Abstract: The invention provides a method of depleting anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and removing at least the recombinant MHC molecules to which antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules contained within the sample have bound. This method allows the depletion of one or more specific MHC particularly HLA allele antibodies from a sample.

Abstract: A steam generator comprising a vessel having an inlet and an outlet, and in use a primary fluid flow enters the vessel through the inlet and exits the vessel through the outlet. A plurality of modules are connected in series and at least partially housed within the vessel, and each module comprises at least one tube. The modules are arranged such that at least one tube of one module is coaxial with at least one tube of an adjacent module so as to define a conduit through which a secondary fluid can flow from one module to an adjacent module.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a heat exchanger and an associated method of manufacture. The heat exchanger comprises a flow conduit for accommodating flow of a heat transfer fluid. The conduit is wound around a central axis so as to form a plurality of turns, for example in a helical fashion. A support member for the conduit is formed of a sheet material shaped to extend in a circumferential direction about the central axis, wherein the support member is common to said plurality of turns. A plurality of fasteners are arranged to attach the conduit to the support member at spaced locations along its length.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber where the ignition system includes a housing, an ignition device, an injector, and a pre-chamber having a nozzle disposed spaced from the proximal portion of the pre-chamber. The igniter portion of the ignition device and the nozzle of the injector are operatively supported in the proximal portion of the pre-chamber and disposed flush therewith. The igniter portion ignites the fuel in pre-chamber such that partially combusted pre-chamber products are forced through orifices in the pre-chamber nozzle and extinguish, but dispersed through the combustion chamber so as to ignite the main fuel charge therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of depleting anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and removing at least the recombinant MHC molecules to which antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules contained within the sample have bound. This method allows the depletion of one or more specific MHC particularly HLA allele antibodies from a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting the presence of anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and detecting the binding or absence of binding of antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules. This method allows the detection and/or identification of one or more specific MHC particularly HLA allele antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting the presence of anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and detecting the binding or absence of binding of antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules. This method allows the detection and/or identification of one or more specific MHC particularly HLA allele antibodies.

Abstract: A rotary actuator has a driven element including a plurality of recesses that are spaced in a circumferential arrangement around an axis of rotation of the driven element by a spacing angle, and first, second and third latch elements that are each movable between a retracted position, and an extended position in which it is engageable with a corresponding one of the recesses. Sequential movement of the first, second and third latch elements between retracted and extended positions causes rotation of the driven element.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions of lyophilised reagents suitable for nucleic acid amplification use in in-vitro diagnostics. More particularly, the invention relates to lyophilised PCR reagent compositions and methods for genotyping including HLA and/or ABO and/or HFE typing.

Abstract: A closed-loop control algorithm that reduces the increases in nitrogen oxides (NOx) commonly observed with biodiesel combustion while retaining particulate matter (PM) reductions with variable biodiesel blend fractions. One embodiment includes a control algorithm that is closed-loop with regards to combustible oxygen mass fraction (COMF) instead of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) fraction. Yet another algorithm includes biodiesel blend estimation and “fuel-flexible” accommodation. A physics-based model has also been developed which predicts experimentally observed engine performance and emissions for biodiesel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the presence of an analyte. More particularly, the present invention relates to the method and device for detecting the presence of immunoglobulins directed at polymorphic alloantigens such as HLA antigens and/or other products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of depleting anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and removing at least the recombinant MHC molecules to which antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules contained within the sample have bound. This method allows the depletion of one or more specific MHC particularly HLA allele antibodies from a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to probes, methods and apparatus for the detection of the presence or absence of non-contiguous cis-located nucleic acid sequences which are characteristic of alleles including those relating to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) which is of interest in the field of human transplantation and disease.

Abstract: An automated sample handling apparatus is disclosed having a pipette mechanism (6) which has an integral clamp device (27, 31, 23) suitable for picking up one or more items other than a disposable tip (8; 12) such as a plate holder (35) which can carry a microplate or other consumable item(s). A retractable drawer (14) for carrying a plurality of microplates (13) is also provided.

Abstract: A pillar trim component can include a main body portion and an airbag support portion extending from the main body portion. An attachment portion can include an outwardly extending portion connected to the airbag support portion, an angled portion connected to an outer end of the outwardly extending portion, and an inboard stabilizing web extending between the outwardly extending portion and the angled portion. An airbag positioning portion can be defined by at least a portion of an upwardly extending wall of the airbag support portion angled inboard toward the main body portion. An airbag guide portion can be defined by a deployment surface located above the main body portion and extending between the main body position and the airbag support portion. A headliner retaining portion can be defined by a recess formed between the deployment surface and the main body portion.

Abstract: A seat belt notification system and process for a vehicle can include an occupant detection sensor operable to determine if a vehicle seat is in one of an occupied condition or an unoccupied condition. A seat belt sensor can be operable to determine if a seat belt associated with the vehicle seat is in one of a buckled condition and an unbuckled condition. A feedback device can be operable to provide a physical response to a particular vehicle seat, if the occupant detection sensor determines that the particular vehicle seat is in an occupied condition and the seat belt sensor determines that the seat belt associated with the particular vehicle seat is in an unbuckled condition.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting the presence of anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and detecting the binding or absence of binding of antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules.

Abstract: A seat belt notification system and process for a vehicle can include an occupant detection sensor operable to determine if a vehicle seat is in one of an occupied condition or an unoccupied condition. A seat belt sensor can be operable to determine if a seat belt associated with the vehicle seat is in one of a buckled condition and an unbuckled condition. A feedback device can be operable to provide a physical response to a particular vehicle seat, if the occupant detection sensor determines that the particular vehicle seat is in an occupied condition and the seat belt sensor determines that the seat belt associated with the particular vehicle seat is in an unbuckled condition.

Abstract: A pillar trim component can include a main body portion and an airbag support portion extending from the main body portion. An attachment portion can include an outwardly extending portion connected to the airbag support portion, an angled portion connected to an outer end of the outwardly extending portion, and an inboard stabilizing web extending between the outwardly extending portion and the angled portion. An airbag positioning portion can be defined by at least a portion of an upwardly extending wall of the airbag support portion angled inboard toward the main body portion. An airbag guide portion can be defined by a deployment surface located above the main body portion and extending between the main body position and the airbag support portion. A headliner retaining portion can be defined by a recess formed between the deployment surface and the main body portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of depleting anti-MHC antibodies in a sample comprising contacting said sample with one or more recombinant MHC molecules or functionally equivalent variants, derivatives or fragments thereof and removing at least the recombinant MHC molecules to which antibodies to said recombinant MHC molecules contained within the sample have bound. This method allows the depletion of one or more specific MHC particularly HLA allele antibodies from a sample.