Abstract: A container for use in connection with the exposure of edible matter to microwave radiation. The container comprises a base tray and a lid. The lid is formed from a sheet of material which absorbs microwave radiation and is heated by it, and has a plurality of openings formed in it to allow escape of moisture during heating of the product. The lid is so folded or constructed that the distance through the openings from one side to the other side of the lid is greater then the thickness of the material of the lid.

Abstract: A fermentation product comprising a nonviable edible proteinaceous mass derived from a non-toxic fungal mycelium of a non-toxic strain of Fusarium preferably selected from the group consisting of Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum possessing a reduced level of RNA of below 4%.

Abstract: The invention relates to Fusarium graminearum Schwabe deposited with the Commonwealth Mycological Institute and assigned the number IMI 145425 and variants and mutants thereof, as well as a culture medium containing the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting mass transfer in fermentation reactions is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cylindrical vessel with two impellers located toward the top and bottom of said vessel, one of which is an axial flow impeller and the other is a radial flow impeller. A draft tube of uniform diameter throughout substantially all of its length having an open bottom is located within and coaxial with said cylindrical vessel. The lower impeller being said radial flow impeller is located below the lower end of the draft tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a proteinaceous mass into a fibrous and layered structure, including imparting a gross fibrous structure to the mass by passing the mass through a helical conveyor and layering the fibrous structure by extruding the same through an annular slot and into a radial opening, the compression and extrusion being carried out at elevated temperature to heat set the mass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a proteinaceous mass into a fibrous and layered structure, including imparting a gross fibrous structure to the mass by passing the mass through a helical conveyor and layering the fibrous structure by extruding the same through a slot and changing the direction of movement of the mass as it emerges from the slot into an opening, the compression and extrusion being carried out at elevated temperature to heat set the mass.

Abstract: An edible protein-containing substance is produced by incubating and proliferating, under aerobic conditions, a nontoxic strain of the genus Fusarium or a variant or mutant thereof, in a culture medium containing essential growth-promoting nutrient substances, of which carbon in the form of assimilable carbohydrate constitutes the limited substrate in proliferation, and separating the proliferated organism comprising the edible protein-containing substance. Novel strains and variants of Fusarium graminearum are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for reducing the nucleic acid content in the production of an edible protein-containing substance which comprises maintaining a grown non-toxic microfungus of the class Fungi Imperfecti, preferably a strain of Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, in a suspension at a pH between 4.7 and 7.0 and at a temperature between 55.degree. and 72.degree. C. for a time of at least 60 seconds.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating liquid and gas from a fermenter without allowing infecting organisms to penetrate back into the fermenter. A cyclone separator has a liquid outlet in its lower portion with an aseptic steam lock means which maintains liquid above minimum level to prevent passage of separated gas. Steam is fed through the outlet to sterilize it after opening. The gas is discharged through an outlet in the upper portion of the separator, the gas outlet also having aseptic lock means, preferably in the form of a steam jacket and valve on the gas outlet pipe.

Abstract: Process for reducing the nucleic acid content in the production of an edible protein-containing substance comprising contacting a grown non-toxic microfungus of the class Fungi Imperfecti with a solvent comprising between 40% and 100% (by volume) of a lower alkanol containing up to three carbon atoms and thereafter incubating at a pH between 5 and 9.5 and at a temperature between 30.degree.C. and 80.degree.C. for a time of at least 90 seconds.

Abstract: Process for the production of an edible protein-containing substance which comprises incubating and proliferating, under aerobic conditions, a non-toxic strain of the gensus Fusarium or a variant or mutant thereof, in a culture medium containing essential growth-promoting nutrient substances, of which carbon in the form of assimilable carbohydrate constitutes the limiting substrate in proliferation, and separating the proliferated organism comprising the edible protein-containing substance. Novel strains and variants of Fusarium graminearum are also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-toxic, edible strain of Fusarium graminearum fungus. The fungal mycelium is a nutritious material having a high net protein utilization value.