Abstract: Spray-dried flavor compositions are provided. The stable spray-dried flavor compositions include a water-soluble matrix including a filler; at least about 1% of a fat component encapsulated in the matrix, based on the total weight of the matrix; and a combination of soluble rice bran and oat oil, the combination providing emulsification and improved antioxidant activity for the spray-dried flavor compositions.

Abstract: Stable spray-dried particles are provided. The stable spray-dried particles include a water-soluble matrix including from about 5% to about 30% emulsifier; from about 20% to about 75% filler; and from 20% to about 50% mono, di and trisaccharides, based on the total weight of the matrix; and at least one active component encapsulated in the matrix. The emulsifier is dextrin and the filler is potato maltodextrin.

Abstract: Stable spray-dried particles are provided. The stable spray-dried particles include a water-soluble foodstuff matrix including from about 0.1% to about 60% emulsifier and from about 40% to about 99.9% filler, based on the total weight of the foodstuff matrix; and at least one active component encapsulated in the foodstuff matrix. The emulsifier is potato protein and the filler is selected from the group consisting of glucose syrup, soluble fibers and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of preparing spray-dried flavor-containing particles, comprising the addition of flavor to an aqueous, sugar-free matrix and spray-drying the resulting blend, the matrix comprising an emulsifier, a film former and at least one metal salt, selected from the ferrous, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of citric, gluconic and tartaric acids. The method allows the preparation of highly-stable, oxidation- and moisture resistant flavor particles.

Abstract: A method of preparing spray-dried flavor-containing particles, comprising the addition of flavor to an aqueous, sugar-free matrix and spray-drying the resulting blend, the matrix comprising an emulsifier, a film former and at least one metal salt, selected from the ferrous, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of citric, gluconic and tartaric acids. The method allows the preparation of highly-stable, oxidation- and moisture resistant flavor particles.

Abstract: This application discloses tools to build a topology library including one or more topologies, each of which includes a description of multiple transistors, their parameters, and associated connectivity, and also includes rules or criteria to be utilized in downstream design flow processes. The tools can analyze a circuit design describing an electronic device to recognize a subset of transistors in the electronic device has a pre-defined circuit topology, and identify layout rules or simulation criteria for the transistors in the recognized circuit topology. The tools can utilize the layout rules to automatically generate a portion of a physical design layout corresponding to the recognized topology in the circuit design. The tools also can compare results from a simulation of the circuit design that correspond to the transistors in the recognized circuit topology to the simulation criteria to determine whether the transistors in the recognized circuit topology meet design specifications.

Abstract: This application discloses tools to build a topology library including one or more topologies, each of which includes a description of multiple transistors, their parameters, and associated connectivity, and also includes rules or criteria to be utilized in downstream design flow processes. The tools can analyze a circuit design describing an electronic device to recognize a subset of transistors in the electronic device has a pre-defined circuit topology, and identify layout rules or simulation criteria for the transistors in the recognized circuit topology. The tools can utilize the layout rules to automatically generate a portion of a physical design layout corresponding to the recognized topology in the circuit design. The tools also can compare results from a simulation of the circuit design that correspond to the transistors in the recognized circuit topology to the simulation criteria to determine whether the transistors in the recognized circuit topology meet design specifications.

Abstract: A child's active transportation device comprising: a steering rod permanently or removably affixed to a wheel base, said wheel base having a platform and mechanism or device for affixing a plurality of wheels to said wheel base, and also having a plurality of wheels and associated equipment and method of use.

Abstract: A child's active transportation device comprising: a steering rod permanently or removably affixed to a wheel base, said wheel base having a platform and mechanism or device for affixing a plurality of wheels to said wheel base, and also having a plurality of wheels and associated equipment and method of use.

Abstract: A clothesline assembly is disclosed comprising a housing containing a take-up reel about which a clothesline is wound. The clothesline can be extended from and retracted into the housing. The assembly further includes a clip storage compartment through which the clothesline extends. Clothing clips are stored in the compartment and the line extends through the clips, such that when the clothesline is extended, the clips are already suspended from the clothesline.

Abstract: A wristband mountable accessory is provided which includes a body, a flashlight in said body, and an upper compartment sized and shaped to hold medications (such as tablets, pills, lozenges, etc.) and paper upon which medical and/or emergency information can be written. Mounting wings extend from opposite sides of the body to enable the accessory to be mounted to a wristband by threading the wristband through the mounting wings. The mounting wings are provided with sizing pegs so that the accessory can accommodate a variety of sizes (widths) of wristbands.

