Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a hydrocolloid, and an enzyme, wherein the enzyme is a cross-linking enzyme and the hydrocolloid and enzyme are present in an amount to provide a dosage of the enzyme in a protein containing foodstuff of no greater than 20 U/g and a concentration of the hydrocolloid in the foodstuff of less than 1%.

Abstract: A sachet for preparation of a beverage. The sachet has a compact roast and ground coffee cake having first and second cake opposed surfaces extending between to a peripheral cake edge. The first opposed surface is substantially convex and configured for ensuring leaktightness in an extraction chamber that is configured for injecting water and extracting the coffee. The peripheral edge has a peripheral surface that is generally normal to the opposed surfaces. An outer sheet of a flexible material is impermeable to oxygen and water vapor and contains and impermeably seals the cake therein.

Abstract: A drinking cup system is disclosed that provides for the brewing of individual or group servings of a beverage utilizing an open, ingredient-supporting frame secured within the disposable drinking cup for holding a food substance such as instant beverage mix or flavoring. The frame is generally sized to support a quantity of the food substance proportioned to fully mix with a selected quantity of water or other mixing base to achieve a fully developed coffee brew or other mixture. For packaging purposes and according to the invention, the frame is adhered to, or alternatively integrally formed with the floor or lower wall portion of the drinking cup. According to another embodiment, the ingredient is loosely packaged or provided in tablet form to be received and secured under a sealing lid.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved dough mixture and processes for the preparation thereof which is improved by possessing a coating of a pre-glaze composition, wherein the composition comprises mainly a complex sugar, such that baking results in a product with a glazed appearance.

Abstract: A candy product is prepared using as a flavor component a flavorant particle which comprises a hydrophilic flavor encapsulated within a water soluble shell. The candy may be a hard candy, chewy candy, a gummy or jelly candy, a paste lozenge, tablet licorice, or a pan coated candy.

Abstract: A produce packaging system incorporates a tray for receiving a plurality of produce carrying baskets. The baskets each include upper ventilation slots and lower ventilation channels. The lower ventilation channels are formed by arching the bottoms of the baskets to form transversely oriented channels in the bottoms of the baskets configured to enable bi-directional cooling airflow to pass underneath the baskets in at least two transverse directions. Bi-directional airflow is also achieved in the upper portion of the baskets through the ventilation slots. The trays are configured such that, when the baskets are loaded into the trays, the upper ventilation slots and the lower cooling channels are aligned with sets of cooling vents in the trays thereby facilitating efficient cooling of produce contained in the baskets.

Abstract: A frozen confection dispensing machine for dispensing a predetermined volume of a frozen confection. In one embodiment, the machine includes a user interface and programmable control circuit to allow an operator to select the volume of extruded frozen confection for a particular product. In another embodiment, the machine includes a readily accessible hollow member to supply the machine with additional mix without interrupting extrusion of the frozen confection. In another embodiment, a plurality of frozen confection dispensing machines are located adjacent a conveyor belt for filling a pastry product with a selected volume of frozen confection.

Abstract: In forming an aqueous microbiocidal solution, the solution is formed bypassing water through a bed of at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in non-powdery particulate form disposed in a feeder tank. Described are the particular 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins used and their compacted forms together with the particular design features of the feeder tank.

Abstract: A method of creating curved sausage links involves extruding an elongated sausage strand having linear protein fibers therein out of an elongated hollow meat emulsion extrusion tube. The flow of meat emulsion through the tube is partially restricted by a restrictor element within the tube which permits a portion of the meat emulsion to pass thereover in a substantially uninterrupted manner, but which requires a separate layer of meat emulsion to have its movement through the tube inhibited by engaging the restrictor element and having to move thereover to exit the tube. When the sausage strand is subjected to heat, the uninterrupted portion is inclined to have more lengthwise shrinkage in the presence of heat than the other layer, thus causing the sausage link to assume a curved configuration. The machine for practicing this method has a stuffing tube with the restrictor element therein as described heretofore.

