Abstract: An herbal composition for combating inflammation, comprising therapeutically effective amounts of Japanese knotweed, Devil's claw, grapeskin, and syzygium is provided. Also provided is an herbal composition for treating a cough and/or common cold, comprising therapeutically effective amounts of Japanese knotweed, lobelia, echinacea, slippery elm, Devil's claw, adhatoda, vitamin C, grapeskin, and syzygium. An herbal composition for alleviating menstrual discomfort, comprising therapeutically effective amounts of Japanese knotweed, chaste tree berry, Mexican wild yam, dandelion, Devil's claw, grapeskin, and syzygium is provided. Also provided is an herbal composition for soothing muscles and joints, comprising therapeutically effective amounts of Japanese knotweed, N-acetyl D-glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, D-glucosamine hydrochloride, methylsulfonylmethane, grapeskin, syzygium, and Devil's claw. Methods of using the herbal compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dietary supplement for the treatment of obesity, including both weight loss and reduction of weight gain. Pursuant to the invention, a decoction of a herbal mixture, comprising rhubarb, red saga root, astragalus, turmeric, and dried ginger and various combinations thereof, provides therapeutic weight loss as well as lipid reduction and change body composition. The invention includes methods of manufacture and administration and also includes the herbal decoction in various forms of administration and in combination with food.

Abstract: Improved milk replacer and dry feed compositions for young mammals are provided that employ a high quality inedible egg product to minimize or eliminate the need for milk source ingredients or plasma-enhanced food compositions. These improved compositions include one or more high quality inedible egg products in an amount from about 1% to 100% of the total weight of the composition. The balance of these improved compositions may consist of any ingredient(s) in any combination when such composition is capable of meeting or exceeding the nutritional requirements of the species to be fed.

Abstract: A method of making coated chewing gum products containing an acid blocker comprises the steps of providing chewing gum cores; providing a coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener, providing an acid blocker, applying the coating syrup and acid blocker to the cores and drying the syrup to produce a coating on the cores, the coating containing the acid blocker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

Abstract: A salt flavor enhancing composition includes a combination of sodium chloride and potassium chloride in a range of about 74 to about 99 percent by weight and a sulfate-containing salt or salts or a combination of a sulfate-containing salt or salts and a chloride-containing salt or salts in a range of about 1 to about 26 percent by weight. Further, the sulfate-containing salts may be potassium sulfate, calcium sulfate, or combinations thereof. In addition, the chloride-containing salts may be calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or combinations thereof. A salt flavor enhancing composition also may be adapted for use on food products having high intrinsic sodium content. The composition may include potassium chloride in a range of about 75 to about 95 percent by weight and a sulfate-containing salt or salts or a combination of a sulfate-containing salt or salts and a chloride-containing salt or salts in a range of about 5 to about 25 percent by weight.

Abstract: Trace element/amino acid complexes are prepared from a processable blend of soy isolate and soy concentrate with the amount of soy concentrate not exceeding 50% by weight of the blend.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus that enable consumers to experience, prior to purchase, the aroma of a finished product even though the product as sold is unfinished. Further, methods and apparatus provide users of a product with a reference aroma that may be employed to determine if the product is suitable for use, while, prior to purchase, consumers can experience a selected aroma of a consumer product that has a plurality of aromas, and the aroma bouquet of a consumer product where a particular aroma in the bouquet has been intensified. Among other advantages, this invention enables marketers to employ additional sensual modalities, and particularly the sense of smell, in offering products for sale, and thus permits consumers to make better informed purchasing decisions.

Abstract: A collagen processing method for thickening or hardening the collagen sufficiently by application of a liquid smoke fraction, obtained from a liquid smoke derivative (a derivative being commercially available as Code V), so that the resultant treated collagen is useful as a casing for a food product. The liquid smoke fraction may be obtained by treating Code V with both carbon and a pH adjustment whereby the method is without an effect on the taste of the food product. In another embodiment, the Code V is only pH adjusted.

