Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for making a healthy snack food having an appearance and taste similar to conventional fried snack products without the use of an oil-frying process. The method of the present invention includes the steps of providing food slices from a starch-based food or dough. The food slices can be blanched and a controlled amount of oil can be added to enhance final organoleptical properties. The food slices are then rapidly dehydrated to a much lower moisture content in a primary drying step that simulates conventional frying dehydration rates. A food snack, such as a corn or potato-based snack, produced by this method is a low-fat, ready-to-eat snack having the conventional texture and taste associated with fried snack products.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a baked snack chip made from a raw potato slice. The snack chip has a light, crispy, expanded texture similar to the texture of a fried potato chip. It is formed by compressing and heating a partially dried potato slice and then expanding the potato slice. Alternatively, the expanded potato slice is compressed again.

Abstract: A brush holder includes a base member and a retaining member mounted on the base member. The retaining member includes a first brush retaining portion and a first coil retaining portion. A first choke coil is electrically connected to a first brush. The first choke coil includes a first coil terminal extending to the outside of the first coil retaining portion. The base member includes a connector portion, a first conductive member, and a first coil terminal support portion. The first conductive member extends from the connector portion and is electrically connected to the first coil terminal at a first connecting portion. The first coil terminal support portion supports the first coil terminal between the first connecting portion and the first coil retaining portion.

Abstract: A method is provided of forming a multi-pack container assembly having at least two containers joined together by a channel. The method includes the steps of providing sheet having a barrier layer thermoforming the sheet into a multi-pack container assembly having a plurality of containers wherein each container comprises a flange and the flanges of adjacent containers are connected by an engineered area of weakness or channel. Resultant containers can be used for low-moisture, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food products.

Abstract: A system for delivering blood, cardioplegia solution, and other medications or fluids in a pulsatile flow pattern to a patient during cardiopulmonary bypass is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a pumping apparatus having at least one chamber is utilized in which a pumping action is achieved by compressing one of the chambers with a piston mechanism, while allowing the other chamber to fill with fluid via retracting its respective piston. The instantaneous flow rate of either of the chambers is determined by the speed of the piston. In a preferred embodiment, a pulsatile flow of fluid is achieved by cyclically alternating the velocity of the piston between two different speeds. A desired average flow rate and/or delivery pressure and/or constant pulse pressure is maintained by adjusting the alternating velocities at the desired frequency and duty cycle. The calculations necessary to obtain a desired average flow rate are performed by a microprocessor, which also controls the movement of the pistons.

Abstract: An electromechanical generator for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy, the electromechanical generator including a cantilever spring having a fixed end, a free end and a central portion therebetween, a mount for the cantilever spring to which the fixed end is fixed, a mass located at the free end of the cantilever spring, the mass including either a coil or at least one magnet defining a region of magnetic flux, wherein at least one of the fixed end and the free end of the cantilever spring is substantially stiffer than the central portion of the cantilever spring.

Abstract: A pneumatic seasoning system and method utilizing a rotating drum for seasoning, a funnel-fed pneumatic eductor, line splitters, and a plurality of specially-designed swirl-inducing nozzle spools for inducing a broad and even seasoning plume. In a preferred embodiment, a pneumatic seasoning system transports seasoning from a seasoning hopper to food items within a rotating drum using a combination of an eductor and four in-line vacuum generators, which vacuum generators operate on compressed air. Each vacuum generator comprises a distributing nozzle roughly shaped like a collared spool, wherein compressed air is supplied to the annular region defined between the spool and its collar, and said compressed air exits through swirl ports distributed about the circumference of the spool exit. Each swirl port preferably has a pitch angle of 15° and a yaw angle of 15°.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an electrical connector device for electrically connecting an alternating current (“AC”) photovoltaic (“PV”) solar panel device having an integral micro-inverter to the utility grid. The electrical connector device is a compression connector fitting that includes an upper and lower housing, which each include a channel for receiving the main electrical conductor line. The electrical connector device further includes three electrical prong, which are designed to pierce and penetrate the insulation of the main electrical conductor line to establish an electrical connection between the micro-inverter and the utility grid, when the electrical connector device is compressed about the main electrical conductor line.

Abstract: The present invention discloses formulations for sheeted, baked sweet potato chips that have a light, crispy texture similar to a white potato chip. The ingredients are combined with water and oil to make a dough, which is then sheeted and cut into pieces. The pieces are baked to produce sweet potato snack chips.