Abstract: Effective utilization of vegetable called Ipomoea aquatica that although exhibiting high nutritional value and excellent antioxidant capability and ensuring huge supply capacity, is poor in distribution preservability and is notable in discoloration and quality degeneration attributed to processing, thereby disenabling merchandization of relevant processed food. There is provided a method of cultivating Ipomoea aquatica, characterized in that Ipomoea aquatica having been broadly classified as per flower color and leaf width is minutely classified as per whole leaf shape, leaf configuration appearing within a radius of equal to or less than 5.0 cm from leaf base and configurational difference among leaves from the same stem, and that an appropriate one is selected from among the resultant classes and cultivated. By virtue of this method, the distribution enduring period in fresh condition can be prolonged, and the discoloration by heating can be suppressed.

Abstract: A method of making a haze-free nonalcoholic malt beverage is disclosed. The method includes forming a malt solution containing a coagulant and water, adjusting the pH of the malt solution so that the pH of the malt solution is less than about 4.0 and coagulating the protein from the malt extract in the malt solution. The coagulated protein from the malt solution is removed to form a refreshing haze-free malt beverage. A method of making a shelf-stable beverage is also disclosed. The method includes carbonating a solution with more than about 1.5 volumes of carbon dioxide per volume of finished beverage; adding an acidulant to the solution so that the finished beverage has a pH of from about 2.5 to about 4.0; and adding to the solution a chemical preservative. Also, a haze-free and shelf-stable nonalcoholic malt beverage is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating a sugar-containing (e.g., sucrose, fructose, glucose) beverage (e,g., fruit juice, vegetable juice) includes passing a stream of a beverage into contact with a packed bed capable of selectively removing sugar from the beverage and separating a sugar-diminished beverage from the packed bed. A high intensity natural and/or artificial sweetener can be added to the sugar-diminished beverage to produce a beverage product having similar flavor and nutritional content as the original beverage, but containing a lower amount of calories. The sugar-reduced beverage also can be used as a flavoring for the beverage and food industry; or as an ingredient component for reduced and full calorie foods (e.g., jellies, candies, etc.). The sugar-reduced beverage can be concentrated to a higher level using less energy as compared to standard juices. The resulting concentrate also realizes significant frozen storage and shipping costs compared to standard juice concentrates.

Abstract: The methodology shown in this invention is suitable for the preparation of meat substitute food products of animal origin (e.g., beef, pork, poultry, deer, or fish), with nutritional characteristics, texture, flavor, and odor very similar to the meat subject matter of the substitution, containing at least one of the following meats: beef, pork, poultry, or fish, or a combination thereof, and added with vegetable protein.

Abstract: A beverage sterilization method and a beverage sterilization apparatus for carrying out the method are provided, wherein a container hermetically sealed and filled with a beverage which generates a gas from itself when heated to a temperature required for sterilization is arranged in a pressurized chamber (20), the pressure of the pressurized chamber is increased in such a manner that the pressure difference (M2?M1) between the container pressure (M2) and the pressure (M1) of the pressurized chamber remains in a predetermined range while at the same time increasing the container temperature (L1) by increasing the internal temperature (L1) of the pressurized chamber to a predetermined level, the container in the pressurized chamber is held at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined length of time thereby to sterilize the beverage, and the pressure of the pressurized chamber is decreased so that the difference between the container pressure and the pressure of the pressurized chamber remains within a pr

Abstract: A method of making a masa-based dough for use in a single mold form fryer. The invention is an improved process of making a buoyant, low density, low moisture content dough that is easily sheetable and results in a fried tortilla chip-like product with a similar texture of traditional tortilla chips. Starch is added to corn masa dough to help control moisture release during frying. The high shear mixing of the dough entrains air through nuclei formation making the dough more buoyant, and results in a smaller particle size of the dough increasing the uniformity of moisture distribution. The uniformity of moisture distribution provides more uniform buoyancy of the masa-based dough as it travels through a single mold form fryer.

