Abstract: A process used to coat particles in an upward flowing fluidized bed dryer includes an insert disposal within the dryer. The insert includes a vertically adjustable cylindrical partition and a vertically adjustable spray nozzle wherein the cylindrical partition has a diameter-to-length ratio greater than 1. The particles are fluidized using a gas and are processed through a coating zone containing the cylindrical partition and become coated with the liquid spray. The particles exit the coating zone and enter the reconditioning zone wherein the liquid is allowed to dry onto the particles. The particles fall into the fluidized bed and are reprocessed through the coating zone by a draft effect created by the atomizing gas in the spray nozzle. The insert provides liquid coating flexibility allowing for the coating of liquid fat onto the particles. Additionally, since less fluidizing gas is required and not all of the particle bed needs to be fluidized, the coating process is more efficient and gentle.

Abstract: A rapidly dispersible powder having use as a laxative and fiber supplement, comprising psyllium particles coated with gum arabic. The present invention also includes a method for making the powder that includes providing an effective quantity of gum arabic to a fluidized bed having the psyllium particles to make the rapidly dispersible powder. The present invention further includes a method for making a constipation treatment and a treatment for fiber supplementation.

Abstract: A process used to coat particles in an upward flowing fluidized bed dryer includes an insert disposal within the dryer. The insert includes a vertically adjustable cylindrical partition and a vertically adjustable spray nozzle wherein the cylindrical partition has a diameter-to-length ratio greater than 1. The particles are fluidized using a gas and are processed through a coating zone containing the cylindrical partition and become coated with the liquid spray. The particles exit the coating zone and enter the reconditioning zone wherein the liquid is allowed to dry onto the particles. The particles fall into the fluidized bed and are reprocessed through the coating zone by a draft effect created by the atomizing gas in the spray nozzle. The insert provides liquid coating flexibility allowing for the coating of liquid fat onto the particles. Additionally, since less fluidizing gas is required and not all of the particle bed needs to be fluidized, the coating process is more efficient and gentle.

Abstract: The present invention includes an expanded cereal-type product and a method for making such a product wherein the cereal-type product has a high protein content. A starch derived from a tuber is used to aid in expanding the extrudate to form cereal-type pieces. The amount of denatured protein relative to functional protein is adjusted to obtain selected textured characteristics.

Abstract: A wild bird feed includes a sunflower heart of chip coated with a hydrophobic coating that includes a corn gluten meal. Additionally, a lipid such as beef tallow is added to the coating. A preferred coating additionally includes glycerin. The invention also includes a process for producing such a feed.

Abstract: A process is used to increase the rate and quality of dispersion of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) in water. The HPMC is dry blended in a fluidized bed by intermittently spraying the HPMC particles with a liquid spray while the particles are in the fluidized state causing the surfaces of the particles to become tacky and the particles to stick to each other. The particles are permitted to dry between spraying intervals and the spraying and drying is continued until agglomerated particles are formed having a moisture content of less than 25% by weight of the agglomerated particle.

Abstract: A process is used to increase the rate and quality of dispersion of a vegetable gum in water. The vegetable gum is dry blended with a food grade particulate carrier, such as starch, in a fluidized bed. The mixture of the carrier and the vegetable gum is intermittently sprayed sufficiently to wet the surfaces of the carrier and vegetable gum. During the spraying, the particles become tacky and stick to each other to form agglomerated particles. Between the intermittent spraying, the particles are dried by the air fluidizing the bed. The intermittent spraying and drying is continued until agglomerated vegetable gum/carrier particles are formed having a moisture content below approximately 25% by weight.