Abstract: A method and product for decaffeinating an aqueous solution, such as a cup of coffee or tea, includes exposing the aqueous solution (that is to be decaffeinated) to a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymer beads (MIPS) that have receptor sites on the surfaces thereof that include imprints that match the physical shape of at least a portion of a caffeine molecule. A quantity of the caffeine molecules align with and adhere to some of the receptor sites and, accordingly, they are removed from the aqueous solution producing a decaffeinated aqueous solution. The MIPS are contained in an enclosure having a plurality of openings large enough to permit the aqueous solution to pass through and small enough so as to prevent the MIPS from passing through. Accordingly, the MIPS are absent from the decaffeinated aqueous solution.

Abstract: A superior device for maturing wine which utilizes one or more cored oak slabs inserted into airtight containers of various volumes and materials whereby controlled oxidation of the wine may occur through the oak without prospect of air contamination or excessive loss of wine volume. The disclosure describes application to volumes ranging from 5 gallons to 5000 gallons (and more) and to vessels made of food grade plastic, stainless steel or white oak.

Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing, containing, immobilizing, transporting and disposing of quantities of used cooking oil and/or other oils and hydrocarbons, comprising decomposed organic matter and/or inorganic matter.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a sterile milk product from raw milk is disclosed. After separation, the skim milk portion is conducted to a primary filter assembly having a plurality of microfiltration units arranged in series. Bacteria having a size larger than the pores in the microfilters are retained in the retentate. The retentate is discharged from the first filter assembly and flows to a secondary filter assembly having a plurality of microfiltration units. The permeate from the units in the primary filter assembly are combined and subjected to heat treatment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an oil treatment apparatus and method for treatment of oil which transports oil to be treated from a source through a first conduit to a treatment station. The treatment station includes a filter system capable of extracting particulate material from the oil and removing the particulate material from the filter system as it is removed from the oil. The treated oil may then be transported for reuse, preferably in a continuous cycle with the source of the oil. A prefiltering system may be used to further enhance maintaining the quality of the oil and/or in efficiently treating the oil while accommodating throughput requirements. The prefiltering system may include a comminuter to reduce the size of larger particles in the oil, a coarse filtering system to remove larger particle, a system to introduce a treatment material to the oil or other systems to facilitate processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing aromatic compounds or polymers thereof from a plant material in a short period of time and by a simple procedure. Concretely, the process treats the plant material with supercritical water or subcritical water to liberate aromatic compounds, which are contained in the plant material, and/or aromatic compounds, which have been generated upon decomposition of components of the plant material, to the outside of the plant material, and isolates the liberated aromatic compounds to produce aromatic compounds or polymers thereof.

Abstract: A method and product for decaffeinating an aqueous solution, such as a cup of coffee or tea, includes exposing the aqueous solution (that is to be decaffeinated) to a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymer beads (MIPS) that have receptor sites on the surfaces thereof that include imprints that match the physical shape of at least a portion of a caffeine molecule. A quantity of the caffeine molecules align with and adhere to some of the receptor sites and, accordingly, they are removed from the aqueous solution producing a decaffeinated aqueous solution. The MIPS are contained in an enclosure having a plurality of openings large enough to permit the aqueous solution to pass through and small enough so as to prevent the MIPS from passing through. Accordingly, the MIPS are absent from the decaffeinated aqueous solution.

Abstract: Tomato juice is concentrated by reverse osmosis to over 20% in Brix scale by causing low-concentration tomato juice to flow down under a high-pressure condition in a straight flow to a one-stage unit having a plurality of tubular membrane modules connected in series. In order not to overload the apparatus and highly concentrated tomato juice can be obtained reliably, the flow is controlled such that the pressure loss inside the unit is 30 kg/cm2 or less, linear speed of the tomato juice at the inlet of the unit and the total membrane length of the tubular membrane modules satisfy a certain specified condition and the tubular membrane modules have salt rejecting rate of 90% or over.

Abstract: A process for producing an aged beverage, preferably a distilled spirit that is aged in contact with wood, in which raw or partially aged beverage is processed in a closed system with controlled heat and oxygen levels, and in contact with a beverage aging wood product. In certain embodiments ethyl acetate is added to the raw beverage prior to the aging process.

