Abstract: The invention relates to an emulsifier, a method for preparing said emulsifier, and to its use in various applications, primarily food and cosmetic applications. The invention also relates to the use of said emulsifier for the creation of an elastic, gelled foam. An emulsifier according to the invention is based on a starch which is enzymatically converted, using a specific type of enzyme, and modified in a specific esterification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening compounds to identify compounds that bind to a specific target, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a target immobilized to a solid support; (b) generating a first NMR spectrum of the said compounds to be screened in the presence of the solid support without the target molecule immobilized thereto; (c) generating a second NMR spectrum of the said compounds to be screened in the presence of the solid support with the target molecule immobilized thereto; and (d) comparing said first and second NMR spectrum to determine differences between said first and second NMR spectrum. Further the invention relates to an NMR apparatus having arranged therein a particular NMR probe.

Abstract: According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed an apparatus and method for controlling a position of a belt in a printing system. The apparatus including a roller assembly for engaging at least a portion of a belt, a pair of laterally spaced support arms and an actuating assembly for pivotally moving at least one support arm. The belt being generally moveable in a process flow direction within the printing system, wherein a lateral direction extends substantially along the belt and substantially perpendicular to the process flow direction. The roller assembly extending laterally across the belt. The pair of laterally spaced support arms each rotatably supporting opposed ends of the roller assembly. Each support arm being pivotally coupled to the printing system for movement about a pivot axis extending substantially in the lateral direction. The pivotal movement pivoting one support arm relative to the other.

Abstract: A cap is provided for a laboratory vessel. The cap includes a lid that can be rotated relative to the laboratory vessel from a closed position to an open position. The lid includes at least one tab dimensioned and disposed for receiving manual digital pressure for opening and/or closing the lid. The tab is in an offset position to prevent a thumb or forefinger from passing over and in contact with the opening to the vessel. Additionally, the lid includes a shield inwardly from the tab for further preventing contact between a finger and the open top of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reclosable blister package assembly for accommodating center-filled gum pieces. The package assembly includes a blister tray having an open face and a blister cavity for supporting the gum pieces. The blister tray includes a plurality of ribs within the blister cavity for separating the gum pieces. A cover overlies the blister tray and covers the open face of the tray.

Abstract: An introducer is provided for inserting a connecting rod into tissue of a spine that comprises an outer sleeve with an actuatable rod attachment portion at a distal end thereof to releasably pivotally attach to a connecting rod, and an elongate inner shaft movable translationally within the outer sleeve. The proximal end of the shaft is coupled to an actuation mechanism for selectively translating the inner shaft. The distal end of the shaft includes a rod engagement surface that is movable y the actuation mechanism to a first position to engage a cooperative engagement surface on the rod to hold the rod in a selected locked orientation, to a second position to space the rod engagement surface from the cooperative engagement surface of the rod to allow pivoting of the rod, and to a third position to release the rod from the outer sleeve.

Abstract: Betaines of formula R3N+-Q-COO? (I), wherein R is C1-4 alkyl and Q is C1-4 alkanediyl, optionally substituted with hydroxy, are prepared in one step by adding an ?-halocarboxylate of formula X-Q-COOR? (II), wherein Q is as defined above, R? is Cl1-4 alkyl and X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, to an aqueous solution containing a tertiary amine of formula R3N (III), Wherein R is as defined above and a base selected from alkali hydroxides and alkaline earth hydroxides. The process is particularly suited to the production of L-carnitine.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a stent, and more particularly to a radially self-expandable metallic stent, including a serpentine configuration having a plurality of struts and having a plurality of proximal and distal apices; and a barb integrally formed as an extension of each strut and extending outwardly from a position on each strut; where the barb has an elevation angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of a strut from which the barb extends of about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable electronic device and computer software product. The portable electronic device comprises a motion detector for generating motion data characterizing the local movement of the portable electronic device, a motion intensity determiner for determining a instantaneous motion intensity value of the user of the portable electronic device from the motion data, and an active time counter for determining an active time accumulation that sums up the time periods, during which the instantaneous motion intensity value meets predefined activity criteria.

