Abstract: A method of delaying digestion by an animal or a human of carbohydrates in food, comprising administering an effective amount of one or more flavonoids to the animal or human in conjunction with the food, wherein the flavonoids are selected from luteolin, apigenin, tricin and their pharmaceutically acceptable analogues and derivatives

Abstract: A method and system for electronically processing and redeeming rebate offers is disclosed. RFID smart tags are associated with products where each distinct product is associated with at least one smart tag. The smart tags contain product information including product identification information and/or rebate related information. The disclosed method and system allows for a rebate redemption and processing system that (1) more fully automates the rebate process by minimizing or eliminating the need for a customer to perform any task to initiate the rebate redemption process after leaving a point of sale, (2) provides the ability for manufacturers to offer real-time (or near real-time) rebate offers, (3) eliminates the need for a rebate check and (4) provides the customer with some level of instant gratification related to the purchase price of the product.

Abstract: An RFID method and system for preventing product out-of-stock conditions in a retailer supply chain is disclosed. RFID smart tags are associated with products in a place of purchase or a place of selection of such products. Each distinct product may be associated with at least one smart tag, the smart tags containing identification information regarding their respective product. RFID smart tag readers are used to obtain real time inventory data that may be used in a method for prevent product out-of-stock conditions thereby reducing the number of lost sales that may result from out-of-stock events. In addition, such real time inventory data is also be used in a process to reduce the number of lost sales resulting from out-of-stock events.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing cross-marketing and promotional offers to a customer using an electronic tag product identification system is disclosed. The disclosed technology also allows for presenting promotional offers in an automatic check-out process. RFID smart tags are associated with products in a place of purchase or a place of selection of such products. Each distinct product is associated with at least one smart tag, the smart tags containing identification information regarding their respective products. RFID smart tag readers are used to retrieve product information including information concerning promotional offers, purchase prices and expected product weights. Such promotional offers are presented to the customer and may be real-time promotional offers, near real-time promotional offers or generic promotional offers.

Abstract: A smoke producing device adaptably configured for use in either a gas and electric barbecue grill having a plurality of heat diffusers, heat bars or plates, or sear bars (collectively referred to hereinafter as the “heat distribution bar”) principally serving as means to distribute heat and aid in preventing flare-ups within a grilling compartment, the smoker device substantially comprising a rectangular-shaped receptacle having a pair of longitudinal walls positioned perpendicular and integrally attached to a pair of end walls and an inwardly-protruding channel situated between a pair of bottom plate members and extending lengthwise thereabout to form a pair of legs for engaging the heat distribution bar. A detachable top having a plurality of elongate openings allows venting of accumulated smoke as heat is applied to a smoke-producing material contained within the rectangular-shaped receptacle.