Abstract: The present invention provides engineered terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) polypeptides useful in template-independent polynucleotide synthesis, as well as compositions, methods of utilizing these engineered polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding the engineered terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferases.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) polypeptides and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the engineered GAA polypeptides have been optimized to provide increased expression, stability at neutral pH, and activity in cell lysates. The invention also provides methods for utilization of the compositions comprising the engineered GAA polypeptides for therapeutic and other purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered glycosyltransferase (GT) enzymes, polypeptides having GT activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, as well as vectors and host cells comprising these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The present invention provides engineered sucrose synthase (SuS) enzymes, polypeptides having SuS activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, as well as vectors and host cells comprising these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The present invention also provides compositions comprising the GT enzymes and methods of using the engineered GT enzymes to make products with ?-glucose linkages. The present invention further provides compositions and methods for the production of rebaudiosides (e.g., rebaudioside M, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside I, and rebaudioside D). The present invention also provides compositions comprising the SuS enzymes and methods of using them. Methods for producing GT and SuS enzymes are also provided.

Abstract: A reversible ratchet mechanism includes a pair of roller clutches set to operate in opposite directions when engaged by a belt. During the forward motion of the ratchet assembly in either direction of propulsion of the belt, one roller clutch is disengaged while the other is engaged and locked, thereby propelling the belt. During the backward stroke, the engaged roller clutch is free to rotate. The result is that the reciprocating motion of the assembly is converted into the linear motion of the belt. The ratchet assembly includes a shift mechanism to reverse the engagement of the roller clutches and change the direction of propulsion of the belt produced by the push/pull action of the operator. The invention is advantageously used in conjunction with a wheelchair.

Abstract: An electron beam accelerator has an accelerator tube consisting essentially of metal and ceramic components which are fused directly to each other and a transmission window generally rectangular in shape when viewed in the direction of the electron beam and is convex towards the vacuum chamber with a radius of curvature which is at most twice the width of the rectangle when measured in the absence of a pressure differential across the window. The electron beam accelerator is particularly suitable for use as a liquid material processor. The preferred transmission window of the accelerator of the invention can withstand energy transfer rates of at least 1500 watts per gram of the window material to which the energy is transferred. Certain embodiments are especially suitable for irradiating fluids to higher doses or for irradiating liquids containing suspended solids or slurries. A mobile transporter enabling relocation of the liquid material processor between process sites is also described.

Abstract: A particle accelerator has a transmission window formed of a thin homogeneous foil having a predetermined thickness and having a predetermined length, and when laid fiat as a sheet having a transverse dimension. The window is formed to have a locus of a curve in cross section along the transverse dimension such that a radius of curvature of at least a portion of the curve in cross section is less than the length of the transverse dimension. Longitudinal channel and tubular shapes are preferred. Window cooling by gaseous and liquid fluid flows is also described. A transmission window assembly and a particle beam accelerator having an efficient rugged accelerator tube structure are also described.

Abstract: A method for irradiating a workpiece, such as a strand, by charged particle, e.g.

Abstract: A pressure relief system for a gyratory crusher is disclosed in which two separate but interacting fluid assemblies function, respectively, to adjust the operating position of the crusher cone of the gyratory crusher and to control the pressure above which the pressure relief system is activated. The system operates to relieve excessive pressure caused by the introduction of uncrushable foreign matter into the crushing chamber and to facilitate the elimination of such matter from the crusher.