Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enhancing the concentration of vermicompost comprising the steps of liquefying and agitating a vermicompost feedstock; separating large bodies from the liquefied feedstock and further separating the remaining portion into first and second sub-portions; centrifugally separating the first sub-portion into light and heavy portions; returning the light portion to the liquefying and agitating step; separating biological vermicompost components from the second sub-portion and heavy portion using a biological filter; returning the liquid to the liquefying and agitating step; innoculating the biological vermicompost components with food and/or supplements; further enhancing the concentration of the biological vermicompost components by allowing the biological vermicompost components an effective amount of time to multiply and dry; and packaging the biological vermicompost components.

Abstract: Described is a device that releaseably couples a person to kites and other like sports equipment. The device for coupling to kites and other like sports equipment comprises a releasable hook mechanism attached to a spreader bar, said releasable hook mechanism comprising a releasable hook pivotally attached to a body that attached to the spreader bar, said releasable hook pivotally movable from a closed position to an open position. The releasable hook, preferably, is resiliently biased from the closed position to the open position. The device may further comprise a release plate mechanism that releasably holds the rotatable hook in the closed position. Additionally, the device may further comprise a release defeat mechanism that prevents release of the rotatable hook by the release plate mechanism. Finally, the device may further comprise a rotating safety lease attachment ring that is rotatingly attached to the body of the device.

Abstract: Described is a device that is useful for allowing an engraver, or the like, to have their workpiece rotated without the need to lift their tools from the work piece, and to eliminate hesitation or stopping in the course of engraving circles, spirals, curves, or convoluted shapes. The device is a workstation, such as used by engravers, welders and the like, that comprises a workbench upon which a turntable is mounted. The preferable turntable is mounted to the top of a rotatable post, which projects through the workbench by means of an extension piece. The post is in turn attached to the underside of the workbench and also to the floor (or base plate or other suitably rigid structure such as the workbench or stand) using flanged bearings. Attached to a portion of the post near the floor is a foot operated plate. The operated plate is located in a position such that it is conveniently accessible by a foot of the engraver.

Abstract: A method to transform any portion of a two-dimensional visual image into a three-dimensional formed visual image device within the overall two-dimensional visual areas on a single image piece is provided. The resultant image has both two-dimensional and three-dimensional aspects in the same single image piece, or visual device. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method that offers fall control of the amount of visual distortion involved in the above processes.

Abstract: A method for providing a metallic coating on glass strands or organically precoated glass strands comprising the steps of coating the glass strand (or organically precoated glass strand) with a metallorganic material, heating the metallorganically coated glass strand (or organically precoated glass strand) to a temperature sufficient to degrade the metallorganic material and drive off the organic portion thereby leaving a metallic coating behind, and cooling the now metal coated glass strand (or organically precoated glass strand) to a useful temperature.

Abstract: A device for basting food products in the cooking process. More specifically, the device provides variable fluid flow capabilities to food product basting appliances. The food basting device comprises two separate pieces, a cap piece and a brush piece that work in rotating relationship with each other to prove variable fluid flow through the device. The food basting device preferably works with fluid containers that do not have screw threads for a cap or lid, such as a beer or soda can.

Abstract: Health management of machines, such as gas turbine engines and industrial equipment, offers the potential benefits of efficient operations and reduced cost of ownership. Machine health management goes beyond monitoring operating conditions, it assimilates available information and makes the most favorable decisions to maximize the value of the machine. These decisions are usually related to predicted failure modes and their corresponding failure time, recommended corrective actions, repair/maintenance actions, and planning and scheduling options. Hence machine health management provides a number of functions that are interconnected and cooperative to form a comprehensive health management system. While these interconnected functions may have different names (or terminology) in different industries, an effective health management system should include four primary functions: sensory input processing, fault identification, failure/life prediction, planning and scheduling.

Abstract: The present invention is a system or method and device useful for the secure electronic payment of consumer debts over a publicly accessible computer network. The preferred form of the present invention uses at least two separate, but compatible, software packages. Security server software that continuously runs on a security server and payor software that runs on demand on a payor computer system. The payor computer system communicates via the payor software with the security server via the security server software. The communication, or transaction, session operates under the secure communication protocol described below. A payee computer system may also communicate via payee software with the security server. Additionally, a version is provided that utilizes smart card technology and a remote kiosk computer that communicates with the security server.

