Abstract: A bottom antireflective coating layer is made from the compositions of organic photosensitive materials that contain isoflavone chromophore by photolithography utilizing a deep ultraviolet light source for producing a submicro-level, large-scale integrated chip. A copolymer containing an isoflavone chromophore is used as a bottom antireflective coating layer for fabricating a 64-megabit or gigabit DRAM. The antireflective coating layer enables not only the suppression of reflections of light that occur under the substrate layer but also the removal of standing waves. Consequently, a high-resolution sub-micron of a 100˜200 nm integrated circuit is able to be stably formed. Therefore, it is possible to increase the production of semiconductors.

Abstract: Food Preservation Container with a main container body and a circular lid. The lid has a built in on-off switch, air pump, ozone generator, timing circuit, pressure switch, vacuum switch, solenoid valve, power indicator light, vacuum indicator light, pressure indicator light and power supply. The container has a circular opening. The opening has a plurality of outwardly facing tabs about its circumference. The lid has a plurality of mating inwardly facing tabs that can interface with said outwardly facing tabs. The lid has a secondary floating inner lid, said inner lid having a soft rubber gasket attached to its perimeter, said inner lid capable of being forced toward the lip of said container opening by a cam attached to a hinged lever located on the front of said circular lid. The components contained within said lid arranged in such a way that said air pump automatically turns on when the user twists said lid onto said container opening thereby activating said on-off switch which turns on said pump.

Abstract: The presently disclosed disinfection process for use in the processing of foodstuffs is designed as an intervention step in poultry processing to allow for continuous on-line processing of poultry carcasses that may have accidentally become contaminated during the evisceration process. Such on-line processing is designed to replace the need for off-line manual washing and cleaning of the contaminated carcasses. By eliminating such off-line manual washing, food safety will be enhanced due to the elimination of the physical handling of carcasses and the cross-contamination that may result from such physical handling. An additional benefit is that the production process will also be able to run with a reduced number of interruptions, which will result in a more efficient production process.

Abstract: A process for making a commercial packaged watermelon fruit juice drink in which juice extracted from the whole watermelon, except the seeds, is adjusted by adding water, Carrageenan, malic acid, sweetener and natural flavors and then rapidly heated and cooled before being bottled and drinks made from such processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a material to food products in a high speed packaging line at a controlled rate in compliance with applicable food-handling equipment standards, preferably in a liquid spray, without immersion, wherein the rate of application is sufficient for efficacy of the material without resulting in transfer of unacceptable quantities of the material or carrier to adjacent line components. The invention is particularly useful for spray application of a liquid antimycotic agent to cheese chunks, at a regulated rate that provides a sufficient surface concentration to inhibit mold growth on the surfaces of the cheese chunks after extended periods of exposure to ambient air, without unacceptable transfer of residue to adjacent components in the packaging line. The invention is preferably employed in application of natamycin to cheese chunks wherein a disk spray system applies a suspension of natamycin in an aqueous saline solution.

Abstract: Plant essential oils and chitosan salts were tested individually and in combination against a postharvest pathogen Botrytis cinerea and two foodborne human pathogens Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Four essential oils (cinnamon, allspice, savory, red thyme) in combination with two chitosan salts (chitosan sorbate and chitosan propionate) demonstrated synergistic antimicrobial activity against all three organisms. The synergistic combinations of essential oils and chitosan salts also demonstrated an eradicant activity against E. coli on apple disks previously inoculated with the organism. Synergistic combinations of essential oils and chitosan salts hold promise of giving superior control of both postharvest decay organisms and foodborne human pathogens.

Abstract: Control of the texture of meat cuts is accomplished so as to minimize the development of mealy, wet and soft texture of the meat cut, particularly when used in combination with a sauce having a relatively low pH of about 4.5 or below. The meat cuts are first fully cooked and chilled and then inserted, together with a low pH sauce, into a pouch and hermetically sealed within the pouch and stored under refrigerated, non-frozen conditions for at least 60 days without deterioration.

