Abstract: The disclosure provides chips formed by slicing with an apple cell clean water jet scalpel and a processing technology. The processing technology comprises the following specific steps: harvesting fresh fruits, sorting, peeling, slicing, drying and packaging to obtain the apple crispy chip. According to the disclosure, the tangxin apple is peeled by adopting an ultrahigh pressure water jet flow cutting technology, cut into slices with a thickness of 5 mm and inoculated for 15 min in 30° C. and 30% Lactobacillus brevis fermentation broth. PPO is a terminal oxidase with Cu2+ as a prosthetic group, and Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum are complexed with Cu2+, leading to rapid oxygen consumption to generate organic acid and CO2, quickly reduction of pH and creation of an approximate oxygen-free environment to effectively inhibit PPO activity while removing oxygen required in enzymatic browning, thereby effectively inhibiting browning.

Abstract: Methods of preparation and improved oat based puffed R-T-E or breakfast cereal products resulting there from with reduced sodium levels that provide good cooked grain flavor relative to other low or no sodium cooked cereal products and that approach the quality of higher sodium level products are provided. The methods include formulating cooked cereal doughs with minimal levels of sodium chloride and including a blend of potassium chloride and choline chloride. The cooked cereal dough is formed into pellets and gun puffed to form puff products having a total pyrazine content of at least 200 ppm. The puffed products are topically coated with saline solution and dried to provide the present improved low sodium high flavor finished breakfast cereal products.

Abstract: A method for the production of an edible expanded dehydrated protein product which comprise submitting the pork skin pellets to a high temperature and pressure inside a sealed chamber and later to a sudden decompression in order to cause the instantaneous evaporation of the water in the pellet and produce a pork crackling having a fat content very similar to the original pellet, which is substantially lower than in the pork crackling produced by traditional methods.

Abstract: There is disclosed an intermediate transfer member that includes a layer of a polymer blend of polyimide and amino silicone having conductive particles dispersed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to food materials containing a high concentration of protein and processes for their manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to protein extrudates containing high concentrations of soy protein, dairy protein, and mixtures thereof and low concentrations of carbohydrates, processes for manufacturing such protein extrudates, and the use of such protein extrudates as functional food ingredients.

Abstract: Snack products and methods for producing snack products comprising a mixture of an expandable base product and one or more relatively non-expandable inclusions. The base product may comprise a pelletized or non-pelletized wheat, potato, corn, rice, other flours, starches, and grains, vegetables, and/or mixes thereof. The inclusions may comprise one or more types of herbs and spices, vegetables, fruits, meats, beans, grains, or other ingredients. The mixture is processed using an expansion machine (or “puffing machine”) that is operative to cook and expand the mixture to form a snack product, such as a chip, cracker, cake, or the like.

Abstract: Partially dehydrated cheese products that may be consumed as a puffed cheese snack, and that may be stored for extended periods of time prior to consumption or reconstitution are provided, as are methods for making the same. Precursor cheese having a suitable fat content and moisture content is formed into pieces suitably sized for processing, optionally treated to facilitate the free flow of the formed pieces relative to one another, chilled and then vacuum micro-waved to cause the precursor cheese pieces to become partially dehydrated and puffed. Optionally, microwave heating may be reduced in a gradual or step-wise fashion during the second half of the vacuum microwave drying step in order to minimize the elevation of heat in the fats of the cheese pieces while still allowing water vapour (i.e. heat) to escape therefrom.

Abstract: A food product and method are provided. The food product is a crisp expanded proteinacious food product characterized by an absence of objectionable protein fiber formation. The product is puffed to provide a low density while providing a good eating texture. The product may be coated to provide additional flavors and/or nutrients.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet and a method for producing electronic components using the sheet are provided. An adhesive sheet comprising a substrate layer; an antistatic layer formed on one surface of the substrate layer and containing an organic binder, an antistatic agent, an antifriction agent and a curing agent; and an adhesive layer formed on the other surface of the substrate layer; and a method for producing electronic components using the adhesive sheet.

Abstract: A method for making a quick-cook grain or pulse via flat plate compression or gun puffing by controlling the porosity of the grain or pulse. Further, the grain or pulse made in accordance with this invention retains the texture, flavor and appearance of the original grain or pulse.

