Abstract: A non-resonant electromagnetic energy sensor includes an electromagnetic energy source and an electromagnetic energy detector in communication with the interior volume of a measuring region through which an analyte passes. The electromagnetic energy detector detects the signal variations of the electromagnetic energy within the measuring region caused by the perturbation of the electromagnetic energy field due to the passage of the analyte therethrough and responds to these signal variations by generating output signals. These output signals may then be received by electronic circuitry designed for quantitative and/or qualitative detection of the flow of various substances including individual particles, particles flowing as a continuum, and non-turbulent fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a maltose-rich syrup comprising the steps of (a) carrying out liquefaction of a starch milk; (b) carrying out saccharification of the liquefied starch milk in the presence of a &bgr;-amylase and at least one debranching enzyme selected from the group comprising pullulanases and isoamylases; (c) carrying out molecular sieving of the liquefied and saccharified starch milk so as to collect a fraction enriched with maltose and a fraction enriched with glucose; and (d) bringing said fraction enriched with maltose into contact with a maltogenic &agr;-amylase with a view to obtaining a maltose-rich syrup.

Abstract: A cable tie dispenser which can hold a plurality of individual cable ties and which allows removal of individual cable ties therefrom while firmly holding the remaining plurality of cable ties. The cable tie dispenser includes an area of compressible resilient material which is compressed within the case of the dispenser around at least a portion of the length the cable ties. The area of compressible resilient material thereby firmly but removably restrains the plurality of individual cable ties within the dispenser with an end of each of the cable ties extending above the edge of the area of compressible resilient material such that individual cable ties may be grasped and removed for use. As the individual cable ties are removed from the dispenser, the compressible resilient material expands to fill the void left by the removed cable ties.

Abstract: The invention concerns modified maltitol crystals of particular forms, one pyramidal, the other prismatic. It further concerns crystalline compositions containing them and processes for their preparation.

Abstract: A capture system to receive, store and transport chips and debris discharged from the discharge tube of a chipper-shredder. The capture system includes a rigid housing forming an enclosure. The entry end wall of the enclosure has an opening disposed to receive the discharge tube of the chipper-shredder. An interior baffle extends from the opposite end wall at an angle of about 10° to 15° below horizontal. The baffle has an end spaced vertically above and horizontally in from the opening in the entry end wall to form a passageway to the top wall of the housing. The top wall has a solid section directly above the passageway and an open mesh section directly above the baffle. The airstream with entrained chips and debris is propelled from the discharge tube of the chipper-shredder and impacts the opposite end wall and continues up to the underside of the baffle.

Abstract: A nickel-free white gold alloy comprises, expressed by weight, in addition to between 75% and 76% Au and between 5% and 14% Pd, between 7% and 17% of Cu, the proportion of Cu being approximately inversely proportional to that of Pd, and the balance being formed by at least one of the elements Ir, In, Ag, Zn, Ga, Re, Zr, Nb, Si, Ta and Ti.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system assembly for attachment to a vehicle frame having a torsion axle and at least two ground engaging wheels operatively rotatably attached to each respective end of the torsion axle has an attachment member which is adapted to be attached to the frame. An arm is operably pivotally attached to the attachment member along an axis. A torsion axle is received in a torsion axle receiving portion of the assembly at a first distance spaced from the aforementioned axis for selectively receiving the torsion axle. An air bag is operatively disposed between the frame and the arm, the air bag being spaced at a second distance from the axis. A linkage element of variable length, which can be a shock absorber, is operably attached to the frame and to the arm whereby the arm will be held at a predetermined position with respect to the frame and yet allow the arm to pivot about the axis.

Abstract: This leaktight container includes four superimposed sheets (1, 2, 3, 4). The sheet (1) includes a precut tab (5) welded (13) to a portion of the sheet (2). A passage (10) is formed between these sheets (2) and (3) and acts as a valve between the inside and the outside of the leaktight container formed between the sheets (1, 4). A cut (9a) in the sheets (2, 3) allows the passage (10) to be placed in communication with the inside of the container formed between the sheets (1, 4). By pulling the tab (5) the wall of the passage (10) formed by the sheet (2) is torn and this passage is placed in communication with the outside.

Abstract: A stepladder caddy including first and second containers interconnected by a horizontal top plate and downwardly and outwardly disposed front and rear flanges. When positioned on the top step of a stepladder, the top plate rests on the top step, the front and rear flanges rest on the upper portion of the front and rear legs, and the first and second containers are disposed on opposite lateral sides of the top step where they are readily accessible to a worker. The top plate is positioned down from the top peripheral edges of the first and second containers and the front flange extends up to the top peripheral edges to form a ridge so that objects placed on the top plate are restrained from sideways or forward movement. The second container is tapered and includes a raised grid surface for removing excess paint from a roller or brush. The second container also includes a cover with a hollow vertical handle sized to receive the handle of a paint roller extending from the second container.