Abstract: Processing apparatus and method for fish, poultry and meat products include multiple successive immersions in sanitizing solutions at different successive temperatures within controlled environments to promote low contamination during transfer of product between processing stations in preparation for encapsulation within a controlled environment confined within a barrier of composite sheet material that controls the transfer of selected gases therethrough.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sterilizing fog, characterized by droplet size range, vapor density range, sterilant concentration range and sterilant concentration within the droplets. Specifically, there is disclosed a fog achieved by an apparatus combining pressure, temperature and acoustics to form a super-charged ozoneated water and an apparatus that creates small micro droplets which form a highly concentrated sterilizing fog. Specific sterilants used are ozone, chlorine and chlorous acid generating compositions such as sodium hypochlorite, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An antimicrobial and antiviral composition in powder form or in the form of a two part liquid concentrate for washing and sanitizing foods, food surfaces, food ware, process waters, animal quarters, and animal carcasses is described. The composition may also be used to reduce the microbial and viral population on animals; reducing human pathogenic microbes, reducing opportunistic pathogenic microbes on eggs, and treating skin diseases. The composition includes three reactive species which in solution form an oxidizing species, and optionally a food grade acid source. The reactive species include a natural source of a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound which is acceptable on foods, an oxidant and a halide source.

Abstract: An antibacterial composition comprising: (a) a first component including at least one gram positive bacteristatic or bactericidal compound selected from the group consisting of lantibiotics, pediocin, and lacticin class bacteriocins, and lytic enzymes; and (b) a second component including at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hops acids and hops acid derivatives, and the method of applying said composition to the surfaces of solid food.

Abstract: For preparing cattle feed mixtures, especially pumpable liquid feed mixtures, the feed components are added consecutively to a weighing and mixing container and mixed. Before or while the feed mixture is being prepared, the pH of the mixture is measured and, if it exceeds a specified value during a continued mixing process, acid is added as the last additive to the feed mixture until the specified value is reached. For this purpose, a pH measuring probe, which is passed through the wall of the container, is provided in the lower region of the weighing and mixing container.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of applying antimicrobial agents for killing and inhibiting foodborne microbial contamination and for extension of shelf life of cooked, ready to eat poultry and meat products and then packaging the products with the aid of a vacuum. Using this method, the antimicrobial agents are very effective at low product weight based concentrations.

Abstract: A chicken meat product rendered substantially free of pathogenic bacterial species by having an external coating of sodium diacetate substantially free of an adhesive material. The wet coating is retained on the external surfaces of the dressed chicken meat by the surface tension of the sodium diacetate solution after the chicken meat is coated with the solution and is hung freely to permit excess liquid to drain away. The amount of sodium diacetate present in the product of the invention depends upon the degree of pathogenic bacterial contamination of the chicken meat. The sodium diacetate is included in each case in sufficient quantity to preserve the meat from growth of all pathogenic bacteria of the order and species of salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analogs of indolicidin, which is a naturally occurring peptide having the amino acid sequence Ile-Leu-Pro-Trp-Lys-Trp-Pro-Trp-Trp-Pro-Trp-Arg-Arg-NH2 (“Indol 1-13;” SEQ ID NO: 1). The indolicidin analogs of the invention include, for example, analogs such as Indol 2-13 (SEQ ID NO: 2) and Indol 3-13 (SEQ ID NO: 3), which are truncated at the amino terminus by one and two amino acids, respectively, as compared to Indol 1-13 (SEQ ID NO: 1); analogs in which at least one Trp residue in an amino terminal truncated indolicidin analog is replaced by a Phe residue (“Indol/F”) analogs”); indolicidin analogs comprising, at the carboxy terminus, a homoserine residue; and fusion polypeptides comprising an indolicidin analog. In addition, the invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding the indolicidin analogs of the invention or precursors of such analogs.

