Abstract: A process for the production of a a protein granule is described in which a vegetable protein isolate is hydrated to a weight ratio of about 1.5-6 parts of water to 1 part of isolate, at a temperature of about 0.degree. C. to 10.degree. C. The hydrated isolate is then blended and held at the indicated temperature range for a time sufficient to form a gel. The gel is then subdivided into individual granules which have improved meat like characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aglucone isoflavone enriched vegetable protein fiber wherein a vegetable protein material is extracted to form a slurry of protein, fiber and glucone isoflavones. The pH of the slurry is adjusted to about 6 to 8 and the slurry reacted with a beta glucosidase to convert the glucone isoflavones in said slurry to aglucone isoflavones. The fiber fraction is then recovered from the slurry by centrifugation or similar means to provide an aglucone enriched fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aglucone isoflavone enriched vegetable protein fiber wherein a vegetable protein material is extracted to form a slurry of protein, fiber and glucone isoflavones. The pH of the slurry is adjusted to about 6 to 8 and the slurry reacted with a beta glucosidase to convert the glucone isoflavones in said slurry to aglucone isoflavones. The fiber fraction is then recovered from the slurry by centrifugation or similar means to provide an aglucone enriched fiber.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting bakery pans of the type including a peripheral sidewall surrounding at least one mold cavity includes an endless conveyor chain and a plurality of flight lugs extending transversely of the conveyor chain for engaging the bakery pan and moving it along an upper flight. A pan positioning attachment is secured to the conveyor at each flight lug. The attachment defines a base and a barb-like portion having an upwardly angled surface. The attachment is dimensioned to engage and retain the bakery pan in a positive fashion adjacent the flight lug.

Abstract: A flexible container or bulk bag for bulk materials such as animal feed, granular products and powdered products includes a generally tubular body defining a bottom end and a top end. A bottom seal closes the bottom of the body. Stitching or other mechanical elements seal and close the top end of the body after the container is filled with product. The body defines a single point lift at the top end of the body for transport of the filled container.

Abstract: The present invention describes a composite dough mass for producing a baked product comprising an inner dough portion and an outer dough portion, wherein the outer dough comprises a conventional leavened dough and the inner portion comprises a leavened dough with less oven spring than the outer dough portion. The composite material provides a means of producing a baked product of comparable quality to a product which employs only leavened dough of good baking characteristics. The present invention provides a means of adding to the inner dough portion a significant level of a fibrous additive such as soy polysaccharide or cellulosic material, to provide a bread of reduced calories, yet produce a product of acceptable oven spring bread of the composite dough material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of a fiber containing ready to eat cereal product of improved texture and appearance. The process involves the addition of a fiber source to a moistened and cooked grain mixture during the pelletization of the mixture. The pellets of the fiber containing mixture are then formed into a suitable shape for the ready to eat cereal product, such as a flake. The addition of the fiber source during pelletization of the mixture avoids any textural and appearance problems that might result if the fiber is added during the cooking or tempering step.

Abstract: A process for producing a vegetable protein product for use with an animal protein material in which a non-hydrated vegetable proteinaceous extract is blended under conditions of shear with a quantity of water insufficient for full hydration of the extract and a frozen animal food product having a temperature sufficiently low to render it essentially rigid, e.g. not greater than 0.degree. C., to produce a granular product containing said vegetable proteinaceous extract and said animal food product.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fully baked pan bread product which will substantially retain its palatability upon microwave heating. The improvement is accomplished by the inclusion in the bread formulation of shortening in a concentration of from about 7% to about 15% on a percent on flour basis and of fiber in a concentration of from above 2.0% or more on a percent on flour basis.

Abstract: A process for the production of a protein granules is described in which a vegetable protein isolate is hydrated to a ratio of about 2 to 3.5 parts of water to 1 part of isolate, wherein the water is at a temperature of at least about 50.degree. C. The hydrated isolate is then blended under conditions of shear for a period of time sufficient to form a hydrated protein granule. The formed granules is highly suitable as an extender for ground meats or as an ingredient in meat analogs.

