Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a filler for a smoking article, a smoking article comprising the filler for a smoking article, and a method for manufacturing the filler for a smoking article. In one embodiment, the filler according to the present invention for a smoking article, said filler comprising a gel which contains a gelling agent and one or more gelation promoters, is characterized by having a tap density of 0.05 g/cm3 or less and a degree of suitability to compression filling of more than 60. In one embodiment, the filler according to the present invention for a smoking article is characterized by comprising a gel which contains pectin having an esterification degree of 12% or less and one or more gelation promoters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powder spray apparatus for preparing a food product having an edible pearlescent coating, comprising: a spray zone having a spray device positioned proximate to at least one food product located in the spray zone for application of an edible pearlescent powder to the food product; a chamber for holding the edible pearlescent powder that is in fluid communication with the spray device; and a vibrator and/or a continuous forced air supply that assists in fluidizing the edible pearlescent powder in the chamber for delivery to the spray device. A method of using this apparatus and an edible pearlescent powder composition adapted for use in this apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method including the steps of: providing an electric coffee brewing machine; providing a single-use, disposable brew basket, inserting the disposable brew basket into the electric coffee brewing machine; brewing a single cup of coffee with the electric coffee brewing machine; and discarding the disposable brew basket after the single cup of coffee has been brewed. The electric coffee brewing machine has a cold water reservoir, an electric heating element for heating the water, and a basket receiving recess. The disposable brew basket has a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the bottom wall to define a brewing reservoir for receiving heated water from the electric coffee brewing machine. The bottom wall of the basket has at least one port located in a central portion thereof to permit brewed coffee to flow from the disposable brew basket. The disposable brew basket is inserted into the basket receiving recess of the electric coffee brewing machine before brewing.

Abstract: Based on the idea of using preservatives to prevent putrefaction of by-products during storage and transport, without refrigeration, pressurized application of preservatives as well as pressurized air is used to achieve a nebulisation of the preservatives, as well as a homogeneous distribution thereof on the by-products. This is performed every time by-products are loaded into a hopper, being dosed and applied to the apex of the cone and/or surface of the by-product stored in the hopper, so configured by the stacking of by-products. Furthermore, the storage is performed without loss of leachates, using to this end a sealed airtight hopper. Thus, the efficacy of the preservatives is maximized. Optionally, the preservative may be incorporated during the loading of the by-products, such that when the storage occurs without fluid loss from the by-products, a container that may or may not be airtight may then be used.

Abstract: A method for seasoning food to reduce dietary sodium intakes includes seasoning the food product with sodium chloride having a mean distribution curve size of not more than approximately 20 microns. The amount of sodium chloride included in the seasoned food product to produce the desired flavor intensity takes into account that the sodium chloride exhibits a salt intensity that is greater than a salt intensity of an equal amount of sodium chloride having a mean distribution curve particle size greater than approximately 20 microns.

Abstract: The invention related to a method and a device for thawing food products that comprises using at least one microwave radiation applicator in a chamber through which said products are passing, characterized in that before the insertion into the chamber or a first inlet area of the chamber, all the surfaces of the product are covered with a homogenous film of carbon dioxide snow in the form of electrostatically charged microparticles.

Abstract: A pneumatic seasoning system and method utilizing a rotating drum for seasoning, a funnel-fed pneumatic eductor, line splitters, and a plurality of specially-designed swirl-inducing nozzle spools for inducing a broad and even seasoning plume. In a preferred embodiment, a pneumatic seasoning system transports seasoning from a seasoning hopper to food items within a rotating drum using a combination of an eductor and four in-line vacuum generators, which vacuum generators operate on compressed air. Each vacuum generator comprises a distributing nozzle roughly shaped like a collared spool, wherein compressed air is supplied to the annular region defined between the spool and its collar, and said compressed air exits through swirl ports distributed about the circumference of the spool exit. Each swirl port preferably has a pitch angle of 15° and a yaw angle of 15°.

Abstract: A method including the steps of: providing an electric coffee brewing machine; providing a single-use, disposable brew basket, inserting the disposable brew basket into the electric coffee brewing machine; brewing a single cup of coffee with the electric coffee brewing machine; and discarding the disposable brew basket after the single cup of coffee has been brewed. The electric coffee brewing machine has a cold water reservoir, an electric heating element for heating the water, and a basket receiving recess. The disposable brew basket has a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the bottom wall to define a brewing reservoir for receiving heated water from the electric coffee brewing machine. The bottom wall of the basket has at least one port located in a central portion thereof to permit brewed coffee to flow from the disposable brew basket. The disposable brew basket is inserted into the basket receiving recess of the electric coffee brewing machine before brewing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensate-plated sanding compositions, products containing the same and methods for preparing. More specifically, the compositions of the present invention may include a particulate and a sensate composition, which may include a flavor and/or functional component, associated with the particulate.