Abstract: A method for removing phospholipids from vegetable oil miscella is provided. The method includes steps of feeding vegetable oil miscella to a conditioned polymeric microfiltration membrane, and recovering a permeate stream having a decreased weight percent of phospholipids compared with the weight percent of phospholipids provided in the miscella. The polymeric microfiltration membrane can be conditioned for the selective separation of phospholipids in the miscella. A method for conditioning a membrane for selective separation of phospholipids from vegetable oil miscella, and the resulting membrane, are provided. The membrane which can be conditioned can be characterized as having an average pore size of between about 0.1&mgr; and about 2&mgr;.

Abstract: A procedure for reducing the patulin content in a fruit juice which includes presenting the juice to a resin material having in abundance micropores of less than 20 Å minimum pore width and at least a pore surface capable of retaining patulin by the forces of chemisorption. Preferably the resin has weak base functionality and is substantially devoid of mesopores and macropores. The resin preferably has a surface area of greater than 900 m2/g (BET) and the resin has been hypercross-linked whilst in the swollen state. Regeneration involves the conversion of the resin held patulin to a more easily flushed out derivative using ammonia or a volatile base, preferably generated in situ from a high pH solution.

Abstract: Novel polymer complexes based on a polymer which contains copolymerized 50-99.5% by weight of at least one basic heterocycle having a pKa of at least 3.8. Use of the complexes of the invention for removing interfering compounds from liquids and in particular beverages, especially for removing sulfur compounds from wine or wine-like beverages.

Abstract: The preparation and the use of pulverulent compositions consisting of (a) from 10 to 90% by weight of cellulose, (b) from 5 to 60% by weight of an alkali metal caseinate, and (c) from 5 to 85% by weight of a polymer c1) an N-vinyllactam polymer obtained by copolymerization of from 90 to 99.5% by weight of one or more N-vinyllactam monomers and from 0.5 to 10% by weight of a crosslinking monomer, or c2) a polymer obtained by copolymerization of from 50 to 99.5% by weight of at least one vinyl heterocyclyl monomer having a PKa of at least 3.8, from 0 to 49.5% by weight of another copolymerizable monomer and from 0.5 to 10% by weight of a crosslinking monomer, or c3) a mixture of the polymers c1) and c2). The compositions are used in the treatment of biological liquids of plant origin in an unfermented or partially or completely fermented state for sensory stabilization of the liquids with a view to preserving taste and color.

Abstract: A method for removing phospholipids from vegetable oil miscella is provided. The method includes steps of feeding vegetable oil miscella to a conditioned polymeric microfiltration membrane, and recovering a permeate stream having a decreased weight percent of phospholipids compared with the weight percent of phospholipids provided in the miscella. The polymeric microfiltration membrane can be conditioned for the selective separation of phospholipids in the miscella. A method for conditioning a membrane for selective separation of phospholipids from vegetable oil miscella, and the resulting membrane, are provided. The membrane which can be conditioned can be characterized as having an average pore size of between about 0.1&mgr;and about 2&mgr;.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating wood particles for use in flavoring aqueous liquids to mask undesirable taste components and to increase the extractability and reactivity of flavor enhancing components. Wood particles are contacted with a solution of aqueous ethanol, the solids separated and heated for at least fifteen minutes at temperatures up to 220° C. Also disclosed is a process for using such wood particles for treatment of aqueous liquids and aqueous liquids treated with such wood particles.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating food products in order to reduce or eliminate the detrimental effects of the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere which is in contact with the products and, more particularly, the external surface of the products. A non-zero quantity of oxygen is extracted from the atmosphere by implementing a solid electrolyte which is an O2− ion conductor and is essentially impermeable to the gases. The invention has applicability to preserving frying oil baths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a substantially pure &kgr;-casein macropeptide fraction having nutraceutical properties by contacting whey with an anion exchanger to yield a bound whey protein fraction enriched in &kgr;-casein macropeptide fraction and an unbound whey protein fraction depleted in &kgr;-casein macropeptide; and contacting the bound whey protein fraction enriched in &kgr;-casein macropeptide fraction with an adsorbent, specifically an immobilized metal affinity adsorbent, to separate out the substantially pure &kgr;-casein macropeptide fraction.

