Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing an aerated polymeric composition or aerated polymeric pet chew and the resultant product. The aerated pet chew includes a dry blend, a leavening agent, and a plasticizing slurry. The dry blend includes an amount of protein polymer.

Abstract: Grain protein formulations that cleanly release from molding surfaces, reduce mold cycling time and improve product appearance, texture and digestibility are disclosed. Properties of the grain protein formulations are enhanced by the addition of compounds such as calcium salts, magnesium salts, Ba(OH)2, BaO, Na2CO3, NaOH, KOH, food grade phosphates and mixtures thereof. Articles of manufacture formed from the formulations may, for example, be pet chew treats, edible products and biodegradable articles.

Abstract: Pet chew articles comprising a consumable body having a shape defined by an exterior surface and comprising a main portion and at least one protrusion extending therefrom with the proviso that the shape of the body is such that no point in the interior of the body is more than about 0.2 inch (? inch) from the portion of the exterior surface nearest to the point. As a result, any pieces of the article that are ingested by a consuming animal are small enough that they will not become lodged within the animal's digestive tract. Also a method for improving the dental health of animals comprising chewing or eating by an animal of such an article.

Abstract: Starch-polyester blends are disclosed herein. The composite formulations have improved thermotolerance and workability, relative to polyesters used alone, so that they may be molded into disposable items for heat related applications. For example, composite products may include cutlery, cups, plates, bowls, packaging and the like.

Abstract: Composite materials containing mill feeds and a synthetic resin, such as polyethylene and/or polypropylene, may be used to make wood replacement products for use as construction materials.

Abstract: Injection molded starch-based chew products are provided which are tough, non-brittle, non-slimy, quick to hydrate, low calorie and high in total dietary fiber. The starch-based chew products are formulated from a combination of resistant starch and pregelatinized starch or pre-cooked flour along with plasticizer, water, lubricants and other optional ingredients.

Abstract: An extrusion-based injection molding system is designed for use in food processing applications. Interior surfaces, such as the barrel exit line and/or fill line, of the system may be coated with a friction-reducing agent.

Abstract: Composite materials containing non-plasticized, non-gelatinized starch, a compatibilizer and a synthetic resin, such as polyethylene and/or polypropylene, may be used to make wood replacement products for use as construction materials.

Abstract: A pet treat with a rough surface texture and appearance is produced from a matrix binder and at least one granular filler having a particle size between 0.1 mm to 6 mm. The matrix binder may be selected from gelatinized starches, gelatinized flours, wheat gluten, soy protein, casein, caseinates, gelatin, hydrocolloids, gums and mixtures thereof. The granular filler may be selected from mill feeds, whole grains, distillers dried grains, pork grind, bird seed and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerated polymeric composition. The composition includes a protein polymer and an agent or method for causing porosity in the finished aerated polymeric composition, such as a leavening agent. Additionally, the present invention relates to methods for forming the aerated polymeric composition, in particular, methods for forming aerated pet treats or chews.

Abstract: Process equipment for the separation of gluten from wheat starch including gluten process equipment configured to process gluten after the gluten is initially separated from A starch, the gluten processing equipment having a dewatering press configured to dewater gluten and modified gluten process equipment including at least one component selected from the group consisting of a high pressure water wash system located upstream of the dewatering press, a kneader located upstream of the dewatering press, a homogenizer located upstream of the dewatering press, a dispersion tank configured to precipitate fines downstream of the dewatering press, a solids-ejecting centrifuge downstream, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming solid gluten-based pet chew is provided wherein a gluten mixture is heated to a maximum temperature of up to about 80° C. to create a substantially homogeneous and flowable mixture under extrusion processing conditions. The formulation includes from about 40-90% by weight of grain protein, from about 10-40% by weight plasticizer, and at least about 0.01 by weight of a reducing agent such as sodium bisulfite for cleaving disulfide bonds present in the grain protein. Dental health agents including an acidulent and a chelator are added to promote good dental health. Optional ingredients such as fillers, fiber, lubricant/mold release agents and colorants can also be used. The formulations can be processed in extrusion or injection molding equipment.

