Abstract: Disclosed are grain crushing apparatuses and processes for processing grain. In one embodiment, a grain crushing apparatus includes a first and second sidewall spaced apart from one another a throat dimension in a first direction, and a first and second support shaft positioned transverse to the first and sidewall. The grain crushing apparatus also includes a first and second grain crushing roller. The grain crushing rollers are intermeshed with one another and maintained at positions spaced apart from one another such that they overlap by a distance less than the tooth height. The process is a method for the grown and harvested grain to be shelled, cleaned, stored and then incrementally or iteratively crushed by the shown apparatus or an equal type such that the crushed grain of various sizes may be separated by a sieve and remain as crushed grain with the germ protected uncut, unruptured and intact.

Abstract: A process for converting, separating and removing conversion products from grain endosperm using a contained reaction vessel to effect conversions and extractions. The process minimizes particulate interference with equipment, thereby lowering operating and capital expense. Successive conversion and extraction processes reuse major system parts in each step.

Abstract: To produce flour and/or semolina, raw material is fed into a feed opening of a roller press. The milling gap of the roller press is fixed, or damping of at least one of the rollers with respect to the lateral deflection is set, such that a first subset of the fill containing finer milling material forms a packed particle fill in the milling gap. In addition, the setting is carried out in such a way that individual particles of a second subset of the fill containing coarser milling material are in contact with the first roller and the second roller of the roller press. Subsequently, the bulk material is milled into milled product in the roller press (9) and the milled product is discharged through a discharge opening.

Abstract: Whole grain flour is produced from a cereal grain such as wheat by removing an outer layer of the grain, and also some of the endosperm. The removed outer layer comprises 5% to 40% of the original weight of the grain. The removed parts of the grain are comminuted during the removal of the outer layer. Both the grain and the comminuted removed outer layer are then conveyed into a milling device and are milled to form whole grain flour.

Abstract: A bran finishing process in grain milling employs a milling machine in which bran that contains some endosperm, including aleurone, is fed into an annular milling chamber defined on an inner side by an eccentric cylindrical rotor and on an outer side by a frame assembly that includes perforated screens and abrasive surfaces. Longitudinal lobes protrude radially from the rotor. The lobes compress the bran as they rotate, while the lesser diameter of the rotor between lobes allows the bran to decompress, causing bran particles to rub together for detaching endosperm from the bran by friction forces. Bran particles also rub against the abrasive surfaces for scraping endosperm off the bran. Air flows through the milling chamber and carries the endosperm through the perforated screens, while the bran particles are discharged without passing through the screens.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) configured to simultaneously sample a plurality of seeds is provided. The apparatus (100) may include a grinder (110) configured to grind each of the seeds of a first plurality of seeds to produce a powder comprising a plurality of seed particles. A sample container (142) may be configured to receive the powder. Further, a cleaning device may be configured to introduce a neutral media to the grinder (110) to substantially prevent cross-contamination with a second plurality of seeds, which may be ground thereafter. The apparatus (100) may further comprise a mixing device (150) configured to mix the powder. Thereby a sample portion of the powder may be tested for the presence of a genetically modified organism, or other tests may be conducted thereon. A related method for high throughput simultaneous sampling of a plurality of seeds is also provided.

Abstract: Specifically, a dry corn fractionation system which operates to produce an endosperm fraction which can be concurrently of greater purity at greater yield than obtainable from corn milling or dry corn milling processes.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco analogue material comprises comminuted sunflower seed hulls that are processed to be tasteless and to have a consistency and feel similar or complementary to a smokeless tobacco product. The analogue material can be mixed with a smokeless tobacco product to dilute and eventually eliminate the smokeless tobacco being used. Such mixing and progressive dilution of the smokeless tobacco proportion being used progressively dilutes the smokeless tobacco product taste and the nicotine concentration being consumed by a user. Other flavorings can also be added to the tasteless analogue material if desired.

