Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods and devices for detecting microbial spoilage of a food product. The method involves placing a spoilage indicator device including a barrier sheet in fluid contact with a food product. The method also involves allowing any reactant molecule of a predetermined size produced in the food product by microbial spoilage to traverse the barrier sheet to contact a carrier of the device and to react with an indicator material therein. The method further provides observing the spoilage indicator to determine whether the detectable change has occurred in the indicator material. The detectable change indicates a build-up of the reactant molecule in the food product and therefore is indicative of microbial spoilage.

Abstract: A portable product authentication device and method for analyzing key ingredients and the relative amounts of key ingredients in products which in turn enables authentication and monitoring products for authenticity, fraud and quality control is disclosed. Particular light-emissive compounds can be used to identify and quantitate the relative levels of key ingredients in the products. The invention includes a probe assembly for providing a source of light to irradiate a sample product, an optical detector to detect emitted light from the irradiated product and a controller to determine the authenticity or quality of the sample product by comparing the emitted light to a standard. A small sample of the product to be authenticated is tested on site (e.g., at the point of manufacture or at the point of distribution) thereby giving immediate feedback as to its authenticity or quality. The sample, together with the light-emissive compound may be placed on a chip.

Abstract: A device composed of (1) a color changing indicator, (2) an optional polymeric binder, preferably having gel forming capability, and (3) an activator solvent system which induces a color change in the indicator when device is frozen, in the region of about 0 to −30° C. An example of the device is an indicator of a fine dispersion of partially polymerized diacetylene of the formula: R—C═C—C═C—R, where R is a substituent group, e.g., 4BCMU where R=—(CH2)OCONHCH2COO(CH2)4H, dispersed in a mixture of solvents, e.g., 96:4 water:ED (ethylene glycol diacetate), with or without a polymeric binder. When the temperature of the device is lowered to the freezing point of water, the activator solvent phase separates out of the mixture and induces a color change in the indicator. The device can undergo an irreversible color change, e.g., from blue to red, when the activator mixture is frozen in the region of about 0 to 30° C.

Abstract: A system to detect spoilage of a food product is described in this invention. The present invention can be used to see if a food product is spoiled, by mixing a part of the food product with an indicator of food spoilage within a separate transparent compartment of the food container, which is visible to the consumer.

Abstract: The caffeine detector uses a paper chromatographic technique to measure the concentration of caffeine in a beverage. The device includes a well or other receptacle for containing a predetermined test volume of the beverage. A paper strip is suspended so that one end of the strip dips into the well. The strip is divided into two zones, the first zone being coated with at least one molecular imprint polymer (MIP) which absorbs substances which may interfere with quantification of caffeine. The second zone is coated with an MIP which selectively absorbs caffeine and chromogenic reagents which provide calorimetric visualization of the migration of caffeine through the second zone. The second zone bears indicia calibrating the paper strip so that the concentration of caffeine in the beverage may be determined by the height or distance which the caffeine migrates up the paper strip.

Abstract: Highly efficient, low cost, methods and compounds to determine product authenticity, tampering, manufacturing compliance are provided. The methods and chemicals defined are capable of measuring the relative amount of key materials in these products. The compounds are light emitting and interact with key elements in products like, neutral spirits, vodka, tequila, soft drinks and infant formulas. After the interactions are complete, methods are employed to determine resulting key components by light emission.

Abstract: A novel method of analyzing wheat-based dough and batter products is provided. The preferred method includes mixing doughs or batters having different ingredients or levels thereof, performing a series of near-infrared analyses on such doughs and batters and comparing the analyses to indicate the effect of the added ingredient or levels thereof. The spectral data collected from the analyses are converted to Kubelka-Munk units and the second derivatives are determined and the resulting time plot curve is smoothed and cumulated resulting in a development plot which is easy to read and interpret, thereby aiding in determining the effect of each tested ingredient and levels thereof The present invention also provides a method for determining ingredient effects at specific wavelengths for specific ingredients.

