Abstract: A device for filling a container with a highly viscous fluid substance comprises a tank for receiving the fluid substance of high viscosity; a communicating tube provided with a mechanism for discharging the substance in a constant flow rate and in communication with the tank; a filling nozzle connected to the discharging side of the communication tube and disposed so that a downward oriented discharge outlet thereof is positioned just above a path of a conveyor for transporting containers; an arm having an upper portion and a lower portion and to which the filling nozzle provided with a spool is mounted on the lower portion thereof; a horizontal axle supporting the arm in a freely rotatable and reversible manner at the upper portion thereof; and a mechanism for vibrating the arm on the horizontal axle serving as the vibration center.

Abstract: An improved low pressure microwave drying apparatus comprises a drying chamber made of a microwave-permeable and gas-impermeable material and a microwave applying chamber made of a microwave-impermeable material which encloses the drying chamber at a distance therefrom. The drying chamber is provided with a gas exhaust system and the microwave applying chamber with a microwave generator.

Abstract: An improved microwave drying apparatus comprising a drying chamber provided with a microwave generator and a layer of a weak dielectric substance laminated on at least a part of the inner surface of the wall of the chamber is provided, whereby the occurrence of moisture condensation on the inner wall of the chamber during the drying procedure can be prevented.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing retort tofu, wherein the rate of rise in temperature, at the center of a raw material for retort tofu, is adjusted within a desired range during the term from the initiation of the retort treatment to an inflection point. The pressure in the retort apparatus is controlled at the latest at the inflection point whereby retort tofu, having smooth and compact texture and being free from pores and syneresis, is obtained.

Abstract: A system having first, second and third pipes connected respectively to first, second and third ports of a three-way valve. A by-pass pipe is connected at its one end to one of the second and third ports after disconnecting the associated one of the second and third pipes therefrom and at the other end to the other of the second and third pipes prior to the cleaning operation of the system.

Abstract: A method for frying noodles in a perforated container having the shape of a cylinder, prism or truncated cone or pyramid and a height of more than 3 cm and being sealed by a perforated cover, the perforations constituting 5 to 30% of the area of the cover. Noodles are fried in such a container after the individual raw noodles have been forced apart and cut, the container is charged with the cut noodles and covered, and the covered container is immersed in hot oil. The noodles are fried in the sealed container in the hot oil at a temperature of 130.degree. C. to 160.degree. C.