US3794731A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Protein fiber fabrication process
Assignee: General Mills Inc
•
Filing: 1972-04-21
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Granted: 1974-02-26
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Expires: 1992-04-21
Abstract
Abstract Protein fibers are prepared by forcing an alkaline protein solution through an orifice and simultaneously intimately contacting the protein stream with a fast acting acid gas traveling at a velocity greater than the protein stream. The fibers find particular use in meat analog preparations.
Inventors
- 👤 R Dannert
- 👤 M Manwaring
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 08:25
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23J; A23J3/00; A23J3/22; A23J3/26; A23J3/28; A23J3/285; D; D01; D01F; D01F4/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S426/00; Y10S426/802
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the fast acting acid gas is hydrochloric acid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the protein source material is sodium caseinate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 3 wherein the sodium caseinate is used in combination with a second protein source material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 4 wherein the second protein source material is whey.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the protein source material is soy isolate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the forming protein fibers are propelled to a rotating receiving surface which stretches and thus orients the fibers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the fibers are neutralized.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the fibers are immersed in an aqueous setting bath.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the fibers are subjected to a heat treatment to improve the strength thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the alkaline solution is obtained through the use of sodium hydroxide.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the alkaline solution contains one or more additives selected from flAvors, coloring agents, gums, plasticizers, bulking agents, fats, and oils.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2682466A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-25 | 1977-08-27 | 1978-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-25 | 1981-08-27 | 1982-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-25 | 1985-08-27 | 1986-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |