Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution blow spinning method for the production of nonwoven webs of micro and nanofibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aryl glycolipid gels as control release devices and uses thereof in agriculture. In an exemplary embodiment, mannitol dioctanoate (M8) is used to prepare controlled release devices for pheromones.

Abstract: The biopolymer additive, in combination with water, functions as a soil conditioner that affects soil erosion and water infiltration. The biopolymer additive is derived from complex galactomannon-rich succulent plants. The succulent-derived (biopolymer) additive (SDA) may be used alone or in combination with polymers and copolymers of polyacrylamide (PAM). The combination of the SDA and PAM has a synergistic effect so that the resulting composition yields unexpected results and is a more effective treatment than either SDA or the PAM alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to semi-rigid gels, methods of manufacture and uses thereof.

Abstract: A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.

Abstract: Transcutaneous immunization can deliver antigen to the immune system through the stratum corneum without physical or chemical penetration to the dermis layer of the skin. This delivery system induces an antigen-specific immune response without the use of a heterologous adjuvant. This system can induce antigen-specific immune effectors after epicutaneous application of a formulation containing one or more antigens Immune responses that provide prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments are preferred. Antigenic activities in the formulation may be found in the same molecule, two or more different molecules dissociated from each other, or multiple molecules in a complex formed by covalent or non-covalent bonds. For antigens which are proteinaceous, they may be provided in the formulation as a polynucleotide for transcutaneous genetic immunization. Besides simple application of a dry or liquid formulation to the skin, patches and other medical devices may be used to deliver antigen for immunization.

Abstract: A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to starch foam microparticles having a porous structure, and which typically have a diameter of less than or equal to about 50 microns. The present invention also relates to novel uses for the starch foam microparticles in beekeeping and in the pharmaceutical, plastics and fragrance industries.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to an efficient and economical process for dispersing fiber in water and clay. In another aspect, the process for dispersing fiber in water and clay is used in methods of making fiber reinforced composite products. In another aspect, the dispersed fiber/clay material is formulated to make products which include, but which are not limited to, fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites, paperboard products, kitty litter, and/or lightweight building materials comprising fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to starch foam microparticles having a porous structure, and which typically have a diameter of less than or equal to about 50 microns. The present invention also relates to novel uses for the starch foam microparticles in beekeeping and in the pharmaceutical, plastics and fragrance industries.

Abstract: Transcutaneous immunization can deliver antigen to the immune system through the stratum corneum without physical or chemical penetration to the dermis layer of the skin. This delivery system induces an antigen-specific immune response. Use of skin-active adjuvants is preferred. Although perforation of intact skin is not required, superficial penetration or micropenetration of the skin can act as an enhancer; similarly, hydration may enhance the immune response. This system can induce antigen-specific immune effectors after epicutaneous application of a formulation containing one or more antigen and adjuvant. The formulation may initiate processes such as antigen uptake, processing, and presentation; Langerhans cell activation, migration from the skin to other immune organs, and differentiation to mature dendritic cells; contacting antigen with lymphocytes bearing cognate antigen receptors on the cell surface and their stimulation; and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The biodegradable abrasive compositions consist of a plant-based natural abrasive agent, calcium carbonate, polymeric material, and a binder. The natural abrasives may consist of a plant-based cereal grains or fibers. The polymeric materials of the preferred embodiments include starch and poly-vinyl alcohol, either alone or in combination. The products associated with the biodegradable abrasive compositions are gently abrasive and readily disposable films or coatings. The products are designed to maximize the use of agricultural bi-products and avoid harm the environment.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced and starch-based composition can be prepared by combining two fractions. The first fraction can include a gelatinized starch, water, and fibers, wherein the fibers are substantially homogenously mixed with the starch in an amount sufficient to structurally reinforce the mechanical characteristics of the starch-based composition. The second fraction is then combined with the first fraction, wherein the second fraction can include non-gelatinized starch, non-volatile plasticizer, and a water-resistant polymer. The composition is mixed so as to form a thermoplastic composition being capable of expanding when rapidly heated to above the boiling point of water and the softening point of the plasticized starch. Additionally, fiber-reinforced articles can be prepared from a method of processing the starch-based compositions. Such a method includes introducing the fiber-reinforced starch-based composition into a mold, and molding the composition into a fiber-reinforced article.

Abstract: A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.

Abstract: A charcoal heating material, such as charcoal briquettes, includes a porous structure that facilitates the flow of oxygen about the charcoal, and thereby, enables the briquettes to ignite easily and quickly. In particular the lightweighted charcoal briquettes have a density from about 0.50 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.80 grams per cubic centimeter. Methods of forming charcoal heating materials include mixing a rheology modifying agent and a moisture phase with a charcoal mixture to facilitate absorption of additional water into the solid matrix, providing increased porosity and lightweighting of the finished briquette after drying.

Abstract: A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.

Abstract: The charcoal-foam heating material is formed by combining a charcoal mixture with an aqueous surfactant and water to create a semi-homogenous charcoal-foam slurry. The slurry is poured into shaping molds so that the slurry dries into the charcoal-foam heating material. In the preferred embodiment, a concrete surfactant is used during the mixing process and the charcoal-foam slurry is formed into briquettes and used as a cooking fuel.

Abstract: A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.

Abstract: A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to semi-rigid gels, methods of manufacture and uses thereof.