Abstract: The present application discloses embodiments of a method for producing a feed. The method may comprise mixing selected protein sources to produce a protein mixture having an amino acid pattern that aligns with ruminant lean tissue, milk protein, or both; adding processing aids to the protein mixture to facilitate non-enzymatic browning of proteins provided by the protein sources; adding a solvent to the protein mixture to form a solvent mixture; optionally agitating and/or heating the solvent protein mixture; drying the solvent protein mixture to form a dried protein mixture; and processing the dried protein mixture to produce a final dry mixture having a particle size of from 800 to 1200 microns. Disclosed embodiments also concern products made by the method, and administering the products to an animal, particularly a ruminant.

Abstract: Processes for increasing rumen undegraded protein in protein containing compositions, fermentation by-products or combinations thereof are disclosed. Uses of alkaline crystalline solids to increase rumen undegraded protein in protein containing compositions, fermentation by-products or combinations thereof are further disclosed. Products produced from such processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating an edible fiber source to make an animal feed with increased digestible energy. An exemplary method includes hydrolyzing the edible fiber source with an inorganic fiber hydrolyzing agent in a twin screw mixer that shears the edible fiber to a size of between 0.5 to 25 mm. The hydrolysis in the mixer occurs at pressure of about 14 psig or higher with a temperature about 100° C. to 110° C. The inorganic hydrolysis liberates a first portion of soluble carbohydrates from the edible fiber source. The inorganically hydrolyzed material is also treated (before or after) with a fiber degrading enzyme to solubilize a second portion of carbohydrates. The dually hydrolyzed material is dried to form an animal feed or feed ingredient having a soluble and insoluble carbohydrate fraction with the amount of soluble carbohydrate being at least 45% wt/wt of the total carbohydrates obtained from the edible fiber source.

Abstract: Processes for increasing rumen undegraded protein in protein containing compositions, fermentation by-products or combinations thereof are disclosed. Uses of alkaline crystalline solids to increase rumen undegraded protein in protein containing compositions, fermentation by-products or combinations thereof are further disclosed. Products produced from such processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improved ruminant diets are disclosed. The invention relates to the use of metal ion/metal ion salts in ruminant feed, at levels from about 0.25 to about 1 g/kg dry matter, in any ruminant diet, for improvement of bypass protein content, as well as to influence the rate of rumen starch digestion and the flow of starch to the duodenum.

Abstract: A system for collecting, treating and disposing of waste fluid includes a station that features transfer, flushing and mixing pumps as well as a bowl that holds the waste fluid. The waste fluid is collected in a container mounted on a cart. The cart container connects to the station so that the waste fluid is transferred from the cart to the station bowl by the transfer pump. The flushing pump has an inlet that communicates with a source of water and a disinfectant dispenser. The flushing pump is used to flush both the cart container and the station bowl, the latter of which communicates with a drain system. The flushing pump also delivers disinfectant to the waste fluid in the station bowl. The inlet and outlet of the mixing pump communicate with the bowl so that it mixes the bowl contents. Buffer is provided to the circulating waste fluid until the pH level drops to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A system for collecting and disposing of liquid medical waste includes a fluid collection cart and a draining and cleaning station. The fluid collection cart includes a pair of containers, each of which includes a draining port and a cap. Each cap includes an outer portion having a flushing port and a bore formed therein and an inner portion having vacuum and patient ports formed therein. The inner cap portion is disposable and removably positioned within the bore of the outer cap portion. Liquid level detectors also communicate with each container. The cart also includes a regulator so a low vacuum level may be pulled on one of the containers while a full vacuum level is pulled on the other container. Fluids are collected in the containers via suction tubes connected to the patient ports. The flushing and drain ports of the containers are connected to corresponding flushing and drain connectors on the station when the containers are full so that they may be drained and flushed.