Abstract: The invention provides polymeric films for the storage or packing of plant material, the film being perforate and having a water vapor permeability of not more than 800 g m−2 day−1 and an oxygen permeability of not more than 200000 cm3 m−2 day−1 atmosphere−1, both permeabilities being measured at 25° C. with a relative humidity of 75 percent. Examples of polymers which can be used to make the film are regenerated cellulose, homo and copolymers of polyolefins, e.g. with vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate, polyesters and polyamides. Various plant materials, for example carrots, tomatoes, calabrese and mushrooms heat sealed in packs of films of the invention have shown improved shelf lives compared with similar plant materials packaged for example in polyethylene cling film or polyvinyl chloride stretch wrap.

Abstract: A method for preserving a food product includes the steps of placing the food product in a gastight chamber, lowering the pressure in the chamber, introducing into the chamber a first quantity of gas which at least partially penetrates the product, subsequently introducing into the chamber at least a second quantity of gas.

Abstract: An improved cottage cheese product have increased shelf life is provided. A relatively small amount of calcium carbonate is added to the dressing. The calcium carbonate-containing dressing is then blended with cottage cheese curd to form the improved cottage cheese product which is then packed into individual containers. At the pH of the cottage cheese product, the calcium carbonate is converted to carbonic acid which is then converted to carbon dioxide, normally over about a two week period at refrigeration temperatures within the package. Conventional cold pack cottage cheese has an average shelf life of about 20 to about 30 days at refrigeration temperatures. The improved cottage cheese described herein has an average shelf life of about 30 to 40 days or longer at refrigeration temperatures. The increased stability is obtained without loss of organoleptic properties and without extensive process modifications.

Abstract: A method for treating a perishable meat product including the steps of chilling the meat product to within a selected temperature range, exposing the chilled meat product to a chilled gas mixture containing a significant fraction of inert gas, and thereafter removing the chilled gas and exchanging that gas with a gas mixture containing a high oxygen fraction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating products, such as meat products, with immobilized lactoferrin to reduce microbial contamination. The lactoferrin is immobilized on a naturally occurring substrate, preferably a galactose-rich polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the lactoferrin is applied as an aqueous solution containing a mixture of the immobilized lactoferrin and native lactoferrin, and a buffer system that includes a physiologically acceptable acid, such as citric acid, a physiologically acceptable base, such as sodium bicarbonate, and a physiologically acceptable salt, such as sodium chloride.

Abstract: Food grade metabolites produced by Propionibacterium sp., alone or in combination with at least one adjunct organic acid preservative ingredient such as sorbic or benzoic acid or their food grade salts, inhibit mold and extend the shelf life of packaged food products such as baked goods having a water activity (a.sub.w) of about 0.60 to about 0.80, on storage at room temperature for six months or more. Mold control is obtained in a variety of food products, including those particularly susceptible to mold such as moist fruit filled bar cookies, other intermediate moisture cookies, cakes having dollops of fruit-based filler, pet food snacks, and the like, while simultaneously providing superior organoleptic and sensory attributes in the products.

Abstract: Food-portion surface sanitizing by liquid dipping or spraying with an antimicrobial composition appropriate for human consumption. Suitable as such sanitizing composition is an aqueous solution about two-thirds ethanol by volume, and containing minor concentrations of dissolved salt and/or tannin, each up to several percent by weight.

Abstract: A plurality of freezing cells opening downwardly are defined like a grid in a freezing chamber of an injection type ice making machine. The freezing chamber, which is made of a metal having good thermal conductivity, is coated on the surface with a material containing a substance having an antibacterial substance. Contaminant-free ice cubes are adapted to be formed by the thus formed coating layer. As a material of this coating layer, a melt of tin (96.5%) and silver (3.5%) can be suitably used.

