Abstract: The animal feeding and monitoring system includes an electronic identity tag having a code generator for generating a coded identifier signal uniquely associated with an animal to be identified. Electromagnetic energy from an RF field generator mounted in a feeding station is coupled into a pick-up coil in the electronic identity tag when the animal wearing the electronic identity tag approaches the feeding station. Electromagnetic energy coupled into the pick-up coil serves a source of power for the operating components of the tag. The code generator generates the coded identifier signal in response to timing pulses supplied by either an independently set RC oscillator circuit or a countdown circuit connected to the pick-up coil. A voltage detector connected to the pick-up coil is connected to gate the coded identifier signal transmissions only when sufficient power to provide error-free operation of the code generator has accumulated in the pick-up coil.

Abstract: A feed intake control apparatus for caged animals is disclosed which comprises a movable belt adapted to cover a standard feeding device such as a feed trough adjacent to a cage wherein a portion of the belt contains an opening to provide both an opened and closed position for the belt over the feeding device. A control device for the belt is also provided for preselected movement of the belt to either an opened or closed position to permit the animal access to a feeding device when the belt is in an opened position and denying the animal access when the belt is in a closed position. The feed intake control apparatus of the present invention is readily adaptable to existing cage and trough type feeding systems without elaborate or extensive modification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the removal of skin from fish, such as tuna, in which an aqueous dispersion of an at least partially hydrolyzed, modified starch is applied to the skin of a precooked fish. Drying of the dispersion causes the skin to peel, thereby facilitating removal of the skin from the fish.

Abstract: A reclosable carton which is easy to open and reseal is described comprising front and rear panels, connecting side panels with upper portions scored along vertical lines midway between the vertical edges of the side panels, a top flap for closure of the carton having an attached tab, wherein said tab and flap are secured to the side and rear panels by perforations to permit easy removal of the top flap with tab attached. A slot in the rear wall is provided to permit insertion of the tab upon reclosure of the carton which occurs when the top flap is folded along the common edge, created by the inward folding of the side panels along the vertical score lines of the side panel and the carton liner is folded over the top edge of the rear panel to reseal the liner and the carton.

Abstract: A modified vegetable protein adhesive binder and a process for producing the same is disclosed wherein an alkaline protein dispersion is formed of the protein material and said dispersion is treated with a reducing agent in an amount sufficient to react with the disulfide bonds of the protein material in said dispersion. Initial treatment of the protein material with a reducing agent is followed by reaction of the treated dispersion with a carboxylic acid anhydride such as dicarboxylic acid anhydride, preferably phthalic anhydride in an amount sufficient to modify the protein material such that resultant alkali dispersions of the modified unhydrolyzed protein material have a relatively high viscosity but when used in paper coating compositions containing pigment and other materials such as latex produce relatively low and desirable coating viscosities. Improvements in pick strength, gloss, water holding and ink receptivity of coatings produced with the modified binder of the present invention is achieved.

Abstract: The animal feeding and monitoring system includes an electronic identity tag having a code generator for generating a coded identifier signal uniquely associated with an animal to be identified. Electromagnetic energy from an RF field generator mounted in a feeding station is coupled into a pick-up coil in the electronic identity tag when the animal wearing the electronic identity tag approaches the feeding station. Electromagnetic energy coupled into the pick-up coil serves a source of power for the operating components of the tag. The code generator generates the coded identifier signal in response to timing pulses supplied by either an independently set RC oscillator circuit or a countdown circuit connected to the pick-up coil. A voltage detector connected to the pick-up coil is connected to gate the coded identifier signal transmissions only when sufficient power to provide error-free operation of the code generator has accumulated in the pick-up coil.

Abstract: A process for the production of a dried basal material used for the preparation of a soy based cheese food particularly tofu is set forth wherein a slurry of a soy protein material is formed followed by heating such slurry to a temperature of at least about 220.degree. F. and the retention of such slurry in heated condition under positive pressure for at least a few seconds up to about a few minutes. Following heating of the slurry, the slurry is cooled and mixed with an edible oil which is added to said portein material in an amount sufficient to improve the whiteness of products which are produced with the basal material. The oil is preferably added to said soy material in a proteinaceous solids to oil ratio of between about 5 to 0.2:1. The mixture of oil and soy protein material is dewatered preferably by spray drying and then blended with other ingredients of a basal mix thereby forming a basal material for the production of soy cheese or tofu which has unusual characteristics.

Abstract: A skin sanitizing composition is disclosed which is particularly suited as a teat dip or udder wash for dairy cows which comprises at least one phenyl alkanol such as benzyl or phenethyl alcohol as the microbiocidal or sanitizing ingredient in an amount effective to substantially reduce the bacteria population on a skin surface when the composition is applied thereto. An emulsifying amount of a surfactant is included to provide an aqueous dispersion of the phenyl alkanol ingredient, which enhances the germicidal activity of the microbiocidal or sanitizing ingredient. The composition may include an emollient if desired and has a typical pH of between about 4 and 7.

Abstract: A silicate containing adhesive is disclosed which is suitable for the production of laminated paper products comprising an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate together with soy polysaccharides in an amount effective to thicken the silicate solution, thereby providing a silicate adhesive which has good adhesive properties and may be used for bonding of two surfaces without excess penetration of the adhesive into either of the surfaces to be bonded.

Abstract: A method of producing a paper coating composition containing a soy protein adhesive binder which is thermally sensitive or coagulates with heating is described wherein a soy protein isolate is solubilized to form a proteinaceous adhesive binder, said binder is mixed with a mineral pigment to provide a slurry having a solids level of at least about 36% by weight of the slurry, followed by control of the pH of the slurry to between about 5.7 to 6.2 and the addition of a salt selected from the group consisting of Zinc Acetate and Zinc Formate in amounts effective to cause heat coagulation of said slurry upon heating thereof. The coating is particularly used in cast coating processes, involving the application of heat to achieve uniform smoothness of the applied coating on paper.