Abstract: A compound coating has a very high level of dietary fiber from about 35% to about 75% by weight, and a particle size of about 35 microns or less. The compound coating is formed by mixing a fat portion and the dietary fiber, and then micro-grinding the compound coating to the fine particle size. The compound coating can include soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, or combinations thereof, such as polydextrose and short chain fructo-oligosaccharides. The compound coating can be applied to a wide variety of food forms including wafers, cereals, crackers, and other foods. The compound coating can be applied by spraying the coating onto the food form or pumping the coating through depositing spindles and onto the food form.

Abstract: A food additive or feed ration for an animal contains an active agent including at least one capsaicinoid. The additive or ration is prepared by a method which includes the step of cold-state atomizing of granulating a liquid mixture containing an encapsulation fat, the active agent including at least one capsaicinoid. Solid particles of the mixture are thus produced. The cold-state atomization or the granulation act on the nature of the encapsulating fat, on the particle size, and on the temperature of the atomization step in order to control the capsaicinoid release kinetics in the digestive tract of animals.

Abstract: A molten plastic extruded from extruding means 10 is formed into a strand 50 by a die 40, passed through an inner side of a cylindrical guide 60 erected vertically, thereafter, the strand 50 is successively cut uniformly to a constant length by a cutter 90 to form a pellet. A refrigerant for air cooling is circulated at a surrounding of the strand 50 passing through the inner side of the cylindrical guide 60 by cooling means 100 of the strand without being leaked to outside air.

Abstract: A process of creating a particulate encrusted food core comprises exposing a food core and a plurality of particulates to air currents. The air currents cause the particulates to collide with and adhere to the food core creating a particulate encrusted food core. The particulates may comprise granola and the food core may comprise a cereal. The encrusting process may occur within a fluidized bed apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powder spray apparatus for preparing a food product having an edible pearlescent coating, comprising: a spray zone having a spray device positioned proximate to at least one food product located in the spray zone for application of an edible pearlescent powder to the food product; a chamber for holding the edible pearlescent powder that is in fluid communication with the spray device; and a vibrator and/or a continuous forced air supply that assists in fluidizing the edible pearlescent powder in the chamber for delivery to the spray device. A method of using this apparatus and an edible pearlescent powder composition adapted for use in this apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method having the steps of: providing an electric coffee brewing machine; providing a single-use, disposable brew basket, inserting the disposable brew basket into the electric coffee brewing machine; brewing a single cup of coffee with the electric coffee brewing machine; and discarding the disposable brew basket after the single cup of coffee has been brewed. The electric coffee brewing machine has a cold water reservoir, an electric heating element for heating the water, and a basket receiving recess. The disposable brew basket has a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the bottom wall to define a brewing reservoir for receiving heated water from the electric coffee brewing machine. The bottom wall of the basket has at least one port located in a central portion thereof to permit brewed coffee to flow from the disposable brew basket. The disposable brew basket is inserted into the basket receiving recess of the electric coffee brewing machine before brewing.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for agglomeration of powders wherein the powder is brought into contact with an agglomeration fluid while being air-borne and collected on a surface all parts of which are moving at substantially the same speed, after which the agglomerated powder is moved away from the moving surface by means of a centrifugal acceleration of at least 50 m/s2.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of: providing an electric coffee brewing machine; providing a single-use, disposable brew basket, inserting the disposable brew basket into the electric coffee brewing machine; brewing a single cup of coffee with the electric coffee brewing machine; and discarding the disposable brew basket after the single cup of coffee has been brewed. The electric coffee brewing machine has a cold water reservoir, an electric heating element for heating the water, and a basket receiving recess. The disposable brew basket has a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the bottom wall to define a brewing reservoir for receiving heated water from the electric coffee brewing machine. The bottom wall of the basket has at least one port located in a central portion thereof to permit brewed coffee to flow from the disposable brew basket. The disposable brew basket is inserted into the basket receiving recess of the electric coffee brewing machine before brewing.

Abstract: An air unit for the removal of excess particulate coating material that is present on products which are in a coating machine comprises, for blowing surplus particulate material off the products, at least one suction member for drawing off air, with particulate material present therein, from the coating machine, separating means for removing particulate material from the air drawn off, and circulating means for feeding at least a portion of the air drawn off to the blowing member.