Abstract: A release device for slowly releasing vapors of a sprout inhibitor into a small package of potatoes is disclosed. The release device includes a container for holding particulate porous media which has absorbed a liquid sprout inhibitor. The container is at least partially porous with respect to sprout inhibitor vapors such that the release device may be utilized to inhibit sprouting of potatoes in small packages during shipments. The release device may further be structured to be coated to control the release rate and may further include being printed upon a porous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous plastic article for dispensing a soluble or dispersible dispensate into a fluid stream. An inventive article preferably comprise polyethylene or polypropylene and has defined therein a network of passages in fluid communication with pores on the exposed surface of the article, the pores preferably having a diameter of from about 20 microns to about 200 microns. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the dispensing article may be removably attached to a beverage container cap, a bottle neck or a conduit such as, for example, a sports-bottle straw, to introduce the substance into a fluid coming into contact with the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a malted beverage powder and a process for preparing it. In the process of the present invention, liquid beverage ingredients and a first portion of dry malted beverage ingredients are wet mixed to provide a wet mixture having a moisture content of about 20% or less. The wet mixture is vacuum dried to provide a dry cake which is comminuted to a base powder. The base powder is then dry mixed with a further portion of dry malted beverage ingredients. The malted beverage powder so obtained has a substantially homogeneous color and characteristics such as flavor and texture similar to those of conventionally-prepared malted beverage powder.

Abstract: An apparatus for shelling nuts comprises adjustably opposed, manual or motor-driven, rotary wheel-type rollers that engage nuts and, as they rotate, forcibly crack the shell as the nut is transported between the rollers. The clearance between the opposed rollers is adjustable by the user to obtain an optimum cracking result. A receiving hopper is provided wherein a ready supply of nuts can be presented to the opposed rollers. The hopper design includes a chute projection that orients and directs the nuts toward the rollers where an adjustable gauge further positions the nut for optimal entry. The opposed, counter-rotating cracking rollers are grooved in a manner that provides multiple surfaces with which to contact the nut and thereby apply a plurality of forces to its perimeter. This plurality of forces is uniformly applied to produce multiple fractures in the shell.

Abstract: Wet okara is produced by finely dividing wet okara, feeding it into a scraper type heat exchanger, heating at a temperature of not lower than 120° C., cooling the heated product and filling and sealing the cooled product in a container or package aseptically. By this process, wet okara can be sterilized continuously to obtain okara having good preservability without deterioration of water retention characteristics.

Abstract: A process for making pre-cooked pasta from freshly extruded pasta dough and pastas made by the method. The process involves steaming freshly extruded pasta dough, soaking the steamed dough, removing excess moisture from the surface of the pasta dough and toasting. The desired textural attributes can be achieved by manipulating the processing conditions and the moisture content of the pasta dough. The pre-cooked pasta is particularly suited for hot or boiling water pour-over preparation or microwave cooking.

Abstract: Compositions, particularly foodstuffs, were thickened by the inclusion of an effective amount of a stabilized waxy potato starch, particularly a stabilized, crosslinked waxy potato starch, more particularly a hydroxypropylated waxy potato distarch phosphate. Compositions which include the starch may be thickened using less starch than if other starches were used. Foodstuffs prepared using the starch were improved in that they have better flavor, texture, and appearance.

Abstract: By this invention, low calorie fat compositions comprising the use of acylated glycerides are provided. Of particular interest is the use of triglyceride compositions having a at least one acylated fatty acid. Preferably, the acylated fatty acid has a melting temperature above 40° C. The acylated glyceride compositions find use as low calorie fat ingredients in food compositions. The low calorie fat compositions of the present invention demonstrate a caloric value of less than 6.5 kcal/g. Such low calorie fat compositions find use in the preparation of food compositions wherein at least a portion of the fat ingredients have been replaced with a acylated glyceride compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a water-soluble soybean-based extract including one or more isoflavone glycosides. Also described is a method of preparing such a water-soluble soybean-based extract.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for controlling the quanatity of material dispensed from dispensing systems. In one aspect of the present invention, a dispensing system includes a weight scale upon which material is dispensed from a dispensing system during a calibration routine. The weight of the dispensed material is determined and compared with a target weight. If the weight of the dispensed material varies from the target weight by more than a predetermined amount, then characteristics of the dispensing system are adjusted, and the calibration routine is repeated.