Abstract: A bran finishing process in grain milling employs a milling machine in which bran that contains some endosperm, including aleurone, is fed into an annular milling chamber defined on an inner side by an eccentric cylindrical rotor and on an outer side by a frame assembly that includes perforated screens and abrasive surfaces. Longitudinal lobes protrude radially from the rotor. The lobes compress the bran as they rotate, while the lesser diameter of the rotor between lobes allows the bran to decompress, causing bran particles to rub together for detaching endosperm from the bran by friction forces. Bran particles also rub against the abrasive surfaces for scraping endosperm off the bran. Air flows through the milling chamber and carries the endosperm through the perforated screens, while the bran particles are discharged without passing through the screens.

Abstract: Generally, a dry-wet grain fractionation system which provides a dry mill process (26) for the production of grain fractions (14) (15) (16) and a wet mill process (18) for the production of purified bran (19), endosperm (20) and germ (21) from the mixture of grain particles in a grain fraction (14) (15) or (16) or combinations thereof. Specifically, a dry-wet grain fractionation system for production of corn germ (21) having increased protein and oil content and an endosperm (20) having increased starch and sugar content.

Abstract: A whitish whole-wheat flour and a process for producing the flour are described wherein the wheat bran is separated into a fine bran and a coarse bran fraction and the course bran is pulverized to a smaller size and mixed into the flour.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating grain, nut, or seed products and a method for conditioning grain in a milling process for decontamination and to produce an improved milled product which will yield baked goods, for example, of increased size and extended shelf life. In the decontamination and/or conditioning procedure, the grain, nut, or seed product is contacted with an aqueous anolyte product which can be undiluted or can be diluted with non-activated water. In undiluted form, the aqueous anolyte product preferably has a pH in the range of from about 4.5 to about 7.5 and a positive oxidation-reduction potential of at least +550 mV.

Abstract: A method provides a milled whole seed product from a whole seed having at least 0.01% by total weight of oil therein. The whole seed is added to an aqueous carrier which is physically milled at a shear rate of at least 3,000 r.p.m. The shearing is continued until at least 50% by weight of seed solids will pass through a square mesh screen having 1.2 mm screen hole dimensions. The solids in aqueous carrier is collected as a suspension or dispersion in the aqueous carrier. The collected seed solids in aqueous carrier are dried to form a free-flowing powder. The free-flowing powder is rehydrated with a second aqueous medium to form a non-mucilaginous suspension or dispersion.

Abstract: Stabilized whole grain corn products and a method and system of preventing rancidity in whole grain corn products are provided. Whole kernels of corn are fractured into a plurality of pieces and heat treated to inactivate rancidity causing enzymes to produce whole grain corn products of which more than about 40% by weight passes through a size 8 screen. The stabilized whole grain corn products can be milled to produce whole grain grits, meal and flour.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating joined components, purifying liquid, promoting interaction between two or more components and improving combustion. The apparatus has a housing, a rotor inside of the housing, a plurality of protrusions extending from the rotor, a shaft coupled with the rotor and a prime mover for rotating the shaft. Fluid within the housing cavitates as the rotor rotates and the protrusions move through the fluid. Cavitation causes joined components within the fluid to separate, kills undesirable organisms within the fluid, promotes interaction of components within the fluid and improves combustion of a liquid fuel. The fluid and components may also be subjected to abrasion and centrifugal and impact forces for separating the components, purifying the fluid, promoting interaction of the components and improving combustion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pancake mix composition prepared by the steps of wet grinding and vacuum drying non-glutinous rice, obtaining rice flour of below 100 mesh in size and mixing with denatured tapioca starch and other additive, which is useful to rice producer and food industry because it can possible to make feel comfortable with pancake to a consumer who suffers from indigestion and absorption impediment of food made from wheat flour and also to promote rice consumption by the production of high value-added products.

Abstract: A substantially white powder for use as a filler and/or extender derived from by-products of manufacturing vitreous low alkali, low iron glass fibers, and a method for producing the powder. The filler has very low alkalinity and by virtue of its being essentially free of crystalline silica is non-hazardous to health and therefore safe for consumer-based and industrial-based uses.