Abstract: Shelf stabilizing agents including hydrolyzed protein, hydrolyzed protein derivatives, and hydrolyzed protein-emulsifier complexes improve the shelf life of a pelletized grain protein-based resin formulation. The pellets may be prepared well in advance of further processing, such as by injection molding and extrusion, which provides shaped articles of the edible or biodegradable variety.

Abstract: Starch-based extruded bodies are provided which are suitable as long-lasting dog chews, with a typical chew time lasting 10-25 minutes for the dogs. The products contain quantities of starch, plasticizer, and water as essential ingredients and less than about 3% by weight combined fat, lecithin and its derivatives, fatty acids and derivatives. The pet chew has tough yet ductile properties. Preferably the starch comprises gelatinized starch which is capable of physical crosslinking or retrogradation. Preferably, a twin screw extrusion system including a pre-conditioner is used for production of the chews. Extrusion conditions are established so as to ensure adequate moisture content for retrograding the gelatinized starch after processing.

Abstract: Starch-based extruded products are provided which are suitable as long-lasting dog chews. The products comprise quantities of starch, plasticizer, water and less than about 3% by weight fat. Preferably the starch comprises gelatinized starch which is capable of physical crosslinking or retrogradation. Preferably, a twin screw extrusion system including a preconditioner is used for production of the chews. Extrusion conditions are established so as to ensure adequate moisture content for retrograding of the gelatinized starch after processing.

Abstract: Improved compositions for coating paper stock, methods of forming such compositions, and methods of coating paper stock with those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise an aqueous dispersion including therein from about 20-45% by weight filler (e.g., a starch such as wheat starch) and from about 6-18% by weight wheat gluten. Preferably, the gluten is initially modified with a reducing agent so that the average molecular weight of the gluten is less than about 1,000 kDa. The compositions have a viscosity of up to about 2000 cP and a solids content of from about 25-57% by weight, thus making them suitable for high speed coating of paper stock. The finished, coated stock may be conventionally printed to achieve high gloss end products. The compositions are preferably water soluble, thereby greatly facilitating repulping of the coated stock.

Abstract: Improved compositions for coating paper stock, methods of forming such compositions, and methods of coating paper stock with those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise an aqueous dispersion including therein from about 20-45% by weight filler (e.g., a starch such as wheat starch) and from about 6-18% by weight wheat gluten. Preferably, the gluten is initially modified with a reducing agent so that the average molecular weight of the gluten is less than about 1,000 kDa. The compositions have a viscosity of up to about 2000 cP and a solids content of from about 25-57% by weight, thus making them suitable for high speed coating of paper stock. The finished, coated stock may be conventionally printed to achieve high gloss end products. The compositions are preferably water soluble, thereby greatly facilitating repulping of the coated stock.

Abstract: Improved compositions for coating paper stock, methods of forming such compositions, and methods of coating paper stock with those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise an aqueous dispersion including therein from about 20-45% by weight filler (e.g., a starch such as wheat starch) and from about 6-18% by weight wheat gluten. Preferably, the gluten is initially modified with a reducing agent so that the average molecular weight of the gluten is less than about 1,000 kDa. The compositions have a viscosity of up to about 2000 cP and a solids content of from about 25-57% by weight, thus making them suitable for high speed coating of paper stock. The finished, coated stock may be conventionally printed to achieve high gloss end products. The compositions are preferably water soluble, thereby greatly facilitating repulping of the coated stock.

Abstract: Improved compositions for coating paper stock, methods of forming such compositions, and methods of coating paper stock with those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise an aqueous dispersion including therein from about 20-45% by weight filler (e.g., a starch such as wheat starch) and from about 6-18% by weight wheat gluten. Preferably, the gluten is initially modified with a reducing agent so that the average molecular weight of the gluten is less than about 1,000 kDa. The compositions have a viscosity of up to about 2000 cP and a solids content of from about 25-57% by weight, thus making them suitable for high speed coating of paper stock. The finished, coated stock may be conventionally printed to achieve high gloss end products. The compositions are preferably water soluble, thereby greatly facilitating repulping of the coated stock.