Abstract: An increase in specific antioxidant activity of extracts from rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is obtained by the use of a blend of tetrafluoroethane and acetone 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 extract that is readily mixed with a liquid product such as soybean oil for addition to animal feeds and human food.

Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus for the treatment and processing of wet material is provided. The apparatus comprises an inlet hopper adapted for receipt of the wet material. A pre-conditioning unit is provided having an input and an output end wherein the wet material is received from the inlet hopper at the input end and is conveyed to the output end wherein the wet material is processed to reduce moisture and pathogen content. A blower is provided for providing a forced air stream to direct the flow of the wet material and for directing the flow from the output end of the pre-conditioning unit. A pre-separation cyclone is provided and is operatively positioned for receiving the wet material from the output end of the pre-conditioning unit via the air stream powered by the blower, wherein the wet material is processed under the influence of cyclonic forces that further reduce the moisture content, pathogen content, and reduce the particle size of the wet material.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inflatable cone-shaped wind dam for reducing the air drag of a moving tractor-trailer. The wind dam is comprised of two longitudinally opposed sections each section having an outer shell and an inner inflatable bladder, constructed so that the outer shell houses the inner inflatable bladder. The cone-shaped wind dam further comprises an inflatable mating joint for maintaining the form and structure of the wind dam.

Abstract: The invention is a composition and method for non-specific enhancement of immune responses in human and animal recipients. A colostrum-derived feed additive (CDFA) for human or veterinary use comprises a sprayed-dried preparation of pasteurized and homogenized first milking colostrum that enhances immune responses in a recipient receiving an oral administration. Generally, CDFA is administered in a conditioning dose once per day during a conditioning period of time from about 7 to 14 days, and then in a maintenance dose administered once per day during a period that follows the conditioning period. The maintenance dose is about one-half the concentration of the conditioning dose. Administration of CFDA enhances immune response in a recipient in a dose-dependent manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the extraction of a proteinase inhibitor from plant tissue. The extraction of the proteinase inhibitor begins with the addition of an alcohol-free, aqueous solution of an organic acid and a salt to plant tissue. The extraction solution and plant tissue are comminuted to reduce the average particle size of the plant tissue to improve extraction efficiencies. A weight ratio of between about 1:1 and about 1:10 extraction solution to plant tissue is used. In extracting proteinase inhibitor II from potato tubers, the extraction solution utilizes formic acid and sodium chloride, and the average particle size is reduced to between about 100 and 1500 microns. The process has been demonstrated to be cost-effective and provide high yields of the target proteinase inhibitor on commercial scales.

Abstract: A waste gate valve actuator is provided for use with a turbocharger having a flexible and durable thin non-fabric diaphragm substantially uniform in thickness comprised entirely of a thermoset or thermoplastic fluorocarbon material.

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: 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.