Abstract: A system, device and method are disclosed for minimally invasive lateral intervertebral fixation. An intervertebral fixation device includes a weight-bearing shell configured to fit into a disk space between plural vertebrae, the weight-bearing shell including a keyway opening between and through plural sidewalls. A first plurality of anchors is rotatably disposed in a first orientation in relation to the weight-bearing shell. A second plurality of anchors is rotatably disposed in a second orientation in relation to the weight-bearing shell. A key is adapted to rotate the first plurality of anchors in divergent directions from the second plurality of anchors and to secure a first vertebra and a second vertebra, respectively.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes an elongated rod sized to extend between at least two vertebrae and a number of anchor devices for anchoring the rod to the spine. The anchor devices include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is configured to be placed within the socket and rotated so that a spherical surface of the ball insert is juxtaposed with the spherical surface of the socket. The insert has a first dimension less than the socket opening and a second dimension that upon rotation causes the insert to be captively retained in the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and including a stem that is engaged to the ball insert when the insert is captured within the socket. A sleeve is disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head for supporting the rod thereon. A set screw is threaded into the yoke channel for clamping the rod against the sleeve.

Abstract: An example system and method of reconstructing cardiac activation information are disclosed. A first cardiac signal and a second cardiac signal are processed via a computing device to determine whether there is a point of change in a derivative of the first cardiac signal with respect to a derivative of the second cardiac signal above a threshold. An activation onset time is assigned in the first cardiac signal at the point of change to define cardiac activation indicating a beat in the first cardiac signal if it is determined that the point of change is above the threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing and applying a spread packaged in a container onto a food item. The apparatus includes an applicating station for applying a pre-selected quantity of the spread onto the food item as the food item is moved therethrough. The apparatus further includes a pumping station in fluid communication with the applicating station for transporting the spread from the container to the applicating station. In one preferred embodiment, a loaf of bread is first sliced and thereafter split open about a hinge extending along the length of the loaf. A spread, e.g., a garlic/butter mixture, is then applied to the exposed bread surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for conducting three-dimensional image analysis and diagnosis and possible treatment relating thereto. The invention includes methods of handling signals containing information (data) relating to three-dimensional representation of objects scanned by a scanning medium. The invention also includes methods of making and analyzing volumetric measurements and changes in volumetric measurements which can be used for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Chain link comprising two side limbs at both ends joint by curved end portions. The chain Link comprises at least one endless band of fiber material wound along the perimeter of the chain link. The fiber material follows the longitudinal direction of the limbs and the curvature of the end-portions. In a chain made of interlocking chain links of this type, all tensile loads are absorbed by the fiber material, whereas the bearing load due to interlink contact, plus the link shear and bonding stresses near the contact points are absorbed by the end portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable electronic device, a method, and a computer software product. The portable electronic device comprises an active time unit for determining a user activity level during a predetermined period of time; and a processing unit for determining a user inactivity level during a predetermined period of time on the basis of the determined activity level.

Abstract: A reflective antenna is provided according to one or more embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a radome having a fixed orientation within the elevation plane. According to another embodiment, a reflective antenna positioned within the radome. The reflective antenna may include a feedhorn configured to provide electromagnetic energy at an operation frequency. In another embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a reflective surface having multiple electromagnetically loading structures. The reflective surface may be curved in the azimuth plane and configured to reflect the electromagnetic energy relative to at least one focal point. According to another embodiment, the reflective antenna may include a support structure configured to position the feedhorn and reflective surface within the radome in order to angularly steer the electromagnetic energy with respect to the elevation plane.

Abstract: A glass forming apparatus and a glass forming method of high economical merit and high production efficiency are provided. More specifically, the glass forming apparatus has dies, in which at least one die is divided into a heat exchange unit and a press unit, and in the glass forming apparatus and glass forming method, the plane precision is improved in the contact dividing surfaces of the heat exchange unit and the press unit. A glass forming apparatus includes a die having a press surface for pressing a glass material, in which the die has a plurality of dies, and at least one die is divided into a heat exchange unit and a press unit. Preferably, the surface precision of at least one part of each dividing surface in contact with the heat exchange unit and the press unit has a flatness (PV) of 500 ?m or less, and the plane precision of at least one part of the dividing surface has a surface roughness (Ra) of 100 ?m or less.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stamping film for the production of tamper-proof license plates and a license plate produced using a stamping film. The stamping film includes a carrier film and a transfer layer which is detachable from the carrier film and which can be fixed on a substrate of the license plate. Starting from the carrier film, the transfer layer includes a transparent release layer, an opaque decoration layer, a transparent protection layer, an optically variable layer, a reflection layer, a colored layer and an adhesive layer. The decoration layer has mutually spaced areal interruptions where the transparent protection layer adjoins the release layer. The adhesive layer is provided for fixing the transfer layer to the substrate of the license plate.