Abstract: A functional film, which has photo-catalytic effects, is overlaid on a surface of each of at least two substrate materials. The functional film, which has been overlaid on the surface of each of the substrate materials, is exposed to light having a wavelength falling within an absorption wavelength range of the functional film. The substrate materials are then bonded to each other with the functional films, which have been exposed to the light, intervening between the substrate materials. The functional film may be a film containing TiO2, and the light irradiated to the functional film may be ultraviolet light. In cases where a film other than the functional film is also overlaid on the surface of each, of the substrate materials, the functional film is formed as a top layer.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head comprises a bottom pole layer, a top pole layer, a recording gap layer, and first and second thin-film coils. The bottom pole layer includes a first layer disposed to face toward the first and second thin-film coils, and second and third layers disposed closer to an air bearing surface than the first and second thin-film coils are. In a method of manufacturing the thin-film magnetic head, the first thin-film coil and the second layer are formed in this order on a magnetic layer that has a wholly flat top surface and is to be the first layer. Then, the magnetic layer is patterned to complete the first layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a non-permeable, ceramic layer of a thickness of not more than about 100 &mgr;m to a ceramic or metallic body by applying a solution of one or more elastomers, which elastomers contain substantially not exclusively sulfur, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, optionally drying, and pyrolyzing to form a porous layer and subsequently sintering at increased temperature to form a non-permeable ceramic layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a film of ruthenium or ruthenium oxide to the surface of a substrate by employing the techniques of chemical vapor deposition to decompose ruthenium precursor formulations. The ruthenium precursor formulations of the present invention include a ruthenium precursor compound and a solvent capable of solubilizing the ruthenium precursor compound. A method is further provided for making a vaporized ruthenium precursor for use in the chemical vapor deposition of ruthenium and ruthenium-containing materials onto substrates, wherein a ruthenium precursor formulation having a ruthenium-containing precursor compound and a solvent capable of solubilizing the ruthenium-containing precursor compound is vaporized.

Abstract: A process is proposed for the fireproofing treatment of textile materials by impregnating them initially with a melamine-formaldehyde resin or organosilicon substances, and then with a solution of a complex compound of the ammonia salt of amidoalkylphosphonic acid with ammonium chloride. Materials treated in accordance with the invention have reduced combustibility and low toxicity of the gases given off during combustion.

Abstract: This disclosure sets out a method of forming a protective layer on the surface of the material of drill bits to increase the number of hits when drilling very small holes such as those drilled in printed circuit board (PCB's). The process involves forming a phosphorous based solution which is used as a dip to treat the drill bits, and then it is heated to drive off the solvent which is primarily water, oil, or glycol. This leaves a protective layer featuring phosphorous based materials on the surface of drill bit. This works for tool steel drill bits and also for those made with a cobalt alloy holding together tungsten carbide particles. The method preferably includes applying a treatment fluid in lieu of cutting oil during the fabrication of the cutting tool, the fluid including a compound containing phosphorus and nitrogen/hydrogen groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a composite coating film which makes it possible to attain both appearance and workability in a high-humidity environment. The method of forming a composite coating film according to the present invention comprises applying a water-based base coat composition on a substrate, and then a clear coat thereon, wherein said water-based base coat composition comprises a pigment and a resin emulsion obtained by emulsion polymerization of an &agr;, &bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated monomer mixture, said &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated monomer mixture having an acid value of 3 to 50 mg KOH/g and containing at least 65% by weight of a (meth)acrylic ester whose ester moiety contains 1 or 2 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for producing a supported membrane. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing a supported membrane comprising the steps: (i) providing a substrate coated with a monolayer having reactive functional groups; (ii) contacting the reactive groups with a linker compound to form a derivatized monolayer having covalently bonded linker moieties; and (iii) contacting the derivatized monolayer with a membrane solution to produce a supported membrane.

