Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for the continuous processing and solids handling in near-critical and supercritical fluids. The present invention also allows for treatment of the starting material with the near-critical or supercritical fluid. The remaining raffinate is then continuously transferred and may be collected in a barrier fluid.

Abstract: A method and device for using a portable dataport for electronic document retrieving, annotating, inter-relating, and managing, comprising a view manager having an at least one-dimensional grid. The view manager and grid provide document inter-relation and management in a user friendly fashion. The view manager is electronically linked to an electronic document storage device to retrieve, inter-relate, annotate and manage the documents.

Abstract: A depressurization process for a packed separation column is provided where the column system experiences a rapid and/or severe drop in pressure that could potentially damage column components. The process provides a safe de-pressurization of the column on the outlet side by decreasing the outlet pressure in controlled steps while allowing the inlet pressure of the column time to lower after each decreased step.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases caused by type I hypersensitivity reactions consisting essentially of Glicophosphopeptical, or pure Nigella Sativa seeds, in a concentration which stimulate Th1 lymphocytes and selectively switch-off the eosinophilic airway inflammation A method of treatment of allergy using Th1 stimulating agents, to be administered to a mammal such as human in need of such treatment in a shot of 5 days only, resulted in significant decrease in symptom score started day 3, and in sputum eosinophils by day 14, followed by long-term clinical remission of a mean of 6 months. The BCG-like Th1 stimulation is also used in treating diseases in which the body defensive mechanism is a Cell Mediated Immunity, including viral infections, as but not limited to influenza and common cold, Chronic and recurrent urinary tract infection, pelvic inflammatory diseases as neuroimmune appendicitis, cancer, crohns disease and facial palsy.

Abstract: Novel chimeric proteins are disclosed. The proteins comprise at least two portions. The first portion binds to a first cell and decreases the cell's ability to send a trans signal to a second cell; the second portion sends its own trans signal to the second cell. Methods for making and using these proteins in the treatment of cancer, viral infections, autoimmune and alloimmune diseases are also disclosed, as are pharmaceutical formulations comprising the novel chimeric proteins and genes. Either the proteins themselves or a genetic sequence encoding the protein can be administered. Other methods are also disclosed in which two molecular components result in decrement of a first trans signal from a first cell and the conferring of a second trans signal to a second cell.

Abstract: A debris removal apparatus for use in a gutter having a mounting plate with a hole defined therein, attached to the top of a gutter, a power source situated near the top of the mounting plate, a shaft, having a first end and a second end, and wherein the shaft is attached to the power source at the first end. The shaft extends through the hole defined in the mounting plate. Also provided is a hub attached to a second end of the shaft having a plurality of spokes or blades extending therefrom, whereby the spokes or blades are adapted to remove debris from the gutter to prevent clogging and flooding. Further provided is a method of using the debris removal apparatus to maintain a debris-less gutter on a structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved and integrated process for the extraction and purification of tocotrienols or tocopherols, carotenoids and sterols from vegetable and other edible oils. Fatty acids in the vegetable oils are subjected to alcoholic osterification to form ester-rich layer that includes fatty acid alkyl esters, carotenoids, tocotrienols or tocopherols, and sterols. The advantages of this process are that the tocotrienols or tocopherols, carotenoids and sterols are produced efficiently without any substantial decomposition or degradation of these phytonutrients.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a comprehensive, efficient, and cost effective portable evaporator unit, method, and system for the treatment of brine. The evaporator unit, method, and system require a pretreatment process that removes heavy metals, crude oil, and other contaminates in preparation for the evaporator unit. The pretreatment and the evaporator unit, method, and system process metals and brine at the site where they are generated (the well site). Thus, saving significant money to producers who can avoid present and future increases in transportation costs.

Abstract: Methods for transferring one or more proteins to a cell are disclosed. The protein or proteins to be transferred are in the form of a fusion protein, and contain at least one domain encoding for a protein or peptide having trans signaling and/or adhesion function. The fusion protein is transferred to a cell by binding to a lipidated protein, which has been incorporated into the cell membrane. In an additional aspect of the invention, methods of making fusion proteins having cis signaling capabilities, as well as the ability to bind with receptors on the cell's own surface, are provided. Fusion proteins incorporating GPI or a homing element, and a costimulator or inhibitor domain can also be directly transferred to the cell surface. Methods for using cells which have undergone protein transfer according to the present methods are also disclosed. This includes use in a cancer vaccine, use for treatment of cancer or autoimmune disease, and use in determining costimulator threshold levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling water flow in a wastewater treatment plant is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a trickling filter effluent water basin having filter media provided over a storage space for water. Water outlet flow from the basin is controlled via a flow weir or other suitable structure, thereby enabling the trickling filter effluent water basin to fill with water and store water when desired. Such storage is particularly useful during wet weather and/or overflow events. A trickling filter effluent basin modified so as to accommodate water storage and methods of modifying existing trickling filter effluent basins are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Supplementation with the formulation promotes hair growth and increases the number of hairs in mammals. In one embodiment, a composition for promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss according to the present invention comprises mixed tocotrienols and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: An integrated, self-contained microrefrigeration apparatus, in a dimension small enough to fit inside small appliances, such as electronic cases and portable equipment is described. The microrefrigerator employs a working fluid that circulates between evaporator, compressor, condenser and turbine-expander components in a closed loop. Two configurations are claimed: one with the compressor and turbine operating on independent shafts, and the other with the turbine and compressor both operating on the motor shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for the recovery of residual specialty oils from cake using a compressed solvent, preferably carbon dioxide. The present invention also allows for the cake to be toasted before extraction. The compressed solvent can be recycled and the process is continuous.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-site treatment and reclamation of oil and gas well waste water or fracturing fluids. The mobile treatment process and apparatus provide both chemical precipitation and filtration to treat the drilling fluid waste to a technically and environmentally acceptable level allowing for reuse. Alkaline treating agents are applied to the drilling waste fluids, as they are pumped through the treatment apparatus, to increase the pH of the fluid waste to a preferred pH range and to also cause selective soluble contaminants in the fluids to form a precipitate. The waste fluid is allowed to clarify as the precipitate of insoluble contaminants, through flocculation, settle and form a sludge at the bottom of the drilling pit. The clarified fluids are then filtered to satisfy applicable industry and environmental requirements.

Abstract: A method of optimizing latency delays in VoIP and other multimedia communications using IPv6 over the “publics” internet and between two end users that involves selecting an optimum VoIP route based upon periodic trace measurements of the best available VoIP routes at the time of VoIP communications and comparison of that information with historic route information between the same two end user destinations. The method of the present invention employs a dynamic data library which is a modification and addition to the Source Routing header within the NEXT header extension of IPv6 and which works in correlation with the Hop-to-Hop Options header of the NEXT header extension within IPv6. This dynamic data library contains a routing database with contains current best available VoIP route information at the time of the VoIP communication and a destination database which contains historical information concerning best available VoIP routes between particular end user destinations.