Abstract: Billions of dollars are being spent in the development and deployment of technologies for monitoring environmental biological and chemical contaminants to support early detection and reaction to potential biological warfare and terrorism. To date, little commercial value has been seen in these technologies. However, direct application of these technologies for monitoring, in real time, the growth environment found in high density farming applications (i.e. poultry, pigs, veal, etc.) offers the potential for considerable improvement in yields, reduced use of antibiotics and other prophylactic pharmaceuticals and reduced potential for outbreaks of drug resistant disease.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for evaluating the hot treatment to which a proteinic nutrient such as milk is subjected. It consists in the following steps: a) taking a sample of said nutrient and adding thereto an ionic strength pad and appropriate pH for obtaining a precipitate of proteins denatured by the hot treatment and a transparent supenatant containing proteins which are still soluble; b) analysing the tryptophan present in the supernatant; and c) analysing the fluorescent by-products derived from the advanced Maillard reaction present in the supernatant. The invention is useful in methods for hot treatment of proteinic nutrients.

Abstract: A ball selector and display device comprising a plurality of prize balls, a ball holder adapted to hold the balls in an individually controlled manner, a controller adapted to select a prize ball, a display mechanism adapted to display the selected prize ball to the player; and a positioning mechanism in communication with the controller adapted to position the selected prize ball relative to the display mechanism. The ball selector and display device may be combined with a jumbled ball display wherein the balls displayed by the ball selector and display device appear to originate from the jumbled ball display. The ball selector and display device may also be combined with a game apparatus that is adapted to allow players to play a game. In this embodiment, the ball selector and display device may provide a bonus award for the player. Several games are also provided that may be used with the ball selector and display device.

Abstract: The method for presenting grain for NIR spectography examination includes causing the grain to move downward across a sloping presentation surface; associating the optics of an NIR spectography apparatus with the presentation surface to permit light from the optics to be projected into the curtain of grain at a substantial right angle with respect to the direction of flow of the curtain of grain over the presentation surface. An apparatus for presenting grain for NIR spectography examination includes the structure for practicing the aforementioned method.

Abstract: The disclosure describes food contamination detectors adapted to be used with vacuum packages and package systems including such detectors.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring the intra-muscular fat in carcasses or parts of carcasses or the total content of fat in minced meat has a first pair of electrodes for insertion into a carcass or part of a carcass or into minced meat. An alternating current (AC) generator is connected to these electrodes. Second and third pairs of electrodes are inserted parallel to the first pair. Both the second and third pairs have measurement circuits to measure the voltage and phase between the electrode pairs after insertion. The needle or bar shaped electrodes are tapered and insulated apart from 5-20 mm long free end sections. Electrodes are separated by 10-100 mm with each electrode 10-50 mm from the nearest of the first electrode pair. The portable unit for on-line use has a display output. The AC frequency applied to the first electrode pair may be changed in an exponential series to give different measurements.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the specific detection of a target pathogen in a sample. The method of the invention comprises, as a first step, incubating the sample under sufficient conditions to enrich the target pathogen population in the sample. As a second step, the target pathogen is selected by immunoselection from the sample enriched in the first step. The selection of the target pathogen is followed by amplification of a nucleic acid sequence specific to the target pathogen from the target pathogen so selected. The amplified nucleic acid sequence is then detected, the presence of the amplified nucleic acid sequence indicating the presence of the target pathogen. By following the method of the invention, a single colony-forming unit (CFU) of bacterial pathogen can be detected in a contaminated food product in 8 hours or less. The invention provides improved tools for rapid and early detection of pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella strains: S. agona; S. anatum; S. enteritidis; S.

Abstract: It has been discovered that one can predict the likelihood a child will outgrow an allergy, especially a food allergy, by screening for IgE antibodies immunoreactivities with linear versus conformational epitopes. The child is first screened using standard techniques to determine what antigens the child is allergic to. The immunoglobulins in the sample from the patient are then characterized either using the natural purified antigen, recombinant antigen, reduced and alkylated antigen, proteolytic fragments of the antigen or synthetic peptides of between four and 40 amino acids in length, preferably six to ten amino acids, which can be immobilized for rapid and accurate screening. The antibodies from the patient, typically present in a serum or plasma sample, are reacted with the protein or peptides to determine which peptides are bound by the antibodies. These antibodies are then characterized to determine if the epitopes they bind are linear or conformational.