Abstract: A method of com fractionation wherein the resulting high starch concentration endosperm is subsequently used for ethanol production or dry milling is described. The method includes: providing substantially cleaned corn kernels, tempering the corn; screen processing to properly size the com fractions; density separation of the primary fractions; rolling and/or screening the products to produce three main fractions consisting of high starch Endosperm, high oil Germ and high fibre Bran.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a guar gum powder, the method comprising the steps of: (a) flaking undehusked guar splits; and (b) grinding the flaked, undehusked guar splits to obtain guar gum powder. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprises the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: (i) an aqueous fluid; and (ii) a guar gum powder comprising at least 70% by weight gum material and at least 15% by weight husk material; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation through the wellbore, According to yet another aspect of the invention, the product of the method for producing a guar gum powder is used in the method for treating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides hybrid white corn that produces grain with novel compositional characteristics, such as, higher endosperm protein concentration and low levels of carotenoids. The compositional changes facilitate the use of an improved process for wet milling of white corn and improve the characteristics and performance of the products derived therefrom. A high protein, nearly carotene-free corn gluten meal and substantially pure starch are extracted from this white corn having a unique genotype, a unique kernel phenotype and advantage in the wet milling process is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a short flow milling process wherein finished product is rapidly isolated and removed from the milling process flow regime at early stages. The minimization of handling and the minimization or elimination of intermixing streams of various size gradations prevents size contamination that otherwise necessitates further sifting. Component parts are eliminated along with the accompanying handling and transfer equipment to create a compact and efficient milling regime. The size reductions enable the invention to be practiced in a mobile form. Therefore, the present invention relates also to a method for providing a mobile mill process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for warm dehulling soya and other bean fruits and for subsequently grinding them, as well as to corresponding installation. The invention can simplify the process and the design of the installation. To this end, the fruits and heated/conditioned, double-ground, individualized on a baffle plate and the hulls are removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to remove the germ from the endosperm of a corn kernel. The apparatus of the present invention comprises frictional cylindrical rollers, each roller rotating about an axis, the axis of the rollers substantially parallel, and the direction of rotation being opposing. The roller bodies having a rubberized covering, rotate with differing surface velocities and are tensioned such as to impart low-impact friction forces to corn kernels drawn between the roller covers. The process of the present invention includes a tempering step comprising adding an amount of moisture to the corn by wetting and soaking the corn; a polishing step for removing bran layers from the corn; a second tempering step comprising adding an additional amount of moisture to the corn by wetting and soaking the corn; and a friction step to remove germ from the endosperm.

Abstract: The present invention provides hybrid white corn that produces grain with novel compositional characteristics, such as, higher endosperm protein concentration and low levels of carotenoids. The compositional changes facilitate the use of an improved process for wet milling of white corn and improve the characteristics and performance of the products derived therefrom. A high protein, nearly carotene-free corn gluten meal and substantially pure starch are extracted from this white corn having a unique genotype, a unique kernel phenotype and advantage in the wet milling process is disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile system for processing raw ears of corn includes a first mobile processing trailer for receiving raw unhusked ears of corn, holding the ears and disbursing them to a husker for removing corn husks and corn silk from the ears. A conveyer takes the husked ears of corn to a second trailer for further processing. The second mobile processing trailer includes multiple cutting machines to remove the corn kernels from the cob and a saw to slice the fresh ears of corn into mini cobs. A conveyer takes the sliced cobs to a holding bin for transportation to a cannery while a second conveyer removes the corn kernels from the second trailer to a third trailer for washing and cooling. The third trailer includes a pair of rotating sieves and a cooling tank to clean and chill the corn kernels. The chilled kernels are then transported via a conveyer to transportation receptacle for transportation to a cannery for further processing.

Abstract: A table separator is provided, wherein the table separator comprises a plurality of solid-bottomed trays and a plurality of dimples for facilitating separation of degerminated corn into endosperm and germ fraction, the dimples being aligned in linear juxtaposition on the surface of the trays and having a center portion raised with respect to the perimeter of the dimples.

