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US 6,564,699 B1Granted
Proofer and process for producing extended shelf life yeast-raised baked goods and extended shelf life yeast-raised baked goods
AssigneeDunkin' Donuts Incorporated
InventorsPatricia A. Vincente, Michael D. Cataldo, Richard Golden, Melanie A. Reynolds, Wayne K. Spillner, Robert P. Pitts
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A proofer (10) is disclosed for making yeast-raised baked goods having an extended shelf life. The proofer includes a proofing chamber (12) in which heat, humidity, and airflow are more uniform. A process is provided for proofing the raw dough to provide an extended shelf life yeast-raised product Additionally, an extended shelf life product is provided.
Claims41
A proofer for making yeast-raised baked goods having an extended shelf life, the proofer comprising:
- an insulated housing having a sealable door therein;
- a proofing chamber within the housing sized to received a rack for holding a raw dough product;
- a controller;
- a dehumidifying device located within the housing on an airflow path and in communication with the controller;
- a heat source located within the housing on the airflow path and in communication with the controller;
- a humidifying device located within the housing on the airflow path and in communication with the controller;
- an air circulator located within the housing in a position to direct air on the airflow path into the proofing chamber, the air circulator in communication with the controller;
- and
- at least one sensor comprising a relative humidity sensor or a temperature sensor located within the proofing chamber, the at least one sensor in communication with the controller, the controller operative to control the dehumidifying device, the heat source, and the humidifying device to condition the air to proof the raw dough product.
6 more elements
A proofer for making yeast-raised baked goods having an extended shelf life, the proofer comprising:
- an insulated housing having a sealable door therein;
- a proofing chamber within the housing sized to received a rack for holding a raw dough product;
- a controller;
- at least one component located within the housing on an airflow path and in communication with the controller to provide an airflow conditioned for proofing the raw dough product, the at least one component comprising a dehumidifier, a heating unit, or a humidifier, the at least one component operative to return to a desired set point within no more than fifteen minutes after unsealing a preheated proofing chamber;
- and
- an air circulator located within the housing in a position to direct air on the airflow path into the proofing chamber, the air circulator in communication with the controller.
3 more elements
A proofer for making yeast-raised baked goods having an extended shelf life, the proofer comprising:
- an insulated housing having a rear wall, side walls, and a front sealable door therein;
- a proofing chamber within the housing sized to received a rack for holding a raw dough product;
- a controller;
- at least one component located within the housing on an airflow path and in communication with the controller to provide an airflow conditioned for proofing the raw dough product, the at least one component comprising a dehumidifier, a heating unit, or a humidifier;
- an air circulator located within the housing in a position to direct air on the airflow path into the proofing chamber, the air circulator in communication with the controller;
- and
- a rear partition disposed in the proofing chamber and spaced from the rear wall, and an airflow chamber defined between the rear partition and the rear wall, the rear partition comprising two side panels, each side panel including a plurality of openings disposed therein in at least two vertical columns.
4 more elements
A proofer for making yeast-raised baked goods having an extended shelf life, the proofer comprising:
- an insulated housing having a sealable door therein;
- a proofing chamber within the housing sized to receive a rack for holding a raw dough product;
- a controller and at least one component in communication with the controller to provide an airflow conditioned for proofing the raw dough product;
- and
- a rack positioning device within the proofing chamber disposed to contact the rack and fix the rack in a desired position within the proofing chamber upon closure of the sealable door.
2 more elements
A proofer for making yeast-raised baked goods having an extended shelf life, the proofer comprising:
- an insulated housing having a rear wall, side walls, and a front sealable door therein;
- a proofing chamber within the housing sized to received a rack for holding a raw dough product;
- a controller;
- at least one component located within the housing on an airflow path and in communication with the controller to provide an airflow conditioned for proofing the raw dough product, the at least one component comprising a dehumidifier, a heating unit, or a humidifier;
- an air circulator located within the housing in a position to direct air on the airflow path into the proofing chamber, the air circulator in communication with the controller;
- and
- a partition disposed in the proofing chamber and spaced from at least one wall of the rear wall and the side walls, and an airflow chamber defined between the partition and the at least one wall, the partition comprising a panel including a plurality of openings disposed therein in at least two separate regions.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.