Abstract: Described is a reel that comprises a single side element that, when attached to a second identical side element, forms a complete reel structure. The side element comprises a ring. The preferably form of the ring comprises an inner ring attached to an outer ring by at least two, preferably eight spanning supports. There is an inner perimeter of the ring that has at least two, preferably four attachment apertures located nearby. There is a handle attached to the ring by two legs to an inner perimeter of the ring. The handle has a top side and a bottom side. Located in the center of the handle is an aperture that, when a rigid objected is inserted into the aperture, allows easy and convenient rotation of the reel thereby facilitating easy wrapping and unwrapping of the linear object.

Abstract: A valve for the accurate control of fluid flowing through the valve. The valve has a valve body and a flow control mechanism. The valve body is a two-part body having a fluid flow section and a valve adjustment section. The fluid flow section has a fluid flow cavity. The fluid flow cavity further includes a flow control orifice area, which flow control surface being smaller in cross-sectional area than the fluid flow cavity. The flow control mechanism is able to vary the length of its major axis via a force provided by the valve actuator. As the major axis of the flow control mechanism decreases, the minor axis of the flow control mechanism increases at an amplified rate, said increase in the minor axis of the flow control mechanism accomplishes flow control and in combination with the valve actuator, flow control and fluid modulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are sunscreen compositions comprising a combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide being present in a weight ratio of from about 10:1 to 1:10 and the total of said titanium dioxide and zinc oxide comprises greater than 60% by weight of the total composition. Also disclosed is a method for reducing sunburn on animals comprising the step of topically apply a composition comprising a combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide being present in a weight ratio of from about 10:1 to 1:10 and the total of said titanium dioxide and zinc oxide comprises greater than 60% by weight of the total composition onto exposed skin of the animal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described which allow for the sublingual absorption of peptides by oral administration. A liquid and a tablet format for the sublingual approach are demonstrated. The peptides are stable at room temperature and in the compositions herein described.

Abstract: Described is an alkoxylated composition that comprises a family of trans carbon-carbon double bond free compositions that generally have melting points that range from 30-80° C., preferably with melting points between 55-58° C. and with a solubility profile compatible with a broad range of cosmetic and industrial chemical bases. At room temperature (˜20° C.), this family of compositions varies from pourable liquids, to soft creams, to pasty waxes, to a brittle hard material. These compounds, whether used pure or when combined with other carrier and vehicle components (including other additives, thickeners or binders) can form excellent carrier and vehicles for delivery of compositions for use in the cosmetic, personal care and/or pharmaceutical field, including the cosmeceutical field where cosmetic compositions also provide pharmaceutical or other therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: Described is a method for decorating or attaching objects, such ornamental light strings, misting systems and the like, to surfaces of three-dimensional object. The method uses specially designed clips and obviates the need to use a ladder when attaching the linear systems to hard to reach locations.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe of the type typically used in medical instruments includes an illumination optical fiber having a relatively high Numerical Aperture (NA) for coupling as much light as possible into the fiber at its input end. At the output end, an outwardly flared uniform taper is proved to increase coloration of the light exiting from the illumination end, thereby causing the Numerical Aperture (NA) at the output end of the illumination fiber to be a lower NA than that at the input end. Additionally, there is a bevel cut into the end of the fiber to provide total internal reflectance whereby the source light is redirected out a side of the fiber. A sidewall face may be provided to provide for a circular rather than an elliptical illumination spot.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions with enhanced slip and/or break strength are described, said compositions comprising ultra-stable moringa oils, or its derivatives. These compositions may be used in cosmetic applications such as creams, lotions, and liquid foundations; massage oils; pressed products, such as eye shadow, blush, and powder; molded products, such as lipstick, lip balm, foundation, blush, eye liner, eye shadow, mascara; and hair care products, such as leave in conditioners, relaxers, hair dyes and other applications. The oils derived from the moringa plant should have a percent methylene interrupted unsaturation of less than 1%. The compositions may have at least one supplemental additive, such as malic acid, kojic acid, or ascorbic acid, present in an amount of from 0.01 to 2% or more by weight of the composition and the tocopherol is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 5% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: Described is a protective device for protecting a light unit that leaves the light output either unaffected or slightly to moderately attenuated. Further, the protective device of the present invention may increase the protection and containment of shattering glass components resulting from internal malfunction explosion or object impact strike. Additionally, the protective device of the present invention increases protection against direct contact with extremely hot glass surfaces during normal operation of a quartz type lamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clip useful for the moveably attaching items to a track system. The clip according to the present invention has a slideable body with an attached light item securing portion. The slidable body is preferably semi-spherical in shape with two opposed, cut-out sections. There is a downward portion that projects from the apex of the semi-spherical shape and attaches to the item securing portion, which includes a shoulder element that prevents unwanted inward movement of the clip relative to the interior of the track system. In one embodiment the item securing portion is first and second depending legs.