Abstract: A continuous production of gelatinous products by coagulation of such material as soymilk is described. There is significant variation of quality of product dependent on the human factors. Soymilk and a coagulant are transported through a holding tube at a preset rate so that a mixture of soymilk and coagulant remain in the holding tube for a predetermined period of time to effect coagulation. A perforated vertical tubing is used for separating gelatinous product from liquid and pressing it by its own weight.

Abstract: Bitter or otherwise undesirable compounds can be removed from beverages such as tea, coffee or wine by using a natural proteinaceous oat-derived material. This material will also remove noxious compounds such as nicotine from the smoke stream of lighted tobacco products. The liquid or gas is contacted with the material, resulting in the sequestration of the undesirable compounds within the pores of the proteinaceous material.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a black tea extract which includes blending black tea leaves with water which contains another acidic vegetable material, extracting at 70.degree. to 100.degree. F. for a time sufficient to achieve good contact of the tea leaves with the water, afterwards separating the aqueous extract from the solid material and clarifying the extract. The extract may then be used to prepare a final product having good acid stability, good clarity and good color over the shelf life of the product.

Abstract: A method and composition for clarifying a beverage solution used to prepare a fermented beverage is provided. A clarifying mixture including an organic clarifier and carbohydrate is added to the beverage solution to precipitate proteins to allow the clarifying agent to be independent of pH controls and to allow a cleaner and fresher taste after use. The addition of fruit sugars not only allows for a rapid solubility but also provides clearer and cleaner-tasting beers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for use in processing citrus products, and more particularly, the debittering and/or deacidifying of juices. In one preferred embodiment, the citrus juice debittered and/or deacidified by the present invention is grapefruit, while in an alternative embodiment, the citrus juice debittered and/or deacidified is orange juice. The methods allow for high flow rates which, in turn offer advantages associated with permitting high throughput of juice to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the removal of polyphenols and proteins simultaneously from a beverage by contacting the beverage with an ion exchanger that is capable of adsorbing both types of substances. The characteristic feature of the ion exchanger to be used is that it is a water-insoluble porous hydrophilic matrix to which ion exchanging groups are covalently bound.

Abstract: A method for removing a selected contaminant from a liquid food product is disclosed. A special application of the method is for removing an antibiotic from milk. The method comprises the steps of contacting the milk with a matrix-antibody composition, wherein the antibody has a specific affinity for the selected contaminant, for a time and at a temperature sufficient for the contaminant to bind to the antibody to form a complex, and separating the complex from the food product. The matrix-antibody composition is regenerable by treating the complex with high ionic strength solution to release bound contaminants from the antibodies.

Abstract: To eliminate from non-fermented or fermented fruit juices obtained from fruit or grapes, in particular wine, the undesirable odors and/or taste caused by sulphur or sulphur compounds, called "Bockser", it is proposed according to the invention to add hardly soluble or insoluble organic Cu-compounds to the liquid, which, by reacting with the sulphur or sulphur compounds, form insoluble sulphides that can easily be separated from the liquid by precipitation. Particularly suitable for this are copper salts of citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid or stearic acid or mixtures of these salts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing kappa-casein macropeptides having nutraceutical properties from whey using two ion exchangers of opposite polarity in series. A hydrolyzed kappa-casein macropeptide nutraceutical food product having less than about 4% total of the hydrophobic aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine is also contemplated.

Abstract: A process for the removal of catalyst poisons from hops and hop extracts is disclosed. After processing the hops to extract the alpha or beta acids therein, the alpha or beta acids are treated with activated nickel catalyst. The activated nickel catalyst binds the catalyst poisons which are believed to be sulfur containing compounds. The activated nickel and catalyst poisons are separated from the alpha or beta acids, and the alpha or beta acids are then hydrogenated and isomerized into tetrahydroisoalpha acids.