Abstract: Highly efficient, low cost, methods and compounds to determine product authenticity, tampering, manufacturing compliance are provided. The methods and chemicals defined are capable of measuring the relative amounts of key materials in these products. The compounds are light emitting and interact with key elements in products like, neutral spirits, vodka, tequila, soft drinks and infant formulas. After the interactions are complete, methods are employed to determine resulting key components by light emission.

Abstract: A probe for a surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectrometer is provided for injection into a cell in order to detect trace amounts of a compound within that cell. The probe has a spherical shape with a diameter less than one micrometer and preferably in the 10-500 nanometer range. The nanoprobes can have a receptor coating related to the specific compound to be detected by the probe. A process for producing, injecting and utilizing the nanoprobes are described.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring the cooking temperature of meat patties. More specifically, a method is provided for monitoring the cooking temperature of meat patties by determining the concentration of colored compounds, such as myoglobin, in meat juice.

Abstract: The invention is a prepackaged therapeutic meal for administration to a patient having at least one diet-responsive condition. The meal includes a plurality of separate meal components. At least one of the meal components contains a predetermined level of nutritional enhancement. The nutritionally enhanced meal component may be selected from the group consisting of meats, baked goods, sauces, starch sources, cereals, soups, desserts, and fruit juice beverages. In particular, the component supplies dietary fiber in the range of up to about 10 grams; vitamins and minerals at a range of at least about 5 to 35% USRDA; sodium in an amount less than about 2400 mg; potassium in an amount less than about 3500 mg; protein, such that up to about 30% of caloric intake is derived from protein; and fat, such that up to about 20% of caloric intake derived from fat.

Abstract: A method for determining in vivo the nutritional value of animal feed during the transit of the feed in the digestive system of ruminant comprising analysing said feed, more particularly ensilage, by near infrared spectrophotometry.

Abstract: A method for estimating the tenderness of a meat product is provided. The method includes determining the stress relaxation coefficient of a meat sample. One or more physical parameters of the meat sample are then determined from the stress relaxation coefficient. Diagnostic sensory characterization data, such as a numerical estimation of the meat's overall tenderness, is then determined for the meat sample. The physical parameters are then correlated to the diagnostic sensory characterization data, to allow the diagnostic sensory characterization data to be estimated solely from the measured physical parameters.

Abstract: A method for measuring ash content of food stuff is carried out by 1) preparing, with respect to food stuff samples whose ash content values are known, a calibration curve by a non-linear analysis of absorbance values and the known ash content of each sample, the absorbance values being obtained by irradiating light having particular wavelengths containing at least an ultraviolet ray band wavelength, the particular wavelength being specific to organic ingredients well coupled to inorganic ingredients which result in the ash content, and 2) deriving, with respect to a sample whose ash content value is unknown, an ash content value of the sample from absorbance values obtained by irradiating, on the sample, light having the particular wavelengths containing at least the ultraviolet ray band wavelength and from the calibration curve prepared in advance by the non-linear analysis.

Abstract: A fluorescent immunoassay employing the interior surface of a capillary tube is provided. Devices to permit immunoassays using one or more capillary tubes, an apparatus for use with the devices, and a process for screening for analyte in a sample using the devices and apparatus are also provided. Samples suspected of containing analyte are added to a disposable self-contained sample tray containing one or more sample wells, mixed with a reagent, drawn into one or more spaced-apart capillary tubes held within a disposable cartridge connected to an analytical apparatus, reacted with a binding member on the surface of the capillary tube, washed to stop the reaction, and dried by the apparatus. The capillary tube is then exposed to a signal generation device to create a fluorescence signal that is detected using a signal detector. The apparatus determines the presence of the analyte and optionally determines the amount of analyte present in the sample, and presents the results to the operator.

