viscosity or flowability of
the food product. For sugar icing, used e.g. on cakes and pastries,
the ejection media is applied while the icing is in a liquid state
(typically melted) and the icing subsequently cooled to its
solidification temperature, e.g. around room temperature. For
yogurt, for example, post-processing may include culturing, which
increases viscosity. For translucent products, such as Jello,
post-processing can include solidifying followed by pouring another
layer of food product over the imaged surface so that the image is
within the bulk of the food product. The subsequent layer can also
be imaged to create multiple images at various depths within the
food product. Other post-printing processing steps include
sterilization by heating or exposure to radiation. In embodiments,
post-printing processes can be carried out before and/or after
capping or otherwise enclosing the food product in a container.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, the printhead is an ink-jet printhead
including a series of modules 52 from which media is ejected from
an array of nozzles. For example, the printhead can include four
modules, with each module printing a different color media to
provide four color printing. The module 52 is preferably a
drop-on-demand module including a piezoelectric element 56 which
pressurizes ink in a pumping chamber 58 for ejection through a
nozzle opening 60. In embodiments, the printhead includes a heater
to heat the media to a desired viscosity to facilitate jetting. A
suitable printhead is the NOVA printhead, available from Specta,
Inc., Hanover, N.H. Suitable piezoelectric inkjet printers are also
discussed in Fishbeck '227, Hine '598, Moynihan '346 and Hoisington
'391, incorporated, supra and WO 01/25018, the entire contents of
which is hereby incorporated by reference. In embodiments, the
printhead is moved relative to a food product during printing.
[0020] Suitable images are produced by selecting the printing
conditions so that the media is ejected in the form of drops that
prevent excessive splashing or cratering when the drops impact the
food product surface and thus, the integrity of the image is
maintained. In addition, small drops of heated media cool quickly
on impact with the food product and do not transfer excessive heat
to the food product, which facilitates further processing. For food
products having a viscosity of about 50,000 cps or less,
particularly 2,500 cps or less, suitable drop sizes are about 200
pl or less, e.g. 60-100 pl. The velocity of the drops is about 2-12
m/sec, e.g. about 7-9 m/sec. The printing resolution is about 50
dpi or greater, e.g. about 150-500 dpi. In embodiments, media is
heated, e.g. to about 40 to 125.degree. C., to maintain a desired
jetting viscosity, e.g. about 10-20 cps. Viscosity is measured by
using a rotating cylinder-type viscosometer. A suitable instrument
is the Model DV-III Programmable Rheometer with Thermoset System 3
sample holder controlled by a Model 106 Programmable Temperature
Controller, available from Brookfield, Middleboro, Mass. At 60 rpm
with a #18 spindle, the system can measure viscosity up to about
49.9 cps. Higher viscosities can be measured with a parallel plate
viscometer.
[0021] During printing, the food product is in a state in which it
has a delicate, easily damaged surface and, typically, is flowable.
For example, the food product can be a liquid or a paste. In
embodiments, food product can be characterized by its flowability
under gravity. Flowability is measured as follows. The food product
is disposed in a teflon cylindrical container that has one open end
and is 3 inches tall and 3 inches in diameter. A flat teflon plate
is placed over the open end. The container is inverted and
vertically removed to produce a column of the food product. The
flowability of the food product is indicated by changes in the
height of the column. A reduction in height of 1.5 inches indicates
50% flow. In embodiments, the food product has a gravity
flowability of 50% or more in 24 hours or less, e.g. 10 minutes or
less, or 10 seconds or less. For example, the flowability in
embodiments is such that the food product flows freely when the
cylinder is removed and no self-supporting column is formed.
[0022] In embodiments, the state of the food product can be
characterized by its viscosity. A suitable viscosity is about
50,000 cps or less, e.g. 2500, 200, 100, 80 or 50 cps or less. In
embodiments, the viscosity of the food product during printing is
greater than the viscosity of water at room temperature. In
embodiments, the viscosity of the food product is adjusted relative
to the viscosity of the ejection media. For example, the viscosity
of the food product is preferably less than the viscosity of the
ejection media to reduce spread of the media into the food product
and to retain image integrity. In embodiments, the viscosity of the
food product is 75% or less than the viscosity of the ejection
media at the food product temperature.
[0023] In addition, the food product is preferably in a state in
which it maintains a substantially stable consistency so that the
image is maintained for an extended period. The state of the food
product is preferably substantially stable under printing
conditions and/or conditions maintained until post-printing
processing or consumption. A food product with a stable
consistency, exhibits a substantially constant gravity flowability
or density. Preferably these properties are maintained within
.+-.10% during printing and until the product is consumed or
further processed. In embodiments, food product consistency is
stable for e.g. 10 minutes or more, or 30 minutes or more under
printing conditions.
[0024] The flowability, stability and/or viscosity can be a
characteristic of the product in the state in which it is consumed
or the product can be treated, e.g. heated or cooled prior to or
during printing, to establish a desired flowability or viscosity.
For example, the product may be at a temperature above freezing,
e.g. in a temperature range of about 40 to 120.degree. F., e.g. at
room temperature. In embodiments, the product is substantially
solid in its consumed state but is heated to a flowable viscosity
state for imaging. Examples of food products that are melted
include chocolate, icing, jello, and pudding.
