Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides Echinacea compositions including standardized amounts of at least two Echinacea components. More preferably the Echinacea compositions of the present invention include standardized amounts of at least three Echinacea components. Presently preferred Echinacea components are cichoric acid, Echinacea alkylamides and Echinacea polysaccharides. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for preparing Echinacea compositions, the methods including the step of combining amounts of at least two Echinacea components, preferably three Echinacea components, sufficient to yield an Echinacea composition including standardized amounts of each of the combined Echinacea components. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides Echinacea extracts, and methods for preparing Echinacea extracts. Presently preferred Echinacea extracts are enriched in one or more members of the group consisting of polysaccharides, alkylamides and cichoric acid.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides Echinacea compositions including standardized amounts of at least two Echinacea components. More preferably the Echinacea compositions of the present invention include standardized amounts of at least three Echinacea components. Presently preferred Echinacea components are cichoric acid, Echinacea alkylamides and Echinacea polysaccharides. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for preparing Echinacea compositions, the methods including the step of combining amounts of at least two Echinacea components, preferably three Echinacea components, sufficient to yield an Echinacea composition including standardized amounts of each of the combined Echinacea components. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides Echinacea extracts, and methods for preparing Echinacea extracts. Presently preferred Echinacea extracts are enriched in one or more members of the group consisting of polysaccharides, alkylamides and cichoric acid.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning the sets of read/write heads of an information storage disk that is a completely sealed unit with its own connecting cable and mounting apparatus. The apparatus includes a carrier connected through a slot in the sidewall of a tubular stator to a cylindrical armature. The carrier is driven axially along the outside of the stator as the armature moves axially inside the stator to position sets of read/write heads that may be attached to the carrier in their desired position with respect to an information storage disk. The armature is connected to the carrier by pins. The surface of the carrier facing the stator has a concave contour to match the exterior surface of the stator and extends beyond the stator slot a sufficient amount to completely close the stator slot no matter what the axial position of the carrier. A projection extends from the concave surface of the carrier into the slot, and the lateral edges of the projection form bumpers for the carrier.

Abstract: A disk cartridge having a housing in which a substantially rigid disk is completely enclosed, the disk having a nub which is accessible through an opening in the housing for engagement by a rotatable drive spindle. The housing has an opening for receiving a read/write head to apply or pick off data from the magnetically permeable surface of the disk. The head receiving opening is normally closed by a door which is opened by a cam when the cartridge is inserted in a drive unit. When not in use, the disk hub is held against the interior of the hub opening to seal the cartridge against contamination. When the cartridge is inserted in a drive unit, the drive spindle is guided into a self-centering socket in the hub and lifts the hub clear of the opening for free rotation of the disk.

Abstract: A hair dryer mount for suspending a conventional hair dryer and permitting the flow of air to be directed in a desired direction while leaving the user's hands free. The hair dryer mount includes a wall bracket, extension arms and a support which includes a strap which fits around the hair dryer and holds the hair dryer in a nest. The nest is connected through a trunnion and yolk to the end of an extension arm to provide a wrist type joint. The extension arms and the support are connected together with adjustable friction couplings to provide sufficient friction among the parts so that the assembled mount may hold the hair dryer suspended about the user's head. The hair dryer may be moved from one position to another without adjustment of the mount.

Abstract: A disk assembly which is normally fixed on a disk drive, but which can be removed in the field from the disk drive spindle and replaced on the spindle with extreme precision so that pre-recorded tracks are concentric with the axis of the spindle within extremely small tolerances. The disk assembly includes a mounting ring which fits around the drive spindle, the ring having three resilient centering flexures extending slightly radially inwardly of the rest of the ring to engage the drive spindle, and all being outwardly deflected substantially the same amount to center the ring on the spindle.