Abstract: An avocado de-skinning apparatus having two generally vertically disposed rotating drums. The rotating drums rotate inward to pinch the skin of an avocado and force the off and through a gap defined between the rotating drums. A driver in the gap and in the upper section of the rotating drums aids in forcing the skin from the avocado and into the gap and through the rear side of the rotating drums. A skin scraper removes any skin adhering to the drums and a pulp scraper retrieves any pulp adhering to the drums for further processing.

Abstract: A cooking rod has a piercing rod and an end, that together are configured to conduct heat into a central area of a piece of meat. The piercing rod may be formed from aluminum or other highly conductive material and has a sharpened end to enable it to pierce the meat during the insertion process. The end has a body that connects to the piercing rod and a fan connected to the body and configured to extend to capture heat from the environment to be conveyed into the interior of the piece of meat. The fan may optionally include grooves to increase the thermal exchange area, which grooves may also be arranged in a decorative pattern. Optionally, the fan may extend through a layer of foil covering the piece of meat to enable the fan to come into contact with the hot air in the oven to further accelerate cooking of the meat.

Abstract: An oven rack grilling apparatus combining an oven rack with a grilling basket, wherein the grilling basket is disposed within an aperture of a standard-sized oven rack. The rear portion of the oven rack is suitable for grilling larger portions of food, while the grilling basket may contain smaller food portions within the basket with its lid closed, or accommodate larger food portions with the lid open. The grilling basket is made of metal mesh to permit uniform exposure to radiant heat within the oven. In another configuration, a rotisserie may be placed within the aperture of the oven rack, with or without the grilling basket present. The rotisserie permits rotation of food disposed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for solubilizing an oil-soluble pigment efficiently in an oil or fat by extraction of a solid preparation containing the oil-soluble pigment, where the extraction takes place in the presence of water, an edible oil or fat and a nonionic surfactant. It also relates to the composition prepared by the extraction, and the use of this composition in animal feed to produce feed pellets. The combination of water and nonionic surfactant increases the amount of pigment that is extracted and solubilized.

Abstract: A polyphenoic antioxidant-enhanced comestible composition and method for making it are disclosed. The antioxidant-enhanced comestible preferably includes an astringent amount of exogenous polyphenolic antioxidant dissolved or dispersed in a precursor edible product. The composition also includes an effective concentration of at least one astringency compensating or masking agent sufficient to offset the astringency contributed by the exogenous polyphenolic antioxidant compounds, and can also include an effective amount of at least one protective agent that protects polyphenolic antioxidants from premature oxidation.

Abstract: There is provided an anti-degradation agent capable of exhibiting an excellent deterioration-inhibiting property for foods, cosmetics, etc., showing a good effect even when added in a small amount, having a high heat resistance, and being free from adverse influence due to light. There are provided (1) an anti-degradation agent comprising a water-insoluble antioxidant, a water-soluble antioxidant and an emulsifying agent; and (2) an anti-degradation agent comprising a water-soluble antioxidant, and carnosol and/or carnosic acid wherein a total content of the carnosol and the carnosic acid is not less than 4% by weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food, foodstuff or edible composition comprising isomaltulose and acesulfame K or a blend of acesulfame K with one or more other High Intensity Sweetener (HIS). The invention further relates to a process for replacing a carbohydrate sweetener under retention of the sweetness and taste profile of the carbohydrate sweetener, which process comprises replacing the carbohydrate sweetener by a mixture comprising isomaltulose and acesulfame K or a blend of acesulfame K with one or more other High Intensity Sweetener (HIS). The invention also relates to a new mixture which comprises isomaltulose and a blend of acesulfame K with one or more other HIS selected from the group consisting of alitame, cyclamate, dihydrochalcone, io han go, neohesperidin, neotame, saccharin, steviosid, sucralose and thaumatin.

