Abstract: The invention consists of a sonication and imbibition process for the uptake of water and/or other beneficial substances into a seed. The seed to be treated is immersed in water or other liquids. The seed is exposed to sound energy at frequencies between 15 kHz and 30 kHz for periods between about 1 and 15 minutes. The ultrasonic energy generates cavitational forces by the adiabatic collapse of microbubbles in the liquid medium, particularly those bubbles that collapse at the surface of the seed. The ultrasonic cavitational forces impart an enhanced stable memory for the seeds to imbibe water and/or other substances beneficial to the seed and/or plant. The ultrasonically treated seed can be dried, stored, and later imbibed with a substance that enhances a growth characteristic of the seed or resultant plant. Upon germination, the plant maintains the enhanced growth characteristics.

Abstract: An increase in specific antioxidant activity of extracts from rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is obtained by the use of a blend of tetrafluoroethane and an organic solvent 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 antioxidant extract that is readily mixed with a liquid product such as soybean oil for addition to animal feeds and human food. The methods simultaneously yield pharmaceutical-grade essential oils in high yields.

Abstract: A load relief coupling device which interconnects a lower, supporting member and an upper, supported member of a concrete forming apparatus to permit quick and easy relief of the load on the members by a formed concrete structure. The load relief coupler includes a supporting coupler member, a supported coupler member, and an inner coupler member positioned between the supporting and supported coupler member. Coacting teeth on the inner coupler member and on the supporting and supported coupler members cause the coupler to move between a loaded, expanded position and an unloaded, collapsed position upon relative pivotal movement between the inner coupler member and the two supporting and supported coupler members.

Abstract: A hammer comprising a hammer body. The hammer body comprises a rotor forming portion with a trailing and a leading edge and is capable of securement to a rotor, a tip support section capable of extending into a debris path, and a production pocket extending from the leading edge of the rotor portion also capable of extending into the debris path. The hammer also comprises a hammer tip secured to the tip section of the hammer body and at least partially shielded from the debris path by the production pocket of the hammer body.

Abstract: A fixture comprised of a base and a tensioning member integrated within the base provides a flexible tensioning force to retain a light bulb within the fixture. The light bulb can be a standard bulb, or a threadless bulb specifically designed for the fixture of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an insert for attachment to a hammer of a size reducing machine for use in size reducing waste material, comprising a body with a centrally located mounting hole to allow for attachment of the insert to the hammer. The body also includes a bullet shaped tip distally located in relation to the body, wherein the tip can size reduce waste material on impact.

Abstract: An application interface for an intelligent communication device. The intelligent communication device is connected to a network with at least one server connected thereto. The intelligent communication device includes an operating system. The application interface allows for application program to run on the intelligent communication device while be written independently of the operating system and the network. In a specific implementation, the application interface can be used in an interactive television system. The interactive television system includes a set top box decoder connected to a network with at least one server attached. The set top box decoder is a digital computer device which utilizes an operating system. The application interface includes an application program interface and a media control layer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a post and rail fence comprised of a plurality of posts, rails, and clamps. The posts rigidly engage with the ground in a generally perpendicular fashion, at spaced apart intervals. The clamps interconnect the rails and the posts, through interconnected post clamp and rail clamp sections. The clamp interconnection is accomplished with a tensioning member that provides a variable clamping force and maintains the connection between the posts and the rails.

Abstract: A vehicle use profile is created by driving a vehicle with a throttle-controlled engine over a predetermined course at a first period of time. A vehicle use parameter is recorded at predetermined intervals along the course along with the throttle level. At a later time, a vehicle is driven over the same predetermined course with the throttle controlled according to the vehicle use profile. The vehicle use parameter can include real time position, speed, and elevation taken from a GPS receiver, or vehicle emission levels, wind resistance, or vehicle speed, taken real time from various sensors, wherein the vehicle is controlled in accord to one or more of the parameters.

Abstract: A liquid preservative solution and method for extending the shelf life of tortillas and like products made from corn flour or wheat flour is proposed. The preservative solution contains propionic acid, phosphoric acid and a substance for inhibiting the growth of yeast or bacteria. In a preferred embodiment the yeast and bacteria inhibiting substance is benzoic acid. The preservative solution is antimicrobial in nature, and delays spoiling by retarding or preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast. The preservative solution has a fresh slightly sweet after-taste.