Abstract: Video surveillance data is received from multiple disparate, unaffiliated locations at which various items are offered for sale. Based on the content of the video surveillance data, consumer preference behavior is characterized with respect to at least some of the items. The data is consolidated and can be made available for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, program and system for processing product returns. In response to a single input of a returned item's identification (i.e. scanning a serial number), the invention matches the returned item with a return authorization. This authorization is created if the returned item meets specified criteria. The invention then automatically updates inventory files to include the returned item, designating the item as a return that is not available for resale. The invention also creates a return-to-manufacturer order and an account receivable for warranty exchange. In one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturer file is also automatically updated to allow the manufacturer to identify the returned item as well as the source of the return.

Abstract: A method, program, and system for creating sales orders are provided. The invention includes receiving a request for an order to be sent to a plurality of locations, wherein the request includes order contents and selection criteria that specify types of locations that are to receive the mass order. A plurality of locations that match the selection criteria are retrieved from a database. An order template is created, wherein the order template specifies the contents of the order, and wherein the order template has a blank field for designating a destination to which the order should be sent. A separate order is then created for each of the plurality of locations retrieved from the database, wherein for each separate order a copy of the order template is created and one of the plurality of locations is filled into the blank field, wherein the separate orders for the plurality of locations all have the same content but differ in their respective destinations.

Abstract: A method, program, and system for creating mass shipping orders is provided. The invention includes receiving an order to be sent to a plurality of specified locations, wherein all of the locations are to receive the same order contents. A shipping address for each of the plurality of specified locations is retrieved from a database. A shipping order template is created, wherein the shipping order template specifies the contents of the order and has a blank field for designating a delivery address to which the order should be sent. A separate shipping order is then created for each of the plurality of shipping addresses, wherein a copy of the shipping order template is created and a delivery addresses is filled into the blank field, wherein the separate shipping orders for the plurality of delivery addresses all have the same contents.

Abstract: A document holder is provided which can be mounted to a vertical or horizontal surface. The document holder, which is substantially smaller than a regular 8½″×11″ sheet of paper frictionally holds the paper in place for reading.

Abstract: A sharps disposal unit of the present invention includes a cover and a disposable container upon which the cover rests. The cover includes a drop slot in its top surface, a baffle sloping downwardly from an edge of the drop slot, and a heated well which holds a supply of a melted sealant which will solidify upon cooling. The disposable container has a top surface with a flap in it and preferably has accordioned walls. The flap is hinged along a hinge line and is pushed downwardly by plates in the cover to open the container. A peel-off label is removably, applied to the flap. The flap, when opened, form a second baffle below the cover baffle which slopes in an opposite direction of the cover baffle. A closure (such as a tie) is provided to hold the flap closed when the container is full, and it is time to dispose of the filled container.

Abstract: An animal enclosure of the present invention includes a pen sized to hold the animal. The pen is formed from a frame which is covered with a removable, washable cover. A gate for the enclosure includes a panel which is raised to close the gate and lowered to open the gate. The panel can be fixed at a desired position, so that the gate can be left partially opened. A top is provided which can be easily mounted to, and removed from, the pen frame. The top is hingedly connected to the frame and includes a pair of pivotal support arms so that the front of the top can be elevated above the pen a desired amount. A whelping rail is removably received in the pen. The whelping rail comprises a frame having a bar member and legs which support the bar above a bottom of the pen and inwardly from the pen walls.

Abstract: A process for preparing free-flowing and, during handling, dust-free microparticles. The particles are at least 90% by weight, have a diameter of 100-400 &mgr;m, and contain one or more active ingredients in a glassy matrix. Generally, the process of the invention comprises the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous solution of the matrix materials, (2) mixing the flavor into the aqueous solution with stirring to form an emulsion or suspension, (3) spraying the emulsion in a spray drying tower under a supply of hot air to quickly create a semi-solid skin allowing outtake of moisture (water), and (4) subsequently subjecting the resulting particles to continued drying at lower temperatures in a fluid bed.

Abstract: A sharps disposal unit of the present invention includes a cover and a disposable container upon which the cover rests. The cover includes a drop slot in its top surface, a baffle sloping downwardly from an edge of the drop slot, and a heated well which holds a supply of a melted sealant which will solidify upon cooling. The disposable container has a top surface with a flap in it and preferably has accordioned walls. The flap is hinged along a hinge line and is pushed downwardly by plates in the cover to open the container. A peel-off label is removably, applied to the flap. The flap, when opened, form a second baffle below the cover baffle which slopes in an opposite direction of the cover baffle. A closure (such as a tie) is provided to hold the flap closed when the container is full, and it is time to dispose of the filled container.