Abstract: A biocatalyst for converting sucrose solutions to glucose-fructose solutions in a fluidized bed reactor is provided containing yeast adhered to a fibrous cellulose support. A method of making the biocatalyst is carried out by mixing yeast with water to form a yeast paste; mixing the yeast paste with a fibrous cellulose support to form a fiber-yeast mixture; treating the fiber-yeast mixture with a fixing agent; and drying the treated fiber-yeast mixture at a temperature not exceeding 70.degree. C. The fibrous cellulose support preferably contains fibers ranging from approximately 0.5 cm to 3.0 cm in length obtained by processing of sugar cane bagasse or ground corn cobs. Preferably, the fixing agent is glutaraldehyde, cellulose triacetate, diethylaminoethyl-cellulose or a reaction product of polyethylenimine with 1,2-dichloroethane, and the yeast is Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract: A folding portable boat is disclosed comprising two end hull sections and two middle hull sections each hull section being of a floatation material. The hull sections are hingedly interconnected adjacent to each other so they can be folded and unfolded in an accordion manner. The portable boat further comprises two seat boards, each collapsibly associated with one of the middle hull sections, and an arrangement of elastic cords for causing the seat boards to erect as the hull sections are unfolded and to collapse as the hull sections are folded.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed for improving reading comfort or increasing interest in reading, the kit comprising at least two differently-colored transparent overlays. Also disclosed is a method for improving reading comfort or increasing interest in reading comprising the steps of sequentially placing each of at least two differently-colored overlays over the material being read, subjectively determining which of the differently-colored overlays provides the maximum eye comfort while reading or creates the greatest interest in reading, and placing the overlay that provides maximum eye comfort or interest over the material being read.

Abstract: Nuisance concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and other malodorous compounds are controlled in liquid and sludge waste systems by adding alkaline iron. The process removes immediate sulfide and suppresses the formation of further nuisance sulfide with a single application. As the sulfide and other malodors are being mitigated in this process, alkalinity is added to the waste as a reaction by-product, which acts to increase the waste pH, decreasing corrosivity and promoting biological treatability and purification of the waste.

Abstract: A commercial starch cooking and dispensing apparatus comprises means for preparing a starch suspension of uncooked starch in water and discharge means for discharging the starch suspension to a starch cooking valve for cooking the uncooked starch suspension to form a starch solution which is dispensed to one or more commercial laundry machines. A method of cooking laundry starch utilizes a starch cooking valve that dispenses cooked starch as it is cooked to one or more commercial laundry machines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooking a single batch of starch solution and dispensing the solution to a commercial laundry machine utilizes a single batch reservoir. The reservoir is substantially filled with water, the water in the reservoir agitated while adding dry starch to form a starch suspension. The starch suspension is heated to cook the starch to form a starch solution. The entire batch of starch solution is dispensed to a commercial laundry machine while water is sprayed into the reservoir to clean residual starch from the reservoir.

Abstract: A starch cooking/dispensing apparatus cooks and dispenses a starch solution to a commercial laundry machine by substantially filling a reservoir with water, agitating the water in the reservoir, adding dry starch to the water to form a starch suspension, heating the starch suspension to form a starch solution and then dispensing the starch solution to a commercial laundry machine.

Abstract: An air purifying apparatus presenting the appearance of a side table is constructed from a side table housing having a hollow interior compartment, an inlet port and an exhaust port. A filtration means is positioned within the hollow interior compartment between the inlet port and the exhaust port so that air entering the inlet port must pass through the filtration means before exiting through the exhaust port. An air blower means is also positioned within the hollow interior compartment between the inlet port and the exhaust port so as to draw air into the inlet port and out through the exhaust port.