Abstract: An airbag inflators employ gas generating compositions formed from a fuel, one or more oxidizers and mica. The gas generant composition employed in the airbag inflators yields solid combustion products and inflating gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as NO.sub.x and CO.

Abstract: An autoignition system for use in a gas generator for a vehicle occupant restraint system is disclosed. The autoignition system comprises a globule of an autoignition composition adhering to the interior wall of an inflator housing. The system additionally comprises a barrier layer between the autoignition globule and an aluminum inflator housing. The system further comprises a coating over the globule to reduce abrasion of and water absorption into the autoignition globule. The autoignition system of the present invention is safely manufactured and installed via automation.

Abstract: The primary etiology of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (which may lead to pseudomembranous colitis) has been recognized as Clostridium difficile. It is believed that the indigenous microflora of a healthy individual suppresses the normally present C. difficile. However, when the indigenous microflora are disrupted (e.g., during antibiotic treatment) overgrowth of C. difficile may occur causing diarrhea and colitis. Treatment of C. difficile with antibiotics has proven effective, but many times relapse occurs. The present invention involves a non-antibiotic approach to the treatment and/or prevention of C. difficile--associated diseases. A therapeutically effective amount of an indigestible oligosaccharide inhibits the infection of mammals by C. difficile when administered enterally.

Abstract: There is disclosed structured lipid containing either a gamma-linolenic acid or a dihomogamma-linolenic acid residue, together with an n-3 fatty acid residue and a medium chain fatty acid residue on the same glycerol backbone. This structured lipid is particularly well adapted to the treatment of disease or stress states. The gamma-linolenic or dihomogamma-linolenic acid residues modify the prostanoid synthesis pathway, reducing the level of series "2" prostanoids and elevating the levels of series "1" and "3" prostanoids. The n-3 fatty acid residue enhances the level of series "1" prostanoids as well as increases the production of series "3" prostanoids. The medium chain fatty acid residues enhances the absorption of the structured lipid. There is also disclosed enteral and parenteral diets as well as nutritional supplements containing the structured lipids of the invention.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting rotavirus infection of human cells by treating the rotavirus with a carrageenan. The most effective agent in inhibiting cellular rotavirus infection is lambda-carrageenan, which may be formulated in a liquid and ingested enterally. A composition containing lambda-carrageenan is an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A high quality soy protein isolate with a significant reduction in phytate and aluminum is prepared via ultrafiltration. Defatted soy flour slurry is prepared and adjusted to a pH such that the protein becomes solubilized. The solubilized protein can pass through the ultrafiltration membrane. The ultrafiltration system rejects phytate and aluminum. Once the soluble protein passes through the ultrafiltration system the soy protein isolate is then precipitated from the clear permeate stream by adjusting the pH within the isoelectric range of soy proteins.

Abstract: A powdered beverage concentrate contains a source of calcium, vitamin D, a stabilizing gum such as gum arabic, and vegetable oil. A beverage can be made by reconstituting the beverage concentrate with water, fruit juice, or any other suitable liquid matrix.

Abstract: Prolamine fractions of grain proteins, applied as a single coating in weight ratios of 5 to 100% relative to the active substance being coated, result in the production of a liquid suspension which effectively masks the taste of orally administered drugs which often are extremely bitter. The taste masking is stable over prolonged periods of storage time of the suspension. The prolamine coating does not restrict the immediate bioavailability of the active substance. Prolamine coating is effective in masking the taste of antibiotics, vitamins, dietary fiber, analgesics, enzymes and hormones. Zein, gliadin or a mixture thereof, particularly in combination with between 2.

Abstract: Prolamine fractions of grain proteins, applied as a single coating in weight ratios of 5 to 100% relative to the active substance being coated, result in the production of a liquid suspension which effectively masks the taste of orally administered drugs which often are extremely bitter. The taste masking is stable over prolonged periods of storage time of the suspension. The prolamine coating does not restrict the immediate bioavailability of the active substance. Prolamine coating is effective in masking the taste of antibiotics, vitamins, dietary fiber, analgesics, enzymes and hormones. Zein, gliadin or a mixture thereof, particularly in combination with between 2.

Abstract: A liquid beverage concentrate and a beverage containing the concentrate are aqueous matrices fortified with calcium and vitamin D. The water soluble vitamin D is kept in suspension by a gum and a vegetable oil. The beverage may be carbonated or non-carbonated.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of preparing a nutritional product in which a powder base containing fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and trace elements is mixed with specific amino acids to yield several different therapeutic products for use in the nutritional support of infants or toddlers having various inherited metabolic diseases.

Abstract: A method of preventing or treating infection by human rotavirus by administering an enteral nutritional product containing either bovine .kappa.-casein or human .kappa.-casein at a concentration greater than that found in human or bovine milk and sufficient to inhibit infection of mammalian cells by human rotavirus.

Abstract: Fish oil is stored refrigerated under a nitrogen blanket until it is added to an enteral nutritional product during product manufacture. While the nutritional product is passing through a conduit the fish oil is added to the product at a uniform ratio such that the fish oil is evenly disbursed throughout the product, and thereafter the product is homogenized and heat treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a generic powder base rich in fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and trace elements which can be readily admixed with specific amino acids to yield several different therapeutic products for use in the nutritional support of various inherited metabolic diseases.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed which is useful for determining if air filters are providing clean/sterile air within acceptable aseptic processing and/or clean room operation acceptable contaminant levels. The advantage of the disclosed testing apparatus is that air filters may be tested "on-line" during a production process as opposed to the traditional testing methods which included removal of the air filter for off-line testing. Less down-time is experienced using the disclosed testing system. A series of valves positioned at the outputs from the air filters, which allow communication with a particle counter, are controlled by a computer which sequentially activates the valves to test the contamination level of the air which passed through an air filter during the production process.

Abstract: A method for producing an improved rice flour-based oral rehydration solution using the enzymes cellulase and protease is disclosed. The oral rehydration solution of the invention has low viscosity, low osmolality, and can be ingested through the nipple of a bottle. The oral rehydration product can also be dried into powder form before packaging and reconstituted at the time of use. The product is designed to treat individuals with severe diarrhea brought about by cholera or other causes.