Abstract: The present invention is a method for an online sustainability test. The method produces results for a base wave of a sustainability test by presenting an item to a user over a distributed network, presenting a questionnaire to the user over the distributed network if the user selects the item, and accepting and storing the user's response to the questionnaire. To get results for later waves of the sustainability test, the questionnaire is presented again to the user if the user later selects the item again. Results for the sustainability testing are produced by identifying trends and changes in the user's responses to the questionnaire.

Abstract: A hollow snack food product is prepared by finish cooking a hollow pellet product. The hollow pellet is manufactured from a pre-cooked, predominantly corn-masa based dough which contains sufficient vital wheat gluten to allow the pellet to open up and assume the desired hollow structure upon cutting. The pellets are prepared by overlaying dough sheets, stretching the dough sheets to impart strain thereto, and then cutting individual pieces from the stretched sheets.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated and controlled pump which is capable of maintaining its efficiency and reliability in various environments. The pump head contains a spool and sleeve valve assembly operated in response to a signal pressure. The assembly controls the cycling of the pump through a pumping phase and a pump filling phase. A timing switch on the surface controls the occurrence of the signal pressure and thus the pump cycles, at preset intervals thus eliminating any lag time between the cycles and the need for operator estimations of the cycle times. This results in a virtually closed system and self contained unit.

Abstract: In a method for effecting evaluation of consumer products by test panel members, the panel members receive a set of test materials which include an evaluation set of products, a video tape containing a video presentation of members of the evaluation set and means for ordering products free of charge. The choices made by the panel members provide information as to preferences between test products and established brands. The evaluation process is repeated over several cycles to provide information regarding long term purchase habits and product sustainability.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an exercise program at a desired pace throughout each repetition and which applies resistance against a user's efforts based upon user performance history and user demographics. A central controller stores user demographics and performance information, and provides this information as well as program criteria and evaluations to any of a plurality of exercise stations. The exercise stations each include a magnetic brake for producing the desired resistance levels. A central processor unit (CPU) controls the exercise program at each station. The initial brake resistance is established based upon user demographic information and initial user performance of an exercise. The brake resistance is represented by lights in an LED stack simulating weights which move up and down along a run in conformity with position of a movement arm which the user moves. A pacer light moving adjacent the LED weight stack guides the user at a desired pace throughout each repetition.