Abstract: A filtration device for the preparation of foods from food concentrates and liquids includes a composite formed from a plurality of layers having a food preparation applicator secured to the composite at the fluid contact region of the composite. The food preparation applicator includes food concentrate so as to result in a dispensing structure having the food concentrate therein which applies the food concentrate to liquid flowing through the applicator so as to mix the food concentrate with the liquid in the food preparation. The device may also include pockets containing treating material for removing contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing filtering aids, coagulants or clarifying agents, and odor suppressants and a using a protein-polysaccharide complex composition as a filtering aid, coagulant or clarifying agent, and odor suppressant for in the processing of fluids including gases and liquids to absorb a variety of separable components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fruit polyphenol obtained by subjecting unripe fruits of Rosaceae to pressing and/or extraction and then purifying the resulting juice or extract. The present invention further provides an antioxidant, a hypotensive agent, an antimutagenic agent, an antiallergic agent and an anticariogenic agent each comprising, as an effective component, a fruit polyphenol obtained by subjecting unripe fruits of Rosaceae to pressing and/or extraction and then purifying the resulting juice or extract. The fruit polyphenol of the present invention has various physiological activities, for example, an antioxidative activity, an ACE-inhibiting activity, an antimutagenic activity, a hyalulonidase-inhibiting activity and a GTase-inhibiting activity.

Abstract: Tea leaves are extracted in warm or hot water, and the obtained extract is contacted with a cation exchange resin ionically bonded to potassium ion. The potassium ion is ionically bonded to the cation exchange resin in advance. Divalent ions in the tea beverage are replaced with the potassium ions from the cation exchange resin. The electrical conductivity of the extract is controlled in this whole process. The natural flavor and quality of the tea are thereby maintained more certainly, since metal ions that cause muddiness or precipitation are effectively removed.

Abstract: Epoxy-polymerized tannin/inorganic oxide composite particles are obtained by polymerizing the tannin with a polyepoxy crosslinking agent in situ on inorganic oxide particles. The compositions of the invention are capable of achieving the performance of tannin in beverage treatment applications without tannin's associated filtration disadvantages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non- or substantially non-crystalline high trehalose content syrup, which is supersaturated in trehalose and which further comprises another dissolved saccharide in an amount at least as much as the amount of trehalose. The saccharide acts to prevent crystallization of trehalose. The saccharide may be a reducing monosaccharide, a non-reducing monosaccharide or an oligosaccharide. The supersaturated trehalose solutions are free from bacterial contamination even at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A filter is formed from a laminate of two sheets having a layer of adsorbent material and a layer of flavor enhancing material in the form of a flavor or supplement layer sandwiched between the sheets. Preferably, the adsorbent layer and the flavor or supplement layer are applied by a printing process.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for generating bioluminescence, and combinations of these systems and apparatus with inanimate articles of manufacture to produce novelty items are provided. These novelty items, which are articles of manufacture, are designed for entertainment, recreation and amusement, and include toys, paints, slimy play material, textiles, particularly clothing, bubbles in bubble making toys and other toys that produce bubbles, balloons, personal items, such as bath powders, body lotions, gels, powders and creams, toothpastes and other dentifrices, soaps, body paints, and bubble bath, foods, such as gelatins, icings and frostings, beverages such as beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks, and glowing ice, fountains, including liquid "fireworks" and other such jets or sprays or aerosols of compositions that are solutions, mixtures, suspensions, powders, pastes, particles or other suitable formulation.

Abstract: A concentrated single phase aqueous alkaline solution of tetrahydroiso-.alpha.-acids having greater than 10% to about 45% w/w tetrahydroiso-.alpha.-acids is disclosed. A method of hydrogenating and formulating a starting solution of iso-.alpha.-acids to obtain such concentrated solutions of tetrahydroiso-.alpha.-acids is also disclosed.

Abstract: Tonyu containing alcohol and the method for producing the Tonyu. Alcohol is added to beans soaked in water, Go or the liquid obtained after filtrating Go. Further, Tonyu containing alcohol is distilled under reduced pressure to obtain Tonyu with high solid content.