Abstract: A method and installation for disinfection or sterilization of food articles or machinery, in which the item of food or machinery to be disinfected or sterilized is electrically grounded, and vapor from water or other liquid substance is generated and directed through an electrostatic potential field of defined shape generated with an electrostatic high voltage, whereby the vapor assumes the shape of the field with an electrostatic potential imposed thereon. The grounded item is exposed to the charged vapor for a predetermined time at a temperature above 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A canning method for bread, includes a stepwise procedure for producing a dough and baking a finished bread within a standard food can while enabling the bread to be stored for very long periods without spoiling or becoming inedible. The method includes sterilizing steps and means for easy removal of the bread from the can. A paper wrapper enables the bread to be maintained uniformly moist.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting microbial growth on a surface of an edible foodstuff which comprises applying to the surface an antimicrobially effective quantity of a compound selected from the group consisting of C.sub.4 -C.sub.24 fatty acids and monoglycerides thereof, C.sub.6 -C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acids and monoglycerides thereof, C.sub.16 -C.sub.20 mono- or polyunsaturated fatty alcohols, and ether and lysophos-phatidylcholine derivatives of C.sub.4 -C.sub.22 fatty acids.

Abstract: Methods of aseptically transporting a bulk quantity of a sterile product such as an edible food product comprise sterilizing a transporting container by flooding the container with a chemical sterilant, pressurizing the sterilized container with a positive pressure inert gas atmosphere, and aseptically supplying a bulk quantity of the sterile product to the sterilized container. The pressurized container supplied with the sterile product is sealed to substantially maintain the positive pressure during transport of the container, and the container with the sterile product therein is then transported to a remote location. A transporting container for use in the present methods comprises an insulated transportable storage tank provided with a sealable atmospheric vent on an upper portion thereof, an inert gas valve provided with a microbial filter, and an aseptic inlet/outlet valve for supplying a sterile product therethrough.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide solution is sprayed onto produce that includes at least one contaminant which can be debris, soil, fungus and/or organic chemicals. Sprayers are used to spray the chloride dioxide solution on the produce to wash the contaminant from the produce. The produce may be placed on a conveyor and the conveyor may be used to move the produce under the sprayers while the sprayers are used to spray chlorine dioxide solution onto the produce. The conveyor may include rotating brushes that come in contact with the produce, such that the brushes that brush the produce and mechanically remove debris and residue from the produce. Rinsing sprayers may be provided over the conveying path downstream of the sprayer that sprays the chlorine dioxide solution on the produce. The rinsing sprayers may be used to spray the produce with potable rinse water.

Abstract: A process for the production of a pre-cooked, high moisture, shelf-stable or refrigerated, acidified filled pasta comprising a filling within a dough skin which comprises mixing pasta ingredients together to form a pasta dough, forming the dough into a sheet suitable to form the skin of the filled pasta, encasing a filling having a water activity of less than 0.93 and a pH of above 4.6 within the dough sheet to give a raw filled pasta, cooking the raw filled pasta in acidified water to a pH of above 4.6 to a moisture content of from 55 to 70% by weight, partially drying to achieve a moisture content of from 40 to 55% and a water activity of less than 0.93, and finally packaging the cooked pasta either with heat processing or under modified atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cooling and preservation of fish and fish products from thus treated fish. The fish is cooled by a cooling medium in tanks, containers or other suitable facilities, and also subjected to treatment of at least one preservative agent. The fish is subjected to a combined treatment of a cooling medium and a preservative agent and said treatment is performed by means of a cooling medium comprising C.sub.1-4 monocarboxylic acids and/or mono/di or tetra salts of alkali- and/or earth alkal salts of said acids. The cooling is performed by a cooling medium, being an aqueous solution of C.sub.1-4 monocarboxylic salts in a concentration of 5-30 weight % salts and 95-70% weight water, or binary ice comprising a preservative agent. The most preferred brine or binary ice comprises potassium formate and/or potassium diformate and/or formic acid. The pH of the brine can be adjusted by addition of an acid or disalt being the equivalent of the monosalt applied in the brine.

