Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Quillaja saponaria Molina plant named ‘DK-QSCB1326’. The new variety reliably provides plants producing triterpenic saponins whose fractional content of R-series saponins is lower than 50% on total saponin basis. Plants were obtained by clonal micro-propagation of individuals selected from a population of Quillaja trees grown in an ultra-high-density plantation (app. >20,000 trees/hectare). Clone plants have high vigor after 1-year of growth, producing a large number of lateral branches at the upper third of the stem. Leaves are elliptical in shape, uniform in size and the leaf blade is undulated; the margin of leaves is occasionally dentate, and the leaf apex is retuse. The resistance or susceptibility to diseases have not yet been assessed in this new variety.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Quillaja saponaria Molina plant named ‘DK-QSCB1348’. The new variety reliably provides plants producing triterpenic saponins whose fractional content of X-series saponins is higher than 50% on total saponin basis. Plants were obtained by clonal micro-propagation of individuals selected from a population of Quillaja trees grown in an ultra-high density plantation (app. >20,000 trees/hectare). Clone plants have high vigor after 1-year of growth, producing a large number of lateral branches at the middle and upper third of the stem. Leaves are from oval to elliptical and slightly elongated in shape, uniform in size and the leaf blade is plane; the margin of leaves is entire with some indentations, and the leaf apex is retuse. The resistance or susceptibility to diseases have not been assessed in this new variety.

Abstract: Methods and circuits for a device for interrupting concentration-related polarisation phenomenon and for self-cleaning of electromembrane processes by application of asymmetric inverse-polarity pulses with high intensity and variable frequency are described. The device, a bipolar switch, is based on the use of solid-state electronics to carry out polarity inversion in a range of frequencies, intensities and pulse widths to prevent or reduce formation of precipitates on the surfaces of the membranes. The inversion protocol, with a frequency that varies as a function of the appearance of dirt on the membranes, as measured by the decrease in voltage or electrical resistance of the membrane cell during electromembrane processes, is also provided. This device and configuration provides application of modulated and stable high-intensity pulses using a second power source.

Abstract: A method for producing a natural formaldehyde-free adhesive for wood panels, which improves the crosslinking reactions between the crosslinking agent and the binding agent, comprising reacting a plant protein selected from soy, lupine and legumes, together with a crosslinking agent selected from 100% of an oxidized saccharide or a combination of an oxidized saccharide and an unoxidized or pure saccharide; the method comprises the steps of: an oxidation step of a saccharide; a preparation step of plant protein, in which the plant protein is reacted with a chaotropic agent or alkali or by temperature control or a combination of these conditions; and a mixing step.

Abstract: Process for upgrading effluent treatment plants for pulp and paper production processes, where salts are removed from the effluent for water reuse and chemical recovery. The process comprises a first dialysis system for salt removal, a second treatment system for recovery or re-concentration, and optionally a post-treatment of the re-concentrate preventing liquid discharges to the environment. In the first system, a reversible electrodialysis or reversible pulsed step is carried out, separating the salts from the effluent, which are sent to the second treatment system to concentrate the salts (re-concentrate) or transform them into useful chemicals for the same process (recovery). Chemical recovery is achieved by electrodialysis with bipolar membranes or metathesis, to reduce the re-concentrate stream, which cannot be reused in the same plant. Lastly, this stream may be treated by spray drying, crystallization or evaporation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromechanical system for automating the turning off of the knobs of a stove. The system can quickly identify the occurrence of a gas leak and turn off the knob corresponding to the burner that is leaking. The system is also connected to a user interface, providing real-time information about the status of the burners and allowing the user to turn off the knobs remotely. The system has an improved service life, does not considerably change the aesthetics of the stove and can be designed to fulfil different torque requirements. The invention also relates to cooktops comprising said system.

Abstract: Methods and circuits for a device for interrupting concentration-related polarisation phenomenon and for self-cleaning of electromembrane processes by application of asymmetric inverse-polarity pulses with high intensity and variable frequency are described. The device, a bipolar switch, is based on the use of solid-state electronics to carry out polarity inversion in a range of frequencies, intensities and pulse widths to prevent or reduce formation of precipitates on the surfaces of the membranes. The inversion protocol, with a frequency that varies as a function of the appearance of dirt on the membranes, as measured by the decrease in voltage or electrical resistance of the membrane cell during electromembrane processes, is also provided. This device and configuration provides application of modulated and stable high-intensity pulses using a second power source.

Abstract: A disclosed method of automatically assisting a driver of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure includes determining whether a mobile device is in a vehicle, determining whether an application on the mobile device is being used by a driver of the vehicle, and automatically activating a driver assist mode when the driver is using the application. A system for automatically assisting a driver of a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A simulated cigarette having a generally cylindrical cigarette like housing with a main axis, the housing containing a reservoir of a pressurised inhalable composition. The reservoir has a reservoir outlet at one end which is selectively closed by an outlet valve. The simulated cigarette further comprises a tube with a through bore extending along a substantial portion of the reservoir from the vicinity of the reservoir outlet such that composition flows into a tube bore inlet and along the tube bore to the reservoir outlet. The tube inlet end is retained such that the axis passes through the inlet end and so that the tube bore inlet is positioned in the axial sense in the central 50% of the volume of the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromechanical system for automating the turning off of the knobs of a stove. The system can quickly identify the occurrence of a gas leak and turn off the knob corresponding to the burner that is leaking. The system is also connected to a user interface, providing real-time information about the status of the burners and allowing the user to turn off the knobs remotely. The system has an improved service life, does not considerably change the aesthetics of the stove and can be designed to fulfil different torque requirements. The invention also relates to cooktops comprising said system.

