Abstract: The present invention provides a method to treat asthma and airway allergy by administering the dipeptide cyclo tyrosine-valine or a related cyclodipeptide compound to a subject in need thereof. Cyclo tyrosine-valine or the related cyclodipeptide compound reduces Th2 cell activation, airway hyperresponsiveness, accumulation of immune cells in bronchoalveolar fluid, and allergen-specific antibody production in an animal or human subject. The compound can therefore be used to treat asthma and airway allergy.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to reduce blood aspartate transaminase level, liver weight, hepatic lipid accumulation and hepatocyte hypertrophy by administering the probiotic bacterium Parabacteroides goldsteinii to a subject showing signs of fatty liver disease. This probiotic bacterium can therefore be used to treat fatty liver disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to reduce insulin resistance and improve glucose tolerance by administering the probiotic bacterium Parabacteroides goldsteinii. This probiotic bacterium can therefore be used to treat insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to reduce body weight, fat accumulation and adipocyte size by administering the probiotic bacterium Parabacteroides goldsteinii. This probiotic bacterium can therefore be used to treat obesity in animals and humans.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to prepare polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum. The prepared polysaccharides can reduce liver weight and liver lipid content in humans and animals. The prepared polysaccharides can therefore be used to prevent and treat fatty liver disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to prepare polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum. The prepared polysaccharides can reduce hyperglycemia and improve insulin sensitivity in humans and animals, and can therefore be used to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to prepare polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum. The prepared polysaccharides reduce body weight and fat accumulation in laboratory animals, and can therefore be used to prevent and treat obesity.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to a jack apparatus that is electrically operated with a rechargeable battery. The jack apparatus has a base section and a telescopic jack and wrench. The wrench is most preferably a power lug wrench for removing the lug nuts from an automobile, but any socket, bit, or connection available for power drills is compatible. One embodiment comprises the apparatus having a 12 v outlet cord in addition to the battery. A preferred embodiment comprises the jack apparatus having a power inverter housed therein.

Abstract: An oxygenated oil ointment is made, for example, by stirring or agitating plant-based oil while injecting a gas into the plant-based oil, resulting in a coagulated ointment that is beneficial for topical application. In one example, the plant-based oil is olive oil and the gas includes ozone, which is known to kill pathogens. For some plant-based oils, the ozone increases amounts of peroxide in the plant-based oils. Once the olive oil coagulates with the ozone, the resulting ointment retains some of the ozone gas until the ointment is applied on the skin for treatment of, for example, cuts and sores. In some ointments, the pH of the plant-based oil is increased by adding one or more alkaline materials to the plant-based oil before coagulation occurs. This increase in alkalinity improves the ointment's ability to give off ozone and oxygen.

Abstract: The auto powered jack apparatus provides for selective telescopic extension of the jack shaft. The telescopic jack is especially useful for lifting an auto. The jack is in removable communication with either the air compressor or the electrical inverter, both powered by a cigar lighter plug removably fitted into a cigar lighter. The apparatus also provides for wrenching any given object with the powered handgun shaped wrench. The jack is omni directionally operated so that objects may be separated as chosen and other functions performed with the jack. The inverter converts 12 volt auto power to 120 volt electrical power so that the wrench and jack are able to operate with sufficient power to lift a car and to remove and replace highly torqued auto items such as wheel lug nuts, as compared to 12 volt wrench and jack operations that are typically woefully inadequate when faced with laborious tasks.

Abstract: A door trim panel including a cover stock, an armrest coupled to the cover stock and having a first density, an upper energy absorber disposed above the armrest and having a second density higher than the first density, and a lower energy absorber disposed below the armrest and having a third density higher than the first density.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a trim panel and an apparatus and method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the trim panel comprises a first portion and a second portion with a transition portion extending therebetween with the first portion and the second portion having curved portions having radii of less than 5 mm.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a trim panel and an apparatus and method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the trim panel comprises a first portion and a second portion with a transition portion extending therebetween with the first portion and the second portion having curved portions having radii of less than 5 mm.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a trim panel and an apparatus and method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the trim panel comprises a first portion and a second portion with a transition portion extending therebetween with the first portion and the second portion having curved portions having radii of less than 5 mm.

Abstract: An interior trim panel for a vehicle door is provided according to alternative methods. The interior trim panel includes a bolster to which a polyurethane skin is molded by a spraying operation. Expanded polyurethane foam is sprayed over the polyurethane skin and a backing panel is either integrally formed or assembled to the polyurethane foam layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved hardware carrier for use in a trim panel assembly, and a method of making the same. To this end, the hardware carrier includes a body having a front and back surface and a seal molded to the front surface of the body for contacting the doorframe structure of a motor vehicle to seal the carrier thereto. A two-shot molding process utilizing a single mold assembly is used to form the carrier, with the body being formed in the first shot and the seal being formed in the second shot so that the seal is bonded thereto. The molded seal advantageously is provided with a non-linear configuration, such as a substantially repeating v-shaped configuration, and includes a planar top surface. The non-linear configuration of the seal, in conjunction with the top planar surface, advantageously provides a substantial surface area for contacting the doorframe to prevent water leakage within the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-shot injection molded polymeric component having first and second shots made from polymeric materials. The first shot is made from a relatively hard polymeric material, while the second shot is made from a polymeric material which may differ from the first shot by way of color or polymer type. In this way, the second shot provides texture and aesthetic value to the component. Integrally molded with the second shot is an attachment feature that allows an accessory to be attached proximate the back side of the component without the use of a separate fastener or other separate attachment feature.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim panel having a storage compartment includes providing a first mold assembly comprising a first mold section and a second mold section, wherein the first mold assembly defines a first cavity. A second mold assembly is provided and comprises a third mold section and a fourth mold section. The second mold assembly defines a second cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity, thereby producing a substrate. A second material is introduced into the second cavity, such that the second material forms a movable wall. The substrate and the movable wall define a vehicle trim panel, wherein the movable wall includes a fold formed therein for permitting movement of the movable wall to expand the storage compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved hardware carrier for use in a trim panel assembly, and a method of making the same. To this end, the hardware carrier includes a body having a front and back surface and a seal molded to the front surface of the body for contacting the doorframe structure of a motor vehicle to seal the carrier thereto. A two-shot molding process utilizing a single mold assembly is used to form the carrier, with the body being formed in the first shot and the seal being formed in the second shot so that the seal is bonded thereto. The molded seal advantageously is provided with a non-linear configuration, such as a substantially repeating v-shaped configuration, and includes a planar top surface. The non-linear configuration of the seal, in conjunction with the top planar surface, advantageously provides a substantial surface area for contacting the doorframe to prevent water leakage within the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trim panel assembly for a vehicle having integrated energy management characteristics and method of manufacture. The trim panel assembly comprises a panel made of a first material having a first panel surface and a second panel surface, a skin covering at least a portion of the first panel surface of the panel, with the skin being made of a second material less rigid then the first material, and a rib depending from the second panel surface away from the skin. The rib has at least a first portion being made of the second material.