Abstract: A screen is mounted in an apparatus for contacting particulate solids with a fluid. The apparatus comprises an elongate column for holding a bed of particulate solids for contact with a fluid, the column being designed to be oriented substantially vertically in use and having a fluid inlet near the bottom for admitting a fluid into the column and a fluid outlet near the top for permitting the fluid to exit the column after passing upwardly through a bed of particulate solids in the column. The purpose of the screen is to screen solids from the fluid exiting the column through the fluid outlet. The screen comprises a plurality of vertical screen wires, and the screen is located within the column such that all of the fluid passing through the column passes through the screen and then through the fluid outlet. Each pair of adjacent vertical screen wires defines a substantially vertical screen slot therebetween.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing agglomerated spray-dried, pregelatinized starch wherein two or more spray-cook nozzles are aligned in a drying tower such that their spray patterns intersect. The point of intersection is distant enough from the nozzles to avoid globbing or clumping and close enough to the nozzles so that the surface of the particles are tacky enough to effect adhesion and a build-up of agglomerates.

Abstract: A leavened and unleavened frozen dough composition is prepared comprising wheat protein in an amount greater than 16% protein based on the total weight of flour. The frozen dough can withstand less than ideal commercial distribution temperatures and storage in home freezers for more than 16 weeks with good baked, end-product results. A preferred embodiment is a yeast-leavened dough which is proofed before freezing to minimize consumer preparation time from freezer to point of consumption. The proofed, frozen dough maintains a commercially satisfactory quality after more than 16 weeks frozen storage.

Abstract: A high-solids, slurry of dent cornstarch is hydroxypropylated, washed, neutralized and spray-dried to produce an essentially flavor-free, pregelatinized modified cornstarch which has a viscosity building capacity equivalent to pregelatainized tapioca starch.

Abstract: A low-solids, non-aerated, quiescently-frozen confection having a soft, non-brittle texture is prepared from a composition containing on a weight basis 92 to 96% water, 1 to 2.5% maltodextrin, 1 to 2% glycerin and 0.3 to 0.8% gelatin. The composition can further contain juice solids, food acid and gum stabilizers.

Abstract: A method of extracting caffeine from green coffee beans whereby an essentially caffeine-free supercritical fluid is continuously fed to one end of an extraction vessel containing green coffee beans and caffeine-laden supercritical fluid is continuously withdrawn from the opposite end. A portion of decaffeinated beans is periodically discharged while a fresh portion of undecaffeinated beans is essentially simultaneously charged to the extraction vessel. The caffeine-laden supercritical fluid is fed to a countercurrent water absorber. Supercritical carbon dioxide is the preferred supercritical fluid. The method of the present invention is more efficient than batch processes and produces an improved decaffeinated coffee.

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 conveyorized machine that operates to automatically advance objects of generally the same shape and weight, particularly breasts of turkey, to a scale platform which is retractable below the conveyor and elevatable above the conveyor. On the scale platform the object is automatically positioned to a desired location relative to a vertically running band saw blade. In one mode of the machine the desired location will result in the object being sawed or severed into two portions of equal weight. In another mode the desired location will result in the object being sawed or severed into one portion of a predetermined weight and a second portion being the remainder of the object. After the object has been positioned in the desired position on the scale platform, the platform retracts or lowers below the level of the conveyor and the object is then conveyed past the band saw blade and the resulting two severed portions are conveyed to the discharge end of the machine.

Abstract: A line is provided for assembling a product including proteinaceous patties having a filling therebetween. All components of the line are mechanically synchronized to maintain a consistent pitch throughout the assembling procedure. Included is a patty forming means that deposits proteinaceous patties such as ground meat patties onto a moving conveyor assembly to thereby define the desired pitch. Edible filling materials such as sauces, condiments and/or cheeses are deposited onto this patty at the given pitch. Another patty is deposited thereover while the product being formed continues to flow on the generally straight-line conveyor assembly. Thereafter, a knitting station impresses projections or pins through the outer periphery of the upper patty and into the lower patty such that, after removal of the pins by the device, the patties are knitted together, and the filling is encapsulated therewithin.

Abstract: A method of making a pizza-like product including the step of forcing down against a proofed ball of bread-type dough a press having a plurality of downwardly projecting protuberances to press the dough into a relatively flat configuration with a dimpled surface leaving thick portions between indentations for entrapment of gases.

Abstract: Coffee extracts are processed in a continuous countercurrent process of split extraction to obtain (1) atmospheric solids, (2) a push-out of low concentration, mainly atmospheric solids and (3) autoclave solids. Each stream can be further processed separately before recombining to achieve desired flavor characteristics.

Abstract: A collapsible package for a soft-frozen ice cream product which includes a cone-shaped body portion comprised of inner and outer preformed cone-shaped members a nozzle secured at the top of the cone-shaped body portion and a cap or cover across the nozzle aperture. The inner and outer cones are bonded together over less than 20% of their adjacent surface areas so that an insulative layer of air exists between the inner and outer cones.

Abstract: A process for simulating the taste and texture of deep fat fried potatoes has been developed. The process consists of having the potatoes washed, peeled, trimmed, sorted, cut, blanched, or otherwise processed in conventional manner, and thereafter starch coated, oil soaked, par-fried and frozen. This process produces an improved potato product that more closely approximates deep fat fried foods. Most preferably the potato comestible will be reheated on a heat transferring apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for feeding elongated products, such as feeding large sausage chubs or loafs to a slicer, which apparatus includes a transport for engaging such elongated products during the feed mode. At the end of the feeding mode, the transport is disengaged from its feed mechanism and is rapidly retracted by a drive assembly to a location for re-engagement with the transport feed assembly. The transport drive assembly may include dual drive members such as ball screws and ball screw nuts which are synchronized such that as one ball screw nut moves toward the front of the apparatus, the other moves toward the rear of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for processing an advancing avian carcass wherein muscle parts are removed from an advancing warm carcass prior to rigor mortis, the advancing carcass is eviscerated and the removed parts are preserved within two hours of removal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for simultaneously loading and unloading food packages into and from a package-forming machine. A pusher and puller are mounted on opposite directions, toward and away from the machine, whereby packages can be inserted into the machine at the same time packages are withdrawn. In a preferred embodiment, the pusher and puller include package gripping jaws slidably mounted for reciprocal movement. A shuttle which mounts the jaws may also include a bellcrank and latch system for controlling opening and closing of the jaws.

Abstract: A process for whipping an homogenized emulsion comprised of fat, protein, emulsifier, stabilizer and water. The emulsion is aerated in a continuous mixer. The aerated emulsion is then pressure reduced in a gradual manner and whipped under pressure. The whipped emulsion is then reduced to atmospheric pressure wherein the temperature of the whipped emulsion upon reaching atmospheric pressure is from about 46.degree. F. to 60.degree. F.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for aligning the slices in stacks of sliced food products and for loading the stacks into container cavities. Stacks are received sequentially from a supply conveyor onto a stack support surface, where the stacks are detained either by friction with the support surface or by a stack catcher. A stack positioning member movable along the support surface pushes the stacks into engagement with a stack former for aligning the slices. Simultaneously, the stack positioning member retards movement of the next upstream stack on the supply conveyor so that the stack comes to rest on the support surface, and then pushes the previously aligned stack to a downstream pick-up station for loading into a container cavity. Each stack is removed from the loading station by a gripper assembly which pivots between the loading station and the container.