Abstract: Starch lactide derivatives and the preparation of such derivatives wherein starch is reacted with lactide in an aqueous caustic media. Another embodiment involves the extrusion of the starch lactide derivatives to form starch based foam products having increased flexibility, strength and compatibility.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cold water swellable starches exhibiting delayed viscosity development, preparation and use thereof. The cold water swellable starches are prepared using methods known in the art and then are compacted. These starches provide all the advantages of CWS starch, including texture, heavy body, glossy sheen, and viscosity. However, the rate of hydration may be controlled to delay viscosity development. Such starches may be used for a variety of industrial applications including food products, personal care products, cleansers, liquid detergents and fabric softeners, oil-well drilling, and paints and allow for easier processing of such products.

Abstract: A temperature and pressure sensitive valve is disclosed herein. The valve has a valve piston for regulating flow through the valve, a valve piston guide for directing movement of the piston, the piston guide having one or more passages there through, a thermal element for enabling movement of said piston, and an elongated housing having an anterior and posterior end and an interior wall able to house said piston, guide and thermal element. The housing further has two or more passages able to aid the piston in regulating flow, with at least one of the passages placed towards said anterior end of the housing, and at least one of the passages placed towards said posterior end of the housing.

Abstract: A flow control valve is disclosed having a cylindrical housing having inlet and outlet ends and a central portion there between; a piston slidably disposed within the central portion and having a wall at one end thereof; a piston rod having a base and a top, a filter located within the rod, and a spring surrounding the rod for urging the rod and the piston toward the inlet end; and a flow restrictor through which the rod is able to pass. The flow restrictor has a first portion with one or more inlet ports and a second portion separated from the first portion by an annular ridge.