Abstract: A soft child carrier including a soft body member attached to a relatively rigid back portion. A pair of shoulder straps are attached to the carrier adjacent to upper and lower ends of the back portion, and a waist belt extends from opposing sides of the lower end of the back portion. The relatively stiff back portion facilitates the transferring of the weight of a child to the waist belt such that a substantial portion of the child's weight is transferred away from the shoulder straps to thereby relieve the amount of weight carried on the shoulders and upper back of a person supporting the carrier. A seat adjustment is also provided whereby an adjustment strap extending along the back portion may be pulled or released to cause a height for the seat portion of the carrier to be increased or decreased depending on the size of the child.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the isolation and purification of isoflavones from a number of different biomass sources. More particularly, the present invention relates to a three-step process whereby a biomass containing isoflavones with a solvent thereby forming an extract that is subsequently fractionated using a reverse phase matrix in combination with a step gradient elution, wherein the resulting fractions eluted from the column contain specific isoflavones that are later crystallized. The purified isoflavone glycosides may then be hydrolyzed to their respective aglycone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel artemisinin dimers of structure ##STR1## which possess anticancer activity.

Abstract: A line reel for dispensing string, construction line, or cord includes a cap that can be inserted into one end of a spool holding the material to be dispensed, a midsection that can be inserted into the other end of the spool, and a rotatable handle connected to the midsection on the opposite side from the spool. In one embodiment, the cap and midsection frictionally engage the inside of the spool and can be pulled out of the spool for re-use with another spool. In an alternate embodiment, a latch structure on the cap and midsection latches the cap to the midsection in the spool so they cannot be easily removed from the spool once assembled. The line reel includes a notch to hold the free end of the construction line or string. The cap, spool, and midsection, while positioned structurally so that they do not rotate in relation to each other, are able to rotate in relation to the handle to facilitate dispensing the construction line.

Abstract: A supply plenum connected to a source of compressed natural gas (CNG) and a control valve assembly for selectively turning on the flow of CNG through a sonic nozzle and out through a dispensing hose assembly. Pressure and temperature transducers connected to the supply plenum measure the stagnation pressure and temperature of the CNG and the ambient temperature, and a pressure transducer fluidically connected to the vehicle tank via the dispensing hose assembly monitors the pressure of the CNG in the vehicle tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snowboard and method of making the same using a heavy cloth material thereby eliminating some toxic materials completely and decreasing the use of other hazardous materials substantially. The snowboard constructed from the present material maintains a stiffness underfoot and a flexibility in the tip and tail to absorb bumps and irregularities in the terrain.

Abstract: A hand-held, battery operated, Doppler ultrasound diagnostic device for use in obstetrical applications to, for example, measure fetal heartbeat, and vascular applications to, for example, measure blood flow and pressure, includes a cordless probe, a base unit, and an electric recharging stand. The probe detects the physical response signal being monitored through Doppler ultrasound techniques. The signal is used to frequency modulate a sine wave carrier signal which is transmitted by the probe and received by the base unit. The carrier signal frequency and wave form is chosen so as not to cause interference with other medical equipment that may be nearby. The base unit demodulates the carrier signal and retrieves the human response signal. The base unit displays the human response signal visually with an LED display and audibly with built in speakers. In addition, the base unit includes an output connectors which allow the human response signal to be recorded on a tape recorder or played through earphones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly selective method for the deacetylation and deacylation of taxol and taxanes compounds. Specifically, the present invention relates to a one step process wherein acyl groups located at the carbon 2', 10, and 7 positions of taxol and other taxane compounds may be selectively removed.

Abstract: A supply plenum connected to a source of compressed natural gas (CNG) and a control valve assembly for selectively turning on the flow of CNG through a sonic nozzle and out through a dispensing hose assembly. Pressure and temperature transducers connected to the supply plenum measure the stagnation pressure and temperature of the CNG and the ambient temperature, and a pressure transducer fluidically connected to the vehicle tank via the dispensing hose assembly monitors the pressure of the CNG in the vehicle tank.

Abstract: A shaker table (10) for testing and quality control of devices attached to the table is shown. The mounting table (20) has pneumatic exciters (50) attached thereto. The exciters (50) are attached to the mounting table (20) with a mounting bolt (128) and spacers (132, 132') that comprise an insulating material to inhibit thermal transfer between the device and the exciters (50) and between the mounting table (20) and the exciters (50). The mounting table (20) provides uniform distribution of forces applied by the pneumatic exciters (50). The forces are evenly distributed in all directions from the impact of the exciters on the mounting table. The mounting table (20) is supported on a foundation (2) by adjustable supports (4). The exciters are supplied with pressurized air from a source (12) through an airline (14).

Abstract: A lashing system for selectively attaching a component to a piece of material includes a pair of anchors or loops which are attached in a spaced part relationship to the piece of material. A pair of releasable connectors are provided on the component for engaging with the loops. The releasable connectors are positioned so that a fixed portion is mounted to the front side of the component and a moveable portion of the releasable connector is mounted at a terminal end to the back side of the component. The free end of the moveable portion of the releasable connector can be threaded through the loop to engage the loop and then can be connected to the matching surface of the releasable connector on the front side of the component. A lashing system is provided for the interior or exterior of a travel bag or backpack to lash containers, panels, or walls to the side panels thereof. A matrix of anchors is provided for the releasable connectors on the containers, panels or walls to engage therewith.

Abstract: A mass flow meter for a gas dispenser includes apparatus and method for determining specific heat ratio of the gas as a function of two pressure measurements in relation to a nozzle and for determining mass flow rate as a function of the specific heat ratio, the two pressure measurements in relation to the nozzle, and a density measurement of the gas.