Abstract: The invention is directed to a dietary supplement which contains mannoheptulose. Mannoheptulose occurs naturally in avocado fruit. The dietary supplement and its method of use can lower serum insulin levels and lower a subject's weight. The dietary supplement in its disclosed form includes a controlled release system for mannoheptulose. The dietary supplement may also include one or more amino acids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering wastewater from laundry operations. A substantially closed loop series of tanks, conduits and pumps hold and transfer water output from a wash machine through a series of filters, including a lint pulloff filter, a multimedia pressure filter, a clay filter, and a carbon filter. The water is ozonated to coagulate suspended solids and to disinfect and is subjected to ultraviolet light to disinfect and to reduce residual ozone.

Abstract: A method for removing silicon oxynitride of polysilicon gates in fabricating integrated circuits is disclosed. First of all, a semiconductor substrate is provided over which a doped polysilicon gate and an undoped polysilicon gate are formed. Second, an oxynitride layer used as an anti-reflective coating (ARC) is formed on the surface of the doped and the undoped polysilicon gates. A photoresist layer is coated over the substrate and the oxynitride layer. A major portion of the surface of undoped polysilicon gate is removed. A portion of the photoresist layer is etched back. The oxynitride layer is dry etched, wherein the doped and the undoped polysilicon gates are protected. The remained photoresist layer is removed. Surfaces of the doped and the undoped polysilicon gates and the substrate are all cleaned.

Abstract: A method of sealing percutaneous punctures in a patient's body that open into an internal body cavity using a sealing material such as a fibrin adhesive while preventing the sealing material from entering the body cavity. The apparatus for delivering the sealing material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable message sign having a housing and a front surface angled with respect to a rear surface and an array of light emitting devices (such as LEDs) being angled so that the LEDs are parallel to the horizon. The LEDs are mounted at an angle to a printed circuit board (PCB), which is mounted between the front and rear surfaces. In one embodiment, the pins of the LEDs are of different lengths so that when mounted to the PCB the lens of the LED directs light at an angle with respect to the PCB. In another embodiment, a strip of hard material is laid down next to the holes in the PCB that through mount LEDs are inserted, which cause the LED to mount at an angle.

Abstract: At least one limited articulating female hitch mechanism and trailer for mounting to a conventional trailer hitch male connection member mounted on a towing vehicle. The hitch mechanisms are pivotal in only the vertical plane. The combination comprises a trailer having a horizontally disposed load supporting frame mounting of swivel (or 360 degree horizontally rotating) wheel assemblies about 360 degrees. This arrangement, coupled with the hitch mechanism, assures the trailer tracks the towing vehicle so that the sides of the towing vehicle and the sides of the trailer remain constantly parallel to each other Reduced trailer size and weight, reduced storage requirements, ease of backup maneuvering and avoidance of road hazards, vehicles, pedestrians and objects is thus facilitated by such arrangement.

Abstract: A solid lubricant bar for use in high temperature environments, such as rotary kilns, comprising an organo phosphate, such as triphenyl phosphate, a solid lubricant selected from the group comprising graphite, molybdenum, boron, boron nitride, tungsten, polytetrafluoroethylene, and mixtures thereof; and a soft metal selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, tin and mixtures thereof. The solid lubricant bar has an auto-ignition temperature of at least about 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (537 degrees Celsius).

Abstract: There is described an improved method for treating crankcase emissions from an internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of directing the emissions from the crankcase to an emissions separator, subjecting the emissions in the separator to a series of cleansing operations for removal of contaminants, directing the flow of cleansed emissions through a one way check valve back to the engine for combustion and collecting the separated contaminants for disposal.

Abstract: A door latch generally comprising a latch cover and a latch slide. The latch cover comprises a upper angled section having a vertical portion and an angled portion extending therefrom, at least one first aperture defined in the vertical portion, at least one first slot defined in the angled portion, a horizontal portion having at least one second slot defined therein, and, at least one third slot defined therein substantially aligned with the first slot, a vertical middle section having a second aperture defined therein, and, a slide guide extending from one side, the slide guide having an upper spacer leg and, a lower spacer leg, an angled lower portion having a vertical edge, the vertical edge having at least one fourth aperture defined therein.

Abstract: A housing for toothpaste dispensing containers able to accommodate various pumps, squeeze-type tubes and replaceable cartridges. The housing allows for toothpaste to be cleanly, accurately and easily deposited onto a toothbrush with the use of one hand. Holders are attachable to the housing to give contamination-free storage of toothbrushes and the unit can be affixed to a vertical surface or remain free-standing on a wash basin counter.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sealing access openings into blood vessels using an expandable member in the blood vessel on a control member that extends out through the access opening and an applicator which inserts a preformed sealing material into the access opening over the control member to keep the control member and expandable member centered in the access opening and withdrawing the collapsed expandable member back through the sealing material after the access opening is sealed.