Abstract: A scratch-resistant coating comprising a polymer including a functionalized polysilsesquioxane. The scratch-resistant coating is exposed to oxidizing conditions (e.g., ozone or ultraviolet light) that modify the surface chemistry of the coating to enhance adhesion to inorganic thin film coatings, such as antireflective coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid product comprising an extrudable mixture of an oil in water emulsion and a solid matrix. The solid product may be used in foodstuff e.g. as a beverage additive or as an instant beverage products or. The present invention further provides an oil in water emulsion that is stable under the conditions required to prepare such a solid product. Furthermore, in contrast to traditional spray- and freeze-dried powder based foodstuff additives like creamers, the solid product of the present invention spontaneously disperses when added to a aqueous media, i.e. stirring is not required. Furthermore, it may generate a foam without any foaming agents.

Abstract: A method for making a pastry shell includes the provision of an upward-facing female die, including an open-bottomed baking ring, and a downward-facing male die, and urging the two dies toward each other with a selected volume of dough inserted therebetween such that the male die is inserted concentrically into the female die to form the dough into an unbaked pastry shell conforming substantially to the die space defined between the male and female dies and having a substantially flat, horizontal floor and vertical annular side walls that intersect the floor at substantially a right angle. The baking ring, gasket and unbaked pastry shell define an assembly that is then removed from the forming apparatus, conveyed to a separate oven and baked in the oven such that the baking ring supports the walls of the pastry shell during the conveying and the baking of the shell.

Abstract: A foaming composition includes a powdered carbohydrate-free soluble composition which includes protein particles having a plurality of internal voids containing entrapped pressurized gas. In one form, the foaming composition is produced by subjecting the particles to an external gas pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure prior to or while heating the particles to a temperature of at least the glass transition temperature and then cooling the particles to a temperature below the glass transition temperature prior to or while releasing the external pressure in a manner effective to trap the pressurized gas within the internal voids.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a baked snack chip made from a raw potato slice. The snack chip has a light, crispy, expanded texture similar to the texture of a fried potato chip. It is formed by compressing and heating a partially dried potato slice and then expanding the potato slice. Alternatively, the expanded potato slice is compressed again.

Abstract: A process for preparing an instant beverage is provided which includes heating a dried soluble coffee under sufficient pressure thereby forcing gas into internal voids of the dried coffee. The heated dried soluble coffee is cooled and depressurized to produce a dried soluble coffee having internal voids filled with pressurized gas. An instant dry beverage comprising soluble coffee having internal voids filled with pressurized gas is also provided, and this product is advantageous in that it produces a beverage with foam on its surface when reconstituted.

Abstract: A process for producing a set expanded foodstuff comprises the step of passing a soft expanded foodstuff composition at a first temperature and a first pressure into a setting region at a second temperature, the second temperature being lower than said first temperature. The soft expanded foodstuff composition is cooled and set in the setting region at a second pressure which is lower than said first pressure. A process for producing a set expanded foodstuff, comprises the steps of passing a soft foodstuff composition which may be in at least a partially expanded condition and which contains a vaporisable expandingagent, at a first temperature and a first pressure into a setting region at a second temperature, said second temperature being lower than said first temperature.

Abstract: A soluble foaming composition is provided which contains carbohydrate particles having a plurality of voids containing entrapped pressurized gas and less than two percent protein. The composition may include a surfactant and may be contained in a food product such as a beverage mix or an instant food. In addition, a method is provided for manufacturing the foaming composition in which the particles are heated and an external pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure is applied to the soluble foaming particles. The soluble foaming particles are cooled and the external gas pressure is released resulting in pressurized gas remaining in internal voids of the particles of the foaming composition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing starch-free flour includes the steps of grinding a starch-free rice bran to form a bran powder; finely grinding the bran powder under a predetermined circumstance to form nano bran fine particles carrying positive charges and having water and oil absorbing ability; and mixing the nano bran fine particles with protein powders and gluten powders to form the starch-free flour.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a cooked-extruded-expanded dietetically valuable snack product mainly comprising an amylaceous material and milk solids, and which has a fine, porous, crunchy, smooth and melt-in-the-mouth texture while being rich in protein and calcium

Abstract: A process for producing fried starch-containing foodstuffs is described, comprising a thermal treatment resulting in gelatinization of starch, partial frying, cooling, optional freezing and optional finishing, wherein the foodstuff is subjected to a mechanical surface treatment between said thermal treatment and said partial frying. The mechanical treatment may consist of sanding, brushing, combined heat and pressure drop and other treatments. The foodstuff obtained has improved crispness, even after a holding time after finish frying.

