Abstract: Discrete entities of a solid suspension are made from a solid fat matrix and a non-fat solid substrate having an active associated with said substrate. These entities are spheroidal in shape, have uniform size and substantially the same active content due to the flash flow process used to make them. They are especially useful as delivery systems for comestibles, pharmaceuticals and personal products.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus and method for flash flow processing by melt spinning. The invention includes a feed rate controller in combination with a spinner head assembly including a spinner head with a continuous perimeter for providing heat and centrifugal force to a material being processed. The spinner head assembly also includes a spinner drive connected to the spinner head for generating the centrifugal force. The material processing apparatus can also include support for supporting the spinner head assembly, where the feed rate controller is electrically connected to the support. The feed rate controller determines a detected load of material in the spinner head from data provided by the support, compares it to a preselected load for the material being processed and generates a feed rate control signal indicative of a difference between the detected and preselected loads. A feeder assembly supplies the feedstock material to the spinner head at a feed rate defined by the feed control signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a new spheroidal polycrystallite product and a process for making the same. In the present invention amorphous sugar is transformed to crystalline sugar by hydrating rather than dehydrating sugar. The product of the present invention is unique in shape, size, and possesses a high degree of uniformity.

Abstract: Biodegradable controlled release delivery systems using melt-spun biodegradable polymers as carriers for bio-effecting agents such as pharmaceutical actives are disclosed. Oral dosage forms as well as implants are described.

Abstract: Frozen comestibles, such as frozen desserts, are formed by combining frozen comestible ingredients with a matrix resulting from melt - spinning on oleaginous substance with a carrier material.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for flash flow processing a feedstock including a protein, a maltodextrin or a polydextrose and fructose and the product resulting therefrom.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic compositions are disclosed containing a matrix prepared by melt-spinning polydextrose with one or more medicaments and/or cosmetic ingredients. Methods of preparing such compositions as well as treating various maladies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Proteinaceous products such as hamburgers or soy-based materials are formed containing an oleaginous matrix, which is formed by melt-spinning an oleaginous substance with a carrier material, such as sucrose or water-soluble cellulosic materials. Methods of preparing such products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A porous aggregate having a high intraaggregate reticular volume for releasable containment of functional substances is described. The porous aggregates comprise discrete particles, preferably starch granules, bound together at least at their points of contact in the aggregates. The surfaces of the discrete particles cooperate to define an intraaggregate reticulate volume. The porous aggregate composition of this invention finds use as a high capacity carrier of functional substances for a wide variety of applications, in which the functional substance is released from the aggregate composition under the influence of mechanical compression/disintegration, by degradation or dissolution of the binder and/or particulate components, or by diffusion from the porous surface.

Abstract: A protein based food product is disclosed with comprises a matrix formed by subjecting a carrier material to flash-flow processing. A waxy starch is mixed with the matrix after the flash-flow processing or with the carrier material before the flash-flow processing. A source of protein is also mixed with the matrix after the flash-flow processing.

Abstract: A spinner head is used in combination with a machine for processing and spinning feedstock material. The spinner head includes a base and a cover spaced from the base. A plurality of discrete closely spaced elongate heating elements are positioned between the base and the cover forming a barrier through which the feedstock material may be processed. The heating elements may be individually heated to a temperature sufficient to process the feedstock material therein. The spinner head is rotated to expel the feedstock material through the spaces between the heating elements.

Abstract: The present invention is a new process for flash flow processing a feedstock containing a heat sensitive ingredient and a carrier material selected from a maltodextrin and polydextrose and the product resulting therefrom. The process and product includes the use of fructose as a processing aid in an amount sufficient to reduce the amount of heat required to create flashflow conditions in the carrier portion of the feedstock.

Abstract: An apparatus for spinning materials, such as thermo-flow materials, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a spinner head which is rotatable about an axis. The spinner head includes a heater assembly having an annular heater element, a removable controlled orifice band having a plurality of openings through its thickness and positioned around and in close proximity to the heater element and an annular support ring positioned around the controlled orifice band for holding the heater element and band within the spinner head.

Abstract: A spinner head for flash flow processing includes a closed base and a top having an opening for introducing feedstock and a substantially cylindrical wall extending between the base and top forming a chamber. The substantially cylindrical wall has an inner and an outer surface, the outer surface provided with relief formed to accommodate fixation of a heating element for the uniform supply of surface heat to the inner surface. The wall also includes a plurality of openings extending from the inner to outer surface, each of which forming a substantially non-tortuous path for passage of product therethrough.

Abstract: Reduced fat proteinaceous products, such as hamburgers, are formed containing an oleaginous matrix which is formed by melt-spinning an oleaginous substance with a carrier material, such as sucrose or water-soluble cellulosic materials. Methods of preparing such products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a saccharide-based matrix, and the products resulting therefrom, made from a maltodextrin feedstock subjected to conditions which induce flash flow of the maltodextrin so that the matrix possesses a physically or chemically altered structure from the feedstock. The present invention also includes a method of producing the matrix and of making products which take advantage of the unique properties of the matrix. Such products include, but are not limited to, unique colloidal like dispersions and suspensions made from the matrix.

Abstract: Protein-based products such as hamburgers or soy-based materials are formed containing a combination of maltodextrin and an oleaginous substance. In a preferred embodiment, the protein-based products contain lower levels of saturated fat yet maintain the taste and mouthfeel of traditional products. Methods of preparing such products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spinning materials, such as saccharides and non-saccharides, is provided. The apparatus includes a spinner head which is rotatable about an axis. The spinner head includes a heating element which defines a narrow, elongate opening extending about the axis of rotation. The heating element defines an annular wall of the chamber against which material is propelled when the spinner head is rotated. The opening provides a substantially non-tortuous path in which the material is subjected to flash flow and then projected from the chamber into a basin. A helical heating cable may be used as the heating element and to provide a substantially continuous spiral opening of uniform height. The gaps between turns of the heating coil may be determined by comb-like elements which engage and maintain the turns in selected positions.

Abstract: A food enhancing ingredient is disclosed which comprises a matrix formed by subjecting a carrier material to flash-flow processing. A waxy starch is mixed with the matrix after the flash-flow processing or with the carrier material before the flash-flow processing. Preferably the food enhancing ingredient includes protein material.

Abstract: Perfluoro compounds such as C.sub.12 F.sub.20 ; C.sub.12 F.sub.27 N; C.sub.12 F.sub.26 O; C.sub.8 F.sub.17 Br; and C.sub.14 F.sub.24 are rendered dispersible colloidally in water or other polar media without the aid of an emulsifying agent by providing a matrix formed by subjecting a feedstock containing perfluoro compounds and carrier materials to conditions which alter the physical and/or chemical structure of the carrier material. The matrix suspends the perfluoro compounds for delivery to a dispersible medium. Thus, a family of new colloidal perfluoro compounds is produced. Methods of producing readily dispersible perfluoro compounds in the absence of emulsifying agents and cosmetics including the same are also disclosed.