Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a paper product, in which paper (M) in a particular form, and mixed with water, is subjected to pressure to form a compacted mass which involves, or includes, depositing the mix onto a first conveyor belt (10) and then progressively forming the conveyor belt into an upwardly open U-shape configuration and compressing the mix by means of a second conveyor belt (20) guided to progressively enter the first conveyor belt and progressively compact the mix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and supporting the work platform of a mobile workover rig is disclosed. The work platform of the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a unique support structure and automated positioning system for positioning the work platform at the desired height above the wellhead equipment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a specialized automated “pinning” system that secures the work platform at the desired height. Additionally, the present invention utilizes one or more support cylinders to position and support the work platform in the horizontal position over the wellhead equipment. The automated positioning and pinning system of the present invention is a unique system that significantly reduces the time required to position the work platform of a mobile workover rig in the operating position, as well as significantly reduces the risk of injury to rig personnel assisting in the positioning operations.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid segments comprising synthetically-modified genes encoding Coleopteran-toxic B. thuringiensis ?-endotoxins. Also disclosed are methods of using these genes for the recombinant expression of polypeptides, the preparation of vectors containing the genes, and methods for transforming suitable host cells.

Abstract: The abundance of the 96 most abundant EST cluster sequences in a wheat lemma/palea cDNA library was investigated in a range of cDNA libraries made from various wheat tissues. 30 cDNA sequences showing highly enhanced abundance in lemma, palea and glume tissues over leaf, stem, embryo, endosperm and root tissue were selected for further analysis. These wheat EST cluster sequences were used to identify rice cDNA homologs. The abundance of the rice cDNA homologs was compared in rice leaf and panicle (includes lemma and palea) cDNA libraries. Rice cDNAs showing preferential expression in the panicle were then used to identify homologous rice genomic DNA clones, the putative promoter sequences have been identified and cloned.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. An ultrafilter is described as well as a bioreactor system having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and method for status monitoring, including debug error detection, during data packet processing. In general terms, the system for status monitoring during data packet processing can be implemented as a system including a packet processor and a buffer. The packet processor generates processing data based on one or more control structures while revising packet data. The packet processor generates the processing data while performing one or more lookup cycles. The buffer records the processing data and the status of the one or more control structures. The processing data includes a lookup number and the lookup number identifies the number of cycles performed by the packet processor.

Abstract: A persistent archive of a collection of data objects comprises a self-describing, infrastructure-independent representation of a logical structure for the collection and a self-describing, infrastructure-independent representation of the data objects. The archive is persistent in that it may be instantiated at an indefinite point in time in the future regardless of the state of technology at that time. A knowledge-based persistent archive of a collection of data objects comprises the foregoing two elements but also a self-describing, infrastructure-independent representation of knowledge relevant to the collection.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis strains comprising novel crystal proteins which exhibit insecticidal activity against lepidopteran insects. Also disclosed are novel B. thuringiensis genes and their encoded crystal proteins, as well as methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable colorants of high extinction coefficient and high solubility or dispersibility for an electrophoretic, magnetophoretic or electromagnetophoretic display. More particularly, it relates to stable colorants for a microcup-based electrophoretic or electromagnetophoretic display the cells of which are filled with charged and/or magnetic particles dispersed in a halogenated, preferably a fluorinated, solvent. The use of the stable colorants allows the display to be of superior contrast ratio and longevity, and suitable for high-quality imagery applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating edematous retinal disorders. The method comprises administration of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a hydrolysis-resistant P2Y receptor agonist to stimulate the removal of pathological extraneous fluid from the subretinal and retinal spaces and thereby reduce the accumulation of said fluid associated with retinal detachment and retinal edema. The P2Y receptor agonist can be administered with therapeutic and adjuvant agents commonly used to treat edematous retinal disorders. The present invention also provides a method of treating cystic fibrosis. The present invention further provides P1-(2?-deoxycytidine 5?-)P4-(uridine 5?-) tetraphosphate, tetra-(alkali metal) salts such as tetrasodium, tetralithium, tetrapotassium, and mixed (tetra-alkali metal) salts. The present further provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a P1-(2?-deoxycytidine 5?-)P4-(uridine 5?-) tetraphosphate, tetra-(alkali metal) salt, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically supplying feed to animals such as cows. A control device generates a control signal for controlling the supply of feed to be consumed by an animal at a feed trough. A parameter-measuring component determines the value of a variable parameter which bears a relationship to the feed to be supplied to an animal at the feed trough and issues a parameter value signal to the control device. The control device is provided with a processing device for processing the parameter value signal into the control signal. The parameter-measuring component measures the parameter involved which relates to an animal that feeds at the feed trough and issues a signal providing information as to that parameter to the processing device.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a method of producing analgesia in a mammalian subject. The method includes administering to the subject an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyil, buprenorphine, and sufentanil, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the ?-conopeptide retains its potency and is physically and chemically compatible with the analgesic compound. A preferred route of administration is intrathecal administration, particularly continuous intrathecal infusion. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, an antioxidant, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and sufentanil.