Abstract: A safety apparatus (10) for enhancing worker safety includes a support arrangement. The arrangement is locatable proximate a hazardous working area (18). A connecting arrangement defines at least one pair of opposed connecting points (64). The connecting points (64) are positioned on opposite sides of the hazardous area (18) so that a line (72) connecting the points (64) spans the hazardous area (18). The invention extends to an anchor member (12) for the safety apparatus, to a kit for the safety apparatus and to a structural assembly.

Abstract: A garment system for healthcare providers including pants, a shirt, and a hood that provides a protective barrier against fluid or airborne contaminates. The pants have drawstrings and loops at the waist and have at least one bellows pocket with cover flap and at least one utility loop for holding various items. The shirt has a one pocket adapted to hold a writing utensil and incorporates a security badge attachment loop. Another pocket has a pull tab on the flap for easy access when the user is gloved. Removable insignia enable the user to remove personal identification information prior to laundering. The hood removably fastens to the shirt collar and has a clear or translucent face shield to permit viewing but be a fluid barrier, and, side openings to permit sound and air to pass into the hood. The shirt can be long or short sleeve, or convertible.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled dispensing of a plurality of objects, the apparatus comprising a housing and frame assembly, a track assembly comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart tracks shaped in a convoluted closed loop shape to optimize space and volume, and a plurality of tubes disposed within the track assembly and able to move within the tracks. A dispensing assembly has a pneumatic ram for ejecting an object placed in the tube, and an indexing assembly for advancing the tube after ejection of its object. A ratchet assembly permits one directional movement of the tubes and prevents tubes from moving backward to the dispensing assembly. At least one assist advancing assembly has a pneumatic ram for pushing the tubes within the track in one direction. Photosensors used in conjunction with a microprocessor controller enable the apparatus to detect low object load, speed and system error. A user display provides for control of the apparatus.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring system arranged in a close loop circuit, intended to facilitate chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), is disclosed. The pressure monitoring circuit includes an air regulator, a pressure transducer, a pressure difference transducer and a pressure difference regulator. This hardware is equipped to facilitate finding three control parameters of the monitoring system—polishing pressure (Pp), pressure difference of the polishing pressure and a corresponding wafer pressure (Dp), and deviation of the output pressure difference from a set point pressure difference (Cp). By monitoring Pp, Dp and Cp, air streams in a CMP process can be effectively regulated on a real time basis and the troubleshooting procedure for the system hardware can be practically reduced.

Abstract: A process for planarization of a flash memory cell is described. A first polysilicon pattern having a top is formed over a substrate. A high-density plasma (HDP) oxide layer is deposited on the first polysilicon pattern, wherein the HDP oxide layer has a protuberance over the first polysilicon pattern. The HDP oxide layer and the first polysilicon pattern are partially etched by a sputtering etch technology. In this etching step, the protuberance is removed, the first polysilicon pattern is lowered, and the top of the first polysilicon pattern is rounded. A second polysilicon pattern covering the first polysilicon pattern is formed, wherein the second polysilicon pattern is wider than the first polysilicon pattern.

Abstract: An interpretive system architecture for a seamless transfer of energy to a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream, or microwave oven. The interpretive system architecture overlays the operational functions of the process stream or host microwave oven to interpret, control, and implement user independent commands. The interpretive system has at least one interpretive base class for providing operational instance to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system receives an indicia, the indicia being expressive of an externally derived predetermined compiled code disposed on the surface of a specimen, or food package, or associated thereto, the indicia communicating via at least one data entry mechanism to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system interprets the data or code and transforms it into user independent commands.

Abstract: A transcanal, transtympanic cochlear implant system for implantation comprising a molded insert for removable positioning in the auditory canal of the human ear and an insulated receiver coil, preferably in a generally circular or looped form, where the receiver coil receives electromagnetic signals, in a first embodiment, or radio frequency signals, in a second embodiment, through inductive coupling to a solenoid coil within the molded insert.

Abstract: At least one base plate, at least one fill tube, at least one bag liner tube slidably coupled to the fill tube and capable of receiving a bag thereon, at least one ram that slides within the fill tube, at least one feed tube attached to the fill tube, at least one distribution bin attached to the feed tube, and at least one rotating pin assembly within the distribution bin. With the bag liner tube being inside the bag it may be filled with fibers and the fibers compacted therein without the bag bursting from the resulting forces thereon. A method of mounting a bag over a slidable bag liner tube, lowering the bag and bag liner tube to a base plate, and compacting fibers therein. An article produced by the method comprising a bag of compacted fibers.