Abstract: A ribose-related compound is added to whole blood or packed red cells which have suboptimal function as measured by decreased levels of 2,3-DPG in order to rejuvenate the red blood cells to normal function as seen by raised levels of 2,3-DPG. Two representative ribose-related compounds are D-ribose and inosine.

Abstract: D-Ribose, a buffer and an anticoagulant are added to whole blood or packed red cells to extend function in storage beyond 42 days. Methods are disclosed to rejuvenate suboptimally functional red cells. The methods are comprised of incubation of the cells at 37° C. for 10 to 60 minutes in the presence of D-ribose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for supplementing the diet of subjects suffering from cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease or those at risk for such conditions. Ribose is given alone or in combination with one or a combination of vasodilators, nutrients and vitamins. Preferred vitamins include Vitamins C, B6, B12 and folic acid. Preferred nutrients include glutamine and glucose.

Abstract: D-Ribose and methods for using D-Ribose are provided for enhancing the immune response in mammals. Those with a less than optimal immune response will benefit from oral or parenteral administration of D-Ribose. Methods are also provided for the enhancement of the immune response in isolated leukocytes. Leukocytes are cultured ex vivo in the presence of D-Ribose and transfused into a patient in need of leukocyte augmentation.

Abstract: Precursors of adenosine triphosphate are administered orally to increase intracellular ATP concentration as dietary supplements or for treatment of reduced energy availability resulting from strenuous physical activity, illness or trauma. Pentose sugars are administered individually, mixed into dry food or in solution. The preferred pentose is D-ribose, singly or combined with creatine, pyruvate, L-carnitine and/or vasodilating agents. Additionally, magnesium, electrolytes, fatty acids and hexose sugars can be used. The compositions and methods of this invention are especially beneficial to mammals having reduced energy availability or high energy demand.

Abstract: Persons encountering high altitudes without being acclimatized can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of acute mountain sickness by administration of ribose one to four times a days, beginning immediately on encountering high altitudes and continuing for at least five days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for supplementing the diet of subjects suffering from cardiovascular or peripheral vascular disease or those at risk for such conditions. Ribose is given alone or in combination with one or a combination of vasodilators, nutrients and vitamins. Preferred vitamins include Vitamins C, B6, B12 and folic acid. Preferred nutrients include glutamine and glucose.

Abstract: Pentose is administered to mammals to increase athletic performance and reduce fatigue.

Abstract: Precursors of adenosine triphosphate are administered orally to increase intracellular ATP concentration as dietary supplements or for treatment of reduced energy availability resulting from strenuous physical activity, illness or trauma. Pentose sugars are administered individually, mixed into dry food or in solution. The preferred pentose is D-ribose, singly or combined with creatine, pyruvate, L-carnitine and/or vasodilating agents. Additionally, magnesium, electrolytes, fatty acids and hexose sugars can be used. The compositions and methods of this invention are especially beneficial to mammals having reduced energy availability or high energy demand.

Abstract: Persons encountering high altitudes without being acclimatized can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of acute mountain sickness by administration of ribose one to four times a days, beginning immediately on encountering high altitudes and continuing for at least five days.

Abstract: D-Ribose and methods for using D-Ribose are provided for enhancing the immune response in mammals. Those with a less than optimal immune response will benefit from oral or parenteral administration of D-Ribose. Methods are also provided for the enhancement of the immune response in isolated leukocytes. Leukocytes are cultured ex vivo in the presence of D-Ribose and transfused into a patient in need of leukocyte augmentation.

Abstract: A method of determining the viability of a hibernating or stunned myocardial segment comprises the administration of ribose, a vasodilator and an inotropic agent. The preferred agent is dobutamine, which has both a vasodilation and an inotropic effect. The segments may be identified by myocardial imaging by any known means, such as echocardiography, Thallium-201 tracing or positron emission tomography. Ribose is preferably given one minute to three hours prior to administration of the vasodilator and inotropic agents.

Abstract: The administration of ribose raises the hypoxic threshold of mammals experiencing a hypoxic condition. The presence of an effective amount of ribose in the tissue of a mammal increases the tolerance to hypoxia and decreases the symptoms of hypoxia in mammals experiencing chronic hypoxia due to cardiovascular disease or peripheral vascular disease. Such mammals are additionally benefited by administration of ribose and a vasodilator or an isotropic agent. Mammals experiencing transient hypoxia from high altitude, anesthesia or exercise are also benefited.