Abstract: A system and method for distribution of content on a computer network between a plurality of content providers and a plurality of users. A plurality of content provider packets provided by one or more of the content providers are stored, and a link provided to users for access to the content provider packets. When a user activates the link the selected content provider packet is displayed and the user may store the content provider packet in a personal showcase display for future access by the user. Showcase access is syndicated across web enabled devices through revenue sharing agreements.

Abstract: A method of determining an estimate of the market value of a traded unit of a financial instrument, and apparatus for carrying out the method, said instrument comprising a fund of individually priced securities and the exact composition of said fund being withheld from the market, said method comprising selecting a plurality of mutually independent risk factors, each risk factor being representative of market behaviour estimated to be significant to the price behaviour of the traded unit, obtaining information from a third party holding information regarding the composition of said fund regarding the actual significance of said risk factors to the value of said traded unit, and calculating a value for said traded unit on the basis of said significances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the speed of a drill bit down hole in a fluid-actuated motor, including a positive displacement motor and a hydraulic motor, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a bypass valve installed in the motor for controlling flow through and around the power section of the motor. When closed, the bypass valve forces all fluid to flow through the power section of the motor, imparting maximum speed to the drill bit. When opened, a portion of the fluid flow is allowed to flow around the power section of the motor, thereby reducing the speed of the drill bit. The bypass valve may be opened or closed mechanically, electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or by any other means, including a removable plug.

Abstract: A downhole device used to divert fluid flow out of a work string. The downhole device may be located at any point along a work string at which it may be necessary to divert the fluid flow to the annulus. The downhole device may be activated and deactivated by inserting a single deformable dart into the work string. The device catches the dart blocking fluid flow through the work string. Increased fluid pressure activates the device, which diverts the fluid flow out of the work string into the annulus. A locating sleeve with a continuous j-track allows the device to be retained in activated position. The dart is adapted to deform under a predetermined amount of fluid pressure allowing the dart past the device and returning fluid flow through the work string. The downhole device may be activated multiple times without removing the downhole device from the wellbore.

Abstract: An exception handling system for a packet processing system is described. In this exception handling system, there are several exception handlers. One of the exception handlers is selected based on packet processing state data relating to a packet undergoing processing by the packet processing system. The selected exception handler is configured to check for the presence of one or more potential exception conditions associated with the selected exception handler. If one or more of these potential exception conditions are determined to be present, a packet processor selectively modifies the packet processing state data relating to the packet.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding mammalian ECM signaling molecules affecting the cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation activities characterizing such complex biological processes as angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and oncogenesis, are provided. The polynucleotide compositions include DNAs and RNAs comprising part, or all, of an ECM signaling molecule coding sequence, or biological equivalents. Polypeptide compositions are also provided. The polypeptide compositions comprise mammalian ECM signaling molecules, peptide fragments, inhibitory peptides capable of interacting with receptors for ECM signaling molecules, and antibody products recognizing Cyr61. Also provided are methods for producing mammalian ECM signaling molecules.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a dispenser comprising a container (A) for holding a product to be dispensed and a dispensing mechanism (B), said dispenser comprises i. a container body (Q) having a bottom (E), and a means for interconnecting said bottom with a side opposite thereto; said container body further including at least one outlet opening (F) arranged in or near the side opposite to said bottom, preferably in or near the upper half of the means interconnecting the bottom with the side opposite to said bottom, ii. a conduct (G) connecting said container body, extending from the outlet opening (F), with said dispensing mechanism, iii. a trigger sprayer (H) and, iv. a neck (K) connecting said trigger sprayer (H) with said conduct (G) wherein said neck (K) and said conduct (G) are linked to said container body (Q) so that said neck (K) and said conduct (G) form a swan-neck or a U-shape extending from said outlet opening (F) so as to exchange air pressure and product to be dispensed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrophoretic display comprising cells which are filled with charged particles dispersed in a solvent and are individually sealed with a polymeric sealing layer.