Abstract: A process for preparing a coated substrate having an MVTR greater than about 5 perms comprises the steps of providing a substrate, applying onto a surface of the substrate a layer of a primer, comprising a polyamine or polyacetate, and extrusion coating a monolithic layer of breathable polymer onto the layer of primer.

Abstract: A process for producing a zirconium oxide precursor comprising precipitating a zirconium oxide precursor from an alcoholic solution of a zirconium compound, and a process for producing zirconium oxide having infrared absorption peaks assigned to an S—O bond between 1010 cm−1 and 1025 cm−1 and between 1035 cm−1 and 1050 cm−1, which comprises heat treating the zirconium oxide precursor prepared by the above process. The zirconium oxide precursor and the zirconium oxide obtained in the process are effective as a catalyst for removing or decomposing nitrogen oxides.

Abstract: A liquid pressure transfer print method for printing a steering wheel rim of an automobile includes lowering the steering wheel rim up to a boundary line of a primary transfer print portion, without attaching a mask member to the other side surface of the steering wheel rim, opposite to the primary transfer print portion, after floating the transfer print film on liquid, half drying the polyvinyl alcohol layer on the primary transfer print portion of the steering wheel rim for a predetermined time and at a predetermined rate so the polyvinyl alcohol layer at a first transfer print surface is dried to a gel state, flipping the steering wheel rim and lowering the other side surface to beyond the boundary line, and soaking the steering wheel rim having the entire surface transfer printed in a solution and cleaning the polyvinyl alcohol layers by spraying the solution against the surface of the steering wheel rim.

Abstract: An article includes a substrate and an adhesion layer overlying the substrate. The adhesion layer includes a first phase including particles, and a second phase including braze alloy that bonds the particles to the substrate. The article further includes a ceramic layer overlying the adhesion layer. In one embodiment, the ceramic layer is a thermal barrier coating (TBC), formed of stabilized zirconia (ZrO2).

Abstract: A method of priming a sheet molding compound (SMC) part. The method includes applying a photopolymerizable priming composition to a surface of the SMC part. The priming composition includes a polymerizable component, a photoinitiating component, and a conductive component. The method also includes irradiating the priming composition with light to initiate a polymerization reaction. The priming composition polymerizes on the SMC part substantially without releasing volatile solvents.

Abstract: A silicon-containing polymer having a tetrafunctional siloxane portion as the basic skeleton, and containing a carboxylic acid group-containing triorganosiloxane portion and a carboxylic acid derivative group-containing triorganosiloxane portion in a specific proportion. It may be advantageously used as a negative non-chemical amplification resist polymer or a positive chemical amplification resist polymer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for coating substrates by applying at least one coating composition to an optionally precoated substrate and then curing the coating layer(s) thus obtained, wherein at least one of the coating layers is produced from a coating composition which contains a binder system having olefinic double bonds capable of free-radical polymerization and having reactive functional groups within the meaning of addition and/or condensation reactions, the resin solids of the coating composition having a C═C-equivalent weight from 300 to 10,000, preferably from 300 to 8,000, and curing of this (these) coating layer(s) is carried out by irradiation with NIR radiation in the wave length range 760-1500 nm.

Abstract: A method of forming a layer of oxide or oxynitride upon a substrate including first placing a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface in a high vacuum chamber and then exposing the upper surface to a beam of atoms or molecules, or both, of oxygen or nitrogen or a combination of same at a temperature sufficient to form a reacted layer on the upper surface of said substrate wherein said layer has a chemical composition different from the chemical composition of said substrate. The reacted upper layer is then exposed simultaneously in the chamber to atomic or molecular beams of oxygen, nitrogen or both and to a beam of metal atoms or metal molecules selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Zr, La, Y, Sc, Sr, Ba, Ti, Ta, W, Cr, Zr, Ca, Mg, Be, Pr, Nd and Hf to form a metal oxide, a metal nitride or a metal oxynitride layer in said layer.