Abstract: A ready-to-eat frozen cookie dough which is prepared from flour, butter, sugar and contains no egg, baking soda or baking powder.

Abstract: Emulsion compositions and related methods as can be used to improve food products and/or reduce the fat content thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for isolating milk proteins from milk or from whey; its subject is also a milk protein fraction obtained by this process and its use for the preparation of pharmaceutical or food compositions

Abstract: A process for producing a tea extract containing non-polymer catechins, which includes immersing unfermented tea leaves in ethanol or an ethanol-water solution having an ethanol concentration of from 85 to 99.5 vol % to obtain unfermented tea leaves having a percentage catechin residue of at least 80 wt % based on a catechin content of the unfermented tea leaves before the immersion in the ethanol or ethanol-water solution, and then extracting the unfermented tea leaves with warm water or hot water. The highly-efficient extraction of non-polymer catechins makes it possible to obtain a tea extract, which has an improved taste and does not produce sediment when added to beverages.

Abstract: A technique and process for preparation of a texturized microwave popcorn product is disclosed. A solid concentrated texturizing composition in a compact form is utilized in a microwavable popcorn bag. The solid concentrated texturizing blend is melted during cooking and dispersed over the popped popcorn as part of the popping process, resulting in a texturized popped microwave popcorn product.

Abstract: Specifically, a dry corn fractionation system which operates to produce an endosperm fraction which can be concurrently of greater purity at greater yield than obtainable from corn milling or dry corn milling processes.

Abstract: An animal feed is provided that employs a substantially indigestible cation exchanger capable of binding ammonium cations and an acidogenic substance to acidify an animal's manure and thereby create ammonium cations that can be bound by the cation exchanger. The animal feed reduces ammonia emissions from manure produced by animals fed the animal feed compared to the emissions obtained from manure when an acidogenic substance is fed alone and compared to the emissions obtained from manure when a cation exchange capacity material is fed alone. Other aspects provide a method of lowering ammonia emissions from manure is provided. One embodiment provides a method for reducing soluble phosphorus levels in manure and a method for reducing total phosphorus levels in manure. In a further aspects present a method that yields manure that may be used alone or in concert with other materials to act as a fertilizer having advantageous ecological properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a genetically transformed plant which has an altered content of at least one product of a secondary metabolic pathway. The method consists of introducing into a plant cell capable of being transformed and regenerated to a whole plant a DNA expression cassette. The expression cassette includes DNA sequences required for transformation and selection in plant cells. It also includes a DNA sequence that, under the control of a promoter active in plant cells, encodes a protein capable of modifying the utilization of a substrate in the secondary metabolic pathway. The substrate is not a primary metabolite of the group selected from glucose, amino acids, common fatty acids and nucleotides. A plant or plant tissues including seeds can then be recovered having an altered content of at least one product of the secondary metabolic pathway. The invention also provides for feed products derived from the plants and seeds obtained according to the method.

Abstract: Water-soluble natural integral sea salt tablets preparable as unit doses simple and easy to use, and a method for producing the tablets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spray dried compositions of one or more active ingredients dispersed in a carrier of gum Arabic in admixture with a non-ionic surfactant. The compositions are particularly useful for the encapsulation of menthol and can be used to prepare chewing gums and compressed tablets.

Abstract: Processes for the production of Hoodia plant extracts with a high content of steroidal glycosides and for minimizing heavy metal and/or polyaromatic hydrocarbon content in Hoodia extracts.

Abstract: Methods of sterilizing medical devices, including implantable medical devices like stents, chemically and with radiation are disclosed. Methods of preparing a sterile, packaged medical device, including a sterile, packaged implantable medical device or stent are disclosed.

