Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of high purity lactic acid from an aqueous solution containing said acid in the form of salt(s), characterised in that the aqueous solution is treated with a strong acid in order to liberate lactic acid in the free form and to produce salts of the corresponding strong acid, said salts of the strong acid are crystallised by evaporative crystallisation and lactic acid is recovered in the free form in solution.

Abstract: A combination cyclonic separator, multi-stage filter and pump is disposed within a cylindrical housing disposed around a vertical axis. A fluid inlet in a bottom portion of the housing causes the water to circulate with greater flow on the outside of the housing than on the inside thereof, thereby causing debris suspended within the water to accumulate closer to the inside and bottom than to the outside and top of this portion of the housing. A plurality of plates causing the flow to go between a first plate and the inner wall of the housing and through an opening in the inside of the second plate serves as part of a second stage of filtering large particles. A third plate disposed above the second plate forces water again between the periphery of the second plate and the inner wall of the housing to complete a preferred embodiment of the second stage filtration. A filter media is interposed in the housing after the second stage and catches the finer particles suspended in the water.

Abstract: A pistachio sheller including a base having an upwardly extending shaft with a flat narrow blade adapted to be received in the crack of a pistachio shell. A cylinder is rotatably attached to the base and includes an oval-shaped top opening adjacent the flat narrow tip. A pistachio shell is received in the oval opening with the crack directed down to engage the blade. Rotation of the base with respect to the cylinder splits the pistachio shell open.

Abstract: A sling for transporting a conventional infant carrier seat having a generally rigid body provided with a pivoted carrier handle wherein the sling includes a sling member having a padded upper segment fabricated from a length of resilient material and having an elongated slot formed therein dimensioned to receive a main strap element adapted to define a first adjustable closed loop opening wherein the main strap element is further provided with an auxiliary strap element which cooperates with the main strap element to define a second adjustable closed loop opening that captively receives the handle of the conventional infant carrier seat

Abstract: A safety stand for an electric iron including a base attached to an ironing board by clamps. A support arm is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between and securable in one of a vertical working position and a lowered storage position. A C-shape grip with resilient fingers frictionally engages and secures the handle of an electric iron. The grip is vertically adjustable on the support arm by engagement of a threaded fastener extending from the grip through a slot in the support arm. Notches in the support arm are positioned to receive the electrical cord from the iron when the support arm is in the working position.

Abstract: A car shaped coffin construction (10) including a coffin receptacle member (20) configured to represent the lower portion (21) of a stylized vehicle chassis below the vehicle chassis window line (30) and including recesses (35) formed in both the front (24) and rear (25) bumpers, as well as side exhaust pipe rails (27) which form hand grip surfaces for pall bearers, and a coffin lid member (50) hingedly connected to one side of the coffin receptacle member (20) and configured to represent the upper portion (21′) of a stylized vehicle chassis. The coffin lid member (50) is provided with a simulated side view mirror (56) which serves as a handle for raising and lowering the coffin lid member (50) relative to the coffin receptacle member (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulverulent corn-steep without a drying substrate, said corn-steep containing lactic acid. It also relates to a method of obtaining this pulverulent corn-steep as well as to its use in the fermentation industry.

