Abstract: A chair is provided with a seat and a base for securing the chair to the floor. A footrest secures to the seat, and a linking mechanism moves the footrest between an extended and a retracted position. The linking mechanism comprises a bracket that allows the footrest to pivotably mount thereto. A handle pivotably secures to the bracket and a first end of a first link. The second end of the first link pivotably secures to the first end of a second link, and the second end of the second link pivotably secures to an additional pivotable mount on the footrest. Movement of the handle moves the footrest between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An automated fishing line jigger, comprising a rotatable member adapted for rotation-such that fishing line associated with the rotatable member is jigged as the rotatable member rotates. An electromagnet operatively connected to the rotatable member, the rotatable member having a first position and a second position such that in the first position the electromagnet is energized causing rotation in a first direction and in the second position gravity causes rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

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: A bagging machine is provided that includes a frame for supporting the components of the bagging machine. The components of the bagging machine include an inlet hopper for receiving the material for compaction and moving it into the bagging machine, a compaction zone having a power compaction device located therein, wherein the compaction device conveys the material from the inlet hopper into the compaction zone, a material receptacle for receiving the material upon its exit from the compaction zone; and a brake assist mechanism assisting in, and at least partially controlling the level of, compaction of the material.

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 performance map is provided comprising a plurality of performance curves showing head/flow conditions at various compressor speeds, terminating at one end at surge points. The performance curves are converted into deviation curves representing deviations from the surge point at the head/flow conditions. The curves are merged into a universal compressor curve with a merge-function and a pre-defined tolerance. Imaginary map head/flow values are calculated using the universal compressor curve, merge-function, deviation curves, and performance curves at the compressor speed. A ratio of the imaginary map head/flow values is compared to a ratio of the actual head/flow values at the compressor speed to determine if the ratios are within a pre-defined tolerance. The process repeats until the ratios are within the tolerance. The molecular weight of the compressor gas is calculated using a function of the actual and imaginary flow values and/or head values.

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.

Abstract: Modular concrete form components which, when assembled into large wall form assemblies are sufficiently strong to resist the bending forces applied during picking and placing of the wall form assemblies without the need for the attachment of additional or external stiffening members. A bearing block is secured to a stiffener that runs along the back side of the form component adjacent a perimeter flange of the form component.

Abstract: A self-climbing concrete wall form hoist for forming a concrete wall section atop a previously formed wall section has a wall mounting releasably secured to the previously formed wall section, a moveable vertical mast, a channel in the wall mounting which guideably receives the moveable mast, a platform alternatively supported on the mast and on the wall mounting, upper and lower dog latch assemblies mounted on the platform and pivotable between a platform raising position when the mast is supported on the wall mounting and a mast raising position when the platform is supported on the wall mounting, and an extensible and retractable linear actuator interconnecting the upper and lower dog latch assemblies for raising the platform relative to the mast when the dog latch assemblies are in the platform raising position and for raising the mast relative to the platform when the dog latch assemblies are in the mast raising position.

Abstract: A windmill is provided wherein the windmill comprises a central rotating shaft with an upper and a lower end opposite thereto. A blade arm is provided with an inward and an outward end opposite thereto, wherein the inward end of the blade arm is connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft. An aerodynamically shaped foil connects to the outward end of the blade arm. A cam frame connects to the central rotating shaft such that the cam frame remains substantially stationary when the central rotating shaft rotates. An outer tilted cam track connects to the cam frame, and an inner tilted cam track connects to the cam frame and is located inside the outer tilted cam track, wherein an axis of tilt of the outer cam track and an axis of tilt of the inner cam frame are transversely aligned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an accessory for use with bar clamps, and more specifically, to a bar clamp attachment for extending a bar clamp to a plurality of working lengths. The bar clamp extension of the present invention generally comprises an extension bar and a coupler that releasably attaches the extension bar to a primary bar of a bar clamp.

Abstract: A shock absorbing transport frame is provided. The frame comprises an inner frame and an outer frame capable of supporting a transportation device. The outer frame is secured to the inner frame in a manner that will control movement between the inner and outer frames. A four bar linkage operating between the inner and outer frame provides the movement control. The frame includes a pneumatic self-adjusting mechanism to maintain a constant gap between the inner and outer frame. The mechanism includes an air valve that adjusts air pressure to an air bag connected to the four bar linkage, wherein changes in the distance between the inner and outer frame create changes in the pressure to the air bag thereby exerting a counter acting force to return the inner and outer frame to a neutral position.

Abstract: A wet material treatment apparatus includes an inlet hopper for introducing the wet material into the apparatus. The hopper feeds the wet material into an injector auger that physically directs the wet material into a high velocity air stream produced by a blower thereby directing the flow of the wet material through the apparatus. The wet material moves from the injector auger into a cyclone that separates the wet material through specific gravity and desiccation into a substantially liquid and a substantially solid portion. The substantially liquid portion is discharged through a first outlet in the cyclone to a wet scrubber, while the substantially solid portion of the wet material is discharged through a second outlet. The apparatus can be mounted to a trailer for mobile transportation, and can include two cyclones operating in series.

Abstract: A face plate is provided for releasable attachment between a hammer and a hammer tip of a size reducing machine. The face plate provides a buffer between the hammer and the hammer tip. The hammer has a body with a forward facing hammer face that aligns with the back of the face plate. The front of the face plate aligns with the back of the hammer tip. The hammer, hammer tip, and face plate contain aligned bolt holes for receipt of a securement bolt that releasably secures the hammer, face plate, and hammer tip. The face plate includes a center section raised above opposing ledges designed for mated alignment with a recessed center section of the back of the hammer tip.

Abstract: A mated hammer and hammer tip combination for releasable engagement are provided. The hammer includes a lower body portion for engagement with a rotor of a size reducing machine, and an upper body portion. The upper body portion of the hammer includes at least one bolt hole and a front face having a raised center section. The hammer also includes an upper and lower ledge, and recessed side grooves. The hammer tip includes a front face with a distally located working edge for debris impact, at least one bolt hole for receipt of a bolt to releasably engage the hammer and hammer tip, and a back having a plurality of protruding opposable members, comprised of opposable shoulders or feet that define a recessed section therebetween forming a saddle-back. The saddle-back in the back of the hammer tip releasable engages with the raised center section of the hammer.

Abstract: A relational database is provided with a plurality of data entries stored in the database. The data entries have a hierarchical relationship. The data entries are assigned an item identifier that uniquely identifies each of the data items. A multiple digit outline number is assigned to each of the data entries wherein the digits of the outline number correspond to the hierarchical levels of the data entries. A hierarchical level identifier is assigned to each of the data entries wherein the hierarchical level identifier equal the number of non-zero digits in the outline number. An organizational table is created wherein the table includes a row for each of the data entries and the table includes multiple columns. The columns comprise a column for the item identifier, a plurality of outline number columns where each outline number column comprises one digit of the outline number such that each of the digits is stored in a separate column, and a hierarchical level column comprising the level identifier.

Abstract: The invention comprises a rotor and hammer assembly comprising a drive shaft allowing for rotating the rotor and hammer assembly. End plates are secured to the drive shaft, and a rotor casing is secured to the end plates. The rotor casing has an outside surface, to which a hammer is removably secured. The outer surface of the rotor casing includes slots, having a first and second slot section with a raised center portion therebetween. The hammer has a substantially flat base with a centrally located notch, such that the hammer base and the slot matingly align. The hammer is further secured to the outer surface of the rotor casing with threaded bolts. The hammer includes a front face with a raised center section and recessed comers that matingly align with the hammer tip, and is further secured with threaded bolt and nut.