Abstract: A process of obtaining a co-granulate of zinc and ammonium phosphate having a N/P ratio of 0.6-1.9 which includes initially feeding ammonium phosphate in finely divided form with a zinc source such as zinc oxide or zinc sulphate into a granulator wherein ammonia may also be fed into the granulator to increase the N/P ratio. The co-granulate is then obtained after drying.

Abstract: The invention relates to DNA sequences coding for proteins having the enzymatic activity of an amylosucrase which allows the synthesis of linear &agr;-1,4 glucans from the substrate sucrose by bacteria, fungi and plants or in cell-free systems. The invention furthermore describes plasmids and bacteria containing these DNA sequences as well as processes for the production of plants and microorganisms capable of intracellularly or extracellularly expressing a polypeptide having amylosucrase activity. The invention furthermore relates to the production of pure fructose using proteins exhibiting the enzymatic activity of amylosucrase.

Abstract: A heave compensator for a drill ship with a derrick and hoist system with a dead line provides a line reservoir on the dead line. The dead line is reciprocated to move the hook load relative to the vessel to control it relative to the sea bed. The line reservoir is expanded or contracted by changes in ballast pressure to counterbalance the hook load. To compensate for heave and friction in the hoist system a pressure source is provided to augment the ballast pressure for hook load and position control. Sensors and controls are provided to anticipate and compensate for oncoming heave excursions. The dead line being flexible permits latitude in selecting and orienting the compensator machinery. As an option, the vertical movement sensor is placed on the hook related structure for more responsiveness to hook load movements.

Abstract: A rapid method for generating a set of discrete DNA amplification products characteristic of a genome as a "fingerprint" comprises the steps of: priming target nucleic acid of a genome with an single-stranded primer to form primed nucleic acid such that a substantial degree of internal-mismatching occurs between the primer and the target nucleic acid; amplifying the primed nucleic acid by performing at least one cycle of polymerase chain reaction amplification; and amplifying the product of step (2) by performing at least about 10 cycles of polymerase chain reaction amplification. The method is known as the arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) method and is suitable for the identification of bacterial species and strains, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, mammals and plants.

Abstract: A child stroller and infant carrier system comprising a stroller having a frame. A generally horizontally disposed safety bar in a U-shaped configuration with free ends is coupled to the frame and with a recess in the center of the bar. An infant carrier with an upstanding front, back and sides is fabricated of a rigid material. The carrier has an operator controlled latch in the front for selectively coupling of the carrier to the stroller.

Abstract: A fully steerable skateboard generally comprises an elongate chassis rollingly supported by a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. Each wheel rotates about a substantially horizontal axis for rollingly supporting the chassis and rotates about a vertical axis for steering the chassis. A steering mechanism attached to the chassis and to the wheels steers the wheels in response to movement of a rider's foot. The wheels at all times define a stable support plane for said skateboard. Each said wheel is rotatable through 360 degrees. Braking is accomplished by rotating a wheel set ninety degrees to the direction of travel. According to a preferred embodiment, the wheel steering mechanism includes a pair of foot platforms for supporting a rider's feet. Steering linkage connects each foot platform to a set of wheels such that rotation of each foot platform steers the wheels. The chassis has an underside that forms a plane such that obstacles can only strike a wheel below its axle.