[0025] In embodiments, the food products include a low water
solubility component in about 1%, 5% or 50% or more by weight. In
embodiments, the food product includes milk products such as ice
cream, yogurt, and milk shakes, coffee products including milk
products, such as lattes and cappacinos, and chocolate in bulk or
as toppings or icings. A common low water solubility component is a
lipid. Suitable lipids include nonpolar extractions from plant or
animal matter, and are typically fatty acid derivatives of
glycerol. Examples include fats and oils which include triestes of
glycerol (triacylglycerols). Other lipids include phospholipids
(glycerol esterified with phosphoric acid) or sphingolipds (amino
glycerol derivatives). Fats are solid at room temperature, while
oils are typically liquid at room temperature. Suitable fats and
oils include animal butter, lard, cod liver oil, whale oil, cocoa
butter, coconut, corn, cottonseed, linseed, olive, peanut, or
soybean extracts. Fatty acid components include lauric, myristic,
palmitic, polmitoleic, oleic, linoleic, and linoleic acid. In other
embodiments, the food product is substantially watersoluble.
Embodiments include food products composed primarily of protein,
e.g. gelatins, such as jello. The food product can also include a
wax, a resin, or an emulsifier or other thickener.
[0026] In embodiments, the media has a solvent-based carrier which
evaporates during jetting or after impacting the food product. In
embodiments, the media includes a meltable carrier which solidifies
on the food product. The viscosity of these media is typically
relatively low when ejected from the nozzle and on impact with the
food product, which reduces splashing or cratering effects. The
viscosity of the media then increases, as the solvent carrier
evaporates or as the carrier solidifies, which reduces spread of
the media into the food products. A suitable solvent carrier is a
low molecular weight alcohol, e.g. ethanol. A suitable meltable
carrier is animal fat or a wax. In embodiments, the viscosity of
the media is about 20 cps or less during jetting, e.g. 10-20 cps,
and the viscosity at food product temperature is 20-200 cps or
more. In embodiments, viscosity at jetting is 10-20 cps and the
media is heated to 40-125.degree. C., e.g. the viscosity is 12-14
cps at 50 to 60.degree. C. In embodiments, the solubility of the
media or major components of the media is low in the food product
to reduce diffusion of media into the food product. For food
products including non-polar, e.g. lipid ingredients, the media or
its major components are generally polar and have a high
solubility, e.g. are miscible, in water. For example, in
embodiments, the media includes a highly water-soluble carrier that
is e.g. 50%, or 70% or more of the media. Suitable highly water
soluble carriers include water, acids, and alcohols. A suitable
carrier is propylene glycol. For food products that are
substantially water soluble, the media can include a carrier that
has low water solubility, such as animal fat. The media can also
include colorants, such as organic dyes, stabilizers,
flexibilizers, plasticizers, and/or other additives. In
embodiments, the media includes a flavoring but does not include a
colorant or includes a colorant that is non-contrasting with the
food product. In these embodiments, a flavor component can be
distributed in a predetermined pattern without forming a visible
image. Ingredients suitable for edible media are described in WO
03/048260, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference. Suitable flavorings include sugars, or extracts, such as
fruit spice extracts. The media preferably includes edible
components that are listed as a Generally Recognized as Safe direct
food additive (GRAS) in section 21 of the Code of Federal
Regulations or is EAFUS-listed, i.e., included on the Food and Drug
Administration's list of "everything added to food in the United
States." An "edible media" is an ink that contains less than 100
ppm by weight of any impurities, i.e., any components that are not
listed as GRAS or are not EAFUS-listed. A suitable media is
available as the "FG" family of inks, from Sensient Imaging
Technologies, Inc., Escondido, Calif. The inks are available in
red, green, blue and yellow.
[0027] In embodiments, the image on the food product is maintained
for a substantial period, e.g. 10 minutes or more, e.g. 30 minutes
or more, without further modification of the food product so that
the image is discernable when it is further processed and/or served
to a consumer. Changes in image quality for a particular food
product and ejection fluid can be determined by measuring how much
the media bleeds laterally over time. To determine the amount of
bleed for a particular media, a monochromatic square having
dimensions of 0.25 inch on each side is deposited onto the food
product. The width of the square is then monitored over time. The
increase in width is expressed as a percentage of the original
width to indicate image quality retention. In embodiments, the
image bleed is about 10% or less, e.g. 2% or 1% or less over 10
minutes or more, e.g. 30 minutes or more.
EXAMPLE
[0028] Referring to FIG. 4, an image of floating balloons in four
colors was printed on an ice-milk coffee drink. The food product
includes as ingredients coffee and milk products. The viscosity of
the food product during printing was about 80-100 cps. The
temperature of the food product was below room temperature and
above 32.degree. F. The food product was in a paper cup having a
diameter of about 2.5 inches and height of 2 inches. The image was
printed using a Spectra Model JetXpress-4/FG printer, available
from Spectra, Inc., Hanover, N.H. The printer includes a printhead
having an array of jetting nozzles extending over about 1.25
inches. The nozzles have a diameter of about 52 micron. The drop
size was about 80 pL, the resolution was about 203 dpi, and the
head temperature was about 55.degree. C. The food product was moved
relative to the printhead on a conveyor at a rate of about 25
feet/minute. The distance from the head to the surface of the food
product was about 1 cm. The jetting media was the "FG" family of
inks from Sensient/Formulabs, Escondido, Calif. The inks are
composed, in order of decreasing amount, propylene glycol,
glycerine, purified water, isopropyl alcohol, and organic dye. The
blue ink includes FD&C Blue No. 1 and Red No. 3. The red ink
includes Red. No. 3, Red No. 40, and Blue 1. The yellow ink
includes Yellow No. 5, Red. No. 40, and Blue No. 1. The green ink
includes Yellow No. 5, Blue No. 1, and also includes sodium
hydroxide. These inks are, respectively, not less than 2.1%, 2-3%,
2.0%, and 2.0% pure dye. The image persisted on the food product
without substantial bleeding for about 30 minutes.
[0029] Still further embodiments are in the following claims. For
example, images can be printed on delicate, flowable substrates
other than food products.
* * * * *