Abstract: A low salt protein solution not capable of forming a gel is obtained from animal muscle tissue by forming an aqueous acidic protein solution which is filtered to remove salt and acid. The low salt protein solution can be formed into a gel by adding a physiologically acceptable salt to the low salt protein solution and heating the resultant protein solution with added salt.

Abstract: An insulating construction. The construction is formed from a blank construction having a square or rectangular central portion and a side section attached to each side of the central portion. Two wing sections are attached to each of two opposing side sections. The wing sections are attachable to an adjacent side section free of a wing section. Then the blank construction is folded in a three dimensional configuration, it supported by a rod construction.

Abstract: A pump apparatus is provided which comprises a first displacement pump and a ceramic valve construction formed of a ceramic rotor, a ceramic stator having flat surfaces which are positioned in sealing relationship and a second displacement pump having check valves. The first displacement pump comprises a reciprocating first piston within a housing having an interior wall spaced apart from the piston. The position of the first piston and the position of the rotor are controlled to effect desired fluid flow through the stator. The first piston and a second piston of the second displacement pump are reciprocated by a common motor.

Abstract: A pump apparatus is provided which comprises a plurality of displacement pumps each connected to a check valve apparatus. The displacement pumps each comprises a reciprocating piston within a housing having an interior wall spaced apart from the piston. The check valve apparatus comprises two check valves that control fluid flow under pressure exerted by the reciprocating piston from a fluid reservoir to a point of use of the fluid. Pistons of the displacement pumps are driven by a common motor.

Abstract: A process for cooking a food in oil and/or fat is provided. A dry protein mixture, a dry alkaline protein mixture, an aqueous alkaline protein mixture or an aqueous acidic protein is added to a food prior to cooking. The dry protein mixture, dry alkaline protein mixture, aqueous alkaline protein mixture and aqueous acidic protein solution comprise myofibrillar proteins and sarcoplasmic proteins substantially free of myofibrils and sarcomeres. The amount of oil and/or fat absorbed by the food during cooking is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A peptide composition derived from a protein composition when added to uncooked food effects moisture retention during cooking of the food. The peptide composition is derived from a dry protein mixture or an aqueous acidic protein solution which, in turn, is derived from animal muscle tissue. The peptide composition is added to uncooked poultry, meat or fish prior to cooking. The dry protein mixture and aqueous acidic protein solution comprise myofibrillar proteins and sarcoplasmic proteins substantially free of myofibrils and sarcomeres.

Abstract: A pump apparatus is provided which comprises a displacement pump and a ceramic valve construction formed of a ceramic rotor and a ceramic stator having flat surfaces which are positioned in sealing relationship. The displacement pump comprises a reciprocating piston within a housing having an interior wall spaced apart from the piston. The position of the piston and the position of the rotor are controlled to effect desired fluid flow through the stator.

Abstract: A low cholesterol protein composition derived from animal muscle tissue is provided. The low cholesterol protein composition is added to meat or fish prior to cooking to retain moisture during cooking in the fish or meat.

Abstract: A meat or fish composition which retains moisture during cooking is provided. A dry protein mixture or an aqueous acidic protein solution derived from animal muscle tissue is added to the meat or fish prior to cooking. The dry protein mixture and aqueous acidic protein solution comprise myofibrillar proteins and sarcoplasmic proteins substantially free of myofibrils and sarcomeres.

Abstract: A check valve construction is provided which includes a housing having a first flow path and a second flow path. Liquid flow is controlled within the first and second flow path by movable plungers (22, 24) having a sealing surface and a plurality of prongs that control the length of movement of the plunger within the housing. One of the plungers permits liquid flow while the other of the plungers prevents liquid flow in response to pressure change within the flow paths.

Abstract: A method for producing a filter element of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes made of perfluorinated thermoplastic polymer with a pot or seal made of perfluorinated thermoplastic polymer. A bundle of hollow fiber membranes is prepared with the fibers substantially aligned, with at least one end sealed. The sealed end is placed in a temporary recess made in a molten pool of perfluorinated thermoplastic potting material and held in the molten pool while potting material flows around and up the fibers to form a unified pot after cooling and solidification of the potting material.

Abstract: A skinless metal alloy composition free of entrapped gas and comprising primary solid discrete degenerate dendrites homogeneously dispersed within a secondary phase is formed by a process wherein the metal alloy is heated in a vessel to render it a liquid. The liquid is then rapidly cooled while vigorously agitating it under conditions to avoid entrapment of gas while forming solid nuclei homogeneously distributed in the liquid. Agitation then is ceased when the liquid contains a small fraction solid or the liquid-solid alloy is removed from the source of agitation while cooling is continued to form the primary solid discrete degenerate dendrites in liquid secondary phase. The solid-liquid mixture then can be formed such as by casting.

Abstract: A filter cartridge housing formed of a manifold and a bowl containing a filter cartridge is disclosed. The filtration cartridge and bowl are connected to each other to form a unitary construction. The filtration cartridge and bowl are in fluid communication with the manifold in a manner which prevents mixing of a fluid feed to the module and a permeate removed from the module. A threaded ring substantially fixed in a position relative to either the bowl or the manifold is used to positively drive the manifold and bowl together and apart as needed and to form a secure and liquid tight seal between the two components when they are together. The threaded ring is held by a key in the keyway on of the outer surface of the bowl or manifold. The threads of the ring mate with the threads on the manifold or bowl. As the ring is relatively fixed by the key/keyway to its position on the bowl or manifold, it moves the bowl relative to the manifold as the ring is rotated onto or off of the mating threads.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for producing a subassembly for devices designed to receive particulate matter in a compartment of predetermined shape.