Abstract: A thermocromatic device for detecting body temperature includes a substrate treated with a thermocromatic composition. The thermocromatic composition includes a thermocromatic agent that changes color at a predetermined temperature indicative of a condition to be detected.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is provided a frozen yogurt product that remains frozen at relatively high temperatures and can be added to juice, milk, or other liquid to create a smoothie or similar beverage.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis and manufacture of metal nanoparticles using metal inorganic salts. The method is simple and uses inexpensive chemicals. The procedure produces nanometals in 100% yields. Method is scalable and produces nanoparticles in unlimited quantities. In this method, a metal inorganic salt is dissolved in a reaction medium, comprised of a solvent and organic amine to create a metal/amine complex. A reducing agent, comprised of a solvent and Sodium Borohydride (NaBH4), is then mixed with the metal/amine complex through titration or through a continuous flow process. The resulting nanoparticles are then precipitated through the addition of methanol and centrifugation and decanted. The decanted nanoparticles can then be suspended in a solvent for storage.

Abstract: A thermocromatic device for detecting body temperature includes a substrate treated with a thermocromatic composition. The thermocromatic composition includes a thermocromatic agent that changes color at a predetermined temperature indicative of a condition to be detected.

Abstract: A system and mechanism for forming discrete units of ice cream is disclosed utilizing cryogenically cooled equipment during the manufacturing process. The discrete units are formed and then coated with one or more various confectionary substances, also using cryogenically cooled equipment, so as to result in a substantially uniformly-coated ice cream product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining beaded ice cream and cookie dough is disclosed. The ice cream is dripped, beaded, frozen, and then combined with precut shapes of cookie dough. The resulting combination is packaged for subsequent storage at low temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing surface stabilized nanometer-sized particles, the method including the steps of forming the aerosol by mixing reactants, a surface-stabilizing surfactant, and a liquid to form a mixture, forming a mist of droplets of the mixture, heating the droplets to cause a reaction between species of the mixture and collecting the nanometer-sized products. The method for producing various size, shape and size distribution of nanoparticles by changing the ratio of the reagents and the ligands in the mixture of precursors.

Abstract: A tray assembly for use in feeding liquid composition to a freezing chamber is disclosed. The tray has a plurality of projections that are designed to provide regulated discharge of the liquid composition from the tray and to feed the liquid composition into the freezing chamber in uniformly sized drops. The projections area each downwardly disposed in relation to the tray. The tray has a bottom wall with a plurality of orifices, where each orifice is associated with a corresponding projection. These projections are uniform in size and can be formed using computerized welding techniques. An alternate embodiment in which the tray is pressurized is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing distortion in a dynamically delayed digital sample stream of an imaging system. The method includes the steps of delta-sigma modulating an input analog signal of the imaging system at a frequency above the Nyquist frequency of the input analog signal to generate a digital sample stream and changing a length of the sample stream to delay a portion of the sample stream while maintaining synchronism between a delta-sigma modulator and a demodulator of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for tracking and holding a voltage. The method includes the steps of providing an external analog voltage on an input of the track and hold circuit during a tracking mode of the track and hold circuit, storing a representation of the sampled external voltage in a storage device of the track and hold circuit, blocking a signal path between the external voltage and the storage device during a holding mode of the track and hold circuit and clamping the input of the track and hold circuit to a predetermined voltage during the holding mode.

Abstract: A drain apparatus for the intake end of an auger is disclosed. The drain apparatus comprises a bearing with radial arms, a cover with a cover portion, a drain and a drain cap for removably closing the opening of the drain. The drain apparatus facilitates a clean in place procedure.

Abstract: A device and method for cursor motion control, calibration of the motion control, and object selection and computer command input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing precise quantities of reagents is disclosed including a positive displacement syringe pump in series with a dispenser, such as an aerosol dispenser or solenoid valve dispenser. The pump is controlled by a stepper motor or the like to provide an incremental quantity or continuous flow of reagent to the dispenser. The pump and dispenser are operated in cooperation with one another such that the quantity and/or flow rate of liquid dispensed by the dispenser can be precisely metered substantially independently of the particular operating parameters of said dispenser to attain a desired flow rate, droplet size or mist quality, droplet frequency and/or droplet velocity.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for manufacturing popcorn-shaped frozen product, such as but not limited to ice cream. Unlike prior systems that manufactured small, beaded frozen product, the method of the present invention introduces a much larger (diametrically larger) quantity of liquid composition into the liquid refrigerant. By introducing a sufficiently large quantity of liquid composition into the liquid refrigerant, the freezing processes changes substantially, to give the final product a popcorn shape.

Abstract: A transport assembly for a cryogenic processor having an elongated housing forming a channel for the delivery of a frozen product from an intake end to a discharge end. The system includes a screw-type conveyor disposed within the elongated housing for movement of the frozen product from the intake end to the discharge end. An indirect drive motor assembly is provided and configured to rotate the screw-type conveyor. A nozzle assembly is provided for attachment to the transport assembly at the discharge end, the nozzle assembly being configured to inject wash and rinse solutions into the elongated housing. In addition, a drain line is disposed near the intake end of the elongated housing. The drain line facilitates a clean in place procedure.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing valve particularly adapted for dispensing precise microfluidic quantities of fluids. The valve includes a valve portion and a solenoid actuator that are in fluid isolation from one another. The valve portion includes a plunger and seat combination and the actuator is substantially decoupled from the fluid path through the valve. The fluid path through the valve is substantially non-tortuous, thereby minimizing localized fluid pressure drops, and hence undesirable gaseous bubble precipitation within the fluid. The valve is also configured to substantially prevent bubble accumulation. The valve can further include a bubble trap for trapping and removing bubbles.