Abstract: The present invention includes puffed-food starch material snack, in particular starch material from grains, having an improved crispy texture and a more aesthetic appearance and methods for preparing them. In general terms, the products are snack chips, cakes, crackers or the like, made from food starch material. Preferably, the starch material is provided primarily in the form of individual kernels or pellets of a cereal grain, such as rice, corn, wheat, rye, oats, millet, sorghum, barley, buckwheat, or mixtures thereof. According to a method of making the puffed food starch material product of the present invention, a puffing chamber is provided having inner surfaces and a chamber volume. A bulk amount of the food starch material is placed into the puffing chamber. The bulk amount of food starch material is caused to volumetrically expand.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of making a puffed food starch material snack, in particular starch material from grains, having an improved crispy texture and a more aesthetic appearance. The products may be snack chips, cakes, crackers or the like, made from food starch material. Preferably, the starch material is provided primarily in the form of individual kernels or pellets of a cereal grain, such as rice, corn, wheat, rye, oats, millet, sorghum, barley, buckwheat, or mixtures thereof. According to one method, a puffing chamber is provided having inner surfaces and a chamber volume. An amount of the food starch material is placed into the puffing chamber. The amount of food starch material is caused to volumetrically expand. The expanding food starch material is constrained in its expansion in at least a first dimension, while permitting unconstrained expansion of the amount in at least a second dimension.

Abstract: The invention provides sponges (foams) produced from hydrocolloids by the expansion of gels of these. The foams have properties which can be varied, such as water absorption, biodegradibility, pore size and structure. Edible products can be produced which may contain an edible plasticizer, a sugar or sugar substitute and possibly also a flavoring agent or taste enhancer. The novel sponges are produced by preparing a gel of a hydrocolloid, and either sealing it in a closed vessel with a liquid of similar composition, pressurizing the vessel and abruptly releasing the pressure, followed by freeze drying, or by incorporating in such a gel a suitable microorganism, such as a yeast and inducing fermentation in the presence of a suitable nutrient medium, so that the carbon dioxide formed results in the expansion and foam formation, which is processed to the final product. The sponges-foams of the invention are such, that the initial network of the gel is maintained.

Abstract: A method for processing whole leaf tea that involves impregnating tea leaves with liquid carbon dioxide within a pressure vessel, depressurising the vessel at a rate that is sufficient to freeze the liquid carbon dioxide, applying sufficient heat to cause the frozen carbon dioxide to sublime and consequently initiate fermentation within the leaves, allowing the tea to ferment for a time that is sufficient to achieve desired liquor properties, and drying the fermented product to yield the whole leaf tea. An apparatus for manufacturing such a leaf tea is also described.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering organic and inorganic matter from waste material wherein the waste material is sterilized and solid organic matter becomes soft when subjected to heat and pressure. The process may be carried out by first, feeding the waste material into a perforated container (10) mounted within a closed chamber (14). Next, the waste material is agitated and subjected to heat and pressure which sterilizes it and softens the organic matter contained therein. After heating under pressure, the pressure may be suddenly released from the chamber (10) which forces the softened organic matter outwardly through the perforations (12) of the container, thus separating the organic matter from the solid inorganic matter.

Abstract: A device for puffing products such as foodstuffs or tobacco comprises an upright puffing reactor having a vessel for receiving product therein. The vessel has a wall provided with a plurality of openings. A chamber surrounds the vessel. The vessel has no openings in an upper section. A first pressurized heat-carrying agent is supplied to the chamber under a first pressure, and the agent flows from the chamber through the plurality of openings uniformly through the product disposed within the vessel. Shortly before the vessel is opened via an opening mechanism, a second agent having a higher pressure than the first pressure is supplied into the upper section above the product disposed within the vessel for providing a “propelling charge” behind the product.