Abstract: In a method and a device for finishing an endless fabric, the endless fabric is transported past a rotating applicator roll that is wetted with a liquor, in order to apply the liquor onto the endless fabric. On the endless fabric that has been transported onwards, after drying, the thread add-on, or its change, is measured and evaluated on an ongoing basis by a sensor, in order to regulate the rotational speed of the application roll as a function of the measuring result. A device is suitable for implementing the method.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a radiation image storage phosphor layer on a support layer, wherein said method comprises a vapor depositing step of raw materials of an alkali metal halide salt and a lanthanide dopant salt or a combination thereof in order to ensure vapor deposition of a binderless storage phosphor layer from one or more resistance-heated crucible(s) in a vapor deposition apparatus, wherein one or more shutters are positioned between said crucible(s) and said support, at the time said vapor depositing step starts while opening said shutter(s), a start temperature is measured on and registered by means of a thermocouple positioned close to the support at the back side of the support, opposite to the side of the support where vapor becomes deposited in order to form said binderless storage phosphor layer, of less than 250° C., but not less than 100° C., when an additional heating is applied.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to aperture mask deposition techniques using aperture mask patterns formed in one or more elongated webs of flexible film. The techniques involve sequentially depositing material through mask patterns formed in the film to define layers, or portions of layers, of the circuit. A deposition substrate can also be formed from an elongated web, and the deposition substrate web can be fed through a series of deposition stations. Each deposition station may have an elongated web formed with aperture mask patterns. The elongated web of mask patterns feeds in a direction perpendicular to the deposition substrate web. In this manner, the circuit creation process can be performed in-line. Moreover, the process can be automated to reduce human error and increase throughput.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a low dielectric constant film by reaction of an organo silane compound and an oxidizing gas. The oxidized organo silane film has excellent barrier properties for use as a liner or cap layer adjacent other dielectric layers. The oxidized organo silane film can also be used as an etch stop or an intermetal dielectric layer for fabricating dual damascene structures. The oxidized organo silane films also provide excellent adhesion between different dielectric layers. A preferred oxidized organo silane film is produced by reaction of methyl silane, CH3SiH3, and N2O.

Abstract: Creating an artistic work of art on a lawn includes: unfolding and stretching taut a stencil; driving stakes into the lawn, each stake extending through a corner of the stencil; spraying paint over openings in the stencil; removing the stencil while leaving stakes in place; unfolding and stretching taut a second stencil; anchoring the second stencil by extending corners of the second stencil over stakes driven in the ground; spraying paint over openings in the second stencil. An indication of orientation located on the second stencil is oriented in the same position as that of an indication of orientation of the first stencil. Each stencil includes a planar sheet of flexible film and a gate that extends across an opening of the respective stencil and maintains structural integrity of the stencil and distributes tension in the stencil when the stencil is stretched taut.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved method for forming a metal pattern with low contact resistance. The metal pattern may be applied to various flat panel display devices with high resolution. Further disclosed is a flat panel display using a metal pattern formed by the method.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a radiation image storage phosphor layer on a support layer, wherein said method comprises a vapor depositing step of raw materials of an alkali metal halide salt and a lanthanide dopant salt or a combination thereof in order to ensure vapor deposition of a binderless storage phosphor layer from one or more resistance-heated crucible(s) in a vapor deposition apparatus, wherein one or more shutter(s) are positioned between said crucible(s) and said support, at the time said vapor depositing step starts while opening said shutter(s), a start temperature is measured on and registered by means of a thermocouple, positioned close to the support at the side of said support where vapor becomes deposited in order to form said binderless storage phosphor layer, of less than 300° C., but not less than 100° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for modifying the surface of nanoparticles, comprising providing nanoparticles, activating the surface of said nanoparticles by treatment with energetic species, and treating said nanoparticles with at least one gaseous phosphorus-containing compound having at least one functional group selected from a phosphoric acid group, a phosphonic acid group, a phosphinic acid group, a phosphinous acid group, salts thereof and derivatives thereof, a phosphine group and derivatives thereof, a phosphine oxide group and derivatives thereof, a phosphite group and a phosphonium group, resulting in chemical grafting of said phosphorus-containing compound on the surface of the nanoparticles. The invention also relates to a method of preparation of a stabilized dispersion of nanoparticles using the above prepared nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for producing graphic signs on a covering material includes providing a substrate and depositing on the substrate a particulate material that is able to define the graphic sign. In a preferred way, the particulate material is deposited on the substrate in a substantially uniform way, and is then impressed selectively in the substrate so that where it is subjected to impression the particulate material is fixed to the substrate. The particulate material is removed from the areas where it is not fixed to the substrate. The particulate material is then anchored to the substrate so that the particulate material anchored to the substrate defines the desired graphic sign.

