Abstract: A game bird decoy provides for more natural kinematics by providing a smoothly articulating neck, an automatic orientation of the neck with respect to body tipping and improved dual-mode wing activation in which the wings may lift or lift and extend as a function of body angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing the amount of mercury contaminant in food articles such as fish.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of making and using a fluorescent probe from the Sandercyanin protein as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of creating a fluorescent probe, comprising the steps of attaching a Sandercyanin moiety to a probe, wherein the probe is specific to a desired target.

Abstract: A printable refractory material is provided having a liquid and powder component configured for use in a 3-D powder printer, where the material forms hydraulic bonds when the liquid and powder components are combined. Methods of printing the refractory material and forming castings therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of isoprenoid production are provided by the present invention. In particular, transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacteria and methods for producing isoprene and pinene using a host transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacterium are provided.

Abstract: The preset invention is a hierarchically-structured carbon microbead and method for forming the microbead utilizing hydrothermal carbonization of a biomass/catalyst mixture to produce partially carbonized amorphous microspheres, wherein the biomass is an inexpensive material containing a high oxygen content component (e.g., sugar, starch, alcohol), and the catalyst is a metal or metal-containing compound, preferably a transition metal compound, and more specifically a transition metal selected from Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt. Subsequently, a heat treatment is performed where the amorphous microspheres are heated to a temperature that is sufficiently high so as to result in carbonization, graphitization, and production of a carbonaceous coating or shell on the core of the microbead.

Abstract: Solvents for macromolecules generally believed to be insoluble in their pristine form are identified by generation of a “solvent resonance” in the relationship between solvent quality (deduced by Rayleigh scattering) and an intrinsic property of solvents. A local extreme of the solvent resonance identifies the ideal intrinsic property of an ideal solvent which may then be used to select a particular solvent or solvent combination. A solvent for graphene is used in the production of transparent conductive electrodes.

Abstract: A system includes a vibration unit that provides independent adjustability of vibration characteristics such as frequency and amplitude and may provide a first motor that rotates an eccentric and can adjust vibration frequency and a second motor that that may move the eccentric within the vibration unit in a manner that adjusts amplitude of the vibration.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for assisting individuals with hypertonic extension pattern provides a pivoting support that better matches the pivoting motion of the patient's head in backward extension. A restoring spring absorbs and dissipates the energy of the extension and provides adjustable spring restoring force.

Abstract: High-speed formation of char, useful as a precursor to activated carbon, is produced by a combination of cellulosic material and an acid solution both preheated close to the steam temperature and then mixed. The rapid endothermic reaction rapidly chars the cellulosic material driving excess water away as steam and minimizing tar formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for musculoskeletal stimulation allows independent electronic control of vibration parameters and overall biasing force so that an optimum combination of these parameters may be obtained regardless of the user's weight and without the need for adjustment of mechanical weights or springs.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of making and using a fluorescent probe from the Sandercyanin protein as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of creating a fluorescent probe, comprising the steps of attaching a Sandercyanin moiety to a probe, wherein the probe is specific to a desired target.

Abstract: A prefabricated sprue assembly provides attachment to independently-produced investment casting molds to substantially reduce the need for pattern material. Installable connections between the prefabricated sprue assembly and the investment mold allow substantial reduction of scrap loss caused by errors in production of individual investment molds by culling defective molds before installation to the sprue assembly.

Abstract: An investment casting method involves producing a casting shell by applying a hardenable refractory material to a sacrificial pattern. The casting shell having a plurality of phosphate bonds in the hardenable refractory material, which provide increased structural integrity during casting and improved frangibility during shell removal. The casting shell may also have a plurality of gaseous pockets suspended in the refractory material, which do not degrade the structural integrity during casting and provide improved frangibility during shell removal.

Abstract: A pseudocapacitor employs plates having an active material of a nanoparticles sized ceramic mixed ionic-electronic conductor such as may have the nominal formula of ABO3, A2BO4, AB2O4, and AO2, where A and B are metals. The active material may be prepared to promote sublattice vacancies to provide for the storage of additional charge.

Abstract: A medical crutch having a number of bends in the frame for redistributing the amount of pressure applied to a user's hand, arm, and axilla. The frame has a first jog outwardly sidewards relative to a user's body and a second jog outwardly forward relative to the user's body. The frame may attach an adjustable handle, forearm rest and underarm support, among other attachments. The frame is adapted to fit all average sizes by adjusting the positions of the attachments.

Abstract: Methods of isoprenoid production are provided by the present invention. In particular, transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacteria and methods for producing isoprene and pinene using a host transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacterium are provided.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for assisting individuals with hypertonic extension pattern provides a pivoting support that better matches the pivoting motion of the patient's head in backward extension. A restoring spring absorbs and dissipates the energy of the extension and provides adjustable spring restoring force.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and apparatus for forming various bio-products from cellulosic plant material. The plant material is subjected to a pulping step in which lignin is extracted from the material by an aqueous lignin solvent to form a lignin-solvent mixture and purified cellulose. The lignin-solvent mixture can be separated from the water to form a high energy density fuel that can be used independently or combined with biodiesel. The purified cellulose can be used in conventional processes, e.g., paper making, or can be converted to fermentable sugars with a cellulase enzyme to produce other bio-products depending on the operating conditions of the fermenter. The bio-products produced by the fermenter can include the solvent that may be recycled for use in extracting the lignin.

Abstract: A beverage container includes a recyclable, multilayered, polymer bottle covered by an ultraviolet-absorbent, biodegradable and removable overlay. The container is thus both suitable for light sensitive products, such as beer, and ecologically sound in design for recycling. In one embodiment the bottle is a polyethylene terephthalate bottle covered by a biodegradable plastic, upon which has been printed various materials desired by the producer or consumer. The biodegradable plastic is removed by the consumer before disposal to facilitate the recycling process.