Abstract: A process for packaging fresh meat and the fresh meat package having enhanced visual appeal and shelf life stability, the process including the steps of introducing into the meat a treatment solution comprising a lactate buffer salt and a diacetate microbial growth inhibitor, and packaging the meat in a display unit. The display unit can comprise a thermoplastic tray covered by a transparent film, and one or more display units can be packaged in a film wrapped container. The display unit can also comprise a dividable portion of meat enclosed in a barrier bag. The atmosphere within the container can be maintained as a high oxygen atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for packaging fresh pork wherein the fresh pork package has enhanced visual appeal and shelf life stability, the process including the steps of introducing into the pork a treatment solution comprising a lactate buffer salt and a diacetate microbial growth inhibitor, and packaging the pork in a packaged unit. The packaged unit can comprise a display unit comprising a thermoplastic tray covered by a transparent film, and one or more display units can be packaged in a film wrapped container. The atmosphere within the container can maintained as a high oxygen atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention provides a shelf-life extender for upholding the freshness of food, such as meat, vegetables, fruits, etc., in retail packages or in a refrigerator for an extended period of time. An isothiocyanic acid compound is supported on a matrix such as a natural mucilaginous polysaccharide or a solid organic acid and the supported compound is packaged in synthetic resin film or nonwoven fabric. The invention further provides an aqueous gel composition comprising a specified surfactant, an isothiocyanic acid compound, and a gelling agent and a hydrophobic gel composition comprising a specified hydrophobic dispersion medium, an isothiocyanic acid compound, and a gelling agent.

Abstract: A method of retarding bacterial, fungal, and viral contamination and growth of molds on the surface of a material and/or deodorizing the material by treating a surface with a composite which does not release chlorine dioxide in the absence of moisture, and exposing the treated surface to moisture to release chlorine dioxide from the composite into the atmosphere surrounding the material.

Abstract: A process for packaging fresh pork wherein the fresh pork package has enhanced visual appeal and shelf life stability, the process including the steps of introducing into the pork a treatment solution comprising a lactate buffer salt, a phosphate sequestrant and a diacetate microbial growth inhibitor, and packaging the pork in a display unit. The display unit can comprise a thermoplastic tray covered by a transparent film, and the display unit can be packaged in a film wrapped container. The atmosphere within the container can be maintained as a high oxygen atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially stretch-oriented and heat-set, single-layer or multilayer shirred stick, polyamide-based packaging casing which has a shirring density of up to 1:200, at a length of the shirred stick of from 40 to 100 cm, and to a process for producing the packaging casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for long term storage of pickles in an environment free of brine or other liquid media. The method includes treating cucumbers in a brine solution at a temperature of about 195.degree. F. and then storing for about 24-72 hours at refrigeration temperatures to make pickles. The brine includes a preservative such as sodium benzoate. The brine is drained from the pickles. The pickles are packaged in a container free of brine or other liquid media at refrigeration temperatures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method of preserving fresh cut fruit for a prolonged period of time. More particularly, this invention is directed to a novel method of preparing and preserving fresh, vitaminized flavored or unflavored cut apple pieces to be stored in containers for extended periods of time of up to 6 weeks at refrigerated temperatures with the retention of acceptable naturally-occurring and adjunctive flavors, crisp texture and original whiteness or yellowness, being free of enzymatic browning.

Abstract: A shelf-stable, uncooked or partially cooked moist pasta is produced by treating freshly extruded or sheeted pasta with steam to set the pasta surface, immersing the steam treated pasta in an aqueous solution containing acidulants and/or humectants, partially drying to remove surface moisture, sealing the pasta in a container, and thermally pasteurizing the pasta while it is in the container using conventional thermal processes or microwave treatment. The pasta thus produced is shelf-stable under non-refrigerated conditions and has an equivalent or better texture, color and flavor than commercially available, fresh refrigerated pastas.

