Abstract: A system for generating potable water from source water contains an enclosed vessel, a heating unit, an air distributor, a condenser, and a collection vessel. A method for generating potable water from source water includes heating ambient air, bubbling heated air through source water producing saturated air, cooling the saturated air producing potable water, and collecting the potable water. A method of removing contaminants from ambient air includes heating ambient air, bubbling the heated air through source water to produce treated air and contaminant rich water, discharging the treated air, and discharging the contaminant rich water.

Abstract: A system for generating potable water from source water contains an enclosed vessel, a heating unit, an air distributor, a condenser, and a collection vessel. A method for generating potable water from source water includes heating ambient air, bubbling heated air through source water producing saturated air, cooling the saturated air producing potable water, and collecting the potable water. A method of removing contaminants from ambient air includes heating ambient air, bubbling the heated air through source water to produce treated air and contaminant rich water, discharging the treated air, and discharging the contaminant rich water.

Abstract: An inexpensive device for removing microorganisms from drinking water includes an Ultrafiltration membrane filter equipped with a pressure regulating mechanism to supply purified water to a suitable low-pressure reservoir equipped with a bi-directional hydrophobic membrane vent filter having a 0.01-0.05-micron pore size. The purified water may be supplied to the storage reservoir at a static pressure in the range of 1 to 8 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of meningococcal isolates having genetic markers of a particular serogroup but expressing a capsular polysaccharide of a different serogroup. These isolates and prototype serogroup A, B, C, Y and W-135 strains were used to define the capsular biosynthetic operon of the major meningococcal serogroups and to show that capsule switching occurs as a result of allelic exchange of, for example, the polysialyl-transferase gene. Findings of capsule switching in vivo indicate that closely related virulent meningococcal clones may not be recognized by traditional serogroup-based surveillance and can escape vaccine-induced or natural protective immunity by capsule switching.

Abstract: Disclosed are an improved method and apparatus for heating which enables rapid heating of foods to obtain any one of a number of textures. A fried taste, texture and appearance can be achieved without using large amounts of oil or encountering the other disadvantages of frying.According to a preferred embodiment, the form of the apparatus is employed to fry foods using a heat exchange fluid comprising air containing dispersed cooking oil or fat, which performs the disclosed method. A cooking chamber is provided having a reservoir at a low point capable of holding cooking oil. The oil is dispersed into the closed heating chamber as a convective air flow is established within the heating chamber. A rotating support holds the food about an axis accentrically positioned from the axis of an impeller means which disperses the oil or fat and creates a positive flow of air within the chamber, to uniformly contact and fry the food.

Abstract: Disclosed are an improved method and apparatus for heating which enables rapid heating of foods to obtain any one of a number of textures. A fried taste, texture and appearance can be achieved without using large amounts of oil or encountering the other disadvantages of frying.According to a preferred embodiment, the form of the apparatus is employed to fry foods using a heat exchange fluid comprising air containing dispersed cooking oil or fat, which performs the disclosed method. A cooking chamber is provided having a reservoir at a low point capable of holding cooking oil. The oil is dispersed into the closed heating chamber as a convective air flow is established within the heating chamber. A rotating support holds the food about an axis accentrically positioned from the axis of an impeller means which disperses the oil or fat and creates a positive flow of air within the chamber, to uniformly contact and fry the food.

Abstract: Droplets of an aqueous, flour-based batter are deep fat fried in vegetable oil. These particles are used as a component of a coating mix which is designed to impart a fried taste, texture and appearance to baked foodstuffs.

Abstract: Disclosed are an improved method and apparatus for convection heating which enables rapid heating of foods to obtain a fried taste, texture and appearance without using large amounts of oil or encountering the other disadvantages of frying.According to a preferred embodiment of the apparatus which performs the disclosed method, a cooking chamber is provided having a reservoir at the bottom capable of holding cooking oil or other liquid heat exchange medium. The oil is continuously dispersed into the heating chamber which is preferably closed and sealed as a convective air flow is established within the heating chamber by either rotating a foraminous support which holds the food or by causing a positive flow of air within the chamber by means of air circulating means.

Abstract: An arrangement for allowing comestible products to be conveniently heated in a disposable pouch. A kitchen utensil is constructed with a top rim shaped to support the disposable pouch containing a packaged comestible. The disposable pouch has an outer periphery at least as large as that defined by the top rim of the utensil such that the pouch is supported by the top rim of the utensil while it is being heated therein. In a first embodiment, an electrical heating element is provided as an integral part of the base of the utensil, while in a second embodiment a cover for the utensil also has an electrical heating element constructed as an integral part thereof. In several embodiments, the pouch has one or more electrical contacts to complete circuits to the heating elements such that the latter cannot be activated until a pouch is properly placed on the utensil.