Abstract: A method for preparing beads containing at least one active ingredient, such as a flavor, fragrance, vitamin, and/or coloring material, to food or tobacco products, where the active ingredient is released at a controlled rate. Discrete droplets of the active ingredient and an acid polysaccharide are formed in an aqueous medium, then the droplets are converted to water insoluble gel beads by introducing the droplets into a solution containing multivalent cations, thereby building a suspension of gel beads. The beads may then be added to the food or tobacco product in an effective amount to flavor, perfume, vitamize, and/or color the product. The beads are heat and mechanically stable.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method for cooking and smoking food items and a smoked product produced by the inventive method. The inventive apparatus preferably comprises (a) an oven including a belt-type conveyor, for continuously conveying food items through the oven, and a circulation system for circulating a cooking medium in the oven such that the cooking medium contacts and cooks the food items and (b) a smoke generation and delivery system for delivering smoke to the circulating system such that the smoke contacts the food items along with the cooking medium. The inventive method preferably comprises the steps of (a) continuously conveying food items through an oven and (b) delivering smoke into the oven such that the smoke contacts the food items. The oven used in the inventive apparatus and inventive method is preferably an indirect-fired oven. The smoke most preferably contacts the food items in an impinging manner.

Abstract: A method for the production of a mixture of solid particles dispersed in a continuous lipid phase which enables a mixture to be obtained with the optimum organoleptic characteristics includes a mixing step in which the solid particles are mixed with the lipids to form a mixture, a refining step in which the solid particles are ground and a step in which micronized bubbles of gaseous fluid are incorporated in the mixture by means of at least one microporous diffuser.

Abstract: An improved extrusion processing system (10) for sticky extrudates such as candy products is provided which includes an extruder (12) equipped with a die (16) presenting an outlet face (23) and a knife assembly (19) and a knife hood (18). The system (10) further has a particulate delivery unit (20) which serves to direct a stream of particulate substance under positive pressure onto the outlet face (23) of extrusion die (16). The delivery unit (20) includes a container (42) for holding a supply of a particulate substance such as starch or sugar together with conduits (52, 56) adapted for coupling with a source of pressurized air and connected with container (42); a stream of the particulate substance under pressure is created and delivered via conduit (56) to hood (18) where it passes through delivery tube (60) for application onto outlet face (23).

Abstract: Essentially dust-free powdered anti-caking agent for foodstuffs is produced by agglomerating particulate material in an airborne fraction of suspended powdered cellulose dust associated with the agitation of powdered cellulose in an enclosed space by contacting the airborne fraction of suspended powdered cellulose particles with a finely divided spray of a dilute aqueous solution of low viscosity cellulose gum and mixing to uniformity.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of chocolate confectionery by entrapping a fatty cream with fine gas bubbles. The confectionery is manufactured by preparing a shell chocolate with open end in a mold, feeding under pressure a fine gas bubble entrapping fatty cream base into the shell chocolate through the opening to fill the shell, scraping off excessively charged fatty cream, solidifying the fatty cream in the shell, pouring a chocolate base on the solidified fatty cream to close the opening of the shell chocolate, scraping off excessively charged chocolate base, solidifying the chocolate base, and demolding the product. A stencil plate can be used, when the gas bubble entrapping fatty cream is charged into the shell of shell chocolate.

Abstract: A free-flowing granulated riboflavin product has granules comprised of from about 75 to about 99.5 weight percent riboflavin. The riboflavin product exhibits a flowability index of from about 75 to about 750.

Abstract: A readily-dispersible physiologically-effective fiber drink mix containing granules which are a blend of a mineral salt which releases a physiologically-acceptable gas upon ingestion, a physiologically-acceptable edible acid, and a gel-forming dietary fiber, and which granules are coated with a gel-forming dietary fiber, starch, or protein, are disclosed. The resulting granules can be mixed into water or juice for ingestion. They readily disperse into solution and do not immediately gel up and solidify, but become activated when they reach the acid environment of the stomach and dissolve, at which time the internally-contained acid and mineral salt cooperate to mechanically disperse the fiber in a slow and prolonged manner as it hydrates, the gas released by the mineral salt and the organic acid assisting in slow disintegration of the granules. An orally-ingestible pharmaceutically-active compound, e.g.