Abstract: Broadly this invention provides inbred corn line ZS02234. The methods for producing a corn plant by crossing the inbred line ZS02234 are encompassed by the invention. Additionally, the invention relates to the various parts of inbred ZS02234 including culturable cells. This invention relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line ZS02234 with at least one other corn line.

Abstract: A poultry feed composition including protein, vitamins and minerals, and a source of carbohydrates from the group consisting of soybean meals and corn supplemented with an &agr;-galactosidase-based enzyme blend that catalyzes the degradation of the galactoside. The addition of the &agr;-galactosidase-based enzyme blend increases the ratio of gain to feed, increases the amount of white meat, increases the mass and yield of the carcass, or decreases the amount of fat deposited during growth of a chicken fed the feed composition, relative to the chicken fed on an identical feed composition absent the &agr;-galactosidase-based enzyme blend.

Abstract: A clamp for interconnecting two components of a support apparatus such as components of a shoring apparatus for concrete foaming systems. A clamp member having swill, arm jaw is received for pivotal movement in a housing that is secured to one of the components. A plurality of flutes disposed at an angle to the pivot axis of the clamp member are received in coacting recesses in the housing. Axial movement of the clamp member will pivot the swing arm and a coacting, moveable jaw toward a fixed jaw formed in the housing to releasably secure the clamp to the other component.

Abstract: A bandanna is provided with a graphics display area defined on at least one side of the bandanna. The graphics display area is defined on each side by a first and second guideline that extend the length of the bandanna. The first and second guidelines are joined together at a terminal end by a third guideline. The bandanna is initially folded along a center folding line, wherein the graphics display area is substantially centered and adjacent to the center folding line. Next, the bandanna is repeatedly folded and wrapped in a manner that creates successive folding lines each substantially parallel to the center folding line. The folding and wrapping continues until one of the folding lines reaches the third guideline. A tip portion is folded about the third guideline thereby creating a pocket. Then, each side of the bandanna is repeatedly folded and stacked about the first and second guidelines, first one side and then the other.

Abstract: A hammer and rotor assembly for a size reducing machine. The rotor of the assembly comprises a drive shaft for rotating the assembly. The drive shaft includes a drive end and an outboard end, wherein the drive end secures to the drive motor of the size reducing machine. End plates secure the drive end and outboard ends of the drive shaft, and a center support also secures to the drive shaft. A rotor casing is secured to the end plates and the center support. The assembly includes a plurality of hammers having a hammer body with a rotor forming portion capable of securement to the rotor casing, a tip support portion extending into the debris path from the rotor forming portion of the hammer body. The hammer body also includes a production pocket. A rotatable hammer tip with a working edge and a protected edge is secured to the tip support section of the hammer body such that the hammer tip is at least partially shielded from the debris path by the production pocket.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a size reducing machine with a rotor having a plurality of hammers arranged to size reduce waste material upon impact. The rotor is contained with a tub that includes a tub floor for feeding the waste material toward the rotor. Located proximate to the tub floor is a gator plate with a serrated edge for initial material for sizing of the waste material.

Abstract: An improved trailer hitch housing is provided having a pair of integrated ribs extending the length of each side of the housing. The ribs strengthen and stiffen the housing by decreasing the tendency of the sides to bend when subjected to stress. The need for internal bracing or end flanges, which are used in prior art devices for strength and stiffness, is eliminated by the use of the ribs.

Abstract: Chromium, preferably in the form of chromium propionate, is used as an animal feed supplement. The addition of chromium to a diet containing a balanced level of dietary energy results in an increase in animal growth performance relative to the level of dietary energy and/or improved meat quality.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing alkyl gallates. Gallic acid and an alkyl alcohol of the order of the desired gallate are heated in a reaction vessel in the presence of a catalyst such as sulfuric acid or para-toluene sulfonic acid. Water is generated, forming an azeotrope with the alkyl alcohol. Distillation or Soxhlet extraction using a drying agent removes the formed water. Upon completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture is added while stirring to an alkane solvent and cooled to produce crystals of the desired alkyl gallate. The crystals may be further recrystallized and washed to improve their purity.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a growth characteristic of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm2 and about 10 watts/cm2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits an enhanced growth characteristic including resistance to pests and growth properties consistent with the introduction of essential nutrients. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.