Abstract: An ingredient suitable for use in the manufacture of specialty margarines and bakery shortenings with nutritional and functional benefits is the reaction product of a phytosterol material esterified with a saturated fatty acid material. The reaction product is substantially solid at ambient temperature, and thus is suitable for use as an ingredient in solid shortening products, yet without the adverse health effects believed to be associated with saturated fatty acids. In the method of making the product, the esterification reaction is carried out at elevated temperatures, under vacuum, and for a relatively longer duration than prior art procedures. The esterification reaction may be carried out in the presence of a catalyst and optionally, high oleic canola oil. The reaction product is neutralized, then filtered at least once and preferably twice to remove any residual catalyst.

Abstract: Medium chain triglyceride oils are interesterified with long chain domestic oils in order to form interesterified structured lipids. These structured lipids find special application in combination with phytosterols to provide compositions and methods for enhancing health and nutrition characteristics. The compositions have a structured lipid content of at least about 80 weight percent and a phytosterol ester content of up to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the health and nutrition promoting composition. The composition significantly reduces total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol without significantly reducing HDL cholesterol, while also reducing adipose tissue of an individual to whom the composition is administered.

Abstract: Deep frying oils combined with phytosterols are instrumental in deep-fried food products and methods for enhancing health characteristics. The deep frying compositions have a phytosterol ester content of up to about 50 weight percent, and at least about 50 weight percent of the phytosterols are transferred into the food product.

Abstract: A composition comprising about 10-65 weight % of a protein particulate material, about 35-90 weight % of a lipid-containing material, and no more than small amounts of an emulsifier, can be used as a coating composition for a food product, or as an ingredient in a coating composition for a food product. When used as a coating for a snack food item such as a protein-containing energy bar, the coating can add to the nutritive value of the bar, and maintain the moisture content of the bar. A method for making the composition includes the steps of adding finely ground particulate protein matter to a fat composition with heat and high shear, then cooling the composition.

Abstract: Edible oil blends are provided which have a desired fatty acid profile, such as a desired oleic acid content, a desired polyunsaturated fatty acid content, a desired linoleic acid content, or a desired linolenic acid content. Edible oil blends which are virtually trans free are also provided. Methods are provided for preparing edible oil blends, including methods that normalize the fatty acid profile of the edible oils. Methods are also provided for using the edible oil blends for preparing foods. The edible oil blends typically comprise a first edible oil and a second edible oil, where the first edible oil is a high oleic canola oil, and the second, third, or additional edible oil is selected from canola oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, MCT oil, and trioleic oil.

Abstract: An oil-continuous edible spread has a reduced-fat characteristic, being composed of an oil phase and a flavored syrup phase, each making up a primary portion of the oil-continuous edible product. The oil-continuous edible product is a reduced-fat flavored spread. This spread finds application as an ambient-temperature eating spread for applying onto baked products. This spread also finds application as a roll-in or laminating fat for baking layered pastries. The spread can be used to make baked products which are reduced in fat by about 20 weight percent or more.

Abstract: Medium chain triglyceride oils are interesterified with long chain domestic oils in order to form interesterified structured lipids. These structured lipids find special application in combination with phytosterols to provide compositions and methods for enhancing health and nutrition characteristics. The compositions preferably have a structured lipid content of between about 92 and about 96 weight percent and a phytosterol ester content of between about 4 and about 8 weight percent, based on the total weight of the health and nutrition promoting composition.

Abstract: The invention concerns a modular dynamic filtering device with rotary discs comprising membranes (41, 42, 51, 52) arranged on either side of fixed support plates (4, 5). The modular construction enables the filtering device to be universal and adaptable by the user to be used for different types of filtration from microfiltration to nanofiltration, and even reverse osmosis.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a wiper blade attachment adapter are disclosed, each directed to different market areas. Both embodiments incorporate a partially hollow main body defined by side walls with opposed first and second ends, and joined to and spaced apart by a web extending from the end of the adapter to central pin receiving apertures in the side walls. A bar extends between the side walls at the second end, otherwise the space between the side walls is open between the bar at the second end and the web. The region of the web adjacent the pin apertures includes an extension of those apertures, forming a through open passage of generally keyhole configuration, open at its bottom, which can embrace a central retaining pin on the receptacle structure of the wiper's primary lever. A latch member is integrally attached to the first end of the adapter body by a flexible hinge member (e.g. a "living hinge") such that the latch member is a permanent movable part of the adapter.

Abstract: Operating stations of an automatic analysis apparatus are arranged along a path in which a specimen to be analyzed is moved in a container on a carrier. The specimen is transferred from the carrier to a container supporting platform of each station where it is to be processed, thereby permitting another specimen to by-pass the same station. Different sequences of operations may be performed simultaneously on several specimens without interfering with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic spray gun for the deposition of powdered coating material characterized by an improved deposition efficiency and provided with a multi-stage, trigger operated control that permits spraying at a plurality of conditions that may be preselected by the operator. An axially disposed needle charging electrode is used and an axial air flow passage surrounds the same to reduce any troublesome accumulation of powder on the needle under all spraying conditions.