Abstract: The present invention relates specifically to starch products and starch compositions useful for thickening aqueous liquids, for example, for use by people suffering from dysphagia. In one aspect, the invention provides a pregelatinized, hydroxypropylated starch, having a level of hydroxypropylation in the range of about 1% to about 10%; an RVA viscosity in the range of about 400 cP to about 3500 cP; wherein the pregelatinized, hydroxypropylated starch is readily dispersible in milk. Another aspect provides a provides a pregelatinized, hydroxypropylated starch, having a level of hydroxypropylation in the range of about 1% to about 10%; and an RVA viscosity in the range of about 400 cP to about 3500 cP; and less than about 80%> of the surface protein of the corresponding native starch.

Abstract: The present invention relates specifically to starch products and starch compositions useful for thickening aqueous liquids, for example, for use by people suffering from dysphagia. In one aspect, the invention provides a pregelatinized, hydroxypropylated starch, having a level of hydroxypropylation in the range of about 1% to about 10%; an RVA viscosity in the range of about 400 cP to about 3500 cP; wherein the pregelatinized, hydroxypropylated starch is readily dispersible in milk. Another aspect provides a provides a pregelatinized, hydroxypropylated starch, having a level of hydroxypropylation in the range of about 1% to about 10%; and an RVA viscosity in the range of about 400 cP to about 3500 cP; and less than about 80%>of the surface protein of the corresponding native starch.

Abstract: A method of forming a sucrose-6-ester includes in sequence the steps of: a) contacting sucrose with a organotin-based acylation promoter in a solvent in the presence of a base selected from amines and basic alkali metal salts; b) removing water to form a tin-sucrose adduct; and c) contacting the tin-sucrose adduct with an acylating agent to form the sucrose-6-ester. The sucrose-6-ester may then be converted to sucralose.

Abstract: A method of forming a sucrose-6-ester includes in sequence the steps of: a) contacting sucrose with a organotinbased acylation promoter in a solvent in the presence of a base selected from amines and basic alkali metal salts; b) removing water to form a tin-sucrose adduct; and c) contacting the tin-sucrose adduct with an acylating agent to form the sucrose- 6-ester. The sucrose-6-ester may then be converted to sucralose.

Abstract: Methods are provided for monitoring particulate flow distribution throughout particulate collection systems that employ collection vessels such as hoppers and feeders. The collection vessels are positioned in a grid pattern, and the amount of particulate collected from a given collection vessel is recorded as associated with that collection vessel's position in the grid, so that the particulate flow distribution can be analyzed. By analyzing the flow distribution, faults in the collection system can be discovered and addressed. Methods are also provided to ensure proper functioning of the emptying of particular collection systems employing hoppers that discharge particulate into feeders.