Abstract: A process and system for extracting a solute from a solid material, such as oil from oil-bearing foodstuffs, utilize a substantially tubular membrane filter to separate a mass of the extracting medium and the foodstuffs into a miscella and foodstuffs of reduced oil content. In a batch or continuous process, after each extracting stage, the mass from the extraction vessel is conveyed to a membrane filter, which has pores along its cylindrical walls suitably sized to allow a miscella to pass as the permeate, while causing the foodstuffs of reduced oil content to be conveyed axially along the tubes and out of its ends as the retentate. In a continuous process, extractor cells, or stages, consisting of an extraction vessel, pump, and membrane filter, are used in sequential stages, preferably using a miscella from the subsequent stage as the extracting medium. In a batch process, miscella storage tanks may be used to store miscella from the final stage for use in the next batch.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a fiber-enriched low-calorie drink, characterized in that it comprises 1.5 to 90 g, by dry weight per liter of drink, or branched maltodextrins having between 15 and 35% of 1→6 glucoside linkages, a reducing sugar content of less than 20%, a polymolecularity index of less than 5 and a number-average molecular mass Mn at most equal to 4 500 g/mol, and in that it is stable to acidic pH and/or to heat. The subject of the invention is also the use of branched maltodextrins having between 15 and 35% of 1→6 glucoside linkages, a reducing sugar content of less than 20%, a polymolecularity index of less than 5 and a number-average molecular mass Mn at most equal to 4 500 g/mol, in order to replace all or part of the sugars in a low-calorie drink.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the sweetening power and enhancing the taste of a mixture of extremely powerful sweetening agents, characterized in that an oligosaccharide is added to the mixture.

Abstract: A baked product is used as food for an athlete and provides the energy content in kilocalories. The baked product results from processing a baking mixture comprising a proportion of less than 20% fats, more than 50% carbohydrates, and more than 15% proteins. The processing requires stirring the baking mixture with a liquid, in particular water, and then baking the baking mixture. A further embodiment of the invention includes the baked product in the form of a baked cake wherein the baking mixture is stirred with water in a weight ratio of approximately 150 g water to 140 g baking mixture to form a paste. The resulting paste is placed into a baking mold, and baked at a temperature of at least 150 degrees Celsius. A still further embodiment includes a kit including the baking mixture in a sealable bin, a measuring device, and a baking mold.

Abstract: The invention provides a native gellan gum-containing composition, and particularly based on the multifunctionality thereof, provides freeze/thaw-resistant gel compositions and dehydrated gels and jellies available therefrom, rice cake-like gels and rice cake substitutes, copy foods, cold retention compositions and cooling agents. The invention further provides the use of the above composition as additives for the expression of unique functions, for example a dispersion stabilizer, an additive for thickened compositions, a heat resistance-imparting agent, a syneresis inhibitor, a foam stabilizer, and a food palatability/body-improving agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-segregating flavored coffee compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to novel flavored coffee compositions that minimize or inhibit the segregation and separation of constituent components, and the corresponding processes for making such compositions. The flavored coffee compositions herein are characterized as having a roast and ground, an instant coffee component, or mixtures thereof. The roast and ground coffee component will have a moisture level in the range of from about 1% to about 15%, a particle density in the range of from about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.45 g/cc, and a mean particle size distribution in the range of from about 400 microns to about 1300 microns. The instant coffee components used herein will have a particle density in the range of from about 0.1 g/cc to about 0.8 g/cc, a mean particle size distribution in the range of from about 250 microns to about 2360 microns, and a moisture level in the range of from about 1% to about 4.5%.

Abstract: Black leaf tea that has the appearance of orthodox processed black tea but has the infusion characteristics of CTC processed black leaf tea. Various methods are given to define orthodox appearance and CTC infusion character.

