Patents Assigned to Unilever Patent Holding B.V.
  • Process for the preparation of a food product
    Patent number: 5580595
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a coated foodstuff comprising a substantially uncooked foodstuff portion enrobed in a heat-set batter whereby the batter is set by exposing the coated foodstuff to targeted dielectric heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: John R. Bows, James T. Mullin
  • Process for the synthesis of polyol fatty acid polyesters
    Patent number: 5580966
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the production of polyol fatty acid polyesters by reacting a reactant mixture of polyol, a fatty acid lower alkyl ester, a transesterification catalyst and an alkali metal soap emulsifier. The process comprises removing non-dissolved alkali metal soap from the reaction mixture at a degree of transesterification of more than 60%, preferably 65-90%, and recycling the alkali metal soap that is removed during the transesterification to the starting reactant mixture. The invention is applicable both to a batch-wise polyol polyester synthesis and to a continuous synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Markus G. Buter, Bart Barmentlo, Ulrich Eicken
  • Use of aluminosilicates of the zeolite p type as low temperature calcium binders
    Patent number: 5560829
    Abstract: Alkali metal aluminosilicate of the zeolite P type having the oxide formula M.sub.2/n O.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.(1.80-2.66)SiO.sub.2.yH.sub.2 O, y being the water content, proves to have both excellent Calcium Effective Binding Capacity and Calcium Uptake Rate at temperatures below 25.degree. C. The present invention provides for the use of such a zeolite P as a low temperature calcium binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Adams, Abraham Araya, Peter Graham, Andrew T. Hight
  • Cloning and expression of DNA encoding a ripening form of a polypeptide having rhamnogalcturonase activity
    Patent number: 5550045
    Abstract: The invention relates to isolation of an Aspergillus gene encoding rhamnogalacturonase (RG-ase) and the construction of recombinant Aspergillus strains with overexpression of RG-ase. These strains can be used for the commercial production of RG-ase. RG-ase is an important enzyme in processes requiring the degradation and/or modification of pectin or modification of pectin-containing vegetable or plant cell wall material. RG-ase may be used in various applications, including the processing of fruits and vegetables, in the extraction of components from vegetable material or for improving the functionality of pectin or pectin-containing vegetable material, food material or plant cell wall material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings, B.V.
    Inventors: Wouter Musters, Hein Stam, Maria E. Suykerbuyk, Jacob Visser, Johannes M. Verbakel
  • Zero fat whipped frozen dessert product
    Patent number: 5547697
    Abstract: The invention relates to zero fat whipped frozen dessert products. Such products can be regarded as a low calorie alternative for ice cream. More in particular, the invention relates to zero fat whipped frozen dessert products having improved melting properties. Products showing a controlled melting behavior were obtained by using a specific emulsifier blend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Michael H. Lipsch, Marinus J. Van Beek, John S. Fung Kon Yin
  • Thickened foodstuff having improved storage stability and process of making
    Patent number: 5538751
    Abstract: A thickened foodstuff having improved storage stability and retention of smoothness upon reheating which contains a non-pre-gelatinized amylose polymer containing component and a second biopolymer selected from the group consisting of a sheared amylopectin component, iota carrageenan, kappa carrageenan, xanthan, maltodextrins, pectins, alginates, agar, gum arabic, locust bean gum, guar gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof; with the amylose polymer containing component present as a dispersed phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Carter, Joanne M. Brown, Rosalind C. Hodges, Ingrid A. Appelqvist, Charles R. Brown, Isan T. Norton
  • Process for the preparation of ceramides
    Patent number: 5525709
    Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of ceramides by a two step process involving conversion of a 2-hydroximino-3-oxo-alkanoate into a 2-alkanoylamido-3-oxo-alkanoate intermediate by acylation of the oxime and reduction of the oxime ester group to an amido group, followed by reduction of the keto and ester group of the intermediate to the 1,3 diol of the ceramide. The oxime acylation and the first reduction may be carried out consecutively or simultaneously. The first reduction is preferably a catalytic hydrogenation and the second reduction is preferably a borohydride reduction.The invention further relates to novel 2-alkanoylamido-3-oxo-alkanoates and 2-alkanoyloximino-3-oxo-alkanoates which are useful as intermediates for conversion into ceramides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Paul N. Davey, Brian J. Hardinge, Christopher P. Newman, Clive D. Richardson
  • Cosmetic composition for topical application to skin or hair
    Patent number: 5510120
    Abstract: A cosmetic composition for topical application to the skin and/or hair includes, optionally in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, particles which enclose a cosmetically-effective benefit agent active at a target location accessible by application to the skin and/or hair, and which have means to bind to an organic surface at the target location. In particular, the particles are liposomes and have means for binding to microorganisms present on the skin and/or hair, for example those responsible for skin disorders, scalp irritation, and underarm and foot odor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignees: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V., The Victoria University of Manchester
    Inventors: Malcolm N. Jones, Michael Kaszuba, Ian G. Lyle
  • Method of producing embryogenic callus of Norway spruce (Picea abies and regenerating plantlets therefrom
    Patent number: 5501972
    Abstract: A method of producing embryogenic conifer callus, comprising culturing somatic tissue capable of growth derived from a conifer so as to form non-embryogenic callus and then culturing the non-embryogenic callus in the presence of a nurse culture so as to produce embryogenic callus. Embryogenic callus derived in this way can be used to produced plantlets by known techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Roger J. Westcott
  • Encapsulating method and products containing encapsulated material
