Abstract: The food viscometer of the present invention includes a microprocessor controlled fluid viscometer assembly contained in a housing configured for easy mounting on the upper edge of a glass or other conventional drinking utensil. Projecting from the housing of the food viscometer is a probe that is placed in the liquid contained in the liquid container. The housing adjustably engages a base assembly that permits raising and lowering of the housing to ensure that the probe is placed a predetermined depth into the liquid. The base assembly also securely engages the upper edge of the liquid container to ensure the generally vertical positioning of the probe within the liquid, and also to ensure that the probe is spaced a predetermined minimum distance from the edges of the liquid container.

Abstract: Dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing, can cause choking, aspiration of food or liquid into the lungs, incomplete administration of medication, and discomfort to the victims. A method is provided for evaluating the severity of Dysphagia. The method comprises providing at least two sets of orally ingestible materials, each set of orally ingestible material comprising at least two compositions of like materials differing significantly in one property selected from the group consisting of viscosity, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and yield force. A patient ingests a first one of the at least two compositions from a first set of the at least two sets, examining the patients for a dysphagic response to the ingestion of the first one of the at least two compositions, and noting any dysphagic responses.

Abstract: A package combination for storing and preserving a living plant such as lettuce. A bag, formed of a plastic material, is inflated with a gaseous medium. A living plant having an absorbent block attached to its root system, is placed within the bag in such a manner that the block absorbs moisture which condenses within the bag, and makes it available to the plant.