Abstract: Step adapters for a rung ladder to provide increased support surface or area is described. In one embodiment, the step adapter includes brace, platform, lock and safety bar sections. The lock, safety bar and platform sections structurally engage a rung of a ladder, and the brace section supports the adapter against rails of a ladder so that the step adapter provides an extended step structure to ease standing on the ladder. In another embodiment, the step adapter includes brace, platform and lock sections, where the platform section side edges are configured to lock the step adapter in place on a rung of a ladder. A tray overlay can be used in combination with the step adapter (which serves as support) to provide an area for holding work-related items. The step adapter can also include a securing element as an additional safety feature to anchor the adapter to a ladder.

Abstract: Step adapters for a rung ladder to provide an increased support surface or area is described. In one embodiment, the step adapter includes a brace, a platform, a lock and a safety bar. The lock, safety bar and platform are provided to structurally engage or embrace a rung of a ladder, and the brace supports the adapter against the rails of a ladder so that in total the step adapter provides an extended step structure to ease standing on the ladder, especially for an extended period of time. In another embodiment, the step adapter includes brace, platform and lock sections, where the platform section side edges are configured to lock the step adapter in place on a rung of a ladder. A tray overlay is also described which when used in combination with the step adapter (which serves as a support) provides a service area for holding work-related items.

Abstract: Step adapters for a rung ladder to provide increased support surface or area is described. In one embodiment, the step adapter includes brace, platform, lock and safety bar sections. The lock, safety bar and platform sections structurally engage a rung of a ladder, and the brace section supports the adapter against rails of a ladder so that the step adapter provides an extended step structure to ease standing on the ladder. In another embodiment, the step adapter includes brace, platform and lock sections, where the platform section side edges are configured to lock the step adapter in place on a rung of a ladder. A tray overlay can be used in combination with the step adapter (which serves as support) to provide an area for holding work-related items. The step adapter can also include a securing element as an additional safety feature to anchor the adapter to a ladder.

Abstract: Step adapters for a rung ladder to provide an increased support surface or area is described. In one embodiment, the step adapter includes a brace, a platform, a lock and a safety bar. The lock, safety bar and platform are provided to structurally engage or embrace a rung of a ladder, and the brace supports the adapter against the rails of a ladder so that in total the step adapter provides an extended step structure to ease standing on the ladder, especially for an extended period of time. In another embodiment, the step adapter includes brace, platform and lock sections, where the platform section side edges are configured to lock the step adapter in place on a rung of a ladder. A tray overlay is also described which when used in combination with the step adapter (which serves as a support) provides a service area for holding work-related items.

Abstract: Processes for extracting amino acids from mixtures of amino acids, and compositions and mixtures formed therefrom. Applications include isolating natural L-?-3-indolylalanine (L-?-3) and providing natural or other amino acid mixtures enriched with the extracted L-?-3. The source of amino acids may include a natural source, such as enzymatic or other natural protein hydrolysates containing mixtures of free amino acids. The process includes contacting the mixture of amino acids with a resin or hydrophobic substance that is attractive to aromatic amino acids but not attractive to aliphatic amino acids to separate the aromatic amino acids from the rest of the mixture. This contacting may include agitating the mixture and hydrophobic substance to increase contact therebetween. The L-?-3 may then be separated from the monocylic amino acids by contacting the hydrophobic substance with an acid, and L-?-3 may be removed from the hydrophobic substance by contact with a base.

Abstract: Processes for extracting amino acids from mixtures of amino acids, and compositions and mixtures formed therefrom. Applications include isolating natural L-&bgr;-3-indolylalanine (L-&bgr;-3) and providing natural or other amino acid mixtures enriched with the extracted L-&bgr;-3. The source of amino acids may include a natural source, such as enzymatic or other natural protein hydrolysates containing mixtures of free amino acids. The process includes contacting the mixture of amino acids with a resin or hydrophobic substance that is attractive to aromatic amino acids but not attractive to aliphatic amino acids to separate the aromatic amino acids from the rest of the mixture. This contacting may include agitating the mixture and hydrophobic substance to increase contact therebetween. The L-&bgr;-3 may then be separated from the monocylic amino acids by contacting the hydrophobic substance with an acid, and L-&bgr;-3 may be removed from the hydrophobic substance by contact with a base.

Abstract: Processes for isolating substantially pure natural L-&bgr;-3-indolylalanine (L-&bgr;-3) from a mixture of amino acids, such as a protein hydrolysate. A protein hydrolysate, for example of casein or soy protein, is passed over a polymeric resin attractive to aromatic amino acids but not attractive to aliphatic amino acids. The aromatic amino acids are retained on the resin while the aliphatic amino acids pass over the resin and are collected. The resin is then washed to displace any residual aliphatic acids which may be physically associated with but not bound to the resin. Thereafter, the resin is eluted with a dilute acid to displace L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine and provide a solution thereof while allowing L-&bgr;-3 to be retained on the resin. The resin is then further eluted with a dilute base to displace L-&bgr;-3 from the resin and provide a solution of L-&bgr;-3. Substantially pure natural L-&bgr;-3 is recoverable from this solution.