Abstract: A soldering pliers construction 10 including a pair of pivoted handle members 20, 21 having anvil members 30, 40 provided on their outboard ends. Each of the anvil members 30, 40 are provided with at least one pair of complementary lateral grooves 32, 42 which are dimensioned to receive the abutted ends of two lengths of wire 100, 100′ which are to be joined together by a soldered connection. One of the anvil members 30 is provided with a heating element 34 for heating the butted wires 100, 100′ and the other anvil member 40 is provided with an aperture 45 that is dimensioned to receive a stick of soldering material 200 that will be melted upon contact with the heated wires 100, 100′.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulverulent sorbitol, characterized in that it exhibits a hygroscopicity value, determined according to a test A, of less than 2%, preferably of less than 1.7%, and a specific surface, determined according to the BET method, at least equal to 2 m2/g, preferably at least equal to 2.2 m2/g, and also relates to its process of preparation. The invention also relates to compositions intended in particular for the food and pharmaceutical fields and to the use of the said pulverulent sorbitol in the preparation of tablets exhibiting a <<smooth in the mouth>> texture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing erythritol by fed-batch and repeated fermentation of sugars by microorganisms which produce erythritol, characterised by the fact that the fermentation is started by introducing said microorganisms into a fermentation medium containing a concentration of sugars lower than 200 g/l, and the fermentation is continued by carrying out at least one fermentation cycle which comprises: at least one phase of adding substrates so as to maintain the concentration of total sugars at a value of between 0 and 200 g/l, at least one phase of separation of the fermentation medium into a concentrated fraction of microorganisms and another fraction enriched with erythritol, when there is total consumption of sugars, at least one phase of recycling recovered and concentrated microorganisms in the fermentation medium.

Abstract: A transport device 10 for one end of a flat bottomed rowboat or a canoe with a keel. The device 10 includes a generally flat rectangular support member 20 having a generally flat top surface 22 provided with a central flat bottomed recess 23 dimensioned to receive the keel of a canoe. The top surface 22 of the support member 20 is provided with a resilient high friction coating 24 that will resist the lateral displacement of a canoe or rowboat on the support member 20. The device 10 further includes a wheel and axle assembly 31, 30 and a quick release securing unit 13. The support member is cantilevered relative to the wheel and axle assembly 31, 30 and the wheels 31 are positioned beneath the opposed sides 27, 28 of the support member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for preparing vinca-alkaloids by reacting a catharantine-type product and a vindoline-type product, characterized in that it consists in selecting the reaction conditions such that the product is oxidized.

Abstract: A remote controlled variable height leg pillow support apparatus (10) including a support unit (11) comprising a pair of independently movable contoured foot support members (20), (20′) each having a molded foam foot rest (22) which is suspended above a base member (30) by two separate pairs of hydraulic piston members (40). Each of the two separate pairs of hydraulic piston members (40) associated with each of the foot support members (20), (20′) are independently responsive to a remote control member (60) which activates a microprocessor (52) which controls a plurality of stepping motors (50). Each stepping motor (50) is connected to one of the hydraulic piston members (40) for independently raising and lowering the foot support members (20), (20′).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a mixture of glucosylmannitol and glucosylsorbitol, characterized in that glucosylglucosone is hydrogenated, in the presence of a catalyst, by subjecting a glucosylglucosone solution with a solids content equal to at least 10% by weight, preferably of between 20 and 50% by weight, to a pressure equal to at least 30 bar, preferably of between 30 and 200 bar, and to a temperature equal to at least 50° C., preferably of between 50 and 150° C.

Abstract: A tow line connector including a base attached to a towable vehicle, a free end extending out from the base, an opening disposed between the base and the free end, and a pair of notches formed between the opening and the free end. A loop formed in a tow line is threaded through the opening, extended over the free end to engage the notches, and pulled taut to form a quick and easy connection of the tow line to the towable vehicle. In one embodiment, the base includes an attachment flange that is heat sealed to the towable vehicle, and in a second embodiment, the base includes a closed slot that receives a towing strap of a towable vehicle.

Abstract: A process for producing solid forms comprising the steps of: (1) forming an aqueous composition comprising the low DE starch hydrolysate of the invention; (2) drying said aqueous composition to result in a substantially dry low DE starch hydrolysate composition; (3) shaping said dry low DE starch hydrolysate composition to result in a solid form. A process for producing a coated solid form, comprising the steps of forming an aqueous composition comprising the low DE starch hydrolysate of the present invention and applying to the solid form said aqueous composition in order to form a coated solid form.

Abstract: An attachment for increasing the distance of the fluid outlet of a conventional, hand-operated faucet above a substantially horizontal level surface, the attachment being an S-shaped tube with one end fluidly connected to the outlet and the other end located higher than the fluid outlet relative to the surface.