Abstract: A pressurized refill canister containing a reservoir of composition including a propellant and a nicotine or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof. The reservoir is at a pressure of greater than 400 kPa at 20° C. A refill outlet valve comprises a stem with an axial bore open at the axial end furthest from the reservoir to provide an outlet which discharges the composition in an axial direction. The stem is displaceable from a closed position to which it is biased by a first resilient member with a spring force of greater than 10N when no external force is applied to a dispensing position against the action of the first resilient member to open a flow path from the reservoir to the outlet.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method for the authorization of simple, sequential and parallel requests, such transactions are preferably of the financial type, the system includes the authorization of transactions through means of authorization, and such means can be quick response codes through mobile devices, each code includes at least three keys which encrypt the information of each financial transaction, which increases security; similarly, this invention includes a modality for the selection of parameters previously established by the user (rules) who conducts the authorization and a secure access mode, which is activated when the user is coerced to conduct the authorization.

Abstract: A pressurized refill canister containing a composition including a propellant. The canister has an outlet valve having a stem biased to a closed position by a first resilient member. The stem has a maximum outer diameter of greater than 3 mm. At the outlet end of the stem, at least part of the wall of the stem extends inwardly from the outside diameter for at least 50% of the radius.

Abstract: A pressurised refill canister containing a reservoir of composition including a propellant, and a non-metered refill outlet valve comprising a stem displaceable from a first position to a dispensing position against the action of a resilient member. The stem comprises a blind bore open at an outlet end and closed at the opposite end and a lateral bore in the side wall of the stem leading to the blind bore. The refill outlet valve further comprises an annular seal which surrounds the stem whereby, in the first position, the lateral bore is not in communication with the inside of the canister, and in the dispensing position, the lateral bore is arranged to move inside the canister with respect to the seal to open a flow path from the inside of the canister via the lateral bore and along the blind bore to the outlet end.

Abstract: A pressurized refill canister containing a reservoir of composition including a propellant, and a non-metered refill outlet valve comprising a stem displaceable from a first position to a dispensing position against the action of a resilient member. The stem comprises a blind bore open at an outlet end and closed at the opposite end and a lateral bore in the side wall of the stem leading to the blind bore. The refill outlet valve further comprises an annular seal which surrounds the stem whereby, in the first position, the lateral bore is not in communication with the inside of the canister, and in the dispensing position, the lateral bore is arranged to move inside the canister with respect to the seal to open a flow path from the inside of the canister via the lateral bore and along the blind bore to the outlet end.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tubular simulated cigarette, the method comprising providing an elongate hollow housing having an inhaling end and a refill end; inserting an outlet valve tube, a dip tube and a support from the refill end so that the support supports the proximal end of the dip tube in the housing; inserting a refill valve into the refill end and fixing it in place to form a composition reservoir with the dip tube placing the reservoir in fluid communication with an outlet orifice when the outlet valve tube is open; inserting a valve element into a recess in the side of the housing so that the valve element is positioned to selectively close the outlet valve tube; inserting a breath operated valve actuation mechanism laterally into the recess; and applying a cover to the recess.

Abstract: Testing apparatus comprising an air pump downstream of measuring equipment which measures the characteristics of an inhaler is provided. An induction port upstream of the measuring equipment has an adaptor connected at a first end. The adaptor comprises a through-bore extending through the adaptor from the first end to a second end to receive an inhaler and a bypass channel in communication with the through-bore. The invention also includes a testing method and the adapter.

Abstract: A pressurised refill canister containing a reservoir of composition including a propellant and a nicotine or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or salt thereof. The reservoir is at a pressure of greater than 400 kPa at 20° C. A refill outlet valve comprises a stem with an axial bore open at the axial end furthest from the reservoir to provide an outlet which discharges the composition in an axial direction. The stem is displaceable from a closed position to which it is biased by a first resilient member with a spring force of greater than 10N when no external force is applied to a dispensing position against the action of the first resilient member to open a flow path from the reservoir to the outlet.

Abstract: A simulated cigarette having a generally cylindrical cigarette like housing with a main axis, the housing containing a reservoir of a pressurised inhalable composition. The reservoir has a reservoir outlet at one end which is selectively closed by an outlet valve. The simulated cigarette further comprises a tube with a through bore extending along a substantial portion of the reservoir from the vicinity of the reservoir outlet such that composition flows into a tube bore inlet and along the tube bore to the reservoir outlet. The tube inlet end is retained such that the axis passes through the inlet end and so that the tube bore inlet is positioned in the axial sense in the central 50% of the volume of the reservoir.