Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for removing the pellicle from nut kernels and a blanching composition for use in the treatment of nuts.More particularly, the process of the invention comprises the steps of:(a) immersing nut kernels in a composition comprising a mixture of a vegetable oil and a wetting agent in a solution of water and, optionally, a sugar, at ambient temperature to soften and loosen the pellicle;(b) removing the nut kernels from the composition and draining the nut kernels;(c) exposing the nut kernels to ambient temperature water to remove the pellicle; and(d) separating the nut kernels from the pellicle.

Abstract: An improved coating for sticky fruits and a process for preparing such coated fruits are disclosed.More particularly, the coating of the invention comprises a vegetable wax, a vegetable oil, a wetting agent and a protein.The process of the invention comprises the steps of:(a) coating the fruit with a composition comprising a wetting agent and a suspension of a vegetable wax in a vegetable oil,(b) adding to the fruit a composition comprising a protein,(c) removing excess mixture from the fruit, and(d) drying the fruit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for a continuous compressing operation involving receiving pliable articles, compressing them along a single axis, and releasing them once compressed. The apparatus and method each involve the use of a pair of disks arranged in a V-shaped configuration, with their opposing surfaces contoured to form opposing recesses which, together with a flexible barrier spanning the space between the disks, define a pocket opening toward the rims of the disks for receiving the article and retaining it during compression. The disks are rotated while maintaining the V shape, thereby causing the pocket and hence the retained article to become compressed. Once the narrowest point of the V is passed, the compressed article is released by gravitational force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for a continuous compressing operation involving receiving pliable articles, compressing them along a single axis, and releasing them once compresssed. The apparatus and method each involve the use of a pair of disks arranged in a V-shaped configuration, with their opposing surfaces contoured to form opposing recesses which, together with a flexible barrier spanning the space between the disks, define a pocket opening toward the rims of the disks for receiving the article and retaining it during compression. The disks are rotated while maintaining the V shape, thereby causing the pocket and hence the retained article to become compressed. Once the narrowest point of the V is passed, the compressed article is released by gravitational force.

Abstract: A process for the removal of pellicle from nut kernels is disclosed which simultaneously roasts the nuts. The process involves immersing the pellicle-covered kernels in a heated fluid at a moderate temperature for a sufficient period of time to permit the oil to penetrate the pellicle and to draw at least a portion of the moisture in the kernel to the kernel surface. The kernels are then heated at a higher termperature to vaporize the moisture previously drawn up to the surface and simultaneously detach the pellicle from the kernels and roast the kernels. The process is of particular utility in removing pellicle from nuts such as American hazelnuts and Brazil nuts in which the pellicle is strongly bound to the kernels and not readily removed by simple abrasion.

Abstract: A process for the production of fruit pastes or purees from drupaceous fruits other than plums is disclosed, which comprises dehydrating the fruits with skins and stones intact, then compressing the whole dried fruits against a perforated barrier to force therethrough the flesh of the fruit substantially free of solids. This avoids the need to halve the fruits and remove the stones prior to drying, and thereby lowers the expense of processing such fruits considerably. It also provides a method of achieving a palatable product fit for human consumption from materials heretofore considered useless.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for separating low and high density particles from a mixture thereof. A foam is continuously generated and carried on the outer surface of a horizontal drum. The mixture of particles is deposited on top of the foam surface near the apex of the drum so that the dense particles fall through the foam while the less dense particles are supported on the upper surface of the foam. A first blade is provided to shear the upper surface of the foam and remove the less dense particles. A second blade engages the surface of the drum downstream from the first blade to remove the relatively dense particles. The system finds particular use in separating raisins (dense particles) from waste materials associated with raisins (less dense particles).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the liquid separation of materials, and particularly for the separation of edible portions of a material from unedible portions, by utilizing the specific gravity differential between such materials. The materials are thrust into a receptacle which contains a solution of a predetermined density, and are separated into their constituents by subjecting same to an issuing stream of solution produced by jet manifolds. This issuing stream operates with the solution to cause separation of the lighter constituents which float to the upper portion of the receptacle from the heavier constituents which tend to sink in the solution. At least two conveyor belts are provided each being within the solution; the first of which is disposed within the receptacle to receive the lighter constituents and a second disposed below the first to receive the heavier constituents. Both conveyors discharge the respective constituent materials.