Abstract: The present disclosure provides flavor altering and/or sweetness enhancing compositions, methods, and food and beverage products using a soluble oligomeric component selected from soluble dietary fiber and polydextrose to alter flavor and/or enhance sweetness.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a free-flowing composition having controllable properties of bulk density, particle morphology, flowability and shakeability suitable, for example, for use on or in a foodstuff or a beverage. The composition includes a blend of: (i) a plurality of substantially discrete composite particles, each composite particle comprising a core of a first edible material provided with a discontinuous surface coating formed from a first plurality of non-uniformly sized particles of a second edible material; and (ii) a second plurality of non-uniformly sized particles of said second edible material. A foodstuff comprising the composition is claimed and so are methods of employing it.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a free-flowing composition having controllable properties of bulk density, particle morphology, flowability and shakeability suitable, for example, for use on or in a foodstuff or a beverage. The composition includes a blend of: (i) a plurality of substantially discrete composite particles, each composite particle comprising a core of a first edible material provided with a discontinuous surface coating formed from a first plurality of non-uniformly sized particles of a second edible material; and (ii) a second plurality of non-uniformly sized particles of said second edible material. A foodstuff comprising the composition is claimed and so are methods of employing it.

Abstract: Multi-stage gas packaging systems and methods are provided that may be implemented in a first bulk packaging stage for bulk shipping of multiple items and then converted to a second single pack stage for single item shipment in an environment that is totally different from the bulk shipment environment.

Abstract: Multi-stage gas packaging systems and methods are provided that may be implemented in a first bulk packaging stage for bulk shipping of multiple items and then converted to a second single pack stage for single item shipment in an environment that is totally different from the bulk shipment environment.

Abstract: An item transporting apparatus includes a transporting container including a container entrance, and a container access channel defined by the transporting container and located adjacent the container entrance. A plurality of items may be transported in the container positioned in a manner which occupies a minimal volume, and the plurality of items may be removed from the transporting container by using a vacuum lifting device which accesses the items through the container access channel.

Abstract: A portable robotic system having a folding carriage is disclosed. The carriage in one embodiment includes two legs and a lateral stabilizer. The folding legs and stabilizer allow the carriage to be maneuvered into a plurality of open and closed positions. In the open positions, the legs and stabilizer are spaced apart to support the robotic system during operation. In the closed positions, the legs and stabilizer and substantially parallel to one another. In one closed position with one leg or stabilizer extended to within reach of a person, the carriage may be rolled like a dolly. In another closed position with one leg or stabilizer collapsed against the carriage, the carriage may be carried like a suitcase. Methods of folding and transporting a robotic system and carriage are also disclosed.

Abstract: Precision dispense pumps comprise a housing that has an internal chamber disposed therein. A pressurizing assembly disposed within the chamber and includes a cylindrical pressurizing member having a head, a thin-walled skirt extending axially away from the head, and a flange is positioned circumferentially around the skirt. The pressurizing assembly includes a support coupled to backside of the pressurizing member. The support has a cylindrical outside surface sized support the skirt when it is translated from a chamber surface during pressurizing assembly axial movement. A shaft projects through an opening in the support and into a partial opening in the pressurizing member. A fluid transport body is attached to the housing and includes a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. An actuator is disposed within an actuator housing attached to the housing and is coupled to the shaft to cause axial movement of the pressurizing assembly within the housing chamber.

Abstract: A reinforced packaging system is provided that includes a slit and an insert at a location in the foam frame that is susceptible to puncture. The presence of the slit and insert provides localized support against puncture by the shipped unit or an external component of the shipped unit. The insert may be composed of a paper, plastic, or other suitable product that is able to absorb the force from the shipped unit and transfer this force across the insert and the adjacent foam.

Abstract: Cup holder for a cup, the holder having at least one recess on a side. The recess is partially surrounded by a projecting track which has a guiding head. A cup with a ring can be pushed substantially horizontally to the side and the ring is guided by the guiding bead until the cup reaches a point where it is free to drop into the corresponding recess. The cup holder can be used in a vehicle to minimize spillage.