    Patent number: 5500223
    Abstract: An encapsulation process employs an aqueous dispersion of silica having a particle size not substantially greater than 100 nm. An emulsion is formed by high shear mixing of the silica dispersion with the material to be encapsulated and the emulsion is gelled. The process allows hydrophobic materials to be encapsulated in structures which have a high loading of the material and a good degree of imperviousness in the presence of other materials such as surfactants and mineral oils. Using the process, hydrophobic materials such as flavours, fragrances and cosmetic ingredients can be encapsulated for delayed release in a wide variety of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: John M. Behan, Jeremy N. Ness, Keith D. Perring
  • Method and apparatus for manufacturing coextruded food products
    Patent number: 5492706
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing coextruded products by coextruding continuous strands of one extrudable material and enveloping sheaths and twisting these sheathed strands about each other for at least part of a full revolution. An apparatus for manufacturing such products comprises a multiplicity of nozzles each having a central bore with feeding means and an annular opening surrounding this bore having separte feeding means, which nozzles are arranged for mutual movement comprising at least part of a rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Terrence R. Cockings, Peter T. Mawhinney
  • Process for producing a coated food product
    Patent number: 5478583
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a food product having a thick and irregular coating comprising:(a) coating the food product with a batter; and(b) coating the food product with agglomerated powder; such that the ratio of batter to agglomerated powder is 2.5:1 to 1:1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Graham A. Jarrett, Malcolm J. McBride, Serge A. Symien, Peter Walker, Alan Wooten
  • Low-SAFA cream alternatives
    Patent number: 5472727
    Abstract: Whippable, water-continuous fat emulsions comprising 10-40% of a fat mixture with a composition obtained by blending at least fats A and B: 0.01-2 wt % of a thickener: 0.01-2 wt % of an emulsifier system and 1-8 wt % of a milk protein compound: fats A and B being: low in SAFA and free of trans (=fat A), a high in PUFA (=fat B), while the N.sub.5 of the fat mixture ranges from 20 to 40 and the N.sub.35 is less than 5 and the SAFA content of the fat mixture is less than 35 mol %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Iain J. Campbell, Malcolm G. Jones, Anne C. Peilow, Paul T. Quinlan
  • Monitoring method
    Patent number: 5467778
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the status of a current ovulation cycle of an individual human female subject, involving testing of the body fluid concentration of an analyte of significance in relation to the status of the ovulation cycle, such as urinary E3G, during at least part of the pre-ovulation phase of the current ovulation cycle of the individual subject, and identification from the results of such testing an analyte concentration change indicative of imminent ovulation, relative to an analyte concentration reference value that has been adapted to the individual human subject on the basis of analyte concentration test data obtained from the individual human subject during one or more previous ovulation cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Catt, John Coley, Paul J. Davis
  • Glazing agent
    Patent number: 5466478
    Abstract: The invention concerns ready-to-use glazing agents with the composition:5-25 wt. % of liquid vegetable oil;5-15 wt. % of casein or its salts;0.005-10 wt. % of emulsifier;0.1-8.0 wt. % of a compound giving a browning upon heating, preferably by a Maillard-type of reaction andbalance: water.The composition is sterilizable and has a shelf-life after sterilization of more than 3 months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen J. Brockhus, Jeanette D. Moree, Jannes G. Lammers, Tileman Rodenburg
  • Nickel/silica catalyst and the preparation and use thereof
    Patent number: 5463096
    Abstract: The invention provides a nickel/silica catalyst optionally also containing cations of a lower Group II metal (X), which catalyst satisfies the following combination of features:1) a molar ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Ni=0.15=0.352) a molar ratio of X/Ni=0-0.153) an active nickel surface area above 120 m.sup.2 /g4) a BET surface area of which at least 60% is found with pores with a radius below 1.5 nm.Preferably the catalyst has an atomic X/Ni ratio between 0.5-0.10 and a BET surface area of which at least 60% is found in pores having a pore radius of below 1.4 nm. The group II metal X is preferably magnesium or barium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis M. Lok
  • Astaxanthin from flowers of the genus adonis
    Patent number: 5453565
    Abstract: A novel strain of Adonis aestivalis having an average of 18-22 petals per flower head and containing an average of 200-350 .mu.g of astaxanthin pigment per flower head is cultivated, harvested and extracted to provide a source of natural astaxanthin. The extracted astaxanthin, or the harvested astaxanthin-containing plant material, can be used for example in salmonid fish diets to promote correct flesh pigmentation of the fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Rodney Mawson
  • Release composition
    Patent number: 5447563
    Abstract: A biodegradable oil and water emulsion release composition for facilitating the unmoulding of hydraulic bonding material comprises as the oil component an ester of a hindered polyhydric alcohol having no hydrogen atoms attached to any carbon atom in a beta-position to any hydroxyl group and a straight or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4 -C.sub.24 monocarboxylic acid. The ester may be partial and the partial ester may be alkoxylated. In a preferred embodiment also a straight or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4 -C.sub.24 monohydric alcohol is present. Also a method of unmoulding has been described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Bart van Hoorn
  • Overcap for a microbiological culture bottle
    Patent number: D362184
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Anthony H. Carr
  • Catalyst
    Patent number: RE35166
    Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition useful in treating hydrocarbons contaminated with vanadium residues, the catalyst comprising a zeolite, a matrix and certain heavier alkaline earth metal oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Paul Chapple