Abstract: Automated system configured to perform and methods for performing one or more slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. The system and methods enable high sample throughput while also minimizing or limiting the potential for cross-contamination of slides. The automated systems can include features that facilitate consistency, controllability of processing time, and/or processing temperature.

Abstract: Rolled dough products, such as croissants, are made by: layering fat between thin layers of dough in forming a multi-layer dough sheet; compressing the multi-layer dough sheet; cutting the dough sheet; reorientating the cut pieces; stretching the cut pieces; curling the pieces; flattening the pieces; coating or surface treating the pieces; and optionally freezing the pieces. With this method, freezer-to-oven (FTO) dough products are made eliminating the thawing and proofing steps, while significantly enhancing the production of desired flaky, rich, airy final pastry products. The process can include one or more filling materials, prior to cutting the dough sheet: depositing a filling layer, such as a chocolate ganache, in a central region of the multi-layer dough sheet; and folding lateral side portions of the dough sheet onto the central region to encase the filling layer.

Abstract: Described are raw, yeast leavened dough compositions, packaged products containing the dough, and related methods, wherein the density is stable during refrigerated storage and/or the amount or rate of expansion of the dough during refrigerated storage is controlled.

Abstract: A packaged refrigerated gluten-free dough composition comprises at least one gluten-free flour source in at least 35% by weight of the composition, at least one starch source in at least 2% by weight of the composition and at least one protein source in about 0.5% to 13% by weight of the composition and at least 17 grams of glutamic acid per 100 grams of the protein, at least one fat source from 4% to 10% by weight of the composition and water from 25% to 35% by weight of the composition. The dough has an average storage modulus ranging from about 45 kPa to about 60 kPa at about 40° F. and an average loss modulus ranging from about 10 kPa to about 20 kPa at about 40° F. after at least 24 hours of storage at about 40° F., and is substantially free of gluten protein.

Abstract: A composition includes a gluten-free flour mixture constituting 45-55% by weight of the composition, dried egg whites constituting 1.75-4.5% by weight of the composition, oil constituting 1.5-2% by weight of the composition, shortening constituting 3-7% by weight of the composition, water constituting 26-33% by weight of the composition, ethanol constituting 1-2% by weight of the composition and sucrose constituting less than 5% by weight of the composition. The gluten-free flour mixture includes less than 12% rice flour by weight of the composition and includes at least one of tapioca starch, sorghum flour and millet flour. The composition has a water activity of 0.93 or lower. Methods of manufacturing the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A composition includes a gluten-free flour mixture constituting from 25% to 30% by weight of the composition, shortening from 10% to 20% by weight of the composition, sucrose from 21% to 35% by weight of the composition and water in less than 12% by weight of the composition. The gluten-free flour mixture includes less than 30% rice flour by weight of the composition, less than 2.5% potato starch by weight of the composition, and tapioca starch, corn starch or combinations of tapioca starch and corn starch. The composition has a water activity of less than 0.82. Methods of manufacturing the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A composition includes a gluten free flour mixture constituting from 31% to 50% by weight of the composition, at least one oil constituting from 4.5% to 5.5% by weight of the composition, shortening constituting from 20% to 30% by weight of the composition, fructose constituting from 1% to 4.5% by weight of the composition, water constituting from 20% to 25% by weight of the composition, and sucrose constituting less than 5% by weight of the composition. The composition has a water activity of 0.94 or less and a pH of 7 or less. Methods of manufacturing the composition are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for forming a rolled cookie dough configuration for shipment, display and storage. The rolled configuration can be frozen and/or refrigerated and be subsequently unrolled prior to use. The cookie dough can be formulated so as to unroll into a flat sheet configuration without cracking, breaking and/or sticking together. When unrolled, the flat sheet configuration can be sliced/cut with cookie cutters to create specially shaped cookie units for baking. Excess dough can be trimmed and rerolled for further cutting with a cookie cutter.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for forming a rolled cookie dough configuration for shipment, display and storage. The rolled configuration can be frozen and/or refrigerated and be subsequently unrolled prior to use. The cookie dough can be formulated so as to unroll into a flat sheet configuration without cracking, breaking and/or sticking together. When unrolled, the flat sheet configuration can be sliced/cut with cookie cutters to create specially shaped cookie units for baking. Excess dough can be trimmed and rerolled for further cutting with a cookie cutter.

Abstract: A system for tracking compliance to risk management policies for a given enterprise that provides risk status feedback on hierarchical managerial levels. The system notifies users of potential problems with non-compliance of enterprise policies set on a high level of enterprise management, and prompts the users to take steps to achieve compliance. The enterprise policies are designed to protect the enterprise from various forms of risk associated with enterprise activities. Accordingly, minimizing risk across enterprise operations, subdivisions, projects and applications produces an overall benefit of reduced liability or exposure to liability for the entire enterprise. A compliance status is provided by business groups at all levels of the enterprise, and consolidated for each management level to which the risk status is promoted.

Abstract: The invention provides batter-like compositions including flour or a flour replacement ingredient, sweetener, a fat source, a chemical leavening system, and a setting agent. The resulting batter-like compositions are capable of being formed into discrete product pieces (such as pucks), and maintaining the puck form throughout storage and handling of the batter-like composition prior to baking. The invention further provides methods of preparing batter-like compositions having a discrete form, and methods of using such batter-like compositions to provide baked goods.

Abstract: The invention provides batter-like compositions including flour or flour replacement ingredient, sweetener, a fat source, a chemical leavening system, and a setting agent. The resulting batter-like compositions are capable of being formed into discrete product pieces (such as pucks), and maintaining the discrete product form throughout storage and handling of the batter-like composition prior to baking. The invention further provides methods of preparing batter-like compositions having a discrete form, and methods of using such batter-like compositions to provide baked goods.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for forming a rolled cookie dough configuration for shipment, display and storage. The rolled configuration can be frozen and/or refrigerated and be subsequently unrolled prior to use. The cookie dough can be formulated so as to unroll into a flat sheet configuration without cracking, breaking and/or sticking together. When unrolled, the flat sheet configuration can be sliced/cut with cookie cutters to create specially shaped cookie units for baking. Excess dough can be trimmed and rerolled for further cutting with a cookie cutter.

Abstract: A system for tracking compliance with policies related to management of risk for a given enterprise provides risk status feedback on a number of managerial levels. The system notifies users of potential problems with non-compliance of enterprise policies set on a high level of enterprise management, and prompts the users to take steps to achieve compliance. The enterprise policies are designed to protect the enterprise from various forms of risk associated with enterprise activities. Accordingly, minimizing risk across enterprise operations, subdivisions, projects and applications produces an overall benefit of reduced liability or exposure to liability for the entire enterprise. A compliance status is provided by business groups at all levels of the enterprise, and consolidated for each management level to which the risk status is promoted.