Abstract: A convenient method of obtaining useful highly esterified alkoxylated polyol fat substitutes from readily available triglycerides such as fats and oils is provided.

Abstract: A convenient method of obtaining an esterified alkoxylated polyol composition containing long chain saturated linear acyl groups which avoids the use of free C.sub.20 -C.sub.24 fatty acids is provided. The method yields a reduced calorie admixture of a substantially digestion-resistant esterified alkoxylated polyol and a digestible fatty acid triglyceride.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing quick cooking and precooked filled pasta products by preconditioning a blend of a starch material with steam and small amounts of an internal lubricant to produce a semi-moist and partially cooked blend which is cooked and cooled under controlled conditions in a co-rotating twin screw extruder with low shear screw configuration and then co-extruded into the final filled pasta product by extruding the blend through a die, and cutting the extrudate, which may then be dried or otherwise processed.

Abstract: A convenient method of obtaining a reduced calorie esterified alkoxylated polyol containing both long chain saturated linear acyl groups and shorter chain unsaturated acyl groups is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) for refining the taste of soy sauce, fish sauce, or combinations thereof and to solid and liquid condiments produced by the inclusion of fenugreek in soy sauce, fish sauce, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A tamper evident closure for a container has a seal member which is in a concave or convex condition to show closure integrity. The seal is visible through an opening in the cover of the container. Filling the container under pressure which is higher or lower than atmospheric produces the distention or contraction of the seal member that evidences that no tampering or leakage has occurred.

Abstract: A process for increasing the rate of plant growth. Plants are treated with one or more acids, which are condensation products of glycolic and/or L-lactic acid. These acids also increase the concentration of chlorophyll, increase the rate of new plant formation when plants are propagated by tissue culture, decrease the amount of added nutrients required for plant growth, and protect plants against the toxic effects of salts. Certain of the acids are useful for increasing the rate of root formation in the plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing quick cooking and precooked filled pasta products by preconditioning a blend of a starch material with steam and small amounts of an internal lubricant to produce a semi-moist and partially cooked blend which is cooked and cooled under controlled conditions in a co-rotating twin screw extruder with low shear screw configuration and then co-extruded into the final filled pasta product by extruding the blend through a die, and cutting the extrudate, which may then be dried or otherwise processed.

Abstract: Intermediate temperature stable bacterial alpha-amylase enzymes having an optimum Phadebas activity above 100% at a temperature of about 65.degree. to 72.degree. C. at a pH of about 5.5 to 6.5 and which retain less than 50% of the Phadebas activity at temperatures above about 75.degree. C., when incorporated in the ingredients used to prepare the baked goods, retard the staling of baked goods without causing gumminess or adversely affecting the organoleptic characteristics of the baked goods. Adding an acid stable alpha-amylase enzyme having an optimum activity at a pH of about 3.0 to 5.0 at a temperature of about 60.degree. to 75.degree. C., to the dough with the intermediate temperature stable alpha-amylase enzyme provides synergistic results in making bakery products by reducing the number of activity units necessary and improving the resistance to staling.

Abstract: A high speed corrugating adhesive having a carrier phase comprised of starch, modified starch or dextrin and polyvinyl alcohol in an aqueous emulsion wherein a cold water soluble, partially hydrolyzed, polyvinyl alcohol is used as a starting material. The polyvinyl alcohol is further hydrolyzed in situ to a degree of hydrolysis of more than about 95% by heating it in the presence of water, caustic, and starch, modified starch or dextrin. The carrier phase is admixed with a boron containing compound and a suspension of water and starch to prepare the corrugating adhesive for use in a corrugating machine.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrolyzed vegetable proteins containing no detectable level of monocholorodihydroxypropanol and substantial flavor enhancement characteristics by using enzymatic hydrolysis of the protein followed by mild acid hydrolysis with gaseous hydrochloric acid and the product therefrom.

Abstract: A ready-to-bake dough which is storage stable at room temperature comprises flour, edible fat, texturizer and a controlled amount, particularly 8-20% by weight, of water. When the dough is prepared, the flour and fat are pretreated by forming an essentially homogeneous premix. The premix is further processed by adding water and heating, or by heating under pressure with or without the addition of water. The dough can be used to make bread, cookies, biscuits, pastries and the like.

Abstract: A rail car unloading aspiration unit includes a rail car nozzle for providing air conduits for feeding conditioned air to the rail car and for withdrawing air therefrom, ambient air being drawn between a weather shield, hood or cover and a fan chamber mounted on a heating chamber which forces ambient air to pass through a filter and be heated within the range of approximately 77.degree. F.-95.degree. F. The heated air is passed in proximity to ultra violet lamps after which the air is directed into the rail car nozzle and expelled into the interior of the rail car head surface above the product being unloaded. During the time that power is applied to the aspiration unit, the fan forces air to be drawn into the unit and conditioned, and the ultra violet lamps remain on. However, the heaters are selectively activated or deactivated as a function of the temperature of the incoming air in order to maintain the temperature of the air within the desired ranged prior to being exposed to the ultra violet lamps.

Abstract: Improved secondary metabolite production is achieved by culturing plant tissue and plant cells in a culture medium wherein the carbohydrates comprise a mixture of maltose and glucose.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydrolysis and purification of an alkoxylated polyol containing a ketal protective functionality is described. The process may be employed to prepare reduced calorie esterified alkoxylated polyol fat mimetics useful in cooking and in food compositions.

Abstract: Absorbable dusting powders suitable for medical applications such as lubricating surgical gloves are prepared by treating starch with a hypochlorite to remove protein and oxidize some of the hydroxyl groups, and partially cross-linking the hypochlorite-treated starch with phosphorus oxychloride. The modified starch dusting powders are free flowing and are characterized by a protein content of less than about 0.15% by weight, hydroxyl groups oxidized to a level of from about 0.5 to about 0.05% by weight and a degree of cross-linking of other hydroxyl groups characterized by bound phosphorus levels of from about 200 to about 1200 ppm.