Abstract: Processes for isolating substantially pure natural L-&bgr;-3-indolylalanine (L-&bgr;-3) from a mixture of amino acids, such as a protein hydrolysate. A protein hydrolysate, for example of casein or soy protein, is passed over a polymeric resin attractive to aromatic amino acids but not attractive to aliphatic amino acids. The aromatic amino acids are retained on the resin while the aliphatic amino acids pass over the resin and are collected. The resin is then washed to displace any residual aliphatic acids which may be physically associated with but not bound to the resin. Thereafter, the resin is eluted with a dilute acid to displace L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine and provide a solution thereof while allowing L-&bgr;-3 to be retained on the resin. The resin is then further eluted with a dilute base to displace L-&bgr;-3 from the resin and provide a solution of L-&bgr;-3. Substantially pure natural L-&bgr;-3 is recoverable from this solution.

Abstract: Compositions for oral use containing at least one zinc compound, at least one amino acid, a source of ascorbic acid which does not appreciably associate with zinc ions, and a base material. The compositions provide for slow release of zinc upon dissolution in the mouth. The amino acid provides the zinc compound(s) with a palatable taste and no aftertaste. The source of ascorbic acid provides Vitamin C without interacting with zinc and forming unpalatable by-products. A method for making such compositions is also described.

Abstract: A process for isolating substantially pure natural L-.beta.-3-indolylalanine (L-.beta.-3) from a mixture of amino acids, such as a protein hydrolysate, is described. A protein hydrolysate, for example of casein or soy protein, is passed over a polymeric resin attractive to aromatic amino acids but not attractive to aliphatic amino acids. The aromatic amino acids are retained on the resin while the aliphatic amino acids pass over the resin and are collected. The resin is then washed with water to displace any residual aliphatic acids which may be physically associated with but not bound to the resin. Thereafter, the resin is eluted with a dilute acid to displace L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine and provide a solution thereof while allowing L-.beta.-3 to be retained on the resin. The resin is then further eluted with a dilute base to displace L-.beta.-3 from the resin and provide a solution of L-.beta.-3. Substantially pure natural L-.beta.-3 is recoverable from this solution.

Abstract: Compositions for oral use containing a zinc compound, a copper compound, an amino acid and a base material are described. The compositions provide for slow release of zinc ions upon dissolution in the mouth to thereby achieve beneficial therapeutic effects from the zinc ions. The amino acid is selected to provide the composition with a palatable taste and no after-taste. The copper compound provides copper ions which serve to counterbalance a large intake of zinc as is present upon prolonged oral use of the composition.

Abstract: Formulations of aluminum compounds with select amino acids such as glycine (aminoacetic acid) in a base material are described. The base material can be a sweetening agent such as a hard or soft candy base, a syrup, chewing gum, dentifrice, or the like. The advantage of such formulations is that the unpalatable and undesirable tastes and aftertastes of unformulated aluminum compound and of aluminum compounds mixed with a base material are markedly reduced and the products may be slowly dissolved in the mouth to achieve nutritional or therapeutic results. Processes for the satisfactory preparation of the formulations are set forth.

Abstract: Formulations of zinc compounds with select amino acids such as glycine (aminoacetic acid) in a base material are described. The base material can be a sweetening agent such as a hard or soft candy base, a syrup, chewing gum, dentifrice, or the like. The advantage of such formulations is that the unpalatable and undesirable tastes and aftertastes of unformulated zinc compound and of zinc compounds mixed with a base material are markedly reduced and the products may be slowly dissolved in the mouth to achieve nutritional or therapeutic results. Processes for the satisfactory preparation of the formulations are set forth.

Abstract: Formulations of zinc compounds with select amino acids such as glycine (aminoacetic acid) in a base material are described. The base material can be a sweetening agent such as a hard or soft candy base, a syrup, chewing gum, dentifrice, or the like. The advantage of such formulations is that the unpalatable and undesirable tastes and aftertastes of unformulated zinc compound and of zinc compounds mixed with a base material are markedly reduced and the products may be slowly dissolved in the mouth to achieve nutritional or therapeutic results. Processes for the satisfactory preparation of the formulations are set forth.

Abstract: A urinary catheter comprising an elongated hollow tube having a proximal end, a distal end, a drainage opening in the distal end and a liquid drainage lumen extending from the opening to the proximal end. A valve is located in the lumen near the distal end. Under normal conditions, the valve is open so as to permit urine to pass from the distal end to the proximal end. However, in response to fluid pressure applied to the valve by a cleansing solution on its side nearest the proximal end, the valve will close off the lumen and prevent access to the distal end. An opening for introducing the cleansing solution into the lumen on the side of the valve nearest the proximal end in an amount sufficient to cause the valve to close and to flush contaminants contained in the lumen out the proximal end is provided.