Patent US2093471A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US4086135A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4086135A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Process for stepping grain and products obtained therefrom
Assignee: Unilever Bestfoods North America
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Filing: 1974-12-16
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Granted: 1978-04-25
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Expires: 1994-12-16
Abstract
Abstract A process for steeping grain wherein the steepwater is inoculated with an inoculum containing a microorganism of the genus Lactobacillus at or near the beginning of the steeping process. The process reduces the steeping time and increases the content of lactic acid in the steepwater. The process also reduces the amount of sulfur dioxide needed in the steeping process.
Inventors
- 👤 Ramon Cairo Balana
- 👤 Antonio Montserrat Caixes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 10:14
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12N; C12N1/00; C12N1/20; C12N1/205; C08; C08B; C08B30/00; C08B30/02; C12R; C12R2001/00; C12R2001/01; C12R2001/225
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
In the process of steeping grain in warm acidulated water at the beginning of the wet milling process for the separation and recovery of the various components of the grain, the improvement comprising adding an inoculum of a microorganism of the genus Lactobacillus to the warm acidulated water in which the grain is steeped.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
54 words
In the process of steeping grain in warm acidulated water at the beginning of the wet milling process for the separation and recovery of the various components of the grain, the improvement comprising adding an inoculum of a microorganism of the genus Lactobacillus to the warm acidulated water in which the grain is steeped.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the water for the steeping is acidulated by the addition thereto of sulfur dioxide in an amount of from about 0.075% to about 0.1%.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 1, wherein said steeping process is conducted at a temperature in the range of from about 45° C to about 50° C.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the steeping process is terminated when the content of lactic acid in the steepwater reaches about 20%, by weight, dry substance basis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 1, wherein said inoculum is derived from a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus delbruckii and Lactobacillus leichmanii.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the inoculum is added to the steepwater at or near the beginning of the steeping process.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 1, wherein said steeping process is conducted for a period of from about 23 to about 26 hours.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 1, wherein the steeping process is terminated when the content of lactic acid in the steepwater reaches about 22%, by weight, dry substance basis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-04-24 | 1981-10-24 | 1982-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-04-24 | 1985-10-24 | 1986-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-04-24 | 1989-10-24 | 1990-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |