Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various actuation system embodiments, including fluid actuation systems, drive train actuation systems, and motorless actuation systems. Additional embodiments include a reversibly lockable tube that can provide access for a medical device to a patient's cavity and further provides a reversible rigidity or stability during operation of the device. Further embodiments include various operational components for medical devices, including medical device arm mechanisms that have both axial and rotational movement while maintaining a relatively compact structure. medical device winch components, medical device biopsy/stapler/clamp mechanisms, and medical device adjustable focus mechanisms.

Abstract: A fence post for use in building a post and rail fence over varying terrain or of varying curvature. The post is perforated by a hole having a reduced diameter center section that is flanked on either side by an enlarged diameter section. The posts thus permit the support of rails that are not restricted to a straight, horizontal orientation and provide and improved overall appearance.

Abstract: Various robotic devices and related medical procedures are disclosed herein. Each of the various robotic devices have an agent delivery component. The devices include mobile robotic devices and fixed base robotic devices as disclosed herein. The agent delivery component can have at least one agent reservoir and a discharge component in fluidic communication with the at least one reservoir.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inflatable cone-shaped wind dam for reducing the air drag of a moving tractor-trailer. The wind dam is comprised of two longitudinally opposed sections each section having an outer shell and an inner inflatable bladder, constructed so that the outer shell houses the inner inflatable bladder. The cone-shaped wind dam further comprises an inflatable mating joint for maintaining the form and structure of the wind dam.

Abstract: The invention is a composition and method for non-specific enhancement of immune responses in human and animal recipients. A colostrum-derived feed additive (CDFA) for human or veterinary use comprises a sprayed-dried preparation of pasteurized and homogenized first milking colostrum that enhances immune responses in a recipient receiving an oral administration. Generally, CDFA is administered in a conditioning dose once per day during a conditioning period of time from about 7 to 14 days, and then in a maintenance dose administered once per day during a period that follows the conditioning period. The maintenance dose is about one-half the concentration of the conditioning dose. Administration of CFDA enhances immune response in a recipient in a dose-dependent manner.

Abstract: A waste gate valve actuator is provided for use with a turbocharger having a flexible and durable thin non-fabric diaphragm substantially uniform in thickness comprised entirely of a thermoset or thermoplastic fluorocarbon material.

Abstract: An automated fishing line jigger, comprising a rotatable member adapted for rotation-such that fishing line associated with the rotatable member is jigged as the rotatable member rotates. An electromagnet operatively connected to the rotatable member, the rotatable member having a first position and a second position such that in the first position the electromagnet is energized causing rotation in a first direction and in the second position gravity causes rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A bagging machine is provided that includes a frame for supporting the components of the bagging machine. The components of the bagging machine include an inlet hopper for receiving the material for compaction and moving it into the bagging machine, a compaction zone having a power compaction device located therein, wherein the compaction device conveys the material from the inlet hopper into the compaction zone, a material receptacle for receiving the material upon its exit from the compaction zone; and a brake assist mechanism assisting in, and at least partially controlling the level of, compaction of the material.

Abstract: This invention relates to the in situ process for converting non-free-form xanthophylls to free xanthophylls in the biological material of the plant. The method, more particularly, relates to a method that would liberate xanthophylls by transesterification of acyl-xanthophylls in plant materials which is used as a natural food colorant.

Abstract: A poultry feed composition including protein, vitamins and minerals, and a source of carbohydrates from the group consisting of soybean meals and corn supplemented with an &agr;-galactosidase that catalyzes the degradation of the galactoside. The addition of the &agr;-galactosidase increases the ratio of gain to feed, increases the amount of white meat, or decreases the amount of fat deposited during growth of a chicken fed the feed composition, relative to the chicken fed on an identical feed composition absent the &agr;-galactosidase.