Abstract: A coated confectionery having a crispy starch based center with a thin continuous rigid outer, coating is disclosed. The integrity of the thin continuous rigid outer coating is maintained even after prolonged storage. Also disclosed is a method for preparing such coated confectionery.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus (10) for making a complexly patterned extrudate. The apparatus (10) includes a food cooker extruder (12) for providing at least one extrudable food product, at least one food color supply (18), a pattern forming die (20) for mixing the food color and extrudate food product to form a complexly patterned food product, a reducing passageway for reducing the cross sectional area of the patterned dough from an inlet end (34) to outlet end (36) of at least 50:1 at an average convergence angle of .ltoreq.45.degree. and an extruder exit port at the discharge end of the reducing passageway. The methods comprise the steps of: providing a plastic extrudable food mass; providing at least one color; mixing the food mass and color to form an organized complexly patterned food dough having an initial cross sectional area; reducing the initial cross sectional area by a factor of at least 50:1 with an average convergence angle of .ltoreq.45.degree.

Abstract: Using a metal mold (8) having an insulating section provided with vapor release sections, pressure outside the metal mold (8) is reduced, and heating is performed while releasing vapor produced thereby through the vapor release sections. This can prevent insulation breakdown caused by condensation of large amounts of vapor produced by ingredients during molding and heating of molded baked snacks by means of resistance heating, dielectric heating, etc.

Abstract: A device for puffing foodstuff comprises an upright puffing reactor having a vessel for receiving foodstuff therein. The vessel has a wall provided with a plurality of openings. A chamber surrounds the vessel. The vessel has no openings in an upper section. A first pressurized heat-carrying agent is supplied to the chamber under a first pressure, and the agent flows from the chamber through the plurality of openings uniformly through the foodstuff disposed within the vessel. Shortly before the vessel is opened via an opening mechanism, a second agent having a higher pressure than the first pressure is supplied into the upper section above the foodstuff disposed within the vessel for providing a "propelling charge" behind the foodstuff.

Abstract: Shaped bodies of dough are expanded under reduced pressure and then subsequently baked under heat, or are baked under heat while being expanded under reduced pressure. There is no substantial final fermentation.

Abstract: Soluble coffee products having a chunkier physical appearance more like that of granular roast and ground coffee products, lower apparent (bulk) densities compared to prior agglomerated spray dried instant coffee products and better solubility than prior freeze dried instant coffee products when added directly to hot water. These soluble coffee products are made by forming a relatively thin glassy coffee strip or sheet from a thermoplastic melt of soluble coffee solids, water, coffee aroma and flavor volatiles and optionally solubility enhancing components and then gradually applying vacuum conditions to this glassy strip or sheet over several cycles while heated to a pliable and deformable state such that the strip/sheet expands in a controlled manner from about 2 to about 10 times its initial thickness to provide a porous open-celled coffee matrix where the pores have a median pore size typically in the range of from about 3 to about 25 microns.

Abstract: Materials, for example, plant-based food products, are subjected to heat and pressure in a processing enclosure, wherein the pressure is greater than the pressure of the atmosphere. The heated, pressurized materials are then subjected to a pressure-reduction phase during which the pressure in the processing enclosure is reduced at a rate greater than 500 millibars per second and by an amplitude greater than 1 bar. The rapid pressure-reduction phase of the invention contributes to the production of processed materials having a slightly spongy structure that is due to the presence of micro-cavities that promote the recapture of subsequent moisture.

Abstract: A method of peeling tomatoes with the disclosed machine includes passing tomatoes through the steam chamber and maintaining a steam-controlled temperature of approximately 220.degree.-290.degree. F. and a pressure of 12-30 psi. The level of condensate is controlled for dragout by adding water and the concentration of naphthalene sulfonate is monitored and maintained at approximately 1000-2000 ppm. Residence time in the steam chamber is 8-35 seconds, while residence time in the vacuum chamber is 5-10 seconds while maintaining a vacuum of approximately 16-26 in. Hg at approximately 75.degree.-90.degree. F.