Abstract: A method of brewing coffee having reduced acidity is disclosed. In the method, an acid-neutralizing composition comprising calcium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and potassium chloride is utilized to produce a brewed coffee having a pH of from about 5.7 to about 6.1. A coffee product comprising ground coffee and an acid-neutralizing composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbons, such as polynuclear aromatic compounds, like benzo(a)pyrene, from liquid smoke and flavoring compositions by contacting said compositions with a nonionic residue. The method reduces the hydrocarbon concentration by about at least about 80% by weight, and reduces the benzo(a)-pyrene content to about 1 part per billion or less, without adversely affecting the phenolic content of the liquid smoke and flavoring composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for use in processing citrus products, and more particularly, the debittering of juices. In particular, the present invention is suited to the debittering of citrus juices. In one preferred embodiment, the citrus juice debittered by the present invention is grapefruit or orange juice. The methods allow for high flow rates which, in turn offer advantages associated with permitting high throughput of juice to be treated.

Abstract: Wines and other alcoholic beverages are treated to remove sulfides by passing the beverage through a filter medium comprising polyvinyl polypyrrolidone, polyvinylimidazole, or a copolymer of the monomers of these two polymers, the polymer or copolymer having been pretreated with a solution of a metallic salt, preferably copper sulfate or silver nitrate.

Abstract: Cyclodextrin, a base and water are mixed with egg yolk to reduce the cholesterol content of the egg yolk. The cholesterol is removed as a complex of cyclodextrin while the base prevents loss of protein from the egg yolk. The amount of base added is sufficient to adjust the pH to between 7.5 and 12.

Abstract: Ultrafiltration of whey containing products at an acid pH reduces calcium levels in the concentrate and provides a concentrate that can be consistently microfiltered. The concentrate can be used, for example, in a method of microfiltering milk, milk serum, colostrum, or colostral serum which provides effective bioburden reduction without substantial loss of immunoglobulins.

Abstract: A process is described for decaffeinating caffeine-containing aqueous extracts with which the caffeine is extracted selectively with activated carbon fibers.

Abstract: A powdered black tea drink mix is prepared by subjecting to extraction with hot water at a temperature of between about 60.degree. and 130.degree. C., separating the tea leaves from the extract; concentrating this first extract to a solids content of between about 5 and 12% and cooling the first extract to a temperature of between 5.degree. and 15.degree. C. in order to form an insoluble tea cream which is separated from the first concentrated extract. This tea cream is mixed with the spent black tea leaves or with green tea leaves to form a mixture which is extracted with water at a temperature greater than about 70.degree. C. in order to obtain a second extract which is separated from the spent leaves. The first and the second extracts are mixed, concentrated to the desired solids content and dried to form the powdered drink mix.

Abstract: A smoke coloring and flavoring composition containing about 10 ppb or less benzo(a)pyrene, and its method of preparation by contacting a water-insoluble tar by-product from the pyrolysis of wood with a nonionic resin.

Abstract: A method of microfiltering milk, milk serum, colostrum, or colostral serum which provides effective bioburden reduction without substantial loss of immunoglobulins.

Abstract: A method for (1) inactivating enzymes, microorganisms and spores in a liquid foodstuff, and (2) sterilizing microorganisms, spores and virus in a liquid foodstuff, comprises contacting the liquid foodstuff to be treated with carbon dioxide of a supercritical state supplied through a filter with a mesh size of not more than 120 .mu.m in average diameter (average size) in a treating tank.

Abstract: A method for concentrating raw milk on farm before transportation to market comprises the steps of cooling the raw milk from the cow to a temperature of less than 45.degree. F. and directing the cooled raw milk through serial membrane separation units while maintaining the temperature to progressively increase the concentration of the raw milk in a single pass and to provide a permeate comprising water and lactose.

Abstract: A universal water filter for filtering water poured into an opening of the container. The water filter includes a filter unit and a support structure. The filter unit includes a housing having an inlet surface for receiving unfiltered water, an outlet surface for dispensing filtered water and a side surface between the inlet surface and the outlet surface. The support structure extends from the sidewall of the housing for supporting the water filter across the opening of the container. The support structure is adjustable along the circumference of the housing to vary the position of the support structure with respect to the size and shape of the opening of the container.