Abstract: A method of treating an aluminum-wheel surface for removing an alkaline material without damaging the aluminum surface to improve the adhesion of a coating to the aluminum base material. The method achieves a corrosion resistance equivalent to that obtained by treatment using chromic acid chromate containing hexavalent chromium, without adversely affecting the health of workers and the environment. The method includes a blasting process for blowing a casting material onto the aluminum-wheel surface. The casting material includes plastic particles ranging in size from 100 to 2000 ?m and containing a thermosetting resin as the main ingredient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing sheets with varying concentrations of particles are described. In one embodiment, a method comprises manufacturing a first sheet having a varying concentration of particles. A second sheet having a second concentration of particles and a first shape with varying thickness is provided. A third sheet having a third concentration of particles and a second shape with varying thickness is provided. The second sheet and the third sheet are merged to generate the first sheet.

Abstract: Process for applying a polyvinyl ester dispersion-based adhesive by means of nozzle application and use of polyvinyl ester dispersion-based adhesives A description is given of an application process for polyvinyl ester dispersion-based adhesives through nozzles to a substrate, wherein an aqueous, primarily emulsifier-stabilized vinyl ester polymer dispersion having a solids content of at least 40% by weight, a viscosity of less than 8000 mPas, and a vinyl ester polymer glass transition temperature of ?30 to +40° C. is supplied to the nozzle and is applied from the nozzle, in the form of a thin jet or of a predeterminedly interrupted thin jet, to the substrate. The process can be implemented for long periods without interruption, and the adhesive bonding takes place at high speed.

Abstract: Prelaminate pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) constructions comprise, a first substrate, a coating or release material on a surface of the first substrate, a PSA layer disposed on the coating of release material, and a detackified layer (DL) disposed on a surface of the PSA layer to form a continuous film covering the PSA layer. In first and second embodiments of the construction the DL is activatable to form a tacky layer on top of the PSA layer for lamination with a second substrate. In a third embodiment, the DL includes constituents that when activated migrate into the PSA layer to expose the PSA layer tacky surface for lamination with a second substrate. The prelaminate PSA constructions are completely nonblocking to a minimum 24 hour blocking temperature of about 50° C. at pressure of about 40 kilopascals, thereby allowing such prelaminate PSA construction to be collected, stored, and or transported before being laminated without adhesive interference occurring between continuous layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of depositing thin films, in which the thin films are continuously deposited into one chamber and 1-6 wafers are loaded into the chamber. In the method, a process gap between a shower head or a gas injection unit and a substrate is capable of being controlled. The method comprises (a) loading at least one substrate into the chamber, (b) depositing the Ti thin film onto the substrate, adjusted so that a first process gap is maintained, (c) moving a wafer block so that the first process gap is changed into a second process gap in order to control the process gap of the substrate upon which the Ti thin film is deposited, (d) depositing the TiN thin film onto the substrate, moved to set the second process gap, and (e) unloading the substrate upon which the Ti/TiN thin films are deposited.