Abstract: A grain processing apparatus is used in one embodiment for debranning grain to remove the bran. In another embodiment, it is used as a mill for milling flour. The processor includes a cylindrical drum with an internal rotor having a set of impeller rods. The grain is loaded into the drum and is withdrawn as debranned kernels or flour as treatment proceeds. Bran removed from the grain is withdrawn through a vacuum discharge at the top of the apparatus. The grain is either discharged through a grain discharge or, where it is to be milled, it is withdrawn through the vacuum discharge as flour. The relatively coarse bran can be separated from the flour using a sifter. The air flow withdrawing the flour from the drum is drawn into the drum at the bottom, through a venturi and a valving arrangement. This cools the inlet air and maintains the temperature of the drum at an acceptable temperature.

Abstract: A mobile system for processing raw ears of corn includes a first mobile processing trailer for receiving raw unhusked ears of corn, holding the ears and disbursing the ears to a first conveyor. The first conveyor transports the ears to a second mobile trailer for further processing. The second mobile trailer includes a husker for removing corn husks and corn silk from the ears, a cutting mechanism for removing kernels from the ears after the husks and silk are removed, and a second conveyor for transporting the corn husks, corn silk, and corn cobs from the second trailer. A third conveyor transports the kernels to a third mobile trailer for further processing. The third mobile trailer includes a cooling tank for chilling the kernels and a conveyor for transporting the kernels to transportation receptacles for transportation to a cannery for further processing.

Abstract: Rice or like small objects is milled in a machine comprising a rotating vertical drum having an endless abrasive belt. Chambers are spaced about the drum so that the belt acts as a floor to the chambers with a slight gap in between. The objects are passed vertically downwards and abraded by the belt, surface material removed from the objects passing through the gap and falls out via a subsidiary outlet alongside the main outlet of each chamber.

Abstract: For cleaning foodstuffs in the form of a bulk material, such as cereal grains, rice grains, soybeans, sunflower seeds, coffee beans, and the like, there is provided an optical sorting device (24, 24a, 24a') subsequent to a precleaning system (6), which enables sorting on the basis of color and/or size and/or shape. Each particle of the bulk material is allocated to a particle class determined by parameters and conveyed on a supporting surface transporting the bulk material to a reception area (43, 44, 45) for the respective particle class. To clean the bulk material, impurities and bad particles are sorted out of the product, with the product being partitioned into classes, if required.

Abstract: Grain is fed from a hopper to a horizontally oriented adjustable speed steam heated auger driven by a variable speed drive. The auger is long enough (approximately twenty inches) that temperature controlled steam fed to a plurality of inlets along the auger as related to the rate of grain movement through the auger heats the gain therein to approximately three hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Then it is dropped through a grain outlet opening into a high velocity cold air stream temperature shocking the hot grain causing a sudden contraction of grain outer layers causing them to crack and loosen from the grain core. The grain is then fed through tubes to space between a rotatable internally rubber (or soft plastic) sheet layer sheathed inner surface outer mill member fitted to and rotatable about a truncated cone member having outer surface metal channel members angled approximately forty five degrees adjacent at the top and diverging at the bottom.

Abstract: A ground oat-based cereal provides a nutritional, hot meal with improved flavor, textural taste, and keeping qualities. That is, the ground oat cereal maintains its consistency and heat over a longer period of time than conventional oatmeal. The oat-based cereal includes ground and sifted oat granules of which 27%-33% by weight have sizes greater than generally about 0.08 inches, and 67%-73% by weight have sizes ranging between generally about 0.04 inches and generally about 0.08 inches. Whole oat groats are roll cut and sifted to produce the oat-based cereal. The density of the oat portion of the cereal ranges between 28-34 lbs/cu. ft.

Abstract: A granular oat-based cereal provides a nutritional, hot meal with improved flavor, textural taste, and keeping qualities. That is, the granular oat cereal maintains its consistency and heat over a longer period of time than conventional oatmeal. The oat-based cereal includes ground and sifted oat granules of which 27%-33% by weight have sizes greater than generally about 0.08 inches, and 67%-73% by weight have sizes ranging between generally about 0.04 inches and generally about 0.08 inches. Whole oat groats are roll cut and sifted to produce the oat-based cereal. The density of the oat portion of the cereal ranges between 28-34 lbs/cu. ft.

