Abstract: A mixed supplement beverage vending machine includes a housing having a base and a front side. The front side includes a display screen and an input mechanism. A user platform extends forwardly from the base. A dispensing mechanism includes an outlet disposed on the front side of the housing. An ingredient sensor is operably connected to a mixing mechanism. A weight sensor is configured to detect the weight of an individual standing on the user platform. The vending machine includes a control module that determines the weight of a via the weight sensor, calculates an ingredient profile based upon the weight of the user, mixes the ingredients of the ingredient profile via the mixing mechanism to form a beverage, and dispenses the beverage via the dispensing mechanism. The vending machine can include a wireless transceiver for remote operation and communications with external wireless devices.

Abstract: A mixed supplement beverage vending machine includes a housing having a base and a front side. The front side includes a display screen and an input mechanism. A user platform extends forwardly from the base. A dispensing mechanism includes an outlet disposed on the front side of the housing. An ingredient sensor is operably connected to a mixing mechanism. A weight sensor is configured to detect the weight of an individual standing on the user platform. The vending machine includes a control module that determines the weight of a via the weight sensor, calculates an ingredient profile based upon the weight of the user, mixes the ingredients of the ingredient profile via the mixing mechanism to form a beverage, and dispenses the beverage via the dispensing mechanism. The vending machine can include a wireless transceiver for remote operation and communications with external wireless devices.

Abstract: A ratchet with a handle and a head that includes a substantially silent movement-prevention mechanism. The mechanism includes a first component that defines a path, and a second component that is locatable in the path and moves bidirectionally within it. The path is constructed to include plural regions that prevent movement by the second component to allow the ratchet to drive a desired fastener. The first component is constructed to define a path, or plural paths, with a central region that allows movement of the second component and outer, opposing regions that prevent movement of the second component. The second component is formed as a roller or plural rollers. The central region of the path includes a subregion constructed to position the second component in a beginning location in the central region. The subregion may be formed as a depression in the path.

Abstract: The present invention has surprisingly discovered that certain spore-forming microorganisms, present in soil, plants and other forms of organic matter, survive excessive heat of a fire within soil or carbonized wood. It has been determined that such microorganisms stimulate plant growth, enhance the nutritional value of plant products, and incorporate carbon dioxide. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for isolating and identifying plant growth-stimulating microorganisms from soil and from carbonized organic materials. The present invention also provides compositions and methods useful for enhancing plant growth and nutritional properties and for producing DNA-enhanced plants which may be consumed by human individuals for enhancing human DNA. The compositions and methods of the present invention are also useful for improving soil.

Abstract: A ratchet with a handle and a head that includes a substantially silent movement-prevention mechanism. The mechanism includes a first component that defines a path, and a second component that is locatable in the path and moves bidirectionally within it. The path is constructed to include plural regions that prevent movement by the second component to allow the ratchet to drive a desired fastener. The first component is constructed to define a path, or plural paths, with a central region that allows movement of the second component and outer, opposing regions that prevent movement of the second component. The second component is formed as a roller or plural rollers. The central region of the path includes a subregion constructed to position the second component in a beginning location in the central region. The subregion may be formed as a depression in the path.

Abstract: A ratchet with a handle and a head that includes a substantially silent movement-prevention mechanism. The mechanism includes a first component that defines a path, and a second component that is locatable in the path and moves bidirectionally within it. The path is constructed to include plural regions that prevent movement by the second component to allow the ratchet to drive a desired fastener. The first component is constructed to define a path, or plural paths, with a central region that allows movement of the second component and outer, opposing regions that prevent movement of the second component. The second component is formed as a roller or plural rollers. The central region of the path includes a subregion constructed to position the second component in a beginning location in the central region. The subregion may be formed as a depression in the path.

Abstract: A computerized monitoring system for animal feed ration processing mills equipped with proportioners including a console having a keypad and liquid crystal display screen, a processor board and a circuit board for monitoring proportioner flow rates. The system assists an operator in preparing precisely tailored animal feed rations by computing proportioner dial settings for a given ration, computing the analysis of a ration for % protein, % calcium, % phosphorous and % moisture, and tracking usage inventories of ration ingredients. Ration formulas may be interactively fine tuned by adjusting proportioner throughputs during ration preparation.

Abstract: A mechanical electronically controlled nursing apparatus for neonatal piglets which is capable of nursing up to sixteen piglets simultaneously. The apparatus operates semi-automatically and includes a refrigerated storage tank with a magnetic stirrer for storing a twenty-four hour supply of liquid feed formula, a pair of heating tanks for heating the formula to body temperature before nursing, and two nipple bars which accommodate four nipples each and are disposed along each side of the apparatus. The nipple bars are supported by nipple bar supports which are pivotally mounted within the apparatus to permit the nipples to be extended through holes provided in the housing of the apparatus for nursing and retracted into the housing to prevent damage to the nipples resulting form piglet play behavior. The apparatus further reproduces the digitized grunting sounds of a nursing sow during each nursing period.