Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat transfer blanket which wraps the torso and legs leaving the arms, buttocks, perineum and head exposed and allows for the selective heating or cooling of various body parts at the same or different rates. The blanket of the present invention is also made up of panels which may be selectively opened to gain access to the chest, abdomen, legs or back to expose a surgical field or to provide access to these areas for necessary medical care.

Abstract: A device for retaining garden beds, retaining water, and/or blocking plant roots, with the device having two connected reinforcing members with a liquid permeable member positioned between the reinforcing members. A method of building a garden bed includes using the device around the perimeter of a bed. A method for building a pond or stream includes using the device around the perimeter of the pond or stream. Finally, a method of blocking root travel includes burying the device to block travel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of obtaining a highly soluble protein which method generally includes at least the step of contacting the protein with an amount of antioxidant suitable to raise the solubility of the protein, which method may also be utilized to raise the protein yield of the process. Antioxidants suitable for use in the present invention include substituted and unsubstituted quinones, anisoles, toluenes and tocopherols. Also disclosed is a highly soluble protein which includes a protein and added antioxidant. Further disclosed are food products made from a highly soluble protein. Finally, a method of processing food products is disclosed which at least includes the step of incorporating a highly soluble protein into the food product.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for stimulating hair growth, preventing hair loss or minimizing hair loss. The compositions and methods include topical application and/or an oral administration of colloidal silver.

Abstract: A sonic or acoustic tool is disclosed which includes a transmitter with reduced transmitter spawned noise. The transmitters are either monopole or dipole depending on the orientation of ports in a chamber divided by a piston driven by an actuator. The transmitter size is limited only by the diameter of the tools itself because the transmitters are oriented within the tool parallel to the axis of the tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated devices and methods for extracting substantially all the tail meat from the crawfish exoskeleton. The devices and methods consistently remove the intestinal tract, without damage to the meat, and are capable of processing crawfish of all sizes and shell hardness at a rate greater than that of hand peeling.

Abstract: For conformance treatment to plug an opening in subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation, a conformance additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a conformance fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the formation to plug the opening.

Abstract: For well plug treatment to plug an abandoned well, a well plug additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a well plug fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of plugging the well further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: A garage door operating system which includes a garage door, framing along which the garage door is positioned and travels between non-closed and closed positions, a signal generator which transmits a closed and or non-closed signal depending upon the position of the garage door, and finally includes an indicator which provides a suitable indicator signal upon receiving the signal.

Abstract: A process for producing alumina and other aluminia products where the formation of a Schiff base imine by reaction of a orgaonaluminum amide or imide oligomer with a carbonyl compound is promoted by the Lewis acid character of the oligomer. The water byproduct of the Schiff base serves as an in situ reagent for subsequent hydrolysis and sol-gel condensation of the aluminum species with concomitant production of alkane. The imine then is washed from the alumina with a suitable solvent. Any of a number of primary amines and aldehydes or ketones may be reagents. Calcining of the sol-gels yields high surface area alumina as characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and gas physisorption measurements. Microporous and/or mesoporous alumina is obtained depending on synthesis conditions. Alumina microspheres are obtained under certain conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is walking aid which provides mobility to an injured, elderly or physically challenged persons which leaves the hands free to hold, reach for or carry items. The walking aid of the present invention allows the user to stand upright and operates with minimal usage of the user's legs and also provides a stable surface on which a user may rest. Optionally, the walking aid of the present invention may be equipped with accessory items such as aids to reach articles which have fallen on the floor, and is readily collapsible for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A blend composition having improved environmental stress cracking resistance or environmental fatigue resistance, including an ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer and a polymer of ethylene with at least one selected from the group consisting of alpha olefin having at least 2 carbon atoms, and an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic ester monomer. Flexible products may be made from the blend by heating the blend above its melting point, forming the melted blend into a desired shape, and then cooling the shape below its melting point.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated apparatus and method for extracting substantially all the tail meat from the crawfish exoskeleton, while consistently removing the intestinal tract, and without damage to the meat. In addition, the apparatus is capable of processing crawfish of all sizes and shell hardness at a rate greater than that of hand peeling.