Abstract: A method for measuring ash content of food stuff is carried out by 1) preparing, with respect to food stuff samples whose ash content values are known, a calibration curve by a non-linear analysis of absorbance values and the known ash content of each sample, the absorbance values being obtained by irradiating light having particular wavelengths containing at least an ultraviolet ray band wavelength, the particular wavelength being specific to organic ingredients well coupled to inorganic ingredients which result in the ash content, and 2) deriving, with respect to a sample whose ash content value is unknown, an ash content value of the sample from absorbance values obtained by irradiating, on the sample, light having the particular wavelengths containing at least the ultraviolet ray band wavelength and from the calibration curve prepared in advance by the non-linear analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and identifying biological pathogens in a sample includes exposing the sample to an excitation radiation and thereby generating an emission radiation, synchronously scanning the wavelength of the excitation radiation and the wavelength of the emission radiation to produce a spectrum, and correlating the spectrum to a biological pathogen in the sample. In another aspect, a method and apparatus for imaging chemical and biological agents in a sample includes exposing the sample to an excitation radiation and thereby generating an emission radiation and synchronously imaging the wavelength of the excitation radiation and the wavelength of the emission radiation to produce an imaged spectrum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for pretreating heat stable proteins derived from a rendered animal material prior to performing an assay for their presence comprising (a) preparing a protein containing extract of the material, (b) removing substantially all or part of the gelatin from the extract and (c) concentrating the remaining protein such that it tests positive for protein by immunoassay at a dilution of greater than 1 in 6,000.

Abstract: Unopened packages, containing an edible food product pre-treated with a heat shock preservation process, can be sanitized in a hospital dishwasher by a method that includes washing the package outer surface with detergent, rinsing the package surface with a solution containing a sanitizing agent, and drying the package outer surface. The method is applicable to various food products, e.g. individual milk or juice packages, distributed to patients in hospitals. Use of the method permits unopened food packages handled by the patient to be supplied to other patients without worrying that germs and contaminants might be transmitted from one hospital patient to another hospital patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining foaming behavior of a liquid by use of a gas, which includes supplying the gas to an amount of the substantially gas-free liquid to form a foam and analyzing one or more properties of the foam, wherein the gas is supplied through a grid provided with holes having a diameter of 25 to 100 .mu.m, which holes are located at a mutual distance of 5 to 15 times the diameter of the holes.

Abstract: An on-line method for the continuous generation of alkali metal salts includes continuously reacting a source of acidity, a liquid having a low pH value, with a source of alkalinity, a liquid having a high pH value, while continuously monitoring an electrical parameter of the resultant in salt which is indicative of its pH value. The monitored value is used to adjust the relative flow rates of the input liquids so as to dynamically maintain the pH value of the resultant salt within a predetermined range. In the apparatus, the input liquids can be continuously supplied to a reacting element and the conductance of the resultant salt monitored for purposes of providing feedback control signals to adjust one or more flow rates.

Abstract: A methodology and devices for detecting or monitoring or identifying chemical or microbial analytes are described. The methodology comprises four basic steps: (1) The gas or liquid medium to be monitored or analyzed is brought into contact with a bioconcentrator which is used to bind with or collect and concentrate one or more analytes. (2) The bioconcentrator-analyte complex is then exposed to radiation of one or more predetermined wavelengths to produce Raman scattering spectral bands. (3) At least a portion of the Raman spectral bands are collected and processed by a Raman spectrometer to convert the same into an electrical signal. And (4) the electrical signal is processed to detect and identify, qualitatively and/or quantitatively, the analyte(s).

Abstract: A method and device for the detection of allergenic substances in food products. The device comprises a dining mat, such as a doily, formed of an absorbent material and small spots of reagents are applied to isolated zones on the mat. Each reagent is characterized by the ability to change its characteristics when contacted by an allergenic substance. A label can be applied to the mat adjacent each reagent indicating the respective allergenic substance. In use, a small amount of a food product is applied to a reagent and if the food product contains the allergenic substance, the reagent will change its appearance indicating the presence of the allergenic substance in the food product.

Abstract: A taste measurement method using a taste sensor with a molecular film for an amphiphatic or bitter substance comprises dipping the taste sensor in the target measurement solution for a predetermined period of time; removing, from the target measurement solution, the taste sensor which has been dipped in the target measurement solution for the predetermined period of time, without obtaining a sensor response; and subsequently dipping the taste sensor in a reference solution to obtain a sensor response, wherein the sensor response is defined as the taste information of the target measurement solution.