Abstract: Reforestation of cut forest regions is effected by broadcasting comminuted slash or cone-bearing roadside logging residue from delimbing of freshly-cut trees over the region from which the trees are cut. By comminuting the slash live seeds are released from cones contained in the slash and are returned to the forested area. In this way, an inexpensive reforestation procedure is provided and biodiversity is retained.

Abstract: The subject invention provides, for the first time, an efficient method for obtaining high quality essentially pure starch from legumes. The method involves milling dehulled legumes to obtain a powder followed by wet separating (centrifugation) the small particle size fraction of said powder to separate pure starch from a protein concentrate. The invention is specifically exemplified with respect to garbanzo beans.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a new method for producing milled grain products such as flour, semolina, middlings, etc., wherein the material is repeatedly ground by means of rolls and sifted with the system of advanced milling. It is suggested that the material be guided again at least twice via double-roll grinding stages with sifting between the double grindings, wherein the material is sifted in each instance following the double grinding. In an especially preferred manner, a corresponding new mill with at least two double-grinding passes is preferably constructed as an 8-roll mechanism (70). In an especially preferred manner. The new mill comprises a combination of eight- (70) and four-roll mechanisms (142, 151). A screening surface which is at least 20 to 50% larger is used for the double grinding.

Abstract: A method of reducing the allergenicity of psyllium seed husks. The method comprises selecting that portion of a quantity of coarsely ground psyllium seeds having a particle size greater than a predetermined particle size in order to selectively reduce the allergenicity of the psyllium seed husks. Preferably, the coarsely ground psyllium seeds are separated based on particle size by passing coarsely ground psyllium seed husks through at least one sizing means or screen, and preferably through at least two vertically aligned sizing means of decreasing opening size.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning, distributing and aereating grain is mounted in a storage structure and includes a frustro-conical screen device secured symetrically to an imperforate funnel-shaped member. A fan assembly is secured to the funnel-shaped body and is provided with a conduit which extends to the exterior. An adjustable control spout permits uniform distribution of grain upon the screen device where the fine material passes through the apertures in the screen while the grain is discharged into the storage structure. After the cleaning and distribution of steps are completed, the apparatus will then be inverted to position the screen device in the concave crater of the grain pile while positioning the funnel shaped body and fan assembly uppermost. The fan assembly will be energized to aereate the grain and present damage due to mold or fungus.

Abstract: Processes for selectively comminuting impure psyllium seed husk. These processes comprise milling impure psyllium seed husk in a mill which causes the husk to be fragmented by collision under conditions whereby the mean particle size of the husk material is reduced relatively more than the mean particle size of the non-husk material. In addition, processes for purifying selectively comminuted psyllium seed husk are described.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method is disclosed for processing wheat to produce white flour by substantially removing the bran layer from the endosperm and germ portions of the wheat grain and grinding the resulting wheat product to a relatively fine state in a roll and classification train that is much simpler than prior milling equipment. Thirteen grinds with intermediate sifting are replaced with one flattening and four grinding stations and three sifts. The initially tempered wheat is passed between spaced, smooth surfaced compression rolls which flatten the wheat grains and then directed between corrugated spiral breaking rolls rotated at different rotational rates with each roll having at least 20 surface corrugations per circumferential inch. The comminuted product is then directed between corrugated spiral grinding rolls rotated at different rotational rates and each having at least 26 corrugations per circumferential inch.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a new method for the production of a starch raw material for subsequently obtaining pure starch from wheat, rye, corn or barley. Fractions of starch which is damaged as little as possible are produced by means of roller grinding and sifting devices. The material is ground repeatedly and sifted with the system of advanced milling, wherein it is suggested in particular to guide the material two to five times via double-grinding stages without sifting between the double grindings. Sifting is effected subsequent to the double grinding. The invention also concerns a starch milling system which comprises two to five double-grinding passes with two grinding-roll pairs which are connected one after the other and are preferably constructed as an eight-roll mill.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a cereal grain such as wheat includes the steps of separating a quantity of incoming wheat into a light fraction and a heavy fraction. The light fraction is then cleaned by passing it through a vertically oriented treatment chamber defined between inner and outer chamber walls. The inner chamber wall includes a set of inner abrasive elements and the outer chamber wall includes a set of outer abrasive elements and a screen. One of the sets of abrasive elements is rotated with respect to the other and a gas is forced through the treatment chamber. In this way, a substantial fraction of any oats in the cereal grain is fragmented. The light fraction is aspirated after it is passed through the treatment chamber to clean the light fraction further. Conventional scouring and tempering steps can then be used.

