Abstract: This invention is directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. Although the reuse points will vary from plant to plant depending upon specific water consumption volumes, type of processing operations conducted by the facility and regulatory requirements and approvals, there are a number of reuse points which are preferred based upon treated water quality requirements, material balances relating to the capacity to recover process streams and the consumption volumes at the identified reuse points, and source waters that have been shown to have the least total contaminant loading.

Abstract: The oral cavity is a source of sensitive biomarkers that allow the development of novel tobacco filters to reverse and eliminate acute adverse effects of tobacco smoke. Useful biomarkers are ubiquitous functional leukocytes and associated essential biochemical mechanisms, including metabolic pathways and specific enzymes, such as myeloperoxidase contained in fluid-cell lavages obtained from the human mouth. These biomarkers derived from the human mouth and sputum from the human respiratory system can be used to evaluate long-term chronic effects of tobacco smoke. A tobacco filter comprising strongly basic anion exchange resins and strongly acidic cation exchange resins with or without activated carbon, is used to detect, reduce and eliminate toxic substances from tobacco smoke while retaining taste and aroma. The novel filter in conjunction with biomarkers allow the establishment of performance standards that permit the direct visualization and measurement of acute adverse reactions caused by tobacco smoke.

Abstract: The inventive coating may be employed to deliver a pharmaceutical agent to a selected body area that is involved within the insertion or application of a medical device. Such medical devices may include silicone based urinary catheters and other medical implants as well as other silicone based devices having deformable portions which could benefit from the release of a pharmaceutical agent from its surface. The coating allows the introduction of the pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria. The release rate is adjusted by utilizing different salt forms of the additive and adjusting the concentration of urethane and RTV silicone. The coating incorporates additive compounds such as anti-microbial, anti-fungals and other organic compounds. Methods are also provided for the manufacture of the subject coating and for the application of the same to surfaces of medical devices.

Abstract: A lubricant coating vehicle for medical devices used to reduce the coefficient of friction of such devices upon exposure thereof to moisture. The lubricant coating vehicle allows the introduction of a pharmacological additive having a release rate that is within acceptable pharmacokinetic criteria. The release rate is adjusted by utilizing different salt forms of the additive and adjusting the concentration of a urethane pre-polymer.

Abstract: The presently disclosed disinfection process for use in the processing of foodstuffs is designed as an intervention step in poultry processing to allow for continuous on-line processing of poultry carcasses that may have accidentally become contaminated during the evisceration process. Such on-line processing is designed to replace the need for off-line manual washing and cleaning of the contaminated carcasses. By eliminating such off-line manual washing, food safety will be enhanced due to the elimination of the physical handling of carcasses and the cross-contamination that may result from such physical handling. An additional benefit is that the production process will also be able to run with a reduced number of interruptions, which will result in a more efficient production process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to cause the cessation of hair growth on a specific area of the body and for the treatment of unwanted dermatological conditions. The area of treatment is exposed to a particular pattern and wavelength of light generated by multiple flashlamps, which allow simultaneous, overlap, or consecutive firing. Controlling the intensity of light, the output wavelength and the delay between pulses allow treatment to be adjusted to different skin conditions and hair types. Skin damage is virtually eliminated by the length and characteristic shape of the individual pulse of light.

Abstract: A thin layer for sample analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry, comprising a matrix material in a supported dispersion wherein the support is a solid or is formed from a solid. The invention is also directed to a method of making a thin layer for sample analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry, the layer comprising a matrix-solid composition disposed upon a substrate, comprising the step of depositing a solution containing matrix, solid and solvent upon a spinning substrate at a deposition rate sufficient to allow evaporation of the solvent, thereby interspersing the matrix and support on the substrate in a thin layer. Enhanced mass resolution is described.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment of septage, particularly grease trap waste, is disclosed. The inventive process will convert the septage into Biosolids (sludge) and water dischargeable to the environment. The treated septage achieves pathogen reduction, and reduced vector attraction. Treatment of septage by pasteurization causes the destruction of harmful pathogens. Pasteurization of septage having high water content provides for even temperature elevation and distribution of heat within the thermal mass of the septage allowing for consistent pathogen destruction. An alkaline compound is utilized to form a filter cake from the solids fraction of the pasteurized septage preventing vector attraction, while producing a beneficial bio-solid. The liquid fraction of the septage is treated by biological process allowing for its discharge into the environment.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the management of fluid flow within nanoscale analytical systems, comprising a freeze thaw valve having differing geomentries to constrict a frozen plug within the freeze thaw segment. The freeze thaw valve is directed to use in high-pressure analytical systems. The geometry of an inner diameter of a channel or tube within a freeze thaw segment is configured to cause constriction of a freeze plug when axial force is applied. The constriction is used in the flow-path of a freeze thaw valve to prevent movement of the frozen plug at high pressures to avoid valve leakage.

Abstract: Dipeptide compounds and compounds analogous to dipeptide compounds that are formed from an amino acid and a thiazolidine or pyrrolidine group, and salts thereof used in the treatment of impaired glucose tolerance, glycosuria, hyperlipidaemia, metabolic acidoses, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy and also of sequelae of diabetes mellitus in mammals.

Abstract: A stick-propelled loop game is presented. Fundamentally, the invention includes an annular loop characterized by a central opening therein. The loop is caused to fly through the air or bounce against the ground and is retrieved therefrom by means of a stick fashioned with a bulbous knob at the end which is insertable into the opening. The knob on the stick allows the player of the game to spin the loop while in his possession utilizing the centrifugal force of the loop against the stick. The central opening and the outside circumference of the loop are formed of a rubber like substance applied over a flexible material, such as plastic tubing. These materials allow the loop to possess sufficient mass and flexibility to allow the loop to be propelled through the air or bounced against the ground.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to cause the cessation of hair growth on a specific area of the body. The area is exposed to a particular pattern of multiple wavelength light generated by flashlamps which are filled with krypton and xenon gas. These flashlamps are connected to separate power supplies to allow simultaneous, overlap, or consecutive firing. The method consists of directing the light by means of a hollow reflective light guide in contact with the skin to prevent the light from escaping. Controlling the intensity of light and the delay between pulses allows treatment to be adjusted to different skin and hair types. Skin damage is virtually eliminated by the length and characteristic shape of the individual pulse in conjunction with consecutive firing of the flashlamps which spreads the energy over a long period of time.

Abstract: A child safety device used to restrict a young child and provide protection against injury that occurs from the popular construction of a modern shopping cart. A safety device that can be attached to the conventional shopping cart to prevent a child from injuring his or her digits in the openings that exist in modern shopping carts. The safety device is easy to manufacture and readily adaptable to a variety of shopping carts that are presently in use in retail settings. A child safety device that is economical to child-proof existing shopping carts without having to redesign or remanufacture expensive shopping carts. The safety device easily secures to the back rail section of the area of the cart that is directly opposite the seated child without restricting his or her natural movement.