Abstract: A coated consumable product and process for manufacturing such a product are disclosed. The product comprises aspartame and citric acid or malic acid made by use of a process which produces a substantially pure, dust-free, free-flowing, easily dissolvable product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the composition reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more platable, devoid of graininess, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: A frozen confectionery product is formed as a bonded composite of an inner core of frozen dessert having a first liquid coating solidified around and physically bonded to the frozen core with a second coating of dry food crumbs partially embedded in the first coating. A third coating of liquid batter enrobes the first and second coating and is physically bonded thereto to form an integral, composite structure. The product may be stored for long intervals and transported without adverse effect on either frozen core or multi-layered coatings. The product is suitable for cooking in hot vegetable oil without adversely affecting the frozen core.

Abstract: A one-step pectin gelling composition is produced by combining sugar, acid and pectin, the pectin having a D.M. of from 70 to 75 and a particle size of less than 200 microns.

Abstract: A process for modifying bran by coating the bran in a fluidized bed is described wherein the bran is first dried and then ground to a predetermined particle size. The bran is introduced into the coating chamber of a fluidized bed coating process. Cookie four is mixed with distilled water and heated to form a coating mixture and the coating mixture is introduced into the coating chamber so that the ground bran particles will be coated with the coating mixture. As the bran particles are coated, they are dried in the coating chamber of the fluidized bed coating apparatus and are then removed. The resultant product is substantially uniformly coated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for manufacturing a dry product in the form of granular aggregates from liquid source materials such as may be selected from the group consisting of dairy whey in unmodified or modified forms, non-fat and fat containing dairy milk and mixtures thereof, the method making use of a spray drying together with pulsed filter membranes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a powdery substance to a particulate material contained within a rotary granulator. The powdery material is contained in a feeding hopper that is positioned above a nozzle that is in communication with a source of compressed air. The compressed air issues from the nozzle and draws from the supply funnel powdery material that is conveyed through a conduit that extends into the rotary granulator and is so oriented as to introduce the powdery material to the particulate material as it is being rotated. The compressed air can be introduced in the form of pulses by periodically interrupting the flow of air to thereby control the apportionment of the powdery substance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the salting and drying of cleaned and prepared fish, or for the drying of salted fish, by means of a fluidized bed of salt particles suspended within heated and dried air. Split fish, fish fillets, shaped portions of minced fish or whole fish are placed in apertured enclosures which are suspended within a chamber in which a fluidized salt bed has been established, and are conveyed through the fluidized salt bed across the interior of the chamber and exposed to the fluidized salt bed until the desired degree of drying and salting of the fish has been achieved.

Abstract: A tacky substance such as a chewing gum base is formed into a compact body. The tacky substance is first comminuted within a bed consisting of a powdered solid, such as a bulking agent, turbulently suspended within a gaseous medium at room temperature. The tacky substance is subjected to repeated mechanical impact within the powdered solid to pulverize it into particles which are then immediately coated by the powdered solid in order to prevent cohesion between the particles. The coated particles are classified to identify those suitable for tableting and the suitable particles are then fed into a tablet press to form a compact body.

Abstract: Spray dried products exhibiting improved dispersibility in solvent medium are obtained from a highly porous foraminous mat. The mat is comprised of a multiplicity of spheroidal dry particles bonded or fused together in an aggregate form. The fused particles of the mat are structurally arranged to provide a multiplicity of communicating pores and channels extending through the mat permitting the flow of a gas through the mat. The mat can be subdivided into pieces of the required size or reduced to a fine powder, if desired.

Abstract: A substantially homogeneous aqueous aerosol suspension of cooked, solid, finely divided proteinaceous particles which are produced by comminuting a proteinaceous material, preferably animal kidney; mixing such comminuted material with water and cooking such under non-liquifying and non-hydrolyzing conditions to produce an aqueous mass containing solid particles of cooked proteinaceous material at least part of which is not suspended; homogenizing such aqueous mass into said substantially homogenous aqueous suspension of said finely divided particles, and admixing the colloidal suspension with an aerosal propellant in a container suitable for spraying.

Abstract: A method of providing cheese slices that do not adhere together wherein there is used a composition of matter consisting of a fat material in powder form applied to one or both sides of each cheese slice.

Abstract: An improvement in process for producing encapsulated condiment particles by spray drying wherein said spray-dried particles are cooled while they are maintained in gas-suspended condition in order to prevent them from agglomerating upon collection.The process involves contacting a first spray of particles with cold air to assist in atomizing it; then spraying a second particle stream which contacts the first. The particle stream which is formed, is then discharged through a heating zone, after which it is cooled while being maintained in a gas suspended condition. Finally, the resulting coated particles are separated from the gas.