Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing multiple extruded products having different characteristics from the extruded stream of a single main extruder are provided. A satellite extruder assembly is removably attached to a main extruder allowing for the production of a plurality of different extrusion products from a single stream from one main extruder that is divided into multiple streams channeled to a plurality of satellite extruders. Each of the extruders may be operated at different temperature, pressure, moisture and shear conditions. Additional components may be selectively added to one or more of the material streams.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing multiple extruded products having different characteristics from the extruded stream of a single main extruder are provided. A satellite extruder assembly is removably attached to a main extruder allowing for the production of a plurality of different extrusion products from a single stream from one main extruder that is divided into multiple streams channeled to a plurality of satellite extruders. Each of the extruders may be operated at different temperature, pressure, moisture and shear conditions. Additional components may be selectively added to one or more of the material streams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for off-line concentration determination of components liquid hydrocarbon mixtures such as crude or heavy oil. A sampling unit continuously delivers a sample volume to a fluid flow path while a temperature control module maintains the sample at a predetermined setpoint temperature. A homogenization module helps prevent sample stratification while a flow control module maintain a constant sample flow rate. A spectrometer is communicably coupled to an optical transmission cell to transmit and receive radiation. The transmission cell includes collection optics to capture and aggregate non-collimated radiation emerging from the cell, for transmission to the spectrometer. The spectrometer measures sample spectra at a predetermined rate of flow of the sample volume through the transmission cell. A processor is configured to capture and use the spectra in combination with a model of spectra for the hydrocarbon mixture.

Abstract: A dried confectionery meringue formed from a meringue mixture having a pre-drying moisture level of between about 18% and about 30%, said mixture including a protein foaming agent, sucrose and at least one monosaccharide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining concentration of components in a liquid hydrocarbon mixture including hydrocarbons and water flowing through an alkylation process. A fluid flow path conveys the liquid continuously from the alkylation process through a first instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentration of the components, which are independent of the concentration of the water. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid, and a second instrument measures another property of the liquid mixture. The instruments have mutually distinct responsivities to concentrations of the components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining concentration of components in a liquid hydrocarbon mixture including hydrocarbons and water flowing through an alkylation process. A fluid flow path conveys the liquid continuously from the alkylation process through a first instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentration of the components, which are independent of the concentration of the water. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid, and a second instrument measures another property of the liquid mixture. The instruments have mutually distinct responsivities to concentrations of the components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for off-line concentration determination of components liquid hydrocarbon mixtures such as crude or heavy oil. A sampling unit continuously delivers a sample volume to a fluid flow path while a temperature control module maintains the sample at a predetermined setpoint temperature. A homogenization module helps prevent sample stratification while a flow control module maintain a constant sample flow rate. A spectrometer is communicably coupled to an optical transmission cell to transmit and receive radiation. The transmission cell includes collection optics to capture and aggregate non-collimated radiation emerging from the cell, for transmission to the spectrometer. The spectrometer measures sample spectra at a predetermined rate of flow of the sample volume through the transmission cell. A processor is configured to capture and use the spectra in combination with a model of spectra for the hydrocarbon mixture.

Abstract: Confectionary image design system including a graphical user interface through which a user defines a pattern of confectionary pieces to be arranged on a substrate. A computer processor controls the graphical user interface through which the user defines the pattern, and provides instructions for arranging the confectionary pieces in the defined pattern. A container retains the confectionary pieces used to form the defined pattern. A robot receives from the computer processor the instructions for arranging the confectionary pieces, retrieves the confectionary pieces stored in the container, and arranges the pieces on the substrate in the pattern defined by the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the pasteurization and/or sterilization of a continuous web of packages. The method includes the steps of providing a continuous web of individual packages; moving the continuous web through a first mechanical pressure seal into a pressure chamber; applying an increased pressure and temperature; and moving the continuous web through a second mechanical pressure seal out of the pressure chamber. The present invention is also directed to a continuous pressure seal apparatus and an apparatus for the pasteurization and/or sterilization of a continuous web of flexible packages. The apparatus includes a first mechanical continuous feeding pressure seal; a pressure chamber; and a second mechanical continuous feeding pressure seal. The first pressure seal is adjacent to an entry to the pressure chamber and the second pressure seal is adjacent to an exit of the pressure chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for producing multi-packs of pouched pet food containing multiple varieties of a food product or different foods in a continuous production process. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of meat preparation modules in which each module contains a different variety of a food product or different kinds of food products. A selected meat mixture from a selected meat preparation module is process through a meat forming module. A continuous strip of flexible pouches is provided for filling. The continuous strip of flexible pouches is filled with the selected meat mixture and then the pouches are sealed. The filled flexible pouches are accumulated in a work box. Different varieties of a food product or different kinds of food products are accumulated in a plurality of work boxes.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and filling pouches of varying dimensions, said apparatus comprising a forming drum and a filling drum, wherein at least one of said forming drum and said filling drum further comprise members capable of being adjusted radially. A method of manufacturing pouches of varying dimensions, comprising the steps of: a) forming pouches having a first width on a device comprising a forming drum, wherein multiple forming members on said drum are initially positioned at a first distance from the center of said drum; b) re-positioning each of said forming members to a second distance from the center of said drum; c) forming pouches having a second width different from said first width on said device.

Abstract: An aircraft load cell shoring for placing a wing with an aircraft engine attached to the wing in an unloaded condition and for use with a load cell mounted on an aircraft jack. The aircraft load cell shoring includes a load cell adapter and a shoring contour assembly. The load cell adapter is able to be disposed above the load cell. The shoring contour assembly is an assembly for supporting an aircraft engine, and has a shoring contour assembly bottom portion, and a fixed receptacle located at the shoring contour assembly bottom portion. The load cell adapter communicates with the fixed receptacle. The fixed receptacle is located such that the aircraft jack is aligned with the center of gravity of the engine and enclosed part of the wing.

Abstract: The present invention is a pouch, which is generally flat in shape having two opposite side walls and reinforcing elements. The reinforcing elements enable the pouch to stand up-right.