Abstract: The present invention relates to an immune activator composition containing either &bgr;-glucan or a component derived from a mushroom (e.g., a shiitake mushroom). The invention further provides a method of treating a subject in need thereof by administering the immune activator composition thereto. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of activating immunity or a method of regulating immunity by administering superfine particles of the immune activator composition to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: An oil-in-water type emulsified food is prepared by mixing an aqueous phase material containing at least egg and vinegar, then emulsifying the mixed aqueous phase material with an oily phase material comprising more than 20% by weight of a fat/oil having a melting point lower than 0° C. The resulting oil-in-water type emulsified food has more stable physical properties, and has a percentage change in elastic modulus which is at most 10%. The relationship between the mixing time and temperature may also be determined based on the following: a) when the mixing temperature, T, is 30 to 55° C., the mixing time in minutes, t, is calculated by the formula t =106×eaT, and the coefficient a is from −0.2 to −0.3; and b) when the mixing temperature is 0 to 15° C., the mixing time is from 1 day to 1 week.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a container cleaning, draining and drying apparatus comprising: a transfer mechanism for transferring a container filled with a content; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning an outer surface of the container during the transfer; a draining mechanism for draining the cleaning liquid; and a drying mechanism for drying the outer surface of the container which performs cleaning with good efficiency to completely remove the content or filler stuck onto the outer surface, folded parts or the like of the container in a short time during the container transfer, and momentarily draining and drying the remaining cleaning liquid used.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a container cleaning, draining and drying apparatus comprising: a transfer mechanism for transferring a container filled with a content; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning an outer surface of the container during the transfer; a draining mechanism for draining the cleaning liquid; and a drying mechanism for drying the outer surface of the container which performs cleaning with good efficiency to completely remove the content or filler stuck onto the outer surface, folded parts or the like of the container in a short time during the container transfer, and momentarily draining and drying the remaining cleaning liquid used.