Abstract: An improved pellet mill die is disclosed which has improved production efficiency without a corresponding loss in pellet quality or durability. The die comprises a compression side, a discharge side, and a plurality of die holes extending through the die. The die holes have a countersink on the compression side, and preferably at least a portion of die holes have a relief section to thereby define a working section of the die hole where the pellet is formed, and an effective thickness for the die holes which is preferably less than the distance between the compression and discharge side of the die. The die has a ratio of effective thickness to countersink diameter of at least about 1.8 to 1 wherein the countersink diameter is at least about 137% and preferably between about 137-159% of the working section diameter.

Abstract: An intermediate moisture pet food is described which forms a gravy-like mixture upon the addition of a warm aqueous liquid. The pet food comprises a particulate mass of a proteinaceous - farinaceous mixture having a moisture content of between about 15-55% by weight which is coated with particles of a fat encapsulated gravy forming material. The fat encapsulated particles of gravy forming materials are resistant to moisture activation during storage but activate to produce a gravy-like mixture upon the addition of a warm aqueous liquid to the pet food.

Abstract: A feed dispenser which is eminently suitable for wild bird feeding may be collapsed to a compact condition for shipment and storage and readily erected for feed dispensing. The feed dispenser or feeder is comprised of a bottom tray with foldably connected end walls, a cover which is releasably supported by the end walls in the erected condition and a replaceable feed container which may be positioned on the feed dispenser tray and then caused to dispense the feed.

Abstract: A gravity flow feeder for caged animals, especially fur bearing animals such as mink is disclosed wherein said feeder comprises an open ended container with front, side, rear and bottom panels. The bottom panel slopes forward from the rear panel underneath the bottom edge of the front panel to form a ramp, wherein the bottom panel forms a trough beyond the front panel and the gap between the bottom of the trough and the bottom edge of the front panel provides an opening to permit flow of feed into the trough from the container. A screen overlays the inside of the front panel, said screen being of slightly larger vertical dimensions than the front panel to at least partially cover the opening and of slightly smaller horizontal dimensions. Attachment of the screen on the top edge of the front panel and the dimensions of the screen permit lateral and rearward movement of the screen.

Abstract: A process for the production of a floating aquatic food pellet is disclosed which avoids the use of extrusion-expansion equipment to provide floatability. Conventional pelleting equipment may be used to produce a pellet from farinaceous-proteinaceous mixtures, which contains sufficient expanded grain particles to provide buoyancy or floatability. A hardenable or vitrifiable matrix containing a liquid carbohydrate material, a water soluble phosphorous source, a colloid material and an alkaline earth oxide is included to prevent compaction of the expanded grain particles during pelleting and provide structural integrity and floatability to permit feeding by an aquatic species.

Abstract: A matrix for incorporating titanium dioxide into extruded plant protein extenders for natural meat products is disclosed. In particular, this matrix made from vegetable protein is useful for incorporating TiO.sub.2 tracer in extruded plant protein extenders in such a way that there will be reduced optical contrast with natural ground meat fibers.

Abstract: A cooked and frozen chopped egg product is disclosed which is suitable as a condiment for foodstuffs. The chopped egg product is produced by a process comprising; dynamically or continuously preheating egg yolks to a product temperature which does not exceed about 183.degree. F. and dynamically or continuously preheating egg whites to a product temperature which does not exceed about 167.degree. F. Preheating of the yolks and whites is followed by statically heating the egg yolks and whites at a temperature and time effective to coagulate the yolks and whites to a substantially firm texture followed by freezing of the coagulated yolks and whites. The frozen whites and yolks are chopped at a temperature of 20.degree.-30.degree. F. to provide a chopped egg mixture having desirable color and texture, without significant smearing of the yolks on the particles of egg white.

Abstract: A cooked and frozen chopped egg product is disclosed which is suitable as a condiment for foodstuffs. The chopped egg product is produced by a process comprising; separately heating egg yolks and whites for a period of time effective to coagulate the yolks and whites to a firm texture followed by freezing of the coagulated yolks and whites. The frozen whites and yolks are chopped at a temperature of about 20.degree.-30.degree. F. to provide a chopped mixture having desirable color and texture without significant smearing of the yolks on the particles of egg whites.

Abstract: An improved pellet mill die is disclosed which has improved production efficiency without a corresponding loss in pellet quality or durability. The die comprises a compression side, a discharge side, and a plurality of die holes extending through the die. The die holes have a countersink on the compression side, and preferably at least a portion of die holes have a relief section to thereby define a working section of the die hole where the pellet is formed, and an effective thickness for the die holes which is preferably less than the distance between the compression and discharge side of the die. The die has a ratio of effective thickness to countersink diameter of at least about 1.8 to 1 wherein the countersink diameter is at least about 137% and preferably between about 137-159% of the working section diameter.

Abstract: An animal feed supplement in a solid, weather resistant block form and method of making is disclosed. The molasses based feed supplement block, intended for consumption primarily by ruminant animals, although not limited thereto, contains magnesium oxide as a blocking agent. The feed supplement also comprises a water absorbent clay, a phosphorous source and an edible fat or oil in sufficient quantities to set into a solid block in a relatively short period of time at ambient temperatures. A preferred block composition is prepared by a method which comprises admixing the molasses, water, phosphorous source and water absorbing clay under high speed shearing action for an effective amount of time to disperse the clay, admixing edible fat and dispersing it in the mixture and then admixing magnesium oxide to obtain a viscous nutrient mixture that thickens quickly. The mixture is then poured into molds or packages and solidifies to form a hard depackagable block.