Abstract: A grain cake baking machine having an upper mold, a ring mold and a lower mold, with the upper and lower molds sliding in the ring mold and defining a mold cavity, a first drive for moving the lower mold relative to the ring mold between a vent position and an intermediate baking position, and an unload position extending to the upper end of the ring mold for discharging the cake, a second drive for moving the upper mold relative to the ring mold between a load position out of the ring mold for loading grain and unloading a cake, and a baking position within the ring mold, a third drive for loading a charge of grain into the ring mold when the upper and lower molds are in the load positions, with the first drive moving the lower mold to the load position for venting the mold cavity, and heaters for the upper and lower molds.

Abstract: A method and pellet mill apparatus for the continuous preparation of improved animal feed pellets cooks a grain mash with steam under superatmospheric pressure which extends through a conditioning chamber within the mill and to an extrusion die to increase conditioning and gelatinization of the mash.

Abstract: A process for enrichment of animal food with fat is described wherein air cell bubbles are introduced to a highly dense product in the extrusion system by the utilization of carbonation technology into the oils and fats with various functional and textural properties. It includes the use of low to highly charged oils and fats with various gases under pressure injected into the extrusion stream within the extruder under lower pressure to assist in the expansion of the extrudate once it leaves the die nozzle.

Abstract: Extrusion cooked cereal foods are prepared by mixing ingredients, including a cereal flour and water, to obtain a moist blend having a solids content of at least 70% by weight which then is extrusion cooked in a cooking stage of an extruder, and prior to extruding the cooked blend through a die, a compressed gas is injected into the cooked blend.

Abstract: Quinoa seeds are moistened so that the seeds have a dry matter content of from 65% to 85% by weight, and then the moistened seeds are treated with superheated steam after which the treated seeds are restored to temperature and pressure conditions to expand the volume of the seeds.

Abstract: A process for making a shelf-stable food product comprises blending a high moisture material that provides flavor and substantially all of the moisture to the stack food product with one or more low moisture farinaceous base ingredients to produce a dough, extruding the dough into the desired shape, drying the extruded dough and ultimately cooking the dried product to produce a shelf-stable food product. The high moisture material can comprise a cellular fruit or vegetable material which has been vigorously macerated, a liquid per se, such as a beverage, or a dairy product such as yogurt.

Abstract: A simple, reliable process for decaffeinating green coffee beans to a high degree while avoiding denaturation of the green coffee beans includes wetting the green coffee beans to a high water content of 35-50%-wt.; compressing the beans in a pressure chamber for a period of a few minutes to several hours in an atmosphere comprised of a supercritical fluid which is a gas at STP, at a temperature ranging from 20.degree. to 80.degree. C. under a critical pressure ranging from 75 to 300 bar; decompressing the wetted beans from critical pressure p.sub.c to a pressure p for which p.sub.c p.gtoreq.p.gtoreq.1 bar abruptly or in the space of a few minutes, while avoiding freezing the green coffee beans; washing with water or with the supercritical fluid for selective extraction of the caffeine; repeating the process one or more times; centrifuging; drying; and roasting the beans. Further, caffeine is recovered in a known manner from the washing medium.

Abstract: A simple, reliable process for decaffeinating green coffee beans to a high degree while avoiding denaturation of the green coffee beans includes wetting the green coffee beans to a high water content of 35-50%-wt.; compressing the beans in a pressure chamber for a period of a few minutes to several hours in an atmosphere comprised of a supercritical fluid which is a gas at STP, at a temperature ranging from 20.degree. to 80.degree. C. under a critical pressure ranging from 75 to 300 bar; decompressing the wetted beans from critical pressure p.sub.c to a pressure p for which p.sub.c .ltoreq.p.ltoreq.1 bar abruptly or in the space of a few minutes, while avoiding freezing the green coffee beans; washing with water or with the supercritical fluid for selective extraction of the caffeine; repeating the process one or more times; centrifuging; drying; and roasting the beans. Further, caffeine is recovered in a known manner from the washing medium.

Abstract: A method for producing a coffee extract which comprises: (1) contacting an aqueous mixture of ground roast coffee with steam under pressure at elevated temperatures followed by rapid decompression at atmospheric levels; and (2) treatment of the resulting mixture with a hydrolytic enzyme or with a mixture of hydrolytic enzymes. The coffee extract thus obtained is a concentrated liquid which can be made into a beverage by the addition of water or it may be dried to a soluble solid and reconstituted with water to provide instant coffee.