Abstract: A method for determining the acid value of oilseeds. A reagent kit for the rapid extraction of the free fatty acids from oilseeds which consists of reagents: "A" and "B". Reagent "A" contains a tertiary amine (such as triethanolamine) in water and an alcohol--hydrocarbon mixture as solvent. Preferred is water/isopropanol/heptane. Reagent "A" allows rapid (1-2 min) solid-liquid extraction of the free fatty acids and some other acids from oilseeds. Reagent "B" contains a strong acid and an inorganic salt in water. Reagent "B" enables the rextraction (liquid-liquid; about 5 min) of the free fatty acids only into a separate hydrocarbon phase, which can be used for the acid value determination.

Abstract: A process and test kit for the rapid qualitative determination of fat oxidation based on an iodometric method for peroxide value and employing ready-made test solutions is disclosed. A visible color change is used to determine whether a fat sample contains an amount of fat peroxides in excess of a predetermined amount, and is therefore unacceptable.

Abstract: Highly efficient, low cost, methods and compounds to determine product authenticity, tampering, manufacturing compliance are provided. The methods and chemicals defined are capable of measuring the relative amounts of key materials in these products. The compounds are light-emitting and interact with key elements in products like, neutral spirits, vodka, tequila, soft drinks and infant formulas. After the interactions are complete, methods are employed to determine resulting key components by light emission.

Abstract: A method of determining the dosage of dust control agents applied to coal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: (1) treating the coal, with a small amount of a dust control agent containing a compatible fluorescent dye; (2) extracting the treated coal with a polar solvent for the freeze-release agent and determining the fluorescence of such extract; (3) extracting a similar treated coal sample to which a known amount of the dust control agent has been further added and determining the fluorescence of this extract; (4) setting up a proportionality between the fluorescence values of extracts (2) and (3) with the corresponding dosages of dust control agents and solving for the unknown dosage originally applied to the coal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for material analysis are disclosed in which an organic sample (e.g., a foodstuff, tissue sample or petroleum product) is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths which are absorbed by fatty acid and fatty acid oxidation products in the sample. Measurements of the intensity of reflected or absorbed light at such wavelengths are taken, and a analysis of absorbance ratios for various wavelengths is performed. Changes in the reflection ratios are correlated with the oxidative state of fatty acids present in the material.

Abstract: A process and test kit for the rapid qualitative determination of fat oxidation based on an iodometric method for peroxide value and employing ready-made test solutions is disclosed. A visible color change is used to determine whether a fat sample contains an amount of fat peroxides in excess of a predetermined amount, and is therefore unacceptable.

Abstract: In a method for the determination of the fat content of samples, preferably organic samples, fat portions are dissolved out of the sample by means of extraction. A high boiling point solvent is used for extraction. Through the use of a high boiling point solvent, all possible fat portions will be dissolved out and the extraction time will be significantly reduced. Concurrent with extraction, the extracted fat portions are saponified through the addition of a base, as a result of which salts of the fatty acids contained in the sample will be formed. In further procedural steps, these salts of the fatty acids are subjected to further treatment, separated from one another and analysed. The method enables the exact determination of the fat content of organic samples on the basis of the fatty acids contained within the sample.

Abstract: Diacetyl, especially resulting from spoilage of chilled red meat, is monitored by exposing an aromatic ortho-diamine at acidic pH to an environment containing, or possibly containing, diacetyl and detecting any change in absorption or reflection of electromagnetic radiation due to the ortho-diamine.