Abstract: A wind-powered, fluid cushioned platform adapted to float on a body of liquid. The platform includes a deck having upper and lower surfaces and a lower peripheral member extending around the outer perimeter of the deck. A pump having a pump outlet is supported by the deck. A fill pipe has a first end connected to the pump outlet and a second end in communication with the lower surface of the deck. The pump is adapted to pump a fluid through the fill pipe to a blow tank formed beneath the deck between the surface of the liquid and the deck within the area circumscribed by the lower peripheral member. A plurality of vanes and/or sails are preferably coupled to the deck to catch the wind and use the power of the wind to rotate the floating platform. In one embodiment, apparatus is provided for the purpose of generating electricity as the platform rotates.

Abstract: A wind-powered, fluid cushioned platform adapted to float on a body of liquid. The platform includes a deck having upper and lower surfaces and a lower peripheral member extending around the outer perimeter of the deck. A pump having a pump outlet is supported by the deck. A fill pipe has a first end connected to the pump outlet and a second end in communication with the lower surface of the deck. The pump is adapted to pump a fluid through the fill pipe to a blow tank formed beneath the deck between the surface of the liquid and the deck within the area circumscribed by the lower peripheral member. A plurality of vanes and/or sails are preferably coupled to the deck to catch the wind and use the power of the wind to rotate the floating platform. In one embodiment, apparatus is provided for the purpose of generating electricity as the platform rotates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating an edible fiber source to make an animal feed with increased digestible energy. An exemplary method includes hydrolyzing the edible fiber source with an inorganic fiber hydrolyzing agent in a twin screw mixer that shears the edible fiber to a size of between 0.5 to 25 mm. The hydrolysis in the mixer occurs at pressure of about 14 psig or higher with a temperature about 100° C. to 110° C. The inorganic hydrolysis liberates a first portion of soluble carbohydrates from the edible fiber source. The inorganically hydrolyzed material is also treated (before or after) with a fiber degrading enzyme to solubilize a second portion of carbohydrates. The dually hydrolyzed material is dried to form an animal feed or feed ingredient having a soluble and insoluble carbohydrate fraction with the amount of soluble carbohydrate being at least 45% wt/wt of the total carbohydrates obtained from the edible fiber source.

Abstract: A system for collecting and disposing of liquid medical waste includes a fluid collection cart and a draining and cleaning station. The fluid collection cart includes a pair of containers, each of which includes a draining port and a cap. Each cap includes an outer portion having a flushing port and a bore formed therein and an inner portion having vacuum and patient ports formed therein. The inner cap portion is disposable and removably positioned within the bore of the outer cap portion. Liquid level detectors also communicate with each container. The cart also includes a regulator so a low vacuum level may be pulled on one of the containers while a full vacuum level is pulled on the other container. Fluids are collected in the containers via suction tubes connected to the patient ports. The flushing and drain ports of the containers are connected to corresponding flushing and drain connectors on the station when the containers are full so that they may be drained and flushed.

Abstract: A fluid cushioned platform adapted to float on a body of liquid. The platform includes a deck having upper and lower surfaces and a lower peripheral member extending around the outer perimeter of the deck. A pump having a pump outlet is supported by the deck. A fill pipe has a first end connected to the pump outlet and a second end in communication with the lower surface of the deck. The pump is adapted to pump a fluid through the fill pipe to a blow tank formed beneath the deck between the surface of the liquid and the deck within the area circumscribed by the lower peripheral member.

Abstract: A system for collecting and disposing of liquid medical waste includes a fluid collection cart and a draining and cleaning station. The fluid collection cart includes a pair of containers, each of which includes a draining port and a cap. Liquid level detectors also communicate with each container. The cart also includes a regulator so a low vacuum level may be pulled on one of the containers while a full vacuum level is pulled on the other container. Fluids are collected in the containers via suction tubes connected to the patient ports. The flushing and drain ports of the containers are connected to corresponding flushing and drain connectors on the station when the containers are full so that they may be drained and flushed. The cart liquid level detectors communicate with the station microprocessor so that the draining and flushing cycles may be properly sequenced.