Abstract: Provided is a beverage having a concentrated or purified tea extract incorporated therein and containing the following ingredients (A) and (B):

Abstract: Grain-rich snacks are produced by forming a pasty mixture comprising grain and a minor proportion of egg white, press-forming the pasty mixture to yield formed snacks, and contacting the formed snacks with superheated steam to set the egg white as binder of the snacks. Press-forming can be conducted by press-molding the pasty mixture in mold cavities or by extrusion to form rods or ribbons that are cut into snack-size pieces. Grains such as grits, oatmeal, pasta and rice in a pasty mixture with egg white may include other foods such as ground meat, chopped nuts, maple syrup, etc.

Abstract: A boneless meat product and method for making such product, including hams and other boneless meat, the meat being spirally sliced around an axis through the meat. The axis is created by the insertion of a temporary support member through the meat. The meat is mounted in meat slicing apparatus which rotates the meat. A slicer blade is introduced into the meat in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation while the meat is rotating. The slicer blade is then indexed linearly along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the meat, thereby effecting a spiral cut in the meat. The meat is removed from the apparatus following slicing operations and the support member removed from the meat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powder material obtained by drying an aqueous emulsion containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of perfumes, coloring agents and functional substances, trehalose and water-soluble hemicellulose. This powder material has excellent shelf stability of the perfume, coloring agent and/or functional substance, and can impart a desired fragrance, flavor, color and/or function stably to various drinks, foods, cosmetics and the like for a long period of time.

Abstract: Hydroxypropyl cellulose is employed to encapsulate flavor or fragrance materials that could be employed in diverse applications such as food products and laundry applications.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing purge gas protection to equipment requiring operator touch access.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products to form arrays of polymers each having a pattern of features on a surface of a flexible elongated web, comprising. In a method polymers or their precursor units are applied at an application station to the surface. Multiple features are covered at a reagent station with a continuous volume of reagent which chemically reacts with precursors or the web. The flexible elongated web is driven in a lengthwise direction through the application station. This sequence may be repeated as needed to form the arrays along the web. Also provided is a method preparing a surface of a flexible elongated web to receive a biopolymer array.

Abstract: A process for applying a coating having a therapeutic agent such as an antibiotic to an implant uses the high surface area of a calcium phosphate coated metal implant as a repository for the therapeutic agent. The implant is coated with one or more layers of calcium phosphate minerals such as hydroxyapatite. After the crystalline layer is applied, which is usually done within an aqueous solution, the implant is dried and packaged. Immediately prior to implantation, the implant is removed from the package and the crystalline layer of calcium phosphate is wetted with an aqueous solution containing the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Substantially spherical magneto-plumbite ferrite (barium or strontium ferrite) particles are formed from well-dispersed ultra-fine substantially spherical iron-based oxide and/or hydroxide particles as precursor particles. The precursor particles are mixed with a colloidal barium or strontium carbonate (BaCO3 or SrCO3), and with small amounts of a byproduct, such as sodium or potassium chloride (NaCl or KCl) or hydroxide (NaOH or KOH) or nitrate (NaNO3 or KNO3), functioning as a flux to lower the calcination temperature. The particles are filtered out of the mixture, dried, and calcined for a time sufficiently long and/or at a temperature sufficiently high to form magneto-plumbite ferrite from the precursor particles, and for a time sufficiently short and/or a temperature sufficiently low to maintain the general spherical shape of the precursor particles.