Abstract: The invention is a method of monitoring for the presence of certain constituents of food processing streams by measurement of fluorescence. The constituent monitored can be a fluorescing impurity of a food product, or the food product itself if such naturally fluoresces. Moreover, losses of the constituent to be monitored may be determined by concurrent measurement of fluorescence of a fluorescent material added to the food process stream. The method is applicable to the following food processing streams among others: meat, vegetable oil, sugar beet, sugar cane, grain, poultry, fruit and soybean processing streams. Upon determination of a variation of the fluorescing constituent to be measured, the food process can be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A method of determining the quantity of particulate cellulose in a food matrix such as grated or shredded cheese by applying to the food matrix a stain having the capacity to visually selectively stain cellulose as differentiated from the food matrix, and comparing the degree of resulting coloration thereof against a standard using a series of food matrix portions having differing known quantities of stained particulate cellulose therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring the decrease in phosphorylation of the fatty acid binding protein (FABP) found in the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) of bovine or human milk to detect growth hormone treatment in animals. MFGM of cows treated with recombinan+bovine somatotropin (bST) displays weaker FABP autophosphorylation activity than non treated cows. MFGM isolated from cows treated with bST have significantly reduced levels of phosphorylated FABP. The bST test of the present invention can be used not only to determine whether the animal producing the milk has been treated with bST, it can also be used to determine the efficacy of bST on milk production. Dairy managers could thus base their decision on whether to continue bST treatment on such a test.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods employing capillary containers are provided. The immunoassays may be competitive or sandwich immunoassays, where fluorescently labeled conjugates are used. Sample suspected of containing analyte is combined with fluorescently labeled conjugate, as well as any additional reactants which may be required. At least a portion of the incubated sample is placed in a capillary container. The capillary container has, on at least one region of its inner surface, a binding member capable of complexing with the fluorescently labeled conjugate, either directly or indirectly. Fluorescently labeled conjugate not complexed to binding member is then washed from the capillary container. The complexed fluorescently labeled conjugate is detected by irradiating the capillary and measuring the emitted signal. The intensity of the emitted signal is indicative of the presence of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the percentage of free fatty acids in cooking fats and oils. A kit for this analysis includes a test cylinder calibrated for (a) volume of test sample, (b) volume of acid-base indicator solution, and (c) a set of lines marked to be read directly as the percentage of free fatty acids in the sample.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of altering the metabolism of sphingolipids in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a fumonisin, or an analog thereof. The invention also provides a method of detecting the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog in a subject comprising (A) detecting, in a sample from the subject, the state of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids and (B) comparing the state of the metabolic pathway to that of a normal subject, the presence of a change in the state of the metabolic pathway indicating the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog. Also provided is a method of detecting the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination in a sample from a food or feed comprising detecting a reaction of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids, the presence of the reaction indicating the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination. Furthermore, novel fumonisin analogs and compositions comprising fumonisins and fumonisin analogs are provided.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of peroxide in hydrocarbon fuels such as jet fuels, diesel fuel, kerosene and gasoline is disclosed which can be performed both at remote locations as well as in a laboratory setting. A sample of the fuel to be tested is mixed with a solution containing a water-soluble salt and aqueous iodide solution to reduce the peroxide and produce free iodine. The sample is then subjected to a single sweep voltammetric analysis to measure the current through the sample as a function of the potential applied. The resulting peak of current on a current-potential plot can then be used to determine the amount of peroxide in solution.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting fluorescent biological molecules and/or microorganisms containing said fluorescent biological molecules within a given area or space. The method comprises illuminating an area or space with light of a suitable wavelength to excite the fluorescent biological molecules and then measuring the resultant fluorescent light from the illuminated area or space at a wavelength indicative of fluorescence of the fluorescent biological molecules. The invention can also be used to detect changes in the levels of such biological molecules and/or microorganisms within a given area or space by illuminating the area or space at two different times, measuring the resultant fluorescence after each illumination and comparing the respective fluorescence measurements. The present invention is also directed to a hand-held device for in vivo inspection of desired areas or spaces.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the net HDL cholesterol in the blood. The LDL and VLDL moieties are precipitated out and the remaining cholesterol content of the supernatant is measured. The free cholesterol content of the supernatant is separately measured and substracted from the total to obtain net HDL cholesterol. This value serves as a useful indicator for diagnosing vascular disease. A diet supplement and method for raising serum HDL is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for tagging and tracing materials using nucleic acids as taggants. The process of tagging involves altering a substance in a manner that allows for the subsequent identification of the substance by detecting the alteration. The alteration disclosed herein involves nucleic acids.