Abstract: Methods for rapidly concentrating a food sample for efficient detection of bacteria are disclosed. A microfiltration approach followed by centrifugation was used to concentrate the cells with an enzyme (e.g., a protease) added at the beginning of the process to facilitate more efficient micro-filtering. The enzyme was found to have no significant effect on cell viability.

Abstract: A filling and sealing system is provided for efficiently filling a series of individual vials with therapeutic liquids. In particular embodiments, the system includes a filling zone or station, a sealing zone or station, an unloading zone or station, and electronic controls.

Abstract: Methods for rapidly concentrating a food sample for efficient detection of bacteria are disclosed. A microfiltration approach followed by centrifugation was used to concentrate the cells with an enzyme (e.g., a protease) added at the beginning of the process to facilitate more efficient micro-filtering. The enzyme was found to have no significant effect on cell viability.

Abstract: A filling and sealing system is provided for efficiently filling a series of individual vials with therapeutic liquids. In particular embodiments, the system includes a filling zone or station, a sealing zone or station, an unloading zone or station, and electronic controls.

Abstract: A voice enhancement device including an earpiece configured to be positioned in an ear canal of a user. A microcontroller is operatively coupled to the earpiece. The microcontroller is configured to selectively provide at least multitalker babble. An accelerometer is located within the earpiece and operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer is configured to detect speech by the user and communicate with the microcontroller to provide the multitalker babble to the earpiece during the detected speech by the user. A method of making the voice enhancement device, and a method for increasing vocal loudness in a patient using the voice enhancement device are also disclosed.

Abstract: One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes method and system to improve communication comprising an assembly fixedly positioned during use in close proximity to a user's ear. The assembly includes an accelerometer to detect the initiation and duration of the user's speech and an output presentation system. The output presentation system comprises a non-occlusive ear fitting that presents unintelligible noise that is unrelated to the sound-frequency or intonation of the user's current speech. The unintelligible noise is presented to the patient at a level less than 85 dB. The system further comprises a control arrangement to maintain presentation of the noise substantially throughout the detected duration of the user's speech, but substantially not at other times.

Abstract: A voice enhancement device including an earpiece configured to be positioned in an ear canal of a user. A microcontroller is operatively coupled to the earpiece. The microcontroller is configured to selectively provide at least multitalker babble. An accelerometer is located within the earpiece and operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer is configured to detect speech by the user and communicate with the microcontroller to provide the multitalker babble to the earpiece during the detected speech by the user. A method of making the voice enhancement device, and a method for increasing vocal loudness in a patient using the voice enhancement device are also disclosed.

Abstract: One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes method and system to improve communication comprising an assembly fixedly positioned during use in close proximity to a user's ear. The assembly includes an accelerometer to detect the initiation and duration of the user's speech and an output presentation system. The output presentation system comprises a non-occlusive ear fitting that presents unintelligible noise that is unrelated to the sound-frequency or intonation of the user's current speech. The unintelligible noise is presented to the patient at a level less than 85 dB. The system further comprises a control arrangement to maintain presentation of the noise substantially throughout the detected duration of the user's speech, but substantially not at other times.

Abstract: One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes method and system to improve communication comprising an assembly fixedly positioned during use in close proximity to a user's ear. The assembly includes an accelerometer to detect the initiation and duration of the user's speech and an output presentation system. The output presentation system comprises a non-occlusive ear fitting that presents unintelligible noise that is unrelated to the sound-frequency or intonation of the user's current speech. The unintelligible noise is presented to the patient at a level less than 85 dB. The system further comprises a control arrangement to maintain presentation of the noise substantially throughout the detected duration of the user's speech, but substantially not at other times.

Abstract: The trailer converts from a hopper for hauling grain to an overwidth flatbed with tracks for carrying a harvesting machine. The side and front panels of the hopper fold to a horizontal position from the erected position. The rear panel of the hopper is removable and stores on the folded front panel. A base track extends along each side of the trailer frame. An extensible track is hinged to the base track and folds in a vertical plane from a storage position on top of the base track to an extended position laterally outward of the base track, to increase the trailer width for hauling harvesting machines with wide wheel width. Transverse tapered box beams support the base track and extensible track. A second extensible track has beams that slide into the transverse box beams of the first extensible track for further widening.