Abstract: Textured animal protein can be prepared by forming a heated pressurized wet mass of animal meal and extruding the mass or otherwise reducing the pressure and temperature surrounding the mass. The ingredients for the animal meal are chosen so that the measurable gelatin content of the extruded product is less than 10% of the dry solids of the product. As gelatin is a hydrolysis product of collagen, this means that the animal meal should be prepared from material which is intrinsically low in hydrolysable collagen, or the hydrolysable collagen content should be reduced either by cross-linking (for example with propylene glycol alginate) or by hydrolysis and washing away the gelatin.

Abstract: Fruits and vegetables can be vacuum dried to produce a crispy but yet tender puffed food products having a color and appearance of the original fruit or vegetable prior to processing. Enzymatic browning and reducing sugar browning is counteracted by the treatment of the fruit or vegetable in an infusion solution that contains at least one reducing acid and a proton donor to counteract enzymatic browning and a disaccharide to counteract reducing sugar browning. In addition the infusion solution can contain chelating agents and antimicrobial agents. In addition the fruit or vegetable can undergo a freeze-thaw tenderizing process which will also enhance the puffing of the fruit or vegetable. The product is a puffed and crisp but yet has a smooth texture when being consumed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for puffing biological material such as fruits and vegetables are provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) placing the material in a pressure chamber; (b) subjecting the material to a puffing gas such as carbon dioxide at an increased pressure between substantially 400 and 1200 psi; (c) quickly releasing the puffing gas pressure in less than 1 second to puff the material; and (d) drying the material after puffing to set it in the puffed state. The material is prepared for puffing by sizing so as to include at least one dimension of between substantially 0.025 and 1.0 inches. The moisture content is also reduced or increased to between substantially 15 and 60% wet basis. Puffing gas usage may be minimized by overpressuring with an inert gas such as nitrogen. The apparatus includes a variable volume pressure chamber that also allows usage of puffing gas to be minimized. More specifically, the volume of the chamber is maintained relatively small during charging with puffing gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming voids within foods, including such solid foods as meat, fruit and vegetable, such liquid foods as water and syrup, and other foods in the form of sol or gel and a method for cooling and solidifying the aforementioned foods while maintaining many voids therein. The method for expansion treatment of these foods according to the present invention comprises forcing a water-soluble gas, such as carbon dioxide, into a moisture containing food under a pressure of not less than 15 kg/cm.sup.2 in a pressure vessel and then reducing the pressure in the vessel at a rate of 1.5 to 150 kg/cm.sup.2 /min to cause expansion of the food.

Abstract: An improved grain cake, method and apparatus. In the prior art, rice cakes have been made by heating a predetermined quantity of rice grains in a hermetically sealed chamber at superatmospheric pressure and then expanding the heated rice grains while they are confined to the chamber by abruptly releasing the superatmospheric pressure such that the confined, expanded grains bond together to form a self-supporting mass. The improvement of this invention comprises pretreatment of cereal grains, including rice, wheat, rye, corn and the like, by steaming the cereal grains to bring them to an effective temperature to partially gelatinize the starch therein and to maintain the cereal grains at the effective temperature for an effective period of time to produce a desired degree of expansion when puffed in a conventional rice cake machine. The resulting grain cakes have increased expansion and reduced fragility over those made by prior art pretreatment methods.

Abstract: In the extrusion of feed-stuff pellets and relevant consumer products, the extruded products are subject to expansion as a result of the boiling of their water content when the products, after being exposed to high extrusion pressure and a correspondingly high temperature, are discharged to the atmosphere through the extrusion nozzles. Such an expansion is directly aimed at, but it is desirable to be able to control it, which is difficult by adjustment of the ordinary process parameters. With the invention it has been found that the expansion which arises can be controlled in a highly constant manner, i.e. by carrying out the extrusion into a closed chamber in which an over-pressure of a few bar is established in relation to the atmospheric pressure, and which can be regulated. The extrusion products can be continuously discharged from this chamber, or they can be discharged intermittently in portions.