Abstract: Process for the direct metallizing of the surface of a plastic object. The surface of the plastic object is roughened by pickling. The surface is activated with the aid of a colloidal or ionogenic aqueous solution of a first precious metal, which colloidal or ionogenic aqueous solution also contains a second base metal. This forms an activation coat on the surface containing the first precious and the second base metals. Electron conductivity of the activation coat is provided with the aid of a treatment solution, with which the second base metal is at least partially dissolved out of the activation coat and an electron conducting substance is adsorb in the activation coat. Then the electron-conductive activation coat is metallized. Before the electron conducting activation coat is metallized, the sequence of steps “activation of the surface and establishment of electronic conductivity” is repeated at least once.

Abstract: The invention relates to esters of the formula I and to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds having positive dielectric anisotropy, characterized in that it comprises one or more compounds of the general formula I in which R, A1, Z1, L1, L2, Y and n are as defined in herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds having positive dielectric anisotropy, characterized in that it comprises one or more compounds of the general formula I in which R1 and R2 are as defined herein.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit. In certain embodiments, the peripheral or edge seal may include an alkali silicate, thereby enabling low cure temperatures to be used in forming the seal. This allows tempered glass substrates to retain a significant portion of their original temper strength, even after the seal is formed. In certain alternative embodiments, at least one spacer/pillar of the vacuum IG unit may be made of or include an alkali silicate.

Abstract: A vacuum insulating glass (IG) unit and method of manufacturing the same. The vacuum IG unit is preferably provided with polymer inclusive spacers for spacing the substrates from one another. In certain embodiments, the spacers may be of or include a polymer material selected from the group consisting of: polyimide, polyamide, polysiloxane, polyphenylene, polyphenylene oxide, polyaramide (e.g., Kevlar), polysulfone, and polycarbonate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a member of nylon 12 having a relative viscosity of from 1.9 to 3.5 when measured in 98% sulfuric acid at a concentration of 10 g/dm3 and at 25° C. and a melt flow rate of 0.1 g/10 min. or more when measured at 235° C. under a load of 2,160 g, wherein said relative viscosity and said melt flow rate have a relationship of the following formula (I): 2.87×103 exp (−3.48 &eegr;r)≦MFR≦3.25×104 exp (−3.48 &eegr;r)  (I) wherein &eegr;r is relative viscosity and MFR is melt flow rate. The nylon 12 has excellent extrusion moldability and creep characteristics, fatigue characteristics and the like mechanical properties and is suited for tubular molds. A nylon 12 composition comprising the nylon 12 having the above-described specific relationship between &eegr;r and MFR and a plasticizer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the packing film is a four-layered laminate film in which the following films are laminated in that order: a first oriented plastic film formed as an outer surface layer and provided with a first coarse surface portion, an aluminum foil or paper sheet, a second oriented plastic film provided with a second coarse surface portion which is overlapped with the first coarse portion, and a non-oriented plastic film formed as an inner surface layer. A second embodiment of the packing film is a three-layered laminate film in which the following films are laminated in that order: an oriented plastic film formed as a first surface layer and provided with a coarse surface portion, an aluminum foil, and a non-oriented plastic film formed as an inner surface layer. The oriented plastic film forming the outer surface layer is backed at its coarse surface portion by a thin surface layer and laminated to the aluminum foil through a binder layer.