Abstract: Precursors of adenosine triphosphate are administered orally to increase intracellular ATP concentration as dietary supplements or for treatment of reduced energy availability resulting from strenuous physical activity, illness or trauma. Pentose sugars are administered individually, mixed into dry food or in solution. The preferred pentose is D-ribose, singly or combined with creatine, pyruvate, L-carnitine and/or vasodilating agents. Additionally, magnesium, electrolytes, fatty acids and hexose sugars can be used. The compositions and methods of this invention are especially beneficial to mammals having reduced energy availability or high energy demand.

Abstract: An automatic aquatic food and water delivery device for supplying food and water to living creatures in an aquarium over an extended period of time including a reservoir positioned above the water line of an aquarium. A mixture of water and food is stored in the reservoir in a predetermined ratio. The reservoir has a sealable intake port for receiving food and water, and an outlet port through which the food and water mixture is delivered to an aquarium. An air supply is disposed within the reservoir and oriented generally towards the outlet port to prevent blockage of the outlet port. A delivery line is attached to the reservoir and an adjustable valve is positioned in the delivery line to control the flow rate of the food and water mixture into the aquarium.

Abstract: The block puzzle of the present invention includes a first set of eight pieces comprising a straight piece, an L-shaped piece, a square piece, a T-shaped piece, a Z-shaped piece, a center piece, a left-hand piece, and a right-hand piece. Each of the eight pieces comprise a combination of four cubic units, all of the cubic units being the same size. A second set of eight pieces identical to the first set can be combined with the first set, and the combined 16 pieces may be assembled into a plurality of configurations, all of which produce an overall cube having 64 of the cube units therein and having a length, width and height equal to four of the cube units. A modified form of the invention includes a set of 16 pieces which are flat and which include three straight pieces, three square pieces, three Z-shaped pieces, three L-shaped pieces, and four T-shaped pieces. Each of these 16 pieces are formed from four square flat units.

Abstract: The block puzzle of the present invention includes a first set of eight pieces comprising a straight piece an L-shaped piece, a square piece, a T-shaped piece, a Z-shaped piece, a center piece, a left-hand piece, and a right-hand piece. Each of the eight pieces comprise a combination of four cubic units, all of the cubic units being the same size. A second set of eight pieces identical to the first set can be combined with the first set, and the combined 16 pieces may be assembled into a plurality of configurations, all of which produce an overall cube having 64 of the cube units therein and having a length, width and height equal to four of the cube units. A modified form of the invention includes a set of 16 pieces which are flat and which include three straight pieces, three square pieces, three Z-shaped pieces, three L-shaped pieces, and four T-shaped pieces. Each of these 16 pieces are formed from four square flat units.

Abstract: In a force transducer for producing an output signal proportional to the magnitude of a force applied to a force receiving platform cantilevered from a base through a compound flexure unit, comprising: (a) a C-shaped flexure having a thin, flexible middle section and opposed rigid outer sections engaging, respectively, the opposed surfaces of the platform and base and, (b) an auxiliary flexure spring system comprising parallel spaced apart leaf springs cantilevered, respectively, from the opposed rigid sections joined together at their free ends by a clamp adjustable to vary the effective length of the springs as required to calibrate the transducer to a predetermined force range.

Abstract: A specially designed bobber, for permitting fishing at an upper region and a lower region of water at the same time, by the use of a single fishing pole; the bobber, in one design, having side eyelets, from which short leaders support fishing hooks at shallow depths, while the fishing line extends downward, through the center of the bobber, to a lower depth, where fishing hooks are attached thereto.

Abstract: The gasification of coal to produce a methane-rich product gas is accomplished through the controlled slow heating of particulate coal in a gasifier comprising two or more zones, whereby any significant decrease in the density of the coal particles is minimized and particle swelling and friability are significantly reduced, while the carryover of fines and deposition of tars in the product gas conduit are thereby minimized. The particulate coal heating rate in the gasifier zones is usually between about 10.degree. and 200.degree. F per minute. When the particulate coal is to be fed to the gasifier at elevated temperature, further improvements are achieved with swelling type caking coals through their pretreatment by preheating the coal at a slow rate between 10.degree. and 100.degree. F per minute up to about 800.degree. F in multiple fluidized beds.