Abstract: A tire tread gauge shaped like a rectangular card that fits easily into a credit card slot in a wallet or purse. The card has a tread measurement scale imprinted, engraved, molded or otherwise marked onto one or both sides and is used to measure the remaining tread depth on motor vehicle tires. Other possible embodiments include a card with more or less than 4 sides or a round card.

Abstract: A method of producing a liquid fermentation product using a natural protein concentrate from a non-cereal grain source in place of protein derived from malted grains is provided. The natural protein concentrate can be directly used, in addition with a carbohydrate source, to produce a wort suitable for fermentation, thus avoiding the malting and mash mixing steps in traditional brewing methods. The wort requires less yeast to initiate the fermentation process than in similar alcohol fermentations, and does not require the addition of yeast nutrients. The resulting fermentation product can be processed for bottling without the need for an intervening storage period. The protein concentrate used in the method can be derived from non-cereal sources such as peas, soy, rice potatoes and other sources of natural protein.

Abstract: A method of brewing a malt beverage having a low alcohol content is disclosed. A malt and cereal infusion having an extract content below about 14% is prepared, and boiled to obtain a wort. A predetermined quantity of hops are then added to said wort, which is then aerated. The wort is pitched with a yeast slurry to provide a cell count of about 80 to about 180 million yeast cells per ml and fermented at a temperature of about 3° C. to about 10° C. for 1 to 40 hours. The yeast is then removed from the fermented wort, and the resulting brew is filtered, and electrolyzed with a copper electrode to remove H2S. The alcohol concentration of the brew is then adjusted with carbonated water to a preselected level, and then the resultant brew is aged for at least 24 hours.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product is disclosed for evaluating system architectures from a long term sustainability perspective, sustainability in the presence of rapidly evolving information and networking technology, rapidly evolving customer requirements and expectations, and rapidly evolving standards and protocols. The multi-attribute architecture evaluation method can include specific architectural characteristics. At the top level the present invention can include four architectural characteristics or attributes: modularity, commonality, standards-based, and reliability/maintainability/testability (RMT). The attributes can be further classified into sub-attributes and metrics to facilitate the comparative evaluation of candidate system architectures.

Abstract: A control device for use in a dual function machine includes a first disconnecting device for connection between a first operator's control knob and at least one control valve usable for controlling a first function of the machine. A second disconnecting device is provided for connection between a second operator's control knob and at least one second control valve usable for controlling a second function of the machine. The disconnecting devices are arranged for mounting in actuating relationship to a swivel-type operator's seat, the first disconnecting device being actuated for disabling the second function when said seat is in a first position for operating the first function and the second disconnecting device being actuated for disabling the first function when the seat is in a second position for operating the second function.