Abstract: A multilayerd, biaxially stretched tubular film having the following sequence of layers, |A|B|C|D|E|F|G|, is described. Inner layer A contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of aliphatic (co)polyamide and partially aromatic (co)polyamide. Core layer E, consists essentially of at least one member selected from the group consisting of aliphatic (co)polyamide and partially aromatic (co)polyamide. Outer layer G contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of aliphatic (co)polyamide and partially aromatic (co)polyamide. Interlayer C is polyolefinic, has water vapor barrier properties, and is interposed between inner layer A and core layer E. Interlayer C is directly attached to layer A via coupling layer B and to layer E via coupling layer D. Coupling layers B and F each independently contain a modified polyolefin.

Abstract: A composition which provides gas, flavor, and aroma barrier to substrates, where the composition is formed by mixing an ethylenically unsaturated acid, a bis-silane and a polyamine.

Abstract: An elongated length of a single or double-sided stretch releasing adhesive tape that can be cut to a selected length with integral pull tabs for stretch removing the tape from a substrate. The stretch releasing adhesive tape can be provided as long strips or roll form. The elongated stretch releasing adhesive tape article includes an elongate length of stretch releasing adhesive tape defining a longitudinal axis. The stretch releasing adhesive tape has a first surface and a second non-adhesive surface. The first surface comprises one or more adhesive regions and one or more non-adhesive regions arranged along the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the non-adhesive regions comprise a series of pull tabs arranged along the longitudinal axis that can be grasped in combination with the second non-adhesive surface by a user during stretch removal of the tape from an associated substrate.

Abstract: A resealable label includes a leaflet having an upper surface and a base tab disposed adjacent the leaflet. The base tab includes a closure portion and a pull tab portion each having an upper surface and a lower surface. The closure portion and the pull tab portion are separated from one another by a cut line therebetween. A varnish coats the upper surface of the closure portion. The label further includes a laminate cover including a first laminate portion overlying the closure portion, a second laminate portion overlying the pull tab portion, and a third laminate portion overlying the leaflet. The label further includes a laminate adhesive including a first adhesive portion releasably and resealably securing the first laminate portion to the varnish on the upper surface of the closure portion, and a second adhesive portion securing the second laminate portion to the upper surface of the pull tab portion. A closure portion adhesive coats the lower surface of the closure portion.

Abstract: A secure sticker is provided comprising a waterproof base portion including a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin, wherein the paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin, and wherein the resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a secure sticker is provided comprising a substantially waterproof base portion, a liner ply, and an adhesive interface. The substantially waterproof base portion includes a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin. The paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin. The resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. The liner ply defines a label portion and a removable portion, wherein the label portion includes variable printed matter thereon. The adhesive interface is arranged to adhere the liner ply to the base portion.

Abstract: An optical information storage medium having small jitter value and high recording sensitivity. The optical information storage medium has a transparent pregrooved substrate having thereon a dye recording layer, in which information can be recorded by irradiation with a laser, and a light-reflective layer on the dye recording layer, which is made of a metal. The dye recording layer contains a dye A, which has a maximum absorption wavelength in a 400 to 700 nm range, and a dye B, which has a maximum absorption wavelength 3 to 50 nm longer than that of the dye A. A sensitivity ratio Q between the dye A and the dye B, which is represented by the following equation, is from 0.20 to 0.55: Q=(PA−PB)/PA where PA represents optimum recording power for the dye A and PB represents optimum recording power for the dye B.

Abstract: An optical recording medium and a method for fabricating the same are provided, which enable overwriting at high density. The optical recording medium including a dielectric layer, a recording layer, and a reflecting layer on a substrate, is characterized in that an interface layer is formed on either at least one of lower and upper surfaces of the recording layer or one surface of the lower and upper surfaces of the dielectric layer, adjacent to the recording layer, at a predetermined thickness. Thus, jitter bump can be minimized, so that overwriting cyclicity of overwrite jitter can be improved.

Abstract: A laminated support for pressure-relief comprising an upper layer of visco-elastic foam, a middle layer of visco-elastic foam having a greater hardness, and a bottom layer of highly resilient polyurethane foam. These layers are sandwiched between two layers of reticulated filter polyurethane foam.