Abstract: A system for patching a destination surface to match an existing texture pattern. The system comprises texture material, a tube member, and a sponge member. The texture material comprises a base, a carrier, and particulate material. The tube member contains the texture material and defines a container opening through which the texture material may flow. The sponge member defines an applicator surface and a sponge opening. The sponge member is secured relative to the tube member, and the texture material is forced out of the tube member through the container opening and the sponge opening and onto the applicator surface. The applicator surface of the sponge member is brought into contact with the destination surface to transfer texture material on the applicator surface to the destination surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technology of applying a coating of powder materials by spraying and can be used for producing a coating of metals; their mechanical mixtures and dielectrics, adding various functional properties to treated surfaces. The proposed method of applying a powder coating comprised as follows: producing a gas-carrier flow, mixing powder with it, accelerating the gas-powder flow in the nozzle, generating its preset profile, further simultaneously generating the second gas-carrier flow, heating it, generating its preset profile and accelerating it in the nozzle, after that superimposing the accelerated gas-powder flow of the preset profile over the gas-carrier flow of the preset profile, and directing the cumulative jet to an article.

Abstract: A powder spray booth (2) with a powder recovery system having an overspray intake (18) communicating with the interior of the booth. A vertically extending duct (20) leads from the overspray intake to a powder recovery system such as, for example, a cyclone. The vertically extending duct may have doors (32) opening to the interior of the booth to provide access to the vertical duct for cleaning. The doors may have holes (120) to aspirate air from the booth interior to optimize air flow patterns within the booth. A diverter plate (26) within the booth (2) defines with the booth floor (10) a floor duct leading to the overspray intake (18). The diverter plate has apertures for allowing oversprayed powder to be collected through the plate.

Abstract: A new adhesive method using an adhesive composition including cyanoacrylate adhesive and a stabilizing agent to join together portions of a substrate, particularly useful in suturing and similar medical procedures, is disclosed. It is based on the discovery that remarkable improvements are obtained by adding a step of removing stabilizing agent from such adhesive compositions coincidently with the prior known steps of (a) providing an adhesive composition including cyanoacrylate adhesive and a stabilizing agent, (b) presenting a substrate to receive at least a portion of such cyanoacrylate adhesive and (c) applying such portion to the substrate. Devices for use in performing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device of treating an irregularly shaped article to prepare the article for painting is provided. The device includes a burner which can produce an adjustable flame tongue which can fit into crevices, openings and other irregular topographical features of an item to be painted or otherwise coated. The burner device further provides means to apply a grafting chemical on a freshly oxidized surface. Further, the invention provides means to colorize treated objects so that they may be recognized as having been treated. In another embodiment, the grafting chemicals may be enhanced with electrolytic solutions such that electrostatic methods of painting may be subsequently employed on the item. In an alternate embodiment, the burner is adapted to spray a powder inside of a generally enclosed flame, and is used in conjunction with chop guns to manufacture glass or carbon fiber preforms.

Abstract: Disclosed relates to a method for CVD comprises steps of injecting a purge gas, which doesn't either dissolve or generate byproducts by itself, into a reaction chamber where substrates are located; and supplying a source material of vapor phase participating directly in forming a film on the substrates to an inside of the reaction chamber, thus forming a protective curtain in the inside of the reaction chamber by a mutual diffusion-suppressing action between the purge gas and source material.

Abstract: A surfacing method and apparatus produce a smooth surface on the wall of a swimming pool. The smooth surface minimizes both algae growth on the pool wall and skin abrasions caused by the surface. The method and apparatus utilize a cement slurry composition which includes a liquid bonding agent and fibers to increase the strength of the surface so the surface can be polished by a water cooled diamond impregnated surfacing wheel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for creating a combinatorial coating library. These systems and methods include a coating system operatively coupled to at least one of a plurality of materials suitable for forming at least one coating layer on a surface of one or more substrates and a curing system operative to apply at least one of a plurality of curing environments to each of a plurality of regions associated with the at least one coating layer and their use. The combinatorial coating library prepared comprises a predetermined combination of at least one of the plurality of materials and at least one of the plurality of curing environments associated with each of the plurality of regions.

