Abstract: An increase in specific antioxidant activity of extracts from rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is obtained by the use of a blend of tetrafluoroethane and acetone in the extraction process. A blend of tetrafluoroethane, acetone and methanol improves total yield. A tetrafluoroethane and acetone blend has higher efficacy but comparatively lower yields. The methods yield a liquid and oily extract that is readily mixed with a liquid product such as soybean oil for addition to animal feeds and human food.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the extraction of a proteinase inhibitor from plant tissue. The extraction of the proteinase inhibitor begins with the addition of an alcohol-free, aqueous solution of an organic acid and a salt to plant tissue. The extraction solution and plant tissue are comminuted to reduce the average particle size of the plant tissue to improve extraction efficiencies. A weight ratio of between about 1:1 and about 1:10 extraction solution to plant tissue is used. In extracting proteinase inhibitor II from potato tubers, the extraction solution utilizes formic acid and sodium chloride, and the average particle size is reduced to between about 100 and 1500 microns. The process has been demonstrated to be cost-effective and provide high yields of the target proteinase inhibitor on commercial scales.

Abstract: A concrete sandwich panel is provided with a first dry-cast hollowcore concrete layer having pre-stressing strands, and a second concrete layer, and an insulation layer sandwiched therebetween. The insulation layer includes pre-formed holes. A tool is used to form holes in the first concrete layer aligned with the insulation holes. Adhesive is injected into the concrete holes, with connectors extending through the insulation layer and into the concrete holes. The adhesive, when cured, locks the connector in the hollowcore concrete layer. The upper concrete layer is cast over the insulation layer so as to embed the upper ends of the connectors. The plasticity of the upper concrete layer, which may result from vibration energy input to low-slump concrete, allows the concrete to consolidate around the upper ends of the connectors. When the concrete layers cure, the connectors tie the layers together to preclude excessive shear displacement between the concrete.

Abstract: A method for removing protein impurities from extracts of protease inhibitor-containing plant material. Plant materials containing protease inhibitors, such a potato tubers that contain protease inhibitor II, are extracted using an alcohol-free solvent. The proteins present in the extract include impurities other than the protease inhibitor, specifically Kunitz, Bowman-Birk and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. The extract is subjected to heat treatment to denature and precipitate the unstable protein impurities followed by centrifugation to remove the precipitate. Ultrafiltration in the presence of a buffer removes the Bowman-Birk and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. The resulting purified protease inhibitor has applicability in the control of obesity and diabetes.

Abstract: Microcapsules having a carotenoid content of between about 10% and 50% by weight. A crystalline form of one or more carotenoids is processed in a fluidized bed coating machine where a protective coating of a sugar or polyhydric alcohol, a starch, and optionally a protein, is applied. The carotenoid content of the finished microcapsules is in excess of 80% of the carotenoids present in the starting material.

Abstract: A brake system for a towed and towing vehicle combination allowing for application of the brakes of the towed vehicle in proportion to application of the brakes of the towing vehicle. The combination utilizes a signal from the towing vehicle to generate a proportional braking signal in the towed vehicle. In particular, the towed vehicle braking system includes a proportional relief valve that controls the braking pressure on the towed vehicle in response to an electrical signal from the towing vehicle. The system utilizes a control program that signals a power unit in operable communication with the towed vehicle brakes to operate at full power for a first period of time and at a reduced power for a second period of time.

Abstract: A stable product containing finely a dispersed carotenoid for use in supplementing aqueous systems, such as foods, beverages, and personal care products, with the carotenoid. An emulsifier is dissolved in water and an anti-foam agent and a source of the carotenoid are added to the solution. The concentrated product may be added to the aqueous systems or dried to form a powder that is readily dispersible in aqueous systems. The product may also include an antioxidant to preserve the activity of the carotenoid. Emulsifiers particularly suited for use include sucrose fatty acid esters. The product is produced without the use of organic solvents or elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A gambling game includes the steps of preparing a plurality of gaming cards with an indicia of identification, and a plurality of gaming symbols on a face of the card. The indicia of identification is recorded within a database of a central computer system. The gaming cards are then distributed to a plurality of remote gaming card dispensing machines networked to the central computer system. Participants can purchase for a predetermined amount of money the gaming cards from the remote gaming card dispensing machines. A first set of symbols is generated and communicated over the network to a plurality of displays. If no winner is determined subsequent symbols are generated, and communicated, until the symbols complete a match on at least one participant's gaming card. The process continues until a participant completes a match and wins.