Abstract: The present disclosure relates to beverage compositions comprising low levels of preservative, without the need for hot or aseptic packing. In particular, the present invention relates to beverage compositions comprising: (a) from about 20 ppm to about 90 ppm of a preservative selected from the group consisting of sorbic acid, benzoic acid, alkali metal salts thereof and mixtures thereof; (b) from about 300 ppm to about 3000 ppm of a polyphosphate having the structure: ?where n averages from about 3 to about 100 and each M is independently selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium; and (c) water; wherein the beverage composition has a pH of from about 2 to about 5 and a total hardness of from 0 to about 300.

Abstract: A method of making edible substrates that have an image registered on them in a consistent manner. The method comprises the steps of providing an edible substrate sheet, and an image source, wherein the image source has at least one image. Further, a trigger pulse signal is provided, which relays the frequency of a process element that is communicated to an image disposal device. The image disposal device uses the trigger pulse signal to determine when to dispose an image from the image source. Then an image is disposed on the edible substrate sheet with the image disposal device to form an image-disposed edible substrate sheet. And then a portion of the edible substrate sheet that comprises an image is separated into an individual piece.

Abstract: A composition for preserving solid food products comprising a moisture-sensitive isothiocyanate compound and a hygroscopic carrier, wherein the composition is substantially free of sorbic acid, benzoic acid, and salts thereof. Also disclosed is a solid food product containing the aforementioned preservative composition and a method for preserving solid food products including the steps of adding a moisture-sensitive isothiocyanate to the solid food product and storing the resulting product at a reduced temperature.

Abstract: A method of loading a plurality of articles in a container. The method can include providing a container having a body and defining an interior chamber, providing a stack of articles comprising snack pieces having a convex surface, inserting the stack of articles at least partially into the interior chamber, and reorienting the leading article by forcing the leading article against the inner surface such that the convex surface of the article cooperates with the inner surface.

Abstract: Improved doughs containing dehydrated potato products, food products made from said doughs, and the methods for making the same are disclosed. Although the improved doughs contain non-ideal dehydrated potato products, processing efficiency and finished product quality are comparable to that of finished products made with doughs containing dehydrated potato products having from 40% to 60% broken cells and from 16% to 27% free amylose.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a strain of lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli obtainable by isolation from resected and washed canine gastrointestinal tract having a probiotic activity in animals. Methods of use and compositions comprising the Lactobacilli of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An automated feeding station feeds an animal in a feeding event. An automated collection system, such as a urine collection system, fecal collection system, or combination urine/fecal collection system, collects and excrement from the animal in an excrement elimination event. The feeding event and excrement elimination events provide insights into the health of the animal.

Abstract: A liquid infusion pod having a fluid distribution member and a liquid permeable first filter member. The filter member is sealed to the fluid distribution member forming a first interior chamber that contains a liquid dispersible material. The fluid distribution member has at least one injection nozzle protruding downward from the top of the fluid distribution member into the interior chamber. The injection nozzle has at least one infusion port that directs fluid into the first interior chamber in a direction that is not normal to the top plane of the fluid distribution member.

Abstract: Substantially triangular shaped container bottoms include a bottom wall with a concave surface. The container bottom can be used with a container body having an interior chamber for receiving at least one article. Exemplary embodiments include a container bottom attached to a container body wherein the container bottom includes a central surface area that is inwardly concave towards an interior chamber of the container body. Methods of loading a plurality of articles in a container are also provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided methods of use in companion animals of probiotic bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli.

Abstract: A closure mechanism particularly useful in a brewing device includes a cover member rotatably disposed above the brewing device. A slider member is slidably disposed within an interior cavity of the cover member and has one or more tabs which may extend outside of the interior cavity. The brewing device has one or more receptacles for receiving the tabs when the cover member is closed. A lid member on top of the cover member may push the tabs into the receptacles through a link member. A release arm is disposed within the brewing device and has at least one blocker which releasably holds a tab of the slider member within a receptacle when the cover member is closed.