Abstract: A method for protecting the activity and bioavailability of heat- and/or oxygen-labile compounds during processing, particularly processing by extrusion of a food product containing the heat- and/or oxygen-labile compounds. Beadlets are formed wherein the heat- and/oxygen-labile compound is protected by a shell of calcium alginate and an ancillary polymeric compound, such as gelatin. The beadlets are added to a food product prior to extrusion and protect the active compound against heat degradation during the extrusion process. The beadlets also provide a protected form of the compound that decreases oxidation. In an alternative embodiment, oxidizing agents and/or free radical initiators to be added to a product containing labile compounds are coated with the protective material to protect the labile compounds from degradation by the oxidizing agents and/or free-radical initiators.

Abstract: A detection control apparatus for the assembly of building components such as rafters, trusses, and the like. A pair of sensors located at the output side of a press for assembling the building components detects metal connecting plates that are intended to be positioned on opposite sides of the building component being assembled. If one of the plates is detected while the other is missing or out of position, the apparatus generates an alarm to signal an operator or automatically shuts down the press so that the missing or out-of-position connecting plate can be corrected.

Abstract: A computer control program directs a method whereby a computer reads a data entry record group from a data stream, wherein the data entry record group comprises one or more data entry records containing a key field containing an item. A key number representing the total number of key fields in the data entry record group is tallied, and a marker that allows for locating, and determining the size of, the data entry record group within the stream of data is recorded. The computer converts each item of the data entry record group to fixed length coded equivalence called an item indicator, and converts the item indicators to a fixed length coded equivalence called a signature. The computer creates a partial index record for each signature, and updates a combination cross-reference file and a raw data index, thereby classifying the data to allow for subsequent searching by persistent fast search methods.

Abstract: A metal form has a flexible panel member with a perimetral flange projected laterally from one side thereof. Each of a pair of transversely opposite side sections of the flange is segmented by a plurality of longitudinally spaced V-shaped notches having their apices adjacent the one side of the panel member to provide for a lateral flexing movement of the panel member to a preselected shape. With the panel member in the predetermined shape, the segments in each of the flange side sections are connected together against relative movement to retain the predetermined shape of the panel member. In a preferred embodiment, each flange segment is connected to an adjacent flange segment by a flexible metal strap.

Abstract: A fluid delivery nozzle for wireless communication to either an active or a passive device located on a vehicle and for wireless communication from the fluid delivery nozzle to a central location for storage of vehicle data. Upon initiation of a fluid delivery transaction, a communication link is established between a vehicle communication device and the central location and between a fluid container of the vehicle and the fluid delivery nozzle. The information received from the vehicle and container is relayed to the central location to authorize delivery of a fluid to the vehicle. Information is also transferred from the central location back and forth to the fluid delivery nozzle to update and store information regarding the fluid delivery transaction. A keyboard and display are provided on the fluid delivery nozzle to provide an operator interface during the fluid delivery transaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to the in sito process for converting non-free form xanthophylls to free xanthophylls in the biological material of the plant. The method, more particularly, relates to a method that would liberate xanthophylls by transesterification of acyl-xanthophylls in plant materials.

Abstract: A dual capacity hook-lift hoist mounted on a wheeled chassis for use in loading detached objects, such as containers, onto the chassis for transport to any location. The hook-lift hoist is also operable to tilt a loaded container to dump its contents. The hook-lift hoist includes at least one hydraulic cylinder that is sized to have a maximum loading capacity that is below the safe limit of the truck but which is capable of dumping a container that is at least equal to the carrying capacity of the chassis.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for assisting in the curing of concrete includes a heater and pump for providing a supply of heated fluid to a network of tubing arranged on the back or non-working side of a concrete form. The heated fluid is used to maintain a desired temperature of the curing concrete to reduce the cure time and/or accelerate the strength gain of the curing concrete. In an alternative embodiment, a heated concrete blanket includes a flexible sheet material on the back side of which is arranged a network of tubing through which heated fluid is distributed. The flexible blanket is used to cover curing concrete and regulate the temperature adjacent to the curing concrete. In both embodiments, insulating material may be used to cover the network of tubing on the back side of the apparatus to prevent undesired heat loss.