Abstract: A method for making cured Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer (ACE) material, the ACE comprising a mixture of magnetic conductive particles and an elastomer, wherein uncured ACE material is spread on a carrier and then cured with heat under a magnetic field, the method comprising coating the carrier with a layer of material that is solid when the uncured ACE is applied, but melts at the ACE curing temperature, spreading uncured ACE material on the carrier over the coating, and heating the ACE material to a temperature at least sufficient to melt the coating layer, to allow the conductive particles to protrude into the melted carrier layer.

Abstract: A method for mixing an organic chemical substance with a carrier solvent, wherein the carrier solvent comprises at least one fluorinated solvent A selected from the group consisting of (perfluorohexyloxy)methane and tridecafluorohexane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for producing a supported membrane. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing a supported membrane comprising the steps: (i) providing a substrate coated with a monolayer having reactive functional groups; (ii) contacting the reactive groups with a linker compound to form a derivatized monolayer having covalently bonded linker moieties; and (iii) contacting the derivatized monolayer with a membrane solution to produce a supported membrane.

Abstract: The dual cure coating composition requires both radiation and heat energy to cure and comprises a radiation curable component (a1), a thermally curable binder component (a2), and a thermally curable crosslinking component (a3). Radiation curable component (a1) is polymerizable upon exposure to radiation and comprises at least two functional groups (a11) comprising at least one bond activatable with radiation. Thermally curable binder component (a2) is polymerizable upon exposure to heat, and comprises (a21) at least two functional groups which are reactive with functional groups (a31), and a polydispersity of less than 4.0. Thermally curable crosslinking component (a3) comprises functional groups (a31) which are reactive with functional groups (a21). The invention further comprises methods of making coated surfaces that have both optimum porosity sealing and adhesion.

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: Novel features in dip coating apparatus are disclosed which improve the quality of coatings and reduce the cost of the process. These disclosures include modifications to the slide assembly, dip tank design, automatic dip-tank lids, substrate gripping, process control parameters and design of racks to process and store substrates. Also disclosed are sensors and mechanisms to consistently coat the same substrate area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hot-dip plated metal strip comprising the steps of: introducing a metal strip into a molten metal bath of plating metal to adhere the molten metal onto the surface of the metal strip; taking out the metal strip, after turning the running direction of the metal strip, from the molten metal bath without applying external force from outside the surface of the metal strip; adjusting the plating weight of the molten metal adhered onto the metal strip; and controlling the shape of the metal strip using magnetic force in non-contact state directly before or after the step of adjusting the coating weight. The invention prevents adhesion of dross to the metal strip without degrading the productivity, and thus manufactures a high quality hot-dip plated metal strip.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods whereby nanoparticle liquid suspensions are used in conventional thermal spray deposition for the fabrication of high-quality nanostructured coatings. Ultrasound is used for disintegration of the as-synthesized particle agglomerates, nanoparticle dispersion in liquid media, and liquid precursor atomization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a combinatorial coating library including a coating system operatively coupled to at least one of a plurality of materials suitable for forming at least one coating layer on a surface of one or more substrates and a curing system operative to apply at least one of a plurality of curing environments to each of a plurality of regions associated with the at least one coating layer. The curing system including a scanning mirror system having a mirrored surface positionable relative to an incoming radiation beam, wherein the mirrored surface is positionable to direct the incoming radiation beam to a selected one of the plurality of regions associated with the coating layer. The combinatorial coating library comprising a predetermined combination of at least one of the plurality of materials and at least one of the plurality of curing environments associated with each of the plurality of regions.

Abstract: A method, composition and system for coating an external surface of containers and in particular, plastic containers, provides for low permeability to gases and vapors. The coating applied to the external surface of the containers is very thin and is comprised of one or several inorganic substances or layers of substances. For example, the coating can include silica which is bonded to the external surface of the container. This coating will be flexible and can be applied regardless of the container's internal pressure or lack thereof. The coating will firmly adhere to the container and possess an enhanced gas barrier effect after pressurization even when the coating is scratched, fractured, flexed and/or stretched. Moreover, this gas barrier enhancement will be substantially unaffected by filling of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for deposition of coatings on a substrate. More particularly, the invention concerns a system and method for low-temperature deposition of corrosion-proof, wear-resistant ion-plasma coatings.