Abstract: An aerated reduced-fat creme and process for its production is disclosed which is suitable as a filling for baked goods such as snack cakes. The process comprises blending a starch composition containing sugar and a pregelantinized instant starch with an aqueous syrup to form a substantially smooth paste. Water is then added to hydrate the starch followed by the addition of a vegetable shortening, and an emulsifier combination comprising a polyglycerol ester and an alkali stearoyl lactylate and sugar. This mixture is then blended and aerated to provide a product with a smooth, homogeneous appearance and creamy texture.

Abstract: A self-service sales system for large containers such as pet food bags and the like includes a fixture having a plurality of container or bag shelves. A price channel positioned at each of the shelves contains product identification and marketing information. In addition, a plurality of Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol pads are fixed to the price channels. The symbol pads are attached by an adhesive coated foam strip. The pad contains a plurality of removable sheets, each of which are imprinted with a product description and UPC code. The purchaser may remove a sheet corresponding to each product to be purchased. The sheets are taken to the checkout counter where the UPC code is read. After payment for the product, the retailer retrieves the product for the customer.

Abstract: A doughnut fryer flight conveyor for selectively advancing different size dough forms through the hot oil bath of a doughnut frying machine includes a plurality of primary flights extending between spaced, parallel, endless copnveyor chains and a plurality of secondary flights or pusher bars. The secondary flights are each positioned between adjacent pairs of primary flights. A clutch ring mounts the secondary flights to the conveyor chain so that the flights may be moved to an inoperative position immediately adjacent one of the primary flights to an operative position intermediate the flights. When in the operative position, the doughnut fryer flight conveyor is adapted to advance a smaller size doughnut or dough form through the frying machine.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a conveyor chain of a wrapping machine includes a frame, a pan supported on the frame, a cleaning brush assembly, and a fluid removal assembly. The pan is adapted to contain a cleaning fluid such as water. The brush assembly includes a driven, rotary brush which scrub the conveyor chain with the cleaning fluid. The fluid removal assembly includes a plurality of squeegee blades which engage the chain and wipe the fluid therefrom. In addition, a plurality of air nozzles are positioned to blast the chain with pressurized air.

Abstract: A cleaner for a band bread slicing machine, includes a plurality of band scraper units mounted on an elongated support rod. Each scraper unit includes a pair of fixed, resilient scraper blades positioned to engage the sides of a band blade of the slicer to guide and scrape the blade. A resilient scallop scraper blade is supported adjacent the resilient scraper blades. The scallop scraper engages a beveled or scalloped portion of the band blade. Actuators position the scraper units relative to the bands and move the scallop scraper into and out of engagement with the band.

Abstract: A pet or animal food package and dispenser includes a food container having a bottom portion which defines a discharge opening. A removable closure or seal is secured to the container for retaining a pet food product therein. A dispensing tray includes a forward portion defining a feeding area and a rear portion defining a container mounting area. The portions are joined by a sloping ramp. A cooperating track and groove arrangement on the container and tray removably mount the container to the dispensing tray.

Abstract: An improved process of cast coating and the coating composition used therein produces a paper coating which has exceptional brightness, gloss, smoothness, flexibility, resistance to drum adhesions and pick resistance. The paper coating is especially effective in cast coating where extremely high smoothness and gloss is essential. The paper coating composition utilizes soy protein binder which has been modified by copolymerization to add a synthetic component to modify the properties of the soy protein.

Abstract: Liquid cathode electrochemical cells have means for biasing a consumable metal anode against a separator and resultingly against a cathode collector. The biasing means contacts the active anode metal throughout the discharge of the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell employing a resettable or nonresettable safety disconnect device operable by a shape memory alloy element. The shape memory alloy element is preferably in the form of an accordion or coiled configuration that will be extended in normal operation of the cell and contract when the internal temperature exceeds a preselected value whereupon the shape memory alloy will break contact in the electrical circuit of the cell thereby rendering the cell inoperative.

Abstract: A package for a plurality of dry cell batteries includes a heat shrinkable tube or sleeve dimensioned to receive the batteries in a tandem, side-by-side relationship. The tube is heat shrunk around the batteries to form a rigid set or package. A tear strip, affixed to an inner surface of the tube, extends between open ends of the tube. A plurality of the individual battery sets are arranged in a back-to-back grouping. An elongated, open-ended outer tube receives the grouped sets. The outer tube is heat shrunk around the sets to form a riged package. An outer tear strip may be affixed to an undersurface of the outer tube to permit easy opening of the package.