Abstract: A grain grinding system includes a polishing machine for polishing grains, and roll mills and sifters for repeatedly mill and sift the polished grains to provide a flour having a desired mesh size. A moisture adding device is provided for adding moisture to the grains milled in at least one of the roll mills, thereby maintaining the grains in a suitably moistened condition during the milling operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method is disclosed for processing wheat to produce white flour by substantially removing the bran layer from the endosperm and germ portions of the wheat grain and grinding the resulting wheat product to a relatively fine state in a roll and classification train that is much simpler than prior milling equipment. Thirteen grinds with intermediate sifting are replaced with one flattening and four grinding stations and three sifts. The initially tempered wheat is passed between spaced, smooth surfaced compression rolls which flatten the wheat grains and then directed between corrugated spiral breaking rolls rotated at different rotational rates with each roll having at least 20 surface corrugations per circumferential inch. The comminuted product is then directed between corrugated spiral grinding rolls rotated at different rotational rates and each having at least 26 corrugations per circumferential inch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beta-glucane enriched grain fiber, and to a process for the preparation of a cellulose-containing, beta-glucane enriched grain fiber, preferably of oats or barley, for use as food or as a raw material or additive in the food industry. In the process, a ground or unground grain such as oats or barley is slurried rapidly in cold water, which may contain an organic solvent. The slurry is homogenized rapidly and is then screened, whereby a beta-glucane containing fiber is obtained.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a new method for producing milled grain products such as flour, semolina, middlings etc., wherein the material is repeatedly ground by means of rolls and sifted with the system of advanced milling. It is suggested that the material be guided again at least twice via double-roll grinding stages with sifting between the double grindings, wherein the material is sifted in each instance following the double grinding. In an especially preferred manner, a corresponding new mill with at least two double-grinding passes is preferably constructed as an 8-roll mechanism (70). In an especially preferred manner, the new mill comprises a combination of eight- (70) and four-roll mechanisms (142, 152). A screening surface which is at least 20 to 50% larger is used for the double grinding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for purifying impure psyllium husk using fluorinated hydrocarbons and the psyllium husk having greater than about 99% purity prepared by these processes.

Abstract: An absorbent cellulose product and method of making the product. Preferably chaff and pith corncob components form the cellulose starting material which is reduced, pelletized, crumbled and classified to produce a granular product of compact bodies having irregular surfaces.

Abstract: A sectioning method is described for accurately and objectively classifying individual wheat kernels as hard or soft wheat. A kernel is cut to obtain a section having a thickness in the range of about 1.3 to 4.8 microns; if the section remains intact, the kernel is classified as hard, and if the section does not remain intact, the kernel is classified as soft. The method finds particular use for detection of lots of wheat where hard and soft varieties have been intermixed and for classifying breeding selections.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a new method for the production of a starch raw material for subsequently obtaining pure starch from wheat, rye, corn or barley. Fractions of starch which is damaged as little as possible are produced by means of roller grinding and sifting devices. The material is ground repeatedly and sifted with the system of advanced milling, wherein it is suggested in particular to guide the material two to five times via double-grinding stages without sifting between the double grindings. Sifting is effected subsequent to the double grinding. The invention also concerns a starch milling system which comprises two to five double-grinding passes with two grinding-roll pairs which are connected one after the other and are preferably constructed as an eight-roll mill.