Abstract: A natural microbiocidal and/or microbiostatic combination of Natamycin and Nisin is disclosed which synergistically inhibits or destroys bacteria, yeast and mold in foodstuffs.

Abstract: A method for treating fresh produce to remove debris and inhibit the growth of fungus on the produce and a method for treating contaminants in process water. According to the present invention, the produce is submerged in process water in an amount sufficient to clean substantially all debris from the surface of the produce, inhibit growth of fungus on the produce and treat contaminants in the process water.

Abstract: Frozen fruit of at least one type is slowly thawed by refrigeration over a defined period of time, and then combined with a mix of 0.056% to 0.058% by weight of preservatives dissolved in purified water, 0.0% to 3.70% of natural sweetener or sweeteners, sufficient edible acid to give a pH range of about 2.3 to 3.8, and sufficient amounts of flavoring and coloring agent to give the desired flavor, color and consistency in the final product. The final fruit puree product has a brix value in the range of 6.0 to 25.0 which is a shelf-stable, ready to use fruit puree that does not require refrigeration.

Abstract: A bilayer laminated medical dressing having a thermally expandable passage is provided. The medical dressing achieves gas permeability as a function of temperature by cutting a star-shaped hole through the dressing when the dressing is flat and relaxed. On warming, the leaves between the radial cuts of the star-shaped hole curl and increase the hole size. Such a material is useful as a medical dressing.

Abstract: A bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis NRRL-B-18535 is described. The bacteriocin is useful in foods and other materials and has a wide spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria in a pH range between 2 and 8.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a process for the preparation of a fully cooked shelf stable or refrigerated acidified pasta product which includes the steps of mixing pasta ingredients with an encapsulated, hot water soluble/cold water insoluble edible acid, forming the dough into a pasta, steaming the pasta a first time, then treating the steamed pasta with water, afterwards steaming the pasta a second time and finally packaging the twice steamed pasta either with heat processing or under modified atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A novel bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis NRRL-B-18535 is described. The bacteriocin is useful in foods and other materials and has a wide spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria in a pH range between 2 and 8.

Abstract: A process for packaging fresh pork and the fresh pork package having enhanced visual appeal and shelf life stability, the process including the steps of introducing into the pork a treatment solution comprising a lactate buffer salt, a phosphate sequestrant and a diacetate flavor enhancement agent, and packaging the pork in a display unit. The display unit can comprise a thermoplastic tray covered by a transparent film and further packaging one or more display units in a film wrapped container. The atmosphere within the container can be maintained as a high oxygen atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for chemically preserving meat, including raw and semicooked meat, and viscera, at temperatures no higher than 40.degree.-45.degree. C., by inhibiting and delaying the microorganisms growth during meat processing, so that the meat may be packaged under sanitary conditions, while keeping all the organoleptic properties thereof, the method comprising contacting the meat with an aqueous solution containing alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid for a time sufficient for eliminating and delaying the growth of microorganisms even in deep locations within muscle fibers and cuts in the meat tissue.

Abstract: The instant invention is an egg wash decontaminating solution and process. The decontaminating solution and process allows for reducing the surface tension of a biofilm allowing for the removal of the biofilm and control of underlying bacteria. A solution of triterpene saponin provides the surface tension wherein an optional soft acid such as food grade sodium lactate operates to control the bacteria. The saponin further acts as a foaming agent providing visual indication of operation while holding matter in suspension.

Abstract: A method of processing an ESL (extended shelf-life) refrigerated potato product (various cuts) is disclosed. The product is acid blanched when pasteurized and then "seeded" with lactic acid starter culture. The prepared product line has desirable organoleptic qualities and can be stored at refrigerated temperatures typical of commercial retail stores (30.degree.-56.degree. F.) as well as the home refrigeration system. The products have been proven to be pathologically safe when exposed to extended periods of temperature abuse.