Abstract: Systems to achieve both more uniform and particle free DLC deposition is disclosed which automatically cycles between modes to effect automatic removal of carbon-based buildups or which provides barriers to achieve proper gas flow involves differing circuitry and design parameter options. One ion source may be used in two different modes whether for DLC deposition or not through automatic control of gas flow types and rates and through the control of the power applied to achieve maximum throughput or other desired processing goals. Arcing can be controlled and even permitted to optimize the overall results achieved.

Abstract: A PVD process and apparatus (120) for depositing a coating (132) from multiple sources (110,111) of different materials. The process and apparatus (120) are particularly intended to deposit a beta-nickel aluminide coating (132) containing zirconium, hafnium, yttrium and/or cerium, whose vapor pressures are sufficiently lower than NiAl to require a different evaporation rate in order to achieve higher deposition rates and better control of the coating chemistry. The PVD process and apparatus (120) entail feeding at least two materials (110,111) into a coating chamber (122) and melting the materials (110,111) at different rates to form separate molten pools (114,115) thereof. Articles (130) to be coated are suspended within the coating chamber (122), and transported with a support apparatus (118) relative to the two molten pools (114,115) so as to deposit a coating (132) with a controlled composition that is a mixture of the first and second materials (110,111).

Abstract: A magnetic paint conveyor system having a conveyor for conveying ferromagnetic items into and through a powder-coating paint booth. A permanent magnet is mounted on one side of a magnetically-conductive conveyor belt for the conveyor. As the magnetically-conductive conveyor belt slides over the permanent magnet, magnetic attractive forces are transferred through the belt. The ferromagnetic items are magnetically connected to the magnetically-conductive conveyor belt over the length of the permanent magnet. A feed conveyor may be provided for supplying ferromagnetic items to the magnetized portion of the magnetically-conductive conveyor belt. The ferromagnetic items fall off the magnetically-conductive conveyor belt onto an exit conveyor when they extend just beyond the end of the permanent magnet. The exit conveyor may lead to, for example, a curing oven. A belt cleaner is provided to clean powder paint particles off the belt for reuse.

Abstract: The compound (1) having 2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,4-phenylene is stable chemically and has excellent miscibility with other liquid crystal compounds, large and negative dielectric anisotropy and proper optical anisotropy. A liquid crystal composition comprising the compound has large specific resistance and a large voltage holding ratio, and that the composition is useful for a liquid crystal display element.

Abstract: An ornament decor is designed for setting on a top of a decorative article having a small upper part and an expanded lower part. The ornament decor mainly includes a frame having a portion smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the decorative article measured at a horizontal position thereof, so that the frame is set on the decorative article without falling off the decorative article. The frame may be provided with decorative shapes or patterned accessories, and has linking members extended therefrom for detachably holding small hanging ornaments, such as tassels, beads, various icons, and so on. A user may change the frame or the hanging ornaments depending on personal preference at any time to create changeful appearances for the decorative article.

Abstract: A protective pad comprised of an outer surface layer, an inner surface layer, and an anti-impact rubber cushion, the most significant features of which include the following. The exterior surface of the anti-impact rubber cushion is contoured by a plurality of flexible bumpers that protrude and are internally hollow. A perforation is formed in the top of each flexible bumper and a plurality of ventilation channels are disposed underneath in a crisscrossed arrangement and, furthermore, the ventilation channels and the holes in the flexible bumpers are interconnected. A shock-buffering foam sponge is built into the inner surface layer to augment its impact absorbing capability. An elastic foam sponge having a plurality of aeration holes formed in it is integrated into the outer surface layer to increase air circulation and the dissipation of bodily heat to optimize wearing comfort and safety.