Abstract: Newly identified fungal sweet-taste modifying proteins, and the cDNA encoding said proteins are described. Specifically, Myd proteins active in sweet taste activation, and the cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such cDNA and for isolating and expressing such proteins. Also disclosed is use of a sweetening composition which includes the proteins of the invention, and methods to provide improved flavor to a product for oral administration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a lidar system includes a wavelength-tunable light source configured to emit pulses of light, each emitted pulse of light having a particular wavelength of multiple different wavelengths. The lidar system also includes a scanner configured to scan the emitted pulses of light across a field of regard of the lidar system. The scanner includes (i) a beam deflector configured to angularly deflect each emitted pulse of light along a first scan axis according to the particular wavelength of the emitted pulse of light and (ii) a scan mirror configured to scan the emitted pulses of light along a second scan axis different from the first scan axis. The lidar system further includes a receiver configured to detect a received pulse of light that includes a portion of one of the emitted pulses of light scattered by a target located a distance from the lidar system.

Abstract: A chlorinator connected to a water system includes a hopper for holding chemical tablets on a perforated bed and an underlying basin. A spray head is supported by the perforated bed and sprays water onto the tablets and parallel to the perforated bed. The basin receives the water through the perforated bed. Rinse nozzles in the basin are connected to the re-circulation system, and a float valve controls the flow of water to the rinse nozzles. A discharge pump draws water from the basin and discharges it to the water system at a rate faster than water is added to the basin by the spray head, but at the same rate as the overall incoming water makeup water is added to the basin through the rinse nozzles and the float valve.

Abstract: Superalloy components which have defects such as pits, machining errors or any other `lack of metal` condition can be repaired using a braze stabilized sinter process. The invention includes filling the defect with a mixture of base super-alloy powder mixed with a low temperature braze alloy. A higher temperature alloy is overlayed and the component subjected to a vacuum furnace cycle that includes a dwell between the melting points of the two braze alloys. This dwell allows the lower temperature alloy to melt and isothermally solidify by the process of diffusion. This effectively `stabilizes` the sinter which is porous. On further heating, the higher temperature braze alloy melts and flows into the interstices of the sinter, forming a pore-free solid mass. The higher temperature braze alloy can also be diffused by holding at elevated temperatures. This increases the remelt temperature of the repair should further thermal cycling be required.

Abstract: A fiberglass sucker rod construction is disclosed comprising a cylindrical fiberglass rod having a steel connector member adhesively bonded to each end thereof. The steel connector members are basically identical in their manner of being affixed to each end of the fiberglass rod, each connector member having an internal receptacle defining a series of tapered annular spaces for receiving an epoxy adhesive material which bonds the fiberglass rod in the metal connector member, thereby forming a unitary sucker rod having a male thread connector at one end and a mating female connector at the other end thereof. The epoxy adhesive cures, forming a sleeve having a series of annular tapering surfaces defining annular wedges that are oriented such that tension applied to the rod causes the wedges to be compressed between the rod and connector member, resulting in a radially inwardly directed force to retain the rod in position against such tension.