Abstract: The present invention provides a periodontal composition compounded to include at least one alkaline agent to render a gel or paste having a pH of at least 9.0 to 11.0, and preferably 9.5 to 10.0. The preferred alkaline agent included in the composition is potassium hydroxide, and the composition preferably also includes aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Of these agents, potassium hydroxide is the most basic compound utilized.

Abstract: A process for producing acid reduced coffee beans. An aqueous solution including potassium hydroxide and polyethylene glycol is applied to whole bean coffee immediately after roasting. The water from the solution dries, leaving a coating that reduces oxidation and flavor loss from the whole bean coffee, and which reduces the acidity of coffee beverages subsequently brewed from the beans. In an alternate embodiment, the potassium hydroxide and polyethylene glycol are applied in separate steps.

Abstract: Apparatus for agglomerating and drying particulate material, including an agglomerator (4) for forming and discharging wet granules of a predetermined size or smaller, and a dryer (12). The agglomerator utilizes a rotary blade assembly (100) that repeatedly impacts and cuts the wet mixture of material to be agglomerated, which is forced radially outward through the blade assembly under centrifugal and air pressure force. Wet granules pass through an annular screen (104) where they reach a predetermined maximum size. The dryer has an inlet (50) for wet granules from the agglomerator, an outlet (78) for granules having passed through the dryer, and one or more baffles (64) within the dryer defining a spiral path through which the granules pass from the dryer inlet towards the dryer outlet. The baffles are configured such that their pitch increases with distance from the dryer inlet, whereby the cross-sectional area of the spiral path increases toward the dryer outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for agglomerating and drying particulate material, including an agglomerator (4) for forming and discharging wet granules of a predetermined size or smaller, and a dryer (12). The agglomerator utilizes a rotary blade assembly (100) that repeatedly impacts and cuts the wet mixture of material to be agglomerated, which is forced radially outward through the blade assembly under centrifugal and air pressure force. Wet granules pass through an annular screen (104) where they reach a predetermined maximum size. The dryer has an inlet (50) for wet granules from the agglomerator, an outlet (78) for granules having passed through the dryer, and one or more baffles (64) within the dryer defining a spiral path through which the granules pass from the dryer inlet towards the dryer outlet. The baffles are configured such that their pitch increases with distance from the dryer inlet, whereby the cross-sectional area of the spiral path increases toward the dryer outlet.

Abstract: A method of brewing coffee having reduced acidity is described. In the method, an acid-neutralizing composition comprising calcium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and potassium chloride is utilized to produce a brewed coffee having a pH of from about 5.7 to about 6.1. A coffee product including ground coffee and an acid-neutralizing composition is also described.

Abstract: An antacid composition containing 20 to 75 weight percent calcium carbonate, 0.1 to 10 weight percent magnesium hydroxide, and 0.5 to 10 weight percent potassium hydroxide is disclosed. A method for neutralizing excess stomach acid by oral administration of the antacid composition of the invention is also disclosed.