Abstract: An objective in a natural gas liquids (NGL) plant is that of achieving and maintaining maximum productivity. If this plant is equipped with a turboexpander that drives a gas compressor (recompressor), maximum turboexpander productivity provides maximum plant productivity attained by maximum compressor power. This is accomplished by manipulating the compressor operating point location (by adjusting the opening of the antisurge valve) and by controlling rotational speed. The subjects of the proposed invention are the method and apparatus (comprising a turboexpander/recompressor rotational speed controller and a recompressor antisurge controller) providing maximum turboexpander/recompressor rotational speed and recompressor operating point location (corresponding to maximum power) by opening the turboexpander's adjustable nozzles and the recompressor antisurge valve.

Abstract: This self-compensating spiral for a mechanical spiral balance-wheel oscillator in watchwork or other precision instrument, made of a paramagnetic alloy, contains at least one of the elements Nb, V, Ta, Ti, zr, Hf and is covered with a substantially uniform oxide layer having a thickness greater than or equal to 20 nm, formed by subjecting the said spiral to an anodizing treatment.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy transporting device 10 for use on solid, semi-liquid and liquid surfaces wherein the device includes a four sided slatted enclosure member 40 which is releasably connected to a generally thick rigid flotation member 30 provided with a removable wheel assembly unit 11 including a pair of tall, thin wheel members 20. The flotation member 30 is operatively associated with a towing bar member 50 for towing the decoy transporting device 10 over a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: A chiller arrangement (10) for liquid beverages including a pitcher shaped serving receptacle member (20) having a receptacle base (22) provided with an internally threaded collar (27) adapted to engage the closed lower end (31) of a tubular insert member (30) containing a freezable gel (38). The upper end (31) of the tubular insert member (30) is sealingly engaged by a closure element (35) and covered by a cap member (40) bearing an advertising panel member (50) which can be employed to both advertise and identify the brand name of the liquid beverage contained within the serving receptacle member (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the gene of transferrin-binding protein 1 (Tbp1) of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, its use to prepare products for vaccination against porcine pleuropneumonia and as diagnostic reagents. The invention also relates to the use of Tbp1 or fragments thereof to produce monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies to be used in diagnostic kits. The invention also relates to the use of Tbp1 or fragments thereof, alone or combined to other virulence factors of the pathogen, as vaccination products against porcine pleuropneumonia.

Abstract: An animal rescue device 10 for suspension from the exterior periphery 102 of the side 101 of a swimming pool 100 wherein the device 10 includes a collapsible framework member 20 adapted to be attached to the swimming pool 100 and having a cross-piece element 21 attached to the upper end 31 of a sheet of netting 30; wherein, the lower end 32 of the sheet of netting 30 is provided with a negative buoyancy unit 13 which maintains the sheet of netting 30 in a vertical orientation relative to the side 101 of the pool 100 to allow an animal to climb out of the pool.

Abstract: A method for coating conductive metal onto a electrode comprises a step of adhering a tape onto a first side of a tooling plate, a step of shaking electrodes to be fell into respective guiding holes of the tooling plate and to be held at first ends of the electrodes, a step of pre-pressing second ends of the electrodes in the guiding holes of the tooling plate, a step of holding the tooling plate with a vacuum holder to dip the second ends of the electrodes down into a liquid conductive metal trough, a step of re-dipping the tooling plate into the liquid conductive metal trough for modifying shapes of the first ends of the electrodes, a step of baking the second ends of the electrodes, a step of adhering another tape onto a second side of the tooling plate and removing the tape at the first ends of the electrodes, a step of pre-pressing the first ends of the electrodes, a step of holding the tooling plate with the vacuum holder to dip the first ends of the electrodes into the liquid conductive metal trough, a

Abstract: A vehicle bumper locator to be mounted to the existing license plate mounting holes of a vehicle. The bumper locator includes a horizontal frame member with openings that register with the license plate mounting holes. A bracket is pivotally attached to the frame near one end thereof. The bracket carries a resiliently mounted elongated rod that is movable between a vertical position visible to the driver, and a horizontal position extending parallel to the frame. Horizontal and vertical stops are attached to the frame and contact the bracket to limit its pivotal movement to a 90° arc.

Abstract: A pressure regulator body having an inlet port and and an outlet port having a pressure regulator valve disposed in said pressure regulator body, said valve being moveable between and open and a closed position and being responsive to open or close the valve based at least in part on a differential pressure between the pressure in the outlet port and the pressure in the inlet port. A chamber in the pressure regulator body on the outlet port side of the valve has a conduit extending from the outlet port into said chamber. This conduit has an inside and an outside and an open end which is spaced from the valve whereby flow through the conduit flowing will pull fluid from the chamber which is located radially outwardly from said conduit as well as allowing flow directly from the valve to the open end in the conduit. The effect of this arrangement is to quickly cause less flow to a fuel tank and more flow to an engine during a desired rapid acceleration of rpm of such engine.