Abstract: The present invention is an dietary supplement which inhibits the assimilation of dietary fat during digestion, and method of making and using the same. The composition includes surfactant and non-digestible dietary fiber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition further comprises an emulsifying agent. The composition may be taken before, during or after eating.

Abstract: A method and system for providing high-speed, satellite-based information delivery is described. Improved communication channel efficiency is accomplished by employing an asymmetric data flow. The high bandwidth channel capacity of digital satellite systems is used for the download of large volumes of data. While relatively low speed communication channels are used for upstream data requests. The use of separate channels for upstream data and downloaded data provides an increased efficiency of use for typical internet and other electronic information service subscribers. A typical user in such systems generally makes relatively short information requests. These requests are then followed by large amounts of information being transferred to the user's computer in response to the request. The volume of data being downloaded often causes a capacity overload of typically used land lines.

Abstract: The present invention is an orally-administrable composition for preventing and treating Helicobacter pylori-associated stomach gastritis and ulcers, and for preventing Helicobacter pylori-associated stomach cancer. The invention is a herb or herb extract containing an anti-H. pylori activity. The invention further includes methods for making and methods for using the invention.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing silica crucibles 9 containing few, if any, white point defects. The white point defects are reduced by decreasing the amount of silica vapor condensing on electrodes 4,5,6 used in the manufacturing process. The silica vapor condensation is decreased by providing a flow of a protective or non-reactive gas or gas mixture through protective devices 11,12,13, over portions of the electrodes where the silica vapor would otherwise condense.

Abstract: A method for reducing potential adverse effects of androgenic testosterone precursors by interfering with production or action of testosterone and estrogen metabolites by nutrient combinations is described. Although androgenic testosterone precursors themselves have little or no toxicity, there is the potential for their metabolites, estradiol and dihydrotestosterone, to enhance or cause hormone-responsive illnesses such as breast or prostatic cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or hirsutism or acne in women. The use of the invented nutrient combinations reduces the formation or action of estradiol and dihydrotestosterone, thereby reducing potential adverse effects from increased production of these hormones following androgenic testosterone precursor administration. This may be accomplished without negating the effects of testosterone on muscle anabolism.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions containing one or more .alpha.-sulfofatty acid esters, and methods for making and using the same. At least one .alpha.-sulfofatty acid ester is included in an inner portion. The invented composition can further include an outer portion which protects the .alpha.-sulfofatty acid ester from di-salt formation. The resulting composition improves the stability of the .alpha.-sulfofatty acid ester after manufacture, during shipping and storage, and in detergents. The invention further included detergents containing the invented composition, and methods of making such detergents.

Abstract: The present invention is an orally- or topically-administrable composition for preventing and treating hair loss. The invention is a plant or plant extract containing isoflavones having a weak estrogen activity. The invention further includes methods for using the invented composition to prevent and treat hair loss.

Abstract: A method for exchange of information between a requesting communication unit and a responding communication unit through an intervening communication unit. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a request for a predetermined information element to the responding communication unit using a first format, intercepting the request for the predetermined information element, searching resources local to the intervening communication unit for the requested predetermined information element, and transmitting the requested predetermined information element to the requesting communication unit.

Abstract: A bicycle seat post clamp assembly including a seat post tube, a saddle, a top clamp, a bottom clamp and a fastener. The seat post clamp assembly may be offset or centered with respect to the longitudinal axis of the seat post tube. The seat post assembly permit forward and rearward sliding adjustment of a seat, and angular adjustment of a seat with respect to the seat post tube. The seat post assembly accommodates assembly, disassembly and adjustment with or without the use of tools.

Abstract: A multi-filter apparatus for processing ova and parasites from human and animal specimens. The filtration apparatus includes a specimen receptacle, a filter holder section and a collection receptacle. The filter holder section contains two filters, a coarse filter and a fine filter. The method for using the apparatus includes mixing a specimen with a preservation solution to form a mixture, transferring the solution to the specimen receptacle and then fractionating the mixture. After fractionation, the specimen receptacle, filter holder section and supernatant are conveniently discarded. The resulting concentrated parasite sample may be analyzed using conventional analytic techniques. The invention further includes a kit including a filtration apparatus and a preservation fluid dispenser.