Patent ID: 7169420
Filing Date: 2007-01-30
Classification: A23L,B67C

Abstract:
1. A process for filling juice beverages into containers, comprising: providing a plurality of polymeric containers having a filling capacity of not more than about 12 fluid ounces; filling said plurality of containers with hot juice beverage to provide a flow of hot filled containers of juice beverage at a selected hot filled temperature; subjecting the hot filled containers to a post-filling heat dwell period during which the temperature of the beverage is less than said selected hot filled temperature by not more than about 4° F. (about 2.2° C.), said post-filling heat dwell including having the hot filled containers in an environment heated by circulating hot air or gas for between about 45 seconds and about 3 minutes; and thereafter allowing said hot filled containers of juice beverage to cool to a temperature below said selected hot filling temperature.