Abstract: Techniques of the present invention are directed to reducing clogging of nozzles. In one embodiment, a method of introducing a gas into a semiconductor processing chamber comprises providing a nozzle having a proximal portion connected to a chamber wall or a gas distribution ring of the semiconductor processing chamber and a distal portion oriented inwardly away from the chamber wall into an interior of the semiconductor processing chamber. The nozzle includes a proximal end coupled with a gas supply, a nozzle opening at a distal end, and a heat shield disposed around at least a portion of the nozzle opening. A nozzle passage extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The method further comprises flowing a gas from the gas supply through the proximal end, the nozzle passage, and the nozzle opening of the nozzle into the interior of the semiconductor processing chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for depositing materials on substrates during vapor deposition processes, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD). In one embodiment, a chamber contains a substrate support with a receiving surface and a chamber lid containing an expanding channel formed within a thermally insulating material. The chamber further includes at least one conduit coupled to a gas inlet within the expanding channel and positioned to provide a gas flow through the expanding channel in a circular direction, such as a vortex, a helix, a spiral, or derivatives thereof. The expanding channel may be formed directly within the chamber lid or formed within a funnel liner attached thereon. The chamber may contain a retaining ring, an upper process liner, a lower process liner or a slip valve liner. Liners usually have a polished surface finish and contain a thermally insulating material such as fused quartz or ceramic.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in depositing on a substrate a solution containing metal mineral salts constituting chalcopyrite and an organic binder; then drying to obtain a solid film on the substrate; and finally contacting the film with an atmosphere containing one or more elements of group 16 of the periodic table and forming chalcopyrite by thermal reaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving coating of a substrate.

Abstract: A method for purifying a precursor material for use in a chemical vapor deposition system comprising providing a precursor material suitable for chemical vapor deposition, and distilling the precursor material to provide, as a distillate, a purified precursor material from which at least one non-volatile component, at least one metal impurity, or a combination thereof has been removed. The method may be used to purify siloxane and silane precursor materials and reduce clogging of chemical vapor deposition components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for monitoring and controlling delivery of a precursor from an ampoule in a process chamber. In one embodiment, the method provides flowing a first carrier gas at a first flow rate through a vessel containing a chemical precursor to form a first precursor gas, combining a second carrier gas at a second flow rate and the first precursor gas to form a second precursor gas, measuring a concentration of the chemical precursor within the second precursor gas, and calculating a mass flow rate of the chemical precursor. In one example, a tantalum-containing film is deposited on a substrate during an atomic layer deposition process by heating an ampoule containing pentakis(dimethylamido) tantalum to a temperature within a range from about 60° C. to about 75° C., and forming a precursor gas by flowing a carrier gas through the ampoule.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nano-crystalline silicon dot layer is provided. A silicon layer is formed over a substrate. The silicon layer includes crystalline silicon region and amorphous silicon region. An oxidation process is performed to oxidize the amorphous silicon region and the surfaces of the crystalline silicon region to form a silicon oxide layer containing nano-crystalline silicon dots.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of fabricating organic/inorganic composite nanostructures on a substrate comprising depositing a solution having a block copolymer and an inorganic precursor on the substrate using dip pen nanolithography. The nanostructures comprises arrays of lines and/or dots having widths/diameters less than 1 micron. The present invention also includes a device comprising an organic/inorganic composite nanoscale region chemically bonded to a substrate, wherein the nanoscale region, wherein the nanoscale region has a nanometer scale dimension other than height.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying thermal interface material (TIM) is disclosed. The apparatus has a substantially rigid frame with four corners. The frame includes a cross-shape opening having four tapered arms, and each of the four tapered arms is oriented towards one of the four corners of the frame.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of antifouling coatings wherein aqueous compositions are applied onto a surface and when dried, effectively inhibit algae growth and other plant growth for an extended period of time when submerged in fresh-water and subject to ambient environmental conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for providing a substrate with a coating with high impact strength properties, characterised in that it consists in applying on said substrate an aqueous masked (poly)isocyanate emulsion having a droplet average size less than 10 ?m, advantageously less than 5 ?m, preferably less than 1 ?m, and in reacting it with a polyol in conditions leading to crosslinking of the (poly)isocyanate with the polyol.