Abstract: A pet food product containing at least one amylaceous ingredient maintains or improves its soft texture during storage when the enzyme .alpha.-amylase is added thereto and processed using heat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing a dehydrated, readily reconstituable (i.e. "instant") baby cereal porridge product from a reduced-viscosity, gelatininzed, cereal flour-water mixture. The reduction in viscosity of the gelatinized cereal flour-water mixture is achieved by a method in which a cereal flour-water slurry having flour solids content in the range 14% to 30% inclusive, is gelatinized and then subjected to a mechanical shearing action. In preferred embodiments one of the cereal flour ingredients in the slurry is oat flour.

Abstract: A catalyst composition and a foundry method for the rapid production of cured, high tensile strength foundry sand shapes from a foundry mixture containing a furan-based binder and polyvinyl alcohol are disclosed. The polyvinyl alcohol is incorporated into a special thermally-activated strong acid salt catalyst prior to admixture of the catalyst composition with the sand and a furan-based binder. The sand-binder-catalyst composition is then shaped and the sand shapes are heated, resulting in exceptionally high tensile strengths in short times. In foundry methods involving in situ heating of the sand shape within the pattern, clean release (without sticking) from the pattern after cure is achieved.

Abstract: A shelf stable, intermediate moisture, food bar having a soft and chewy texture with good taste is disclosed. Lowered sugar content and good texture and taste characteristics are maintained through the use of a combination of at least two polyhydric alcohols in varying ratios, one of which comprises a sugar alcohol and the other either glycerol or propylene glycol. In preferred embodiments the two polyhydric alcohols are glycerol and sorbitol employed in a ratio of glycerol to sorbitol in the range 1:1 to 5:1. Despite a low total sugar content the water activity may be maintained in the 0.2-0.55 range through the use of such polyhydric alcohols while achieving a soft texture.

Abstract: A catalytic system for furan resin is disclosed, comprising mixtures of a sulfonic acid with urea salts of the respective sulfonic acid. By varying the acid:salt ratio of the catalytic system, the working time of the furan resin may be controlled as desired.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing a dehydrated, readily reconstitutable (i.e. "instant") baby cereal porridge product from a reduced-viscosity, gelatinized, cereal flour-water mixture. The reduction in viscosity of the gelatinized cereal flour-water mixture is achieved by a method in which a cereal flour-water slurry having flour solids content in the range 14% to 30% inclusive, is gelatinized and then subjected to a mechanical shearing action. In preferred embodiments one of the cereal flour ingredients in the slurry is oat flour.

Abstract: A method and composition for forming a dry free-flowing particulate solid is disclosed which utilizes a novel binder system for bonding particles of carbon, sand and/or other solid particulate materials. The solid, non-sticky binder system comprises furfural, solid resin, (such as a phenolic resin), which is not sticky at room temperature and is soluble in furfural, and a liquid amine having free hydrogens on the amine nitrogen which amine is capable of reacting with furfural. This system is capable of adhering to such particles while retaining the free-flowing characteristics of the particles. The free-flowing particulate solid thus formed may be shaped, extruded or compression molded as necessary to form the desired article. A shaped mass of this particulate material is converted to an integral mass by warming or compressing. While the binder is curable at room temperature over a long period of time, the cure rate may be accelerated by increases in temperature.

Abstract: A food product is prepared having a red-meaty color imparted thereto by the incorporation of an effective amount of pigments produced by the growth of the mold of the genus Monascus on an oat substrate.

Abstract: A food product is prepared having a red-meaty color imparted thereto by the incorporation of an effective amount of pigments produced by the growth of the mold of the genus Monascus on both wheat substrates and barley substrates.

Abstract: A method of processing oat groats for imparting shelf stability to the groats by inactivating the enzymes of the groat without causing oxidation. By the subject invention the enzymes of the dehulled oats are deactivated by steaming, boiling or toasting. The boiled and steamed groats are then dried at a temperature and for a length of time sufficient that will not cause oxidation. The resulting toasted groats have increased shelf stability with good organoleptic attributes and may be prepared for consumption by boiling in water.

Abstract: A furan polymer concrete is described comprising aggregate, acid catalyst and binder which includes furfuryl alcohol and a crosslinking monomer. The binder has a low viscosity, thereby allowing significantly less binder to be used in forming the polymer concrete.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a simulated sausage product that resembles the natural product in appearance, cooking characteristics, flavor, eating qualities and texture. The simulated sausage is produced by hydrating textured vegetable protein with an aqueous solution containing flavors, spices, and coloring, followed by mixing with a heat denaturable protein ingredient, a soluble sugar system that browns upon heating, and sodium caseinate. To this mixture, a fat system is added. The mixture is then formed into sausage like patties or links and may be heat treated before storage.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for continuous autogenic incineration of high-moisture easily friable combustible agglomerates in a fluidized bed. The improvement comprises introducing the waste materials into the bed in a "tube" of air provided by supplemental air means which surrounds the in-bed feed means.