Abstract: A system for collecting and disposing of liquid medical waste includes a fluid collection cart and a draining and cleaning station. The fluid collection cart includes a pair of containers, each of which includes a draining port and a cap. Each cap includes an outer portion having a flushing port and a bore formed therein and an inner portion having vacuum and patient ports formed therein. The inner cap portion is disposable and removably positioned within the bore of the outer cap portion. Liquid level detectors also communicate with each container. The cart also includes a regulator so a low vacuum level may be pulled on one of the containers while a full vacuum level is pulled on the other container. Fluids are collected in the containers via suction tubes connected to the patient ports. The flushing and drain ports of the containers are connected to corresponding flushing and drain connectors on the station when the containers are full so that they may be drained and flushed.

Abstract: A canister for use in a liquid disposal device featuring a lid removal bracket and a canister bracket. The canister includes a lid featuring a patient port, a vacuum port and a lip adapted to be engaged by the lid removal bracket of the liquid waste disposal device. The canister also includes a body including an open top surrounded by a circumferential rim that is engaged by the lid in a removable fashion. A tab is attached to an exterior surface of the body of the canister in a generally horizontal extending fashion and is sized and vertically spaced from the circumferential rim so as to engage the canister bracket of the liquid waste disposal device when the canister body is positioned therein and turned about a generally vertical axis.

Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system for a medical canister including a press-fit canister lid, features a cabinet with an opening and a sink with a drain positioned therein. A mounting bracket is affixed to the cabinet and includes a shaft connected to the canister bracket for rotating the canister and a shaft connected to the lid removal bracket for removing the canister lid from the canister. The canister is secured within the canister bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a drainage position. The canister lid is positioned on the removal bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a removal position. Once the canister is rotated into the drainage position, the pressurized and diluted cleaning solution source is activated to flush the contents out of the canister and into the sink and drain. After the canister is sanitized it may be removed from the system and reused.

Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system for a medical canister including a press-fit canister lid, features a cabinet with an opening and a sink with a drain positioned therein. A mounting bracket is affixed to the cabinet and includes a shaft connected to the canister bracket for rotating the canister and a shaft connected to the lid removal bracket for removing the canister lid from the canister. The canister is secured within the canister bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a drainage position. The canister lid is positioned on the removal bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a removal position. Once the canister is rotated into the drainage position, the pressurized and diluted cleaning solution source is activated to flush the contents out of the canister and into the sink and drain. After the canister is sanitized it may be removed from the system and reused.

Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system for a medical canister including a press-fit canister lid, features a cabinet with an opening and a sink with a drain positioned therein. A mounting bracket is affixed to the cabinet and includes a shaft connected to the canister bracket for rotating the canister and a shaft connected to the lid removal bracket for removing the canister lid from the canister. The canister is secured within the canister bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a drainage position. The canister lid is positioned on the removal bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a removal position. Once the canister is rotated into the drainage position, the pressurized and diluted cleaning solution source is activated to flush the contents out of the canister and into the sink and drain. After the canister is sanitized it may be removed from the system and reused.

Abstract: A system for collecting and disposing of liquid medical waste includes a fluid collection cart and a draining and cleaning station. The fluid collection cart includes a pair of containers, each of which includes a draining port and a cap. Each cap includes an outer portion having a flushing port and a bore formed therein and an inner portion having vacuum and patient ports formed therein. The inner cap portion is disposable and removably positioned within the bore of the outer cap portion. Liquid level detectors also communicate with each container. The cart also includes a regulator so a low vacuum level may be pulled on one of the containers while a full vacuum level is pulled on the other container. Fluids are collected in the containers via suction tubes connected to the patient ports. The flushing and drain ports of the containers are connected to corresponding flushing and drain connectors on the station when the containers are full so that they may be drained and flushed.

Abstract: A system for collecting, treating and disposing of waste fluid includes a station that features transfer, flushing and mixing pumps as well as a bowl that holds the waste fluid. The waste fluid is collected in a container mounted on a cart. The cart container connects to the station so that the waste fluid is transferred from the cart to the station bowl by the transfer pump. The flushing pump has an inlet that communicates with a source of water and a disinfectant dispenser. The flushing pump is used to flush both the cart container and the station bowl, the latter of which communicates with a drain system. The flushing pump also delivers disinfectant to the waste fluid in the station bowl. The inlet and outlet of the mixing pump communicate with the bowl so that it mixes the bowl contents. Buffer is provided to the circulating waste fluid until the pH level drops to a predetermined level.